Overview
Motivated by the global challenge of barnacle attachment and toxic antifouling paints, AIS-China 2025 developed HullGuard, a sustainable, biology-based solution that safeguards marine ecosystems while reducing economic losses in shipping. Through Human Practices, we firmly grounded our project in environmental, industrial, and societal realities, ensuring HullGuard aligns with ecological protection, technological feasibility, and future commercialization.
Understanding diverse stakeholders was at the core of our HP journey. By engaging with shipyard operators, yacht users, coating companies, and district people's congress representative, we identified real-world concerns around hull maintenance, cost, safety, and regulatory compliance. These insights enabled us to refine HullGuard's application scenarios and prioritize eco-friendly coating development for both recreational and commercial vessels.
Our reflections and responses to each HP investigation became strong driving forces in HullGuard's progress. Feedback from the academic community highlighted the importance of reliability, standardization, and carbon reduction, guiding us to design robust testing strategies. Input from the industry sector emphasized the need for scalable production and practical usability, which directed our engineering optimization. Perspectives from the user side revealed demands for safe, convenient, and effective antifouling solutions, shaping our design for real-world applications. Meanwhile, investment viewpoints remind us to enhance data credibility and strengthen partnerships for future implementation.
Beyond research and industry, we also took on the responsibility of public engagement and education. Through school lectures, interactive workshops, and science communication, we raised awareness of marine biofouling and green antifouling solutions, encouraging the younger generation to think critically about the role of biotechnology in sustainability.
We believe that science gains true value only when rooted in human needs and environmental responsibility. With comprehensive, reflective, and inclusive Human Practices, HullGuard are growing hand-in-hand, guided by stakeholder trust and the vision of a greener marine future.
Value Identification
Human practices play a vital role in the development of our project. Good human practices require strategic planning and execution; transparent, honest documentation and evaluation; inclusive engagement of diverse stakeholders; and an iterative feedback loop that continually improves the project. To ensure the quality of our human practices, we defined a set of values to guide our process and set clear boundaries ---- on ethics, data use, environmental safety and etc—so we know how to proceed, when to pause, and when to say no.
Ethics & Responsibility
Our project is guided by a strong sense of ethics and responsibility. We recognize that synthetic biology carries potential benefits but also risks, and therefore we set clear boundaries on what should and should not be done. Every major decision is evaluated not only in terms of technical feasibility but also in terms of social and environmental responsibility. This framework ensures that our team can confidently decide when to move forward, when to pause, and when to decline actions that may compromise safety or integrity.
Transparency & Inclusiveness
Transparency is fundamental to trust. We keep detailed and honest records of our Human Practices activities, ensuring that our stakeholders, collaborators, and the public can clearly understand how our project develops. At the same time, inclusiveness is central: we actively involve people from different sectors—scientists, shipyard workers, environmental NGOs, policymakers, and community members—so that no single viewpoint dominates our project. This way, our design decisions are informed by diverse voices and remain socially balanced.
Privacy
We view privacy as an ethical obligation rather than just a technical issue. All interactions with stakeholders are handled with strict data protection standards, following GDPR requirements. When conducting interviews, we anonymize responses, remove identifying information, and publish results only with explicit consent. This allows stakeholders to speak openly without fear of exposure, which in turn gives us more authentic insights. Protecting personal data not only safeguards individuals but also reinforces our project's credibility as responsible researchers.
Sustainability
Sustainability is embedded in every aspect of our project design. Zosteric Acid, our chosen antifouling agent, is low in toxicity, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly, making it a promising alternative to harmful copper- or tin-based paints. By prioritizing solutions that reduce ecological damage, we align our project with the International Maritime Organization's sustainability goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Beyond science, we also consider sustainability in terms of long-term application: whether our product can be adopted widely without creating new ecological or social burdens.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement
Innovation in Human Practices means not only adopting new technologies but also rethinking how these technologies interact with society. We explore alternatives to conventional antifouling methods by engaging directly with experts like Selektope and incorporating their feedback into our design. At the same time, we operate within an iterative feedback loop: every stakeholder conversation, survey, or workshop provides input for improving our solution. This cycle of innovation ensures that our project does not remain static but continuously evolves to meet real-world needs while staying responsible and ethical.
