iGEM Eutrophication Project Database
2022 FSU iGEM team collaborated with the East Coast BioCrew team to create a database of all previous iGEM teams that pursued projects with the intent of mitigating the harmful effects of high nutrient concentration in bodies of water a problem known as eutrophication. The information that was gathered was initially stored in an AirTable database. We have uploaded the data to our GitLab repository in the form of a comma-seperated values (CSV) document. CLICK HERE to download the document. We are working on providing access to the data via an interactive HTML table. A prototype of the table is shown below after the screenshot of the AirTable. The database was created to make it easier for future iGEM teams to reach out to previous teams and also to learn more about past iGEM eutrophication projects.
(Click the image to view the AirTable database)
| Year | Team name | Wiki | Region | Location | Subject | Institution | Section | Project title | Abstract | Parts | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | British Columbia | https://2019.igem.org/Team:British_Columbia | North America | Canada | Harmful Algal Blooms | University of British Columbia | Undergrad | Paralyte: The discovery of a transcription-based biosensor for the detection of paralytic shellfish toxins | With the advent of climate change, there are growing concerns over harmful algal blooms (HABs) and their impact on vital food sources, especially shellfish. Numerous rural and Indigenous communities depend on shellfish in their everyday diet and have deep cultural connections with it. Saxitoxin, a potent neurotoxin produced during HABs, accumulates in shellfish and has caused fatalities in Canada, leading to strict harvesting regulations. Despite this, current detection techniques are time-consuming and rely on expensive laboratory equipment. To overcome this, UBC iGEM is seeking to discover a novel saxitoxin-induced promoter for the construction of a biosensor. Our approach includes Substrate-Induced Gene Expression (SIGEX) and screening of a pre-existing E. coli promoter library. The project serves as a gateway for the development of accessible, on-site detection of shellfish toxins. This device can empower coastal communities, and encourage data collection for enhanced understanding of the impact that HABs have on our lives. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2019&group=British_Columbia | Gold |
| 2016 | Ryerson Toronto | http://2016.igem.org/Team:Ryerson_Toronto | North America | Canada | Water Pollution | Ryerson University | Undergrad | Cyanobacteria as a Platform for Dye Production | Cyanobacteria inhabit a range of environments and exhibit an array of biogeochemical specific processes as they capture light and concentrate CO2 into biomass. They can be installed in a variety of location and can actually thrive in wastewater and assist in bioremediation. Like many molecules explored in materials applications, dye-stuffs are challenging to synthesize because of low yields over several expensive synthetic steps. Interestingly, dye motifs can be produced in cyanobacteria in the form of tetrapyrollic dyes motifs including; heme, chlorophyll and phycocyanobilin (PCB), where PCB proteins have also been utilized in immunoassay kits. In fact, the biosynthesis of PCB is an attractive pathway to manipulate owing to the potential to prepare a myriad of tetrapyrrollic derivatives. These derivatives, have been studied extensively for light-based applications and the ability to genetically direct the bacterial synthetic machinery would be significantly beneficial towards CO2 sequestration, and the production of low-cost dyes. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2016&group=Ryerson_Toronto | N/A |
| 2020 | Baltimore BioCrew | https://2020.igem.org/Team:Baltimore_BioCrew | North America | United States | Harmful Algal Blooms | Baltimore BioCrew | High School | Improving Iron Uptake and Processing in Synechococcus CB0101 to Bolster Marine Ecosystems | In 1/3 of the world's oceans, the iron concentration limits phytoplankton growth. Iron is required for photosynthesis and is critical for the base of the marine food web. A better ability to capture iron could increase phytoplankton populations which would have benefits such as reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide by acting as a carbon sink. We decided to engineer Synechococcus (cyanobacteria) because it consumes high levels of CO2, has a high replication rate, and has been used by many previous iGEM teams. Our project will engineer cyanobacteria to transport iron into cells and reduce it to the bioavailable Fe(II) form. The increased iron utilization will increase photosynthesis and growth of phytoplankton. To prevent harmful phytoplankton blooms, a kill switch will also be added to the cells to prevent overgrowth of cells if iron concentration increased significantly. These modifications will stabilize the marine food chain and absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. | N/A | Gold |
| 2014 | BYU Provo | http://2014.igem.org/Team:BYU_Provo | North America | United States | Water Pollution | Brigham Young University | Overgrad | Reclaiming water reclamation: Engineering microbes for enhanced sewage treatment | Wastewater facilities face challenges in effectively processing waste including residual antibiotics, excess nitrates, biofilm buildup and low survival rates of microbes essential to biodegredation. Using the native sludge bacteria Nitrosospira multiformis and Nitrosomonas eutropha as chassis we inserted genes to produce erythromycin esterase B and β-lactamase to breakdown azythromycin and penicillin. We also inserted nirS, norB, norC, and nosZ from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 to convert nitrates into nitrogen gas, as well as genes to produce dispersin, amylase, and AHL-lactonase to inhibit biofilm formation. To increase bacteriophage resistance, prophage in the Nitrosospira and Nitrosomonas genomes were identified and used to build a guide RNA region for a Type II CRISPR system. By deleting the serA and serB genes we engineered serine auxotrophs to prevent release of our modified microbes. These improvements will help reduce antibiotic resistance, increase water reclamation, prevent algal blooms, and allow more biomass to be harvested. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2014&group=BYU_Provo | Silver |
| 2014 | Charlottesville RS | http://2014hs.igem.org/Team:Charlottesville_RS | North America | United States | Eutrophication | Renaissance High School | High School | Polyhydroxybutyrate as a Substitute Source of Energy for Denitrifying Bacteria | In Albemarle county, Virginia, a large amount of the waste water goes to and is processed in the Moores Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. Each year, the plant purchases 250,000 dollars worth of glycerin, which is used by bacteria to denitrify the water, in order to prevent eutrophication in the Chesapeake Bay. The UVa iGEM team from 2008 created a part which, when added, enables E.Coli to produce polyhydroxybutyrate, a biodegradable, bio-derived plastic. Our project is to make E.Coli that produces this plastic, which the plant could then use this bacteria to create polyhydroxybutyrate, filter out the E Coli, and then use the plastic as an alternative food source for their bacteria, saving them 250,000 dollars per year, as well as giving them a renewable energy source for their plant. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2014&group=Charlottesville_RS | N/A |
