Executive Summary
The PHAntom project was conceived and developed by the University of Rochester iGEM 2025 team. iGEM is the largest international synthetic biology competition in the world, where student teams design innovative biological systems to tackle pressing global and interplanetary challenges.
PHAntom was developed by a group of 14 students from the University of Rochester, representing diverse disciplines including biochemistry, molecular biology, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, and public health. The team is guided by professors and postdoctoral mentors with expertise in microbiology, polymer science, biophysics, and entrepreneurship.
Our mission is to advance a new generation of microbial technologies for sustainable space exploration and Earth-based green manufacturing. By engineering E.coli capable of converting Martian CO₂ into acetate and PHBV, we aim to lower mission costs, enable on-site production of essential resources, and contribute to circular bioeconomy efforts on Earth.
Project Description
PHAntom is a system designed to create biodegradable bioplastic, through the engineering of Escherichia coli. The core of the project is to demonstrate a sustainable biological alternative for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), reducing the high payload costs of transporting plastics and materials from Earth to Mars.
Our approach combines two engineered E. coli strains in a modular bioreactor: Our system consists of two coordinated microbial strains. The first strain is engineered with Calvin cycle enzymes and supporting modules to capture CO₂ and convert it into pyruvate.
Pyruvate is then funneled into acetyl-CoA and used by the second strain to synthesize PHBV, a biodegradable plastic with tunable mechanical properties.
PHBV can be processed into filaments and used directly in space-based 3D printing systems to fabricate spare parts, tools, and lightweight infrastructure and other applications.
A complementary module increases acetate production, which is not routed into PHBV but instead applied as a biofertilizer to support Martian agriculture. This dual-output design ensures both material manufacturing and agricultural support, contributing to a closed-loop system that enhances astronaut independence and sustainability.
By combining synthetic biology with hardware innovation, PHAntom presents a scalable, modular, and sustainable solution for off-world manufacturing. In the long term, this platform can reduce mission costs, enhance astronaut self-sufficiency, and contribute to circular biomanufacturing systems both on Earth and in space.
Problem
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a family of microbially produced bioplastics that are biodegradable and versatile, with applications ranging from packaging to biomedical devices (Makarevicius et al., 2023). Among them, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is especially promising due to its improved flexibility compared to pure PHB (Polyhydroxybutyrate). PHAs are viewed as a sustainable alternative to fossil-based plastics, since they can be produced from renewable carbon sources such as sugars, waste biomass, or even carbon dioxide (Makarevicius et al., 2023).
For space exploration, particularly missions to Mars, PHAs offer a potential solution to one of NASA’s greatest challenges: reducing reliance on Earth resupply (Putman et al., NASA Ames). Launching materials from Earth is extremely expensive, while Mars has a CO₂-rich atmosphere that could be tapped as a local carbon feedstock. If PHAs can be manufactured on-site, they could be transformed into 3D-printable filament, enabling astronauts to fabricate tools and parts on demand (SpaceInsider, 2025).
However, PHAs also face significant challenges. They often suffer from low molecular weight, variability in mechanical properties, and limited durability under extreme environmental conditions such as radiation and temperature fluctuations. While biodegradable, their performance can fall short of petroleum-based plastics, particularly in structural applications (Makarevicius et al., 2023). Moreover, scaling production in resource-limited environments like Mars requires compact, closed-loop bioreactors and efficient recovery processes.
3D printing in space has already proven its practicality aboard the ISS. Astronauts can now produce tools on demand such as a ratchet wrench without waiting for cargo from Earth, demonstrating that even plastic printing works effectively in microgravity (NASA, n.d.). This underscores the necessity of in-space manufacturing for missions like Artemis and future Mars exploration, where dependence on Earth resupply is unfeasible due to constraints of cargo capacity and transit time (NASA, n.d.). For our project, it means there is strong precedent and strategic demand for sustainable, on-site material production systems like those based on PHA bioplastics.
