Gold Medal

The iGEM MBG-DUTh Team proudly earned a Gold Medal at iGEM 2025.

Why This Achievement Matters: The Worth of Our Gold

The Gold Medal is highly valued because it validates that our project, Chitinator et al., is not only scientifically sound but was also developed responsibly. We secured this recognition by successfully demonstrating advanced work in three specific judging criteria:

  1. New Composite Part: Tool Creation. We went beyond utilizing existing parts by successfully engineering and verifying a novel, functional protein, a chimerical endo/exochitinase fusion enzyme. This proves our capacity for innovation and provides a reusable, traceable asset for the global iGEM Registry. Learn More
  2. Integrated Human Practices: Real-World Design. Our work shows that feedback from local farmers, agricultural experts and external stakeholders in general, directly shaped the core design of Chitinator et al., ensuring our solution is ethically sound, safe, and truly relevant to managing Greek chitin waste and soil enrichment goals. Learn More
  3. Education: Community Impact. We developed hands-on activities and specialized educational materials to engage new audiences in synthetic biology, extending the project's value beyond the lab into the educational sphere. Learn More

Nomination: Best Bioremediation Project

Chitinator et al. shone through with a nomination for Best Bioremediation Project.

Bioremediation harnesses natural processes and genetically modified microorganisms to break down waste and restore ecosystems. Our project’s innovative approach was selected between 54 more outstanding candidates to receive a nomination for the Best Project in the Bioremediation Village.

How we achieved that:

Smart Science

We built a fusion enzyme that combines two chitin-degrading parts - an endochitinase and an exochitinase, found in the organisms they are most optimized in - and made them work synergistically, so they can break chitin together more efficiently than either alone.

Field-Level Change

By processing chitin waste at bioreactor scale, we created a stable liquid Bio-Activator that actively creates and supports healthier soil ecosystems, significantly boosts garlic crop performance, and offers farmers a practical, sustainable alternative to heavy fertilizer use.

Responsibility & Safety

We designed everything so there’s no burden on the environment. All the production happens in a closed bioreactor and no live GMOs are released. Also, we’ve worked closely with farmers to make sure our solution is not only scientifically sound but also socially realistic.

🌸 Reflection & Gratitude

Our journey at iGEM 2025 emphasises collaboration across disciplines. We thank our mentors, technical staff, and the public stakeholders who generously shared time and feedback. This recognition belongs to every person who contributed.

Special thanks to our sponsors: