The core of our project is to utilize the recombinant mussel foot protein (Mfp) coating technology. This technology is achieved by expressing the Mfp gene in E. coli and fusing it with antibacterial/amphoteric ion peptides. This technology enables strong and biocompatible adhesion to medical devices (such as implants, catheters), food packaging, and ships, with dual functions: achieving bacterial elimination and biofilm prevention through contact, while avoiding the toxicity, environmental pollution, and drug resistance issues of traditional chemical coatings. It is crucial that this project aligns with 5 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, including SDG 3 (reducing infection-related mortality and medical costs), SDG 4 (skill development education through simulation/gaming), SDG 8/9 (creating employment opportunities through sustainable industrial production), and SDG 14 (reducing water pollution and supporting the sustainability of marine resources). The implementation strategies include industrial-scale production through microbial fermentation, policy advocacy for green medical standards, establishing global partnerships (such as integrating with the guidelines of the World Health Organization), and monitoring impacts through clinical/environmental indicators to ensure ecological and social benefits.
The foot filaments of mussels secrete the mussel foot protein (Mfps), which contains catechol groups. It can form strong chemical bonds with various surfaces (metal, polymer, ceramic), even in a moist internal environment, thus overcoming the adhesion failure problem faced by traditional coatings. By recombinantly expressing Mfps in E. coli, they can be fused with antibacterial peptides and zwitterionic peptides to achieve dual functions: they can kill bacteria when in contact and prevent the formation of biofilms. Unlike animal-derived or chemically modified alternatives, recombinant Mfps are biocompatible, avoid immune reactions, and can be degraded into non-toxic by-products.
The coatings produced in this way can mainly be used on medical devices, making the devices that need to be implanted in the body safer and preventing infections. It can also be used in food packaging to ensure food safety, in cosmetics or on ships.
SDG14: Life Below Water
Figure 1 SDG 14- Life Below Water
To meet and acquire SDG (14.4), we researched the traditional method of extracting MFPs (mussel foot proteins). Our preliminary research revealed that the extraction process involves a significant consumption of mussels; approximately 1 g of MFP necessitates about 10000 mussels. This presents concerns regarding both production costs and the impact on the marine ecosystem. Therefore, to achieve SDG 14.4, we focused our approach on utilizing synthetic biology to replicate the gene sequence of MFP on E. coli. This method allows us to require only a minimal number of mussels for DNA extraction, while employing E. coli for gene duplication and mass production.
By demonstrating our method's cost-effectiveness and facilitating mass production of MFPs, we aim to diminish the number of competitors utilizing traditional production methods. This strategy seeks to mitigate and regulate the overfishing of mussels. Furthermore, our product, which is commonly employed in medical device coatings, can elevate public awareness regarding mussels, emphasizing that they are not solely for consumption. This awareness may help to reduce overfishing, particularly in regions such as Chile and New Zealand, where mussels are classified as a “quasi-closed” or “quasi-recovery” resource, implying that mussels are now in a highly overfished status and fishing for mussels is strictly prohibited.
SDG 9.4 By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities
Figure 2 SDG 9- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Figure 3 Visit to Lufeng
To gather detailed information on environmental impacts and unavoidable costs, and to achieve SDG 9 (9.2), we interviewed Manager Wang, the head of production at Shanghai Lufeng Additive Co., Ltd. We conducted fieldwork on their production line in their factory in Bao Shan, mainly investigating the production line of chemical coatings on bolts and nuts used in car engines. Manager Wang explains that their company focuses on chemical coatings with phosphating, Dacromet, and Teflon. He pointed out that adding a chemical coat to their products would heavily pollute the environment; despite the waste undergoing preliminary treatment, other government-run organizations, primarily responsible for the disposal of chemical waste, are positioned to treat their waste products. This indicates the environmental impact of chemical coatings as well as the inevitable external costs to alleviate damages posed to the environment. The importance of collaboration between different realms and organizations was underlined.
Finding a sustainable production pathway for chemical coats is complicated. In terms of environmental protection, chemical coatings are naturally disadvantaged due to inorganic wastes such as phosphating sludge, containing heavy metals and liquid phosphates with heavy metal ions. This differs from our biological coating, which only produces organic biodegradable waste products. Under environmental concerns, we believe that biological coatings are better because they have an eco-friendlier production pathway. This ensures that our project is environmentally sustainable through pollution prevention by specifically producing biodegradable waste. This enables our project to align with the concept of fulfilling contemporary demands while also addressing future needs.
