Overview

This project focuses on the potential applications of the natural protease papain and its XCP2-like isoenzymes in skincare. In this study, we contributed 10 new parts to iGEM, including 5 basic parts and 5 composite parts. Based on structural modelling, affinity screening, and expression validation, we used these 10 new parts, along with previously existing basic parts, constructed multiple basic and composite components and performed expression and functional testing in the pET-28a(+) vector. We explored the possibilities of synthetic biology in the design and industrialisation of skincare proteases, providing reusable components, for instance, pET28a-papain, pET28a-XCP2-Abrus precatorius, and pET28a-XCP2-Actinidia eriantha, and methods for future iGEM teams conducting research in the field of biological skincare. The relevant parts are listed in Table 1.

Table 1. Part contribution