We are ZQT-China, a high school iGEM team united by the shared vision of building sustainable solutions for agriculture and food security. Our members come mainly from Qingdao in northern China and Wuhan in southern China, and this cross-regional background enables us to better understand the real challenges faced by different agricultural areas. With the determination to turn farmers’ challenges into opportunities for innovation, we actively employ the tools of synthetic biology in our research. Our project was inspired by the urgent issue of herbicide residues in crop rotation systems, which not only constrain soil health and agricultural productivity in China but also pose a threat to the global food system.
During preparation, we conducted extensive literature reviews on crop rotation systems, the impacts of pesticide residues, and microbial solutions, while also exploring practical application pathways. However, the most valuable part of our project development lay in our engagement with diverse stakeholders—from farmers and agricultural experts to environmental scholars and policymakers. Their insights, concerns, and support have made our project not just a scientific exploration, but a socially grounded solution aimed at meeting real-world needs.
Remediating the Soil: Our Actions Against Herbicide Residues
Figure 1: Concept Map of Interviews
At the very beginning of our project, we identified farmers as the most crucial stakeholders, since they are the direct users of our product and the primary sufferers of herbicide residue issues in crop rotation systems. To this end, we conducted research centered around farmers, interviewing village committees, farms, and frontline farmers, with a focus on understanding their crop rotation practices and herbicide usage habits.
In addition, we reached out to experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, professors from agricultural universities, and local agricultural bureaus, who helped us validate the technical feasibility and provided important guidance on regulatory and safety aspects. Meanwhile, teachers in the field of synthetic biology offered valuable input on our experimental design and safety modules.
Overall, we engaged with more than 20 individuals from diverse backgrounds and over 6 institutions, ensuring that our project not only responds to the real needs of frontline farmers but also takes into account the comprehensive perspectives of the scientific community and regulatory authorities.
Reflective Cycle:
In exploring how to carry out Human Practices, we not only consulted relevant resources on the iGEM official website but also systematically studied the cases of outstanding teams from previous years. Through comparison and reflection, we found that building a complete Reflective Cycle is essential. It provides the team with a progressive thinking framework: every stage of inspiration emerges from feedback from the previous stage, and every round of practice further drives the improvement of the project.
We particularly drew inspiration from the 2024 GreatBay-SCIE team’s Reflective Cycle.
Figure 2: Our Reflective Cycle
Inspiration
During the development of our project, inspiration did not emerge overnight, but rather from continuous thinking and reflection. By reviewing past practices, we kept refining new problem awareness and research directions, ensuring that the project evolves dynamically rather than remaining static.
Intercommunication
When interacting with stakeholders, our goal is to ensure clear and effective two-way communication. By preparing concise interview outlines and precise project descriptions, we allow stakeholders to fully understand the project’s purpose, enabling them to express their concerns and suggestions effectively. This interaction not only helps us convey information but also serves as a key step in collecting feedback and building trust.
Investigation
In the investigation stage, we focus on critically analyzing the feedback and materials we collect. Instead of applying information directly, we organize and compare it to identify hidden contradictions and shortcomings, thus uncovering the real social pain points to be addressed. This process ensures that the project outcomes remain aligned with genuine social needs.
Implementation
In implementation, we translate feedback into concrete actions. Any external opinions must be absorbed, revised, and integrated into the project design. Through continuous iteration, we enhance feasibility and accountability, avoiding mere theoretical discussion and gradually pushing the project closer to real-world application.
Impact
Impact is not only reflected in solving a specific short-term problem but also in responding to social expectations and driving long-term improvements. When we identify shortcomings in the project, we address them through educational activities, sustainable development initiatives, and public outreach, guiding shifts in social awareness. In this way, the significance of the project extends beyond a single application and reaches the broader level of social value.
Shaping of the Project
Chapter Overview ▼
Who we contacted:
- Visited village committees to understand the current situation of arable land use in northern China.
- Interviewed farmers to discuss herbicide usage habits and crop rotation/intercropping models.
- Consulted Dr. Kuang from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, focusing on key pesticide residue issues in the soybean–wheat rotation system.
