Interview with Professor Li Wanying back

Introduction

To understand the current status of ginsenoside Ro research, its industrialization progress, and advanced technologies—and to align our project with real industry needs and standards—we visited the Ginseng Engineering Center, Jilin Agricultural University for an exchange with Professor Li Wanying and other experts.

Record

We briefly introduced the project background and core direction. Drawing on the Center's research practice, Professor Li offered guidance from an agricultural perspective:

Multi-dimensional cultivar evaluation

Elite ginseng varieties are assessed with composite criteria encompassing yield, composition (key ginsenoside content and stability), stress resistance, growth cycle, and uniformity. In breeding, the Center routinely uses HPLC to screen for target ginsenoside levels, and in recent years has incorporated marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) . By specifically marking genes that regulate ginsenoside biosynthesis, they can predict phenotypes in advance , greatly improving screening efficiency and selection accuracy.

Complementarity with synthetic biology

Synthetic biology is not a threat to traditional cultivation but a complementary force . Microbial fermentation and related methods can rapidly and efficiently produce scarce ginsenosides, easing pressure on wild-resource conservation and the cost/environmental burdens of large-scale planting; meanwhile, field cultivation supplies a rich ginsenoside spectrum, genetic diversity , and natural environmental support for the industry.

Willingness to collaborate

Potential joint work could focus on cloning and functional verification of key biosynthetic enzymes , saponin structural optimization , plant gene editing , and co-culture technologies , aiming for full-chain innovation from gene resources → high-value products through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Q & A:

Q: What are the main criteria for evaluating elite ginseng cultivars?
A: Four integrated dimensions: (1) Yield —plump roots and high root weight to secure economic returns; (2) Composition —high and stable levels of key ginsenosides to meet medicinal/processing needs; (3) Stress resistance —robust tolerance to pests, low temperature, and continuous-cropping obstacles to reduce risk; (4) Growth cycle & uniformity —appropriate cultivation years and good plant uniformity to enable mechanization and improve efficiency.

Q: How do you balance “high ginsenoside content” with “stress tolerance” and “growth stability” during breeding?
A: The Center applies a tiered breeding strategy . First ensure stress tolerance and environmental adaptability, stabilizing agronomic traits through multi-generation selection so the variety grows reliably under real conditions. On that basis, select single plants with higher ginsenoside content from the qualified pool for re-selection, ultimately identifying elite lines that combine stress resistance with high ginsenoside levels .

Feedback

Professor Li shared that the Center has successfully promoted elite varieties such as Jishen No. 2 , establishing over 2,000 mu (≈ 133 ha ) of demonstration bases across major ginseng-producing areas in Fusong, Ji'an, and Tonghua (Jilin Province), providing farmers with tangible trial models. To address common concerns about planting risk and upfront investment , the Center offers seedling subsidies and technical training , strengthening farmers' confidence. It also maintains close cooperation with local governments and cooperatives, advancing varietal adoption through deep industry-academia-research integration.

Guided by this broadened stakeholder perspective, we subsequently visited the Kuaida Ginseng Market and began designing farmer interviews and government interviews.

Interview with Professor Lu Cong back

Introduction

To enable environmentally friendly treatment of industrial waste oil while synthesizing high-value products—and to seek guidance on technical optimization and science-education outreach—we held a meeting with Professor Lu Cong of Jilin University's College of New Energy and Environment on August 6, 2025 .

Record

We presented our dual objective of “waste-oil valorization (carbon-source extraction) + biosynthesis (ginsenoside Ro production)” and our current technical ideas (e.g., aeration-based oil-water separation, a preliminary MBR concept, and a bifunctional material design). Professor Lü offered three sets of professional suggestions:

Recognition of the project's environment-engineering integration

She affirmed the project's “environmental protection × engineering” concept. Single remediation technologies struggle with complex environmental problems; our attempt to achieve “waste-oil treatment + resource utilization” via bioengineering exemplifies the cross-integration of environmental philosophy and life sciences, aligning with future trends.

Optimization of the technical scheme

Theoretical basis. Our analogy-driven design needs reinforcement with domain literature in wastewater treatment . Before extracting glycerol and fatty acids from waste oil, we must determine—by measurement rather than assumption—the source (e.g., industrial machinery oil vs. restaurant grease) and composition (impurity load, fatty-acid chain length), and then build processes on empirical data .

Operational details. In our MBR design and in the anaerobic pretreatment module for waste oil, the core risk is microbial community interactions . Through extensive literature review and bench-scale trials, clarify the relationships between introduced biofilms/inocula and the indigenous microbes in the waste oil to ensure synergy rather than competitive inhibition —this governs pretreatment efficiency and the stability of downstream carbon-source extraction.

Science communication & outreach

For non-specialist audiences, we need to follow the principles of plain language and visualization convey core value via visual tools + everyday examples .