Existing alternatives for space missions like sending Earth-supplied plastics (PLA, ABS, PEKK) and relying on recycling systems such as the ISS Refabricator face significant limitations. Launching materials from Earth remains prohibitively expensive, often exceeding $4 million per kilogram to lunar or Mars-equivalent destinations (SpaceInsider, 2025). Additionally, while the Refabricator enables recycling of plastic waste into 3D-printing filament aboard the ISS—a valuable capability—it still relies on Earth-derived feedstocks and doesn’t leverage local resources (NASA, n.d.). In contrast, PHAs like PHBV, if engineered effectively, offer a compelling alternative: they could be produced in situ on Mars using local CO₂ and biomass feedstocks, reducing Earth dependency and enabling truly mission-adaptive materials.
Market
Beachhead market
Overview. Through market analysis, we found demand is tied to the constraints of long-duration missions. Our primary customer is NASA—especially Artemis and future Mars programs—where ISRU is essential to reduce launch costs and improve autonomy.
Beachhead: NASA Artemis. Our entry is Artemis, targeting a sustainable lunar presence and serving as a stepping-stone to Mars (Geodiode, 2025). Problem fit: Artemis requires ISRU to minimize dependence on Earth resupply. Our role: deliver PHA/PHBV bioplastics from local CO₂, supported by our extractor for on-demand 3D printing.
We will position within Artemis via SBIR, progressing from Phase I proof-of-concept to Phase II simulated-environment prototypes, and ultimately Phase III integration into Artemis infrastructure.
What is Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)?
Small Business Innovation Research is a U.S. program coordinated by the SBA that funds R&D via contracts or grants to help small companies mature technologies.
What are Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs)?
TRLs are a NASA framework to gauge maturity from TRL 1 (basic principles) to TRL 9 (flight-proven in operations), aligning teams, investors, and agencies on deployment readiness.
Phase I (0–2 years): Establishing Feasibility
Goal: prove scientific & technical feasibility aligned to Artemis ISRU.
R&D focus: engineer E. coli to produce PHBV from acetate; validate yield, composition, tensile, ductility, thermal stability. Build a bench-scale extraction + filament extrusion module and test printability on standard printers.
Space relevance: microgravity compatibility via clinostat for growth, PHBV stability, and extrusion behavior.
Commercial steps: stakeholder interviews (NASA SynBio, Redwire, Tethers), TEA vs. Earth-supplied polymers, provisional patent (engineered strains + integrated extrusion).
- Deliverables: bench-tested, filament-ready module; market validation report; ≥3 letters of support.
- TRL advance: TRL 2 → TRL 4 (lab validation of components).
Phase II (2–4 years): Prototype Development & Validation
Goal: integrated TRL-6 prototype suitable for pilot integration.
Scale-up: bioreactors + filament extraction & spooling with sustained throughput. Test under 95% CO₂, temperature cycling, and radiation; pursue parabolic flights / ISS opportunities.
AM compatibility: benchmark extrusion/printability with Redwire AMF standards.
Commercial steps: MOUs with aerospace partners, TEA for Martian ISRU deployment, refined licensing strategy (dual-use Earth markets).
- Deliverables: fully integrated TRL-6 prototype and ≥1 formal industry partnership.
- TRL advance: TRL 4 → TRL 6 (relevant-environment demo).
Phase III (5+ years): Transition to Deployment & Commercialization
Goal: flight-qualified, closed-loop biomanufacturing payload producing PHBV filament continuously, with expanded acetate biofertilizer for agro-support.
Mission testing: analog habitats (NASA/ESA) for long-duration ISRU conditions.
Commercial pathways: license to Redwire/Tethers or joint integration for Mars/Lunar deployment; parallel terrestrial markets (remote bases, research stations, island economies).
- Outcome: ≥1 integration contract (space agency/aerospace prime) + dual-use commercialization pathway.
- TRL target: toward TRL 8–9 via successful mission operations.
IP Strategy
As PHAntom advances toward Phase III commercialization, IP protection becomes mission-critical. Our innovations—engineered strains, CO₂→acetate bioconversion, PHBV biosynthesis, and integrated filament extrusion—are a novel, protectable combination of biology + hardware.
Phase I — Provisional protection
File a provisional patent covering engineered E. coli strains and the modular ISRU biomanufacturing payload. This secures priority while R&D continues and generates data.
Phase II — Utility + international filings
When the prototype demonstrates reproducible PHBV and microgravity-compatible integration, convert the provisional to a utility patent. File a PCT to preserve international options. Co-patenting with the University of Rochester TTO ensures strong management and licensing readiness.