| 2012 | Clemson | http://2012.igem.org/Team:Clemson | North America | United States | Ecosystem | Clemson University | Undergrad | Biphenyl degradation by pollutant targeting, biosurfactant production, and overexpression of catabolic enzymes | Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are widespread, cancer-causing pollutants left-over mainly from manufacture of capacitors and electric motors. There are over 200 possible PCBs, derivatives of biphenyl, which share the same biodegradation pathways in bacteria. Our team is using a genetic engineering approach to produce a small consortium of E. coli that should efficiently degrade biphenyl, and it is hoped that this same system can be adapted for the bioremediation of PCBs. Natural bioremediation by native bacterial communities is exceedingly slow due to the recalcitrant nature of PCBs and their hydrophobic properties which reduce the bioavailability to potential catabolizers. We are taking a three-pronged approach in an attempt to increase the efficiency of biphenyl bioremediation—attraction of biphenyl-degrading E. coli by other guiding bacteria, overexpression of the biphenyl catabolic enzymes, and production of a biosurfactant to increase the solubility of biphenyl. Together, this system should significantly increase the rate of biphenyl degradation. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2012&group=Clemson | N/A |
| 2019 | Cornell | https://2019.igem.org/Team:Cornell | North America | United States | Harmful Algal Blooms | Cornell University | Undergrad | reHAB: A comprehensive system for microcystin detection and remediation | Every year, streams and rivers across the world are stricken with algal blooms. While already negative for the ecosystem, some are even more deadly. These harmful algal blooms (HABs) create microcystins, toxic chemicals that are long-lasting and contaminate drinking and irrigation systems. Our system has two parts: a biological sensor to detect the presence of microcystines and a filter for environmental remediation. Our sensor consists of an RNA aptamer conjugated to gold particles, which specifically binds our target microcystin-LR and produces a colorimetric change. Our filter is comprised of a specific cassette of enzymes endogenous to Sphingopyxis sp. It consists of a packed-bed-reactor, where we pass water through a chamber containing our engineered strain immobilized on alginate beads. By putting this system on a device that can traverse the span of lake or river, we hope this will stand as a major improvement in the detection and treatment of HABs. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2019&group=Cornell | Gold |
| 2019 | Georgia State | https://2019.igem.org/Team:Georgia_State | North America | United States | Ecosystem | Georgia State University | Undergrad | Synbio-dinium: A synthetic biology solution to coral bleaching | Coral bleaching, the loss of algal symbionts necessary for reef survival, is a disastrous global environmental issue. Though no single factor has been established as the cause, a solution may involve genetically modifying the symbiotic microalgae, Symbiodinium. We are optimizing culturing techniques for Symbiodinium microadriaticum and Oxyrrhis marina (model organism). We designed a codon-optimized red fluorescent protein part that was cloned into a dinoflagellate-optimized expression plasmid (DinoIII)(Sprecher, et. al 2019) for transformation into O. marina as a proof of concept. In parallel, we are attempting to replicate the only known successful transformation of Symbiodinium using Agrobacterium tumefacien carrying a binary vector, pCB302-GFP-MBD (Ortiz-Matamoros et. al 2015), and developing electroporation protocols. A genomic analysis of clade D, a clade associated with higher bleaching resistance but diminished coral growth, will identify target resistance-related genes for transformation into a favorable clade. Corals will uptake the modified algae, increasing their resistance to bleaching. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2019&group=Georgia_State | Bronze |
| 2014 | HTHS Trussville AL | http://2014hs.igem.org/Team:HTHS_Trussville_AL | North America | United States | Harmful Algal Blooms | Hewitt-Trussville High School | High School | N/A | Due to rising use of chemical based fertilizers, the runoff of harmful chemicals such as phosphate (PO43-) and nitrate (NO3-) into public water sources has increased. This accumulation of chemicals in streams and lakes is harmful to the environment. PO43- runoff in rivers is detrimental to aquatic life forms such as the Leptoxis compacta, a gastropod that was believed to have been extinct in 2000; however, in May of 2011 the Leptoxis compacta was rediscovered in the Cahaba River. PO43- is a food source for algae and as the levels of PO43- increase, the number of algae blooms increase and cover the surface of the water. This blocks sunlight so the energy cannot get to the bottom of the river. Currently tests are chemical in nature and specific to only certain forms of PO43- (testing only organic phosphate or orthophosphate). This research revolves around the creation of a biological plasmid to test for all forms of PO43- in a sample of water. Using a shuttle vector, the plasmid is first grown in E. coli, and then transferred into a specific type of yeast called S. cerevaise, which contains an outer sensor for PO43- .The sensor tests for the presence of PO43- because it is a food source for the yeast. If PO43- is present, then the yeast uses it for energy development; however, if no phosphate is present in the environment, then the sensor sends a cascading signal to a protein called Pho4, which binds to a gene called Pho5 to initiate the phosphate starvation cycle. This mechanism allows the yeast to produce its own phosphate. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2014&group=HTHS_Trussville_AL | N/A |
| 2017 | iTesla SoundBio | http://2017.igem.org/Team:iTesla-SoundBio | North America | United States | Ecosystem | SoundBio Lab | Undergrad | Eliminating PCB pollution in the Puget Sound by genetically modifying E. coli | Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of man-made organic chlorine contaminants. Although their manufacture has been banned, they remain in the environment today. PCBs are probable carcinogens and toxic; cause immune system and thyroid defects; and its biomagnification up the food chain in the Puget Sound has been particularly detrimental to orcas. Though they persist because they are highly nonreactive, it has been known for several decades that PCBs slowly degrade in the environment. Recently, it was discovered that the bacterium Dehalococcoides mccartyi can break them down with a variety of enzymes, the genes for which were sequenced in 2014 by Wang. However, D. maccartyi is anaerobic and obtains energy through organohalide respiration. We planned to transform these genes into easier-to-work-with E. coli for potential PCB cleanup operations. The end goal was a process using the produced enzymes or technology containing the genetic pathway for use in PCB clean-up operations. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2017&group=iTesla-SoundBio | Bronze |