Q & A:

Q: We plan to engineer bifunctional materials to “adsorb target carbon sources + remove impurities.” Is this suitable for a bio-centric process?
A: Such adsorption/separation materials fit chemical pretreatment better. Direct use inside the biosynthesis stage may interfere with microbial reactions. Position them as waste-oil pretreatment tools —to remove macromolecular impurities and tune the oil phase—so the subsequent bio-extraction of glycerol and fatty acids receives cleaner feed, forming a chemical-pretreatment + bio-core workflow rather than embedding them in biosynthesis.

Q: Our original plan used aeration for oil-water separation and to increase dissolved oxygen. What issues exist, and how should we adjust?
A: Two key misconceptions: (1) Aeration alone does not “raise DO to eliminate anaerobes”; establishing an oxygen-rich milieu requires dedicated oxygenation equipment . (2) Oil-water separation must match oil type : use flotation for light oils , and for heavy oils employ integrated anaerobic pretreatment + MBR for deeper separation. First characterize the waste-oil type (light/heavy), then select the appropriate separation process to avoid mismatches.

Feedback

Following the “visual + everyday” outreach approach, we designed a high-school-facing environmental activity— “Feedstock Purification Challenge” —guiding students to use simple setups to simulate waste-oil pretreatment and carbon-source extraction , visibly demonstrating the transformation from turbid to clear liquids.

Interview with Professor Li Quanshun back

Introduction

To deepen the project's academic value, optimize the experimental plan, and provide precise guidance for translating theory into practice, we met on August 27, 2025 with Professor Li Quanshun , an expert in enzyme engineering and metabolic regulation at Jilin University's College of Life Sciences.

Record

We presented a comprehensive briefing on our technical framework, current bottlenecks (e.g., R1 intermediate accumulation , product degradation), and analytical methods already in use (e.g., ODE + MCA to quantify modification effects). Professor Li offered expert analysis across five core areas—academic value, bottleneck localization, experimental design, and more—and provided targeted guidance.

He emphasized that the project's academic highlight lies in the cross-innovation of sustainable resource utilization and high-value product synthesis : driving rare ginsenoside Ro biosynthesis with industrial waste-oil-derived carbon sources squarely fits green synthesis and metabolic-engineering trends and is highly persuasive. Practical feasibility, however, depends on balancing the metabolic network and boosting key enzyme efficiencies , especially maintaining stable flux under complex substrate conditions , which will determine real-world deployment.

Q & A:

Q:R1 accumulates substantially. What are the likely causes, and which in vivo/in vitro tests should we prioritize?
A: Possible causes include: (1) kinetic mismatch between upstream and downstream enzymes; (2) insufficient cofactor supply/regeneration ; (3) substrate competition or feedback inhibition by intermediates. Prioritize two experimental tracks: in vivo —metabolic flux analysis and isotope tracing to map carbon-flow distribution; in vitro —kinetic characterization of purified enzymes to determine kcat/Km and cofactor dependencies . Integrate these data to pinpoint bottlenecks.

Q:How can we screen Ro-specific hydrolases (esterases) without disturbing essential cellular metabolism?
A: Three steps: (1) shortlist candidates via multi-omics plus product-correlation analyses; (2) assess Ro specificity using structural biology and molecular dynamics ; (3) verify in vitro that activity is restricted to Ro and does not affect core metabolites, then proceed to in vivo knockout/editing to mitigate risks from esterase substrate promiscuity .

Q:In enzyme-engineering design, should we start with in vivo screening or in vitro characterization—and why?
A: Prefer in vitro purified-enzyme characterization first to quickly obtain quantitative parameters and substrate scope for decision-making; in vivo screening is confounded by cellular complexity and cannot isolate single-variable effects. Recommended pathway: “in vitro sets direction; in vivo provides validation.”

Feedback

(1)To address R1 accumulation , we will not prioritize knocking out a putative Ro-specific hydrolase, given the esterase family's frequent substrate promiscuity and the risk of perturbing core metabolism.

(2) When using the ODE framework combined with metabolic control analysis (MCA) , we will proceed cautiously : these models rest on assumptions and are sensitive to parameter accuracy, so we will treat them primarily as directional guides rather than precise predictors.

Interview with Professor Gao Renjun back

Introduction

To ensure efficient project delivery within the competition's limited timeline and to resolve feasibility and hands-on issues in pathway optimization, on March 15, 2025 the JLU-NBBMS team held a project exchange with Professor Gao Renjun an expert in enzyme engineering at Jilin University's College of Life Sciences.

Record

We presented the overall design and current optimization framework, focusing on the pathway glycerol → 2,3-OSQ (2,3-oxidosqualene) → oleanolic acid (OA) → ginsenoside Ro , along with preliminary optimization ideas (e.g., remodeling respiratory pathways, suppressing ergosterol biosynthesis, site-directed enzyme mutagenesis). We sought advice on our “four-stage pathway optimization plan.” Professor Gao evaluated feasibility against the competition timeline and offered adjustments for each stage.

