Overview
This project's iHP centers on the core logic of full-cycle, deep stakeholder engagement—with stakeholders covering academia, industry, communities and environmental organizations—aiming to align the project with three core pillars: scientific feasibility, industry demand and social value. By linking marine resources, synthetic biology and the high-end skincare industry, we have not only addressed the unsustainability of traditional Rh1 production, but also provided a solution for underutilized red algal biomass, ultimately establishing a sustainable industry-academia-research community for green cosmetics.
We integrate stakeholder engagement across all project stages, from problem identification to value dissemination. This ensures our solutions not only overcome technical challenges but also meet real-world needs—alleviating wild ginseng ecological pressure, creating high-value utilization routes for red algae farmers, and satisfying consumer demands for "natural, safe, eco-friendly" skincare ingredients.
We compare the full lifecycle of iHP to the growth cycle of a fruit tree:
Identify the Problem —— Seed Phase:
Identifying problems marks the birth of a project’s initial idea—analogous to a seed carrying core growth genes, it is the starting point for the project to develop from scratch.
Understanding the Problem —— Grounded Phase:
This forms the project’s foundation, just as a plant takes root in soil, providing stable support for subsequent development.
Co-design of Technical Solutions —— Flourishing Phase:
This enhances the project system multidimensionally, expanding in all directions like a lush tree to enrich the project’s structure and implementation capabilities.
Responsible Innovation —— Pruning Phase:
This involves examining and optimizing project risks—similar to pruning branches to remove defective ones—avoiding problems and ensuring the project’s healthy progress.
Value Creation and Dissemination —— Outcome Phase:
This is the process of turning results into practical value. Like a plant bearing fruit, it completes the closed loop from project conception to value realization.
Phase 1: Identify the Problem:
Goal: Understand the contradiction between demand and production
1.1 Why Study Rare Ginsenoside Rh1
When researching high-end skincare ingredients, we noticed rare ginsenoside Rh1. Proven to have excellent anti-aging and repairing effects, it is a sought-after core ingredient for top cosmetics firms.
However, its production faces major challenges: Traditional extraction from wild or cultivated ginseng is highly inefficient and costly, while large-scale harvesting strains wild ginseng resources and their forest ecosystems. Total chemical synthesis is cumbersome, demanding, and generates many by-products—it uses toxic reagents, struggles with chiral control, and leads to high costs, heavy environmental impact, and unguaranteed safety, failing to meet cosmetics' demand for natural, green ingredients [1][2].
Based on this, we inquired with the owner of the pharmacy who possesses a medical doctor's qualification certificate and conducted the following interview:
Dr. Chen
What we want to know:
What are the types of ginseng products?
What role does ginseng play in traditional Chinese medicine?
What are the differences in efficacy between ginseng grown in different environments or with different ages?
·Are there any restrictions on the use of ginseng products?
Dr. Chen responded to the above questions as follows:
Ginseng products are classified by processing method, growth source, and modern tech: By processing – sun-dried ginseng (mild, for most), red ginseng (warm, strong qi-boosting, for cold constitutions), sugar ginseng (mildest, caution for hyperglycemia), active/lyophilized ginseng (max active ingredients). By growth – wild ginseng (long cycle, small quantity, strong efficacy, high price); under-forest ginseng (similar to wild, quality substitute); garden ginseng (cultivated, common, cost-effective). Modern products: ginsenoside extracts, powders, tablets, oral liquids, creams.
In TCM, ginseng is a core qi-tonifying herb (entering lung, spleen, heart meridians). It nourishes vital energy, strengthens spleen/lungs, promotes fluid/blood, calms nerves; relieves qi deficiency-induced diarrhea, poor appetite, cough, thirst, insomnia. Modern research: ginsenosides may regulate immunity, anti-fatigue, whiten, anti-aging, benefit cardiovascular system, assist blood sugar control.
Ginseng efficacy depends on growth cycle/environment: wild ginseng (>15 years, pristine forests, strongest efficacy, high rare saponins); under-forest ginseng (8–15 years, similar to wild but weaker); garden ginseng (3–6 years, mild, daily health). Longer cycle = stronger efficacy; processing boosts same-source ginseng’s efficacy.
Dosage & crowds: Daily health – sun-dried/under-forest ginseng 1–3g, red ginseng 0.5–2g; conventional 3–9g (≤7–10 days); >10g may cause abuse syndrome. Age: No infants; children/adolescents only if qi-deficient (short-term, TCM guidance); elderly (with diseases) need doctors. Pregnant/lactating women, allergy sufferers, those on meds: consult professionals first.
From prior data research and interviews with Dr. Chen, we now know rare ginsenosides are ginseng’s main active ingredients. They have antioxidant, anti-fatigue, cardiovascular protective, anti-inflammatory and whitening effects, making them suitable for cosmetic use. However, their long growth cycle, high time cost, high price, and the need for age-based dosage have laid the groundwork for subsequent research and application.
1.2 Why Use Red Algae as Substrate
While fermenting engineered microorganisms is promising, the common sugar substrate glucose—derived from food crops—risks competition with humans for food, and its cost is also unsatisfactory. We have been seeking a more sustainable, cost-effective alternative substrate.
The problem's turning point came from on-site investigation. Early in the project, we surveyed coastal biomass resources and noticed massive post-harvest red algae residue at an algae farm. Local fishermen noted fast-growing red algae sometimes disrupt fisheries/ecology and are hard to handle. We also interviewed KOWA FOODS, which has a 1,000-acre seawater farm at the 39°N "natural marine pasture", holds BRC, IFS, HACCP, ISO9001 certifications, and is long audited by strict markets like Europe, the US, Japan and South Korea, enjoying high industry recognition.
After on-site inspection and discussion with the person in charge, we learned the following:
1. Farmed species & scale: Core products are Undaria pinnatifida and Laminaria japonica; main domestic producing areas are Dalian, Shandong, and Fujian. Output: Dalian ~600,000 tons/year; Shandong over 1 million tons/year (sufficient for subsequent processing).
2. Algae product prices: Fresh products (aquatic vegetables): 300-500 RMB/ton (max. 2,000 RMB/ton); finished boards: ~2,000 RMB/ton; scraps: 230 RMB/ton; fresh roots: ~400 RMB/ton.
3. Growth cycle: Planted in October, harvested March-April next year (5-6-month cycle); harvest-period algae quality meets processing requirements.
