Our Human Practices aimed to ensure that our project was not only scientifically accurate but also ensured societal responsibility, ethicality, and eco-friendliness. From the start, our goal was to understand how synthetic biology could be integrated into everyday food-waste management systems in a way that people would trust, adopt, and benefit from.
To accomplish this, we designed our Human Practices around three guiding principles: integration, communication, and responsibility. We reached out with a wide range of stakeholders—academics, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and consumers—to understand their expectations and concerns regarding our project on microbial waste technologies. These insights directly shaped both our experimental designs and non-experimental frameworks, such as the Manual for Food Waste Management and the Framework for Legal Innovation in Food Waste Management. By linking technical development with public perception and legal insight, our ultimate goal was to create a sustainable biotechnology solution that is good and responsible for the world.
Our Approach to Human Practices
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(Figure 1. Diagram of Stakeholder Interviews.)
Over the course of several months, we conducted interviews with a wide variety of stakeholders involved in food waste generation, management, and regulation. From these interviews, we categorized our interviewees into three main groups: consumers, local business owners, and academic experts on food waste. Each group offered unique perspectives on how fruit peel waste affects their daily lives, jobs, and responsibilities. We aimed to engage with individuals from all three sectors to understand their opinions and comments, and ensure that our project’s design and Human Practices would be both practical and societally responsible for them as well.
(Figure 2. Flowchart in Addressing Stakeholders’ Concerns.)
After receiving feedback from the stakeholders we interviewed, we integrated their insights into our project through two independent approaches: experimental and non-experimental.
In the experimental phase, we refined our enzyme system to enhance real-world applicability and efficiency by testing it on various fruit peels and optimizing its expression for improved performance.
In the non-experimental phase, we launched a local schools campaign to raise public awareness and developed two frameworks to promote safe, ethical, and responsible applications of synthetic biology in food waste management.
Overall Flow of Human Practices and Results
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We integrated insights from a wide range of stakeholders, including academics, business owners, consumers, and policymakers, to make our project more practical and socially relevant.
Public Awareness and Perception:
Conducted surveys to understand public awareness of food waste and technical solutions.
Interviewed different groups to learn about real-world challenges, safety concerns, and expectations for our sustainable food waste management.
Experimental Approach:
Improved the enzyme system based on stakeholder concerns about cost-efficiency, durability, and safety.
Optimized pH levels and expression systems, and validated enzyme activity through DNS assays to ensure effective fruit peel degradation.
Non-Experimental Approach:
Started a local schools campaign to raise public awareness about food waste and the environmental benefits of microbial solutions.
Developed a policy framework that examined current waste-management regulations and proposed strategies to support responsible biotechnological innovation.
Outcome:
Combined community engagement with scientific research to create a responsible, efficient, and socially-relevant synthetic biology solution for today’s food waste problem.
Summary/Results
Through the process of integrating feedback from individuals across interdisciplinary fields, we strived to refine our project to strengthen its practicality, accessibility, and effectiveness. The insights we gained guided us to balance scientific validation with real-world applicability, ensuring that our work addresses societal needs as well. Our success in Integrated Human Practices demonstrates how synthetic biology can extend beyond the labs, serving as a tangible and actionable solution for sustainable food waste management in everyday life.
Validation: Is Our Project Good and Responsible for the World?
Academia, Seong-Jun Yoon, CEO of FortugaBio
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Background / Reason behind Selection
A professor and researcher specializing in cancer cell studies.
To gain insights from a researcher’s perspective on the project’s strengths, weaknesses, and future development potential
Interview Process/Summary
Emphasized that the wide range of existing food waste management strategies makes it improbable for a single biological method to fully supplant current practices
Observed that GMO products still encounter public distrust, largely driven by marketing that promotes “organic” and “eco-friendly” alternatives
Insight Gained from Interview Session
Leveraged this interview to assess the project’s future potential and applications, while gaining deeper insight into the opportunities and constraints of synthetic biology at both societal and policy levels
(Figure 3. Korea_HS Members Interviewing CEO Seong-Jun Yoon.)
Robert L. Paarlberg, Researcher on food and agricultural policy, Professor of Wellesley College, Harvard University’s associate professor
Background / Reason Behind Selection
Wellesley College’s professor and Harvard University’s associate professor, and Researcher on food and agricultural policy
To gain information about the direction of GMO & CRISPR techniques, potential utilization, and strategies for public persuasion
Interview Process / Summary
Pointed out that consumers tend to avoid GMO foods due to a lack of perceived benefits and limited awareness that the products are genetically modified
Noted that GMO crops are primarily valuable in agriculture, particularly as animal feed, while human food applications are restricted by regulatory limits
Indicated that CRISPR and related genome editing tools allow more exact, cost-effective modifications while being subject to fewer regulatory limitations
Discussed how public perception, regulatory frameworks, and potential risks significantly influence societal acceptance
Insight Gained from Interview Session
CRISPR has higher societal acceptance than GMOs, though misconceptions and regulatory challenges remain towards synthetic biology. Clear communication of risks and benefits, integrating both technical and societal perspectives, is essential.
(igure 4. Korea_HS Members Interviewing Professor Robert L. Paarlberg.)
Jae Sung Cho, Postdoctoral Associate, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Background / Reason Behind Selection
A Postdoctoral Associate with extensive research experience in molecular biology and bacterial transformation
Interviewed to obtain practical and expert guidance on experimental design, biosafety considerations, and strategies for community impact through the consultant’s insights and feedback
Interview Process / Summary
Emphasized the importance of identifying optimal growth conditions for bacteria, including rich media and temperature
Highlighted the need to consider DNA methylation patterns and appropriate transformation methods
Discussed the importance of framing the project’s problem clearly and evaluating existing solutions.