Why:
We aimed to identify the core challenges of food security in the context of Chinese agriculture, particularly the conflict farmers face between pesticide use and soil sustainability under limited land resources during rotation/intercropping practices.
What we learned:
- China's per capita arable land is less than one-third of the world average, with an even lower proportion of high-quality farmland, making land resources extremely scarce.
- Crop rotation and intercropping are widely used to improve land-use efficiency, with soybean–wheat rotation being a typical model (soybeans fix nitrogen to improve soil fertility for wheat).
- To ensure stable soybean yields, farmers heavily rely on cheap and highly effective herbicides, but these remain in the soil for a long time.
- The phytotoxic effects are significant: germination rates of wheat, corn, and rice decline, leading to yield reduction; soil micro-ecology is also disrupted, and even water bodies may be polluted.
- A clear cognition gap exists: farmers mostly focus only on short-term weed control while overlooking the long-term risks of herbicide residues.
What we adapted to our project:
After discussions with farmers and experts, we decided to focus our project on the degradation of chlorimuron-ethyl residues in the soybean–wheat rotation system.
How did it all start?
Figure 3: Video on the Food Crisis
The inspiration for our project did not come from a laboratory or research report, but rather from the short videos and news headlines about the food crisis that we frequently encountered while scrolling through Douyin: shrinking farmland, rising demand, and growing food shortages. These are no longer distant policy discussions but real issues entering everyday household conversations and spreading widely across social media. This flow of information prompted us to ask: What can science do for the future of food security?
Figure 4: Per Capita Arable Land
After gaining a deeper understanding of the realities of Chinese agriculture, we found that China’s per capita arable land is only one-third of the world average, with an even lower proportion of high-quality farmland. This means that land resources are not only scarce but also face structural imbalances, posing tremendous challenges to agricultural production.
We further learned that farmers have long been exploring coping strategies. To improve land-use efficiency, they commonly adopt crop rotation and intercropping practices. Among them, the most representative is the soybean–wheat rotation system: soybeans improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, laying a solid foundation for the growth of wheat in the following season. This seemingly simple yet highly ingenious farming method has become the cornerstone of food production in northern China.
Problem Focus
Inspiration
While reading online materials and information on social media, we became aware of the urgency of the food security issue. However, the information we encountered was far less real and direct than what could be gained from firsthand visits. Therefore, we decided to conduct in-depth field research, seeking the true pain points from the daily practices of village committees and farmers. This frontline perspective gave us our initial inspiration—if pesticide residues are affecting land-use efficiency and subsequent crops, could we provide a solution through synthetic biology?
Intercommunication
Figure 5: Group Photos of Farmer Exchanges in Different Regions
We engaged in conversations with village committees and farmers. During these dialogues, we introduced our project concept in a concise manner and patiently listened to their opinions. Farmers frankly admitted that they did not care much about the type of herbicide used—what mattered most was whether it was “fast-acting and cheap,” and chlorimuron-ethyl is a typical example of this.
Investigation
Through interviews and comparisons of farming practices in northern and southern China, we found:
- North: Predominantly soybean–wheat rotations, with widespread use of chlorimuron-ethyl. However, its long residue period seriously affects wheat germination and soil micro-ecology.
- South: More reliance on intercropping models, with relatively lower intensity of chemical herbicide use.
Implementation & Outcomes
We initially determined engineered bacterial degradation of herbicides as the team’s direction. However, the specific engineering strategies still require further literature review and in-depth consultation with experts to be finalized. At this stage, we place more emphasis on defining the focus and validating feasibility rather than locking down technical details too early.
Impact
Our project is not only a practically feasible solution but also a continuous guiding process. Within our SDG practices, we conduct science outreach and advocacy for farmers, calling for reduced dependence on chemical herbicides. In the future, we plan to explore greener and more eco-friendly alternatives such as bioherbicides, addressing the conflict between environmental protection and crop yield at its source. By combining science with education, we hope to promote agriculture in finding a new balance between productivity and sustainability.