To summarize, algae have fast reproduction and high biomass per unit area, with great potential as industrial carbon sources for microbial fermentation. The person in charge recommends "light drying" for experimental algae processing (sun-drying fresh algae directly, no traditional pickling) to lower costs. Based on this, we've initially decided to use algae as fermentation substrates.
Through field investigation and talks with the person in charge, we found algae reproduce fast, have high per-unit-area biomass, and great potential as an industrial carbon source for microbial fermentation. Based on experience, the person in charge recommended the "light drying" method for experimental algae processing—drying fresh algae directly without traditional pickling, at lower cost. Based on this, we preliminarily decided to use algae as the fermentation substrate.
Through literature reviews, professor interviews and lab analysis, we found red algae are rich in agarose, carrageenan and red algal starch—polysaccharides that can be degraded into monosaccharides via specific enzyme treatment, which is exactly the carbon source for microbial fermentation. Additionally, red algae cultivation uses no arable land or freshwater, grows fast, serves as a sustainable marine resource, and absorbs nutrients from seawater. Meanwhile, the concepts of "developing a broad food outlook to secure food from the ocean" and "building a blue granary" provide policy support for our marine biomass utilization. These overgrown red algae thus turn from an environmental burden into a potential, low-cost and eco-friendly treasure trove of fermentation raw materials [3].
For this, we also interviewed Professor Wei Dong from the School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology—an expert in microalgal germplasm creation & metabolic regulation, high-density fermentation technology development, and environmental remediation & resource utilization.
Professor Wei Dong
What we want to know:
How to reduce substrate costs and improve economic benefits?
How can we enhance the efficient conversion of biomass?
How to further transform ginsenosides into cosmetics?
Professor Wei Dong provided the following response to the aforementioned questions:
The core of cutting substrate costs and boosting economic benefits is replacing high-cost carbon sources, reducing waste, and exploiting strain value. Red algae—third-generation marine biomass—can replace traditional food-derived carbon sources. With 61-67.3% carbohydrate content, it is widely distributed, low-cost, non-arable land-consuming, and cuts pathway construction costs. Liquefying red algae polysaccharides with 0.005M HCl for direct fermentation, combined with strains' "sugar-consuming while sugar-producing" ability, may improve utilization.
Enhancing efficient biomass conversion can be done via pathway construction, regulatory enhancement, and structural disruption—breakthroughs can be made from these perspectives when facing rate-limiting issues.
Professor Wei Dong, with rich microalgae industrialization experience, suggested promoting ginsenoside-to-cosmetics transformation via the "purification - verification - adaptation - industrialization" process: first purify Rh1, then verify its antioxidant, anti-aging, and safety properties experimentally to develop skincare products; finally, comply with regulations, optimize processes via pilot tests, apply for patents, and advance industrialization.
1.3 Why Choose Saccharomyces Cerevisiae as the Chassis Cell
After confirming the substrate and target product, we considered choosing a chassis cell strain. We reviewed literature and found Saccharomyces cerevisiae highly suitable for our experiment: as the first sequenced eukaryote, it has clear genetic information; it holds FDA safety certification (usable in bioproduct and food manufacturing); it has an endogenous MVA pathway for terpene synthesis (no extra introduction needed); and its complex organelles offer notable advantages in enzyme post-translational modification [4].
Based on this, we interviewed Professor Huang Mingtao, an expert in microbial synthetic biology and metabolic regulation of model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology.
Professor Huang Mingtao
What we want to know:
Is our project suitable for fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae?
Will multiple exogenous genes affect yeast's normal metabolism significantly?
Professor Huang Mingtao responded to the aforementioned questions as follows:
Regarding whether the project is suitable for fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and which type of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is suitable, Professor Huang Mingtao stated that the compatibility between the two is high and their metabolic logic is highly aligned. Yeast can utilize red algal components for energy supply, and the cytoplasm naturally contains the MVA pathway, which can directly produce the terpene precursor required for Rh1, eliminating the need to construct a precursor pathway from scratch. In terms of strain selection, wild-type Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be considered.
Regarding the impact of introducing multiple exogenous genes on the normal metabolism of yeast, the professor mentioned that there would be some impact, specifically manifested as a possible 10%-20% decrease in yeast growth rate. Furthermore, after an increase in MVA pathway flux, more acetyl-CoA would flow to Rh1 precursors, slightly inhibiting the energy supply of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. However, due to the controllable expression level of hydrolytic enzyme genes on the plasmid and the high redundancy of the yeast metabolic network, its normal metabolism could be guaranteed.
Professor Huang Mingtao affirmed the feasibility of synthesizing rare ginsenoside Rh1 via Saccharomyces cerevisiae and offered yeast modification suggestions. Post-interview, we finalized the experimental plan and started preliminary experiments.
In summary, a clear idea emerged: can we use synthetic biology to modify yeast to efficiently use red algae-derived sugars as substrate to produce rare ginsenoside Rh1—traditionally extracted from ginseng? This would solve two issues: first, a sustainable, lower-cost Rh1 production path independent of rare terrestrial plants; second, a high-value use for surplus marine red algae biomass—turning waste into treasure and aiding marine environment improvement. Connecting marine resources to high-value skincare ingredients via synthetic biology has become our project’s core.
Phase 2: Understanding the Problem
Goal: Identify market pain points and social needs
2.1 Cosmetics Industry Research
To pinpoint rare ginsenoside Rh1's application bottlenecks and market demands, this phase focuses on two core pain points: cost control and supply chain stability. We conducted in-depth interviews with R&D experts from UNIASIA TECHNOLOGY Company, with preliminary research confirming:
- Cost pain point: Scarcity of ginseng raw materials and low extraction rates drive up the unit cost of plant-derived Rh1, limiting pricing flexibility for mid-to-high-end functional skincare and mass market penetration [1].
- Supply chain pain points: Ginseng's long cultivation cycle, high climate dependence, and tightened wild resource protection policies cause significant fluctuations in plant-derived Rh1 supply—risking short-term supply shortages and disrupting corporate R&D and production schedules [5].
Subsequently, follow-up interviews with Mr. He (sunscreen R&D expert) and Mr. Chen (cosmetics R&D management & formula design expert) from UNIASIA TECHNOLOGY Company focused on four key areas: "technological substitution advantages", "product application scenarios", "ingredient standardization", and "formula competitiveness"—to deepen pain point insights and validate needs.
