Human Practices

Situation:
The preservation methods for seafood directly impact industry profits and consumer experience, yet existing techniques often face issues like high costs and unstable quality. The significant investment required for cold chain systems, coupled with the economic loss of having to discard spoiled products, poses major challenges. Furthermore, consumer concerns about the safety of chemical preservatives have intensified the market demand for safe, green, and efficient preservation solutions. To gain deeper insights into the industry's current state, the XMU-China team visited individual fishing households in the Gulei Port Economic Development Zone of Zhangzhou City and engaged with merchants at the Xiamen Aquatic Products Market.
Engage:
Merchants explained that seafood preservation is primarily divided into live seafood and chilled seafood. Live seafood commands higher prices but has a short survival time, while chilled seafood, though lower in cost, often faces quality issues such as "blackhead" in shrimp, which directly affects sales. Most seafood in the market comes from fisheries or central fishing ports. However, due to cost constraints, full cold chain systems are rarely used throughout the entire process; instead, methods like using ice or sprinkling salt are common. If seafood shows signs of spoilage through odor or appearance, it must be discarded, leading to significant economic losses and environmental impact. Even among suppliers with complete cold chains, spoilage of catches after landing remains widespread. These observations gave us a clearer, more direct understanding of the limitations of current preservation systems. The merchants unanimously agreed that finding a suitable preservation and transportation solution to reduce costs and maintain stable quality would hold substantial practical application value.
“Benefits. For many areas, deforestation means short-term economic gains. It takes time to convince local communities of the long-term sustainability benefits, especially when the economic returns are less obvious. So, when promoting these policies, it needs environmental awareness and corresponding economic alternatives.”
Advancement:
The findings from this research have sharpened our understanding of the dilemmas in existing preservation methods: cost pressures, high spoilage rates, and quality degradation seriously constrain the development of the aquatic products industry. This real-world feedback has reinforced our focus on developing green, safe, and efficient preservatives. We are committed to extending the shelf life of seafood while reducing waste, aiming to provide practical and viable solutions for the fishing industry and the market.

Situation:
Seafood faces issues of spoilage and quality deterioration during catching, transportation, and sales, leading to economic losses and environmental pollution. This problem is also a key challenge hindering the development of the ocean economy. Existing cold chain and traditional methods are difficult to meet the demand for efficient, green, and long-lasting preservation. The industry urgently requires new solutions.
Engage:
We visited the Xiamen Public Service Center for Marine Economy to systematically understand the development and industrial layout of Xiamen's marine economy. During in-depth communication with the center's director, we further learned about the significant losses in seafood transactions caused by spoilage during transport. While visiting marine bioconversion products, we discovered that chitooligosaccharides derived from the ocean possess remarkable antibacterial properties, showing potential as natural bio-preservatives. Furthermore, the center director explained that glucosamine, the monomer of chitooligosaccharides, holds significant pharmaceutical value and has already been developed and marketed by Xiamen Bluebay Science & Technology Co.,Ltd. These findings provided us with crucial research direction and application insights.
Advancement:
This research allowed us to directly observe the serious constraints of preservation issues on the industrial chain and marine economy, while also revealing the potential of chitooligosaccharides in antisepsis and antibacterial applications. The communication not only helped clarify our research direction but also inspired us to consider how to practically apply chitooligosaccharides to aquatic product preservation. Our goal is to develop green, safe, and efficient antibacterial products, thereby ensuring scientific research outcomes better align with real-world needs.

Situation:
Globally, approximately 6 to 8 million tons of crustacean waste, such as crab shells, shrimp shells, and lobster shells, are generated annually. Due to high processing costs and insufficient treatment technologies, this waste is often directly landfilled or discharged into the ocean, causing severe environmental pollution and resource wastage. The supply of industrial-grade chitosan raw materials remains insufficient, and the resource value has yet to be fully unlocked. How to promote the efficient utilization of such marine by-products is a dual challenge for both industry and environmental governance.
Engage:
During our research at the Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Ocean Development, we learned that due to the difficulty of treatment and a lack of supporting technologies, crustacean waste in Xiamen is typically disposed of in landfills, leading to particularly prominent issues of environmental impact and resource wastage. Staff also mentioned that some companies have begun exploring the use of downstream derivatives like chitooligosaccharides, with research results indicating significant bioactivity and antibacterial properties, presenting opportunities for both research and industrialization. On this basis, we introduced our concept of using synthetic biology to optimize chitooligosaccharide production and received positive feedback. Staff further recommended that we conduct additional research at major fishing ports and aquatic product processing enterprises to fully grasp the volume and treatment processes of crustacean waste, thereby better assessing its potential value in a circular ocean economy.
Advancement:
This research made us realize that while current recycling capacity for crustacean waste is limited, its potential for circular utilization is substantial. Moving forward, we will explore feasible pathways to transform marine by-products into high-value products. We aim to alleviate environmental pressure while promoting the recycling and industrial development of marine resources, ultimately achieving the green and sustainable goal of a "circular ocean economy."

