Aging is a growing challenge worldwide, yet most available anti-aging products are either prohibitively expensive or raise safety concerns. To address this gap, we engineered the probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 as a safe chassis, and constructed three functional modules: the NMN module to restore NAD+ metabolism and cellular energy, the GSH module using the bifunctional enzyme GshF to enhance antioxidant capacity and support skin health, and the GLP-1 module to improve metabolic balance and mitigate obesity-related aging risks. Together, these modules provide a scalable, cost-effective, and versatile platform for developing oral and topical products. As high school students, we envision this not only as a scientific solution, but also as a heartfelt attempt to protect the health of our families and contribute to a healthier aging society.

Abstract Figure. Chronocure's products (conceptual), which are produced through synthetic biology (containing NMN, GSH, and GLP-1), help families with anti-aging.

It all started from a normal evening, our team leader was browsing videos on her phone when she stumbled upon a classic public service advertisement titled "Family" . She paused the video and looked toward her parents in the living room: her father was becoming increasingly stout, and her mother's skin seemed to have more fine lines than before. These details made her realize: her parents were aging at a speed she had never noticed. She wanted to do something, but the anti-aging products available on the market were either prohibitively expensive (Figure 1) or questionable in efficacy and safety (like an "antioxidant capsule" that was exposed for containing excessive and unsafe ingredients), making it difficult to truly protect their health. She wondered: "Is this really the best we can do for the people who have given us everything?".

Figure 1. Expensive anti-aging products are available on the market.

Driven by the question of whether science could help her family find a safer and more accessible anti-aging solution, she consulted her biology teacher and learned that aging intervention was indeed a cutting-edge focus in synthetic biology (such as NAD+ precursor regulation and telomerase activity research). Even more touching was when she shared her observations in class — several classmates mentioned issues like "grandma always forgets things" or "grandpa's joints predict the weather." These shared experiences made us realize: aging is not an isolated struggle, but a real challenge faced by every family. So, we decided to form a team, Chronocure, dedicated to researching the project of delaying aging. Based on the specific needs of our own family members, we used the experiments on the laboratory table to respond to the unspoken expectations in the "Family" advertisement: When I grow up, let me use science to protect our "Family"(Figure 2).

Figure 2. Public Service Advertisement: "Family".

The global aging process is accelerating

In the 21st century, the population structure is undergoing an unprecedented aging transition. According to the data of the United Nations World Population Prospects 2023, the proportion of the global population aged 65 years and above reached 9.6% in 2023, and it is expected to climb to 16% in 2050, and some developed countries (such as Japan and Italy) even exceeded 30%[1,2] (Figure 3). According to the 2024 report of the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the population aged 60 years and above has exceeded 290 million (accounting for 21.1% of the total population), which is the largest aging group in the world [3]. This trend has directly led to a surge in medical expenditure (global average annual growth rate of 4.3%) and a slowdown in GDP growth (0.5-1%), and has also led to a high incidence of chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, metabolic syndrome) in the elderly. Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that more than 60% of global deaths are directly related to age-related diseases [4]. Aging is not only an individual health issue, but also a systemic challenge that threatens the sustainable development of the global economy and society.

Figure 3. Young children and older people as a percentage of the global population [2].

Aging: From Inevitable Process to Modifiable Biological Event

Scientists have been exploring the issue of aging. The earliest available literature dates back to 1930 (Figure 4). Aging is traditionally considered to be a natural and irreversible physiological process, but modern studies have revealed that aging is essentially a biologically modifiable event driven by multiple factors [5].

Figure 4. Timeline of ageing research [5].

In addition to endogenous genetic programs (such as telomere shortening and DNA damage accumulation), modern lifestyles and environmental exposures significantly accelerate the aging process: high-sugar and high-fat diets induce insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction [6], sedentary behavior leads to skeletal muscle loss and decreased metabolic rate [7], and chronic stress [8]; Among the environmental factors, air pollution (particulate matter such as PM2.5) and blue light radiation (electronic devices) damage cell homeostasis by inducing oxidative stress, which causes aging markers (such as increased levels of inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α) to appear 10-15 years earlier in the middle-aged group (40-55 years old) (Figure 5) [9].

Figure 5. The concept of geroscience and its approach to age-related disease. Environmental and genetic factors exert influences on a number of key cellular processes and pathways, which have recently been defined as the hallmarks of ageing193. Many of these pathways contribute to the creation of a chronic inflammatory stage and to ageing. These in turn increase the risk for chronic diseases of ageing together with disease-specific risk factors (for example, cholesterol level and high blood pressure can lead to cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and myocardial infarction) [5].