Mr. He from UNIASIA TECHNOLOGY Company
What we want to know:
1What are the irreplaceable advantages of synthetic biology over traditional plant extraction?
2What kind of skin care products is rare ginsenoside Rh1 more suitable for?
Mr. He responded to the above questions as follows:
Compared with traditional plant extraction, synthetic biology precisely addresses its key pain points: Traditional plant crude extracts have low active ingredient content (e.g., sunscreen components), limiting sunscreen SPF and posing challenges in refinement, stability, solubility, and compounding. In contrast, synthetic biology boosts effective ingredient content to ensure efficacy, combines modern sunscreen tech to form biological sunscreen solutions, and helps enterprises build technical barriers for differentiated products—an edge traditional extraction cannot match.
Though dermatological research on rare ginsenoside Rh1 is insufficient (needing in vitro cell tests and mechanistic verification), molecular docking and pathway prediction confirm its anti-aging, whitening, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, supporting its wide use in functional cosmetics. It addresses UV-caused wrinkles and epidermal hyperplasia (via higher dermal cell density) for anti-aging creams/essences, improves dull/uneven tone for whitening essences/masks, aids post-sun/sensitive skin repair (and enhances sunscreens) with its anti-inflammatory/photoprotective traits, and resists skin free radical damage for antioxidant essences/daytime lotions.
Mr. Chen from UNIASIA TECHNOLOGY Company
What we want to know:
1How can Rh1 address the standardization challenges of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) ingredients?
For a new type of cosmetics, how to enhance its market competitiveness
Mr. Chen responded to the above questions as follows:
To tackle TCM ingredient complexity and standardization in Rh1-containing cosmetics, address complexity via researching Rh1’s chemical components—qualitative, quantitative, and structural analysis clarifies its mechanism and reduces effect ambiguity from TCM’s "holistic concept." For standardization, break geographical/industry barriers, coordinate across business, agriculture, industry, and supervision, unify whole-chain TCM standards (planting to circulation), fix gaps (inadequate standards, outdated quality control, weak international integration), and cultivate talents who "understand TCM, know standards, and apply them."
To design market-competitive new cosmetics via formulation, first set proper ingredient dosages and leverage Rh1’s synergy with other actives to boost efficacy stability and skin absorption. For sunscreens, break traditional physical/chemical limits, integrate "biological sunscreen," use Rh1 to enhance skin’s natural damage resistance, and adopt "chemical/physical + biological sunscreen" synergy. Also, formulations must follow "photostability, efficiency, eco-friendliness, safety, broad spectrum, active substances" principles—balancing efficacy, safety, and environmental protection to meet market demands.
Mr. He compared synthetic biology’s advantages and suggested for Rh1 skincare; Mr. Chen analyzed TCM cosmetics standards and introduced unique product highlights. We deepened understanding of TCM cosmetics ingredient usage specs and clarified the proposed products’ market positioning.
2.2 Consumer Awareness Survey
As a core interactive link, Phase 2’s consumer perception survey aims to connect the project’s technical direction to end-market needs, ensure the rare ginsenoside Rh1 synthesis scheme meets consumers’ expectations for sustainable beauty products, and address potential trust barriers.
The survey targets core skincare users aged 20-50, covering two key topics via questionnaires: 1) Consumers’ recognition of "marine eco-friendly ingredients"—focusing on willingness to pay a reasonable premium for the sustainability of "red algae resource utilization" to inform cost targets and pricing strategies; 2) Consumers’ safety concerns over "synthetic biology-sourced ingredients" to identify market acceptance bottlenecks.
Survey results have optimized the project: To address synthetic biology safety concerns, the team clarified plans to design a "synthetic biology beauty" science popularization strategy; Consumers’ positive feedback on marine eco-friendly ingredients confirmed the market basis for "high-value marine resource utilization," supporting the "efficacy + eco-friendliness" product positioning and completing the "user demand - project design" loop.
2.3 Analysis of Environmental Protection Policies
Phase II uses environmental policy analysis as the core verification link for project compliance and sustainability. Its goal is to align the project with mainstream domestic and international environmental policies, ensure the technical route matches social-ecological development directions, and lay a solid policy foundation for long-term project promotion.
The analysis focuses on two core policy dimensions: 1) China's "Blue Carbon Plan"—highlighting red algae cultivation's "blue carbon sink" attribute and waste algal residue resource utilization, aligning with carbon sink development and marine ecological restoration; 2) the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive—validating the project's model of "converting marine environmental burdens into high-value raw materials," aligning with global trends in marine ecological management and green economic policies [6].
The analysis results offer key support: On one hand, it confirms the technical route has no policy conflicts and holds "policy adaptability advantages," serving as a basis to promote the "algae-cosmetics industry alliance" and secure local subsidies. On the other hand, it validates the policy rationality of dual social values ("high-value marine resource utilization + ecological protection"), strengthens the collaborative logic of "technological innovation - policy compliance - social value," and ensures sustainable policy support during the project's demand verification phase.
We also interviewed Guangzhou Green Dot Public Welfare Environmental Protection Promotion Association, a non-profit public welfare organization in Guangzhou
When asked about the cosmetics industry's most pressing environmental issues, Guangzhou Green Dot Environmental Association noted the core pain point: unbalanced supply chain sustainability. This is manifested in packaging waste, high production water consumption, and raw material overexploitation—with raw material sustainability as the root cause.
The organization added that over the next 3-5 years, the industry needs 3 core directions: closed-loop supply chains, low-energy production, and bio-based raw material development.
On "how to make consumers recognize new eco-friendly raw materials’ value," the association proposed 3 paths:
1. Use "full supply chain science popularization" to resolve cognitive gaps via carbon footprint maps and eco-labels.
2. Adopt scenario-based communication to translate tech advantages into clear ecological benefits.
3. Boost credibility by conveying value via carbon neutrality certifications, eco-co-branded products, and plain language.
Phase 2 focuses on "identifying market pain points and validating social needs". Interviews clarify Rh1’s tech/formula and positioning; surveys of 20-50-year-olds explore eco-friendly ingredient needs and trust barriers; policy analysis confirms compliance; collaboration with Guangzhou Green Dot Public Welfare Environmental Protection Promotion Association provides insights into the cosmetics industry’s environmental views, public perception and suggestions—laying groundwork for follow-up work.
