Education

Communication with HUST-China

On 10 December 2022, WUST-China extended their first invitation to the HUST-China team for exchange regarding biosynthesis and iGEM competitions. This exchange proved incredibly valuable for our first-time iGEM team, as we incorporated HUST-China's competitor experiences to allocate tasks amongst our team members better. Furthermore, this exchange lays the foundation for future work. It's worth noting that this is our team's initial participation in the iGEM competition. It is our team's debut iGEM exchange, which profoundly impacts both our experiments and HP activities. The iGEM exchange allows us to understand other teams' projects and learn from their outstanding experiences, improving our deficiencies.

On 18 May 2023, we participated in an iGEM project exchange with the HUST-China team from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST). Through the discussion, we discovered that HUST-China is dedicated to utilising synthetic biology to propose its research for producing cosmic oxygen. Furthermore, they provided us with valuable suggestions for improvement. Our team received numerous practical and effective tips during this exchange. Consequently, we restructured the team's composition, dividing the practice team into three groups: responsible for video production, wiki design, and HP.

Additionally, we required all members to participate in experimental work, strengthening the link between our practice and experiments. It significantly boosted the team's motivation, enabling us to continuously improve by learning from experienced and excellent iGEM teams. As a result, we aim to keep enhancing our knowledge and skills.

Academic exchanges

In March, we corresponded with Professor Guo Ruiting of Hubei University. While Professor Guo supported our experimental idea, they also mentioned their success in modifying keratinase for the complete degradation of PBAT in their enzyme engineering research. Although the raw material used for degradation differs from ours, the final product achieved is the same as TPA. Hence, exploring other degradation enzymes for plastic degradation would be worthwhile. This exchange discovered that various genes could be introduced to degrade different types of plastics, broadening the scope of plastic degradation and increasing the project's depth and breadth.

Communication with LZU-China

On 31st July 2023, our team held a video conference with the team from Lanzhou University. Zhaocheng Li, from the LZU-China team, introduced their project - Intelligent Cholesterol Management System. The LZU-China team utilises gut microbes to develop an intelligent cholesterol control system to guide nutrition. They use gut microbiota to transform cholesterol into faecal sterols (Coprostanol), which the human body cannot assimilate. Additionally, they utilise gene promoter components to metabolise cholesterol only when it surpasses a particular amount, guaranteeing normal nutrient absorption concurrently. Furthermore, they develop diverse bacterial strains with gene components to discover the optimum solution.

During the meeting, the teams from WUST and LZU shared their ideas. WUST team member Pan Wenjing posed several inquiries to the LZU-China team regarding Integrated HP. The leader of LZU-HP, Su Zhaoyin, outlined the inclusive nature of HP activities. It became clear that by utilising the geographical advantage and explicitly targeting minority groups within society, and by undertaking IHP-related HP activities emphasising inclusivity, we can raise awareness of the human issues that synthetic biology aims to address. This event provided direction for our team's future HP initiatives.

Participation in bioremediation thematic workshops

On 5 August 2023, the WUST-China team members attended the Bioremediation Thematic Academic Forum, a multi-university iGEM joint exchange meeting. This meeting was attended by Hangzhou No. 4 High School, Nanjing Normal University, Northeastern University, Nanjing University of Technology, Shenzhen University, Tianjin University, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Xijiao Liverpool University, and Zhejiang University.

The epidermal preservation of Northeastern University's iGEM team is highly innovative. They utilised E. coli MG1655, a typical strain, as a carrier and combined the mussel foot filament proteins, which mussels rely on for attachment to reefs, with cell membrane proteins to address the adhesion and persistence issues prevalent in conventional bio epidermal membranes. At the same time, a system of biomineralisation was introduced to enhance preservation effectiveness. A multi-faceted approach was taken to achieve success in real-world situations.

This seminar meeting taught us that this year, the iGEM teams from the Zhejiang University of Technology and Nanjing Normal University also do PET plastic degradation. Our three teams used different chassis organisms, and all of them also made further modifications to the PETase. Through learning from other groups, our team continuously optimised and improved our experimental solutions; at the same time, we also shared projects from other iGEM teams. At the same time, we also learned a lot of creative HP activities from the projects shared by other iGEM teams. This workshop also bridged the communication between us and other iGEM teams, and we worked with iGEM teams from different countries with different creativity to provide our intelligent solutions for bioremediation technology.