SDG 8.3 Production Industry
Figure 4 SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
After we finished experimental validation of our mfp fusion protein, we began to consider the actual process of mass production in a factory. We want to invest in the upscaling of the production of biological coating, produced by E.coli carrying the mfp fusion plasmid.
By conducting desk research, we identified another stakeholder in Suzhou. The manager responsible for Best Serve (Changshu) - Biosafe's wholly-owned subsidiary company - Production Base in Jiangsu Province, and gained insights on their journey of business expansion. They are the first corporation within China to build a professional technical service platform for the complete industrial production chain of things. Best served in Changshu, focused on the production of medical-use biomaterials and medical device components. They pointed out that the most important segments of upscaled production are: 'recognize industrial development strengths, technology assessment (certification) and resource integration.' Resource management is crucial to successful operation, since it determines the maximum productivity and its cost-performance ratio. Resource management is aimed at the precise allocation of resources, preventing resources from being used wastefully, and ensuring sustainable development in this industry.
SDG3.3: Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases, and Reduction of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)
Figure 5 SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
Firstly, the mussel foot protein (MFP) coating technology in medical devices offers a viable alternative to traditional high-risk antibacterial materials, thereby mitigating infection risks. As highlighted by Dr. Zhang Nei, conventional coatings (e.g., silver ions, antibiotics) are associated with issues such as toxic release (carcinogenicity, genotoxicity) and biocompatibility problems, which often lead to allergic reactions or tissue irritation. In contrast, MFP coating, as a bio-derived material, minimizes toxic residues due to its inherent natural adhesiveness. This contributes to the reduction of clinical infection rates associated with catheters and implanted devices (e.g., hemodialysis catheters, orthopaedic implants), directly aligning with the objective of "preventing and controlling nosocomial infections" under SDG 3.3 (Combating Communicable Diseases).
SDG3.8:Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
"Realize universal health coverage, including providing financial risk protection, ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality basic health care services, and that everyone can obtain safe, effective, high-quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines."
In terms of reducing medical costs and enhancing product accessibility, the microbial host expression system (e.g., E. coli) proposed by Professor Huo Liujie can reduce protein purification costs by over 50%. Compared to traditional extraction methods, biosynthesis technology significantly lowers raw material costs, as noted in the reflection on Mr. Zhang Andong's interview. Additionally, Mr. Zhang Andong pointed out that inclusion in medical insurance is critical for commercialization. The cost-effectiveness of MFP coating technology increases its likelihood of being covered by medical insurance, thereby benefiting a larger patient population—particularly in an ageing society—and meeting the requirement of "affordable medical services" under SDG 3.8 (Universal Health Coverage).
Regarding the acceleration of market entry through policy compliance, China has established green approval channels for high-end medical devices (e.g., priority approval in Guangdong Province). As an innovative biomaterial, MFP aligns with the positioning of "high-end innovative devices," enabling expedited market access. Furthermore, Dr. Zhang Nei emphasized that new antibacterial materials must undergo rigorous safety assessments, such as ISO 10993 biocompatibility testing. MFP coating, with its excellent blood compatibility and low allergenicity, readily meets such standards, ensuring patients have access to high-quality medical services—a key aspect of SDG 3.8.
Moreover, the technology enhances the safety of medical devices in resource-poor areas. Mr.Zhang Andong (Please refer to our Integrated Human Practices, Interview with Mr. Andong Zhang for details) suggested collaborating with industry leaders such as Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic through technology licensing (License-out) to expand market reach via their distribution channels. The pre-coated form of MFP, as mentioned by Dr. Zhang Nei, is particularly suitable for resource-limited regions, reducing the risk of in-hospital operational contamination and ensuring that low-income areas have access to safe and affordable medical devices, thereby promoting universal health coverage under SDG 3.8.