Phase 3: Co-design of Technical Solutions
Goal: Translate societal needs into technical specifications
3.1 Experimental Design
We conducted preliminary experiment design through various literature searches and consultations with relevant professors.
3.2 Red Algae Supply Chain Collaboration
To ensure core substrate supply for rare ginsenoside Rh1 synthesis, red algae supply chain collaboration will advance around the core logic of "base-directed cooperation - standardized pretreatment - enzymatic hydrolysis adaptation optimization." The preliminary core partner is KOWA FOODS
KOWA FOODS guarantees stable off-season algal residue supply; its supplied residue contains a specific proportion of red algal starch and allows preliminary dehydration. It is also agreed that the algal residue purchase price is far lower than traditional glucose costs. After red algae harvesting, the base will quickly complete centrifugal dehydration and preliminary impurity removal—strengthening raw material supply stability and low-cost advantages from the source, which aligns with the project's "low-cost raw materials" core competitiveness.
Upon arrival at the laboratory, algal residue will undergo three-level standardized pretreatment: 1. Manual sorting to remove remaining impurities; 2. Crushing with a high-speed universal crusher; 3. Low-temperature vacuum drying to control moisture content. This process is expected to improve red algal polysaccharide utilization, extend the storage life of dried algal powder, and provide a high-quality, storable substrate foundation for subsequent fermentation—reducing fermentation risks from unstable raw materials.
Cost & stability: The red algae supply chain’s full-chain cost is significantly lower than traditional glucose substrates, enhancing the project’s economic feasibility. Each batch of algal residue will be accompanied by a quality inspection report, and an emergency reserve will be established to avoid supply disruptions—addressing the "unstable supply chain" operational risk noted in the business plan.
Ecological value: Recycling algal residue reduces marine environmental burden and helps cooperative bases increase income. This aligns with "blue granary" policies and the project’s "green cosmetics market trend" positioning, achieving unified economic, social, and ecological benefits.
3.3 Cosmetics Regulation Research
To ensure product legality and compliance, we study cosmetics regulations and advance the application of rare ginsenoside Rh1 as a cosmetic efficacy ingredient.
Domestic Compliance
Currently, under China's Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulations, Rh1 is a new cosmetic raw material. We are preparing to submit information (e.g., chemical composition, preparation process) to the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for registration or filing. Meanwhile, we conduct toxicity and safety assessment experiments (irritation, sensitization) in line with the Technical Guidelines for Cosmetics Safety Assessment, and combine this with red algae raw material quality control research to ensure safe use.
Production Standardization
In production, we are establishing a standardized system—covering raw material procurement & testing, clean workshop construction, production process formulation, and finished product inspection—per the Cosmetics Production Quality Management Regulations.
International Market Readiness
For the international market, we are researching regulatory requirements in the EU, U.S. [17][18], and other regions, and working with partner institutions to advance international certification or filing preparation. We also align with Guangzhou and Guangdong's cosmetics industry policies to conduct branding, international development planning, and resource connection.
Through these efforts, we will gradually ensure full-chain compliance of rare ginsenoside Rh1 from raw materials to cosmetic applications.
Phase 4: Responsible Innovation
Goal: Risk Prevention and Inclusive Design
4.1 Preventive Technology Ethics and Ecological Risks
4.1.1 Interviewing Government Personnel to Understand the Opinions of Grassroots
To further consolidate the project's understanding of the ethical and policy compliance of synthetic biology technology and help implement risk prevention work, the project team actively reached out to grassroots governance units and interviewed staff from Zaobei Community in Qianshan Street, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai City.
The following is an interview with Chen Zaolin, a staff member of Zaobei Community, Qianshan Street, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai City:
Chen Zaolin
What we want to know:
China's core attitudes & policy orientations on synthetic biology and genetic engineering
How to effectively conduct synthetic biology science popularization in communities
Chen Zaolin, a community worker, responded to the above content as follows:
China upholds the core principle of "standardization and controllability" for synthetic biology and genetic engineering. It encourages compliant technological innovation, emphasizes tech ethics and ecological risk management, and defines tech application boundaries via clear policies—especially in biological modification, requiring adherence to biosafety regulations to align tech development with social responsibility.
For community science popularization, we can offer practical support: 1. Coordinate community venues to help organize synthetic biology-themed lectures; 2. Promote the value of these activities to residents in advance to boost participation. During lectures, we will also work with the team to translate technical content into plain language, focusing on explaining the tech’s application logic and safety measures in cosmetic ingredients to reduce residents’ cognitive biases from information asymmetry.
This interview reaffirmed the core orientation of relevant national policies, offering grassroots perspective support for the project's compliant promotion in synthetic biology applications. Via community-supported science popularization and research, we also initially identified residents' tech cognitive pain points, helping the project prevent technical ethical risks. Popularization of food safety and synthetic biology narrowed the gap between the public and cutting-edge tech, reducing ethical dispute risks from information asymmetry and laying a solid social cognitive basis for "responsible innovation".
Here is our plan for this event:
4.1.2 Participation in Biosafety Hearings
The 2025 CCIC Conference "Biosecurity and Responsibility Symposium" is an authoritative platform for integrating synthetic biology with social responsibility, gathering regulators and experts. The project—covering engineered yeast modification and red algae utilization—participates to obtain professional review, align with policies, and refine protection plans.
Meeting participation supported risk prevention: 1. Clarifying synthetic biology’s regulatory boundaries in cosmetic ingredients and defining compliance directions; 2. Leveraging engineered bacteria escape control tech and red algae ecological suggestions to refine protection and supply chain optimization ideas; 3. Building channels with regulators and peers to ease access to subsequent safety assessments and ecological certification guidance, laying groundwork for "responsible innovation".
4.2 Inclusive Design
4.2.1 Joint Professional Laboratories to Meet the Needs of Sensitive Skin
To address the challenge of balancing anti-aging and gentleness for sensitive skin, we will partner with UNIASIA TECHNOLOGY Company's Special Cosmetics Laboratory, taking "sensitive skin friendliness" as the core development criterion. We plan to refine the Rh1 skincare formula via an in vitro 3D sensitive skin model, validate product gentleness through in vitro irritation tests, and survey sensitive skin users' needs. The goal is to build a "formula optimization - in vitro testing - demand alignment" closed loop, ultimately creating products that meet sensitive skin needs while remaining gentle.