Phase III — Licensing pathways
- Exclusive / joint licenses to aerospace contractors (e.g., Redwire, Tethers Unlimited) for ISRU integration.
- Non-exclusive licenses for dual-use terrestrial applications (remote bases, sustainability-focused industries).
Commercialization models
- Hardware sales (bioreactor + extrusion module)
- Licensing of engineered microbial strains
- Subscription to optimized printing protocols / updates
We will adapt for terrestrial use in remote, sustainability-focused applications; Phase III funding from partner contracts, mission-aligned grants, and technology licensing.
Alternative Funding Options
While SBIR is our primary track, PHAntom is designed for multi-source financing. In parallel we will pursue angel and VC investment (synbio, space tech, sustainability), which value strong IP and dual-use potential.
We will also target international deep-tech accelerators such as SynbiCITE and SymbiTech (Imperial College London), plus EU Horizon, ESA innovation funds, and private aerospace co-development. Diversified funding reduces program risk and supports continuous progress from proof-of-concept to deployment.
Why diversify?
- Mitigates reliance on a single grant outcome.
- Accelerates TRL milestones with matched industry support.
- Builds commercial relationships early for Phase III transition.
Benchmarking
We sized the opportunity via TAM–SAM–SOM:
TAM — Total Addressable Market: the global space economy is projected at $1.8T by 2035, up from $630B in 2023 (McKinsey, 2023).
SAM — Serviceable Available Market: in-space manufacturing & ISRU (materials, biomanufacturing, 3D-printable feedstocks) at $2.5B in 2023, growing to $12.7B by 2032 (DataIntelo).
SOM — Serviceable Obtainable Market: initial traction via NASA SBIR/STTR; FY2022 SBIR obligations to NASA ≈ $189M (SBA), a realistic entry point to demonstrate value.
Microenvironment analysis
The PESTEL analysis highlights the macroenvironmental factors shaping PHAntom’s success.
PESTEL summary
Political. Aligned with NASA/ESA ISRU and sustainable off-world manufacturing priorities, benefiting from supportive policy and funding.
Economic. Mars payload costs of ~$4M/kg drive incentives for local biomanufacturing; global bioplastics demand is rising.
Social. Broad enthusiasm for sustainability and space exploration supports adoption and visibility.
Technological. Advances in CRISPR, synbio, and AM validate feasibility and integration with existing NASA hardware.
Environmental. Converts Martian CO₂ → PHBV, supporting circular ISRU and reducing Earth dependence.
Legal. Operates within space biosafety frameworks with strong IP protection for responsible commercialization.
Competitive Analysis
In the emerging field of space biomanufacturing, several initiatives are pursuing technologies that overlap with or parallel our goals of producing bioplastics from in-situ Martian resources. While these efforts validate the feasibility and importance of biology-driven material production, none directly address the specific need for PHA/PHBV-based filament production for on-demand 3D printing. Below we outline the most relevant competitors and how our solution differentiates.
Our main competitors in space manufacturing are companies like Made In Space / Redwire, Tethers Unlimited, and NASA’s SynBio/CUBES initiative. Each focuses on enabling additive manufacturing in orbit, but their approaches rely heavily on Earth-supplied feedstocks or remain at the conceptual stage. In contrast, our PHAntom system is designed to use Martian CO₂ and renewable biomass inputs to produce PHBV bioplastic filament directly on-site. This approach is motivated by several factors:
On a global scale, interest in space biomanufacturing is expanding beyond NASA, with commercial players like SpaceX and Blue Origin considering in-situ production for future missions. By positioning PHAntom as the first platform to integrate microbial CO₂ conversion with 3D printing-ready PHBV filament, we aim to bridge the gap between sustainability, mission fit, and manufacturability in space exploration.
Stakeholder Analysis
The success of PHAntom depends on a diverse network of stakeholders whose expertise, influence, and engagement shape both its technical development and long-term sustainability.
At the core are NASA and ESA, which represent the primary end users and potential funding sources through programs like SBIR and TechLeap. Industrial partners such as Redwire and Tethers Unlimited play a crucial role in system integration. Academic institutions—especially the University of Rochester—provide the research foundation and prototype validation. Investors and grant agencies drive scalability, while astronauts and space crews are the direct beneficiaries of on-demand parts and materials. Earth-based industries benefit from dual-use applications, and environmental advocates & the public reflect broader sustainability goals.