Studies have shown that a series of genes or external environmental factors can ultimately lead to cell aging. Although aging is a cellular defense mechanism that can prevent cells from suffering unnecessary damage, the phenomenon of aging occurs in multiple tissues during various physiological and pathological processes, such as tissue remodeling, damage, cancer, and aging (Figure 6) [10]. Further research indicates that there are two key "cliff aging" nodes in human beings -around 30 years old (adrenal function decline) and 45 to 55 years old (multi-organ proteome "molecular cascade storm"), which are the golden window for intervention [11].

Figure 6. The concept of geroscience and its approach to age-related disease [10].

Progress and Challenges in Anti-Aging Interventions

Aging is a multifactorial process, and diverse strategies have been explored to delay its onset or mitigate its effects. Lifestyle interventions, such as caloric restriction and intermittent fasting, have been shown to extend lifespan in model organisms by up to 35% [12], primarily by activating autophagy, reducing metabolic stress, and improving insulin sensitivity. Similarly, regular exercise can enhance mitochondrial function and metabolic homeostasis, though its protective effect on organ degeneration remains limited [13], and long-term adherence is difficult to maintain. On the pharmacological side, drugs such as metformin and rapamycin, as well as molecular approaches including NAD+ boosters (e.g., NMN, NR), glutathione (GSH), and glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1) receptor agonists, have attracted considerable attention for their potential to regulate cellular energy metabolism, delay senescence, and modulate inflammation (Figure 7) [14]. Yet despite promising preclinical data, most of these candidates are still hampered by side effects, poor bioavailability, or uncertain long-term efficacy, and no intervention has yet demonstrated consistent and safe anti-aging effects in humans.

Figure 7. Eight interventions in human trials for aging and its attendant diseases [12].

In parallel, advances in biomedical technology are opening new directions in anti-aging research. Emerging strategies such as senolytics, gene therapy, and stem cell therapy aim to intervene at cellular or genetic levels, seeking to remove senescent cells, stabilize chromosomes, or regenerate tissues (Table 1). While these frontier technologies hold the potential to fundamentally reshape the aging process, they remain constrained by technical immaturity, ethical debates, high costs, and safety concerns. Taken together, lifestyle modification, pharmacological treatment, and biomedical innovation represent the three major categories of current anti-aging strategies. Each has demonstrated potential in delaying aging, but none has yet provided a universally effective or clinically proven solution. This reality underscores the urgent need for safe, efficient, and broadly applicable interventions that integrate molecular advances with sustainable approaches, highlighting the importance and timeliness of continued innovation in the field of anti-aging.

Table 1. Summary of Current Anti-Aging Interventions: Mechanisms and Limitations.

Our journey started from a simple but profound realization: our parents are aging more quickly than we ever expected, while most available anti-aging products remain either too costly or raise safety concerns. At the same time, scientific research has shown that aging is not merely an inevitable destiny, but a biological process that can be shaped by genetics, lifestyle, and environment. Confronted with a world where the aging population is growing rapidly and countless families struggle with age-related diseases, we began to feel a sense of responsibility that extends beyond ourselves. As high school students who believe in the power of synthetic biology, we came together to form Team Chronocure, determined to design solutions that are not only scientifically sound but also safe, accessible, and affordable. By exploring biosynthetic pathways for molecules such as NMN, GSH, and GLP-1, we hope to contribute innovative strategies that may one day ease the burden of aging for both our families and society.

Synthetic biology offers innovative solutions to these problems by genetically engineering microorganisms (Escherichia coli, E. coli) to build "cell factories" for the efficient biosynthesis of target molecules. Therefore, our project takes synthetic biology as the core technology support to achieve the efficient synthesis of three key anti-aging substances, nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), glutathione (GSH), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and finally develop a safe and efficient anti-aging series of products for gender.

Figure 8. Schematic diagram of engineering bacteria fermentation for the production of NMN, GSH, and GLP-1 for anti-aging product development.

Chassis Microorganism

We selected E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) as the chassis microorganism for its well-defined genetic background, rapid growth characteristics, and exceptional safety profile. This non-pathogenic E. coli strain, clinically validated as a probiotic, was originally isolated during World War I by German microbiologist Alfred Nissle from the feces of a soldier who remained uninfected amid a severe Shigella outbreak [15].

