human practices | UCL

Integrated Human Practice

Overview

Figure 1. The journey of our Integrated Human Practices

In iGEM, Integrated Human Practices (IHP) serves as the foundational framework that guides our project from inception to implementation. It ensures that our scientific work is continuously shaped and refined through meaningful dialogue with society, stakeholders s, and experts, transforming a novel idea into a responsible and impactful solution.

For our project, Exterminatrix, which aims to develop an environmentally friendly termite control product using synthetic biology, IHP has been the central thread throughout our journey. Our process began by Discovering Unmet Needs through social surveys and interviews s with pest control practitioners, which helped us understand the public's ideal expectations for termite control products, as well as the market dynamics and regulatory framework within the industry. These insights directly inspired our project.

We then moved to the Strategic Project Design phase, where brainstorming, literature review, and team discussions s helped us conceptualize our initial approach. Inspired by a seminar on synthetic biology, we decided to Leverage Synthetic Biology; subsequent consultations with professors validated the technical feasibility of our concept and inspired its core design.

Recognizing the importance of responsibility, we proactively worked to Integrate Ethics and Safety by researching relevant regulations, considering animal ethics, and seeking advice from biolaw experts. Concurrently, we engaged with Key Stakeholders, including campus administrators and heritage site managers, to understand the specific needs and challenges of controlling termites in public and historically significant buildings.

Throughout the project's development, we continued to Integrate Expert Insights from entomology and termite control specialists via emails and in-person meetings. Their critical feedback was instrumental in iterating our product design and prototype. Finally, this entire process of external engagement has allowed us to Chart the Future Path for Exterminatrix, guiding our plans for further prototyping and paving the way toward entrepreneurship (Figure 1).

By embedding IHP at every stage, we have successfully created a closed feedback loop between our laboratory work and the real world. This not only ensures the scientific rigor and practicality of Exterminatrix but also reflects our commitment to a sustainable and socially responsible application of synthetic biology.

Discover Unmet Needs

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Strategic Project Design

Translating User Needs into Molecular Solutions

Guided by the clear mandates from our market research, we meticulously selected molecular components that collectively fulfill the desired profile of being eco-friendly, effective, and economically viable.

1. Addressing Environmental Friendliness and Specificity

The strong demand for an eco-friendly product led us to avoid persistent, broad-spectrum chemicals. Instead, we selected specific and biodegradable biological agents.

Attractant HQ: We chose hydroquinone (HQ), a natural phagostimulating pheromone secreted by termites themselves, ensuring high specificity and minimal off-target impact [1].
Toxin EcTI: This plant-derived protease inhibitor is not only highly effective against termites by disrupting their digestion, but it is also environmentally benign and easily degraded, preventing long-term pollution [2].
Toxin Ligand-Hecate/Melittin: This innovative approach uses a ligand to deliver a lytic peptide specifically to protozoa in the termite gut, which are essential for the insect's survival. This precision dramatically reduces toxicity to non-target eukaryotes [3,4]. Furthermore, the rapid environmental degradation of these peptides minimizes ecological pressure and persistence [4].

2. Ensuring Efficacy and Ease of Use

The requirement for "ease of use" translates to high reliability and long-term effectiveness, which we achieve through potent and resistance-mitigating mechanisms.

The powerful attraction of HQ ensures termites are reliably lured to the bait with minimal effort required from the user [1].
Our multi-mechanistic toxin strategy—simultaneously inhibiting digestion (EcTI) and eliminating essential gut symbionts (Ligand-Hecate/Melittin)—creates a synergistic effect that enhances efficacy and reduces the likelihood of resistance emerging [4, 5].

Leverage Synthetic Biology

Sustainable and Scalable Production

To fully realize the principles of sustainability and cost-effectiveness defined by our market research, synthetic biology was not just an option but a necessity.

Sustainable Production:Transitioning from chemical synthesis to fermentation-based production using engineered E. coli aligns perfectly with the core demand for environmental friendliness, as it significantly reduces energy consumption and hazardous waste.

Validation of Feasibility:Our commitment to a feasible design was confirmed through consultation with experts like Dr. Xiao Yi from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT). His validation of our synthetic pathways assured us that this user-inspired, sustainable production model is technically achievable.

This integrated approach—from listening to user needs to designing a bespoke molecular strategy and employing advanced biological manufacturing—ensures that Exterminatrix is not only a scientific innovation but a responsible and market-ready solution poised to make a tangible impact.