Space agencies (NASA / ESA)
Role: primary customers/end users; funders via SBIR, TechLeap, and mission programs.
What they need: ISRU-aligned payloads that reduce launch mass and enable on-site manufacturing.
Engagement: milestone reviews, mission-relevant demos, safety & biosurety compliance.
Industrial partners (Redwire / Tethers Unlimited)
Role: hardware integration (AMF printers, Refabricator, spooling/extrusion).
Engagement: interface specs, printability benchmarking, pilot integration MOUs.
Academic partners (University of Rochester & mentors)
Role: strain engineering, polymer testing, Mars-analog experiments.
Engagement: joint publications, shared facilities, tech-transfer for IP.
Investors & grant agencies
Role: scale financing and non-dilutive funding to move from TRL-4 → TRL-6+.
Engagement: clear KPIs (yield/L, filament QA, cost/kg), staged de-risking plans.
Astronauts & space crews
Role: end users relying on mission-adaptive parts for tools, repairs, and storage.
Engagement: usability testing, ergonomics, and crew-time minimization.
Earth-based industries
Role: dual-use adopters for remote bases and sustainable manufacturing.
Engagement: licensing of strains/modules, field pilots in challenging logistics environments.
Environmental advocates & public
Role: societal stakeholders valuing biodegradability and circular bioeconomy.
Engagement: transparent reporting, biosafety alignment, education & outreach.
Our Solution
PHAntom proposes an innovative space biomanufacturing platform aimed at enabling astronauts to produce acetate and PHBV bioplastic directly from the Martian atmosphere through the genetic engineering of Escherichia coli.
The system begins with an engineered autotrophic chassis capable of fixing CO₂, achieved by incorporating Calvin cycle enzymes such as RuBisCO and phosphoribulokinase, alongside supporting proteins including formate dehydrogenase and carbonic anhydrase. This modification allows E. coli to grow using CO₂ as its primary carbon source, eliminating the need for costly imported feedstocks.
Once established, the chassis operates under a dual-production mode. Under low-CO₂ conditions, the strain directs metabolism toward acetate production via the pta-ackA pathway and thioesterase genes (for use as a biofertilizer to support extraterrestrial agriculture). Under high-CO₂ conditions, a synthetic CO₂-responsive promoter activates PHBV biosynthetic genes, driving the production of a flexible and durable plastic that can be pelletized and extruded into mission-critical parts using 3D printing technologies.
To improve efficiency, a CRISPRi-mediated knockdown of citrate synthase redirects acetyl-CoA flux toward PHBV synthesis, increasing polymer yields. The resulting biomass is processed in a bioreactor, where PHBV is extracted, purified, and formed into pellets ready for additive manufacturing.
Business Model : PHAntom
Problem
PHAntom addresses the high cost and logistical burden of transporting materials from Earth to Mars (up to $4M/kg). Existing ISRU solutions do not provide a sustainable method for producing polymers or feedstocks directly from Martian resources, creating mission vulnerabilities for astronauts.
Solution
Modular biomanufacturing platform leveraging engineered E. coli to transform Martian CO₂ into acetate and PHBV. Integrated CO₂ capture, growth chambers, and downstream recovery produce pelletized PHBV for on-demand 3D printing; embedded sensors track CO₂ intake, yields, and stability for closed-loop operations.
Key Metrics
- CO₂ fixation efficiency, acetate yield/L, PHBV yield/L (simulated Martian conditions)
- PHBV mechanical/tensile properties for printer compatibility
- Promoter responsiveness at ~95% CO₂
- Scalability (lab → pilot), microgravity robustness
- TRL progression aligned to SBIR Phases I–III
Unique Value Proposition
Mission-adaptive system that toggles between agriculture support (acetate) and manufacturing (PHBV). Plug-and-play with NASA SynBio, Redwire, and Tethers Unlimited. Dual-use IP for remote Earth environments (Antarctic stations, disaster relief) to reduce supply-chain risk.
Customer Segments
Primary: NASA (Mars, Artemis). Secondary: SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Earth-based partners in defense, disaster relief, and remote operations.