Conclusion
Together, these values form the foundation of our Human Practices. They ensure that HullGuard is developed not only as a scientific and technical solution, but also as a socially responsible, ethically sound, and environmentally sustainable project. By committing to ethics, transparency, inclusiveness, privacy, sustainability, and continuous innovation, we guarantee that our work remains accountable to both science and society—today and in the future.
Stakeholders' Identification
Guided by consumer-oriented product design, we have visualized the interest levels of stakeholders in our project concerning end-user identification, design formulation, impact expansion, and commercialization. With reference to the Mendelow's Matrix below, this categorization supports the prioritization of engagement strategies for effective project implementation.
Low Interest, Low Power
At present, these stakeholders show little awareness of or engagement with biofouling challenges, but they remain important to monitor. Media outlets and the general public may not yet view antifouling biotechnology as a priority, but over time, shifts in social awareness or policy could raise their interest. Our responsibility is to maintain transparent communication, share progress in an accessible way, and ensure that no misinformation shapes negative perceptions.
High Interest, Low Power
This category includes groups strongly affected by biofouling but with relatively limited influence over industry standards. The marine sports community experiences heavy maintenance costs due to biofilm and fouling, and while they may lack technical expertise, they represent a crucial user segment whose needs shape broader market acceptance. Environmental NGOs and marine conservation groups, although less powerful in commercial terms, are key allies in advocacy and public education.
Low Interest, High Power
These stakeholders may not be directly motivated by biofouling concerns, yet their influence across related industries makes their perspective valuable. Offshore energy companies focus mainly on technical feasibility and regulatory compliance, and their insights can inform how our project addresses sustainability in marine infrastructure. Port operators, while less concerned with environmental outcomes, provide critical guidance on maintenance cost efficiency and operational impact.
High Interest, High Power
This group is of critical importance to our project, as their engagement directly shapes both adoption potential and technical refinement. Shipping companies represent a central example, since marine biofouling directly impacts their fuel consumption and overall operating costs. They also have strong awareness of international compliance requirements and possess technical teams capable of giving us highly valuable feedback. Similarly, aquaculture operators face major challenges from biofilm accumulation, which undermines water quality and profitability.
Reflection Framework
To align our research with stakeholder needs and environmental sustainability, we proactively engage with key stakeholders from academia, industry, and coastal communities through structured Human Practices. We developed the P+PIGA (Purpose-Plan-Implement-Gain-Adjust) principle—a robust framework that ensures systematic planning, execution, and adaptation of solutions for our eco-friendly antifouling coating, HullGuard. This methodology fosters two-way communication to maintain focus on core objectives.
The Four Stages and Milestone
To better structure our human practices and engagement with the world, we identified four key stages - issue identification, solution formulation, expanding impact, and commercialization - that we categorize our HP activites into. Although each stage is unique - the stakeholders we engage with, questions we ask, activities we design vary between stages - there is connection between the stages as they all tie closely to the continuous development of HullGuard
After gaining a substantial amount of information and firm understanding of each stage, we compile our findings for each stage into milestones - key summaries and conclusions that are essential for project progression.
Human Practices Journey Timeline
Stage 1: Issue Identification
- Prof. Yaping Gao
- Dr. Markus Hoffmann
- Mr. Fulin Sun
- Mr. Xiaohuan Li
- Mr. Henry Sin
At this stage, we will determine the extent and severity of the biological contamination, as well as its negative impact on the relevant stakeholders. At the same time, a thorough understanding of one's own solution and existing alternatives.