Q & A:

Q: We plan to use homologous recombination to remodel respiration and fermentation pathways to maximize glycerol utilization. Is this suitable for a short-term project?
A: Not recommended. It increases plasmid count and experimental complexity, and the benefit to final product titer is uncertain—poor cost-effectiveness. In a short timeline, prioritize the organism's native metabolism , optimize only key steps , and let the rest follow natural routes .

Q:We intend to suppress yeast ergosterol biosynthesis to channel precursors toward the target product. Should we keep this design?
A: Trim or remove it. With limited time, focus on the decisive OA → Ro conversion rather than early-stage regulation. Dropping this step avoids metabolic disturbance in yeast and lets you concentrate resources on the most impactful late steps. If time is tight, omit it outright .

Q:We originally planned site-directed mutagenesis on the key enzyme UGT73P40. How can we improve enzyme performance in the short term?
A: Abandon the original mutagenesis plan—its workload exceeds a short project's capacity. Instead, screen candidate glycosyltransferases from databases , narrow the set via molecular docking and molecular dynamics , then validate activity experimentally . This saves time, but simulation results must be confirmed in the wet lab, and avoid blind mutations at the enzyme active site .

Feedback

Through this discussion, we clarified feasibility across optimization options and adopted a “ focus on the core under time constraints ” approach. Based on Professor Gao's advice, we made four changes:

(1) For glycerol → 2,3-OSQ , rely on the organism's endogenous pathways to reduce plasmid burden and prevent metabolic disorder.

(2) Shift the project's emphasis to OA → Ro ; do not suppress the ergosterol pathway to avoid compromising yeast viability.

(3) Use a glycosyltransferase database plus MD/docking (and optionally AI ) to screen enzymes efficiently, instead of heavy site-directed mutagenesis.

(4) Because Ro biosynthesis requires multiple glycosylation steps and consumes substantial UDPG (UDP-glucose), enhance the endogenous UDPG pathway .

Professor Gao emphasized tight project scoping , prioritizing the second half of the pathway. For enzyme engineering, he highlighted two higher-feasibility routes: AI-assisted and database-driven screening.

Interview with Professor Zhang Xinmin back

Introduction

To ensure smooth progress in the project's later experimental phase, we held a project exchange meeting with Professor Zhang Xinmin from the School of Pharmacy, Jilin University .

Record

We briefed Professor Zhang on the overall design and sought his advice on three key, hands-on questions in the lab: plasmid design and construction , carbon-source selection , and final product verification . Based on his guidance, we finalized the next steps: first complete laboratory training and plasmid preparation , then officially launch the experimental work.

Q & A:

Q: Our project needs to load many key enzyme genes across multiple plasmids. How should we optimize the design?
A: 2-3 genes , using a promoter-terminator concatenation strategy is more conducive to efficient protein expression. Focus on two points: (1) choose different selection conditions/markers for different plasmids; (2) consider plasmid incompatibility —avoid using the same origin of replication wherever possible. Since your current selections are mostly antibiotic resistance markers , you can also consider auxotrophic (nutritional) selection to reduce costs.

Q: Our carbon sources are glycerol and fatty acids. Do we need to remove one of them?
A: No. Glycerol is inexpensive and the primary by-product of biodiesel; many studies already convert glycerol into value-added products. For fatty acids , your compartmentalization approach—targeting key enzymes to the peroxisome to run the MVA pathway —is innovative and should be retained.

Q:How should we verify the final product, ginsenoside Ro?
A: Validation typically proceeds in two steps : first use thin-layer chromatography (TLC) for preliminary checks, and finally confirm with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) . Unexpected results may arise, so different sub-teams often run experiments under varied conditions. Directly starting with HPLC is time-consuming; TLC is faster and can also reveal intermediate products . Biosynthetic work should be stepwise —even if the final product is not obtained, you can pinpoint the problematic stage.

Feedback

We adopted the three recommendations above in our experiments and, one month later, visited Professor Zhang's lab again to finalize specific experimental details, discussing carbon-source use in depth. As carbon sources, fatty acids include saturated and unsaturated types, which generally occur as solid and liquid , respectively; therefore, when setting the medium formulation, we must pay special attention to how yeast can effectively utilize fatty acids.

Dialogue with scholars from Oxford University back

Introduction

To deepen the scope and breadth of our project research, from August 15 to August 20, 2025, members of the JLU-NBBMS team visited the University of Oxford, where they engaged with professors from the fields of medicine, biology, and ethics. The purpose of this visit was to present our project to international scholars and seek valuable feedback on critical issues such as bioethics, technological risks, and social impacts. At the same time, we aimed to further improve our work and promote traditional Chinese medicine culture abroad.

