Overview
JLU-China and NJU-China are our long-term partners. Both JLU-China and BUCT require the synthesis of 2-phenylethyl alcohol (2-PE). The NJU-China project has partly similar goals to ours. We worked with both teams in a variety of ways, such as conceptual design, human practice, education, advocacy, project improvement, biosafety, etc. In the end, we both benefited from the partnership.
In short, we became partners with each other throughout the season and developed a strong bond that benefited each other. We also increased the impact of the project on the community.
JLU-China & BUCT
JLU-China combines artificial intelligence with synthetic biotechnology to construct a kind of perfume release system under AI emotion recognition. Both JLU-China and BUCT need to synthesize 2-PE, a small molecule with rose aroma, by E. coli Nissle 1917. So we have discussed the synthesis pathway of 2-PE. We also had a lot of cooperation in education and advocacy.
1 Our Partnership in Design
1.1 First generation design for 2-PE synthesis
On April 30th of this year, JLU-China inquired in a group chat dedicated to Chinese iGEMer about the possibility of team synthesis of fragrance substances. Since BUCT also intends to synthesize 2-PE, which has the same design purpose as JLU-China, we met in this way and established friendship on WeChat.
We usually introduce each other and share PPT content through Tencent conference.
Figure 1 The screenshot from BUCT, Shiyao Wang is introducing JLU-China’s project
Figure 2 Zhang Shuo is introducing our ideas to JLU-China on behalf of BUCT
We mainly shared the experimental design of the synthetic 2-PE at the conference. We had different plans on the choice of 2-PE synthesis paths. JLU-China synthesized 2-PE by adding phenylalanine, while BUCT considered the cost and believed that 2-PE synthesis should be performed at the beginning.
BUCT and JLU-China planed to synthesize 2-PE in E.coli Nissle 1917 respectively and compare the synthetic yields of our two teams. The key genes prepared by the two team laboratories are different, because of the epidemic, the gene sequence cannot be sent by express delivery. Unfortunately, we couldn't conduct rigorous parallel experiments.
Figure 3 The 2-PE synthesis pathway of JLU-China
Figure 4 The 2-PE synthesis pathway of BUCT
1.2 Second generation design for 2-PE synthesis
Experimental result:
BUCT and JLU-China discussed how to iteratively upgrade the experimental design of 2-PE :
Figure 5 Iteration of 2-PE synthesis by JLU-China
Figure 6 Iteration of 2-PE synthesis by BUCT
BUCT and JLU-China referred to the experimental results of the first-generation design while considering how to improve the second-generation 2-PE synthesis method. In addition, we exchanged project suggestions and discussed the shortcomings of our experimental design.
JLU-China's engineering bacteria were able to synthesize 2-PE with yields of 90-100 mg/L. Although it did not meet their theoretical yield which is 130 mg/L. It was worth mentioning that it's about 40% higher than the highest yield of BUCT. Our 2-PE yield was not sufficient to produce a fragrance smell on the scalp so the JLU-China's design had a reference significance for us.
In the next step, BUCT added the phenylalanine to the process of 2-PE synthesis to increase the 2-PE's yield.
1.3 Security Help
BUCT had difficulties in biological safety. We introduced our initial design, that is an engineered bacterial suicide system controlled by iron limit switches. However, we found that there might have some safety risks after we consulted a doctor. JLU-China also believed that our initial design was not suitable for our practical application environment because the concentration of iron ions is difficult to control on the human scalp and it might be toxic to the skin.
We were fortunate that JLU-China has much experience with how to select for inducible promoters and they recommend that we controlled bacterial density by quorum sensing. We adopted their proposal and redesigned the suicide system.
2 Arti Design Exchange
BUCT launched our team emblem and design concept on our Official WeChat Account on May 20. The JLU-China was deeply affected.
In early June, JLU-China and BUCT discussed the design concept of the two teams' emblem and mascot. Inspired by the introduction of the BUCT design concept, JLU-China learned the method of BUCT logo element design and decided to design the mascot of the JLU team around the end of June.
Figure 7 The BUCT introduced the team emblem and concept
Figure 8 JLU-China introduced the mascot and the design ideas
3 3D design sharing
Wang Zhixin, in charge of JLU-China hardware, introduced their hardware design ideas and the practical operation process of 3d printing. We exchanged the methods and ideas of 3d printing and modeling and JLU-China hoped to bring some new ideas to BUCT.