Unfair Advantage
CO₂-responsive promoter ties Martian atmosphere to gene control; CRISPRi citrate-synthase knockdown boosts PHBV flux; dual-mode acetate/PHBV IP; early SBIR/Artemis positioning for first-mover advantage.
Key Activities
Strain engineering (RuBisCO, PHBV, CRISPRi) → bioreactor prototyping (CO₂-rich + microgravity-mimic) → IP protection → partner integration (NASA/Redwire/Tethers) → scale-up & TRL milestones.
Channels
SBIR/STTR, ESA innovation, Artemis initiatives; aerospace collaborations (Redwire / Made In Space, Tethers); licensing (strains, modules, promoters); conferences & ISRU workshops.
Cost Structure
Early: R&D (Calvin cycle, CRISPRi), CO₂-rich chambers, microgravity simulators, IP/compliance. Later: scale-up, TRL milestones, launch logistics, partner ops.
Revenue Streams
SBIR Phases I–III (near-term), IP licensing (engineered strains, recovery processes, CO₂-control), and hardware partnerships (bioreactor modules). Dual-use revenues from remote Earth deployments.
Risks Analysis
Bio & process: metabolic burden, yield variability, CO₂ safety → mitigations: enzyme homolog screens, mixotrophic fallback, EHS protocols. Prototyping: contamination, CO₂ delivery, pH control, material properties → sensors, iteration, tune 3HB:3HV. Deployment: plasmid loss, Martian constraints → genomic integration, kill switches, long-duration CO₂ tests, co-develop payloads.
Finance
We aim to reduce the cost of delivering 1 kg of usable plastic to Mars from $4M (Earth-supplied PLA) to about $133k/kg of in-situ PHBV, enabling scalability and mission autonomy.
Executive TEA Snapshot
- Total launch + system cost: $4,300,000
- Output: 30–40 kg PHBV
- Cost per kg (at 40 kg): $4,300,000 / 40 ≈ $107,500
- Compared to PLA from Earth: ~$4.2M/kg → ~39× cheaper
- Breakeven (incl. launch): ~42 kg PHBV
[Graph placeholder — Cost/kg: Earth-launched PLA vs in-situ PHBV]
Scenario 1 — Ship PLA/ABS from Earth
Transporting plastic filament to Mars can reach $4M/kg in launch costs alone. With material ($10–$200/kg) and packaging mass, true cost is $4.2–$4.5M/kg. It’s one-time supply per shipment and not scalable for long missions.
Scenario 2 — In-Situ PHBV Biomanufacturing (Concept)
Produce PHBV on Mars using engineered E. coli, acetate feedstock, and Martian CO₂ in a compact ISRU payload. Enables on-demand, low-waste production without constant resupply.
Efficiency Threshold — “How good do we need to be?”
- LB media cost: ~$3.00/L
- At 1 g/L yield: $3,000/kg media cost basis
- Minimum yield to beat $4M/kg launch: 1000 g ÷ (4,000,000 / 3) ≈ 0.00075 g/L = 0.75 mg/L
- Realistic engineered yields: 1–6 g/L → ~1,333× above threshold → ~1000× better than launch-PLA on cost basis
Unlike PLA, our system is launch-once then uses CO₂ + nutrients to keep making PHBV locally.
Breakeven (Including Launch CAPEX)
Breakeven at ~42 kg PHBV. Same $4M launch gives 1 kg PLA vs 40+ kg PHBV in-situ.
[Breakeven table placeholder — with launch]
Beyond ~42 kg, each additional kg can add ~$102,500 margin.
Post-Launch Breakeven (Operational Only)
Launch is one-time CAPEX. Operational BEP estimate:
BEP = $300,000 fixed ÷ $105,000/kg ≈ 2.86 kg → profitable just under 3 kg.
[Breakeven table placeholder — excluding launch]
Unit Cost @ 40 kg Output
- System: $300,000
- Launch: $4,000,000
- Output: 40 kg PHBV
$4,300,000 / 40 = $107,500 per kg
Earth-PLA at the same launch: ~1 kg only → our in-situ PHBV gives ~30–40× more usable plastic.
Bench Cost Basis — LB Media
1 L LB broth includes: 10 g Tryptone, 5 g Yeast Extract, 10 g NaCl.
LB media cost ≈ $3.00/L
PHBV yield (bench context): ~0.2–0.6 g per 100 mL culture.