Insight Gained from Interview Session
Recognized the importance of optimizing bacterial growth conditions, considering DNA methylation edits, and using appropriate transformation methods
Understood the need to clearly define the problem we are addressing, evaluate previous solutions, and implement effective biosafety measures for engineered microbes
Learned the significance of addressing public perception, regulatory frameworks, and drawing inspiration from real-world applications to maximize community impact
(Figure 5. Korea_HS Members Interviewing Postdoctoral Associate Jae Sung Cho.)
Sheila Jasanoff, Professor of Science and Technology Studies at Harvard University
Background / Reason Behind Selection
A renowned scholar in Science and Technology Studies (STS) at Harvard University, recognized for her expertise in the ethical, social, and political implications of novel technologies.
Selected for her deep insights into how scientific innovation is reflected in public perception and trust
Interview Process / Summary
Recommended to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the diverse ways in which individuals contribute to and are impacted by synthetic biology
Underlined that different communities treat GMOs in distinct manners and to differing levels
Insight Gained from Interview Session
Recognized that successful and responsible application of GMOs or synthetic biology requires addressing safety, ethical concerns, and societal value while ensuring public trust
(Figure 6. Korea_HS Members Interviewing Professor Sheila Jasanoff.)
Businesses
Jangchung-dong Wangjokbal, a traditional Korean restaurant specializing in pork dishes
Background / Reason Behind Selection
One of the companies participating in the Ministry of Environment’s Smart Eco-Factory initiative
Selected to gain firsthand insight into real-world cases of waste reduction and eco-friendly transition in the industrial sector
Interview Process / Summary
Their objective in joining the initiative is to achieve zero-waste production and expand the use of renewable energy.
The outcomes included: reduced food waste, treated wastewater for agricultural use, and partially substituted energy sources with renewables.
The limitations of their projects include: facing technical and regulatory barriers in microbial waste decomposition, and challenges in large-scale coffee ground processing.
Ultimate business considerations include: cost competitiveness, long-term sustainability, and reusability.
Insight Gained from Interview Session
Realized the importance of integrating sustainability into everyday operations through practical, measurable actions.
Learned that eco-friendly transitions must ensure economic feasibility, technical capability, and regulatory compliance.
Understood that innovations like microbial or enzymatic waste decomposition need to match with existing infrastructure and public acceptance to be effective.
Recognized that collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industries is essential for scaling sustainable practices.
(Figure 7. Korea_HS Members Interviewing the CEO of Jangchung-dong Wangjokbal.)
(Korea Institute of Planning and Evaluation for Technology in Food, Agriculture and Forestry), an agency that promotes R&D initiatives for promoting agrifood science and technology, Representative at the 2025 Agricultural & Food Tech Start-Up Rising Expo
Background / Reason Behind Selection
An expert from the Rural Development and Agricultural Technology Planning Agency was selected to provide insights into national R&D strategies related to agricultural advancements.
Interview Process / Summary
Emphasized evaluating new agricultural technologies for scientific validity, ethics, environmental coexistence, and ESG compliance.
Highlighted the importance of balancing interdisciplinary perspectives and fostering mutual respect in synthetic biology research.
Insight Gained from Interview Session
Recognized that successful agrifood and synthetic biology projects require integration of scientific efficacy with ethical, environmental, and societal considerations.
Understood the need to investigate interdisciplinary fields responsibly to allow both ethical integrity and research feasibility.
(Figure 8. Korea_HS Members Interviewing Officer of IPET)
Viva Nature, a non-GMO, epigenetics-based technology-focused company, Representative at the 2025 Agricultural & Food Tech Start-Up Rising Expo
Background / Reason Behind Selection
Interviewed an expert focusing on advancing plant performance by applying non-GMO, epigenetic methods to optimize their innate genetic potential
Interview Process / Summary
Explained that plants’ responses depend on environmental factors, and the effect of treatments relies on application methods and monitoring residual microbes
Stated that the persistence of microbial genes matters more than GMO status, as it can affect crops consumed by humans
Insight Gained from Interview Session
Eco-friendly microbes should be utilized to mitigate negative environmental impacts and promote sustainable practices.
All methods employed must adhere to ethical guidelines and legal regulations to ensure responsible and compliant application.
(Figure 9. Korea_HS Members Interviewing the Owner of Viva Nature)
Coat Green, an agricultural waste research company, Representative at the 2025 Agricultural & Food Tech Start-Up Rising Expo
Background / Reason Behind Selection
Selected a company working with agricultural waste and researching its applications.
Interested in understanding how agricultural waste could contribute to eco-friendly fertilizers and sustainable agriculture.
Interview Process / Summary
Converting agricultural waste into eco-friendly fertilizers helps reduce chemical fertilizer usage and supports sustainable farming.
Continuous testing for residual harmful substances and field testing are necessary to minimize the negative impact on plants.
Analysis of moisture content and other properties is needed; the pelletizing process must be checked and optimized.
Insight Gained from Interview Session
Properly processed agricultural waste can be safely used as fertilizer or soil conditioner.
Supporting eco-friendly agriculture, reducing chemical inputs, and promoting circular resource use are essential for commercialization.
(Figure 10. Korea_HS Members Interviewing Researcher at Coat Green)
(Figure 10. Korea_HS Members Interviewing Researcher at Coat Green)
Broccos, A company creating functional foods using non-traditional plant materials, Representative at the 2025 Agricultural & Food Tech Start-Up Rising Expo
Background / Reason Behind Selection
Aimed to explore how fruit decomposition studies and the reuse of discarded plant parts can enhance the development of health-oriented products
Sought to examine how fruit decomposition research and the reuse of discarded plant parts can enhance functional food creation
Interview Process / Summary
They research fruit decomposition to optimize upcycling processes and ensure environmental sustainability.
Insight Gained from Interview Session
Upcycling discarded plant parts and decomposed fruit can create safe, health-oriented products.