| 2019 | OhioState | https://2019.igem.org/Team:OhioState | North America | United States | Eutrophication | Ohio State University | Undergrad | Maizotroph: A Synthetic Diazotroph for Supplementing Maize Growth | The application of nitrogen fertilizers to agricultural crops often causes eutrophication of freshwater sources and environmental damage. Additionally, nitrogen fertilizers are currently produced using the Haber-Bosch process which is very energy intensive and uses large amounts of the world`s natural gas supply. With a growing population, new methods are needed to improve agricultural sustainability and yields. Some plants form a natural symbiosis with bacteria that can take nitrogen from the atmosphere and provide it to the plant, in a process termed nitrogen fixation. Unfortunately, many agricultural crops lack symbiotic nitrogen fixing partners. A major crop lacking a bacterial partner is maize. We are attempting to take a natural colonizer of corn roots, Pseudomonas protogens, and introduce a 27 kb gene cluster from Rhodopseudomonas palustris that encodes the ability to fix nitrogen. If successful, this organism could reduce the need for industrially fixed nitrogen fertilizers. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2019&group=OhioState | Bronze |
| 2016 | Purdue | http://2016.igem.org/Team:Purdue | North America | United States | Water Pollution | Purdue University | Undergrad | Engineering E. coli for phosphate bioremediation with genes from polyphosphate-accumulating organism Microlunatus phosphovorus | Water phosphate concentrations greater than 25 µg/L are known to drive the growth of harmful algal blooms, which compromise water quality and cost global industry more than ten billion USD in damage annually. To improve phosphate management, we transformed genes putatively responsible for inorganic phosphate transport and polyphosphate synthesis from the polyphosphate-accumulating organism (PAO) Microlunatus phosphovorus into E. coli and characterized their functions. Concurrently, we designed and built a suite of cost-effective phosphorus reclamation modules (PRMs) around xerogel-immobilized cells for contained, multipoint phosphate bioremediation. With continued testing, we expect to see an increased dry-mass percentage of phosphorus in our chassis relative to unmodified E. coli, elucidate cell viability and function within our xerogels, and understand the effective lifespan of our constructs. Through genetic, chemical, and mechanical engineering, we provide a means for preventing harmful algal blooms in both developed and developing countries. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2016&group=Purdue | Silver |
| 2014 | UCL Academy | http://2014hs.igem.org/Team:UCL_Academy | North America | United States | Harmful Algal Blooms | The University College London Academy | Undergrad | Bio-purification of water to remove bio-toxins: Bio-IN, Bio-OUT | The project aims is to degrade microcystin, a toxic substance produced by cyanobacteria. When cyanobacteria die, the cell walls collapse, causing the release of microcystins into water. However, microcystins happen to be extremely stable, so this means they are able to resist common chemical breakdown, such as hydrolysis, at natural conditions. It also breaks down very slowly at high temperatures (40°C), so the best way to deal with the problem is to use a bacterium that can break it down. However they aren’t usually found in water, so this allows the toxin to ravage the aquatic ecosystem. Our idea is to make a genetically modified organism that can break down microcystins. So, we will modify an E.coli bacterium to float at the top of a water column, where the cyanobacteria are located and to detect and degrade microcystins. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2014&group=UCL_Academy | N/A |
| 2010 | UTDallas | http://2010.igem.org/Team:UTDallas | North America | United States | Water Pollution | University Of Texas Dallas | Undergrad | Mad yeast on Mars | Recalcitrant pollutants such as petroleum constituents and nitrates are regularly introduced to the environment through oil spills, natural geological seepage and eutrophication. The UN's flagship water protection initiative enumerates a host of health risks associated with these chemicals. UT Dallas iGEM addresses the eminent need to mitigate their circulation by developing novel whole-cell biosensors that can detect alkanes, aromatics and nitrates and execute combinatorial logic, feedback and noise-reduction functions inspired by synthetic biology. This work has wide ranging applications requiring a cheap chemical sensor that can dynamically process heterogeneous inputs and express a user-friendly output. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2010&group=UTDallas | Gold |
| 2017 | Virginia | http://2017.igem.org/Team:Virginia | North America | United States | Water Pollution | University of Virginia | Undergrad | Sewage, PD | Current wastewater treatment methods are complex and often difficult to maintain. During the biological nutrient removal process, sludge composed of co-cultures of nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria converts ammonia and nitrites into inert nitrogen gas. Proper treatment of wastewater is important because the release of ammonia and nitrites poses health risks to humans. These toxic chemicals also fuel detrimental water eutrophication. Unfortunately, reaching optimal efficiency of the predominant nitrifier, Nitrosomonas europaea, requires aeration, which is costly for treatment facilities. Here we present a biological device that reduces aeration requirements and eliminates the need for co-cultures. We use a denitrifying bacterium Paracoccus denitrificans as a chassis for a device that contains a nitrification circuit taken from the genome of N. europaea. The addition of amoCAB, haoA, and the associated cytochrome genes creates a complete nitrogen removal system. Upon implementation, our device reduces the operating costs of wastewater treatment plants. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2017&group=Virginia | Gold |
| 2016 | WashU StLouis | http://2016.igem.org/Team:WashU_StLouis | North America | United States | Harmful Algal Blooms | Washington University in St Louis | Undergrad | Super Cells: Overproducing ATP and Electron Donors in E. coli | The Nitrogen Project, of which this iGEM team is a part, seeks to drastically reduce the quantity of nitrogen-based fertilizers used in agriculture. Soluble nitrates can 'runoff' into water systems with environmental consequences such as algal blooms and human illnesses like methemoglobinemia. If nitrogenase, the enzyme in soil bacteria that 'fixes' nitrogen gas into usable nitrates, can be inserted into plants, it would eliminate the need for artificial fertilization. Before this can be done, nitrogenase must first be expressed non-diazotrophic bacteria like E. coli. For proper expression, however, E. coli must have an excess of intracellular ATP and reduced electron donors. We worked to overexpress glycolytic kinases to increase ATP production and overexpress native and foreign electron donors to produce more reduced electron donors. Besides nitrogenase, however, the intracellular environment of our 'super cells' may help produce other recombinant proteins. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2016&group=WashU_StLouis | Silver |