Scientific Feasibility
Our project builds on established synthetic biology and space manufacturing research. Prior studies show E.coli can be engineered to grow autotrophically (Calvin cycle enzymes) and to produce PHBV from acetate. NASA and Redwire have validated polymer extrusion and 3D printing in microgravity aboard the ISS. PHAntom integrates these proofs to route Martian CO₂ through engineered microbes to make PHBV bioplastic and acetate for ISRU—a scientifically credible, technically achievable path.
Our first set of challenges is biological/process: adapting engineered E. coli to Martian-like conditions, ensuring consistent PHBV output, overcoming low-pressure CO₂ diffusion, and balancing acetate secretion vs. PHBV synthesis. We pair CRISPRi flux control and CO₂-responsive promoters with rigorous materials testing and NASA-standard bioreactors/extruders.
The next set concerns 3D printing in space: layer adhesion, material flow, support during extrusion, and thermal control. We mitigate via enclosed, pressure-controlled print chambers, high-viscosity formulations, and motor-driven extrusion. ISS FFF printers confirm additive manufacturing is viable; adapting PHBV ensures structurally sound outputs.
Integration Strategy
PHAntom plugs into Redwire’s printers for direct PHBV extrusion, interfaces with Tethers Unlimited’s Refabricator for recycling, and aligns with NASA SynBio programs (BioNutrients, PowerCell). This modular design reduces barriers, accelerates testing, and enables plug-and-play deployment.
Metrics for success
The success of PHAntom is measured by: PHBV yield (g/L), mechanical strength & printer compatibility, mass-to-output ratio and $ / kg of usable plastic, environmental resilience under Martian radiation & temperature cycles, plug-and-play readiness with deployers, and strain stability over time.
Technical Feasibility : Operational Feasibility in Space Conditions
How can cells be grown in microgravity?
Liquid/agar culture is feasible with active mixing (pumps, stirrers, bubble aeration) to overcome diffusion limits. ISS experiments and RPM studies show microbes maintain growth; e.g., Senatore et al. (2020) observed normal growth and enhanced stress tolerance for L. reuteri under simulated microgravity.
3D Printing & Filament Extrusion in Microgravity
Extrusion is motor-driven, so it functions in microgravity; enclosure and handling ensure layer adhesion. The first zero-g prints (MSG, 2014) advanced TRL for space AM; today ISS FFF printers provide strong precedent for PHBV.
Altered Gravity on Mars
0.38 g reduces (but doesn’t remove) deposition issues. NASA/ESA regolith printing prototypes suggest PHBV printing in controlled chambers will be reliable on Mars.
Resource Availability on Mars
In situ inputs: 95% CO₂ atmosphere, accessible water ice, and extractable salts/trace elements. Early missions will import sugars, trace metals, and cofactors until life-support recycles/produces them.
Existing Infrastructure in Space Missions
- Centrifuges for biomass/polymer separation
- Incubators & shakers for controlled growth
- Cell-disruption units for polymer recovery
These assets on the ISS and in analog habitats support rapid integration of PHAntom.
Roadmap
Our project combines several innovative technologies: engineered E. coli for CO₂ fixation, acetate overproduction, and PHBV bioplastic synthesis, plus hardware like a filament extruder. Post-iGEM, we’ll refine the stack, pursue SBIR funding, and secure patent protection—foundations for a modular, space-ready platform with dual-use on Earth.
Near term: lab-scale proof-of-concept for CO₂ fixation → acetate/PHBV, validating core genetic modules and testing hardware under Mars-analog conditions.
Long-term & immediate actions
Fully automated, modular payload for Mars & Moon habitats, with continuous monitoring of microbial activity and output, predictive maintenance, genomic integration to reduce plasmid loss, and biosafety kill switches.
Dual-Use Earth Applications
Sustainable plastics for remote sites (research stations, islands), defense/disaster relief, and acetate as an agricultural supplement. Supports NASA’s long-term exploration while reducing terrestrial plastic burden.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Integrated ISRU: CO₂ → acetate (agro) + PHBV (3D printing).
- Sustainability & dual-use aligned with Artemis and green initiatives.
- CO₂-responsive control + CRISPRi flux optimization → higher PHBV yields.
- Stakeholder ecosystem (SBIR/Artemis/Redwire/Tethers).