Success depends on taste, market readiness, consumer trust, and environmentally friendly processing, too.
(Figure 11. Korea_HS Members Interviewing Stakeholder at Broccos)
APFS(Agriculture Policy Insurance & Finance Service), A specialized agency managing policy funds for agriculture, forestry, and fisheries development, Representative at the 2025 Agricultural & Food Tech Start-Up Rising Expo
Background / Reason Behind Selection
We chose a public agency responsible for overseeing and administering policy funds in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors.
Intended to explore the assessments and frameworks applied to evaluate technologies and innovations that support the long-term economic resilience of farmers.
Interview Process / Summary
The agency operates under government delegation and manages three primary areas of responsibility:
Agricultural disaster insurance administration – Ensuring insurance plans effectively cover natural disaster-induced crop losses and mitigate market failures.
Post-funding oversight – Confirming that loans to farmers are allocated appropriately and are aligned with the intended policy objectives.
Support for Agri-Food Venture Funds – Supervising government-backed venture capital initiatives to guarantee strategic investment in agrifood enterprises.
Investment decisions are grounded in practical feasibility, market potential, and sustainable profitability, while the agency ensures policy alignment and operational transparency.
Insight Gained from Interview Session
Sustainable biotechnology projects must prove economic feasibility and transparent risk management to attract institutional and government-backed support.
Public trust and measurable social or environmental benefits are crucial for ensuring long-term investment and adoption within the sector.
(Figure 12. Korea_HS Members Interviewing Representative of APFS)
LuxBiome, a company specializing in human microbiome research, Representative at the 2025 Agricultural & Food Tech Start-Up Rising Expo
Background / Reason Behind Selection
Selected to understand potential challenges when multiple microbes act simultaneously and how these can shape practical health solutions
Interview Process / Summary
Focused on the human microbiome as a key factor in health maintenance
Acknowledged that not only probiotics but also other microorganisms interact and play crucial roles
Insights Gained from Interview Session
Realized the necessity of considering the interactions among multiple microorganisms, beyond probiotic-centered approaches
Learned that thorough data analysis and literature review can help anticipate potential risks in advance
Confirmed that designing optimal microbial combinations is essential for safe and effective health solution development
(Figure 13. Korea_HS Members Interviewing Researcher at LuxBiome.)
Consumers
Owner of Apple Watermelon Juice, a merchant at Gwangjang Market
Background / Reason Behind Selection
Visited a traditional market in Korea, where multiple small vendors sell a wide range of food and drinks to customers
Noticed that they use a lot of fruits, and there remains a large portion of fruit left over after the day
Wanted to understand the difficulties of fruit waste management for fruit vendors
Interview Process / Summary
The cost and effort required for processing fruit peels are too high and burdensome.
They prefer to use environmentally friendly microbes instead of chemical agents.
Insight Gained from Interview Session
Should use eco-friendly microbes to avoid inflicting environmental harm
It is necessary to find methods that are ethically and legally compliant
(Figure 14. Korea_HS Members Interviewing Apple Watermelon Juice Owner.)
Owner of Donghaenae, a merchant at Gwangjang Market
Background / Reason Behind Selection
Interviewed another juice vendor, aiming to compare the responses to our first juice vendor interviewee
Interview Process / Summary
When asked about fruit peel processing, the respondent noted that it is likewise cumbersome and labor-intensive.
Expressed willingness to utilize our proposed technology after research and development, describing it as highly attractive
Conveyed his aspiration that fruit peel processing will become more streamlined and user-friendly, providing advantages compared to previous commercial products
Insight Gained from Interview Session
There is a clear market demand among small vendors for simpler, more efficient fruit peel processing methods, indicating strong potential for adoption if the technology is practical and user-friendly.
Positive receptiveness toward biotechnology-based solutions suggests potential public acceptance and commercial success.
(Figure 15. Korea_HS Members Interviewing Donghaenae Owner)
(Figure 15. Korea_HS Members Interviewing Donghaenae Owner)
Clerk at Sooks, a store at Gwangjang Market
Background / Reason Behind Selection
Interviewed to understand how small local food businesses manage fruit peel and food waste.
Aimed to gather perspectives on disposal costs, practical challenges, and awareness of biotechnology.
Interview Process / Summary
Reported confusion about disposal rules (some peels must be dried, others can be discarded directly).
Noted that costs are minimal, limited to the purchase of food-waste bags.
Unfamiliar with biotechnology terms such as “genetically modified enzyme,” and initially reacted with mild incredulity.
Considered the current recycling system eco-friendly, as waste is reused for animal feed.
Suggested microbial technologies might be more valuable if applied to non-food waste streams.
Insights Gained from Interview Session
Clearer disposal guidelines are necessary for small businesses.
Low economic burden encourages the adoption of new technologies.
Communication is critical to address public hesitation around genetic modification.
Existing positive views on recycling can serve as a foundation for introducing microbial solutions.
(Figure 16. Korea_HS Members Interviewing Clerk from Sooks.)
K-Snacks Art Food, Shop Owner at Gwangjang Market
Background / Reason Behind Selection
Interviewed to capture the perspective of a small local food business on fruit peel and food-waste management.
Aimed to understand disposal costs, pest issues, perceptions of biotechnology, and expectations for future waste-management technologies.
Interview Process / Summary
Reported that disposal is a financial burden, as food-waste processing carries ongoing costs and wider societal implications.
Noted that pests frequently gather around discarded fruit peels, making disposal inconvenient.
Observed that existing methods, such as food processors or microbial devices, often create odor, consume electricity, and process waste slowly.
Questioned whether current approaches are truly eco-friendly due to high energy use.
Expressed strong openness to microbial technologies, provided they are efficient and capable of handling large amounts quickly.
Insights Gained from Interview Session
Disposal costs and pest issues remain as major concerns for small businesses.