Our Visit to the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT)

Introduction

On June 31st, our four team members visited the Institute of Synthetic Biology (iSynBio) at the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) and the Weiguang Life Science Park. This visit provided a valuable opportunity to gain insight into China's cutting-edge research and industrial applications in synthetic biology.

Goal

Our visit aimed to:

1. Learn about the latest synthetic biology technologies and their real-world industrial applications.

2. Validate the rationality and innovation of our current synthetic biology project design.

3. Seek expert suggestions to improve the scientific foundation of our termite-control project.

Process

Our visit was structured into three main segments, each offering unique insights and engagement opportunities:

1. Guided Tour at iSynBio Exhibition Hall

Dr. Xiao Yi led us through the ground-floor exhibition area, which detailed the development of synthetic biology in China. We explored displays featuring innovative products and companies originating from the institute. We learned how synthetic biology has evolved from conceptual research to real-world applications across fields such as agriculture, medical aesthetics, drug production, and fashion. Dr. Yi emphasized that the success of a synthetic biology product depends not only on its scientific value but also on its broader impact on the economy and society—such as how producing artemisinic acid using yeast could significantly reduce manual farming labor, underscoring the importance of humanistic considerations in technological innovation.

2. Lab Visit and Project Discussion with Dr. Yi’s Research Team

We then proceeded to Dr. Yi’s laboratory, which specializes in evolutionary synthetic biology. Here, we observed custom-built experimental setups used for bacterial and bacteriophage cultivation. The visit provided a hands-on perspective on cutting-edge research tools and methods. We also presented our project—which employs engineered symbiotic microbes to combat termite infestation—to Dr. Yi. In his office, we detailed our design, and he offered actionable advice to enhance clarity and emphasize innovation.

3. Exploration of Weiguang Life Science Park

The final phase of the visit took us to the Weiguang Life Science Park, a state-of-the research complex integrating facilities for brain science and synthetic biology. We toured robotic experimental platforms where artificial intelligence assists in high-throughput research, creating a futuristic and highly automated R&D environment. The advanced instrumentation and interdisciplinary approach left a strong impression regarding how AI is reshaping modern scientific exploration.

Outcomes

1. Inspiration and Learning: We witnessed how synthetic biology has transitioned from theoretical concepts to real-world products that benefit society. The slogan of iSynBio, “Instead of waiting for the future, create it yourself,” deeply motivated us. We learned that successful entrepreneurship in synbio depends not only on technological value but also on market impact and social responsibility. For instance, producing artemisinic acid using yeast may replace traditional farming, highlighting the importance of humanistic consideration in technological innovation.

2. Feedback from Dr. Yi: He provided specific suggestions to improve our project and presentation:

Appreciate our innovative application and kindly suggest us don't be worry about the industry cost first.
Clearly explain the relationships between the three major parts of our system.
Specify which components are produced by E. coli.
Strengthen the way we demonstrate innovation in our design.

3. Broadened Perspective: The visit exposed us to groundbreaking ideas, such as using bacteria for constructing buildings on Mars and targeting cancers with engineered organisms. We left with a renewed sense of purpose, understanding that individuals from diverse backgrounds can use synthetic biology to solve real-world problems.

Integrate Ethics and Safety

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Engage Key Stakeholders

1. Interview CMDO in UM

Introduction:
On June 16, 2025, two team members conducted a conversational interview with staff from the Campus Management and Development Office (CMDO), which is responsible for campus construction and facility management to create a great campus environment for teaching, research, learning and living, allowing for an in-depth exchange of information.
Goal:
- Gain a deeper understanding of the termite situation and the termite control work on campus
- Seek experience and suggestions for the team to develop new termite control methods
Process:
The staff from CMDO provide us with three main pieces of information, allowing us to gain a deep understanding of the termite situation and control methods.
1. Termite Impact Areas:
  Termites have affected campus buildings (e.g., colleges) and roadside trees. The damage is widespread and scattered.
2. Termite Control situation:
  Termite control began in 2018. Over the years, termite populations have been progressively reduced and are now well-controlled, with significant results.
  
  Except during winter, professional termite inspections and treatments are conducted monthly. Special attention is given during the termite swarming season (May-June) and when signs of large-scale infestation appear.
3. Criteria for Selecting Termite Control Chemicals:
  - Environmental Compliance: Chemicals must meet Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) standards.
  - Human Safety: Chemicals must not pose any risk to humans.
  - Target Specificity: Chemicals must be highly effective against termites to ensure optimal eradication.
Outcome:
This interview was valuable and led to two important thoughts regarding our design:
1. Build a long-term monitoring system
  The termite control work cycle is long. The team can design a device that can conduct long-term automated monitoring. When termite conditions occur, it can issue real-time warnings.
2. Develop green and environmental control products
  When developing products, environmentally friendly, high specificity and safety should be taken into consideration. Efficient ant killing should be carried out while minimizing environmental pollution and harm to other organisms.