Stage 2: Formulate our solutions
- Dr. Honghao Su
- Mr. Youyuan Huang
- Mr. Shaoyan Lai
- Dr. Lixiang Wang
- Dr. XXX
- Prof. Taoyan Mao
- Prof. Peng Jin
- Dr. Wenshan Liu & Dr. Feng & Dr. Yong Hu
At this stage, we will leverage insights from interviews with experts and stakeholders to develop our zosteric acid-based antifouling coating. Meanwhile, we will maintain ongoing engagement with relevant stakeholders to provide directional guidance for the solution's development.
Stage 3: Expanding project impact
- The 9th Southern China Regional Meeting
- Ms. Maoyu Mao
- Ms. Miaohua Lin
- Public Lecture
At this stage, we will collaborate with various stakeholders to promote the zosteric acid-based antifouling coating and collect feedback for optimization. Meanwhile, we will launch knowledge popularization activities to further expand the project's industrial and social impact.
Stage 4: Commercialization
- Prof. Peng Jin
- Dr. Boxiang Wang
- Mr. Jianhua Li
At this stage, we will conduct interviews with key stakeholders such as biotechnology investor to deeply explore market demands and technical optimization directions. At the same time, we will summarize the project advantages and commercialization paths, and complete the formulation of a business.
Integrated Human Practice Journey
Stage 1. Issue Identification
Prof. Yaping Gao
Biological Expert
Associate Researcher, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences.
Purpose
We consulted Prof. Yaping Gao for her expertise in seagrass ecology and antifouling research. Our goals were to assess the environmental safety of ZA, explore its practical applications in marine settings, and understand the challenges faced by fishermen in dealing with net fouling, vessel maintenance, and the adoption of new antifouling methods.
Gain
Prof. Gao emphasized that barnacle fouling not only damages aquaculture facilities but also hinders mangrove restoration and marine equipment, creating long-term ecological and economic burdens. She recognized HullGuard’s potential to provide a greener alternative to toxic paints, yet reminded us that any solution must remain eco-friendly and affordable for users. She suggested that ZA should be produced through microbial fermentation rather than live bacteria release, and that inhibitory concentration tests across multiple marine species are essential to prove safety.
Adjust
Based on her advice, we refined our design by developing microencapsulation to ensure longer-term ZA release, and we added immersion experiments with artificial seawater to verify both efficacy and biosafety. These adjustments allowed us to move one step closer to a product that balances environmental responsibility with practical feasibility.
Dr. Markus Hoffmann
Coating company
Director of R&D at I-Tech, is an antifouling expert withz a strong research background from Hempel and BASF, holding a PhD in organic chemistry from JMU Würzburg.
Purpose
We sought Dr. Hoffmann's perspective to better understand the limitations of current antifouling coatings, evaluate ZA's feasibility as a new agent, and learn how to enhance stability and application performance through formulation.
Gain
Dr. Hoffmann explained that biofouling can increase ship fuel consumption by up to 30%, with serious impacts on aquaculture and marine infrastructure. Existing antifouling paints often rely on toxic compounds or are prohibitively expensive, leaving a clear demand for greener, scalable alternatives. He acknowledged ZA’s eco-friendly potential but cautioned that its hydrophilicity weakens stability, making encapsulation a necessary step for practical use. He also pointed out the strict regulatory barriers in the sector—only a handful of new antifouling agents have been approved in recent decades, meaning innovation requires both strong science and patient navigation of approval processes.
Adjust
We decided to study the development path of Selektope as a reference, explore potential collaborations with formulation experts, and integrate Dr. Hoffmann’s regulatory insights into our market and policy analysis. This reinforced the idea that HullGuard is not only a biological innovation but also part of a long-term industrial and regulatory system.
Mr. Fulin Sun
Shipyard
The overall person in charge of ship painting at Zhonglian Shipping Engineering Co., LTD
Purpose
We visited local shipyards to observe the reality of barnacle fouling and its removal, aiming to align HullGuard’s design with frontline maintenance challenges.
Gain
During the visit, we saw workers scraping barnacles from hulls with heavy metal tools. The process was labor-intensive, inefficient, and caused visible damage to hull coatings, leading to repeated maintenance cycles and financial losses. These observations confirmed the urgency of effective, non-toxic alternatives and gave us a clearer sense of the environments where HullGuard would eventually be applied.