| 2015 | GenetiX Tec CCM | http://2015.igem.org/Team:GenetiX_Tec_CCM | Latin America | Mexico | Water Pollution | Preparatoria del Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey | High School | PseudoColi: Denitrification & O2 Biosensor | Xochimilco, one of the most important aquatic systems in Mexico City, has a huge environmental and social importance. It is home to many endemic species, as well as the main economic drive of the southern area. Due to its historical background, it is considered World Heritage by UNESCO since 1987. Currently, it presents several pollution issues such as an excessive amount of nitrites and nitrates, which in turn causes an overpopulation of Nymphaea, and thus anoxic conditions. As a consequence, flora and fauna endemic to the lake are dying. Our biosystem will activate a denitrification pathway taken from Pseudomonas stutzeri whenever O2 levels in the water are sensed as critical, using an O2 promoter. This enhances water conditions by reducing NO2 and NO3 into N2, and therefore algae and water lilies. Successfully implementing our biosystem will lead to a better future for the biodiversity in Xochimilco. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2015&group=GenetiX_Tec_CCM | Bronze |
| 2017 | Uchile Biotec | http://2017.igem.org/Team:UChile Biotec | Latin America | Chile | Harmful Algal Blooms | Universidad de Chile | Overgrad | Bimatox: A biosensor made of aptazyme to help people detect marine toxins in their environment | BiMaTox is a biosensor that detects marine toxins that are produced during harmful algal blooms, also known as red tides. Of these toxins, saxitoxin is the most-deadly, as it attacks the human nervous system impeding synapse formation. The biosensor consists of a cell-free cellulose matrix device that displays a color in the presence of the toxin. This color is produced by the aptazymes which are contained within the device. The aptazyme consist of a specific toxin aptamer connected to a DNAzyme. When the toxin binds to its specific aptamer, the peroxidase activity of DNAzyme is triggered and produces the oxidation of a compound called ABTS, which generates a color that is readily visible to the human eye. The device is constructed in such a way that it is easy and simple to use, with the aim that, for example, fishermen can know when there are toxins in their fishing area. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2017&group=UChile Biotec | N/A |
| 2020 | Nantes | https://2020.igem.org/Team:Nantes | Europe | France | Ecosystem | Nantes University | Undergrad | A3 Project - Algal Acquired Acid | Green macroalgae (Ulva spp.) have been poisoning oceanic coastlines for decades through the production of a toxic gas: hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The collection of algae is currently a costly and unprofitable process. Our project aims to enhance the value of the collected algae. To do so, we plan to target ulvan, the main component of green algae's cell wall, using degradation enzymes and recombinant sulfatases. Once produced by transformed bacteria, the enzymes will be added to a tank of a bioreactor, filled with algae and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRBs) which are responsible for the production of H2S. The H2S produced in the tank will be transformed into sulfuric acid (H‚ÇÇSO‚ÇÑ), a useful compound for many industries such as the production of detergents, textiles and many others products. Our project could constitute a proof of concept for a subsequent industrial optimization. | N/A | Silver |
| 2020 | Sorbonne_U_Paris | https://2020.igem.org/Team:Sorbonne_U_Paris | Europe | France | Water Pollution | Sorbonne Universite | Undergrad | The Chlamy Cleaner, a microalgae filter to purify water. | During the 2024 Olympic Games, Paris wants to host the triathlon swimming events in the Seine. However, the water is polluted: pesticides, hormones and antibiotics are present and might have a negative effect on the environment and human health. Our goal is to develop a solution to purify water. Using Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a chassis, we designed a microalgae filter capable of retaining and degrading these harmful compounds. We focused our efforts on Atrazine, a banned herbicide but still detectable in the Seine. We expressed four enzymes from the bacteria genera Pseudomonas in C. reinhardtii using the Golden Gate Modular Cloning (MoClo). This newly added degradation pathway aims at degrading Atrazine into a less hazardous product. To ensure additional safety, we integrated a 'kill switch' device based on UV-sensitive nuclease genetic circuit leading to the death of microalgae which could escape in the wild. | N/A | Gold |
| 2019 | DePCB | https://2019.igem.org/Team:Chalmers-Gothenburg | Europe | Sweden | Ecosystem | University of Chalmers | Overgrad | DePCB: Engineered yeast for degradation of PCB | Our project aims to use synthetic biology to develop a method for bioremediation of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contaminated soil. PCBs are a very persistent group of pollutants that bioaccumulate in the fatty tissues of many animals, and although their use was prohibited long ago they still remain a problem. To solve this, we attempt to engineer Saccharomyces cerevisiae with genes from several bacteria encoding enzymes that are able to both dechlorinate and degrade the compounds. The designed system uses two separate yeast strains, one which can use the enzyme PcbA5 to dechlorinate PCBs and another which hosts eight enzymes from the Bph-pathway which can be used to degrade the biphenyl skeleton. The envisioned implementation of this system would allow us to remove PCBs from both soil and water in an efficient way, ultimately removing this long-lasting problem from the environment. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2019&group=Chalmers-Gothenburg | Bronze |
| 2020 | S-Pop | https://2020.igem.org/Team:Stockholm | Europe | Sweden | Water Pollution | Stockholm University | Overgrad | S-POP: a modular biosensor for the detection of POPs in water | After centuries spent using oceans for waste management, we've finally realized impact of water pollution. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), including PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), have been of great concern, due to their toxicity in low concentrations and bioaccumulating properties that lead to alarming concentrations in the ecosystem. Current detection methods, which are performed by analyzing massive amounts of water samples in the lab, cannot properly measure the low levels of POPs nor differentiate between the various iterations that exist. Our project S-POP aims to solve this issue by creating a monitor containing two major parts, a modular E. coli biosensor coupled with a Microbial Fuel Cell. When E. coli is activated by the pollutant a Quorum sensing (QS) molecule is produced. Upregulated by the QS-molecule, engineered Shewanella oneidensis produces an oscillating electrical signal that corresponds to the type and quantity of pollutants in the sample. | N/A | Gold |
| 2020 | Aix-Marseille | https://2020.igem.org/Team:Aix-Marseille | Europe | France | Eutrophication | Aix-Marseille University | Undergrad | Make some Rham-Noise | Since the 70's green algae have been proliferating and forming what are called green tides on certain beaches in France, but also in China and the United States. This is mainly due to nitrogen-rich fertilizers used in intensive agriculture The green algae on the beach decompose and produce hydrogen sulfide a deadly gas for animals and humans. One very promising route for recovery is the production of bioethanol that could be blended with gasoline and used by adapted vehicles. The objective of our project is to define an efficient process to transform ulvan, a sugar polymer present in large quantities in the wall of Ulva into rhamnose and other fermentable sugars using the enzymes from Formosa Agariphila inserted in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and then transform it into bioethanol using the fermentation capacity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia stipitis. Thanks to this Ulva could become a renewable and profitable source of energy. | N/A | Bronze |