Situation:
Chitooligosaccharides (COS) demonstrates significant potential in healthcare and food sectors due to their antibacterial and functional properties. However, current production processes face challenges such as complex procedures, low efficiency, high costs, severe environmental pollution, and unstable product profiles. In particular, the conversion of crustacean waste into COS still predominantly relies on chemical or physical methods, making it difficult to balance environmental sustainability with efficiency. To address this, the XMU-China team aims to gain deeper insights into the technical bottlenecks and optimization strategies in COS production, thereby informing experimental design and application development.
Engage:
The XMU-China team visited Xiamen Bluebay Science & Technology Co.,Ltd., interviewing General Manager Ms. Lin Xiufen and Chief Engineer Mr. Zhao Zuoduo to systematically understand the complete industrial chain—from raw material processing (shrimp and crab shells) to final COS products. Ms. Lin elaborated on the technical process: impurities such as calcium and protein are first removed, followed by decolorization, washing, and drying to obtain chitin. This is then converted into glucosamine, chitosan, and COS through acid hydrolysis, chemical degradation, enzymatic hydrolysis, or physical methods. Mr. Zhao pointed out that while most steps are relatively mature, the process still suffers from technical complexity, high costs, environmental pollution, low efficiency, and difficulties in product control. He further explained that the specificity and preference of chitosanases lead to variations in product composition, which in turn affect bioactivity and antibacterial efficacy. Both experts suggested that our project could focus on the development and engineering of chitosanases to discover enzyme variants capable of efficiently producing COS with strong antibacterial effects. We engaged in in-depth discussions on chitosanase engineering, high-efficiency production, and application expansion.
Advancement:
This communication not only deepened our understanding of the COS industrial chain and production processes but also clarified a key research breakthrough: enhancing the production efficiency and antibacterial performance of COS through chitosanase engineering. This direction ensures our project aligns closely with industrial needs while providing a solid foundation for subsequent experimental design and research on bio-preservation applications.

Situation:
Chitosan demonstrates significant application potential in environmental protection, food preservation, and biological control. However, its utilization in chitooligosaccharides production and functional applications is hindered by the low efficiency and insufficient stability of chitosanases. Inefficient enzymes not only prolong production cycles but also limit the broader practical application of chitooligosaccharides.
Engage:
During an interview with Sino-Agri Leading Biosciences Co., Ltd., we gained insights into the efficiency bottlenecks and stability issues faced by existing chitosanases in practical applications. Company managers pointed out that the inconsistent performance of enzymes during chitosan degradation leads to unstable chitooligosaccharides yields. We presented our concept of enhancing chitooligosaccharides production through enzyme engineering and process optimization, which received positive feedback. The managers noted that while chitosanases exhibit high specificity for chitosan degradation and acceptable production efficiency, their current performance still falls short of industrial standards. They recommended that we employ mutagenesis techniques to improve enzyme efficiency or alter product profiles, thereby obtaining chitosanase variants that meet specific requirements. Mr. Liu Nan further explained that the enzyme-substrate interaction region of chitosanases involves multiple residues and exhibits significant distal effects, making random mutagenesis a potentially effective method for identifying key distal residues and achieving performance breakthroughs. Additionally, the managers suggested that optimized chitosanases should possess high product specificity and a long lifecycle to facilitate subsequent industrialization and downstream applications.
Advancement:
Based on this communication, we plan to utilize random mutagenesis combined with high-throughput screening to directionally engineer key structural sites of chitosanases. The goal is to enhance their catalytic efficiency and stability, while simultaneously optimizing the degradation process and product profile control. Through this approach, we aim to develop more specific, industrially applicable chitosanase variants.