Adjust
We incorporated shipyard visuals into our outreach materials to highlight the real-world problem. We also designed comparative experiments to measure ZA’s performance against traditional methods, and refined application scenarios by considering docking frequency and fouling hotspots. Maintaining ongoing communication with shipyard workers ensures their voices continue to shape our testing and application strategy.
Mr. Xiaohuan Li
Marine sport industry
Li Xiaohuan is a long-time champion of youth sailing in China, serving as President of the Beijing Sailing Center and General Manager of Shenzhen Wanhang Sailing, and formerly/currently as Chair of the Chinese Yachting Association’s Mass & Youth Development Committee.
Purpose
We interviewed Mr. Li to understand antifouling needs in the sailing industry, particularly yachts, and to evaluate the balance between environmental standards, cost pressures, and performance expectations.
Gain
Mr. Li explained that antifouling paints are among the highest maintenance costs for yachts. Copper-based products, while still common, are gradually restricted under tightening environmental regulations. Market demand, however, prioritizes durability and affordability, with many yacht owners focusing on short-term costs. He observed that international brands deliver better performance but that reducing copper often compromises effectiveness, creating a gap for new, sustainable technologies.
Adjust
From this discussion, we recognized that HullGuard must not only be eco-friendly but also competitive in cost-effectiveness to gain adoption. We decided to expand our market research among yacht clubs and sailing schools, closely track international regulatory changes, and target mid-to-high-end users who are more willing to invest in green solutions.
Mr. Henry Sin
Environmental expert
Mr.Henry Sin, the environmental consultant during the construction of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge
Purpose
We consulted Mr. Sin to explore large-scale antifouling practices, regulatory gaps, and commercial opportunities for HullGuard, especially in the context of marine infrastructure.
Gain
He shared insights into antifouling strategies used on the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, noting that while technical solutions exist, regulation and public awareness remain underdeveloped. He stressed that cost will be a major hurdle for HullGuard, and that quantitative comparisons with commercial coatings will be essential to demonstrate value. Importantly, he shared a successful case where measurable fuel savings from antifouling coatings directly enabled commercial adoption, showing how data-driven impact can persuade both regulators and investors.
Adjust
In response, we committed to conducting side-by-side performance tests with existing products, analyzing production costs to explore optimization strategies, and incorporating sustainability modules into our outreach. We also plan to use success stories like the one Mr. Sin shared as persuasive examples in our stakeholder communications, demonstrating that HullGuard’s impact can be both ecological and economic.
Milestone1:
Initially, we identified marine biofouling's core challenges and impacts via expert interviews, site visits, and stakeholder engagement. We found barnacle attachment hikes ships' fuel use and maintenance costs, and disrupts aquaculture and coastal ecosystem restoration.Consultations revealed current antifouling solutions' limits: toxic copper-based paints, costly silicone coatings, and inefficient robotic cleaning. Stakeholders stressed needs for environmental safety, long-term effectiveness, and cost feasibility.This let us clearly define HullGuard's design direction: targeting biofilm formation with natural Zosteric Acid (ZA) for a green, sustainable alternative, laying a foundation for the next step of formulating a solution matching scientific innovation and real-world demands.
Stage 2. Formulate our solutions
Dr. Honghao Su
Protein engineering expert
Research Associate in Protein Design, University of Bristol
Purpose
We aimed to optimize the biosynthetic pathway of ZA by engineering TAL and SULT1A1, and sought Dr. Su’s guidance on computational modeling and protein fusion strategies.
Gain
Dr. Su recommended integrating ProtSSN functional site analysis with ΔΔG filtering to prioritize mutations, especially in substrate-binding pockets and divergent regions where activity can be improved. For fusion protein design, he suggested SpyTag/SpyCatcher modular assembly as a robust solution to maintain enzyme activity, while also advising that shorter linkers could serve as simpler backups. Additionally, he noted that protein engineering may enhance solubility and release, but such approaches should be carefully balanced against industrial cost and scalability.