Herbicide Degradation Confirmed
Inspiration
As we analyzed agricultural realities and public discourse, we gradually realized that the problem of herbicide residues in the soybean–wheat rotation system not only directly threatens crop yields but also undermines the sustainable use of soil. Our initial motivation was precisely to use the power of synthetic biology to find a breakthrough for this real-world dilemma. Through literature review, we learned that although bacteria capable of degrading chlorimuron-ethyl exist in nature, their efficiency is very low—this further inspired us to enhance degradation efficiency through the engineering of microorganisms.
Intercommunication
Figure 6: Screenshot of Tencent Meeting with Dr. Zhuoran Kuang, Ecology Expert at the Chinese Academy of Sciences
Through our discussion with Dr. Kuang from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in the field of ecology, we confirmed that chlorimuron-ethyl is both representative and typical among herbicides, and due to its chemical structure, it is more likely to serve as an entry point for engineered bacterial degradation. This exchange helped us narrow down a vague concept into a clearer research direction.
Investigation
During the investigation, we not only reviewed relevant literature but also critically evaluated existing natural degrading strains in light of Dr. Kuang’s insights. We found that although some microorganisms do possess degradation capabilities, their efficiency is low and their application potential is limited. Therefore, the key requirement of the project is to identify an appropriate chassis organism and degradation gene, and to enhance its practical application value through synthetic biology approaches. This analysis clarified the project’s pain points and set clear goals for the next stage of experimental design.
Implementation & Outcomes
In moving the project forward, we developed a preliminary research pathway: focusing on engineered bacterial degradation of chlorimuron-ethyl as the core direction and validating feasibility through subsequent experiments.
1、Focused Direction: Narrowed the scope from “generally solving herbicide residue problems” to “engineered bacterial degradation of chlorimuron-ethyl,” making the project more specific and feasible.
2、Clear Goals: Defined the next key questions to address—selecting a suitable chassis and degradation gene, and gradually optimizing degradation efficiency in experiments.
To the laboratory
Chapter Overview ▼
Who we contacted:
- Reviewed extensive literature to screen potential degrading enzymes.
- Consulted Professor Xu Heshan from Shanghai Jiao Tong University for guidance on enzyme selection and chassis application.
- Discussed membrane transport and toxicity issues with Professor Shang from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
- Exchanged ideas with professors from Qingdao Agricultural University on plant hormone regulation.
- Consulted Professor Li Chengfang from South China Agricultural University on the feasibility of safety modules in farmland environments.
Why:
We aimed to identify an enzyme capable of efficiently degrading chlorimuron-ethyl in the soybean–wheat rotation system and to address challenges in its practical application. At the same time, we hoped that the project would not be limited to "eliminating herbicide damage," but could also promote crop germination and yield improvement through hormone regulation. Since our engineered bacteria need to be directly applied in open farmland, it is essential to ensure safety after use. We needed to design a reasonable self-destruction mechanism to prevent gene spread, long-term persistence, or ecological disturbance.
What we learned:
- Candidate enzymes GST, SulE, and PnbA have different mechanisms of action, with PnbA showing the best performance and being confirmed as the core enzyme.
- Chlorimuron-ethyl is difficult to enter E. coli cells and is toxic; therefore, the INP (ice nucleation protein) system is needed to anchor PnbA on the cell surface, enabling efficient degradation.
- IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) is the primary plant auxin, promoting cell division, root elongation, and fruit development. The IAM pathway (iaaM + iaaH genes) from Pseudomonas savastanoi can efficiently synthesize IAA in E. coli.
- CspA promoter: shows almost no expression at 37°C but is significantly activated at 15–20°C, making it suitable as a temperature-controlled trigger.
- T4 Holin protein: a small transmembrane protein that can perforate the cell membrane, causing cell lysis.
- In northern China, during September–October, the day–night temperature difference is significant (often below 20°C at night), making it ideal for applying a low-temperature-triggered self-destruction system.
What we adapted to our project:
We ultimately established a complete laboratory exploration plan:
- Core degradation module: use PnbA as the main enzyme for chlorimuron-ethyl degradation.
- Membrane display system: employ the INP system to anchor PnbA on the cell surface, avoiding toxicity and enhancing efficiency.
- Yield-enhancement module: introduce iaaM / iaaH genes to synthesize IAA and promote wheat germination.
- Safety module: construct a CspA–T4 Holin temperature-controlled self-destruction system.