Photos taken by team members during their visits

2. Visit Cheng Yu Tung College in UM

Introduction:
On 17 June 2025, our team members visit Cheng Yu Tung College (CYTC) and communicate with Professor Tang Yuming, who is the mentor of the student entrepreneurship team at CYTC. This year, the entrepreneurship team is committed to the recycling and reuse of discarded poker cards from Macau casinos, transforming them into pulp to produce paper, paper bowls, and other products. Poker cards contain cellulose, which is also the material we wish to use to make gels.
Goal:
Establish a cooperative relationship with the Cheng Yu Tung College team to explore the possibility of using recycled pulp to manufacture gels, with the goal of achieving an environmentally friendly.
- Sought to gain some expert insights and advice on the commercialization of our products from Prof. Tang
Process:
1. Visit Maker Space
  Professor Tang led us to visit the Maker Space of Cheng Yu Tung College -- the Workshop for Recycling Discarded Playing Cards. He introduced the equipment, processes and final products to us. In addition, he expressed his willingness to provide us with recycled pulp materials. However, we need to further explore how to use this pulp to make gel, the required amount and whether these materials can attract termites etc.
2. Insights into our business plan
  We wrote a business plan and consulted Professor Tang on it. He pointed out that a business plan should focus on two core parts: market economic value and project advantages. He suggested that we can demonstrate the market economic value of our project by comparing and analyzing key factors such as pricing and cost between our method and existing solutions. Besides, our unique advantages and competitive strengths should be clearly articulate.
  
  In addition, Professor Tang also reminded us that during the writing process, we should focus on clear logic, accurate data, and concise expressions, and avoid lengthy descriptions. We can demonstrate the market value and feasibility of the project through precise market positioning and financial forecasting.
Outcome:
1.Collaboration Established: This visit successfully initiated a collaborative relationship with the CYTC team. Following further communication, we obtained a batch of recycled discarded poker cards from them on July 10, 2025, and utilized this material in subsequent experiments to validate its feasibility for termite-attracting gel production.

2.Business Plan Refinement: Professor Tang’s insights provided critical direction for enhancing our business plan. We will strengthen the emphasis on market economic value and unique advantages, such as sustainability, specificity, and environmentally friendly.

A group photo with Professor Tang

3. Visit Mr. Huang in Zhongshan

Introduction:
On 24 June 2025, three members of our team traveled to Zhongshan to visit Mr. Huang, Technical Director of Guangdong XX Ltd., a Co., a national high-tech enterprise integrating soil remediation and eco-agriculture, with core competencies in agricultural Ltd., and plant-health crop protection.
Goal:
- Gain deep insights into the termite-control field
- Discuss the feasibility and market potential of our project
- Seek expert suggestions for our project
Process:
We had an open discussion with Mr. Huang, shared our project and asked him about the termite market, the serious situation of termites. He introduced the following contents to us:
1. Current state of termite control
  - Termite prevention for newly built houses has been elevated to a legal building requirement in many places in China and has become a mandatory requirement for real estate development.
  - Long-vacant houses are more vulnerable to termite infestation than occupied ones.
  - The market for pre-construction termite control in China is essentially monopolized.
  - Chemical control is still the dominant method—low cost, high margin, long residual. For buildings, medicine is mixed into cement or injected into subterranean zones where termites may nest; this carries risks of volatilization and environmental contamination. For active infestations in occupied houses, the same chemicals are applied to walls.
  - For historic buildings, bio-control agents (e.g., Metarhizium-based microbial pesticides) are used to avoid chemical damage to protected structures.
2. Market potential
  - Mr. Huang believes that in the future, with the enhancement of environmental awareness and the improvement of consumption levels, more environmentally friendly biological agents s will become mainstream.
  - Termite control companies have extremely high profits. The initial research and development cost is relatively high, but the production cost of chemical agents in the later stage is low.
3. Project recommendations
  - The efficacy of our proposed cellulose-bait device hinges on the probability that termites attack the toxic bait before the surrounding wood.
Outcome:
1. The team members have an in-depth understanding of current termite-control methods and market, providing directions for refining our project.
2. The device's structure needs improvement to deliver the toxin more accurately to termites, while reducing environmental pollution.