4.2.2 Optimizing the Purification Process of Rh1 Based on the Inflammatory Skin Model
Though Rh1 has anti-inflammatory effects, trace fermentation residues may irritate inflammatory skin (e.g., acne-prone skin). We will use an in vitro 3D inflammatory skin model for testing, conduct comparative irritation tests on different purification processes, add an affinity chromatography step to remove impurities if inflammation occurs, and perform trace impurity detection to ensure potential irritant removal meets standards. The goal is to retain Rh1's anti-inflammatory and repair effects while making it suitable for inflammatory skin.
4.2.3 Focusing on All Age Groups and Designing Different Rh1 Solutions
Based on age-specific skin traits and needs, we will develop a full-age Rh1 skincare regimen:
18-25 years old: Focus on "preventing premature aging and oil control"; launch light anti-aging, refreshing products with basic Rh1 concentration, plus oil-controlling and moisturizing ingredients to fit this group's "no-burden" usage habits.
26-45 years old: Design strong anti-aging repair formulas to address collagen loss and deepening wrinkles; increase Rh1 concentration and combine with collagen-promoting factors to boost anti-aging effects.
46+ years old: Prioritize "gentle moisturizing + basic anti-aging"; adopt a low-irritation formula, reduce preservatives and essences, adapt to dry skin and fragile barriers in this group, and achieve full-age Rh1 efficacy coverage [19].
4.3 Beauty Expo
On September 4, 2025, we participated in the China International Beauty Expo, during which we focused on the "Functional Plant-Based Cosmetics Zone". The core goal was to verify the adaptability of the project's technical route to current market trends, while also collecting industry practice references for "responsible innovation".
The following are interviews with two of the salespeople:
Ginseng product salesperson
What we want to know:
What are the primary ingredient sources for current ginseng skincare products?
What core needs do consumers prioritize when buying ginseng skincare products?
The salesperson responded:
In the expo's special area, most ginseng skincare raw materials rely on traditional cultivated ginseng extraction. Our brand shares a similar positioning with three nearby competitors—all focusing on ginseng's anti-aging and repair effects—but has obvious limitations in sales: 1. Raw materials depend on land cultivation, heavily affected by climate and land resources, sometimes causing supply disruptions; 2. Ginseng cultivation has a long cycle and high extraction costs, leading to high product prices that make many consumers hesitant to buy; 3. Efficacy is relatively single (mostly anti-aging), failing to meet multiple needs.
When consumers consult, besides asking about ginseng's efficacy, they often mention "can it anti-aging and anti-inflammation at the same time" and "can the price be more affordable." They have clear demands for "multi-efficacy in one bottle" and cost-effective products. The red algae + synthetic biology method you mentioned to produce Rh1—if it can reduce costs while achieving multi-efficacy—actually meets consumers' needs.
Whitening and anti-aging essential oil salesperson
What we want to know:
What's the logic for compounding active ingredients in whitening & anti-aging essential oils?
What are consumers' specific demands for essential oil efficacy balance?
What are the supply chain difficulties of essential oil raw materials from the sales side?
The salesperson responded:
Whitening and anti-aging essential oils are often formulated as a combination of "main efficacy essential oils + auxiliary extracts", such as rose essential oil (brightening) + asiaticoside (repairing and anti-aging). However, relying on a variety of terrestrial plant materials requires both purity and compatibility, and traditional extraction methods have low yields and high costs.
Consumers are more concerned about "natural and mild" products, as they are afraid of the irritation caused by synthetic ingredients. Sensitive skin types are particularly concerned about redness, and they require quick results in terms of spot fading and firming. They are also wary of products that are "mild but ineffective".
Essential oil raw materials are more sensitive than ordinary raw materials: they are greatly affected by climate, and the harvesting time must be controlled. Moreover, due to differences in plant growth, the composition and effect of different batches are unstable, and replenishment often requires confirmation of batch consistency. If your product can provide mild, anti-aging and whitening effects with stable supply, it will meet the demand and solve the problems of multi-material dependence and unstable efficacy.
Interviews with functional plant-based cosmetics sales staff at the Beauty Expo revealed pain points of traditional plant-extracted products: land dependence, unstable supply, high costs, and single efficacy, plus consumers' demand for "multi-effect + high cost-performance." This confirms the necessity of our project—producing Rh1 via red algae and synthetic biology. This route solves these pain points, meets the demand, and provides market support.
Phase 5: Value Creation and Dissemination
Goal: Build a sustainable influence loop
5.1 Beauty Brand Co-creation
In order to accelerate the building of our beauty brand and promote the implementation of entrepreneurial projects, we contacted Teacher Zhang from the "Forbes China Z Generation Entrepreneurial Project Evaluation" and conducted an online live broadcast communication with him.
We introduced our project to Teacher Zhang: first, we analyzed the production and application drawbacks of high-end rare ginsenoside cosmetic ingredients, noting we’ll use synthetic biology to solve their production pain points and build a unique brand focused on efficacy and environmental protection with Rh1. Then, we explained the commercialization path—proving feasibility via raw material costs, technological advantages, and policy guidance—and mentioned plans to extend commercialization from cosmetics to healthcare products and pharmaceuticals. We also noted we’ve conducted market research and science popularization to understand public concerns about biosynthetic products, and hoped to gain more detailed commercialization advice and entrepreneurial experience guidance through this platform.
Based on the current situation of our team, Teacher Zhang provided the following suggestions:
GenZEC Business Competition Judge Teacher Zhang
What we want to know:
Solution for the mismatch between team technical background and business implementation ability
Public concern response, market research and promotion strategies for biosynthetic products
Teacher Zhang replied:
For project commercialization, two paths are feasible: 1. Transfer technology to mature enterprises—suitable for pure tech teams lacking business expertise; 2. Build a business team, which requires quickly enhancing market-oriented capabilities to bridge the gap between your current technical background and business execution.
From a capital market perspective: Primary market investors have lower risk appetite, with an overall conservative trend. The team needs to recruit talents skilled in business calculations, clarify cash burn pace, break-even point, and growth projections. The cost structure and business model in the business plan (BP) are key to financing and directly impact success. Additionally, seek business partners with investor resources; I can also help connect with biomedical investors and provide BP template support.
For market research and public promotion: Recommend popularizing science to young people via live-streaming platforms, especially by co-creating with experts (e.g., introducing synthetic biology through parenting experts’ perspectives). Use youth-friendly formats like games and anime to lower the barrier to technical science popularization and ease public concerns about biosynthetic products.