| 2019 | SZTA Szeged Hu | https://2019.igem.org/Team:SZTA_Szeged_HU | Europe | Hungary | Harmful Algal Blooms | Szegedi tudos Akademia | High School | Detecting microcystin production of the harmful algae Microcystis aeruginosa | Microcystis is a genus of cyanobacteria frequently causing harmful algal blooms and water toxicity. Our purpose is to detect the presence of microcystin, a hepatotoxin produced by Microcystis aeruginosa under certain conditions. Microcystin is synthesized nonribosomally via microcystin synthetase encoded by the mcy genes. We have constructed plasmids where, after the promoter region, mcy genes are replaced with GFP genes. We would like to transform the plasmids into M. aeruginosa and Escherichia coli using shuttle plasmids. Upon addition of the transformed bacteria to wild-type M. aeruginosa cultures, we expect that the inserted GFP genes will be transcribed due to cell-to-cell communication. By taking samples from the growing cultures, we can determine the algae concentration which microcystin starts to be produced at. For further studies, since its sequence is unknown, we are going to sequence the promoter of mcy genes of Microcystis flos-aquae, another species abundant in Hungarian lakes. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2019&group=SZTA_Szeged_HU | Bronze |
| 2016 | Aalto-Helsinki | http://2016.igem.org/Team:Aalto-Helsinki | Europe | Finland | Water Pollution | Aalto University | Overgrad | MC Yeast: Stress-Based Detection and Enzymatic Degradation of the Cyanobacterial Toxin Microcystin | Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are an annual problem in many water systems. During the summer, the bacteria release hepatotoxins called microcystins (MCs) which pose health risks to humans and animals. The goal of our project is to build a two-part system to detect and then degrade MCs. Our detection system is based on the natural oxidative stress response of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Exposure to MCs is linked to higher levels of oxidative stress, and we will couple this response to the expression of yellow fluorescent protein. Thus, fluorescence levels will indicate the amount of MCs present in a sample. To understand and validate our MC detection mechanism, we will also create mathematical and molecular models. For degrading the detected toxins, we will express and purify the enzyme microcystinase (MlrA), which is naturally found in some gram-negative bacteria. The enzyme renders the MCs harmless by modifying their structure. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2016&group=Aalto-Helsinki | Gold |
| 2013 | Dundee | http://2013.igem.org/Team:Dundee | Europe | United Kingdom | Harmful Algal Blooms | University of Dundee | Undergrad | ToxiMop | The ToxiMop project attempts to tackle the problem of freshwater algal blooms by detecting, reducing, and reporting the levels of the algal toxin microcystin. This toxin causes liver damage and is also speculated to be a carcinogen. Microcystin’s toxic action lies in its ability to bind to the human Protein Phosphatase 1 (PP1), which is a major regulator of cell division, protein synthesis and other essential processes. Using synthetic biology techniques, we engineered bacterial chassis (E. coli and B. subtilis) to express PP1, which covalently binds to microcystin. The engineered bacteria can then be used as a molecular mop, the ToxiMop, to remove microcystin from contaminated water. Applying mathematical modelling to our experiments, we optimised our prototype ToxiMop. Additionally, we attempted to develop a biological detector for microcystin, which was combined with our electronic device, the Moptopus. This device has the potential for real-time monitoring and analysis of water bodies. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2013&group=Dundee | Gold |
| 2015 | York | http://2015.igem.org/Team:York | Europe | United Kingdom | Eutrophication | University of York | Undergrad | Phil Phosphate: Filling Escherichia coli with phosphate. | Phosphate pollution from wastewater causes eutrophication, resulting in environmental damage. Current methods routinely used to remove phosphate involve chemical approaches, which themselves can be polluting. Our project builds on the enhanced biological phosphate removal process, using natural bacterial communities as an alternative to these chemicals. We are engineering <i>Escherichia coli </i>to enhance its phosphate acquisition. This will be achieved by upregulation of the native phosphate transport and metabolism genes. We will also add heterologous genes from proposed phosphate accumulating species. Target gene selection is assisted by computer based metabolic modelling. We are improving assays used to determine the phosphate accumulation levels, achieved by our genetically engineered bacteria. New European legislation will require water companies to decrease their maximum phosphate concentrations from 3 mg/L to 0.1 mg/L. Here we hope to engineer an organism which helps to achieve this in a clean and economical way. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2015&group=York | Gold |
| 2013 | DTU-Denmark | http://2013.igem.org/Team:DTU-Denmark | Europe | Denmark | Eutrophication | Technical University of Denmark | Overgrad | Requiem for a Stream: From Ammonia Pollution to Energy Production via Denitrification | Global demand for fixed nitrogen has increased to the point that half the human population now relies on chemical fertilizer to grow their food. While fertilizer is a requirement for modern life, runoff from over-fertilized farmland can cause eutrophication. In the presence of abundant ammonia, algae overgrow and consume much of the available oxygen in the water. This results in decreased biodiversity throughout the watershed. Within Europe, 53% of lakes are eutrophic. Using two E. coli mutants built with genes from Nitrosomonas europaea and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we provide a system to reverse nitrogen fixation. Our mutants consume ammonia and produce nitrous oxide, and release a sustainable source of energy when decomposed into nitrogen and oxygen. We also provide a prototype of a bioreactor that could be scaled up and deployed in the field to simultaneously clean the water and produce energy. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2013&group=DTU-Denmark | Gold |
