Contribution

One of the new parts we have added to the iGEM registry is a variation of the cytochrome P450 (CYP450). CYP450 is an enzyme that can catalyze phenol or benzene to hydroquinone (HQ). Aromatic amino acid mutations (A83F/A329F) were introduced into the electron transfer pathway to construct double mutants. Tyrosine residues can protect the catalytic center from oxidative damage, enhancing the stability and prolonging the half - life of enzyme activity [4]. In this case, the catalytic efficiency of the mutants was increased [3]. This CYP450 variant is one of our new parts.

Future teams can find more details and the sequence of this part on the CYP450DM part page.

We have added new parts that can be used as the core components in biological pesticides. The first is Melittin, a lytic peptide extracted from the bee venom. Then, the Hecate, which is a synthesized lytic peptide evolved from Melittin. These lytic peptides are used to kill the symbiotic protozoa inside the termite gut [2]. We have fused these peptides with the modified NSP4-K secretion signal for extracellular secretion in E. coli system. And lastly, a natural protease inhibitor named Enterelobium contortisiliquum trypsin inhibitor, which is also proven to be effective in termite killing [1]. The biological toxins will be delivered using the pine wood strips, the porous structure of pine wood allows for effective impregnation with our engineered attractants such as hydroquinone and tea polyphenol and toxins including EcTI and melittin/hecate, enabling a controlled release and prolonged efficacy in applications.

The biological toxins will be delivered using the pine wood strips, the porous structure of pine wood allows for effective impregnation with our engineered attractants such as hydroquinone and tea polyphenol and toxins including EcTI and melittin/hecate, enabling a controlled release and prolonged efficacy in applications.

Future teams can find more details about the sequence of these parts in the iGEM Registry: Fused Hecate page, Fused Melittin page and EcTI page.

Traditional Bait Bucket: Specifically designed for soil and subterranean termite control, leveraging HQ’s termite-attracting property to draw subterranean termite colonies to the bait, aligning with the practical application of HQ in termite management outlined in the report.

Syringe-Delivered Device: Tailored for ancient trees and historic buildings, enabling non-destructive application to avoid damaging valuable cultural heritage or aged vegetation; it is also adaptable to diverse scenarios including residential areas, heritage sites, and forests, expanding the scope of HQ-based termite control.

Learn more and read the guide on our Entrepreneruship page.

In our project, we reviewed literature for the protocols of HQ detection and bacterial toxicity assay. We also developed our own protocols for toxins function detection on C. elegans. We hope the protocols will support future iGEM teams and researchers in their work, or inspire them to create similar protocols that meet their specific needs.

Both our custom protocols and the standard protocols we rely on can be located and viewed on our Experiments page.

Subsequent teams can skip traditional "subjective bait placement" and directly reuse or build on this model for precision control, with core value in:

1. Standardized Bait Plan Tool:

Validated by 3 colonies (Colony 1/2/3), it uses "probability-based minimum bait calculation + grid-priority location selection". Inputting parameters (R, Nₙ, P req) generates tailored plans (e.g., 5 baits for 70% coverage in 21 days for large colonies, 5 baits for 90% coverage in 1 day for small ones), avoiding blind trial and error.

2. Whole-Colony Eradication Path:

By combining "random foraging" and "trophallactic diffusion", it verifies the theory of "single-site pesticide to eliminate colonies". Teams can directly use "non-repellent slow-acting baits + 80%+ forager coverage" to boost thoroughness and reduce recurrence.

3. Multi-Scenario Parameter Library:

Covers scales (small/medium/large) and habitats (rocky/ordinary), e.g., r_f=5 for small colonies, r_f=3 for large ones. Teams need no re-measurement—only minor adjustments (e.g., rocky-area colonies reference Colony 3) suffice.

For teams researching "social insect models" (ants, bees, etc.), core reusable methods include:

1. "Biological Traits + Literature Data" Logic:

Takes Coptotermes formosanus traits (worker-only foraging, trophallaxis) as assumptions, calibrates parameters with literature data (e.g., 3 colonies’ foraging ranges), avoiding disconnected theoretical models.

2. Modular Sub-Model Design:

Divided into "Placement Model" (quantity-location-calibration) and "Transmission Model" (modified SEID). Modules work independently or together; new functions (pheromone simulation) need only parameter/logic supplements, no full reconstruction.

3. Transparent Validation & Calibration

Provides parameter sources (β from trophallaxis experiments, γ from mortality data) and calibration processes (e.g., adjusting Colony 1’s r_f from 5 to 3 for ≤5% deviation), ensuring model reliability.

To break "private model use", it offers:

1. Shiny Web Interface:

No complex programming—adjust parameters (worker count, toxin intensity) to view real-time results (coverage curves, toxin diffusion), suiting non-modeling backgrounds.

2. iGEM Community Support:

For "synthetic biology + ecological control" teams, it simulates new tools (e.g., toxin-engineered bacteria) by inputting β/γ, aiding project design/validation.