Current technologies are perceived as being limited by odor, energy demand, and inefficiency.
Stakeholders are willing to adopt microbial solutions if they offer speed, scale, and reliability.
(Figure 17. Korea_HS Members Interviewing Owner of K-Snacks Art Food.)
(Figure 17. Korea_HS Members Interviewing Owner of K-Snacks Art Food.)
Validation: Public Customer Survey: Is the Public Aware of the Current Problems with Household Food Waste?
(Figure 19. Korea_HS Members Conducting the Offline Sticker Survey.)
<Introduction>
Over the summer, the Korea-HS iGEM team conducted a consumer-based survey at Apgujeong Station in Seoul regarding perceptions of household food waste. We selected an offline sticker survey as the optimal method to gather public opinions. By directly engaging with people in public spaces, we were able to extract valuable insights.
<Awareness Aspect>
57% of the respondents were not aware of the process of how food waste is handled
50% of 26 stated that they believe that the current method of food waste management is insufficient.
Out of 30, 73% said they would be willing to use our microbe-based degradation technology if any substances could accelerate the breakdown of food waste.
Thus, the four survey results convey that consumers are not well aware of the process of handling food waste, but are willing to use a new method that could decompose it quickly.
<Concerns on Household Food Waste and GMOs>
55% of the post-it respondents stated that the first thoughts that came to mind when asked about GMOs were the potential harms, risks of infection, or the idea of a double-edged sword.
62% reported that they had concerns regarding the accumulation of food waste.
Based on these survey results regarding GMOs and food waste, our team hypothesized that public concerns are strongly tied to perceived safety risks and the environmental burden of waste accumulation.
In addition to our in-person sticker survey at Apgujeong Station, the Korea-HS team also conducted an online consumer survey to broaden the scope of our data collection. By distributing the form to consumers of various ages, nationalities, and ethnicities, we could gain a reliable result, enough to be considered a thorough representation of consumer perceptions.
<Awareness Aspect>
Most people dispose of fruit peel with other food waste.
More than half of the people were not aware of the environmental advantages of recycling fruit peels
50% did not know that fruit peels can emit greenhouse gases if not treated properly.
87.5% of the participants answered that they eat fruit at least once a week.
53% replied they were aware of the fact that fruit peels can be recycled in a proper way.
Ultimately, the results of the online survey helped guide our team in addressing the lack of awareness by emphasizing both the environmental risks of untreated fruit peels and the potential benefits of recycling them through synthetic biology.
<Public Survey (In-Person & Virtual): Conclusion>
By combining results from both our in-person and virtual surveys, our team recognized that fruit peel waste is often overlooked despite its frequent generation and environmental impact. Inventing practical and effective strategies to recycle fruit peels is therefore crucial.
Also, the lack of public understanding of how untreated fruit peels contribute to greenhouse gas emissions led our team to develop a technical approach to peel degradation and design educational initiatives that promote more sustainable waste management practices.
Integrated Human Practices
After conducting interviews with businesses, consumers, and experts, we integrated their feedback into our project through a combination of experimental and non-experimental actions. The experimental phase focused on genetic engineering and enzyme optimization to ensure that our system effectively decomposes fruit peels while ensuring safety and efficiency. On the other hand, the non-experimental phase focused on communication, stakeholder engagement, and education, directly addressing public concerns such as cost, odor, and safety. Together, these actions helped us answer the central question of Human Practices: “Is our project good and responsible for the world?
(Figure 22. Academia Stakeholders Main Insights and Actions.)(Figure 23. Businesses Stakeholders Main Insights and Actions.)(Figure 24. Consumers Stakeholders Main Insights and Actions.)
(Figure 24. Consumers Stakeholders Main Insights and Actions.)
Responding to Stakeholders’ Feedback - Experimental Phase
Firstly, our team made modifications to our experimental designs based on stakeholder feedback. The inputs could be summarized into the following points:
Real-life applicability: Stakeholders requested proof that the enzyme effectively degrades real-world food waste, including various fruit peels.
Enzyme functionality under relevant conditions: Stakeholders wanted evidence that the enzyme effectively breaks down fruit waste components under realistic conditions.
Optimization of Protein Expression: Stakeholders requested high-yield protein expression in a prokaryotic host without compromising functionality or stability.
Building on these points, our team implemented targeted adjustments to address each concern:
We tested the enzyme on a variety of fruit peels, confirming effective degradation under practical conditions.
Using a DNS assay to track pectin degradation, we demonstrated that the enzyme successfully breaks down pectin within 48 hours.
We refined the gene sequence for prokaryotic codon usage and removed eukaryotic-specific regulatory elements to maximize expression while maintaining enzyme activity.
Confirming real-life applicability with experimental validation
First, to confirm that the enzyme remained active across different types of fruit waste, we tested its efficiency on banana peels, kiwi, pear, tomato, and watermelon.
After preparing a sludge from ground fruit peels and water, the mixture was centrifuged to separate solids from liquids.
Next, test tubes were labeled as positive (+) and negative (–) controls, and 300 µL of fruit peel liquid was added to each. Positive tubes received 200 µL of the pgxC plasmid solution, while negative tubes received a control plasmid, and then all tubes were briefly vortexed.
DNS assay tubes were prepared by adding 50 µL of DNS reagent and 50 µL of each sample, mixing, and incubating at 100 °C for 5 minutes to measure pectin degradation.
(Figure 25. A Korea_HS member pipetting the DNS assay into the 96-well plate.)
(Figure 25. A Korea_HS member pipetting the DNS assay into the 96-well plate.)
Finally, 80 µL of each reaction was transferred to a 96-well plate, including a “DNS only” control, and absorbance at 540 nm was measured to assess pectin degradation.
