2023 Projects
In each section, you can view the visual abstract and project description along with links to the team’s presentation and the full project report.
Proposal Projects
Michigan
The rs773902 SNP in the human F2RL3 gene produces an A120T variant in platelet receptor PAR4. This variant is implicated in pathological thrombosis and resistance to aspirin and clopidogrel antiplatelet therapy. We aim to develop a low-cost, user-friendly diagnostic to inform the use of alternative treatment in low-resource healthcare settings.
CELLTECH
Celastrol is one of the most important triterpenoid molecules used in ancient times in China. This molecule has the potential to cure many diseases. Because Celastrol has toxicity to the body, it is not appropriate for clinical use directly. Therefore, our aim is to modify this molecule by using bacterial enzymes. Celastrol consists of 29 carbons, and modifying these carbons can decrease toxicity.
RHS Calgary
Our project, FabriFuel, aims to address the issue of fabric waste by creating a three-chamber enzymatic system capable of fully degrading and metabolizing polyethylene terephthalate and its byproducts. By combining this with a microbial fuel cell, we aim to capture energy from this digestion process.
Genesis
Genesis’ project aims to create an alternative to present latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) tests. We propose the construction of a bacterial biosensor of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) based on E. coli cells by applying synthetic biology methods and standard parts. The biosensor should generate a light signal in the presence of IFN-γ, which is an essential factor in diagnosing LTBI.
Experimental Projects
Manipal Biomachines
Our project involves the synthesis of an antimicrobial peptide that will bind to Multivalent Adhesion Molecule 7 (MAM7)—a surface protein present on Vibrio parahaemolyticus. It is responsible for bacterial adhesion to the host's epithelial cells, triggering vibriosis in fish. Our peptide would be synthesised by our chassis—BL21, and delivered using chitosan nanoparticles.
TecCEM
The use of antibiotics has gained concern because of the risk it represents to human health and to the environment by promoting antibiotic resistance. In this work TecCEM is aiming to use isoeugenol and isoeugenol monooxygenase as an eco-friendly and more accessible selection system applied to molecular biology procedures as an alternative to current selection markers, antibiotics.
IISER TVM
Duonco is a dual nanovesicle drug delivery system to address breast cancer. Unlike targeted therapies, which use only one cancer cell marker to preferentially affect tumour cells, Duonco utilises two cancer biomarkers to target cancer cells. This double-check mechanism is analogous to an AND gate, and works by ensuring that the drug is activated only in cells that overexpress both markers.
Genetic Engineering Society at UTA
Equol is a metabolite derived from daidzein, an isoflavone found in soybean. Those displaying the equol-producing phenotypes have seen beneficial effects on health outcomes, including reduced risk of cancer and CVD; however, only a fraction of the population exhibit this phenotype. To address this, we aim to create a probiotic that allows consumers to reap the benefits of soy-derived equol.
Micro X
We comparatively analyzed the effects enhanced amylase expressing B. subtilis in plant growth and germination period by conducting the study in two groups - The experimental group and the control group. The experimental group seeds of S. oleracia treated with the Bacillus subtilis bacterial solution showed shortened germination period and increased growth after the first 3 weeks of germination
Computational Projects
BioCrabs
In this project, the main aim was to produce Odorant Binding Protein 1 from the Aedes Aegypti mosquito species with recombinant DNA applications. With the production and purification of this OBP1, heneicosane molecule which is a pheromone for these mosquitos, can be detected with further biosensor researches. Heneicosane is a biomarker for lung cancer and can be detected from exhaled breath.