World Oceans Day: iGEM and SDG 14
The United Nations has proclaimed 2021 – 2030 as the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. This week, on June 8, many countries around the world joined the UN in celebrating World Oceans Day, a day for inspiring action to protect the oceans and sustainably use marine resources. In honor of World Oceans Day and this important decade, we’d like to highlight the accomplishments of iGEM teams using synthetic biology to restore, preserve and protect the oceans.
“The ocean’s power of regeneration is remarkable - if we just offer it the chance. We are in reach of a whole new relationship with the ocean, a wiser, more sustainable relationship. The choice lies with us.”
The UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) urges conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. At iGEM, teams from all over the world are working together using the tools of synthetic biology to solve local problems and tackle global challenges. Highlights from some of the 2020 iGEM teams focusing on algal blooms, coral bleaching, plastic pollution, and other threats to the health of the world’s oceans include:
Aix-Marseille (France) developed a proof-of-concept for using engineered microorganisms to produce bioethanol from the algal masses that cause green tides. Bronze Medalist, Undergrad Division.
ASTWS-China (China) engineered a PETase-Biofilm system to efficiently biodegrade polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic microparticles in water. Nominee, Best Model; Gold Medalist, High School Division.
GA_State_SW_Jiaotong (United States and China) sought to combat coral bleaching by genetically modifying the symbiotic microalgae of corals to better withstand heat stress. Silver Medalist, Undergrad Division.
Hainan_China (China) created a nutritional enhancement strategy to promote the health of coral microbiota. Bronze Medalist, High School Division.
HK_CPU-WFN-WYY (Hong Kong) designed a system to decompose microplastics by passing polluted water through a solar powered chamber containing immobilized cutinases. Bronze Medalist, High School Division.
KEYSTONE (China) sought to advance PET plastic recycling by engineering a trash can that can degrade plastic and produce a fragrance that would improve the approachability of the trash cans. Nominee, Best Education; Gold Medalist, High School Division.
Manchester (United Kingdom) designed an environmentally friendly sunscreen from hippopotamus sweat that could overcome the coral bleaching issues associated with traditional sunscreens. Nominee, Best Supporting Entrepreneurship; Gold Medalist, Undergrad Division.
St_Andrews (United Kingdom) created the in-silico design for an environmentally friendly probiotic sunscreen that would efficiently absorb UV radiation and possess no environmental threat to aquatic systems. Gold Medalist, Undergrad Division.
UChicago (United States) developed a software tool, Optizyme, that uses a novel algorithm to optimize PET plastic degrading pathways. Silver Medalist, Undergrad Division.
UCL (United Kingdom) sought to reduce plastic pollution in sea water by integrating enzymatic PET plastic degradation into a microbial desalination cell. Gold Medalist, Undergrad Division.
UFlorida (United States) sought to protect waterways and wetland ecosystems from algal blooms by engineering a biosensor that can detect above-safe levels of phosphorus in water samples. Bronze Medalist, Undergrad Division.
We are proud of the progress all iGEM teams have made in using synthetic biology to solve problems that threaten the world’s oceans!
If you would like to join iGEM in addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we invite you become an iGEM partner or sponsor, or join us in celebrating the accomplishments of the teams at the 2021 Giant Jamboree. We look forward to welcoming you to the iGEM community!