The results obtained are as follows:
Verified that the pgxC enzyme effectively degrades pectin across a range of fruit peels, demonstrating its real-world applicability in diverse food waste scenarios.
Checking the pgxC enzyme functionality under pectin substrate conditions
Next, we validated the activity of the pgxC enzyme under controlled incubation conditions using the DNS assay.
To begin with, we prepared the DNS reagent by weighing and combining 0.5 g of DNS and 0.8 g NaOH in a test tube with 30 mL of distilled water, then mixing until homogeneous. Next, 15 g of sodium potassium tartrate was added and stirred until fully dissolved. The solution volume was adjusted to 50 mL with distilled water.
Next, the D-Galacturonic acid standards were created. A 1 mg/mL stock solution of D-galacturonic acid was made. Six test tubes were labeled according to concentration to generate a standard curve. Appropriate volumes of distilled water and stock solution were pipetted into each tube to achieve the desired concentrations.
(Figure 26. A table showing the D-galacturonic acid - standard curve for the DNS assay.)
Eight reaction tubes were prepared, divided into two sets (plasmid-containing supernatant vs. control without plasmid) and four time points each (0 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h). Each tube received 4.5 mL of 1% pectin solution in sodium acetate buffer (pH 6.0), followed by 500 µL of either plasmid-containing or control supernatant. Later, tubes were incubated at 37 °C. At each time point, 1 mL of sample was withdrawn, centrifuged if necessary, and 500 µL of supernatant was used for the DNS assay.
The results obtained are as follows:
The pgxC enzyme was confirmed to effectively degrade pectin under controlled conditions, demonstrating its catalytic efficiency.
Optimizing protein expression using a prokaryotic expression system
Lastly, to address the concern that an eukaryotic expression system would be inefficient for mass production, we altered the vector responsible for the pgxC enzyme expression.
(Figure 27. pTRKH3-pgxC vector sequence design.)
We used the ermB promoter, a constitutive promoter for driving gene expression in Gram-positive bacteria, including Lactobacillus species. To enable efficient secretion, we fused the Usp45 signal peptide, which directs the pgxC enzyme through the Sec-dependent pathway. This allows translocation across the cytoplasmic membrane, where the signal peptide is cleaved to yield the mature enzyme.
Ultimately, large-scale production could be achieved by engineering the vector for prokaryotic protein expression, which generally provides a faster and more cost-efficient system than eukaryotic expression.
Responding to Stakeholders’ Feedback - Non-experimental Phase
In addition to laboratory work, our team implemented several non-experimental approaches to broaden the scope and impact of our project. These activities focused on engaging the community, raising awareness, and collecting diverse perspectives to guide the development and application of our solution.
Manual for Food Waste Management for Households and Local Businesses
Firstly, we developed a comprehensive manual designed specifically for households and small businesses to effectively manage food waste: the Manual for Food Waste Management for Households and Local Businesses. This framework integrates everyday practice, offering scientific, practical, and action-based strategies that make food waste management both familiar and approachable.
(Figure 28. Manual for Food Waste Management for Households and Local Businesses.)
Key Elements of the Framework
1. Principles of Food Waste Management
Defines three universal principles—prevention, separation, and repurposing—that guide effective waste reduction.
Prevention comes first: reducing waste at its source through mindful consumption, efficient planning, and awareness.
Separation ensures that organic materials remain recyclable and uncontaminated, allowing transformation into compost.
Repurposing recognizes food waste as a resource, encouraging the reuse of fruit peels and other byproducts for secondary uses such as skincare and feed.
2. Household Guidelines
Outlines practical, low-cost strategies for families to cut daily waste.
Key actions include meal planning, proper food storage, portion control, and composting.
Innovations such as enzyme-assisted peel breakdown kits and home compost bins make sustainable habits easier to adopt.
The goal is to empower households to treat food as a renewable resource rather than a disposable material.
3. Small Business Solutions
Targets restaurants, cafés, and vendors—major contributors to food waste—with scalable strategies focused on efficiency and cost reduction.
Encourages accurate demand forecasting, smaller supply orders, flexible menus, and waste tracking systems.
Highlights emerging microbial and circular systems that minimize odor, pests, and disposal costs while improving sustainability branding.
4. Policy Frameworks and International Comparisons
Introduces successful case studies from South Korea, Japan, the EU, and the U.S. to show how policy leads to a reduction in food waste.
South Korea’s pay-as-you-throw system links costs to waste generation, achieving a 98% recycling rate.
The EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan enforces mandatory prevention and donation policies.
These models show that combining economic incentives, legal policies, and societal engagement creates change.
5. Future Directions
Emphasizes a shared responsibility among citizens, businesses, and governments.
Advocates for circular, data-driven food systems that connect waste reduction with climate action and equity.
Encourages small, consistent community actions that collectively advance a zero-waste and sustainable future.
Significance of the Framework
The Manual for Food Waste Management for Households and Local Businesses serves as a model for addressing the issue of food waste in today’s world. By combining scientific innovation with social engagement and political action, it shows how food waste can be effectively overcome with effort. Ultimately, this framework lays the foundation for a clear, actionable, and practical approach to food waste management.
Local Schools Outreach Campaign
Overview
Our international, student-led campaign focused on addressing common misconceptions about food waste through FAQ sheets and myth-busting resources. By raising awareness of the overlooked problem of fruit peel waste, we highlighted the environmental impacts of untreated food waste while presenting accessible, science-backed solutions. Through vendors and households with educational posts on local schools, we aimed to make food waste management both understandable and approachable.
(Figure 29. Local Schools Outreach Campaign.)
(Figure 29. Local Schools Outreach Campaign.)
Purpose of the Campaign
At its core, the campaign was about empowering individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices. Through visually engaging posts, appealing materials, and direct communication, we aimed to close the gap between lab research and daily life. Our campaign focused on clarifying misconceptions about GMOs, promoting the environmental benefits of microbial waste management, and showing how even small-scale action can produce meaningful results.
