Improvement of Existing Part

We built on the previously created parts lldPRD operon promoter BBa_M36021 and lldR BBa_K1847001 by introducing a combination of hyper-spank and RBS spoVG in its head and an optimized sequence of RiboJ in its tail, once created a new pLldR promoter. Most importantly, we combined the constructed pLldR promoter with the TP901-mediated XOR logic gate, which greatly improved the performance of the pLldR promoter.

The optimized pLldR promoter improves the signal output level while the signal output level is more stable. This is undoubtedly beneficial for the subsequent construction. More notably, we introduced the TP901-XOR gate system, which helps to coordinate many different inducible operons. We characterized our optimized system using pLldR -mRFP as a control as follows.

Besides, we used and characterized the red fluorescent protein (BBa_E1010). To target tumor cells, we designed several promoters such as pPepT promoter for hypoxia and used the TP901-mediated XOR gate to stabilize and enhance the fluorescent signal of pPepT. Here, red fluorescent protein was used as a reporter. The results showed that the introduction of TP901-XOR gate system could significantly enhance the magnitude of red fluorescent signal and its robustness.

New Part for E. coli

In order to make our engineered E. coli adhere to the tumor cells, we introduce the HlpA, more details can visit BBa_K4156126. HlpA is a binding protein from Streptococcus gallolyticus that binds to acetyl heparan sulfate glycoprotein (HSPG) on the tumor surface (specifically to syndecan 1, which is upregulated during carcinogenesis). HlpA has been shown to enhance the ability of engineered bacteria to penetrate colorectal tumor cells.

Construction of Three Biosensor

We constructed three sensors that can stably respond to lactic acid, low pH, and hypoxic conditions, something that has rarely been done in previous competitions. Other teams can continue to build on ours and can use Boolean logic gates for different combinations of multiple signal sensors. More details can visit proof of concept.

Model for Wider Use

For the code, we use the particle swarm optimization in determining the optimal parameters of the model provides general idea for a class of global optimization of the objective function with the minimal deviation of the model and experimental data as target. Therefore, the code provides instructive suggestions for finding globally optimal parameters in systems of ordinary differential equations and even in various other models.

For our model, we provide a class of ordinary differential equation models that are easy to calculate and have a strong biological background for the biological process of transcription and translation of subsequent genes after combining specific promoters in a class of engineered bacteria by the action and activation of environmental factors, and then analyzing the process of translation products under the influence of environmental factors in engineering bacteria over time. The maximum deviation ratio, which we propose in evaluating the sensitivity of the model to parameters, can be widely used in the process of evaluating the sensitivity of the model to parameters. More detail can visit model.

New Platform: Education Package

2021 LZU-CHINA simply wanted to create an education package to provide resources for children of all ages, but since the content was in a single format and could only be used in certain contexts, we not only added new content such as picture books this year, but also worked to make it become an open resource platform where received educational resources from numerous iGEM teams. More details can visit communication.

LGBTQ brochure and written proposal

Due to China's conservative policies, the rights of the LGBTQ community have been neglected, especially when it comes to healthcare. That's why we wrote a proposal to healthcare professionals in the hope that LGBTQ people can be treated fairly in China. Both the brochure and the proposal are available on our website for download and use. I hope that in the future, Chinese iGEMers can continue to supplement and improve on our foundation, and through our little by little efforts, the rainbow flag will eventually fly around the world. More details can visit inclusivity-LGBTQ

Open-Source Picture Book

LZU-CHINA collaborated with Worldshaper-HZBIOX and SZ_SHD developed a picture book for children, which concludes three cartoon stories about our project and about synthetic biology. This picture book is open resource that we'd like to more and more children have access to synthetic biology, not just restricted in exam and score. More details can visit partnership