Adjust
We plan to design 3–5 prioritized mutation schemes combining ProtSSN and ΔΔG results. Spy-based assembly will be explored to improve fusion protein reliability, and linker optimization will remain as a fallback. For application, our focus will shift toward improving solubility and controlled release, ensuring practical relevance by integrating feedback from HP stakeholders.
Mr. Youyuan Huang
Shipyard
The head of the business department of Zhonglian Shipping Engineering Co., LTD
Purpose
We consulted Mr. Huang to understand the current state of antifouling coatings in the marine industry, practical challenges in adopting green alternatives, and pathways for technology acceptance.
Gain
He explained that copper-based paints still dominate the market but pose ecological risks that regulators and clients are increasingly aware of. For customers, durability, cost, and compatibility with existing primer and tie coats are the top concerns, often outweighing eco-friendliness. He noted that small-scale “patch testing” on hulls is the norm before any full application, due to the cost of dry-docking and coating replacement. He also highlighted certification by classification societies as a major hurdle, and invited us to Dongguan shipyards to observe frontline application practices.
Adjust
We will prioritize small-scale bioassays and panel immersion tests to simulate industry practice, while checking compatibility with primers and anti-corrosion layers. At the same time, we will initiate conversations with classification societies and regulators to better understand certification pathways. Collaboration with shipyards for trial applications will be explored, positioning ZA coatings as both performance-driven and eco-friendly.
Mr. Shaoyan Lai
Shipping company
Department Manager of Shenzhen Yunda Shipping Co., LTD
Purpose
We sought to understand how fouling impacts vessel operations, cost structures, and certification requirements to inform HullGuard’s technical and commercial roadmap.
Gain
The company reported that fouling typically reduces ship speed by 1–2 knots, which can increase fuel consumption by up to 10%, adding significant costs. A standard coating reapplication requires ~10 days in dry dock and costs RMB 700,000–800,000. Clients expect coating lifespans of at least 36 months, with compatibility and reliability as key decision factors. While green alternatives are welcomed in principle, adoption requires formal certification and convincing performance data. They also emphasized price sensitivity, with viable products needing to fall within RMB 50–80 per kilogram.
Adjust
We will refine HullGuard’s business plan to highlight fuel savings and maintenance reduction as core benefits. Compatibility testing with existing primer systems will be expanded, and classification societies will be consulted early to clarify certification timelines. These insights will also shape the commercial indicators we present to potential investors.
Dr. Lixiang Wang
Coating company
Huajie Aohai is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the development and application of nano heavy-duty anti-corrosion coatings. Its innovations serve marine engineering, defense, petrochemical, and other critical industries.
Purpose
We consulted Dr. Wang to assess ZA’s feasibility under new antifouling regulations and to explore technical improvements that could make HullGuard competitive in the coatings market.
Gain
Dr. Wang emphasized that recent national standards demand ≥5 years of durability and ≥5 MPa adhesion, criteria that even established products often struggle to meet. He pointed out that market adoption depends on performance first—whether the coating is biological or chemical is secondary. However, he also noted that fishing vessels or smaller boats could provide early-stage trial platforms for ZA if its performance approaches these benchmarks. He encouraged us to focus on solubility and release challenges to make the product viable.
Adjust
We will align HullGuard’s lab testing with national benchmarks by assessing durability, adhesion strength, and biofilm inhibition. Techniques like microencapsulation and polymer binding will be explored to manage ZA’s solubility, alongside formulation optimization. We also plan to establish partnerships with companies open to pilot trials on small vessels. Veritas (DNV)) to clarify testing requirements, environmental compliance criteria, and validation timelines./p>
Dr. XXX
Oceanography expert
A professor on oceanology and life science.
Purpose
We engaged with this professor to critically evaluate ZA’s antifouling potential, clarify its advantages and limitations, and understand how synthetic biology could contribute to industrial feasibility.