Situation:
During the development of chitooligosaccharides (COS) preservatives, we aim to expand their application scope and enhance their utilization value. While COS has demonstrated promising antibacterial and preservative potential in aquatic product preservation, key challenges remain in extending its application to more food types and achieving commercialization with controllable costs.
Engage:
In an online interview with Hunan Snowdeer Biosciences Co., Ltd., we learned about the practical applications of natural preservatives in fruits, sauce-marinated products, and baked goods. Further more, we explored the potential application of COS preservatives in the fruit sector. Company representatives highlighted that fruits are prone to moisture and nutrient loss during storage, transportation, and freeze-thaw cycles, and traditional cold chains often fail to effectively extend shelf life. A preservative that could slow decay and enhance freshness would significantly reduce production and transportation costs. We also discussed with company management the design of a combined preservation approach using COS and ε-polylysine. They noted that the high cost of ε-polylysine makes its commercial feasibility low. Therefore, it is essential to first compare the preservation effectiveness of COS alone versus the combined formula, conducting a comprehensive evaluation of both efficacy and cost. Additionally, factors such as the characteristics of different preservation targets, experimental validation methods (antibacterial, antioxidant, moisturization), and application scenarios must be considered to ensure the project design is feasible and implementable.
Advancement:
Through this interview, we recognized that expanding preservative applications requires tailoring approaches to different food types and processing states, prioritizing cost control while balancing convenience and practical effectiveness. Moving forward, we will design preservation experiments specifically for seafood and fruits, conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the performance of COS both individually and in combination with other agents.

Situation:
During the random mutagenesis and engineering of chitosanase, we identified limitations in conventional methods—including low screening efficiency, prolonged experimental cycles, and scattered data—making it difficult to obtain highly active and stable variants within a limited timeframe. In particular, the manual screening process is time-consuming and inefficient, restricting the pace of enzyme performance optimization. Achieving higher efficiency with fewer experimental runs has become a critical bottleneck in advancing the project.
Engage:
We consulted Professor Lu Yinghua from the College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Xiamen University to explore how artificial intelligence models could be applied to optimize enzyme performance evaluation. Professor Lu suggested that we introduce large language models based on ESM (Evolutionary Scale Modeling) embeddings to predict and guide the direction of chitosanase engineering. He pointed out that such models could significantly expand the number of variants that can be evaluated, greatly improving screening efficiency while maintaining scientific reliability. Furthermore, he recommended training the model using small-scale yet high-precision datasets, which would reduce reliance on large-scale experimental data while ensuring prediction accuracy and interpretability. Professor Lu also emphasized that HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) could be used to characterize high-functioning chitosanase variants and validate the degradation product profiles of AI-screened enzymes, thereby enhancing the scientific rigor and industrial applicability of the research.
Advancement:
Guided by Professor Lu's recommendations, we have integrated the ESM-based large language model into our chitosanase screening system and plan to combine random mutagenesis with high-throughput screening for rapid identification of efficient variants. In parallel, we will use HPLC to functionally validate the screened products, continuously refining the interaction between model predictions and experimental feedback. This will advance the practical application of an AI-driven enzyme engineering system in the production of chitooligosaccharides.

Situation:
During the development of chitooligosaccharides (COS) preservatives, we faced the challenge of scientifically evaluating their preservation effectiveness. Current experimental designs lack unified indicators and standardized methods, making it difficult to accurately determine the sustained efficacy of preservatives on seafood and hard to ensure the reproducibility and comparability of experimental results.
Engage:
We held an in-depth discussion with Professor Huang Jiayin from the College of Marine Food and Biological Engineering at Jimei University to address the scientific assessment of COS preservation efficacy. Professor Huang recommended using identical anatomical parts from the same batch of fish for sampling. Alternatively, she suggested excising the same tissue sections from multiple samples, then combining, homogenizing, and mixing them before sampling to minimize individual variations. She also advised measuring colony counts to achieve objective quantification of preservation effectiveness.
Advancement:
Through this communication, we have established an evaluation system for assessing the antibacterial and preservative properties of COS and obtained guidance on methodology to ensure experimental parallelism and data reliability. These improvements of methodology provide solid technical support for our subsequent experimental design and preservation efficacy validation.

