All Teams Info

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var all_teams_info =[ {'team_name':'Aachen', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Aachen','location':'Germany', 'institution':'RWTH Aachen University','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Melasense', 'track':'Diagnostics', 'abstract':'We plan on developing a melatonin biosensor. Our approach for the biosensor is to genetically modify Saccharomyces cerevisiae by integrating a highly specific human melatonin receptor into the cells. Melatonin has a high membrane permeability which permits us to use the nuclear retinoid z receptor (RZR) which is directly regulating gene expression. We express the RZR as a fusion-protein with the recognition sequence of the human estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). When melatonin is bound, the modified receptor binds to the estrogen receptor responsive element (ERE) and as a consequence regulate expression of firefly luciferase reporter genes. In our second approach, we will use the membrane-receptor MT1 for our biosensor. When melatonin binds to the G protein-coupled receptor, β-arrestins can be recruited. This mechanism allows us to use an enzyme fragment complementation assay based on two fusion-proteins.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Aachen', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Hardware', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Aalto-Helsinki', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Aalto-Helsinki','location':'Finland', 'institution':'Aalto University','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Silkolor - A sustainable approach to dyeing industry using fusion proteins', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'Textile dyeing is one of the biggest polluters of natural waters. Many of the synthetic dyes used are non-biodegradable, toxic and large amounts of them end up in waters during the dyeing process. Natural dyes, although less toxic than synthetic ones, require mordants in order to bind to the fabric. Mordants often contain aluminum or other metals, which are harmful to the environment. We are addressing the problem by using two types of colorful fusion proteins. Chromoproteins are fused with binding domains to create colorful proteins which can bind cellulose or keratin based materials, such as cotton or wool, respectively. Spider silk is added to some of the proteins in order to make colored silk proteins that can be made into fibers, which would erase the need for the dyeing step from the textile value chain completely. Our experiments were focused on binding tests and silk fiber production.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Aalto-Helsinki', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Product Design', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'ACIBADEM ISTANBUL', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:ACIBADEM_ISTANBUL','location':'Turkey', 'institution':'ACIBADEM UNIVERSITY','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'LTNF 2.0: Circularized Venom Neutralizing Factor', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'The Opossum (Didelphimorphia) is an animal with a very unique characteristic; it displays an outstanding resistance to toxins, snake venoms in particular. This anti-venom ability is gained through a single protein; the Lethal Toxin Neutralizing Factor (LTNF). We are attempting to produce an improved version of this anti-venom, LTNF 2.0 if you will, as a synthetic anti-venom for human use. LTNF 2.0 incorporates the post-translational modification process known as circularization, a process that comprises of adding cysteine amino acids to both ends of a polypeptide chain; triggering the formation of a disulphide bridge, ultimately leading to a circular structure, hence the name circularization. Circularized proteins are known for not only greater stability but also greater efficacy of the protein, thereby improving its shelf life and lowering the required dosage for treatment, ultimately providing a more efficient bioproduct.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=ACIBADEM_ISTANBUL', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'AFCM-Egypt', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:AFCM-Egypt','location':'Egypt', 'institution':'Armed Forces College of Medicine','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Microbiota: Opening Doors to New Horizons in Colorectal Cancer Therapy', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered one of the most common cancers and accounts for almost half a million deaths annually worldwide. Tremendous progress has been made in understanding the role of the immune system in driving the development of cancers, including CRC. As sensors of cell death and tissue remodeling, Toll like receptors(TLRs) may have a universal role in cancer. There are different TLRs that respond to a variety of Pathogen associated molecular pattern (PAMPs) such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide . The evidence of existence of relevance between bacterial microbiota and carcinogenesis is increasing. its suggested that microRNAs act as ligands of TLRs playing a role in epigenetic immune modulation. In this study, We will assess the therapeutic efficacy of microbiome based approach as novel therapeutic strategy in restoring normal Toll lie receptor signaling in CRC cell line .', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=AFCM-Egypt', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Africa'}, {'team_name':'AHUT China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:AHUT_China','location':'China', 'institution':'Anhui University of Technology','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Carbon dioxide purifier', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'With greenhouse effect becoming a widespread concern in recent years, how to effectively capture CO2 has become a worldwide problem. At present, CO2 capture mostly includes absorption, adsorption and membrane methods, etc., which have problems with high cost, high energy consumption for regeneration and secondary pollution. CO2 capture using carbonic anhydrase has attracted extensive attention due to its high catalytic efficiency and environmentally friendly properties. First, our project successfully expressed wide type carbonic anhydrase in E. coli, however, its industrial application was limited due to poor stability and easy inactivation. Therefore, based on this, molecular simulation technology was used to investigate effect of amino acid residues mutation on the conformation and activity of enzyme, and the mutant carbonic anhydrase with higher thermal stability was obtained. The experimental results showed that the purified mutant carbonic anhydrase exhibited higher stability and activity than wild type carbonic anhydrase, achieving efficient capture of CO2.