Gain
The professor explained that chemical coatings dominate the market due to proven performance, but their ecological footprint and durability limitations are increasingly problematic. ZA, with its low toxicity and ability to disrupt biofilm formation, shows clear potential as a greener option. However, more comparative data against existing agents are required, and controlled-release mechanisms must be developed to overcome solubility issues. The professor acknowledged that synthetic biology could lower production costs but cautioned that the scale-up pathway is often overlooked in early-stage projects.
Adjust
We will strengthen our literature review and experimental validation to compare ZA against standard antifouling agents. Controlled-release research will be prioritized, using strategies like polymer carriers or encapsulation. Additionally, we will refine our communication of HullGuard’s synthetic biology approach by clearly outlining a roadmap from lab to pilot-scale production.
Prof. Taoyan Mao
Chemical engineering expert
Associate Professor and Master's Supervisor at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou University
Purpose
We consulted Prof. Mao on chemical and biochemical strategies to improve ZA’s solubility, stability, and controlled release within coating formulations.
Gain
She suggested a dual strategy: esterification to enhance solubility and encapsulation to achieve sustained release. While enzymatic catalysis provides selectivity, its instability and high cost limit scalability. Alternative methods, such as cascade reactions or engineered fusion enzymes, may address these issues. She also reminded us that intellectual property in this field is broad, requiring careful design to avoid patent conflicts.
Adjust
Planned Actions:
We will carry out esterification and emulsification experiments, verifying product quality with HPLC and MS. Dispersion tests in coating matrices will be performed, followed by iron-plate curing to evaluate adhesion and durability. These results will inform whether ZA-modified formulations can meet practical performance standards.
Prof. Peng Jin
Environmental expert
Associate Professor and Master's Supervisor at the School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University
Purpose
We engaged Prof. Jin to understand ecological risks, regulatory restrictions, and possible strategies for adapting ZA for safe antifouling use.
Gain
Prof. Jin emphasized that toxicity and bioaccumulation studies must be conducted through certified labs, as live-organism testing is tightly regulated. He confirmed that ZA’s solubility makes it difficult to retain in coatings, requiring modification for controlled release. At the same time, he highlighted HullGuard’s broader value: contributing to SDGs 9, 12, and 14 by linking green innovation with industrial application and marine protection.
Adjust
We will prioritize ecological safety tests such as LC₅₀ and bioaccumulation, outsourcing these to accredited institutions. Chemically modified ZA analogues will be tested for lower solubility while maintaining antifouling function. Regulatory engagement will also be a parallel focus to ensure compliance and credibility.
Prof. Yong Hu & Dr. Wenshan Liu (Shenzhen Rhegen Biotechnology Co., Ltd.)
Protein engineering expert
Rhegen Bio is an innovative biotechnology company based in Shenzhen, dedicated to the research and industrialization of mRNA medicines and vaccines, aiming to provide solutions for infectious disease prevention and cancer therapy.
Purpose
We convened a panel of experts to improve the metabolic pathway for ZA biosynthesis, focusing on enzyme connection, protein expression, purification methods, and yield optimization.
Gain
The panel recommended maintaining TAL and SULT1A1 activity by using SpyTag-SpyCatcher linkers or separate expression strategies. They advised AI-assisted enzyme design for targeted improvements, and codon optimization or promoter adjustment to address weak SULT1A1 expression. For purification, cost-effective methods such as silica-gel chromatography and TLC were suggested. They noted that our current yield (~40 mg/L) is far below reported levels, signaling the need for metabolic balancing and industrial scale-up planning.
Adjust
We will test protein linker systems alongside codon and promoter optimization, while exploring AI-guided design for further enzyme improvements. TLC and silica-gel chromatography will be used for preliminary purification, with external lab validation for accuracy. To scale up, we plan to seek collaborations with partners owning fermentation tanks, targeting gram-level ZA production for field trials.