Figure 9. Schematic diagram of E. coli from baike.Baidu.com.

Three key attributes justify its selection: (1) Genetic tractability—EcN's extensively studied genome enables precise genetic manipulation (e.g., gene introduction, knockout, and regulation) to construct efficient NMN, GSH and GLP-1 biosynthetic pathways; (2) Scalable cultivation—its rapid proliferation under optimized conditions and minimal nutritional demands facilitate cost-effective, large-scale fermentation; (3) Superior biosafety—as an oral product, EcN's non-pathogenic nature (lacking endotoxin secretion or virulence traits) ensures food-grade safety and minimizes manufacturing risks. These properties collectively position EcN as an optimal chassis for reliable, scalable, and safe NMN, GSH, and GLP-1 production.

Our synthetic strategy

The synthesis mechanism of NMN

Overview

As shown in Figure 10, Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN, β-nicotinamide mononucleotide) is the direct precursor of NAD+, which is composed of nicotinamide, ribose, and phosphate. It is naturally found in fruits, vegetables, meat, and the human body, and is a key coenzyme precursor for maintaining cellular energy (ATP synthesis) and DNA repair (activation of SIRT1 longevity protein) [16]. With aging, the decrease of NAD+ level is closely related to aging-related dysfunction, while NMN supplementation can effectively enhance NAD+, improve mitochondrial function, and cognitive and motor ability [17]. Animal experiments (such as the Harvard team found that NMN prolongs the life span of aged mice by nearly 30% in 2013) and early human experiments (such as Japan's clinical study showing NAD+ elevation in 2017, and the improvement of NMN in elderly mice). The safety of a 250 mg daily supplement in middle-aged people was confirmed in 2023, indicating its potential for anti-aging and metabolic regulation [18-20]. At present, there have been studies showing that it is feasible to synthesize NMN using synthetic biology. Recent studies have demonstrated the feasibility of synthesizing NMN through synthetic biology approaches [21].

Figure 10. Schematic diagram of NMN.

At present, the main production strategies for NMN include chemical synthesis, enzymatic synthesis, and microbial fermentation (Table 2). Although these methods have made progress, each suffers from critical limitations. Chemical synthesis, while scalable, involves complex multi-step reactions, high costs, and potential environmental concerns due to chemical waste. Enzymatic synthesis offers high specificity and purity but is hindered by the high cost and low stability of enzymes, making large-scale applications difficult. Microbial fermentation provides a greener and potentially scalable alternative, yet its yield is heavily influenced by fermentation conditions, and the downstream separation of NMN remains costly and technically challenging.

Table 2. Current NMN production methods and their limitations.

Given these constraints, current NMN production methods are still far from achieving safe, cost-effective, and large-scale application. This unmet need underscores the importance of developing new approaches. To address these challenges, our iGEM team adopted a synthetic biology strategy, engineering microbial cell factories that can efficiently synthesize and secrete NMN. This design not only reduces production cost and environmental burden but also provides a sustainable and scalable platform for future applications in anti-aging and beyond.

Our design

To achieve efficient and scalable production of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), we employed a synthetic biology strategy to construct engineered bacterial strains, overcoming the limitations of traditional chemical synthesis. Through three systematic rounds of strain design and optimization, we developed an engineered strain with markedly improved production performance. This strain not only achieved a substantial increase in NMN yield but also established a sustainable and cost-effective biomanufacturing platform, providing a solid foundation for subsequent functional validation and broader application.

Version 1.0: Establishing Baseline NMN Production through Dual-Protein Synergy

Our first-generation engineered strain was designed based on a dual-protein synergy strategy (Figure 11). The core enzyme NadV, derived from Vibrio bacteriophage KVP40, exhibits high nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase activity and efficiently catalyzes the conversion of nicotinamide (NAM) and phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP) into NMN. To overcome the bottleneck of substrate uptake, we co-expressed the NAM transporter NiaP, which actively increases intracellular NAM concentration. By carefully tuning the expression balance of NadV and NiaP, we successfully constructed a first-generation strain capable of efficient NMN biosynthesis. This design not only validated the feasibility of microbial NMN production but also laid the groundwork for subsequent rounds of strain optimization.

Figure 11. Schematic diagram of the first-generation metabolic engineering pathway for intracellular synthesis of NMN in E. coli.