Through this design, our project evolved from "single herbicide damage control" into an integrated solution of degradation + yield enhancement, laying a solid foundation for field application while ensuring biosafety after task completion.
Chlorimuron-ethyl Degrading Enzyme
Inspiration
After confirming that chlorimuron-ethyl is the key residue problem in the soybean–wheat rotation system, we further considered: how can we identify an enzyme capable of effectively degrading this herbicide? Through literature review, we gradually screened out potential candidate degrading enzymes, providing a new direction for our project’s exploration.
Intercommunication
Figure 7: Screenshot of Tencent Meeting with Professor Heshan Xu, Enzyme Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
During the course of our research, we realized that literature review alone was not sufficient to determine the optimal solution, so we actively sought external guidance. Through discussions with Professor Heshan Xu from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, specializing in enzyme engineering, we received key advice on the selection of degrading enzymes and ultimately narrowed down to three candidate enzymes: GST, SulE, and PnbA. Professor Xu also affirmed our decision to use E. coli as the chassis organism, noting that as a well-established synthetic biology chassis, E. coli not only has a complete set of genetic tools but also requires relatively simple experimental conditions, making it highly suitable for rapid functional validation in an iGEM project.
Investigation
After systematically analyzing the mechanisms of the three enzymes, we found:
- GST: capable of cleaving the sulfonylurea bridge structure of chlorimuron-ethyl;
- SulE / PnbA: achieve molecular degradation through de-esterification.
Based on these mechanistic insights, we designed experiments to test the actual degradation capacity of each enzyme in the E. coli chassis, and conducted comparative studies using crude enzyme extracts.
Implementation & Outcomes
Through experimentation, we discovered that GST and SulE showed some degradation effect on chlorimuron-ethyl but with limited efficiency, while PnbA demonstrated the best degradation capability. Therefore, PnbA was confirmed as the primary tool enzyme for our project. This outcome allowed us to converge our project pathway from “multiple possibilities” to a clear direction: PnbA as the foundation of the core degradation module.
INP System
After confirming PnbA as the primary degrading enzyme, we encountered a new bottleneck: natural E. coli could not efficiently degrade chlorimuron-ethyl. On one hand, chlorimuron-ethyl struggles to pass through the cell membrane into the bacterium; on the other hand, even if it enters the cytoplasm, it exerts toxicity on the cell. This real-world challenge prompted us to consider—how can we enable the degrading enzyme to directly interact with chlorimuron-ethyl in the external environment without harming the chassis organism?
Intercommunication
Figure 8: Exchange with Laboratory Instructor
Figure 9: Screenshot of Tencent Meeting with Professor Chengrui Shang, Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
During the advancement of our project, we held multiple discussions with our lab instructors and Professor Shang from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Professor Shang pointed out that since the major challenge lies in transmembrane transport and toxicity accumulation, we could draw inspiration from previous iGEM teams by applying bacterial surface display technology to overcome this bottleneck. This approach would not only avoid intracellular toxicity issues but also allow the exogenous enzyme to function directly in the external environment. Based on this insight, we ultimately decided to adopt the INP system as our technical solution.
Investigation
Figure 10: Surface Display System in E. coli
We studied the ice nucleation protein (INP) system from Pseudomonas syringae and found that its unique three-part structural design is highly suitable for outer membrane display:
- N-terminal signal peptide: facilitates protein translocation across the membrane;
- Central repeat domain: stably anchors the protein in the outer membrane;
- C-terminal region: enhances membrane-binding strength.
Literature shows that this system not only has precise localization and high expression efficiency, but has also been widely applied across multiple fields.
Implementation & Outcomes
After repeated validation and scheme evaluation, we decided to use the INP system to display PnbA on the surface of E. coli. In this way, the engineered bacteria do not need to internalize chlorimuron-ethyl; instead, they can directly contact and efficiently degrade the herbicide on the outer membrane while in the soil environment. This design successfully avoided the risk of toxicity to the chassis organism and significantly improved degradation efficiency.
