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Table of Contents
Project / Contributions
Contributions
Highlighting our team's unique contributions to synthetic biology through novel biocontrol approaches and innovative engineering solutions.
Contribution Framework
Our contribution framework illustrates the hierarchical organization of our synthetic biology innovations, from core concepts to specific implementation details.
This framework demonstrates how our main synthetic biology contributions branch into specialized sub-areas, each with their own detailed implementations and practical applications.
Scientific Contributions
iGEM Registry Additions
As part of our project this year, we have contributed 10 new basic parts as well as 5 composite parts to the Registry of Standard Biological Parts. These parts consist of our AMPs, ribosomal binding sites, xylose inducible promotor and terminator. These additions to the registry provide extra information for teams working with Bacillus subtilis. Browse our Parts page for the complete list.
PhoA Secretion Assay
To support future teams working with secretion systems in B. subtilis, we have improved our PhoA secretion assay. This method uses alkaline phosphatase (PhoA) as a reporter to quantify secretion of peptides. By coupling protein secretion to a colorimetric readout, the assay allows us to quantify secretion levels for different constructs and conditions. We validated the assay in our project and optimized it for reproducibility, so that it can be adopted by future iGEM teams.
SubtiToolKit Expansion
We have created parts in the syntax of the SubtiToolKit, a modular toolbox for B. subtilis created by Professor Joaquin Caro Castorga [1]. We have expanded this toolkit with a SUMO Tag, DsbA, thioredoxin and our AMPs. By contributing these parts, we aimed to expand the SubtiToolKit for B. subtilis engineering.
Competition Assays and Growth Protocols
Although competition assays between Phytophthora species and bacterial species are widely used, they are typically carried out on a predetermined medium. To improve reliability, we have tested the growth of Phytophthora palmivora, Phytophthora capsici, and B. subtilis 168 on five different media and two temperatures. We have identified the optimal medium supporting these species. Building on these results, we improved both the growth protocols and the competition assay protocols.
Lab Philosophy and Ethics
Our Lab Philosophy (Pinheiro Lab)
As proud members of the Pinheiro Lab, we are actively taking part in broadcasting its values. The lab philosophy page sets out the guidelines for good lab practices for our iGEM journey and beyond. Our philosophy highlights accountability, proactive problem-solving, active listening, and mutual respect. Discover our lab philosophy at https://pinheirolab.com/2022/09/15/the-lab-philosophy/.
Informed Consent Form
We developed a standardized informed consent form that was reviewed and approved by the KU Leuven Ethics Committee. This form was designed for GDPR compliance in the context of making photos or videos for the iGEM competition. Although the application process required significant time and effort, the consent form is ready to use for future iGEM KU Leuven teams.
Sustainability Philosophy
In our project, research is closely connected to its impact on the cocoa supply chain. To address this, we have adopted several inner development goals (IDGs) as guidelines for sustainability and applied them within our work. Furthermore, we have developed a sustainability assessment template for future teams. While the IDGs are not our invention, we provide tools for implementing them in an iGEM context and beyond. A more detailed explanation can be found on our Sustainable Development page.
Community Resources
Fundraising Guide
A fundraising guide was developed to support future iGEM teams in raising funds. Our initial struggle to find funding required us to act with great care and precision, this framework was created to prevent similar difficulties for future teams. It provides a step-by-step approach that includes outreach to companies, application for grants, collaborations with research institutions and universities, and other potential funding strategies.
Continuity for iGEM KU Leuven 2026
To support future iGEM KU Leuven teams, we have improved the continuity document to set them up for a successful launch of their iGEM journey. In addition, a dedicated document was written for future team captains to lead their teams effectively. This project management approach outlines the organizational structure, planning methods, meeting formats, budgeting strategies, stakeholder management, risk analysis, and evaluation methods. Combining these two frameworks will give future teams a head-start and will benefit them throughout the project.
References
- J. Caro-Astorga et al., “SubtiToolKit: a bioengineering kit for Bacillus subtilis and Gram-positive bacteria,” Trends Biotechnol., vol. 43, no. 6, pp. 1446–1469, June 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.02.004.