Contribution

Our contribution to iGEM is twofold:

1. Scientific contributions: We provide tools, resources, and strategies that can directly support future iGEM projects.
2. Community and university contributions: We established the foundation for sustainable iGEM participation at our institution and shared our experiences with the wider community.

Scientific Contributions

Beyond our specific project goals, we aimed to provide knowledge and resources that will be useful for future iGEM teams:

• Cas12a Detection Platform: We developed and documented a Cas12a-based detection platform as a first step toward an out-of-the-lab testing system. While we did not yet reach a fully portable stage, our work provides a solid foundation for future projects aiming to apply CRISPR-based detection methods beyond the laboratory.
• Cost-Efficient Protein Production: We demonstrated that producing Cas12a protein in-house can drastically reduce costs compared to commercial sources. This is particularly relevant for self-funded iGEM projects, where budget efficiency can make a decisive difference.
• Design of Plasmids and crRNAs: We designed and shared plasmids and crRNAs targeting Pseudomonas putida (as a model organism) and Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus. These resources are openly available for other iGEM teams to adapt and use in their own projects.

Shared Parts Contributed to the iGEM Registry:

We contributed several DNA constructs designed for Cas12a-based detection of Pseudomonas putida and Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus. These parts are publicly available in the iGEM Registry for use by future teams.

Table 1: DNA constructs contributed by our team to the iGEM Registry to support Cas12a-based detection research.

By documenting these findings, we aim to make CRISPR-based diagnostics more accessible and affordable for future iGEM teams, and to lower the entry barrier for projects exploring similar approaches.

Contribution to the iGEM Community and Future iGEMers at the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW)

In addition to our scientific efforts, we made important contributions to the iGEM community and to our own university. As the first iGEM team from FHNW, our work represents the beginning of a new tradition:

• Establishing iGEM at FHNW: By forming the very first team, we raised awareness of iGEM across the university and created a platform for future teams to build upon. We laid the groundwork for sustainable participation by establishing internal structures, increasing visibility, and motivating new students to join.
• Networking and Exchange: We presented our project at the Swiss Mini Jamboree at EPFL in Lausanne, where we connected with other iGEM teams. These exchanges provided valuable feedback, and we documented our lessons learned so that future FHNW teams can benefit.
• Fundraising and Outreach: We actively engaged with industry partners and sponsors, giving iGEM a strong presence within our local ecosystem. This not only secured financial support for our project, but also opened doors for future collaborations.
• Community Engagement: Through presentations at research seminars, we introduced iGEM and our project to students, researchers, and sponsors at FHNW. This helped establish a supportive community that will continue to strengthen future teams.

Summary

In summary, we provided scientific resources that are useful to other iGEM teams and we established a framework for sustainable participation at our university. We believe this combination makes our work a lasting contribution to the iGEM community.