Our Contribution
For our contribution to the iGEM community, we decided to focus on protocols. During our project, we realized that many experimental procedures are often scattered, only partially documented, or lacking in visual clarity. To address this, we created a set of well-illustrated and detailed protocols, including both common laboratory methods and more specialized, niche protocols that are specific to our project. By sharing them in a clear, step-by-step format, with figures, diagrams, and troubleshooting advice, we aim to make them more accessible to future iGEM teams and researchers. These protocols include, for example, methods for bacterial encapsulation in hydrogels, the use of auxotrophic strains for biosafety, and optimization strategies for extracellular enzyme expression with autotransporters. We believe that this kind of contribution will help other teams save time, avoid mistakes, and successfully reproduce complex workflows. By documenting not only the "what" but also the "how" and "why" of our methods, we hope to lower the barrier for others who want to explore similar approaches. In doing so, our team contributes not just data or designs, but also practical tools and knowledge-sharing, strengthening the collective know-how of the iGEM community. We encourage other teams to build upon our work, adapt our protocols to their specific needs, and share their own findings and improvements. This collaborative spirit is essential for advancing synthetic biology and fostering innovation within the iGEM community.