SDG4.4: Promote Vocational Skill Development
Figure 6 SDG 4 – Quality Education
Our project incorporates innovative educational tools such as the "mussel biodiversity card game" and "3D pop-up books."(Please refer to our education page for details) These resources integrate synthetic biology and medical device themes, embedding professional knowledge domains like biological taxonomy and materials science through gamified learning methodologies. Such approaches effectively stimulate adolescents' interest in career trajectories within the biotechnology and medical research sectors. Additionally, our innovative pedagogical approach utilizes transparent tape to simulate the bacteria-blocking principle of medical coatings, enabling children to comprehend the technical applications of biomaterials through experiential learning.
SDG 4.7: Advance Education for Sustainable Development
"By 2030, it is imperative to ensure that all learners acquire the essential knowledge and skills required to promote sustainable development, which encompasses education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, the promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and the appreciation of cultural diversity and local community culture. This project aligns with these goals through three key initiatives, all of which work in tandem to advance these objectives."
To begin with, during our community children's science popularization, the core activity, "building a mussel," employs clay crafts and byssal thread simulation (using strings to represent mussel byssus) to educate children on the importance of marine organism protection; this directly aligns with the sustainable development goal of "Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources". Furthermore, we create a card game that emphasizes mussel species diversity fosters awareness of "biodiversity conservation" to help learners understand the role of marine ecological balance in human sustainable development.
Next, technical articles and short videos on anti-HAIs published on social media enhance public understanding of "synthetic biology solving medical problems," embodying global citizenship education for "technology for good" and prompting reflections on "how to balance medical needs and ecological protection through technology."
Finally, our project weaves together "synthetic biology (genetic engineering), materials science (coating technology), and ecological protection (marine species)" across disciplines. Via multi-level designs such as children's crafts, youth games, and adult popular science, it cultivates learners' ability to systematically understand sustainable development challenges. For example, it explores the complete logical chain from the "natural adhesiveness of mussel foot proteins" to "artificial applications in medical coatings" and, ultimately, to "protecting mussel habitats to maintain the sustainability of biological resources."
SDG3.4
"By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention, treatment, and promotion of physical and mental health."
Based on the content of expert interviews, the mussel foot protein (Mfp) coating project is highly aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal SDG 3.4. Non-communicable diseases (such as cardiovascular diseases and osteoarticular diseases) often require implanted medical devices (e.g., cardiovascular stents, artificial joints), and postoperative infection is a key risk factor for treatment failure, complications, and even death. Therefore, the mussel foot protein coating directly contributes to this goal through multiple mechanisms.
In terms of reducing implant-related infections, Dr. Zhang Nei (quality control expert in hospital sensing, the head of the hemodialysis centre, Wuhan Zijing Hospital, for a comprehensive interview summary, please refer to our integrated human practices wiki page) pointed out that traditional antibacterial coatings (such as silver ions) have issues of toxicity, carcinogenic risks, and poor biocompatibility, which can easily trigger inflammatory reactions or allergies, thereby increasing the risk of postoperative complications. In contrast, Mfp coatings, with their natural antibacterial properties, can avoid the overuse of antibiotics and reduce the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria; at the same time, their excellent biocompatibility can reduce tissue irritation and allergic reactions; in addition, their long-lasting adhesiveness can ensure stable antibacterial effects. This series of advantages directly reduces the fatal risks of secondary surgeries, sepsis, etc., caused by infections. Meanwhile, Mr. Zhang Andong (A risk control expert majoring in finance and accounting, specializing in the fields of healthcare, pharmaceuticals and chemicals) emphasized that the global population aged 65 and above will exceed 1 billion, leading to a surge in demand for cardiovascular and orthopedic implant surgeries. Mfp coatings, by improving the safety of implanted devices, are particularly suitable for elderly patients with lower immunity and higher surgical risks. Moreover, through inclusion in medical insurance, they can reduce costs and improve accessibility, which helps reduce premature deaths among the elderly due to surgical complications.