Record

We briefly presented the core design, technical path and application prospects of the project, followed by in-depth discussions with the professors on technical challenges and ethical considerations. The professors showed great interest in our effort to integrate traditional Chinese medicine wisdom with modern biotechnology and offered valuable insights from multiple perspectives.

Feedback

Our project concept and preliminary outcomes received high recognition. The professors particularly praised the project's unique cross-cultural perspective and commended the team's responsible approach in proactively integrating ethical considerations. This not only highlighted the valuable impact of the previous “Genes & Beliefs” iGEM Asia Virtual Gathering , but also inspired us to organize subsequent informal discussions on synthetic biology ethics . In these sessions, we engaged in in-depth debates around specific cases and conducted multi-perspective analyses and exchanges on the ethical implications of synthetic biology from different disciplinary viewpoints.

Interview with Professor Zhang Zuoming back

Introduction

To clarify our project's core strengths, refine our experimental design, and address key bottlenecks in progress, we held an in-depth discussion with Professor Zhang Zuoming from the Department of Bioengineering, College of Life Sciences, Jilin University.

Record

Our team presented a systematic overview of the project, emphasizing the core architecture of three metabolic modules —(1) channeling fatty acids → MVA (mevalonate) to boost MVA supply, (2) converting MVA → ginsenoside Ro , and (3) channeling glycerol → UDP-glucose (UDPG) to increase UDPG availability—as well as our methodological innovation: using AI/ML-guided single-site saturation mutagenesis and rational design of UGT73F3 .

Based on the briefing, Professor Zhang provided expert feedback on highlights, feedstock definitions, troubleshooting and optimization, and toxicity control. He specifically suggested complementing “ opening the source ” (increasing precursor supply) with a “ blocking competing flux ” design: downregulate ERG7 (2,3-oxidosqualene cyclase/lanosterol synthase) to limit flux toward ergosterol, thereby redirecting more precursors to the target product.

Q & A:

Q: What are our project's core highlights?
A: Twofold: (1) a clear metabolic-pathway construction—three modules that respectively strengthen MVA and UDPG supply and drive MVA toward Ro, with well-defined logic for precursor utilization and product synthesis; (2) strong methodological innovation—AI/ML-assisted single-site saturation mutagenesis and rational design of UGT73F3, exemplifying tight integration of dry-lab and wet-lab work.

Q: We describe glycerol and fatty acids as “industrial waste oil.” Is this accurate? If not, how should we adjust?
A: Not accurate. Glycerol and fatty acids are low-value industrial by-products , not industrial waste oil. In biodiesel production (from vegetable/animal oils and methanol), they are residual co-products . If you retain the “waste-oil upgrading” positioning, add an initial purification step to ensure feedstock quality; alternatively, pivot to a pure synthetic-biology framing by using by-products from established biodiesel processes (vegetable oil, animal fat, or cellulose-derived routes), which sacrifices some “green” messaging but makes feedstock cleanliness easier to guarantee—choose according to your core aim.

Q: HPLC did not detect the final product Ro with three sugar moieties. How should we troubleshoot?
A: Proceed stepwise— molecule → protein → in vitro :

(1)Confirm plasmid transformation success (PCR already normal).

(2)Check transcription (RT-PCR) and translation (Western blot).

(3)If translation is confirmed, consider misfolding or hyperglycosylation in yeast causing loss of activity. Then run in-vitro enzyme assays by extracting the enzyme and adding substrate to detect product formation. Because plant proteins are prone to over-glycosylation in yeast, use dry-lab predictions to identify glycosylation sites and perform site-directed mutagenesis .

Q: The synthesized product is toxic to yeast growth. How can we reduce intracellular accumulation?
A: Use a standard “export-on-production” strategy : localize the terminal enzyme to the cell membrane so the product is directly secreted upon formation, lowering intracellular buildup. Together with “opening the source” and “blocking competing flux,” this forms a core optimization triad in synthetic biology.

Feedback

At this stage, our main issue is that HPLC shows, besides the target Ro peak, deglycosylated Ro products (disaccharide ginsenosides) . Based on Ro's biosynthetic route, we suspect intermediate accumulation .

Professor Zhang offered four lines of action that substantially advanced our work:

(1) Determine whether the problem lies in plasmid expression versus a fault in the constructed metabolic pathway .

(2) Verify transformation and expression via PCR and Western blot .

(3) Assess enzyme activity in vitro . He noted that the heterologous genes originate from Panax notoginseng; when expressed in yeast, over-glycosylation can inactivate the enzymes.

(4) Through in-vitro assays , compare conversion efficiencies of the two branches, and—guided by dry-lab analysis—implement “source-opening” and “flux-blocking” adjustments to balance pathway flux.

Interview with Professor Wangfang back

Introduction

To further clarify the project's scientific significance and social value—and to seek guidance for subsequent Human Practices (HP) activities—the JLU-NBBMS team held a project exchange with Professor Wang Fang , Dean of the College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University .