Situation:
In our fish preservation experiments, although chitooligosaccharides (COS) demonstrates antibacterial potential, operational flaws in the procedure have led to deviations in experimental data and poor parallelism between samples. How to optimize the experimental protocol to minimize operator-induced errors is a key issue we must resolve.
Engage:
We consulted Professor Zheng Yanzhen from the College of Marine Food and Biological Engineering at Jimei University. Professor Zheng pointed out that the vigorous shaking step after immersion in our experimental design introduces significant deviation. She recommended replacing shaking with natural air-drying or treating samples within a biosafety cabinet using sterile airflow to substantially reduce mechanical damage and structural disruption. Furthermore, Professor Zheng advised us to evaluate the potential of COS in suppressing fungal growth, thereby expanding the application scope of COS-based preservatives.
Advancement:
Through the discussion with Professor Zheng Yanzhen, we refined our experimental protocol, effectively reducing structural deviations caused by operational steps. Simultaneously, our perspective on the applications of COS was broadened, opening new directions for its further investigation in preservation and antibacterial fields. These recommendations have enhanced the scientific rigor of our experimental design.

Situation:
To understand public awareness and attitudes toward food preservatives, particularly bio-preservation, we designed and distributed questionnaires during a science outreach event, focusing on investigating the public's level of cognition, acceptance and concerns regarding biological preservatives.
Engage:
On August 24, 2025, our team distributed questionnaires at a science outreach event held in the Xiamen Science and Technology Museum, reaching seafood consumers across different age groups and consumption habits. Using a combination of single-choice and multiple-choice questions, we collected multi-dimensional data on awareness, trust, acceptance, and expectations. Subsequent data analysis and visualization showed that safety remains the public's primary concern, along with a strong desire for transparent information and authoritative certifications.
Advancement:
Through this survey, we recognized that scientific innovation alone is not enough—it must be accompanied by enhanced science communication and public education. Moving forward, as we promote the application of chitooligosaccharides in preservation, we will prioritize obtaining authoritative certifications and conducting safety verification. We also plan to expand the reach of science outreach to help more people understand and accept bio-preservatives.

Situation:
Public awareness of synthetic biology remains limited, especially among elementary school students. To help children experience the fun and value of science in the Enlightenment period, we carried out a popular science outreach activity entitled “Synthetic Biology: Building the Future with Genes.” The activity aimed to help them establish a preliminary understanding of genes and synthetic biology and inspire their interest in exploration.
Engage:
During the class, team member Chen Cairui used accessible language and intuitive models to explain how genes determine traits and illustrated the close connection between genes and daily life from multiple perspectives—such as heredity, research, disease, and ethics. The children listened attentively, actively participated in discussions, and readily stepped into the role of “young scientists,” bravely expressing their own ideas. He then introduced the four core steps of synthetic biology—Design, Build, Test, and Learn. To further deepen their understanding, the children engaged in a game that simulated the logic of gene circuit design. Amid laughter and thoughtful reflection, they sensed the boundless possibilities of science. The classroom atmosphere was lively, and the children's eyes sparkled with curiosity and a desire to explore.
Advancement:
The activity not only helped the children recognize the value of genes and synthetic biology but also stimulated their scientific interest through interactive participation. For our team, this acticity validated the effectiveness of model- and game-based outreach approaches for younger audiences and provided valuable experience for our future public science education initiatives.

Situation:
Primary and secondary school students have limited understanding of the hazards of polluted water and the methods for its treatment, while their interest in science and awareness of environmental protection need to be cultivated. To help children recognize the importance of wastewater treatment and spark their curiosity for scientific exploration, we organized the activity “Water Guardians: The Adventure of Wastewater Treatment,” using fun experiments to transform complex knowledge into tangible experiences.
Engage:
During the activity, our team members first explained the sources and hazards of polluted water, helping students realize its impact on health and the environment. Through a “DIY Simple Water Filter” experiment, the children built their own filters, observed the process of purifying muddy water, and gained an intuitive understanding of wastewater treatment principles. Subsequently, experiments such as chemiluminescence demonstrations and pH testing allowed them to experience scientific methods for detecting ions and measuring acidity and alkalinity in water. Throughout the process, we encouraged the children to ask questions, ponder causes, and use their imagination and creativity in discussions. Finally, we introduced the application prospects of synthetic biology in environmental protection and wastewater treatment, enabling the children to see the close connection between s cience and daily life, as well as between environmental conservation and innovation.
Advancement:
This activity not only enhance their environmental awareness through hands-on experiments, but also allowed them to appreciate the value of science in an engaging and enjoyable manner. We gradually came to realize that science outreach is not merely about knowledge transfer—it is also about shaping perspectives. By presenting complex principles in intuitive and vivid ways, we can effectively stimulate their interest in science and sense of responsibility for environmental protection. For us, this experience demonstrated the significance of integrating synthetic biology into science education initiatives.