| 2019 | HK SSC | https://2019.igem.org/Team:HK_SSC | Asia Pacific | Hong Kong | Harmful Algal Blooms | St Stephen's College | High School | Expression of dCas9-sgRNA Complex in Microcystis Aeruginosa Resulting in the Repression of its Toxin-producing Gene | Microcystis aeruginosa is one of the most common cyanobacteria responsible for harmful algal blooms. This cyanobacterium produces microcystin, a hepatotoxin that damages the liver. However, direct lysis of Microcystis aeruginosa may not best for the environment as it holds ecological values of heavy metal sorption and oxygen synthesis. We hope to silence the microcystin biosynthesis cluster(mcy) using a catalytically dead Cas9 (dCas9) enzyme lacking endonuclease activity. When the dCas9 enzyme is co-expressed with a guide RNA(sgRNA), the dCas9-sgRNA complex specifically binds to the McyB gene and blocks transcript elongation, leading to the repression of the McyB gene without altering the chromosome of the Microcystis. Here we provide the design of a dCas9-sgRNA expression gene in a shuttle vector that can replicate in both E.coli and cyanobacteria. We will also be conducting downstream analysis to see how our dCas9-sgRNA expression plasmid affects the microcystin-production rate and oxygen synthesis rate of Microcystis. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2019&group=HK_SSC | Silver |
| 2017 | NU Kazakhstan | http://2017.igem.org/Team:NU Kazakhstan | Asia Pacific | Kazakhstan | Ecosystem | Nazarbayev University | Undergrad | Bioremediation of hexavalent chromium | Chromium is a well-known toxin and carcinogen with wide industrial use. Pollution with chromium is a serious environmental concern in Kazakhstan since it is the 2nd largest chromium manufacturer in the world. Chromium primarily exists in two redox forms: trivalent and hexavalent. The former is poorly soluble and less toxic compared to the latter form. Hexavalent chromium is bioavailable and readily crosses membranes through sulfate transporters. The goal of our project is to collect Cr(VI) from wastewater, reduce it to trivalent form and store inside the microalgae C.reinhardtii. We are introducing chromate reductase which converts Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and oligopeptide chromodulin which tightly binds 4 Cr(III) ions. To increase chromate uptake into the cell, we are exploiting natural ability of C.reinhardtii to upregulate sulfate channels when starved from sulfur. Our safety system is represented by photosensitizing protein SuperNova. It generates ROS when exposed to 585 nm wavelength of light. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2017&group=NU Kazakhstan | Gold |
| 2017 | HokkaidoU Japan | http://2017.igem.org/Team:HokkaidoU Japan | Asia Pacific | Japan | Eutrophication | Hokkaido University | Undergrad | E.co Circle | In stock-breeding, animals are fed with grains that contain phytic acids though many livestock are not capable of producing phytase, an enzyme that decomposes phytic acid, and remaining phytic acid is excreted in the excrement. Excreted phytic acid flows into rivers and leads to eutrophication that causes problems such as red tide, which exerts adverse effects on ecosystem and fishery. Under the status quo, people try to cope with this problem by adding phytase to the feed of livestock however, its enzyme activity is thought to be lowered when it is heated during its production. Moreover, the low pH in the stomach of livestock may also lower its activity. In our project, we aim to increase stability against heat and extreme pH by circularizing enzyme using self-assembling peptides (SAPs) which could decrease the amount of phosphate in the excrement and enhance nutrition absorption since phytic acids chelate minerals. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2017&group=HokkaidoU Japan | Bronze |
| 2020 | BUCT | https://2020.igem.org/Team:BUCT | Asia Pacific | China | Water Pollution | Beijing University of Chemical Technology | Undergrad | Legolas*Microcystin: An innovation treatment of algal blooms and microcystin | Every summer, many lakes around the world are covered with some disgusting, green microbes. They are cyanobacteria, which produce cyanobacteria toxins, such as microcystins. It can cause brain fever, skin allergies; even induce tumor genesis and liver cancer. In our project, we use a special chassis -cyanophage. We try to add two parts to the phage: a functional part that can be used to degrade the toxin and a control part that prevents the release of the cyanophage. Our functional part consists of MLR gene cluster, which produces microcystin-LR degrading enzymes to decompose the long-lasting cyclic peptide into harmless amino acids. Our control part consists of Unnatural amino acid systems. It can be used to limit the proliferation of the cyanophage. By putting our designed recombinant cyanobacteria into water bodies, we hope this will be a more safe and effective treatment in algal blooms and toxins degradation. | N/A | Gold |
| 2019 | Hangzhou WestLake | https://2019.igem.org/Team:Hangzhou_WestLake | Asia Pacific | China | Ecosystem | Hangzhou Foreign Languages School | High School | Engineering synthetic riboswitch for detection of polychlorinated biphenyls | Riboswitches are dynamic RNA molecules that recognize a variety of analytes found in cells such as metabolites or ions. Most riboswitches bind to their corresponding analytes and that invoke a conformational switch that subsequently regulates the expression of the downstream genes. This project explores the design and application of synthetic riboswitch that is capable of detecting environmental contaminants in resource-limited settings. As a proof-of-concept design, we will focus on detecting PCBs, a group of manmade aromatic chemicals that had been widely used in many industrial processes. We will insert a previously discovered PCB aptamer either into the 5`-UTR of a bacterial reporter gene or downstream of the start codon. Aptamer binding to PCB will lead to its structural switching that leads to enhancement or reduction of gene expression. Readouts can be a reporter protein or the migration of bacteria to access the efficiency of the proposed system. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2019&group=Hangzhou_WestLake | N/A |
| 2019 | Hk SSC | https://2019.igem.org/Team:HK_SSC | Asia Pacific | China | Harmful Algal Blooms | St Stephen's College | High School | Expression of dCas9-sgRNA Complex in Microcystis Aeruginosa Resulting in the Repression of its Toxin-producing Gene | Microcystis aeruginosa is one of the most common cyanobacteria responsible for harmful algal blooms. This cyanobacterium produces microcystin, a hepatotoxin that damages the liver. However, direct lysis of Microcystis aeruginosa may not best for the environment as it holds ecological values of heavy metal sorption and oxygen synthesis. We hope to silence the microcystin biosynthesis cluster(mcy) using a catalytically dead Cas9 (dCas9) enzyme lacking endonuclease activity. When the dCas9 enzyme is co-expressed with a guide RNA(sgRNA), the dCas9-sgRNA complex specifically binds to the McyB gene and blocks transcript elongation, leading to the repression of the McyB gene without altering the chromosome of the Microcystis. Here we provide the design of a dCas9-sgRNA expression gene in a shuttle vector that can replicate in both E.coli and cyanobacteria. We will also be conducting downstream analysis to see how our dCas9-sgRNA expression plasmid affects the microcystin-production rate and oxygen synthesis rate of Microcystis. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2019&group=HK_SSC | Silver |