Milestone2:
Post identifying shortcomings of existing antifouling approaches, our team worked on turning ZA into a viable, sustainable coating component, refining HullGuard with expert and industry input. Technically, we optimized ZA's biosynthesis via enzyme engineering and AI tools, and explored modification/encapsulation for sustained release. Industrially, guided by benchmarks like 5-year durability and ≥5 MPa adhesion, we integrated lab tests with industry standards. HullGuard evolved into a robust, application-ready solution, aligned with real-world needs, laying groundwork for broader impact.
Stage 3. Expanding project impact
The 9th Southern China Regional Meeting
Meeting
The South China Regional Meeting, organized by the Shenzhen University iGEM team (SZU-China), has been held annually since 2017. Now in its ninth edition, it aims to provide iGEMers with an interactive and enjoyable platform, fostering collaboration, exchange, and mutual learning among teams.
Purpose
TWe joined the South China iGEM Exchange at Shenzhen University to showcase HullGuard, learn from peer projects, and strengthen iGEM community ties. Our aim was both to communicate science to the public and to gain feedback for improvement.
Gain
Our ZA-based antifouling presentation was praised for clarity and well-prepared Q&A. The booth, mini-games, and poster attracted steady traffic, amplified by photos and social media promotion. Beyond exposure, we connected with several teams for idea-sharing and potential collaboration, which expanded our project’s academic and social impact.
Adjust
In the future, we will prepare broader FAQs to handle unexpected questions, manage time more effectively during Q&A, and develop structured proposals to turn initial contacts into sustained collaboration.
Ms. Maoyu Mao
Journalist
Environmental protection reporter of Guangdong New Express Daily
Purpose
We interviewed Ms. Mao, an experienced journalist, to understand how marine environmental issues are reported and how science communication can shape public awareness and policy discourse.
Gain
She explained that awareness of issues like hull fouling is still limited, enforcement often struggles against economic priorities, and fragmented governance weakens policy effectiveness. She highlighted that compelling storytelling, visually rich formats, and partnerships with educational platforms are crucial for reaching diverse audiences.
Adjust
We will integrate these suggestions by co-designing outreach with media professionals, framing antifouling in relatable terms, and testing formats such as comics, videos, and posters to broaden public engagement.
Ms. Miaohua Lin
NPC deputy
Representative of the People's Congress of Zengcheng District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province
Purpose
We consulted Ms. Lin on the ecological and economic costs of biofouling, existing policy responses, and how sustainable coatings could be supported through governance.
Gain
She noted that biofouling raises fuel and maintenance costs, copper paints remain harmful, and SMEs are hesitant due to high costs and uncertain returns. While policies exist, enforcement is uneven. She emphasized that government incentives and standard-setting will be decisive for adoption.
Adjust
Going forward, we will refine our draft policy recommendations with expert input, pursue ZA production optimization to lower costs, and prepare pilot collaborations with local authorities and ports to demonstrate HullGuard’s feasibility.
Public Lecture
Community lecture
This center integrates exhibitions, services and activities, and serves as a hub for services, education, community participation and image display in Nanshan District.
Purpose
We organized a science lecture for elementary students to introduce biofouling, explain its environmental impacts, and present ZA-based solutions through interactive learning.
Gain
Students discovered that hull fouling is a real-world problem, saw the limits of toxic paints, and understood ZA’s eco-friendly advantages. The smoothness experiment was especially memorable, while the design activity inspired students to apply science creatively. Their enthusiastic feedback showed the potential of early environmental education.
Adjust
We plan to improve classroom management, design tiered challenges for different learning levels, and enrich sessions with real-world cases and visual aids to better connect students with scientific applications.
Milestone3:
We boosted HullGuard's societal and academic impact via scientific communication, public education, and policy advocacy, connecting lab innovation with real-world influence. Academically, we joined iGEM exchanges, gaining recognition, collaboration opportunities, and refining technical communication. Publicly, we held outreach events like lectures for students, raising awareness of marine issues and inspiring youth. We also interviewed journalists and advocates, identifying gaps in awareness, regulation, and incentives. Integrating these efforts, Stage 3 extended HullGuard's impact beyond the lab, positioning it in marine protection and sustainable tech conversations.