The live broadcast exchange clarified the project's commercialization path and team capability improvement direction, obtained capital market trend insights, financing key indicators, and BP resource support, and confirmed the public promotion strategy of "expert co-creation + youthful formats." It also secured opportunities to connect with biomedical investors and enterprises, aiding in refining the business plan, expanding the project's social influence, and advancing the startup from tech R&D to market launch.
Through this live broadcast, we gained enterprise connection and cooperation opportunities via the platform, developed a more comprehensive business plan, and expanded social influence through a fresh perspective—marking a major leap in our entrepreneurial journey.
5.2 Consumer Education Initiative
5.2.1 Developing Educational Tools for "Synthetic Biology Beauty Makeup" and Implementing Practical activities in museums
To address "hard-to-understand professional knowledge and public concerns" about synthetic biology beauty tech, the team developed a paper-based "synthetic biology beauty" science toolkit. In collaboration with two professional teams from South China Agricultural University (SCAU) and SCAU Museum, it held an immersive science event on September 13, 2025—shifting consumer education from one-way transmission to exploratory absorption.
The toolkit's core is a hand-drawn "Synthetic Biology Exploration Map," breaking down the "red algae→yeast→Rh1" process. It compares traditional extraction cost data to highlight synthetic biology's environmental and efficiency advantages. On-site mini-lectures explain Rh1's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects and safety, while answering consumers' key questions about biosynthetic ingredients.
The event uses the map as a dynamic guide, with a "check-in + task interaction" mechanism. The map marks multiple key exploration points; participants complete simple tasks or games to get exclusive stamps, which can be exchanged for science materials. This format attracts many parent-child families: parents understand technical logic via the map, and children ease unfamiliarity with "biosynthesis" through interaction.
The event fully leveraged the paper map's "visualization and easy participation" advantages, enabling consumers to "understand technology and recognize value." It not only verified the science map's effectiveness but also laid a solid foundation for public education, facilitating subsequent brand communication and product promotion.
5.2.2 Self-improvement Mechanism Based on Suggestion Board
To address the "one-way output and delayed feedback" limitations of traditional science popularization, we developed a dynamic improvement system centered on a "post-it note suggestion board"—an innovative tool to refine promotional content.
In cross-disciplinary promotions for primary, middle, and universities, we add an "idea collection session" at each activity's end: providing colored post-its to guide feedback on four dimensions—"content understanding difficulties", "interesting knowledge points", "desired supplementary formats", "synthetic biology misunderstandings"—which is pasted on the dedicated on-site suggestion board.
The suggestion board enables a "presentation-feedback-optimization" closed loop, greatly boosting audience understanding accuracy in subsequent presentations. This delivers strong self-improvement effects and aligns promotions more with the cognitive needs of different educational stages.
5.2.3 Knowledge Dissemination Method Based on Drama
To address the pain points of synthetic biology knowledge—"many terms and high cross-age understanding barriers"—we partnered with Huagong Drama Club to create an exclusive drama Ginsenoside Black Magic, using "drama-based interpretation" for knowledge dissemination. Based on the project's core technology, it leverages character personification and technology scenarioization to build an all-age-friendly science popularization carrier, helping the public understand Rh1 synthesis technology.
The drama centers on the theme "The Awakening of Little Yeast's Ability": Initially stuck in self-doubt due to the "brewing factory's aging," Little Yeast meets the agarase secretion gene, neogalactobiohydrolase secretion gene, and Rh1 synthesis gene. From fearing genetic modification to embracing transformation, it finally joins forces with red algae and squalene to fight the "aging army." This not only shows Little Yeast's growth from "accomplishing nothing" to safeguarding life but also dispels public misunderstandings through the plot of orthodox ginsenoside groups vs. genetically modified (GM) products. The drama also includes humorous details (e.g., red algae "roasting" long gene names) to lower the science popularization threshold.
Ultimately, it achieves a win-win between artistic expression and science popularization, helping the public intuitively grasp core values like "efficient Rh1 production via genetic modification" and "reduced resource consumption via synthetic biology," clearing cognitive barriers for the transformation of technological achievements.
5.3 Business Plan
To advance the practical application of the "red algae + synthetic biology for rare ginsenoside Rh1" technology from R&D achievements, consolidate the commercial foundation of "building a sustainable influence loop," and link with beauty brands to form a clear commercial path and public recognition basis for consumer education, we formulated a business plan covering three dimensions: "technology industrialization, market demand alignment, and social value collaboration." This plan provides a clear operational framework and execution guidance for the project's transition from laboratory to market.
In the core data demonstration section of the business plan, we combine market-side cost estimation and low-carbon assessment models to strengthen the tech's practical value transformation logic:
- Economic perspective: When scaling up red algae biosynthesis for industrial Rh1 production, full-process cost accounting shows its unit cost is significantly lower than traditional ginseng extraction. The low cost of red algae substrate and low energy consumption of fermentation make industrial-grade Rh1 cheaper than traditional routes, breaking the market bottleneck of high raw material costs.
- Sustainability perspective: Via the "cradle-to-gate" life cycle carbon footprint quantification model and carbon utilization rate formula, the red algae biosynthesis route's full-cycle carbon emissions are far lower than traditional ginseng extraction, with significantly higher target product carbon utilization. This fully confirms the tech's "lower cost, more eco-friendly" dual advantages.
It not only meets the industry's green transformation needs under dual-carbon goals but also enhances the product's market competitiveness and strengthens the feasibility of commercial implementation.
For more details, see Model Part 5.
Final Reflection
1 The Degree of Integration of Human Practical Work in the Entire Project
iHP is structured around the Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) cycle, using full-cycle feedback to drive projects from conception to implementation. It deeply embeds "personal reflection, stakeholder feedback, and background research" into the process. Each practice stage directly optimizes technology, products, or communication strategies, with no isolated activities.
- Design: Align technology and product direction with feedback from
stakeholders
The project's initial goal was to obtain low-cost rare ginsenoside Rh1. After interviewing Dr. Chen , Professor Wei Dong, and Professor Huang Mingtao, the core technical route of "red algae + brewing yeast" was confirmed. Meanwhile, based on interviews with Mr. He and Mr. Chen (UNIASIA TECHNOLOGY Company) and consumer research on 20-50-year-olds, the positioning was defined as "multi-functional + cost-effective + eco-friendly" to prevent technology-market disconnection.