Record

We presented a detailed overview of the project. Dean Wang affirmed the design concept and raised three key scientific questions:

1. Advantages of Ro: Compared with its intermediate R1 , how much higher is Ro's bioactivity? What are its concrete advantages? Why not target R1 as the final product?

2. Natural abundance: What are the natural levels of R1 or other ginsenosides in ginseng and related plants?

3. Enzyme choice: Why did we choose a Panax notoginseng-derived, specificity-driven glycosyltransferase rather than enzymes from other plant sources?

After gaining deeper understanding, Dean Wang offered three core recommendations for the team's future direction—especially for HP:

1. Clarify the purpose of HP: Define the ultimate objective so every activity serves a unified, impactful central theme.

2. Refine the role-play game narrative: Strengthen story logic and coherence for an international audience so it's easier for non-Chinese participants to follow.

3. Deepen the project story: Tell it from a broader perspective—first, underscore ginseng's importance to China and the world (e.g., Jilin's pharmaceutical industry, South Korea's beauty industry); then note that, despite the industry's growth, high-value components remain underutilized—hence the government's push for industrial upgrading.

Feedback

Acting on Dean Wang's advice, we further refined the narrative logic of our project website, added missing experimental-display details, and designed a Xinmin Street HP activity.

Interview with Professor Dhan Kalvakolanu back

Introduction

To ensure our ginsenoside Ro biosynthesis project is presented with stronger rigor, logic, and international adaptability in global forums, we held an exchange with Professor Dhan Kalvakolanu .

Record

We reported the project by modules— wet lab, dry lab, HP, Education , and Entrepreneurship —and Professor Kalvakolanu offered line-by-line suggestions, followed by overarching guidance on tone and international perspective.

(1) Wet-lab module: standardize expression and tighten structure

In the background, precisely define the graphic: the circles depict aglycones (sapogenins) . Emphasize that our goal is to biosynthesize naturally occurring rare ginsenosides with proven pharmacology , not to invent novel ginsenosides.

Be rigorous in result statements: PCR only evidences successful gene transfer, not expression ; label the control as “positive” ; display different products separately to keep mapping clear.

Close the loop: provide reasonable explanations for negative results and add a brief summary at the end of each part to achieve standardized reporting.

(2) Dry-lab module: format fixes and logic reinforcement

Unify formatting: consistently highlight “pn022859” ; convert all figures to English ; keep gene/protein names (e.g., UGT73F3 ) consistent.

Rebuild the narrative with a “problem → solution” frame, showing how dry-lab work optimizes wet-lab design and underpins experimental choices.

(3) HP (market/industry): improve international fit

Internationalize labels and use English for all trademarks .

Be specific: replace “this industry” with “ginsenoside-extraction industry” or “ginseng-cultivation industry” ; replace “some people” with “ginseng growers” or “pharmaceutical R&D staff” to avoid cross-cultural ambiguity.

(4) Education (science outreach): strengthen coherence

When reporting activities from primary to high school, show progressive linkage (e.g., primary: fun “waste-to-resource” demo; middle: fundamentals of microbial synthesis; high: small-scale simulations), forming a step-by-step outreach system.

Use the standardized term “traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)” accurately.

(5) Entrepreneurship module: affirm and retain

The module clearly presents what / how / why ; no additional changes needed. Keep the current structure and content.

(6) Overall project tone: center on globally legible first principles

Anchor the project's intent around three core themes: (i) environmental cleanliness, (ii) biosynthesis of ginsenoside Ro, (iii) economic impact .

In the background, highlight these three rather than region-specific points like “low ginsenoside yield in Northeast China.” If short-term economic benefits are not yet evident, prioritize environmental and biosynthesis angles.

Ensure each module aligns to this revised core.

Feedback

This exchange provided clear directions on experimental standards, narrative logic, and overall positioning, improving the clarity and international suitability of our presentations.

Dialogue with the Ginseng Task Force back

Introduction

To observe the ginseng industry ecosystem from a government-level, macro perspective and use our project to promote system-wide coordinated development, on September 9, 2025 we visited the Jilin Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and held a dialogue with the Jilin Provincial Task Force for Promoting High-Quality Development of the Ginseng Industry(hereinafter referred to as the "Ginseng Task Force") .

Record

During this visit, officials first introduced us to existing ginseng-related products in Jilin Province—such as ginseng coffee and compressed ginseng candies—as well as media placement plans in high-traffic areas like transportation hubs. We then held an in-depth discussion with the Jilin Provincial Task Force for Promoting High-Quality Development of the Ginseng Industry. We learned about the Task Force's mandate, departmental structure, the current state of ginseng development in the province, publicity strategies, and related activities that have recently been held or are forthcoming .