Stage 4. Commercialization
Prof. Peng Jin
Environmental expert
Associate Professor and Master's Supervisor at the School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University
Purpose
We interviewed Prof. Jin, a leading researcher, to learn about ZA’s adoption potential in environmental and industrial contexts.
Gain
He identified three decisive factors: proven environmental safety, cost-effectiveness, and measurable emission reductions. He also pointed out that standardized testing and carbon-neutral certification require rigorous verification, and adoption will depend on multi-stakeholder cooperation.
Adjust
We will focus on validating ZA’s bioactivity, improving production yields, and collaborating across academia, government, and industry to align HullGuard with technical and regulatory requirements.
Dr. Boxiang Wang
Biotechnology company
Co-founder and CTO of Link Spider, is a molecular biologist with over ten years of synthetic biology experience, specializing in spider silk protein design and production.
Purpose
We consulted Dr. Wang, an industrial bioproduction expert, about ZA fermentation, purification, and cost challenges.
Gain
He explained that low yield is the main barrier: costs are ~RMB 9,500/kg at 1 g/L, but can drop to ~RMB 1,000/kg at 10 g/L. Purification is expensive due to solubility, while controlled-release technologies are still underdeveloped. He emphasized that industrial relevance depends on addressing all three aspects.
Adjust
We will pursue fermentation optimization to reach ≥10 g/L, explore integrated purification, and test sustained-release approaches such as microencapsulation and polymer carriers. At the same time, we will design small-scale trials and begin early certification planning.
Mr. Jianhua Li
Biological investment company
An industrially rooted biopharmaceutical fund that empowers its portfolio companies and accelerates the industrialization of innovative drugs and technologies.
Purpose
We consulted Mr. Li, an investor in marine biotechnology, to understand HullGuard’s commercial prospects and immediate priorities.
Gain
He confirmed ZA’s relevance but stressed that early work should prioritize scientific proof: higher yields, reliable data, and strong credibility. He also noted that while biotech is an expanding sector, investors will only engage after clear technical progress. For now, collaboration with universities and research labs is more valuable.
Adjust
We will refine testing protocols, concentrate on solving scientific bottlenecks, and frame HullGuard as a proof-of-concept project. Commercialization is a long-term goal, but our near-term focus will be credibility, data quality, and scientific partnerships.
Milestone4:
We focused on HullGuard's commercial potential, exploring how to move Zosteric Acid (ZA) from lab to real use via expert talks, outlining a commercialization roadmap. Prof. Peng Jin noted eco-coatings need safety, cost-effectiveness, carbon benefits, and standard metrics, urging efficacy tests and early collaboration. Dr. Boxiang Wang pointed out ZA’s industrial challenges (yield, purification, sustained release), guiding R&D on scalability. Mr. Jianhua Li (investor) affirmed ZA’s value but said commercialization is premature, advising stronger data and research/NGO collaborations. Integrating academic, industrial, and investment insights, Stage 4 clarified the next steps: prioritize technical optimization/validation now, with long-term alignment to policy, industry, and sustainable shipping.
Conclusion
Overall, our Human Practices journey reflects AIS-China's continuous reflection and active exploration of the relationship between humans, technology, and the ocean. By engaging with diverse stakeholders—from ship operators to industry experts—we carefully integrated real-world needs into every step of HullGuard's design, ensuring that our solution is both scientifically robust and socially meaningful.
Through addressing societal gaps, from raising public awareness of biofouling and sustainability to promoting inclusive opportunities in green industries, we dedicated our efforts to aligning HullGuard with broader goals of ocean conservation and sustainable development. By persistently examining the essence of long-term ecological balance, from reducing toxic pollution to empowering future generations through education, we have strengthened the role of biotechnology as a driver for positive environmental transformation.
Yet, our journey does not end here. With the enduring passion of high school students, we will continue to innovate and refine strategies that foster harmony between humankind and the marine environment. HullGuard, together with us, will keep growing as a catalyst for ecological protection and sustainable shipping, carrying forward our vision for a cleaner and greener future.