- Build: Break through technological bottlenecks with expert
advice
For comparing carbon source efficiency of red algae and glucose, Dr. Yan Xiaofang proposed building an FBA platform. For the problem that yeast transformed with high/low copy plasmids produced no Rh1, Professor Wu Hong and Professor Chen Gu recommended using CRISPR-Cas9 to integrate Rh1 synthesis-related genes into the yeast genome. For the accuracy of the promoter combination prediction model, Professor Liu Shenquan guided the development of ordinary differential equations to recalibrate promoter parameters.
- Test: Verify the optimization plan through practice
By interviewing Dr. Liang Hui, we initially screened enzymes capable of efficiently hydrolyzing red algae. Market testing was done via research on the "Functional Plant-Based Cosmetics Zone" at the 2025 Beauty Expo, confirming that most sales staff recognize the "red algae + synthetic biology" route and most consumers ask about "multi-effect-in-one" products. Compliance testing was carried out at the "Biosecurity and Responsibility Symposium" of the 2025 CCIC Conference to ensure biosecurity compliance.
- Learn: Iterate the project with reflection and feedback
Technical reflection: From the "plasmid transformation failure", we concluded that "yeast exogenous genes need genomic integration". We plan to explore plasmid replication efficiency. Additionally, we will adopt Dr. Zhang Tong's suggestion of "knowledge base development + Prompt engineering" to improve FBA software professionalism. Market reflection: Based on feedback from essential oil sales staff at the expo regarding "unstable raw material batches", we will consider establishing red algae batch quality inspection standards to optimize the supply chain. Popular science reflection: To address the difficulty of the elderly and children in community popular science understanding technical terms, we use the analogy "feeding yeast red algae sugar to produce beauty ingredients" to optimize language for future museum popular science.
In summary, all key project adjustments are based on human practical feedback, achieving a "practice-technology-market" closed-loop iteration with no blind decisions divorced from feedback.
2 Whether the Implementation Process is Well-thought-out
The project strictly follows the logic of "background argumentation - previous work reference - value implementation" (no randomness) and deeply practices iGEM's core values (integrity, cooperation, excellence, public interest), demonstrating rigor and excellence.
- Background and rationale: Based on previous work, identify the
innovation and
necessity
Technically, it references synthetic biology practices (microbial synthesis of high-value compounds) and addresses traditional Rh1 production pain points: plant extraction faces scarce ginseng resources and forest ecology damage; chemical synthesis is cumbersome and fails to meet cosmetics' "natural safety" requirements. The "red algae + yeast" route is thus confirmed to fill the gap of "using marine biomass for cosmetic high-value component synthesis" and avoid duplicating existing solutions.
In terms of industry, it draws on cosmetics industry previous work (biological sunscreen R&D, plant-based raw material substitution) and aligns with policies like the national "Blue Granary" and EU "marine resource utilization". This confirms red algae residue utilization meets industrial trends and avoids technology-policy disconnection.
- The practical implementation of iGEM values
Integrity: Honestly record experimental failures and limitations - do not conceal technical bottlenecks, and all data are labeled with sources;
Collaboration: Establish a "multi-party collaborative entity" network - South China University of Technology professors/doctors (technical support), UNIASIA TECHNOLOGY Company (industrial implementation), KOWA FOODS (raw material supply), Guangzhou Green Dot Public Welfare Environmental Protection Promotion Association (environmental assessment), Huagong Drama Club (science popularization), Forbes Teacher Zhang (commercialization guidance); no single entity advances independently;
Excellence: Pursue high standards in technology and practice - Engineered yeast Rh1 yield is verified via repeated experiments; the red algae supplier has passed BRC/IFS/HACCP/ISO9001 international certifications;
Public Good: Address social pain points - provide high-value channels for red algae farmers, develop mild formulas for sensitive skin groups, and lower Rh1 skincare product prices for consumers.
3 Human Practices Assist in Creating Responsible and Beneficial Projects
The project goes beyond basic practices and invests extra resources to verify its responsibility from three aspects: "ecology, ethics, society". It adheres to relevant regulations and creates diverse, beneficial values.
- Extra efforts: pre-emptive prevention and control of risks to ensure
responsible
scientific behavior
Ecology: Avoided direct large-scale use of red algae; instead, we first consulted environmental protection organizations to assess its impact on marine carbon sequestration and ensure compliance with the "Blue Carbon Plan". We also designed a closed-loop red algae supply chain, cutting energy use and pollution across the entire process, from harvesting, dehydration, and laboratory pretreatment to wastewater utilization.
Ethics: To address public misunderstandings about synthetic biology safety, we held science popularization activities for all age groups (community lectures, museum events, drama performances). We also invited community workers to discuss science popularization plans to prevent panic caused by professional terminology.
Compliance: Advanced the filing of new raw material Rh1 per the "Regulations on the Supervision and Administration of Cosmetics". For the production process, we pre-established systems for raw material testing, clean area construction, and finished product inspection in line with the "Cosmetics Production Quality Management Standards".
- Multi-dimensional benefits: covering ecology, industry, public, and
science
Ecological benefits: Reduce wild ginseng mining, and red algae absorb seawater nutrients;
Industrial benefits: It provides a new high-value path for the red algae industry and provides the Rh1 raw material with "low cost + stable supply" for the cosmetics industry;
Public benefit: product side - develop "age-specific formula" to cover all age groups; science popularization side - enhance public awareness of synthetic biology;
Scientific benefits: Developing "FBA graphical interaction software" to reduce the threshold of synthetic biology modeling and provide "dry experiment" tools for subsequent iGEM teams; establishing a technical process for "red algae-yeast synthesis of Rh1" to fill the gap in related fields.
4 Integration of Different Stakeholders' Views
The project firmly avoids "only contacting relatives and friends or a single group", covering 7 major categories of 20+ non-relatives and friends. The selection of each type of stakeholder is based on the clear reason of "solving key project issues", and all viewpoints are translated into specific actions without any formal integration:
Academic community - technological breakthrough: Engage experts in synthetic biology, microalgae, and yeast metabolism to support red algal substrate determination, yeast chassis selection, FBA platform construction, gene expression/model optimization, and technological bottleneck breakthroughs.
Professional practitioners - domain cognition: With Dr. Chen, who specializes in the field of traditional Chinese medicine ginseng, as the core, we will use his feedback to identify the limitations of traditional ginseng Rh1 extraction and provide a basis for determining alternative production paths for the project.