Q & A

Q: How can we encourage consumers to better accept bio-synthetic ginseng products?
A:Currently, steering consumers toward a specific product is not the government's top priority. From my personal perspective, for medicines containing ginseng-derived ingredients, consumers care more about efficacy and price than about the source—i.e., whether the ginsenosides are natural or biosynthesized. If we focus on promoting acceptance of biosynthetic technology but cannot deliver actual products, the discussion has little value. Artemisinin, artificial bezoar (calculi bovis), and berberine hydrochloride all moved from whole-herb extraction to synthetic production. Consumers now recognize that single compounds and raw herbal materials can differ in efficacy, and they will make choices accordingly.

Feedback

To better showcase our project in international contexts, we closely studied the “Jilin Ginseng at the UN Palais des Nations” campaign plan that the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs is slated to launch in Geneva, Switzerland, in October 2025. From a European perspective, we prepared related promotional materials, including a promo video, posters, a pocket guide, and a ginseng brochure

Interview with Ginseng Farmers back

Introduction

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the ginseng industry chain and the genuine needs of its stakeholders—along with the production realities under traditional cultivation, farmers' attitudes amid industry challenges, and their awareness and acceptance of innovative solutions such as synthetic biology—we turned to the source of ginseng cultivation: Baicheng, Jilin Province, where we conducted in-depth interviews with local ginseng farmers.

Record

We held face-to-face conversations with several experienced ginseng farmers, focusing on cultivation costs, environmental impact, market volatility, and technology adoption. Farmers described multiple pressures in traditional cultivation : severe soil degradation, lengthy growth cycles, increasing climate uncertainty, and economic risks from price fluctuations. Many expressed an urgent need for “green cultivation” and “sustainable development,” while candidly noting major hurdles in transitioning due to limited technical support and funding . We also discussed their initial views on “synthetic biology” and “cell-factory production of ginsenosides,” and listened to their authentic perspectives on technology ethics, industry complementarity, and impacts on their livelihoods.

Q & A:

Q: What do you think is the biggest challenge in ginseng cultivation today?
A(a farmer with over 20 years of experience): The biggest issue is still the land. After growing ginseng, the land can't be reused for many years. The soil fertility drops severely, and pests and diseases are becoming harder to manage. We want to transition to ecological farming, but the investment is too high, and the cycle is even longer—we smallholders can't afford it.

Q: What would you think if a new technology could replace some traditional cultivation with lab-based methods?
A(a middle-aged farmer) : If it can protect the land and provide us with a reasonable income, of course, it would be a good thing. But what I worry about is whether our skills and land would become useless. It would be best if it's not a complete replacement but a technology that can develop together with us.

Feedback

Through these interviews, we realized that ginseng farmers place a strong emphasis on soil health and sustainable cultivation but lack the technical and financial support to achieve a transition . They are cautiously open to new technologies and prefer innovation that is “ complementary rather than substitutive .” Most importantly, farmers want to be seen and heard —and to be included in technology-industry discussions.

Visit to the Jilin Province Kuai Da Ginseng Trading Market back

Introduction

To comprehensively explore the full ginseng value chain—from cultivation and trading to end consumption—and gather first-hand stakeholder feedback from the front line, we made a dedicated site visit to the Kuaida Ginseng Trading Market in Tonghua, Jilin Province, on the afternoon of August 23, 2025. Warmly guided by Ms. Xiao Lei, a representative of the market's merchants, we conducted on-site field research at this key hub of the ginseng industry.

Record

Led by Ms. Xiao Lei, our team was first struck by the vast scale and modern management of the Kuaida Ginseng Market. We visited trading zones for different product categories in turn, where Ms. Xiao explained in detail how to distinguish various types of ginseng and the relevant processing techniques. From completely unprocessed fresh ginseng to finely sliced medicinal pieces, the market offered an exceptionally rich array of product forms to meet diverse consumer needs. We gained a vivid, first-hand sense of a vibrant ginseng industry ecosystem that blends traditional know-how with modern business models .

Q & A:

Q: What specific changes has the establishment of the National Quality Inspection Center's service department brought to your business?
A: This impact has been revolutionary. In the past, authenticity and grade were judged purely by experience, and disputes between buyers and sellers were common. Now, with authoritative national-level testing, our customers can purchase with greater confidence, and honest merchants like us have more confidence too—quality goods can fetch better prices. It has greatly enhanced the brand reputation of Tonghua ginseng and improved the overall standardization of the market.

Q: In recent years, many deep-processed ginseng products like beverages and cosmetics have appeared. How do you see their market prospects compared to traditional whole ginseng roots and slices?
A: Traditional whole-root ginseng and sliced products have a stable consumer base—especially among middle-aged and older customers—who trust “all-natural” items they can prepare themselves. Younger consumers, by contrast, prefer modern products that are convenient and quick to use. As a result, the traditional market and the new-product market are developing in parallel, each serving its own clientele.

Feedback

Through face-to-face conversations with merchants at the Kuaida Ginseng Market, we gained a deeper understanding of the project's real-world application scenarios and potential social impacts. For example:

1. Clear Need for Industrial Upgrading: There is strong market demand for standardized, traceable, high-quality ginseng products, indicating that the industry is actively embracing standardization. This creates a logical market entry point for our biomanufactured, high-purity, single-ingredient ginsenosides.