In terms of technological innovation, Professor Huo Liujie (Professor on synthetic biology and AMP, Shandong University) proposed optimizing the Mfp sequence through rational design (retaining core functional amino acids) and irrational design (high-throughput screening), which can ensure antibacterial and adhesive functions while avoiding toxicity, exactly meeting Dr. Zhang Nei’s requirement of "no carcinogenicity and low allergy risk". Furthermore, he suggested adopting microbial secretion expression technology to significantly reduce purification costs and promote large-scale production, which coincides with Mr. Zhang Andong’s emphasis that "cost control is the key to commercialization". In terms of policies and payment, Mr. Zhang Andong mentioned that the government has set up green approval channels for high-end medical devices (e.g., in Guangdong Province), and Mfp, as an innovative coating, is in line with the direction of policy support; if it can be included in medical insurance reimbursement, it can greatly improve patient accessibility, especially for low-income elderly groups, reducing premature deaths caused by "abandoning treatment due to costs". From the perspective of infection prevention and control systems, Dr. Zhang Nei pointed out from the perspective of hospital infection control that Mfp coatings can ensure sterility through pre-coating (completed before leaving the factory), reducing contamination during clinical operations; strict ISO 10993 biocompatibility certification can enhance clinical trust; at the same time, they can reduce catheter-related infections (such as hemodialysis and urinary catheter infections), directly reducing deaths from iatrogenic sepsis.
In summary, this project provides solid support for achieving the goal of "reducing by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases" in SDG 3.4 by reducing deaths from surgical complications, improving the safety of chronic disease treatment, and promoting universal access to medical resources.
SDG 4.7
“By 2030, it is imperative to ensure that all learners acquire the essential knowledge and skills required to promote sustainable development, which encompasses education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, the promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and the appreciation of cultural diversity and local community culture. This project aligns with these goals through three key initiatives, all of which work in tandem to advance these objectives.”
To begin with, in the realm of marine ecological protection education, the core activity, "building a mussel," employs clay crafts and byssal thread simulation (using strings to represent mussel byssus) to educate children on the importance of marine organism protection; this directly aligns with the sustainable development goal of "Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources" . Furthermore, a card game that emphasizes mussel species diversity fosters awareness of "biodiversity conservation" , while also helping learners understand the role of marine ecological balance in human sustainable development.
Next, in terms of public health awareness popularization, medical coating experiments and online games highlight the harm of bacterial infections to patients, with clear links to the sustainable development issue of public health security. These activities not only help the public recognize the value of mussel foot protein coatings in reducing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) but also enable them to grasp the sustainable path of "technology improving health and well-being." In addition, technical articles and short videos on anti-HAIs published on social media enhance public understanding of "synthetic biology solving medical problems," embodying global citizenship education for "technology for good" and prompting reflections on "how to balance medical needs and ecological protection through technology."
Finally, through interdisciplinary knowledge integration, the project weaves together "synthetic biology (genetic engineering), materials science (coating technology), and ecological protection (marine species)" across disciplines. Via multi-level designs such as children's crafts, youth games, and adult popular science, it cultivates learners' ability to systematically understand sustainable development challenges. For example, it explores the complete logical chain from the "natural adhesiveness of mussel foot proteins" to "artificial applications in medical coatings" and, ultimately, to "protecting mussel habitats to maintain the sustainability of biological resources."
SDG 8.3
“Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalisation and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services.”
The plan to achieve industrial mass production of mfp fusion protein includes 'expression of mfp-5-zwitterionic-amp gene in E.coli to produce mfp fusion protein', 'extraction and purification of protein', 'mixed with the liquid medium that contains the protein'. Throughout these complex processes, we hope to provide various job opportunities in the production line. Moreover, medical device manufacturers and their processing plants for medical device components can hire specialised workers to apply a layer of our antimicrobial coating on their products. We aim to create decent jobs for people who have not received advanced/higher education by creating simplified protein synthesis pathways.
SDG 9.4
“By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities.”
By the induced expression of E.coli carrying the mfp fusion plasmid, we procured unpurified mfp (fused) protein as our main functional molecule inside the biological antimicrobial coating. Within the process of production, we provide the bacteria with the culture Luria-Bertani (LB) broth for the initial logarithmic growth phase, a minimal medium for expression with a regulated temperature parameter at 37 degrees Celsius, and IPTG or lactose inducers. Bioreactors for fermentation are implemented for large-scale protein production. As a result, only carbon dioxide is released during fermentation, unlike chemical coatings, which may produce sludge.