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=AHUT_China', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Aix-Marseille', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Aix-Marseille','location':'France', 'institution':'Aix-Marseille University','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Breaking bugs', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'An alternative weaponry must be found to replace the harmful and expensive traditional insecticides, that are now nearly useless against bed bugs. In fact, they developed multiple resistance mechanisms (exoskeleton thickening and enhanced metabolic pathways). The breaking bugs project aims to provide a human-friendly, and efficient solution to eliminate bed bugs. The plan is to elaborate an attractive lethal trap. We will use biosynthesized pheromones as a chemical lure to attract the bugs into the trap and infect them with Beauveria bassiana (an entomopathogenic fungus), causing a fatal epidemic. We produced several types of pheromones in E. coli and are running tests to create the optimal pheromone cocktail. We have worked on producing several enzymes and adding adjuvants to improve the killing efficiency and speed of the fungus. We had nationwide advertising of our project and obtained an indisputable validation from the public for our engagement in fighting bed bugs.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Aix-Marseille', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'ASIJ Tokyo', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:ASIJ_Tokyo','location':'Japan', 'institution':'The American School in Japan','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'A1AT deLIVERy - Using Stem Cell and CRISPR Technology to Combat Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency is a common genetic disorder -- the defective gene for which is carried by 1 in 25 people -- which arises from a single base pair mutation in the SERPINA1 gene, resulting in the production of a form of antitrypsin prone to polymerization. The mutated antitrypsin then builds up in liver cells and is unable to inhibit proteases in the lungs, leading to damage in both. Using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, we aimed to fix the error in SERPINA1 so that proper antitrypsin can be produced. We will show proof of concept in E. Coli cells using osmy secretion tags and GFP as a reporter. We hope to design a liver organ bud using IPS cell technology to deliver function A1AT through collaboration with Dr. Kagimoto of Healios Japan KK.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=ASIJ_Tokyo', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'ASTWS-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:ASTWS-China','location':'China', 'institution':'Worldshaper, Hangzhou','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Environment-friendly Copper Ion Sense and Treatment System', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'With the continuous development of industrialization, the negative environmental effects caused by heavy metal pollution are becoming more and more significant. Owing to easy migration and difficult biodegradation, it poses more challenges to the treatment of heavy metals in the environment, especially in soil and water. In this study, we developed an engineered E. coli-based system to sensitively detect the copper concentration in industrial waste using synthetic biological methods. Meanwhile, we are trying to introduce a new gene to effectively capture copper ions in environment. If successful, this constructed biosystem could not only detect copper ions, but also enrich heavy metal pollutants (copper), form copper deposits and then purify the environment, which is portable, low-cost and environment-friendly.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=ASTWS-China', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Athens', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Athens','location':'Greece', 'institution':'National Technical University of Athens','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'GENOMERS: Toehold switch enabled viral detection via routine glucose monitoring technology', 'track':'Diagnostics', 'abstract':'Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a virus with ~35% mortality rate, considered to be one of the most likely to cause major epidemics. We aim to develop a rapid, low-cost test for MERS-CoV for potential use in field diagnosis. Our biosensor is based on the toehold switch mechanism. The designed switches regulate the expression of trehalase, an enzyme which hydrolyzes the disaccharide trehalose to glucose. Thus, overall, the presence of viral load in the sample triggers glucose production, which is measured by a repurposed glucometer, signaling the diagnosis. Finally, attempting to accelerate the diagnosis, we lower the complexity of the switches using an alternative reporter, an engineered split trehalase. The two split fragments assemble to a functional enzyme through coiled-coil interactions. Our proposed diagnostic workflow is easily customizable for the detection of other viruses threatening global health, aiming to contribute to travel medicine and diagnostics.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Athens', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Auckland MOD', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Auckland_MOD','location':'New Zealand', 'institution':'University of Auckland','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Improving the Farmer, Environment and Nitrogen Use Efficiency', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Environmental pollution is a pressed global issue, even in clean, green New Zealand. Maintaining clean waterways is our responsibility as kaitiaki of the land (guardians in Te Reo Māori), but agricultural practices such as excess fertiliser application and cow effluent are flooding our New Zealand soils and waterways with urea. Taking a fluxomics approach in Arabidopsis thaliana, we are overexpressing a high-affinity urea transporter (DUR3) to upregulate the uptake of urea, and glutamine synthetase (GS1) to convert the toxic metabolite ammonia into glutamine. As a result, urea is removed more readily from the soil before it’s subject to groundwater leaching or surface run-off. We predict the increase in amino acid production will enhance plant growth. Applying our model to other plants like ryegrasses will allow farmers to grow pasture or forage crops that utilize urea on the paddock more efficiently, requiring less financial investment into urea fertilisers.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Auckland_MOD', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Austin LASA', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Austin_LASA','location':'United States', 'institution':'Liberal Arts and Science Academy High SchoolLiberal','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Infection Detection: HIV1 Detection in Infants', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'HIV diagnosis of infants in the developing world continues to pose many problems as current diagnostic methods are inaccurate in infants and difficult to administer in the field. Recent research demonstrates CRISPR-associated enzyme Cas12as ability to indiscriminately cleave ssDNA following recognition and cleavage of a dsDNA target strand, lending itself to nucleotide detection assays. Due to their high stability in cells, Cas enzymes such as Cas12a are prime candidates for lyophilized bacterial reagents (cellular reagents) that can be stored at room temperature until resuspended for later use in the field. Our project aims to design an innovative HIV1 diagnostic system for infants that combines cellular reagents with a Cas12a assay. For the purposes of iGEM and biosafety, our team focused on demonstrating the following with purified enzymes and cellular reagents: isothermal amplification of viral DNA and detection of viral DNA by a Cas12a assay.