| 2013 | Hong Kong HKU | http://2013.igem.org/Team:Hong_Kong_HKU | Asia Pacific | China | Harmful Algal Blooms | University of Hong Kong | Undergrad | E. capsi: Reducing phosphate pollution using engineered E. coli that harvests polyphosphate | Phosphate pollution in waterways and water treatment plants is a major problem. Removal of phosphate from wastewater is required to treat phosphate-containing discharge to reduce eutrophication, algal blooms and “dead zones” in lakes, rivers and coastal marine ecosystems. The aim of this project was to remove or reduce the levels of inorganic phosphate from a system or environment by employing engineered bacteria E. capsi, capable of accumulating phosphate in the form of polyphosphate. Our strategy is to express polyphosphate kinase together with the ethanolamine utilization (eut) bacterial microcompartment from Salmonella enterica to provide an environment for polyphosphate synthesis. Furthermore, the project provides a novel way to recover accumulated polyphosphate, an energy rich macromolecule with many industrial uses. This paves a way towards living system-based phosphate pollution treatment to tackle critical environmental challenges. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2013&group=Hong_Kong_HKU | Silver |
| 2020 | Jiangnan_China | https://2020.igem.org/Team:Jiangnan_China | Asia Pacific | China | Water Pollution | Jiangnan University | Undergrad | Sophorolipid: Biosynthesis of fine-tuned acid/ lactone ratio in Starmerella bombicola based on CRISPR/Cas9 | Cyanobacteria blooms have gradually evolved into a global problem of water pollution. Sophorolipid, an eco-friendly biosurfactant, can degrade cyanobacteria effectively. Acid sophorolipids have better surfactant activity and lactone sophorolipids have better bacteriostatic effect. However, the sophorolipids produced by wild-type Starmerella bombicola are random mix of these two types. To obtain the higher yield of sophorolipid and combine the advantages of these two types, Jiangnan_China constructed a CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system in Starmerella bombicola to over-express UDP-glucosyltransferase B (UGTB) and adjust the lactonase (SBLE) expression level by using different promoters. Finally, a recombinant strain consistent with our expectation was constructed and produces sophrolipids with appropriate ratio that achieves the maximum efficiency of degrading cyanobacteria. | N/A | Gold |
| 2014 | Jilin China | http://2014.igem.org/Team:Jilin_China | Asia Pacific | China | Harmful Algal Blooms | Jilin University | Undergrad | The Intelligent Scout and Sniper for Freshwater Toxin | Microcystin LR, one increasingly common toxin in freshwater, affects the liver as hepatotoxin, causing nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and even acute liver failure when ingested.Of all types of Microcystin LR , MC-LR has the most deleterious influence on the environment as well as human beings. Therefore, we strives to explore simple methods for detection of this toxin and finding ways to alleviate water pollution caused by this toxin. During algae bloom break out, a strain of Pseudomonas expresses a series of proteins, named Mlr, that could decompose algal toxin.we use E.coli instead of Pesudomonas to improve the expression of Mlr proteins and constructs a system to detect the contents of toxin in water and early alarm the algal bloom. If Microsystin LR is our enemy that poisons aquatic organisms and human body, then the engineering bacteria act as the intelligent scout and sniper for this freshwater toxin. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2014&group=Jilin_China | Silver |
| 2017 | OUC China | http://2017.igem.org/Team:OUC-China | Asia Pacific | China | Water Pollution | Ocean University of China | Undergrad | A bottle of Algae wine | Algae Outbreak is a serious marine disaster for ocean life, which threatens economic interests and health of human. The periodically outbreak of Enteromorpha on the coastline has been a stubborn environmental problem in ShanDong, China. Here, we aim to utilize the cellobiose and xylose from waste algae and turn them into ethanol as healthy and tasty algae wine with resveratrol. Additionally, we achieved a new synthetic biology platform for artificial interspecific cooperation. E.coli and S. cerevisiae are engineered to organize together as multi-cell device. The co-cultured E. coli works as surface-display system of S. cerevisiae for enhancing its biological function. Simultaneously, we built a mini transcriptional unit of standardized promoters and terminators with concise structure in Yeast, providing more potential for large-scale SynBio operations. Our project can contribute to local environmental issue and enrich synthetic biology toolbox by novel interspecific cooperation platform and transcription regulatory elements. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2017&group=OUC-China | Gold |
| 2014 | Peking | http://2014.igem.org/Team:Peking | Asia Pacific | China | Ecosystem | Peking University | Undergrad | Ranger Amongst Enemies | Widespread water bloom leads to extensive damage in ecosystems. Compared to physical or chemical methods, biological treatment for water bloom is less expensive and more environmentally friendly. Hence Peking iGEM is dedicated to constructing engineered microorganisms for the elimination of algae and recovery of ecosystems. A specific antimicrobial peptide is secreted to disrupt the outer membrane of algae. In addition, we equip our transgenic cells with features that allow for buoyancy and attachment, making our project more efficient. During this process, an enzyme is also secreted to degrade a deleterious product of algae. After eradicating the algae, our engineered bacteria will commit suicide, and the ecosystem is finally restored. This project is an innovative treatment for water bloom, and has potential applications in the field of ecosystem remediation. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2014&group=Peking | Gold |
| 2019 | QDHS Shanghai | https://2019.igem.org/Team:QDHS_Shanghai | Asia Pacific | China | Eutrophication | Qibao Dwight High School | High School | Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in pesticide detection | When farmers spray phosphate fertilizer on crops, the excess will leach to the underground, contaminating the water and resulting eutrophication which threatens many lives. Fertilizer pollution spreads globally, especially in developing countries where agriculture still holds economic dominance, although some countries have started to deal with the problem.We find that acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme which catalyzes the reaction converting P fertilizer to phosphoric acid. Therefore, we can use acetylcholinesterase to measure the concentration of Phosphate in water by detecting the level of PH. Our goal in this research is to produce acetylcholinesterase by bioengineering. We insert the ACHE gene in mouse into multi-clone vector pGEX-4T-1 with restrictive enzymes PluTI and BspQI, and then fuse it with E.coli. After expressing AChE, we assembly it into a PH device which corresponds P-fertilizer level with PH. In this way, people could learn the level of fertilizer pollution in water. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2019&group=QDHS_Shanghai | N/A |
| 2019 | SEU-Naijing China | https://2019.igem.org/Team:SEU-Nanjing-China | Asia Pacific | China | Harmful Algal Blooms | Southeast University | Undergrad | Algae terminator | Under the background of global warming and ocean acidification, large scale of Cyanobacteria bloom forming is unavoidable and become a serious global environment problem.Recently, we have found that the unique intracellular digestion mechanism of the Branchiostoma can degrade algae into nutrients such as amino acids and polysaccharides with effectively degradation of harmful substances such as algal toxins. This discovery provides a new perspective and insipration for exploring algae resources.Methods of bioinformatics are applied to further analyze the proteome of Branchiostoma and to screen specific proteins. We will transduct the screened genes into E-coli and design an efficient expression pathway to realize scale processing of algae mud. Gradient experiments will be conducted to explore the optimum reaction ratio and reaction conditions. Furthermore, we will explore its possibility to turn into raw material for animal feed to help fight global hunger.Use earth wisdom, solve earth problem. We are moving! | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2019&group=SEU-Nanjing-China | Gold |