IAA Production
Inspiration
At the initial stage of our project, we had already achieved degradation of chlorimuron-ethyl through engineered bacteria, thereby alleviating the herbicide residue problem. However, we did not want the project to remain solely at the level of “hazard elimination”—we aimed to go further by promoting crop yield improvement and sustainable development. This line of thinking led us to focus on plant growth regulation, seeking a biological module that could improve both crop productivity and stress resistance.
Intercommunication
Figure 11: Exchange with Professor Juan Wu, College of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University
In our discussion with Professor Wu from Qingdao Agricultural University, we learned that one of the key limiting factors for winter crop growth is insufficient regulation of plant hormones. The expert suggested that we integrate the research direction of hormone synthesis and consider how engineered bacteria could be used to promote crop germination and early growth. Through this exchange, we gradually narrowed our focus to indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a major plant auxin, as the core target of our yield-enhancement module.
Investigation
Figure 12: Conceptual Diagram of IAA Promoting Plant Growth
After reviewing the literature, we confirmed that IAA is the most important natural plant auxin, playing a critical role in multiple processes such as cell division, root development, vascular tissue differentiation, and fruit maturation. It is also indispensable for growth adaptations including apical dominance, phototropism, and gravitropism.
In terms of biosynthesis pathways, we selected the IAM pathway (from Pseudomonas savastanoi) as our preferred engineering route. This pathway relies on only two core genes:
- iaaM: catalyzes the conversion of tryptophan to indole-3-acetamide (IAM);
- iaaH: further converts IAM into IAA.
- This simple two-step catalytic pathway provides strong feasibility for the efficient synthesis of IAA in E. coli.
Implementation & Outcomes
In our design, we decided to introduce iaaM and iaaH genes into engineered E. coli, complementing the PnbA module:
- PnbA: responsible for degrading chlorimuron-ethyl, eliminating herbicide toxicity;
- iaaM/iaaH: synthesize IAA, promoting wheat germination and early growth.
Through this “dual-module design”, our project evolved from “passive hazard elimination” to “active growth promotion.”
Impact
Our Human Practices did not stop at the laboratory but extended into farmer education and sustainable development advocacy. In our SDG practice, we created a crop rotation calendar to help farmers clearly understand when to apply the bacterial agent in soybean–wheat rotations to both reduce herbicide damage and enhance germination. Looking ahead, this solution not only provides yield benefits for farmers but also strengthens their awareness of green agriculture, encouraging reduced reliance on chemical herbicides. By combining technology with education, we aim to promote a broader win-win outcome of food security and ecological protection.
Project Safety Design
Inspiration
From the very beginning of the project, we recognized that safety is the top priority in any iGEM project. Since our engineered bacteria would be directly applied in open farmland environments, their potential risks could not be ignored: gene spread, long-term persistence, and ecological disturbance could all negatively impact the environment and society. Therefore, while focusing on chlorimuron-ethyl degradation, we also aimed to introduce a robust safety mechanism that ensures the engineered bacteria can be effectively eliminated after completing their task. This thinking drove us to place “safety design” on equal footing with functional modules in our project.
Intercommunication
Figure 13: Exchange with Professor Chengfang Li, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University
In exploring safety mechanisms, we referred to previous iGEM teams’ cases, especially their experiences with suicide switch design. To make our solution more suitable for agricultural application scenarios, we consulted Professor Chengfang Li from Huazhong Agricultural University. Professor Li emphasized that suicide modules should be designed with clear and predictable triggers that take into account the regional and seasonal characteristics the engineered bacteria may encounter. This guidance helped us transition from a “general concept” to a “specific solution,” making our biosafety design more closely aligned with real farmland conditions.
Investigation
Figure 14: Mechanism of the CspA Promoter
After comparing multiple options, we focused on a temperature-controlled suicide system. Literature review revealed that:
- The CspA promoter shows almost no expression at 37°C, but is significantly activated at 15–20°C, and is commonly used in temperature-sensitive protein expression and biosafety modules.
- T4 Holin protein is a small transmembrane protein that can form pores in the cell membrane, ultimately leading to cell lysis and death.
Considering the climatic characteristics of northern China in September–October (with significant day–night temperature differences and nighttime temperatures often below 20°C), the CspA–T4 Holin system emerged as an ideal low-temperature-triggered safety switch.