Manufacturer exchange

On the 6th of September, 2023, the WUST-China team conducted field research at Wuhan Jinfa. Jinfa possesses 56 subsidiaries along with R&D and production facilities in South Asia, North America, Europe, and other international areas. Jinfa Tech offers a range of eight product categories, comprising modified plastics, environmentally-friendly high-performance recycled plastics, fully biodegradable plastics, special engineering plastics, carbon fibres and composites, light hydrocarbons and hydrogen energy, styrene resins, and medical and healthcare polymer materials. JDF materials are exported to over 130 countries worldwide due to their environmental friendliness and exceptional performance, serving over 1,000 well-known enterprises.

The WUST-China team is concentrating on plastic degradation via microbial technology to break down PET plastics and convert waste. Goldfarb is a prominent plastics manufacturer, producing both biodegradable and non-biodegradable products. We were introduced to the biodegradable plastics PHA and PHB during our discussions. These eco-friendly alternatives are becoming increasingly prevalent daily, providing both convenience and the benefit of biodegradability, which is more favourable for the environment. Cupriavidus necator H16 can utilise carbon sources for producing degradable plastic PHB. In our design, PETAse-MHETase can transform PET into EG and TPA. Our design scheme includes using Rhodococcus opacus to convert the degradation substrate into microbial oil.

Furthermore, Cupriavidus necator H16 can exploit the accumulation of TPA to produce PHB. PET plastic is used as a raw material for degradable plastics. It has led us to concentrate on the degradation substrate of PET plastics. We can convert this substrate and produce a more comprehensive array of products by introducing more enzymes or using other organisms. It will help to enhance the practical use of waste plastics.

Survey

We generated an online questionnaire and quiz to ascertain the public's comprehension of plastics. We obtained a total of 150 responses.

According to the survey results, most people know the importance of environmental protection and the negative impact of plastic. It indicates that ecological protection awareness has become deeply ingrained in society due to the widespread promotion of eco-friendly concepts. However, despite this awareness, most people do not actively recycle plastic and instead casually dispose of it. Therefore, the current plastic issue lies in the improper disposal of plastic waste. Expanding and improving public awareness of plastic recycling during future environmental protection activities is essential. It serves as a reminder to raise public awareness of plastic recycling during the upcoming HP activities.

Over 95% of individuals supported government intervention in plastic control, and more than 98% stated a willingness to utilise recyclable plastic products. Additionally, household consumption of disposable paper cups decreased to less than 60% (59.9%).

More importantly, the questionnaire survey revealed that most of the public knows bioremediation technology to manage plastics (refer to the statistical chart). Currently, plastics are primarily treated through incineration, landfill, and other methods, whereas innovative bioremediation technology can degrade plastics and convert them into resources. However, the survey results show that most of the audience needs a thorough understanding of bioremediation technology. Therefore, during the HP activities, our team will present a speech to explain our bioremediation technology program and introduce this year's iGEM project - plastic degradation. It will expand the reach of synthetic biology and raise awareness among the audience.

Science Lecture

On the 22nd of April, 2023, we held a sequence of scientific lectures on synthetic biology and the iGEM competition with our team on campus. We presented WUST-China's iGEM project this year and aimed to raise awareness on plastic degradation, environmental protection, and the expanding influence of synthetic biology in tackling environmental issues.

Through exchanging team members and interactive questions and questionnaires, we received favourable feedback from students who have come to comprehend and focus on synthetic biology, the iGEM competition, and our team's self-media platform.

Community Sensitisation

To broaden our team's scope and attract a wider audience, we seized the opportunity of Youth Day to implement a community outreach program for middle-aged, elderly, and young individuals. Commencing with plastic pollution, we presented our project, synthetic biology, and the iGEM competition in a simplified way for better comprehension. We interviewed the community secretary and visited the homes of older adults. During our visits, we met Grandma Zeng, who crafts items from recycled materials, including plastic, and ascribes cultural significance to the objects she creates. Our encounter with Grandma Zeng sparked our imaginations about alternative uses for TPA.