4.1 Impact goals: In a brief period, we aim to perfect our bacterial chain production and transition into market-ready manufacturing by conducting continuous clinical tests to refine our Product, increasing production through cycles of testing and evaluation to achieve mass production. Subsequently, over the next three to four years, we intend to gather ongoing reviews and feedback from patients in real clinical settings to monitor and enhance our Product. Once our Product sustains its presence in the market, we plan to gradually improve and adopt more environmentally friendly methods in our production processes, promote our Product within the market, and minimise the chemical waste produced by conventional medical coatings. Our objective is to replace traditional chemical coatings with our biodegradable alternatives to the greatest extent feasible.
In the long term, we intend to introduce and promote our Product to smaller nations that depend on marine resources for their economies. This initiative will serve as an environmentally sustainable source of income for island nations and will generate additional employment opportunities, thereby enhancing employment rates. Furthermore, we aim to substantially mitigate the risk of bacterial and viral infections on medical devices, reduce annual mortality caused by bacterial infections from medical implants each year, and improve clinical efficiency attributable to our Product's multifunctional properties. We will ensure continuous oversight and enhancements of our Product through regular reviews and surveys conducted with hospitals to facilitate ongoing improvement.
4.2 Assessment: To evaluate our effectiveness in reducing marine destruction and chemical contamination in water, we have outlined specific objectives for the coming years. This includes regular inspections in collaboration with the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment (SMEE), Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration (MSA), and Shanghai Municipal Agriculture and Rural Affairs Commission (SHARAC). We also aim to gather consistent feedback about the volume of chemical wastewater produced to monitor potential decreases in chemical pollution. Additionally, follow-up assessments will be carried out to evaluate the biodegradability of our Product and to ensure the environmental safety of our chemical waste disposal procedures.
Furthermore, we shall perform consistent testing on our synthesized protein to verify and confirm their biodegradability. This ensures that the final Product can naturally decompose in the environment without causing significant pollution, thereby affirming that our Product complies with international environmental safety standards and is suitable for marketing.
Subsequently, to verify Goal 14.7, we will promote the utilization of mussels as medical coatings to benefit small islands through the sustainable use of marine resources. Additionally, we will establish monthly visits to some small island nations, collecting market info and performing surveys to monitor and evaluate the economic and social changes in small states that we intend to support.
4.3 Implementation management:
To effectively minimize pollution, enhance water quality, and improve environmental sustainability, we have set comprehensive goals over the next five years. Progress will be evaluated through regular quarterly, annual, and final assessments. These goals are designed to align with both national policies on sustainability and international environmental initiatives.
First, we will continuously monitor the levels of heavy metals in water, ensuring compliance with Chinese environmental regulations and global water quality standards. This will allow us to track and manage the pollutants effectively.
Additionally, the bioremediation capabilities of the bacteria will undergo consistent testing to confirm their ability to bind and remove heavy metals, making sure that the process adheres to international safety and environmental standards. Alongside this, regular water quality assessments will be conducted, ensuring that our project complies with national environmental laws while contributing to broader global sustainability goals.
Lastly, we will collect and analyse data pertaining to resource efficiency and waste management to ensure compliance with China's Circular Economy Promotion Law and relevant international standards. Additionally, we aim to enhance our production plan by evaluating strategies to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency, thereby at the same time reducing ecological damage and waste discharge.
5.1 For Government
Make sustainable healthcare straightforward by setting simple eco-rules for medical coatings. Reward hospitals that choose planet-safe options like our mussel coating with extra funding. Protect our oceans too—for every batch of coating produced, help rebuild coastal habitats where mussels live. Norway proves this works: their rule requiring eco-coatings in joint replacements boosted green businesses while reducing repeat surgeries.
5.2 For Companies
Big and small businesses should team up for good. Large companies can share key technologies (like how to clean coatings safely) with smaller ones for fair fees. Every company should clearly track their environmental impact from start to finish. Build workshops in coastal towns to turn local mussels into medical coatings, and use some profits to support village clinics.
5.3 For Doctors & Patients
Doctors can lead change by using simple apps to show patients how eco-coatings prevent infections. Patients should have affordable options: when picking eco-coatings for surgeries, pay only 10% extra, turning health choices into planet protection.
5.4 For Investors & World Leaders
Investors need smart support, getting government-backed insurance when funding projects that help both people and the planet. Create fast-track funding (6 months instead of years) for breakthroughs like our coating. Globally, the World Health Organisation should add mussel coatings to their safety guides, while the World Bank funds mussel farms in poorer coastal areas, growing medical solutions and jobs together.