Version 2.0: NMN Overproduction through BaPRS-Mediated PRPP Supply Reinforcement

To further improve NMN yield, we identified phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP) as a crucial rate-limiting substrate in the biosynthetic pathway. Even with sufficient NadV activity, inadequate PRPP availability restricts the conversion of nicotinamide (NAM) into NMN. To address this bottleneck, we introduced the BaPRS gene from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, encoding phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase (Figure 12). BaPRS catalyzes the irreversible reaction between ribose-5-phosphate (R5P) and ATP, producing PRPP and AMP with Mg2+ as a cofactor. By co-expressing BaPRS alongside NadV and the transporter NiaP, we successfully increased intracellular PRPP concentration and ensured a steady substrate supply for NMN biosynthesis. This design effectively elevated the metabolic flux towards NMN, enabling the second-generation engineered strain to achieve higher productivity than its predecessor and establishing a more robust platform for downstream functional validation.

Figure 12. Schematic diagram of the second-generation metabolic engineering pathway for intracellular synthesis of NMN in E. coli.

Version 3.0: Enhancing Extracellular NMN Accumulation through PnuC Transporter Integration

Although our second-generation strain effectively increased intracellular NMN synthesis, the accumulation of NMN inside the cells limited overall production efficiency. A portion of intracellular NMN was consumed for NAD+ biosynthesis, further reducing the available yield. To overcome this challenge, we introduced the PnuC transporter gene from Bacillus mycoides, which enables the export of NMN across the cell membrane (Figure 13). PnuC specifically recognizes intracellular NMN molecules and actively transports them into the extracellular environment. This strategy not only relieved the metabolic burden caused by NMN accumulation but also minimized its consumption within the NAD+ pathway, thereby increasing extracellular NMN levels. The co-expression of NiaP, NadV, BaPRS, and PnuC established a continuous and efficient biosynthetic cycle: nicotinamide uptake via NiaP, PRPP supply enhancement by BaPRS, NMN synthesis by NadV, and extracellular secretion by PnuC. Together, these modules significantly improved NMN productivity, laying the foundation for scalable biomanufacturing and downstream functional validation.

Figure 13. Schematic diagram of the third-generation metabolic engineering pathway for intracellular synthesis of NMN in E. coli.

The synthesis mechanism of GSH

Overview

To further enhance our anti-aging cocktail beyond NMN, we introduced glutathione (GSH) (Figure 14) as a third functional molecule. GSH is the most abundant intracellular antioxidant tripeptide, composed of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. It protects cells by directly scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby reducing oxidative stress, stabilizing mitochondrial DNA, and maintaining cellular energy metabolism [22]. In addition, GSH plays a central role in liver detoxification, where it conjugates xenobiotics such as drugs or environmental toxins to promote excretion [22]. It also modulates immune and inflammatory responses, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and delaying immunosenescence [23].

Figure 14. Chemical structure of GSH.

With aging, tissue GSH levels decline at a rate of approximately 1–2% per year, and by age 60 are reduced by 30–50% compared with young adults [22]. This reduction is strongly associated with skin aging phenotypes such as wrinkles, pigmentation, and impaired repair capacity, as well as systemic outcomes including muscle atrophy and neurodegenerative risk [23]. Clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated that supplementation with GSH or its precursors (e.g., N-acetylcysteine) can enhance antioxidant capacity, alleviate oxidative damage, and improve aging-related disorders [23].

Figure 15. Comparison of traditional two-enzyme glutathione synthesis and GshF one-step catalysis.

Traditionally, GSH biosynthesis requires two ATP-dependent enzymes: γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS, also known as glutamate-cysteine ligase) and glutathione synthetase (GS), which act sequentially to produce GSH [22]. However, γ-GCS is subject to strong feedback inhibition by GSH itself, and the two-step system suffers from intermediate diffusion inefficiencies. Recent advances describe the bifunctional enzyme GshF, which fuses γ-GCS and GS into a single protein capable of one-step catalysis, improving yield and overcoming feedback limitations (Figure 15) [24]. Incorporating this system into our project allows us not only to improve the efficiency of GSH biosynthesis but also to tailor the product toward female users, where GSH has additional value in skincare and anti-aging cosmetics (e.g., topical formulations such as facial masks), making our probiotic platform more versatile and appealing.

