Team:Concordia-Montreal/Collaborations

Collaborations

1 Question Development
2 Modelling Exchange
3 Mini Jamboree
4 Mapping
5 Biotech Timeline

Contents:

1. Question Development for Interviewing with iGEM Northern BC
2. Modelling Exchange with iGEM ULaval
3. Mini Jamboree hosted by iGEM Concordia
4. Mapping of Opioid Resources with iGem Northern BC
5. Canadian Synthetic Biology Timeline built for UFRGS Brazil

1. Question Development

Our personal question development for responsible interviewing began with an Interview Workshop with Wassimy of D3 Innovation Center. After gaining valuable insight we became in contact with iGEM Northern British Columbia who is also working on an opioid biosensor. We exchanged approaches- they're developing a biosensor for pre-detection, while we are post detection of fentanyl- and decided to collaborate in Human Practices as we were addressing the same topic from two different angles. We exchanged our experiences in developing interview questions and formulated more poignant ones as a result.

2. Modelling Exchange

In collaboration with ULaval we were able to do a modelling exchange for our biosensor and hydrogel systems.

ULaval required additional data with respect to their toehold RNA switch. We were able to run their RNA sequence and secondary structure in Rosetta, lending more specificity. In return ULaval constructed modelling algorithms for the diffusion of AmilCP chromoprotein in our hydrogel. We were able to work with the algorithms in Matlab.

See the Rosetta Protocols

3. Mini Jamboree

Hosted by iGEM Concordia, a regional gathering with iGEM ULaval and iGEM Queen's University consisting of live presentations, poster presentations and judging. An amazing two days of workshops and exchanging iGEM strategies, including grabbing a pint after.

4. Mapping

A reoccurring issue regarding the opioid crisis is awareness. With iGEM Northern British Columbia we have created a map of opioid resources in British Columbia and in Quebec. From addiction and recovery centres to safe-injection sites or Naloxone training, we have created a place to direct those in need. As part of Quantifen, we have included this collaboration as an add-on in our App, so the user could have these resources a click away.

5. Canadian Synthetic Biology Timeline

Canadian Synthetic Biology Timeline written for iGEM UFRGS Brazil

Biotechnology policy in Canada for novel foods and drugs (genetically engineered or genetically modified organisms) is overseen by Health Canada and the Canadian Food and Inspection Agency ¹. Focus is on the product, not the process. A National Biotechnology Strategy exists and includes the Biotechnology Advisory Committee (CBAC) ³ . CBAC is an external expert advisory committee formed by the Canadian government for regulation, commercialization and social acceptance of biotechnology in Canada. In addition, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) federally enforces pollution issues, such as microorganisms entering the environment ² . This includes the New Substances Notification Regulations (NSNR) for which all manufacturers importers of new substances regulated by the Food and Drugs Act are required to notify CEPA for environmental assessment⁴. Notices of Intent are published in the Canadian Gazette when changes are made to policy, inviting public opinion. Micro-organisms are patentable in Canada; whereas plants, seeds and non-human animals are not. Furthermore, new genetic sequences in plants or seeds can be patented ⁵. The owners then carrying the rights to determine how the patented material can be used, such as limiting the production or breeding of a plant carrying those genetics.

Many independent groups influence the government and contribute to policy through their memberships such as Life Sciences BC, BioScience Association Manitoba, BioNova, PEI BioAlliance, NATI, BioAlberta, Montreal INVIVO, BioQuebec and TOHealth!

References:

1- Ahmad, & Tariq. (2014, March 1). Restrictions on Genetically Modified Organisms: Canada. Retrieved from https://www.loc.gov/law/help/restrictions-on-gmos/canada.php

2- Legislative Services Branch. (2019, July 26). Consolidated federal laws of Canada, Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Retrieved from https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-15.31/page-15.html#h-64413

3- Canada, H. (2017, August 29). Government of Canada. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/science-research/emerging-technology/biotechnology/role/canada-biotechnology-strategy.html

4- Legislative Services Branch. (2019, July 26). Consolidated federal laws of Canada, New Substances Notification Regulations (Organisms). Retrieved from https://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2005-248/FullText.html

5- Patents - CBAN. Retrieved from https://cban.ca/gmos/issues/patents/