Implementation & Outcomes
Ultimately, we combined the CspA promoter with the T4 Holin suicide system, designing a self-destruction mechanism triggered by environmental temperature:
- At high temperatures, the safety module remains off, ensuring it does not interfere with bacterial growth.
- At low temperatures, the CspA promoter is activated, driving Holin expression, which perforates the membrane, leading to cell lysis and self-elimination.
Product Form Confirmation
Chapter Overview ▼
Who we contacted:
- Visited farmland and discussed with teachers the practical product needs of farmers in daily cultivation.
- Spoke with Mr. Ouyang from the Agricultural Bureau to understand legal and safety concerns regarding the use of bioproducts in farmland.
- Revisited village committees to present project progress and collect feedback on straw utilization.
- Re-engaged with farmers to listen to their recognition as well as their comprehension barriers.
- Discussed with farm owners about straw recycling and the promotion of green agriculture, while also conducting educational activities for campus groups.
Why:
We wanted to ensure that the engineered bacteria developed in the lab could truly be applied in farmland. This not only included identifying a suitable formulation but also addressing regulatory review and safety design. At the same time, we hoped the project could be understood and accepted by farmers, while fostering a broader consensus and atmosphere for green agricultural development through education and outreach.
What we learned:
- Freeze-dried bacterial powder is the optimal product form—convenient for storage and transport while maintaining viability at room temperature.
- Engineered bacteria need to possess two core functions: degrading chlorimuron-ethyl to mitigate herbicide damage and secreting IAA to promote germination.
- The best application window is 7–10 days after soybean harvest and before wheat sowing.
- Regulatory bodies focus strongly on gene spread, environmental residues, and ecological disturbance; approval procedures and long-term monitoring are essential.
- Village committees emphasized that straw management is a future priority, and its resource utilization could form a closed loop with our existing modules.
- Farmers recognized the project but, due to limited technical background, required explanations through easy-to-understand formats such as rhymes, talk shows, and comics.
- Farm owners affirmed the significance of green development and stressed the importance of education; campus activities effectively engaged students in caring for land and ecology.
What we adapted to our project:
We ultimately confirmed freeze-dried bacterial powder as the final product form, determining its dissolution-spray application method and optimal timing. In terms of compliance, we clarified approval and monitoring pathways, while optimizing the temperature-controlled suicide system and field residue removal measures. For feasibility, we developed a phased plan: short-term completion of experimental validation and stability optimization, mid-term scale-up and small-scale field trials, and long-term exploration of straw recycling and bioweed control agents. For user communication, we adopted storytelling and visual formats to help farmers understand. For social outreach, we used postcards, drawings, campus ecology days, handicrafts, and charity activities to connect students and farming communities, jointly promoting agricultural green transformation.
Product Confirmation
Inspiration
As the project gradually moved toward application, we realized that for engineered bacteria from the lab to truly serve farmland, they must be transformed into a product form that farmers can easily accept and use. The inspiration came from our observation of agricultural application scenarios—farmers need a formulation that can both preserve bacterial viability and be convenient for storage and transport. Therefore, we decided to explore freeze-dried bacterial powder, a mature and practical formulation method.
Intercommunication
Figure 15: Visit to Smart Farmland at Huazhong Agricultural University
To ensure that the product form meets frontline needs, we held discussions with teachers during our farmland visit. The teachers reminded us that farmers’ primary concern is simplicity and ease of use, rather than complex storage or preparation conditions. This feedback helped us clarify our design goal: to make the product directly serve farmers’ daily cultivation practices without adding extra barriers to use.
Investigation
After reviewing relevant literature and market cases, we confirmed:
- Freeze-dried bacterial powder is not only convenient for large-scale storage and transportation but can also maintain long-term viability at room temperature, avoiding reliance on cold-chain logistics.
In farmland environments, the engineered bacteria must carry two core functions:
- Degrading chlorimuron-ethyl residues → alleviating herbicide damage on wheat germination;
- Secreting indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) → promoting root development and seed germination.
At the same time, based on expert advice, we also examined the actual agricultural timing of the soybean–wheat rotation system and identified the optimal application window.