Integrate Expert Insights

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Chart the Future Path

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References

Reinhard J, Lacey MJ, Ibarra F, Schroeder FC, Kaib M, Lenz M. Hydroquinone: a general phagostimulating pheromone in termites. J Chem Ecol. 2002 Jan;28(1):1-14. doi: 10.1023/a:1013554100310.
da Silva Ferreira R, Napoleão TH, Silva-Lucca RA, Silva MCC, Paiva PMG, Oliva MLV. The effects of Enterolobium contortisiliquum serine protease inhibitor on the survival of the termite Nasutitermes corniger, and its use as affinity adsorbent to purify termite proteases. Pest Manag Sci. 2019 Mar;75(3):632-638. doi: 10.1002/ps.5154. Epub 2018 Sep 17.
Bechinger, B. (2004). Structure and Function of Membrane-Lytic Peptides. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences, 23(3), 271–292. https://doi.org/10.1080/07352680490452825
Sethi A, Delatte J, Foil L, Husseneder C. Protozoacidal Trojan-Horse: use of a ligand-lytic peptide for selective destruction of symbiotic protozoa within termite guts. PLoS One. 2014 Sep 8;9(9):e106199. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106199.
Zhang, L., Xie, X., Luo, H. et al. Resistance mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro to the non-covalent inhibitor WU-04. Cell Discov 10, 40 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41421-024-00673-0

Collaboration and Outreach

11th Macau Symposium on Biomedical Sciences 2025 (MSBS2025)

Introduction

The 11th Macau Symposium on Biomedical Sciences (MSBS2025), held from June 20th to 21st, 2025 at the University of Macau, provided an exceptional platform for academic exchange in biomedical research. Our UM-Macau 2025 team participated in this symposium to present our synthetic biology project focused on addressing termite infestation through innovative biological solutions.

Goal

Our primary objective was to share our project with a broader community of experts and scholars and gather constructive feedback to refine both our experimental design and presentation approach. We aimed to engage in meaningful discussions to identify strengths and areas for improvement in our scientific methodology and communication strategy.

Process

To maximize engagement throughout the two-day poster session, our team developed a structured schedule with different members presenting each day. We proactively invited professors, researchers, students, and industry representatives to our poster, delivering concise project overviews and encouraging in-depth conversations. This organized approach allowed us to interact with a diverse range of perspectives while maintaining consistent coverage at our presentation station.

Outcomes and Insights

The symposium proved highly productive. We received detailed suggestions from experts. To our surprise, we received the Best Poster Award. The feedback and insights we gained are summarized as follows:

I. Poster Design Improvements

The mechanism flow was visually ambiguous and required clearer depiction.
There was insufficient distinction between bacterial-produced components and external elements.
The role of CYP450 was under-explained and needed more prominent explanation.

Action Taken: We plan to redesign the layout to better emphasize termite damage pathways and protein functions.

II. Project Validation Questions

1. Safety & Ethics

Concerns were raised about toxin specificity and potential risks to non-target species (other insects, animals, and humans).

2. Commercial Viability

Questions were posed about cost-efficiency and how high production costs would influence pricing strategy.

3. Efficacy Assurance

Inquiries were made regarding the bioactivity stability of key proteins (CYP450, EcTI, mellitin, Hecate-ligand). Validation of product shelf-life and expiration timeline was recommended.

4. Market Relevance

Experts suggested a deeper analysis of unmet needs: why current solutions fail to eradicate termites.
Evidence was requested regarding the efficacy of hydroquinone (HQ) as an attractant.

5. Gel Production

A professor from ICMS provided specific consultation on improving cellulose gel formation.

III. Experimental Guidance

1. Methodology

Prioritize modular, simple experiments over complex interlocking assays.
Focus on incremental optimization of individual parts.

2. Critical Data Gap

Termite-killing efficacy data is essential but logistically challenging to obtain at UM.
Solution Proposed: Partner with Macau Pest Control or conduct field sampling.

IV. Innovative Proposals

1. Biological Targeting

Identify termites’ physiological vulnerabilities (e.g., critical body parts) for more precise targeting.

2. Delivery System Optimisation

Super Cellular Factory: Consolidate all genes into a single E. coli chassis, enabling direct termite feeding with bacterial lysates.
Engineer termite gut symbionts for in situ toxin production.

These insights have provided valuable guidance for refining our project design and experimental plans.