| 2019 | Shanghai HS | https://2019.igem.org/Team:Shanghai_HS | Asia Pacific | China | Harmful Algal Blooms | Shanghai Pinghe Bilingual School | High School | Cyanobarrier: Solve the harm caused by cyanobacteria | Every summer, the outbreak of cyanobacteria puzzles numerous countries in the world. It causes insufficiency of oxygen in the waters, and the release of a poisonous substance called microcystin, which, even in small amount, causes serious diseases like liver cancer. However, the current method of removing microcystin is still inefficient or produces secondary pollution. Here we utilize enzyme MlrA, which is able to degrade microcystin, to solve the pollution. The mlrA genes from several different speices are expressed in E. coli and purified. The results show the microcystin is degraded with mlrA by HPLC (High Performed Liquid Chromatography). Furthermore, we try to design a device which is commercially mass produced and can be utilized by the waterworks or even at home. We anticipate our solution to aid in protecting the environment and avoiding people from getting sick because of drinking contaminated water. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2019&group=Shanghai_HS | Silver |
| 2013 | Shenzhen SFLS | http://2013.igem.org/Team:Shenzhen_SFLS | Asia Pacific | China | Eutrophication | Shezhen Foreign Language School | High School | Detection and Digestion of Phosphates: A Method in Eutrophication Response | Eutrophoication is mainly caused by too much phosphate and nitrogen in water and it can cause serious affction towards environment. When Eutrophication occurs, water-bloom will explosively boosted in water and caused heavy casualty of aquative living beings due to hypoxia. Our project is working on digesting phosphate in water. Due to our research, once we control the N/P ratio can we effectively control the situation of Eutrophication. And we manily focus on digesting Phosphate. Our project is consited of two connected devices. The first device contains a phosphate sensitive promoter which can be induced by phosphate starvation, a RFP system, and a supressor protein. Device 2, contains a promoter which is limited by the suppressor protein featured in Device 1, a PPK coding sequence that is key in digesting phosphate and a GFP with LVA that allows the bacteria to emit a green fluorescence while it is doing so. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2013&group=Shenzhen_SFLS | N/A |
| 2018 | WHU-China | http://2018.igem.org/Team:WHU-China | Asia Pacific | China | Eutrophication | WuHan University | Undergrad | Noah's Ark I - Polyphosphate planet | This year we aim to establish a brand new system of environmental remediation and maintenance in water. Owing to leakage or improper discharge, there are high levels of many chemicals in the water body causing water pollution like eutrophication. To deal with this, we established a set of pathways, used the symbiotic system of algae and our engineered bacteria and finally built an device as platform that can carry them—The Noah’s Ark. The Ark can make use of solar energy and continuously collect specific element or chemical agents from water to achieve the water restoration, as well as reusing the purified chemicals as resources！As an experiment, we used the Ark to recover phosphorus this year. Thus, the first product of a whole series was launched：Noah’s Ark I—Polyphosphate planet. | http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=WHU-China | Gold |
New England Biocrew
About
2022 FSU iGEM team collaborated with the East Coast BioCrew team to create a database of all previous iGEM teams that pursued projects with the intent of mitigating the harmful effects of high nutrient concentration in bodies of water a problem known as eutrophication. The information that was gathered was initially stored in an AirTable database. We have uploaded the data to our GitLab repository in the form of a comma-seperated values (CSV) document. We met with East Coast Biocrew multiple times to discuss and reflect on both of our projects. During our early conversations, our teams recognized the lack of a centralized database of iGEM teams whose project focused on algae bloom mitigation. Our hope is that this database will facilitate the human practices and design process of future iGEM teams, as we learned that it was time consuming to learn what other teams have done in the past. FSU IGEM and East Coast Biocrew worked remotely to improve the FSU iGEM Eutrophication Project Database, a centralized, open-source database available to all iGEM teams.
How did we help each other?
We met with East Coast Biocrew multiple times to discuss and reflect on both of our projects. During our early conversations, our teams recognized the lack of a centralized database of iGEM teams whose project focused on algae bloom mitigation.
United Incheon
About
During our team meetup, we discussed our intention of using synthetic biology to express Cercosporin on S. Cerevisiae. United Incheon expressed interest in running some experiment or transformations to collaborate with our project. Ultimately, we decided not to process with this option based on the cost associated with shipping materials across the globe.
How did we help each other?
During our team meetup, we discussed our intention of using synthetic biology to express Cercosporin on S. Cerevisiae. United Incheon expressed interest in running some experiment or transformations to collaborate with our project. Ultimately, we decided not to process with this option based on the cost associated with shipping materials across the globe. In addition, our human practices team provided guidance to United Incheon on how to conduct field research and build a human practices report. We provided United Incheon with a step-by-step plan that would allow them to understand their local problem based on academic, governmental, and non-governmental efforts.
What did we learn from these collaborations?
Through our online collaborations, we learned about the importance of sharing and receiving feedback from other iGEM teams. After many months of working on this project, is it very easy to overlook small details. Our meeting with United Incheon and East Crew Bio works provided our team with perspective and allowed us to better communicate our goals and aspirations to the general public. In addition, collaborating with other iGEM teams provided evidence of how easy it can be to help and support other teams. For instance, we were able to provide support to United Incheon on human practices, and East Coast Biocrew helped us provide a better experience for our younger audiences by providing feedback on our book. Ultimately, we enhanced our experiences as a student, as our collaborations enriched our understanding that innovation takes place when we are allowed to think, take risks, collaborate and learn.