Implementation & Outcomes
Figure 16: Conceptual Diagram of Product Use
We ultimately confirmed freeze-dried bacterial powder as the final product form and defined its usage method and timing:
- Usage method: dissolve the freeze-dried bacterial powder into a water solution and spray it evenly onto the soil in the field.
- Usage timing: it is recommended to spray 7–10 days after soybean harvest and before wheat sowing, which not only allows time for residue degradation but also provides growth advantages during the seed germination stage.
Impact
In practice, we not only confirmed the formulation and application method of the product but also enriched the crop rotation calendar. By precisely aligning the spraying time of the bacterial agent with the rhythm of the soybean–wheat rotation, we provided farmers with a clear and user-friendly reference tool, making the product more instructive and feasible for real agricultural application.
Product Compliance
Inspiration
As the project gradually moved toward application, we realized that scientific feasibility alone is not enough to ensure the product’s entry into farmland. Legal compliance and safety are indispensable prerequisites for agricultural deployment. The key question we urgently needed to address was: how can we ensure that our engineered bacterial product not only complies with national agricultural regulations but also avoids potential ecological risks during use?
Intercommunication
Figure 17: Exchange with Mr. Ouyang, Basic Agricultural Technician, Hanchuan Agricultural and Rural Bureau
To address this, we communicated with Mr. Ouyang from the Agricultural Bureau. During the discussion, we clearly presented our project objectives and application scenarios, and listened to the regulator’s opinions on the compliance requirements and potential safety risks of using bioproducts in farmland.
Investigation
After the exchange, we compiled and studied relevant policies and regulatory frameworks, including biopesticide approval procedures, regulatory requirements for environmental release, and long-term biosafety monitoring mechanisms. We found that regulatory authorities are particularly concerned about gene spread, environmental residues, and ecological disturbances, which are exactly the risks we focused on addressing in our biosafety design. By analyzing regulations and case studies, we were able to improve our safety modules and application strategies in a more targeted manner.
Implementation & Outcomes
Through communication with the Agricultural Bureau, we achieved two key outcomes:
- Clearer compliance pathway: we clarified the legal and approval procedures necessary for product deployment, providing a reference direction for future applications.
- More refined safety design: regulatory feedback confirmed the necessity of our temperature-controlled suicide system.
Project Feasibility – Village Committee
Inspiration
Our goal focused on solving the herbicide damage caused by chlorimuron-ethyl residues, while also promoting wheat germination through IAA secretion. As our thinking deepened, we gradually realized that improving agricultural production not only means yield increase but also generates more by-products such as crop straw. If straw is not properly managed, it may not only waste resources but also create new environmental burdens. Therefore, we hoped to expand our project concept to include the recycling and utilization of agricultural by-products.
Intercommunication
Figure 18: Exchange with Linjia Village Committee, Qingdao
In our follow-up communication with the village committee, we presented the progress of our project and received their recognition. The committee reminded us: if the product can increase yields, then should the resulting straw after harvest also be a point of concern? This opened up a new line of thought for us. Later, while reviewing past iGEM projects, we came across the Squirrel-Beijing-I team’s idea of utilizing waste paper cellulose. This further strengthened our belief that straw resource utilization could become an important extension of our project.
For more details, please refer to the Collaboration page.
Investigation
By combining farmers’ feedback with literature research, we found that straw is rich in cellulose. If discarded or burned, it causes environmental pollution; however, if biologically converted into glucose, it can not only serve as an energy source for engineered bacteria but also form a more closed-loop and sustainable system. Comparing different approaches, we concluded that straw recycling naturally complements our existing project modules, not only working alongside chlorimuron-ethyl degradation but also enhancing the overall ecological value of the project.
Implementation & Outcomes
We established a phased roadmap for advancement:
- Short-term goal: complete core experimental validation, and optimize the stability and application method of engineered bacteria.
- Mid-term plan: promote scaled-up production of the product and conduct small-scale field trials to test real-world applicability.
- Long-term direction: collaborate with the Squirrel-Beijing-I team to explore straw recycling, converting cellulose into glucose to provide energy for engineered bacteria; further investigate microbial or plant-derived bioherbicides to reduce reliance on chemical herbicides from the source, thus advancing agriculture toward a green, low-carbon, and sustainable future.