- Modular & scalable design.
Weaknesses
- Early-stage proof at bench scale.
- Multi-module complexity → integration risk.
- Funding dependency (SBIR/partners).
- Regulatory/biosafety in space contexts.
- Yield/efficiency gaps require iteration.
Opportunities
- Growing ISRU demand (NASA/ESA/private).
- SBIR/STTR & SynBio programs for staged growth.
- Dual-use markets (remote bases, disaster relief).
- Strategic partnerships (Redwire/Made In Space/Tethers, academia).
- Circular bioeconomy impact.
Threats
- Hardware-only ISRU competitors may scale faster.
- Funding uncertainty in aerospace.
- Scale-up risk for biology/extrusion under Mars conditions.
- Skepticism around synbio in aerospace.
- Reputational risk if biosafety mismanaged.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure: resilient, CO₂-valorizing biomanufacturing.
- SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities & Communities: localized biodegradable plastics.
- SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption & Production: circular bioeconomy outputs.
- SDG 13 — Climate Action: CO₂ as feedstock for materials.
- SDG 15 — Life on Land: reduced plastic pollution + acetate for agro.
- SDG 17 — Partnerships: iGEM, SBIR, NASA & industry collaboration.
Business Exit Strategy
Acquisition by Aerospace/Biomanufacturing
Targets: Redwire, Tethers Unlimited, Northrop Grumman, or PHA-focused firms—viable post TRL-6.
Licensing (Genetic + Hardware IP)
Engineered strains, CO₂-responsive promoters, modular bioreactor + extrusion units; royalties/fees reduce OpEx.
Impact Investors / Sustainability Funds
Dual-use climate + space thesis: scalable SBIR-backed roadmap, tangible Earth benefits.
Goal: keep PHAntom sustainable & scalable—support long-term human presence beyond Earth and global sustainability on Earth.
Ethical and Regulatory Considerations
PHAntom operates at the intersection of synthetic biology and space technology, requiring rigorous attention to biosafety and ethical governance. All engineered strains are developed under BSL-1 conditions and confined within sealed bioreactors to prevent environmental release. The project aligns with NASA’s Planetary Protection policies and international biosafety frameworks such as the Cartagena Protocol. As part of our commitment to responsible innovation, we prioritize transparent communication, stakeholder engagement, and ethical foresight to ensure that biotechnology remains a tool for sustainable progress both on Earth and beyond.
Marketing Strategy
PHAntom is more than just an iGEM project: it is the beginning of a movement led by young scientists who believe biotechnology can redefine how humanity approaches sustainability both on Earth and beyond. Our mission is not only to engineer bacteria to transform CO₂ into biodegradable plastics but also to inspire a new vision of space exploration that is safe, circular, and environmentally conscious.
We are not just producing bioplastic for Mars. We are showing that youth-led innovation can solve planetary challenges—from plastic waste on Earth to resource scarcity in space. By framing our project within the broader context of climate change, space colonization, and the urgency of sustainable development, we aim to connect science with society.
To amplify this mission, we are harnessing the most powerful communication tools of our time: social media and digital storytelling. Through Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, we will share engaging reels, infographics, and behind-the-scenes updates that showcase our lab work, hardware development, and team journey. Interactive features such as live Q&A sessions, polls, and collaborations with scientific influencers will help us build a community of supporters that extends beyond academia.
As outlined in our Human Practices, we are already engaging with stakeholders in both the space technology and sustainability sectors. Collaborations with companies focused on green innovation and space ISRU will allow us to raise awareness and credibility. In the near future, we plan to connect with influencers in the science communication, sustainability, and space exploration spaces to expand our reach and inspire the next generation.
But our strategy goes beyond online engagement. Following iGEM, as our research moves toward patent protection and scalability, we will organize educational outreach events—from schools to public science festivals—highlighting how synthetic biology can create real-world solutions for some of the most urgent global and interplanetary challenges. In the long run, we envision developing a public-facing app that tracks our milestones—from successful CO₂-fixation modules to PHBV-based hardware demonstrations—keeping the community involved in our progress.
PHAntom is not just about building technology. It is about building awareness, trust, and global momentum—showing that innovation is strongest when it is inclusive, transparent, and deeply connected to the world it seeks to serve.
Business Plan
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References
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