Through this activity, our team reflected and identified practical issues, including slow task progression, inadequate preparation, and insufficient inter-group collaboration. This evaluation has provided us with valuable suggestions for improving future HP activities. Furthermore, our team has proposed a "problem-solving feedback system" for activity summarisation.

Women's Education Environmental Exchange Day

There has been a consistent feminist movement that has evolved, repeatedly advocating for equal rights for women. Women are also susceptible to unequal treatment. To promote gender equality and increase the reach of synthetic biology, the WUST-China team reported a series of feminist educational forums on campus. It included the second WUST-China educational forum at Wuhan University of Science and Technology (WUST) on 5th September 2023. The discussion explored women's research in life sciences and their remarkable contributions to synthetic biology. We united the female members of our team and female students from the campus for a forum on women's awareness of equality, environmental protection, and synthetic biology. During the summit, we discussed women's entitlement to their rights and interests in the workplace.

Additionally, we explored women's role in environmental protection, with particular emphasis on bioremediation, and discussed the work of those involved in related fields. At the forum, objective evaluations were made possible, revealing the impression of our female team members' creativity, dedication, and ability. Our team comprises women who lead the work in artwork, editing, experiments, and other facets vital to the smooth operation of our team's work. Through this women's education forum, we aim to promote equality and freedom for women. Utilising the feminist movement as a platform, we intend to raise awareness of our environmental protection project. Specifically, we want to draw attention to synthetic biology and our WUST-China project concerning plastic degradation this year to encourage participation.

Minority Environmental Exchange

Minority students should be granted equal rights and opportunities. Ensuring all students receive the same level of interest and support is vital. It can be achieved by providing the necessary resources and educational programs. It is essential to avoid discrimination and bias towards minority students. Their academic success should be prioritised, and adequate policies should be in place to ensure their progress and development.

Ethnic minorities constitute the majority of China's 56 ethnic groups. The WUST-China team initiated from a humanistic standpoint to raise awareness about our project. We organised an exchange meeting with ethnic minority students on campus. We presented lectures about the current state of plastic consumption, its detrimental effects, the WUST project, and our activities and programs. The attendees were from diverse backgrounds, including Uyghur, Tujia, Li, and more. People came from various regions, each with their distinct qualities. We discovered variations in pollution levels in their places of origin. However, plastic usage is rising, leading to plastic waste's pervasive presence in forests and fields. We discovered that the nearby region needs more technological advancement and information. Consequently, the inhabitants need to be better-versed in bioremediation or even plastic recycling, and the majority dispose of plastic by allowing it to decompose naturally. Hence, this exchange meeting helped raise awareness, letting more people know that our team employs Rhodococcus opacus for plastic degradation while promoting attention to the degradation and transformation of plastics.

The meeting participants expressed their wish to inform a wider audience, including their fellow citizens, about using synthetic biology technology to combat plastic pollution. It would enable regions inhabited by ethnic minorities to gain insight into science and technology and their potential for addressing environmental issues. Simultaneously, we aspire to demonstrate the daily lives of minority students to a broader audience, increase understanding of their traditional culture and customs, and introduce the unique culture of minorities to a more general audience via our team. Moreover, we aim to support equality for minority students in their everyday lives through gathering and communicating with them.

Minority Environmental Exchange

On 13 September 2023, newly enrolled students commenced their academic journey at Wuhan University of Science and Technology (WUST). This cohort of recent high school graduates have transitioned into university, and to advance awareness of the iGEM project and its work relating to synthetic biology and plastics degradation, we conducted knowledge dissemination sessions, distributed questionnaires and leaflets to all new students of Wuhan University of Science and Technology (WUST) on this day.

We created a new poster and exhibited it near our college tent to inform new students about our team project. Additionally, we distributed leaflets to notify them about this year's WUST-China team project. During the morning's introduction, an increasing number of new students joined our promotional group and expressed their interest in the promising potential of biodegradation technology. Many had never encountered synthetic biology before and were fascinated by our explanation of how plastics can be degraded to produce microbial fats and oils.

Several attendees even had backgrounds in bioengineering. As a second-year bioengineering student, Yang Dongsong introduced bioengineering fundamentals to the group and explained how genetic engineering can modify microorganisms to degrade plastics. This publicity event allowed our team to showcase our work to the public while leaving a legacy for future university students to learn about the iGEM competition, synthetic biology, and the WUST-China team.