Project Feasibility – Farmers
Inspiration
The true value of a project does not lie in how novel the concept is, but in whether the end users are willing to accept and use it. Through communication with farmers, we realized that for the project to be truly implemented, farmers must be able to understand it, recognize its value, and be willing to try it. This reflection became the core driving force behind our efforts in outreach and education.
Intercommunication
Figure 19: Farmer Communication
During another round of interaction with farmers, we found that although they expressed approval of our project, due to their different professional background, it was difficult for them to fully understand the mechanism and significance of the project without clear explanations. This reminded us that communication cannot remain in academic language alone—we need to find expressions that farmers can quickly understand, making two-way communication smoother and more effective.
Investigation
We compared and analyzed different communication methods and referred to science popularization experiences from previous iGEM teams. Through this research, we found that simplified expression and visual presentation are effective approaches for helping non-specialist audiences understand complex biological concepts. Whether through rhymes, storytelling dialogues, or visual illustrations, these methods lower the comprehension barrier and encourage farmers’ feedback to be more authentic and positive.
Implementation & Outcomes
Based on these reflections, we adopted multiple approaches to help farmers better understand our project:
- Writing an iGEM talk show script → to explain project logic in a light-hearted and humorous way;
- Creating rhymes → to turn complex principles into catchy and memorable phrases;
- Using AI to produce comics → to visualize technical principles and application scenarios, making them easier to grasp.
Through these innovative communication methods, we not only received positive feedback from farmers, but also made them more willing to participate in project discussions and provide suggestions for further improvement.
Impact
Our efforts transformed the project from a “laboratory outcome” into a “farmer-comprehensible product.” Farmers’ feedback validated the potential feasibility of our solution, while also reminding us to continuously optimize our communication and popular science strategies in the future. By combining education, outreach, and diverse forms of presentation, we enhanced the acceptability of the project.
Project Promotion
Inspiration
Figure 20: Exchange at Jiatayuan Ecological Farm, Laixi City, Qingdao
During our exchange at the farm, the farm owner highly praised our concept of “straw recycling—converting cellulose into glucose to provide energy for engineered bacteria,” and expressed appreciation for high school students using biological methods to address agricultural problems. This made us realize that beyond promoting farmers’ understanding and application, we also need to cultivate the concept of green development at the educational and societal level. Only by fostering public awareness of biology and agricultural sustainability from an early age can we gradually transform the overall mindset and atmosphere of society.
Intercommunication
Building on conversations with farm owners and farmers, we further expanded our communication to include students and campus communities. We hoped that through these exchanges, students would better understand the importance of agriculture and ecology, while farmers could see that the younger generation is actively engaging in advancing green agriculture. This communication not only shortened the distance between urban and rural groups but also fostered resonance across different segments of society.
Investigation
When planning outreach activities, we referred to the educational and public engagement experiences of previous iGEM teams. We found that approaches such as art creation, campus activities, and public welfare initiatives were highly effective in sparking students’ interest and reflection. At the same time, connecting students and farmers not only facilitated knowledge transfer but also helped build an atmosphere of intergenerational collaboration.
Implementation & Outcomes
We closely integrated outreach activities with SDG practices and designed a variety of formats:
- Postcard distribution: allowing students to express their understanding and love for the land in short messages.
- “The Land in My Eyes” art activity: guiding students to reflect on the relationship between people and land through artistic expression.
- Campus Ecology Day: creating a green atmosphere in schools and promoting the concept of agricultural sustainability.
- Wheat handicraft and charity donation activities: enabling students to appreciate the value of agriculture through hands-on practice, while establishing real connections with farmers through donations.
For more details, please refer to SDG Activities.
Impact
Through these outreach activities, our project extended from farmland practice to broader social education. We not only spread the concept of green agricultural development but also cultivated public interest in synthetic biology. More importantly, these activities fostered a positive social atmosphere: agricultural issues are no longer seen solely as farmers’ burdens but as concerns shared by society as a whole. Through this intergenerational collaboration, our project helped build a wider social consensus, laying a long-term foundation for the green transformation of agriculture.