Industry - Supply Chain and Market: KOWA FOODS provides stable, low-cost algal residue to solve red algae supply issues; UNIASIA TECHNOLOGY Company clarifies Rh1 application scenarios and component standardization directions; Beauty Expo sales staff provide feedback on traditional skincare pain points and consumer demands, prompting the project to strengthen route advantages and focus on product research and development.
Community - Public and Popular Science: Zaobei Community assists in policy interpretation and science popularization; core consumers (20-50 years old) provide feedback/demands, driving the development of science popularization tools and age-specific formula design; Huazhong Agricultural University Museum provides interactive science venues; Huazhong University of Science and Technology Drama Club uses drama to dispel public misunderstandings about "genetic modification".
Eco-compliance environmental protection organization: Collaborate with Guangzhou Green Dot Public Welfare Environmental Protection Promotion Association to advance red algae residue resource utilization, develop low-energy production processes, and ensure ecological compliance per their recommendations
Policy and safety: Participate in the 2025 CCIC Conference's "Biosafety and Responsibility Symposium" to clarify engineered yeast regulatory boundaries, obtain prevention/control technology references, and enhance protection plans and safety assessment channels.
Investment and entrepreneurship guidance: Leverage Forbes and Mr. Zhang’s advice to clarify commercialization paths and promotion models, optimize the business plan, and connect with biomedical investor resources.
5 Records of Human Practical Work
The project's human practices documentation covers the full chain of "method design - process details - result data - supporting attachments", enabling direct reference and reuse by future teams.
- Method/process record: step-by-step, standardized, and reproducible
Stakeholder Engagement Approach:
Expert interview: Record "Outline design logic, such as the interview outline with Professor Wei Dong: ① How to reduce the cost of red algae substrate? ② How to improve the degradation efficiency of red algae polysaccharides? ③ What are the key steps for converting ginsenosides into cosmetics?
Consumer research: Record "questionnaire dimensions (environmental awareness, efficacy requirements, price acceptance), research methods (online questionnaire, offline interview)";
Popular science activity: recording "Museum check-in interactive design, drama 'Ginsenoside Black Magic' scene-by-scene plot".
- Result record: data-based, verifiable, and supported
Practical results: Record "community science popularization participation, beauty expo research feedback, environmental protection assessment results";
Compliance results: Record "Rh1 safety testing, biosafety hearing feedback, legal and regulatory research".
- Accessory support: complete materials, expandable
Practical category: Community science popularization plan PDF, museum science popularization activity plan PDF, and script PDF of the drama "Ginsenoside Black Magic";
Business category: Business Plan PDF;
Future teams working on "bio-based cosmetic ingredient" projects can directly reuse content like "expert interview outlines, interactive game designs, and science popularization activity designs". The completeness of records guarantees project scalability.
6 Inspiration for Others
- Prudence: Implement risk prevention and control measures before
proceeding, and avoid
blindly pushing forward
For technology, Professor Huang Mingtao will be consulted in advance to predict the decline in yeast growth rate and avoid it by controlling gene expression. For ecology, small-scale tests of red algae efficacy will be conducted before promotion. For ethics, small-scale pilot projects will be conducted in the community to popularize synthetic biology and collect feedback for optimization before promotion, focusing on sensitive attributes of synthetic biology.
- Foresight: Cross-domain layout to build long-term value
The industrial chain has been connected through the "red algae - yeast - Rh1" link, adapting to the policy of "obtaining resources from the ocean". The product design features a multi-functional matrix and covers sensitive skin and other niche groups, avoiding short-term loss of competitiveness. The popular science is presented in a youthful form, establishing a long-term dissemination network of "universities + communities + museums".
- Creativity: Breaking through tradition and innovating practice
forms
Popular science turns professional content into popular expression through drama, breaking the boring limitations of technical popular science; collaborative innovation of "industry-university-research-application" mode, linking multiple parties, providing diverse cooperation templates for iGEM team.
What Else Do We Have To Do
- Purification process: During communication with UNIASIA TECHNOLOGY Company, we plan to use a 3D inflammatory skin model to test impurity irritation and add an affinity chromatography step. However, time constraints prevent extensive experimental verification of skincare products. Next, we will continue testing to preliminarily verify the formula's irritation and impurity removal effects for skincare products.
- KOWA FOODS Red Algae Supply: We have only agreed on "algal residue purchase price lower than glucose, preliminary dehydration treatment" so far. Next, we need to clarify the annual supply volume, quality inspection standards, and emergency supply plans.
- International Collaboration & Resources: We lack communication with foreign R&D personnel and opportunities for international supply chain cooperation. Next, we will establish international technology exchange channels to connect with foreign R&D personnel, learn from their experience, and expand international resources.
In Conclusion
Throughout the iHP project lifecycle, from exploring Rh1 production challenges to implementing red algae and synthetic biology technologies, we have always prioritized "stakeholder engagement across the lifecycle." This includes tracking experimental breakthroughs and challenges, and continuously exploring ways to connect marine resources, synthetic technologies, and beauty industry needs. Our goal is to facilitate the translation of technology into industrial solutions, while also incorporating ecological and social values.
To overcome lab-based technology limitations, we use diverse science popularization to narrow the public-technology gap—enabling the public to understand and supervise technology, while conveying the "green beauty ingredients" concept.
Sustainable innovation relies on collaboration: we drive technological breakthroughs, supply chain development, and industrial adaptation through multi-party cooperation, and engage with multiple teams [see Collaboration for details] to share practical experience and leverage each other's strengths.
The project's core logic is always "human practices throughout the process": rooted in considering the "people-technology-environment" relationship, and integrating multi-party needs and suggestions to guide decision-making. Its significance lies not only in technological achievements, but also in enabling multi-stakeholder value realization.
As you read this record, we invite you to rethink the power of small innovations. Our initial idea might have been simply replacing glucose as a carbon source with red algae, or our first experiment might have only detected a weak Rh1 signal. Yet these seemingly small explorations, through continuous accumulation, gradually unlock greater possibilities—changing traditional ginsenoside extraction and advancing sustainable marine resource use. Changing the world is never an overnight feat; it lies in every rigorous experiment, every sincere science popularization activity, and every open collaboration. This is not only our original intention in pursuing the iHP project, but also the future we look forward to building with every partner.