Impact
The campaign not only educated but also built trust by reflecting the comments and concerns of the stakeholders. By sharing stories of how local vendors manage waste, and by showing the scientific validation of our system, we fostered both awareness and confidence among its readers. The ultimate impact lay in motivating communities to take responsibility for waste management, scaling individualistic action into collective results.
Reflection
Through the outreach, we learned that integrating local efforts with education can create opportunities for awareness, engagement, and a meaningful impact. In addition, we came to realize that collaboration and collective effort can drive real, tangible change. This experience has shown us that even small actions, with a united purpose, can mark waves of change in our communities and beyond.
Framework for Legal Innovation in Food Waste Management
Lastly, we created a comprehensive framework designed to address the regulatory and societal barriers limiting the use of biotechnology in food waste management: Framework for Legal Innovation in Food Waste Management. This framework connects scientific potential with legal reform, offering strategies that make synthetic biology solutions both feasible and publicly trusted.
(Figure 30. Framework for Legal Innovation in Food Waste Management.)
Key Elements of the Framework
1. Principles of Legal and Safe Innovation
Defines three pillars—regulatory clarity, proportional risk management, and public accountability.
Introduces a tiered risk system where low-risk tools (like enzyme capsules) face faster review.
Ensures transparency through public summaries and independent audits.
2. Regulatory Reforms
Proposes a single coordinating body for biotechnology in food waste management and a four-tier approval system:
Tier 0: Non-living tools
Tier 1: Contained use
Tier 2: Moderate-risk with monitoring
Tier 3: High-risk, full public access
Allows adaptive regulation based on empirical data rather than theory
3. Incentive Mechanisms
Encourages innovation through subsidies, tax credits, and liability protections for compliant actors.
Public institutions can pilot certified tools, creating early demand and reducing risk.
Regulators maintain accountability through audits and transparent databases.
4. Pilot Programs and Data Governance
Advocates for small-scale, supervised pilots to gather real-world safety and performance data.
Promotes open dashboards, standardized data collection, and adaptive policymaking that improves with new evidence.
5. Public Engagement and Ethics
Emphasizes transparency, participation, and responsiveness to build trust.
Community advisory panels review higher-risk projects, while education and outreach normalize biotechnology.
Ethical oversight ensures safety, fairness, and inclusion in every stage of deployment.
Significance of the Framework
The Framework for Legal Innovation in Food Waste Management serves as a roadmap for overcoming barriers that have hindered the adoption of biotechnology. By combining regulatory clarity, financial incentives, pilot testing, and public trust-building, it transforms legal obstacles into opportunities for sustainable innovation. Ultimately, this framework lays the foundation for credible, safe, and effective policies that unlock biotechnology’s potential in reducing food waste.
Proposed Implementation
(Figure 31. Proposed Implementation Diagram.)
Who Are Your Proposed End Users?
Our primary end users are household consumers and small food businesses, as they are the primary generators of the majority of food waste. Families who want to manage their fruit peels sustainably can use our technology at home once we develop this technology into a commercialized product. Small restaurants, cafés, and smoothie shops will also benefit from the product, since they handle large quantities of fruit residue and often struggle with waste odor and disposal costs.
How Do You Envision Others Using Your Project?
We envision our project being used as a practical and educational case that encourages people to rethink how they handle fruit peels and food waste in their daily lives. The purpose of the project is not only to develop a biological system that decomposes fruit peels more efficiently but also to help the public understand how such innovations can protect the environment. Our research reveals that over half of respondents were unaware that untreated fruit peels emit greenhouse gases, 50% did not know they could be properly recycled, and the 53% who recognized their environmental harm demonstrate a strong public willingness to learn how to dispose of fruit peels in more eco-friendly ways.
Our project can help others better understand the relationship between biotechnology and environmental protection by showcasing our work through accessible educational materials, community surveys, and public demonstrations. By proving to people that even seemingly small actions, like properly handling fruit waste, can have a significant environmental impact, we hope that our project serves as a connection between scientific advancement and practical sustainability practices.
How Would You Implement Your Project in the Real World?
Using the data from our experiment, we will explore ways to integrate our biological system into existing food waste collection processes so that fruit peel degradation becomes both efficient and environmentally safe. By presenting our findings to local waste treatment centers and sustainability organizations, we hope to demonstrate that our method can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from untreated organic waste and serve as a model for eco-friendly disposal.
We will continue to encourage public education and engagement while also broadening the real-world use of our system. According to our surveys, the majority of people were ignorant of how food waste was handled, but once they realize the advantages for the environment, they are willing to embrace new ideas. To increase awareness of the significance of disposing of fruit peels appropriately, we therefore intend to organize outreach activities, offer straightforward scientific explanations, and work with local communities. We hope to increase public interest in synthetic biology while promoting environmental protection through ongoing education and open communication.
Summary & References
Summary
Our project developed into an effective synthetic biology solution for fruit peel decomposition, beginning as a simple question regarding public awareness of household food waste. We discovered through both online and offline surveys that although many people are not aware of the methods used to manage food waste, they are willing to participate in more sustainable practices and are eager to learn more. By implementing the experiment's demonstrated outcomes, we hope to take our system outside of the lab and into daily life by assisting institutions, communities, and households in managing fruit peel waste in an eco-friendly manner.
(Figure 32. Diagram of Our Reflection.)
What was our goal?
Our main goal for the project was to develop a sustainable and practical solution for managing fruit peel waste through biotechnology. Instead of focusing on plastic alternatives, we aimed to address the growing problem of food waste by designing an enzyme-based system capable of efficiently decomposing fruit peels. Specifically, we focused on the pgxC enzyme, known for its ability to degrade pectin, a major structural component of fruit peels that prevents the degradation process. By doing so, our project contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing food waste and promotes sustainable waste management practices for households and small businesses.