Figure 9 Screenshot from BUCT, Wang Zhixin is sharing their 3D modeling ideas
4 Cooperation in publicity
The most exciting part of the communication with JLU-China was the iGEM manual that we jointly wrote with many universities. This manual recorded the whole competition process of many teams and it is many iGEMers' painstaking work. We worked with other teams to improve it. This manual aimed to solve the difficulties that a new team may encounter and we recorded our feelings and solutions in detail. It will provide valuable practical experience for teams who wish to participate in the future. We also hope that this manual will help more students who try to enter the iGEM world so that they can complete their iGEM journey more smoothly.
Figure 10 instruction Manual cover
NJU-China & BUCT
1 Enlightened by each other
NJU-China saw relevant tweets in the BUCT wechat official account and learned that our both projects were linked to hair loss. Therefore we decided to cooperate in HP, education and other aspects after our in-depth communication.
Figure 11 BUCT and NJU-China met via the public account
"First meeting: April 17,2022"
BUCT and NJU-China found similarities in ourproject goals, which was we both attended to create a new solution for people having trouble with hair loss. Through this online conference, BUCT discussed with NJU-China how Human Practice could work on their themes. BUCT shared an interview with an expert in hair care products and NJU-China was inspired to chart project improvements by interviewing more professionals.
The two teams focused on the interview differently. BUCT initially only found hair care product researchers and the NJU-China suggested that we should focus on a medical perspective to promote holistic thinking. Although BUCT wanted to construct strains that could improve the microecology of the scalp, it is also worth pondering whether E. coli Nissle 1917 seems to have a negative impact on the scalp. Therefore, BUCT interviewed Dr. Li Jingfang and Dr. Yang Xiufang (see).
Figure 12 Group photo of the first online meeting
Figure 13 One of the screenshots from BUCT
2 Resource sharing
2.1 Research data sharing
We discussed and communicated in popular science activities and social practices mainly through online meetings. We improved the core design of the experiment, the marketization process of the project products, the experimental modeling and other aspects by the exchanges of conference. In terms of the way of the product’s action, NJU-china improved their product to the microneedle by communicating with BUCT. They put more attention on considering the limitations of the smear mode and consumer acceptance.
Figure 14 A long meeting, BUCT discussed with NJU-China
The two teams designed relevant questionnaire surveys. BUCT designed corresponding questionnaires for different age groups concerning hair loss topics. Moreover, NJU-China designed similar questionnaires. The two teams exchanged experience in the design, thinking and distribution of the questionnaire. Moreover, we expanded the number of survey groups through exchanging and distributing questionnaires.
Figure 15 NJU-China provided the shared data for BUCT
Figure 16 BUCT discussed the data with NJU-China
2.2 Sharing of popular science materials
Most of the popular science content came from the data collected by BUCT and NJU-China but we were all worried about the authenticity and scientific nature of the popular science content. So we checked the educational materials with dermatologists in our respective interviews. Then BUCT and NJU-China online promotional and educational content was shared by both sides.
BUCT went to Beijing Tiantan Puhua Hospital to consult about medication, care and nutrition for the scalp. We shared popular science materials with NJU-China.
2.3 Interview content sharing
In order to further promote the marketization of our products and improve the technical comprehensiveness and pertinence of the project, we interviewed Mr.Guo Chaowan, the manager of R & D department of MARUBI Marumi. We learned that molecules below 500Da could enter the skin dermis through hair follicles. We shared this important information with NJU-China.
Manager Guo also evaluated the NJU-China's project. He believed that this type of product is more suitable for high-end precision adjuvant therapy. The difference between BUCT and NJU-China was that BCUT is more biased towards routine care, while NJU-China is more targeted to a certain type of disease. After this communication with Marumi Company, we improved the application vision of our project. Then we also tried to analyze how the product can be used in real markets in the future.
Online communication enabled the two teams to consider from the market and consumer perspective, which greatly helped us develop our business plans. By communicating with excellent corporate people, both BUCT and NJU-China had rethought how we could improve our products in the market.
NJU-China and JLU-China team are our important partners. We shared our own ideas and communicated with each other. Throughout the whole season, BUCT and NJU-China mainly shared information to promote projects and other work. We coordinated in almost every area of education, human practice, which was critical to the success of the two teams. Our acquaintance has brought a positive impact on both sides, and we sincerely hope to continue our deeper cooperation in the future.