Team:RUM-UPRM/Contribution
Engineering Success
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New Parts Submission
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As part of our project, we submitted the fusion gene <a href="http://parts.igem.org/Part:BBa_K3670000">xplA/B</a> as a biobrick in igem’s registry. This part is specific for biodegradation of the nitro-explosive 1,3,5-Trinitro-1,3,5 triazine, better known as RDX. This compound can be found in various bombs used in wars. Alongside other explosive compounds, RDX has proven to be toxic, and can cause toxic encephalopathy, convulsions, and has a possibility to contribute to cancer. In addition, toxicity to plants has also been reported. To mitigate this abundant problem, the xplA/B fusion gene has been created to fulfill the need of a biodegradable mechanism that can eliminate RDX in nature.
Currently, there are not many parts on the Registry associated with detection and biodegradation of RDX. One of the goals of iGEM RUM-UPRM is to keep expanding the Registry with parts, such as xplA/B, to help other teams detect and biodegrade RDX. In the future, we want to be able to assist other teams in their journey to help in the degradation of other heavy metals and explosives in contaminated waters and soils.
I. Research
Before starting the design of our project, we turned to our communities to see what challenges they were facing and how we could use Synthetic Biology to help. We came across the contamination in the Island of Vieques and the health and biodiversity consequences faced.
II.Identify a Problem
<p style="text-indent:40px; margin-left:7%; margin-right:7%"> We researched further into this situation and after consulting with experts in the field, we identified Mercury and RDX as two of the most present contaminants that we could bioremediate using Synthetic Biology.III. Finding the Solution
<p style="text-indent:40px; margin-left:7%; margin-right:7%"> We found past IGEM projects that focused on the bioremediation of Mercury and used these ideas to create our own. We also found genes that can biodegrade RDX that we could implement as well.IV. Design
<p style="text-indent:40px; margin-left:7%; margin-right:7%"> Working on our solution, we decided to construct genetic circuits that would help us achieve the bioremediation of Mercury and the biodegradation of RDX. During this process, we consulted different individuals about their perspectives of the situation including our Advisors & Primary Investigators, citizens, engineers, professors and students.V. Phase II Preparation
<p style="text-indent:40px; margin-left:7%; margin-right:7%"> Due to Covid-19, there are many things we were not able to do. We did not have access to the lab, nevertheless we could prepare a <a href="https://2020.igem.org/Team:RUM-UPRM/Covid_Precaution">plan to return to the lab</a>,<a href="https://2020.igem.org/Team:RUM-UPRM/Human_Practices"> a proposal to gain access to Vieques</a> to gain access to Vieques, <a href="https://2020.igem.org/https://2020.igem.org/Team:RUM-UPRM/Design_Competition">a hardware competition</a> and an experimental design for the next cycle. We will also take into consideration the judges’ feedback after this year’s competition for the improvement of our project
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Phase II
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I. Building Prototype in Lab
When we finally gain access to the lab, we will build our prototype. This will require a lot of hard work and dedication. This will consist of constant lab work.
II.Building Hardware
<p style="text-indent:40px; margin-left:7%; margin-right:7%"> We will also finish the design of the hardware of our project taking into account the results from the Hardware Competition.
III. Test prototype and hardware with samples from Vieques
<p style="text-indent:40px; margin-left:7%; margin-right:7%"> After the hardware and prototype are built, we will use the samples obtained from Vieques to test the efficiency and viability of our project.IV. Optimization of prototype
<p style="text-indent:40px; margin-left:7%; margin-right:7%"> Using the data obtained from our tests, we will make the changes needed to optimize the efficiency of our bioremediation system.
V. Implementation
<p style="text-indent:40px; margin-left:7%; margin-right:7%"> After final tests and changes, we will implement our system in Vieques.
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