iGEM Team Contributions

Extending Synthetic Biology's Impact beyond the Bench

Human Practices / Policy

BioXChange: A Replicable Policy Framework

Our guide provides a detailed, modular template for future iGEM teams looking to host policy-focused events, adapting complex diplomacy for high school students.

Adapting the Model UN Format

Stakeholder-Driven Debate and Resolution

The core contribution lies in adapting the Model UN debate format to focus on stakeholder perspectives (rather than rigid country positions). Delegates considered the views of diverse groups—from industry to public health bodies—to foster creativity and ensure policy solutions are grounded in multi-faceted realities.

The guide includes detailed protocols for: Structured Event Organization, debate flow (simplified terminology, motions), and a system for awards and chair guidance to maximize delegate engagement and debate quality.

BioXChange Conference Guide

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Dry Lab Innovation

Trigger mRNA Generator: Rational Design

A dedicated Python-based computational tool for the rational design of synthetic RNA triggers, pivoting wet lab design toward a data-driven optimization pipeline.

Trigger mRNA Generator Software

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High-Fidelity Orthogonality for GHOST

Computational Tool for Precision Therapeutics

The Generator addresses a critical limitation in designing precise kill switches, where natural triggers often lack the necessary specificity and orthogonality for safe in vivo deployment. This tool is essential for the high-fidelity activation of our GHOST toehold switch system.

The software automates a complex five-step process: It generates thousands of candidate sequences, integrates with the ViennaRNA package (RNAfold) for detailed structural evaluation, and scores candidates based on their predicted structural stability and functional binding affinity.

This contribution pivots synthetic design from empirical trial-and-error to a data-driven optimization pipeline. The resulting triggers ensure high fidelity, minimizing cross-reactivity and premature activation, offering a reliable and adaptable Dry Lab resource.

Registry Contribution

Parts Collection Submission

We provide an array of crRNA that have been used to target different strains and genes, which we hope will contribute to future iGEM teams aiming to work with AsCas12a.

I. crRNAs: Custom Targeting Arrays

  • Part: BBa_2559MW5Q – AsCas12a 4xcrRNA array Salmonella

    Array with 4 sgRNAs that target two unique genes in Salmonella.

  • Part: BBa_25RM42UO - AsCas12a 4xcrRNA array P.aeruginosa PAO1

    Array with 4 sgRNAs that target two unique genes in P.aeruginosa PAO1.

  • Part: BBa_25Z433YQ - AsCas12a 4xcrRNA array V.choleare

    Array with 4 sgRNAs that target two unique genes in Vibrio cholerae.

  • Part: BBa_25GEQX3X - AsCas12a 4xcrRNA array S.aureus

    Array with 4 sgRNAs that target two unique genes in Staphylococcus aureus.

  • Part: BBa_25MINRCX - AsCas12a 4xcrRNA array targeting a range of B-lactamase enzymes

    This array targets key sequences in a range of B-lactamase enzymes for broad-spectrum resistance defense.

  • Part: BBa_25DSD8ZG - AsCas12a 6xcrRNA array targeting three fluorescent proteins

    A 6xcrRNA array designed to target three common fluorescent reporter proteins, useful for testing and characterization protocols.

II. AsCas12a with Customisable Linker

Part: BBa_25UHR50L

The gene fragment contains AsCas12a expressed under the proDp promoter with a C-terminal flexible SG-linker. This linker can be used to fuse AsCas12a to elements like fluorescent proteins or enzymes (e.g., reverse transcriptase for prgRNAs).

III. pCASPER (Broad-Range Delivery Plasmid)

Part: BBa_25YLOCLT

This is a broad-range plasmid combining RSF1010 and pWV01 origins of replication for growth in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains. It includes TraJ and OriT for conjugation via the Type IV system, and MCS/BioBrick sites for optimized cloning.