To achieve this objective, our project was divided into three main focuses. First, we aimed to validate the biological efficiency of the pgxC enzyme in breaking down various fruit peels, including banana, kiwi, and watermelon, under practical conditions. Second, we worked to improve enzyme productivity and stability by refining its gene expression system, ensuring that it could function effectively within a prokaryotic host for efficient mass production. Lastly, we sought to ensure the environmental and societal sustainability of our project by linking our scientific data with public engagement, policy awareness, and education. Through this integrated approach, our research not only provides a biological solution to fruit waste but also a connection between synthetic biology and responsibility.
What approach did we use?
The approach of our project was primarily centered on developing and testing the most effective method for fruit peel degradation using the pgxC enzyme system, addressing challenges such as low efficiency, high processing costs, and limited public acceptance of biotechnological waste management. Through this process, we discovered that optimizing environmental conditions not only improved enzyme activity but also enhanced the overall scalability and cost-effectiveness of fruit peel decomposition. Our experimental design can be summarized in three main stages.
First, we cultivated and tested the pgxC enzyme in a controlled environment to evaluate its ability to break down pectin, the key structural component of fruit peels. This involved adjusting conditions such as pH, temperature, and substrate concentration to maximize enzymatic activity and stability. Second, we identified the optimal conditions under which the enzyme performed most efficiently, refining codon usage for prokaryotic expression to achieve high yield and consistent functionality. Finally, we validated our findings through DNS assays, which confirmed that the pgxC enzyme successfully degraded pectin across various fruit peels, including banana, kiwi, and watermelon, under realistic conditions.
Incorporating feedback from our stakeholder interviews, we refined our approach to emphasize cost-efficiency, environmental safety, and public trust. Stakeholders highlighted concerns about the economic and ecological feasibility of microbial waste solutions, leading us to demonstrate how enzymatic fruit peel degradation can both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable food waste recycling. By merging our scientific work with community and policy perspectives, our project bridges biotechnology with everyday sustainability practices.
What did we achieve?
We successfully created and tested a sustainable method of degrading fruit peels. Along the way, we built a foundation of research and experimental protocols that other iGEM teams could adopt or improve. We also participated in meaningful discussions about environmental impact and the broader applications of food waste, connecting biotechnology with sustainability.
What went well? What could be improved?
Our team excelled in brainstorming ideas and dividing tasks according to each member’s strengths. Despite being spread across different time zones, we managed to conduct research, design experiments, and complete the project on time. We adapted quickly when challenges arose and were also adept at linking our scientific knowledge to real-world applications, which gave our project a strong purpose and direction.
Teamwork and coordination could be improved. Since we were scattered across different countries, the time zones often made it difficult to schedule weekly meetings. Additionally, many members had other academic and personal commitments, which sometimes hampered progress. In the future, clearer scheduling tools, better use of asynchronous communication methods (shared documents or group chats), and setting realistic deadlines would help us work more smoothly.
How Could Other iGEM Teams Build Upon Your Contributions?
We believe that other iGEM teams could build upon our contributions by expanding the applications of sustainable waste to resource technology. Our project focused on developing an eco-friendly method of degrading fruit peels. Future teams could build on this by optimizing different microbial strains, choosing and engineering microorganisms that can degrade fruit peels more efficiently, faster, or with higher yield.
In addition, our work opens up opportunities for interdisciplinary growth. Other iGEM teams may choose to build upon our project by integrating consumer-focused designs, developing educational modules on waste reduction, or scaling up our process for industrial or community use. By creating a foundation that links environmental sustainability with biotechnology, our project provides future teams with a platform to innovate and contribute to global solutions for food waste management and green materials.
References
(Figure 33. Diagram of Our References.)(Figure 34. Diagram of Our References Continued.)
Team Calgary (2022)
The iGEM Calgary 2022 team utilized enzymatic hydrolysis to convert discarded orange components—such as peel, pulp, and juice—into a nutrient-rich fruit waste medium for bacterial cellulose growth. By combining cellulase, pectinase, and invertase, they effectively broke down polysaccharides into fermentable sugars and evaluated glucose concentrations through refractometry. Their project demonstrated that food waste could serve as a viable and low-cost feedstock for sustainable material production, aligning with “cradle-to-cradle” principles. While both our teams explored the enzymatic treatment of fruit waste, Calgary’s goal centered on media optimization for BC synthesis, whereas ours focuses on direct degradation and disposal—addressing issues like odor, speed, and usability rather than nutrient yield.
In their Human Practices, Calgary emphasized stakeholder feedback to evaluate cost efficiency, accessibility, and real-world adoption of their method. Inspired by their effort to connect laboratory research with societal context, our team also communicated with diverse audiences to improve public understanding of biotechnology and its environmental benefits. However, while Calgary’s outreach mainly assessed industrial and economic viability, we extended our communication to households and local businesses through school and community education, promoting daily, user-friendly applications of microbial degradation.
Team Hong Kong UCCKE (2019)
The iGEM Hong Kong UCCKE 2019 team developed a domestic food waste digestion device using anaerobic digestion to convert kitchen waste into usable detergent. Their project focused on engineering design and public accessibility, creating a home appliance system that integrates waste reduction into everyday life. Through mechanical innovation rather than enzyme-based methods, they demonstrated that convenience and functionality are key drivers for public adoption of sustainable technology. Their focus on transforming waste into a usable byproduct highlighted how practical value can increase community engagement and awareness around environmental issues.
Our project shares a similar motivation to connect biotechnology with real-world usability, but through a different technological approach. While Hong Kong UCCKE’s work focused on anaerobic digestion and mechanical conversion, ours centers on biodegradation using engineered enzymes or microbes to enable faster, odor-free, and efficient disposal. Their emphasis on product design and ease of use inspired us to consider user experience and accessibility in our system’s application, ensuring that our biological solution could also be implemented in everyday household or small business contexts.
Team Westminster UK (2018)
The iGEM Westminster (UK) team designed and implemented a steam distillation protocol to extract limonene and other essential oils from citrus peels, transforming fruit waste into valuable products. By experimenting with different peel masses (25 g and 50 g), they demonstrated an efficient workflow—preparing peel material, distilling volatile compounds, and separating oil and water fractions. Their project highlighted waste-to-resource innovation, reframing citrus peels as sources of marketable outputs rather than trash. Moreover, Westminster integrated public engagement and science education into its work, using the visible process of distillation to inspire public interest in sustainability and biotechnology.
Our iGEM is similar to Westminster’s commitment to valorizing fruit peels and promoting circular economy principles, but approaches the challenge through biological degradation rather than chemical extraction. While Westminster extracted limonene from citrus peels via steam distillation, our team employs enzymatic degradation using pgxC and other related enzymes to decompose a wider range of fruit wastes—including banana, kiwi, pear, tomato, and watermelon. Inspired by their effective public outreach, we also integrated educational elements into our Human Practices, aiming to make enzyme-based biodegradation more accessible and relatable to the public, while advancing a broader vision of sustainable fruit waste management.
Team Chalmers-Gothenburg (2020)
The iGEM Chalmers-Gothenburg 2020 team engineered E. coli expressing nine different enzymes to degrade synthetic fibres such as elastane, addressing the growing issue of textile waste. Their project involved enzyme construct design, kinetic modeling, metagenomic screening, and system optimization to identify and enhance enzymes capable of breaking multiple polymer bonds. Through combining complementary enzymes, they demonstrated how multi-enzyme systems could interact with complex and chemically resistant materials. In their Human Practices, they emphasized public and industrial engagement, linking their project to the environmental consequences of fast fashion and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Our design parallels Chalmers-Gothenburg’s in its shared vision of transforming waste into sustainable solutions. However, while they targeted synthetic textile polymers, our team focuses on fruit peels, which are naturally resistant to degradation and compositionally diverse. Their integrated approach to modeling and enzyme synergy inspired our understanding that different fruit peel polymers (cellulose, pectin, lignin) may also require optimized enzyme combinations for efficient degradation. However, unlike their broad enzyme system, our approach prioritizes pgxC as a key degradation enzyme, emphasizing practical applications in food waste reduction and household usability rather than industrial-scale synthetic polymer breakdown.
Team Lethbridge_HS (2020)
The iGEM Lethbridge_HS 2020 team designed a synthetic biology system to accelerate composting by breaking down pectin, a key structural polysaccharide abundant in fruit and plant waste. Their system targeted homogalacturonan (HG), the simplest and most common form of pectin, using a combination of three complementary enzymes (Pnl, PelB, and PelC from Paenibacillus amylolyticus) to degrade both methylated and unmethylated regions. Expressed in E. coli and Bacillus subtilis, these enzymes were applied through cell-free lysate or purified enzyme powder, eliminating biosafety risks from live GMOs while retaining catalytic activity. Recognizing that compost piles can exceed 65 °C, the team explored thermostability optimization to ensure enzyme efficiency under thermophilic conditions. Their design aimed to accelerate composting, enhance soil recovery, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, showcasing biotechnology’s role in sustainable waste management.
We are similar to Lethbridge_HS’s approach in its focus on biodegradation and enzyme synergy, but it differs in substrate, purpose, and scale. While they aimed to enhance large-scale composting of mixed organic waste, our system targets fruit peel waste, a specific and compositionally rich biological substrate. Inspired by their multi-enzyme framework and modeling-driven design, we similarly recognize that efficient degradation requires matching enzymes to substrate complexity. However, unlike Lethbridge_HS’s enzyme system, our project prioritizes pgxC as the core pectin-degrading enzyme, emphasizing practicality, safety, and public engagement over industrial optimization. In doing so, we extend their vision of sustainable waste transformation into a more community-centered and accessible application of synthetic biology.
Team WIST (2023)
The iGEM WIST 2023 team developed a quorum-quenching system to combat soft rot disease in orchids caused by Dickeya fangzhongdai. This pathogen infects plants through wounds or natural openings and secretes Plant Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes, such as pectinases and cellulases, that break down structural polysaccharides like pectin and cellulose, leading to tissue maceration and decay. WIST iGEM engineered Bacillus subtilis to express AiiA, an AHL-lactonase enzyme capable of degrading acyl-homoserine lactones, the quorum-sensing molecules that regulate PCWDE production. By disrupting bacterial communication rather than killing the bacteria directly, their system aimed to suppress virulence and reduce soft rot infection in an environmentally sustainable way. They further enhanced biosafety through a lactose-inducible kill switch and designed regulatory modules to optimize energy-efficient enzyme expression. Complemented by farmer interviews, educational outreach, and SDG alignment, their project integrated biotechnology with community engagement to promote sustainable agricultural disease management.
Our idea aligns with WIST iGEM’s work through its shared commitment to enzyme-based biodegradation and sustainable biotechnology, yet differs in both substrate and application scale. While WIST targeted pathogenic communication systems in plant pathogens to prevent crop loss, our system focuses on degrading fruit peel waste, transforming organic residues into usable forms. Both approaches share the vision of leveraging microbial or enzymatic tools to solve environmental challenges, but differ in their end goals: WIST’s system mitigates disease through quorum interference, whereas ours enhances resource recovery and household-level sustainability. Being inspired by WIST’s emphasis on biosafety, modular regulation, and stakeholder integration, our project builds on the principles of responsible synthetic biology toward waste application, ensuring that enzyme-based innovation remains both scientifically accurate and socially accessible.
