Overview
This year, our team focused on addressing the global challenge of marine polyester plastic pollution. Targeting polyester plastics such as PET, PBAT, and PLA, which are resistant to degradation and prone to fragmenting into harmful microplastics, we developed novel biological components and experimental methods to advance polyester biodegradation research.
Through an integrated strategy combining enzyme mining and computer-assisted protein design, we identified and engineered marine-adapted, high-efficiency polyester hydrolases. To enable practical application, we established an inorganic nanocomposite immobilization system and a surficial co-displayed based monitoring platform, achieving a two-way biodegradation approach that addresses both the source (plastic production) and the end-of-life (environmental degradation) stages of polyester materials.
Beyond the laboratory, we created an inclusive and scalable global education framework under our Biosyn Bridge initiative, fostering cross-disciplinary and intercultural collaboration in science communication. Together, these contributions integrate synthetic biology innovation with real-world application, generating reusable, high-quality resources that empower future iGEM teams to tackle plastic pollution and advance synthetic biology education—setting a benchmark for sustainable biotechnological practice.
Part and Experimental Contributions
1.Parts
These parts are essential for gene expression. Our project has registered several components, all of which meet RFC standardization requirements. We are attempting to further develop our marine-adaptable polyester hydrolase by developing and combining the following components.
1.1 polygonase-A High-Stability, Broad-Spectrum Ester Hydrolase Variant
Through rational design and consensus mutation screening, we discovered an ester hydrolase from the marine organism Glaciecola sp. MH2013 from the open database (NCBI). Using computer-assisted protein design and other methods, we developed a highly efficient variant with significantly improved solubility, enhanced thermal stability, and enhanced catalytic activity. We further optimized this variant for both environmental and industrial degradation of polyesters.
This variant has been archived as an improved part, providing the industry with a solution for the discovery, modification, and industrial development of wild-type polyester hydrolases suitable for marine environments.
1.2 The development of a multi-element composite assisted catalytic on surficial co-displayed system
We designed an E. coli surface co-display system to improve the degradation efficiency of microplastics through the coordinated co-localization of adhesion and catalysis. pETlac-Plpp1.2-INPNC-mfp-3 (adhesion module) anchors the cells to the polyester microplastic surface, while pET28a-Lpp-OmpA-SpyCatcher/pET28a-polygonase-SpyTag (catalytic module) covalently links the enzyme to the bacterial membrane. This has achieved the development of a multi-element composite assisted catalytic surface display system.
Wet lab experiment
2.1 Enzyme Immobilization with nano-CaCO₃-SiO₂ Composite Matrix.
We have developed a sol-gel-based inorganic nano-CaCO₃-SiO₂ composite immobilization system for embedding hydrolytic enzymes into thermoplastic films. The immobilized enzymes retained approximately 40% activity after exposure to 200°C, exhibited uniform distribution, and were able to surface-degrade enzyme-encapsulated PBAT and PBAT/PLA films in seawater. This immobilization solution provides the industry with a path to developing enzyme-containing plastics suitable for marine environments.
Educational and Social Contributions — The Biosyn Bridge Initiative
1. Open and Inclusive Educational Resources
We contributed a diverse set of open-access educational resources designed to make science communication more engaging and accessible worldwide. Among them are interactive materials such as the Ocean Wonders Activity Book, an original Comic Book, and a Snakes and Ladders game themed around environmental conservation. All materials are freely available and easily adaptable, allowing educators and teams around the world to integrate them into their own environmental and synthetic biology outreach programs.
In parallel, we advanced inclusive science education by creating Braille handbooks and bilingual podcasts tailored for visually impaired audiences. These resources ensure that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can engage with science and sustainability education. To maximize accessibility, we also uploaded our podcast series to the iGEM Universe platform, making it openly available to the global community and further extending its educational reach.
2. Education Workflow Model
In the Biosyn Bridge Education Program, we contributed a systematic Educational Workflow Model guided by the GEO principles (including Global, Equality, and Open Resources) and the 3E Biosyn Bridge Cycle (Eco-Awakening, Edu-Empowering, and Equ-Globalizing). Before implementing our educational activities, we begin with stakeholder identification to ensure that our programs are well-targeted and effectively reach the intended audiences. Following this stage, we designed a continuous improvement loop composed of Execution of Activities – Information Collection – Refine. Through this cycle, we collect valuable feedback from each activity and continuously refine our approaches to improve their impact and inclusiveness.
The Educational Workflow Model provides not only our team but also the broader community with a clear, logical, and methodological framework for conducting educational activities. It has become a replicable and adaptable model that enables education to be carried out in a long-term and sustainable manner.
3. Global Collaboration
Guided by our Education Workshop Policy, we established an educational workshop in El Salvador, where we worked closely with local educators and carried out a series of activities tailored to diverse audiences. The El Salvador Workshop has since become a high-quality, sustainable platform that fosters meaningful cross-cultural collaboration and international educational exchange.
In parallel, we formed a long-term partnership with the ARCST (Andean Road Countries for Science and Technology). Two of our team members serve as education ambassadors within the organization, helping to extend the reach of our educational materials, activities, and teaching practices to a global audience. Through this collaboration, we have facilitated the international circulation of educational resources and contributed to building a more connected, inclusive, and open global education community.
4. Science & Art Integration
As part of our exploration into the fusion of art and science, we collaborated with the BUCT Drama Club to bring scientific concepts to life through theater. By combining stage performance with storytelling, we sought to present scientific narratives to the public in a more engaging and emotionally resonant way. Looking ahead, we hope to develop more scripts centered on biology and synthetic biology, allowing science to be understood and appreciated in a vivid, relatable form.
This collaboration represents our first step in bridging science and art, offering the wider community a cross-disciplinary approach that can inspire new and creative forms of educational engagement. This exploration opens a gentle yet imaginative pathway for fostering deeper public engagement with science.