Situation:
Many students have limited exposure to cutting-edge research facilities and microscopic scientific principles, as well as few opportunities to experience the spirit of scientific innovation firsthand. To help children appreciate the appeal of scientific research and inspire their curiosity for exploration, XMU-China organized a student visit to the Tan Kah Kee Innovation Laboratory at Xiamen University. Through interactive experiences and experimental demonstrations, we aimed to help them understand the importance of scientific principles and innovative practices.
Engage:
In the Noise-Free Ultra-Precision Machining Laboratory, our team used tuning forks and table tennis balls to demonstrate visualizations of vibration, explaining the principles of sound and its impact on scientific research. Students were then introduced to one of the world's most precise micro-engraving devices—the triple-beam focused ion beam system—allowing them to glimpse the wonders of the microscopic world and the meticulous dedication of researchers. Later, in the Unmanned Smart Materials Laboratory, students learned about battery principles and methods of electrical energy conversion. They built fruit batteries through hands-on experiments and observed robotic arms assembling coin cells inside an argon-filled glove box. These activities provided an intuitive understanding of the application and potential of artificial intelligence in materials science. Throughout the visit, the children actively asked questions, engaged in hands-on activities, and continuously ignited their passion for exploration.
Advancement:
The activity broadened the students' perspectives on scientific research, enabling them to grasp not only fundamental principles but also the methods and mindset behind innovation. For our team, thisactivity will serve as a reference for designing more exploratory and practical research experience programs in the future.

Situation:
The public, especially young people, have limited awareness of the value and food safety of marine crustacean resources, as well as a lack of understanding about the practical applications of synthetic biology. To enhance environmental awareness, disseminate scientific knowledge, and showcase our core research focus on "crustacean resource recycling," XMU-China organized a science outreach event at the Xiamen Science and Technology Museum under the theme "Taking from the sea and giving back to the sea." Through interactive activities and hands-on experiences, participants were able to explore the connection between science and daily life.
Engage:
During the event, our team members employed diverse approaches for science communication: designing interactive games aligned with the research theme, delivering thematic presentations, displaying educational posters, and conducting surveys. In the game segment, animal picture matching activities were used to illustrate the distribution of chitin resources in nature. Genetic circuits were simulated using electronic components to introduce core concepts of synthetic biology to children, allowing them to learn effortlessly through hands-on participation. During the presentations, team members used engaging language to explain current challenges in seafood preservation and the potential of crustacean resources, echoing the theme "From the Ocean, For the Ocean." Throughout the event, children and parents actively participated, asked questions, and explored new knowledge in a collaborative parent-child atmosphere, receiving highly positive feedback.
Advancement:
The activity enabled participants to systematically learn about synthetic biology and marine resource recycling, while strengthening their awareness of environmental protection and food safety. For us, this represented a successful practice in transforming specialized scientific research into publicly accessible interactive experiences, demonstrating both social responsibility and capability in public science educations.

Situation:
Marine pollution is an increasingly severe issue, yet public awareness—particularly among youth—regarding environmental protection and synthetic biology remains limited. To enhance young people's environmental consciousness and communicate the potential value of synthetic biology in addressing ecological challenges, we decided to launch a community-based science outreach activity that combines education with entertainment.
Engage:
We participated in the public welfare outreach program organized by the College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Xiamen University, visiting the Xunsiding Community Activity Center in Siming District, Xiamen to deliver an introductory class on marine protection for children. Through explaining synthetic biology concepts, demonstrating the process of purifying simulated wastewater with experimental devices, and organizing hands-on experiments for the children, we enabled them to directly experience the role of technology in environmental governance. At the same time, by discussing the current state of marine pollution, we guided the children to deeply reflect on the importance of environmental protection.
Advancement:
This outreach activity not only ignited the children's interest in science but also planted the seed of environmental awareness in their hearts. Through hands-on experience, the children developed a stronger sense of responsibility toward marine conservation. For our team, it represented a meaningful fulfillment of social responsibility and furthered the integration of our project with broader societal values.