Our design

To enable efficient glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis, we engineered E. coli as the chassis to express the bifunctional synthetase GshF, originally derived from Streptococcus agalactiae serotype V (Figure 16). Unlike the traditional two-enzyme pathway, which involves separate γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS) and glutathione synthetase (GS) and suffers from feedback inhibition, GshF integrates both catalytic activities in a single polypeptide, enabling a “one-step” synthesis from glutamate (Glu), cysteine (Cys), and glycine (Gly). To maximize expression efficiency, we performed codon optimization of the gshF gene to better match the codon usage of E. coli, thereby improving ribosomal translation efficiency and reducing translational pausing. The optimized construct was cloned into a plasmid under a strong promoter with an RBS to initiate transcription, generating abundant mRNA transcripts, which were translated into functional GshF enzyme. During fermentation, we further supplied Glu, Cys, and Gly as substrates to ensure sufficient precursors for the catalytic process. This strategy not only enhances intracellular GSH yield but also simplifies downstream processing, providing a robust synthetic biology approach to produce a key anti-aging molecule with strong relevance to skin health and oxidative stress resistance.

Figure 16. Schematic of engineered E. coli for GSH biosynthesis.

The synthesis mechanism of GLP-1

Overview

Building on our first module, which focuses on NMN biosynthesis to restore intracellular NAD+ levels, we also explored glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) as a third design module. GLP-1 is a peptide hormone widely studied for its role in glucose regulation and metabolic balance, and research on GLP-1 receptor signaling was recognized by the 2024 Lasker Award in Medicine (Figure 17). Inspired by these findings, we envisioned GLP-1 as a complementary target to NMN: while NMN relates to cellular energy metabolism, GLP-1 represents a way to conceptually address metabolic factors that are closely associated with aging. In our project, the GLP-1 system is developed purely as a synthetic biology design concept, aiming to demonstrate how engineered bacteria could be adapted for the production of diverse functional molecules, rather than as a medical or therapeutic claim.

Figure 17. 2024 Lasker~DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award for GLP-1-based therapy.

https://laskerfoundation.org/winners/glp-1-based-therapy-for-obesity/

GLP-1 is a 30-amino acid peptide hormone secreted by intestinal L-cells, derived from proglucagon, and its biological activity is strictly glucose-dependent. When blood glucose is elevated, GLP-1 promotes insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells, suppresses glucagon release from α cells, delays gastric emptying, reduces appetite, and regulates satiety through hypothalamic signaling [25]. Recent research has explored potential roles of GLP-1 in biological processes related to aging, such as autophagy regulation, stem cell function, and β-cell maintenance [26]. In addition, clinical studies have investigated GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, for their possible effects on metabolic health. These studies have reported associations with processes including suppression of chronic inflammation, restoration of mitochondrial function, and maintenance of cellular homeostasis, but such findings remain within the scope of biomedical research and are beyond the practical scope of our project. (Figure 18) [27].

Figure 18. Multifaceted regulatory roles of GLP-1 in glucose and energy metabolism.

Currently, GLP-1 receptor agonists are already used in the clinic for diabetes and obesity, and their prescription rate is rapidly expanding. However, existing production methods rely on costly peptide synthesis or pharmaceutical formulations, which are difficult to scale affordably. Therefore, we aim to harness synthetic biology to construct engineered bacteria capable of efficiently producing GLP-1. This approach not only reduces production cost but also enables sustainable biosynthesis, representing an important step in upgrading our anti-aging probiotic system from a single-molecule NMN producer to a multi-functional chassis strain delivering both NMN and GLP-1.

Our design

To achieve efficient synthesis and secretion of GLP-1, we constructed a recombinant expression system in Escherichia coli (Figure 19). Specifically, the coding sequence of GLP-1 was fused with the PelB signal peptide, a well-established secretion leader that directs nascent peptides into the periplasm via the Sec-dependent pathway, thereby facilitating proper folding and subsequent secretion. Before cloning, the GLP-1 gene was subjected to codon optimization to better match the translational machinery of E. coli, improving translation efficiency and reducing ribosomal stalling. Once the engineered plasmid is transcribed into mRNA, translation is initiated at the ribosome binding site (RBS), leading to the production of the PelB-GLP-1 fusion protein. Guided by the PelB signal peptide, the fusion protein is efficiently transported across the inner membrane and secreted into the extracellular environment. This strategy not only enhances the stability and solubility of GLP-1 but also promotes its extracellular release, significantly simplifying downstream purification and laying a solid foundation for large-scale production of bioactive GLP-1.