2. Market Segmentation and Coexistence: Traditional ginseng and modern deep-processed products each serve distinct target markets. Our project should not be positioned as a “disruptor” of traditional cultivation, but as an enabler of industry modernization—supplying downstream manufacturers with cost-effective, quality-consistent core ingredients that are difficult to obtain through conventional extraction.

3. Public Acceptance is Key: Merchants widely noted consumers' preference for “natural” and their potential skepticism toward “factory-made” products. This reminds us that success hinges not only on technical breakthroughs, but also on effective science communication and market outreach.

Youth Health Run Questionnaire Survey back

Introduction

To further promote our project, raise public awareness about the scientific knowledge related to bio-manufacturing ginseng health components, and gather public views and needs regarding this technology and related products, we participated in Jilin University's Youth Health Run event. We set up checkpoints along the running route to collect electronic questionnaires . The questionnaire covered multiple aspects, including participants' understanding of microbial manufacturing technologies , their willingness to purchase ginseng and related products , and their concerns and suggestions about the application of the technology . In total, we collected 111 valid questionnaires, which provide important data support for the subsequent development of our project.

Record

This Health Run combined exercise with on-site research: while completing the run, participants filled out the “iGEM Ginseng Microbial Factory” survey on site. We set up a dedicated consultation area where we answered questions about the Youth Health Run procedure and the questionnaire to ensure that participants clearly understood the items and completed them accurately.

Survey Findings:

1. Respondent Characteristics & Technology Acceptance: The respondent pool skewed young and relatively well-educated , with 18-30-year-old technicians, university students, physicians, and other knowledge-based groups comprising the majority. In terms of technological awareness, most had previously heard of using microorganisms (e.g., yeast) to manufacture medicines or health products and thus possessed a basic understanding. Attitudinally, support for the specific application of using yeast to produce ginseng health components was very high; only a small minority were unsupportive or uncertain due to unfamiliarity with the underlying principles.

2. Purchase Intent and Concerns: The public already has an existing purchasing base for ginseng and related products (including supplements and cosmetics). As for purchase drivers, ginseng health components with a higher price-performance ratio and produced through more environmentally friendly processes—along with products certified by authoritative institutions and carrying clear safety labels—are more likely to boost most consumers' purchase intentions. At the same time, many respondents voiced notable concerns , focusing on potential health risks (e.g., ingredient safety), environmental risks (e.g., impacts of microbial release), and possible ethical issues. They explicitly indicated a desire for companies or relevant institutions to provide more detailed safety-testing data and explanations to strengthen trust in such products.

3. Social Perception and Information Dissemination: Culturally, the vast majority acknowledge ginseng's special cultural significance . In terms of social impact, many note that this technology may disrupt the livelihoods of traditional ginseng farmers and express concern about its effects on workers in the conventional industry. In terms of means of learning, short videos are the public's most favored way to learn about new technologies , far surpassing lectures or hands-on experiments. In terms of content appeal , most people become more interested when presented with “health-benefit” information. At the science-education level, the public generally supports incorporating new technologies related to microorganisms and health into youth curricula, viewing this as important for improving scientific literacy among young people.

Feedback

Youth Health Run activity clarified the public's support, concerns and worries about the project's technology and related products . These data provide important basis for the subsequent technology research and development, product promotion and publicity strategy formulation of the project.

Subsequently, the wet-lab team further tightened biosafety controls throughout the biosynthetic process and established effective risk-management protocols; the Education team produced engaging short videos and posts for platforms such as Douyin and Xiaohongshu to attract a wider public adopted youth-friendly formats—comics and interactive experiments—to foster young people's interest in synthetic biology.

Street Interview on Xinmin Street back

Introduction

To understand consumers' views on pricing, safety, and other aspects of biosynthesized ginseng saponin products—and to foster recognition of synthetic biology's translational potential—we conducted street interviews with the general public on Xinmin Street in Changchun on August 23, 2025. As a key destination in Changchun's cultural and tourism development, this area attracts many residents and visitors. Our interviewees included children, middle-aged, and older adults, comprising students, tourists, and retirees.

Record

We obtained a sales booth on Xinmin Street and displayed conventionally extracted (non-biosynthetic) ginsenoside products sold by company Jizhenshen (吉甄参) —including ginseng beverages, face masks, and hand creams. We interviewed consumers interested in these items and, through our questions, guided their attention to biosynthesized ginsenoside products as a new technological alternative.

In designing the questions, we did not attempt to cram large amounts of scientific knowledge into a brief interaction. Instead, by drawing an analogy between organic and genetically modified (GM) agricultural products and using clear, accessible language, we helped participants quickly grasp how synthetic biology differs from traditional production methods and encouraged them to articulate their concerns when making purchasing decisions.