3. Clear Expansion Directions:

Addresses limitations (no main nest/environmental factors) with paths (main nest localization, dynamic Nₙ updates), enabling optimization or extension to other social pests (e.g., ant-adapted SEID).

For "population dynamics" or "targeted control" teams, it provides:

1. Quantitative Population Baselines:

Integrates "life cycles + caste ratios" (70% workers, 10% soldiers) to clarify caste impacts on colony stability, aiding long-term strategy-making.

2. Targeted Control Validation:

Confirms workers as core toxin carriers (forage-carry-toxin-feed), guiding worker-specific plans (e.g., targeted baits) to reduce waste/ecological risk.

3. Toxin/Pathogen Prediction Tool:

Forecasts key indicators (3-day infection rate, 1-week mortality) to evaluate new pesticides/intervention timing, cutting field test costs.

We designed multiple tools and methodological frameworks to address problems in termite control and stakeholder engagement, which can be directly modified and adopted by future teams targeting on pest control.

1.1 Stakeholder Engagement Framework

We developed a step-by-step framework for engaging key stakeholders (experts, industry practitioners, public institutions, and communities) to ensure project alignment with real needs. Future teams can use this to validate project value, identify unmet needs, and refine designs:

1. Identify Stakeholders: Map roles (e.g., pest control specialists for technical feasibility, heritage managers for application constraints).

2. Establish connection: Customize questionnaires (e.g., public termite cognition surveys) or interview guides (e.g., industry expert checklists for market dynamics).

3. Collect & Analyze Feedback: Systematize insights (e.g., from Guangdong pest control expert Mr. Huang, we identified "chemical control limitations" and "green product gaps").

4. Iterate Project Design: Adjust our project(e.g., adding extreme weather resistance to bait after public concerns).

1.2 Ethics & Safety Assessment Matrix

To address synthetic biology’s ethical and safety risks, we built a 3-dimensional assessment matrix covering laboratory, experimental design, and policy safety. This matrix helps teams proactively identify risks and comply with regulations:

We compiled practical tutorials and guides based on our hands-on experiences—these documents help future teams avoid common pitfalls in project design, policy compliance, and community engagement.

2.1 Policy Compliance Guide for Biopesticides

Helps teams navigate complex regulations for synthetic biology-based pesticides (a major barrier to real-world application). Can be adapted for regional regulations (e.g., EU biopesticide laws) by replacing local policy references.

(1) Regulation Mapping: Summary of core laws (e.g., China’s 《Regulations on the Biosafety Management of Pathogen Microorganisms Laboratory》, 《JGJ/T 245-2024 Technical Standard for Termite Control in Buildings》) with matching project adjustments (e.g., "Class IV microorganisms only" for chassis selection).

(2) Case Study: Step-by-step explanation of how we switched from Metarhizium to E. coli to meet safety and regulatory requirements

2.2 Market Research Tutorial for Pest Control Projects

Guides teams to conduct user-centric market research (critical for validating project demand).

(1) Questionnaire Design: Template with core modules (public cognition of pests, product preferences, safety concerns) and sample questions (e.g., "What factors matter most when choosing a termite control product?").

(2) Expert Interview Checklist: 10 key questions (e.g., "What are the current pain points in pre-construction termite control?") to extract industry insights.

(3) Data Analysis Framework: How to link survey data to project goals (e.g., our 208 responses confirmed "environmental friendliness" as a top user demand, guiding toxin selection).

2.3 Synthetic Biology Popularization Guide for Diverse Audiences

Helps teams communicate complex synthetic biology concepts to non-experts (children, seniors, high school students).

(1) Audience Segmentation: Tailored strategies (e.g., "tactile activities for ages 2–6" vs. "lab tours for high school students")Analogy Library: Simple comparisons (e.g., "Synthetic biology is like building with biological blocks—we combine useful genes to make new functions").

Example: We used this guide to design a "Termite Invasion" board game (teaches termite habits and synthetic biology via gameplay) for high school students.

We share detailed experimental protocols and educational resources to support future teams in technical implementation and science communication—especially those focused on biopesticides, microbial engineering, or inclusive education.

3.1 Educational Materials

We designed age-specific educational materials to make synthetic biology and termite control accessible—these can be reused or modified for other STEM outreach activities.

Our contributions extend beyond direct tools and materials—they provide a model for integrating synthetic biology with real-world needs (environmental protection, heritage preservation, public health) and emphasize "responsible innovation" (ethics, safety, inclusivity). Future teams can:

(1) Adapt our termite control system for other pests (e.g., cockroaches, agricultural insects) by replacing toxins/attractants.

(2) Use our stakeholder engagement and policy compliance frameworks to accelerate project translation from lab to field.

(3) Build on our educational materials to promote synthetic biology literacy in underrepresented groups (SEN students, seniors, rural communities).

We encourage future iGEM teams to iterate on these resources, share their improvements, and continue advancing the intersection of synthetic biology, sustainability, and societal good.