Figure 19. Schematic of synthesis for PelB-GLP-1 in E. coli.

How do we develop products?

Our implementation plan is designed as a conceptual industrial pipeline, illustrating how synthetic biology research might one day be translated into real-world applications. In our project, engineered strains of E. coli Nissle 1917 were only developed and studied in the laboratory as proof-of-concept. We did not perform human or animal testing. All downstream fermentation, purification, and packaging steps described here are hypothetical scenarios, inspired by existing industrial practices (Figure 20). Their purpose is to show potential pathways for future translation, while our current work remains at the design and bench-scale verification stage.

Figure 20. Application and Implementation Flow.

Feasibility of Industrial-Scale Production

Our project demonstrates clear feasibility for industrial-scale application. In the laboratory phase, we engineered microbial chassis capable of producing three key compounds: NMN, GSH, and GLP-1. Through codon optimization, pathway engineering, and enzyme overexpression, we obtained third-generation E. coli Nissle strains for NMN synthesis, high-yield GshF-expressing strains for GSH production, and recombinant BL21(DE3) strains for GLP-1 secretion. These strains were validated in shake-flask and bench-scale fermentations, confirming stable productivity and purity. For industrial implementation, NMN can be produced via continuous fed-batch fermentation with in situ separation to ensure stable yields, while GSH and GLP-1 are obtained from batch fermentation followed by cell disruption and chromatographic purification. A closed-loop biosafety system ensures safe operation: fermentation residues are sterilized at 121 °C for 30 minutes, dedicated purification pipelines prevent microbial leakage, and environmental monitoring confirms no strain release. Importantly, fermentation and purification are separated from final product formulation, with purified compounds delivered to specialized plants for downstream processing and packaging. This pipeline ensures technical scalability, biosafety, and compliance, bridging the gap from laboratory innovation to practical industrial production.

Who will use our products?

From the very beginning, our project was inspired by the everyday health concerns of families. Through informal interviews with relatives and peers, we envisioned that potential applications of our system could take different forms depending on user needs. For example, concepts such as oral supplements for energy metabolism or topical formulations for antioxidant protection were often mentioned in stakeholder discussions. Importantly, these are envisioned formats only, serving to guide our design thinking. We did not develop actual consumable products, nor did we test them on humans or animals.

Based on this, we conceptually explored gender-specific customization as design scenarios inspired by stakeholder input:

• Women: conceptually developed along two lines— oral administration and skincare. The oral liquid, centered on NMN and glutathione (GSH), supports cellular metabolism and antioxidant capacity. The skincare products (facial masks and serums) combine NMN, GSH, and hyaluronic acid to achieve skin repair and anti-aging effects.
• Men: conceptually developed oral capsules, combining NMN with GLP-1, designed for individuals experiencing accelerated aging due to metabolic pressures such as diabetes and obesity. These formulations hope to improve metabolic balance and slow down aging.

Figure 21. Conceptual prototype only; bottle contains no actual ingredients.

Product Usage

Through these approaches, we aim to ensure that our products are not only feasible in the laboratory but can also be seamlessly integrated into family life, bringing synthetic biology innovations into everyday practice. To facilitate practical implementation, we have also prepared a Product Development Draft Formulation (Figure 22) to guide future development and optimization.

Figure 22. Conceptual Product Development Draft (Not for Real Use).

Our Product Advantages

Our design highlights three key advantages:

1. Scientific and Innovative – By engineering E. coli 1917 to efficiently produce NMN, GLP-1, and GSH, we establish a robust platform for anti-aging research and provide a practical model for synthetic biology applications.

2. Safe and Accessible – With strict biosafety control, our conceptual designs are intended to be user-friendly and adaptable to different family needs in daily life scenarios.

3. Scalable and Valuable – Our design illustrates how microbial production could conceptually be connected with downstream applications, showing potential scalability and broader relevance in healthcare, nutraceutical, and skincare research.

In conclusion, our project highlights the potential of synthetic biology to enable the production of key anti-aging molecules such as NMN, GSH, and GLP-1, while also reflecting our original motivation as high school students—to design safe, feasible, and meaningful solutions for our parents, our families, and for society facing the challenges of aging. All application descriptions presented here are conceptual, and our work remains at the design and laboratory-exploration stage in full compliance with iGEM safety standards. We see this project not only as a scientific exploration but also as an expression of care and responsibility across generations.

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