Q & A:

Q: What advantages might synthetically produced foods and medicines have compared with purely natural products?
A1: Natural products don't harm the human body, whereas chemically synthesized ones inevitably contain chemical components that can be harmful.
A2: Do chemically synthesized products have a longer shelf life? Still, the anti-aging effects of ginseng may come from a combination of substances rather than a single one. If biosynthesis produces only one compound, might it overlook that synergistic effect?

Q: When choosing health products, what factors matter most to you?
A: Safety first, then efficacy, and lastly cost-effectiveness. I'd rather choose greater safety than pursue very high efficacy at the risk of more side effects.

Q: If you were willing to buy biosynthesized ginseng saponin products, what price range would you prefer?
A1: I buy based on efficacy. For example, wild ginseng is more expensive than cultivated ginseng, but if it works better, I'm willing to pay more. As technology advances, extraction or synthesis may target different pharmacological effects, different saponins will lead to different prices. As a consumer, I weigh many factors—it's hard to judge price by production method alone.
A2: It depends on your production technology. If your technical level is high, costs go down, so lab-made products may be cheaper than natural ones. That could be the broader trend as technology develops.

Feedback

In our research, we found that “safety” remains the primary factor consumers consider when choosing health and pharmaceutical products. The public generally believes that medical/scientific institutions and the government should bear responsibility for ensuring food and drug safety. This became a focal topic in our interview with the Ginseng Task Force (人参专班) of the Jilin Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs .

During the interviews, we also found that, given the diverse makeup of Xinmin Street's passersby, some respondents lacked interest in or familiarity with ginseng extracts and related topics, resulting in a relatively high rate of refusals or non-informative responses. Consequently, we shifted our efforts to the Northeast Asia Expo in Changchun—its dedicated ginseng exhibition area draws a more targeted audience, enabling us to identify suitable interviewees with greater precision.

Consumer Interviews at the Northeast Asia Expo back

Introduction

To collect feedback more efficiently, deepen our understanding of public awareness of the concept and products of “synthetic biology,” and probe consumers' acceptance and considerations regarding food safety, pricing, and efficacy, we visited the Changchun Northeast Asia International Expo Center on August 27, 2025, and interviewed target audiences in the ginseng exhibition area. These insights provide important public perspectives and data support for the subsequent advancement of our project.

Record

Continuing with an oral Q&A format, we conducted random interviews with attendees of different ages in the ginseng exhibition area at the Northeast Asia Expo.

The results show that most consumers have clear concerns about the safety of biosynthetically produced ginseng saponins. The main reason is their belief that ginseng's efficacy depends on years of natural growth, so they remain cautious about whether laboratory-produced ingredients can deliver comparable efficacy and value. However, after learning that the project is supported by a university research team, many changed their view, expressing a willingness to trust scientific findings and offering support and encouragement for the project.

In addition, many respondents said their purchase intention would rise significantly if biosynthesized ginseng products provided clear traceability labels and third-party safety certification. Regarding product formats, younger groups prefer convenient, easy-to-take modern dosage forms (e.g., capsules or functional beverages), while middle-aged and older groups pay more attention to whether products align with traditional Chinese medicine concepts.

Q & A

Q: If there were a ginseng saponin product manufactured via synthetic biology, what would you care about most?
A(middle-aged female consumer): Safety, of course. Traditional ginseng values the “essence of heaven and earth” and sufficient years of growth. If you make it in a lab, will the composition and efficacy really match field-grown ginseng? Unless there is certification from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) proving it is as safe as natural ginseng and has comparable efficacy—perhaps even greater purity—I would only then consider it.

Q: How should such a product be promoted so that you'd be more willing to trust or accept it?
A1 (male graduate student) :Universities stand for noncommercial, rigorous science. If it's developed by a university and all research data are disclosed—rather than by an unfamiliar commercial company—I'd be far more receptive. Emphasize the research background and make the papers and datasets openly accessible; that's more persuasive than any advertisement.
A2(male health-supplement salesperson): From an industry perspective, consumers care most about “safety” and “effectiveness.” If your synthetic saponin can provide scientific evidence—especially human studies or third-party certification—to dispel safety concerns, and if it also offers a price advantage, the market should gradually accept it. I personally support this kind of innovation.

Feedback

Through targeted interviews at the Northeast Asia Expo, we obtained highly valuable first-hand public feedback. These insights not only confirmed parts of our hypotheses but also pointed the way for subsequent project advancement.

We have turned this feedback into concrete actions:

1. We further strengthened safety validation in our experiments and conducted efficacy-comparison studies between biosynthesized saponins and those produced by traditional methods.

2. Leveraging our university affiliation, we will also host The First Lesson in Synthetic Biology, using lab tours and engaging hands-on activities to present our technical principles, safety profile, and application prospects in an accessible way—converting the university's credibility into effective science outreach.