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Austin_LASA', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Austin UTexas', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Austin_UTexas','location':'United States', 'institution':'The University of Texas at Austin','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'A Broad Host Range Plasmid Kit for Engineering Non-Model Bacteria', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Synthetic biologists often reach for a handful of well characterized organisms when designing experiments due to their ability to be reliably engineered with standard protocols. However, there are many non-model organisms that perform useful functions, survive extreme environments, or are optimized to produce certain materials which are largely ignored because the methods of engineering them are not well established. The broad host range kit aims to use genetic parts that function in a wide range of bacteria to make this process more efficient. The kit contains a combination of plasmid parts and assembled plasmids with origins of replication known to function in diverse bacteria. Each origin is linked to a fluorescent protein or chromoprotein so successful transformations can be easily identified when plated. Additionally, origins are associated with a specific barcode that can be sequenced to confirm the assembly. Several assemblies containing broad host range origins have been constructed.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Austin_UTexas', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Baltimore BioCrew', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Baltimore_BioCrew','location':'United States', 'institution':'Baltimore BioCrew','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Coagulance Rx', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'In 2017, Baltimore suffered from 301 homicides due to gun violence. As students who live in Baltimore City, we knew that this issue needed to be addressed. We decided to create a cost-efficient alternative to current fibrinogen-laced bandages on the market. Our method to cause blood clots was by expressing Factor V activator RVV-V gamma in E.coli. We intend to embed this protease into a bandage to treat gunshot or stab victims. We have also worked to enhance the expression of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), an enzyme that causes coagulated blood to degrade. We want to express an optimized sequence of tPA within E.coli. A purified form of this tPA would be used within an IV therapy for patients suffering from heart disease and other illnesses involving invasive blood clots. We hope to liberate communities within Baltimore by creating more balanced and equitable methods of treatment.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Baltimore_BioCrew', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'Best Presentation', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'BCU', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:BCU','location':'China', 'institution':'Beijing City University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Nicotine Degradation', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Nicotine, a major alkaloid in tobacco plants, is a significant factor of evaluation for tobacco and cigarettes. Nicotine plays a critical role in smoking addiction and is well known to be harmful to human beings, because it easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and biological membranes. Meanwhile, with large quantities of tobacco products being produced and consumed, tobacco waste is entering the environment. So we want to find a key nicotine-degrading gene to degrade nicotine effectively in E.coli by synthetic biology. Nicotine oxidoreductase (nicA) from Pseudomonas putida S16 has been obtained by our team and a new expression vector has been constructed with promoter(J23119), ribosome binding site(RBS B0034), nicA ,terminator(B0015) in psb1c3. NICA expressed by E.coli top10 could catalyse and degrade Nicotine effectively from 35-50℃ and pH5 to pH8.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=BCU', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'BFSUICC-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:BFSUICC-China','location':'China', 'institution':'China Agriculture Univerisity','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Biological toolkit for Copper detection', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'The worlds production (supply) and consumption (demand) of copper have increased dramatically in the past 25 years. Massive mining and extensive using of copper results in serious contamination to environment, and then copper contamination threaten the balance of the whole ecosystem. We design a circuit that can better detect the amount of copper ions than before. We improved a previous Part by placing self-cleaving RNA ribozyme RioJ between the promoter of copA and RBS, and replacing reporter of GFP by sf GFP. PcopA is regulated by Cue R protein. We design a new part that is made up of L-arobinose inducing PBAD, RBS and Cue R coding sequence. Furthermore we connect the improved part and the new part together, which is the circuit of our project. It is found that Cue R protein of different concentration affects the response of Pcop A to Copper ions.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=BFSUICC-China', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'BGIC-Global', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:BGIC-Global','location':'China', 'institution':'BGI College','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Formaldehunter', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'In large cities of China, the population growth is accelerating. As a result, an increasing number of buildings are constructed and renovated, and problems of indoor air quality in newly decorated houses become more and more serious. Formaldehyde existing in paint and furniture may cause asthma, or even potentially leukemia. It is commonly acknowledged that formaldehyde volatile is very hard to control as it has long volatilization period. Unfortunately, current methods to remove formaldehyde are mostly either inefficient or expensive. Therefore, our project aims to develop an engineered E.coli to detect and eliminate the indoor formaldehyde safely and efficiently, when the concentration of which exceeds the legal limitation. By emitting florescence, the E.coli indicates the presence of formaldehyde and its effectiveness. Besides, the design of replaceable freeze-dried E.coli ensures the durability of the product. In this way, we would like to provide people with a real formaldehunter.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=BGIC-Global', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'BGU Israel', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:BGU_Israel','location':'Israel', 'institution':'Ben-Gurion University of the Negev','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'OriginALS - Prolong ALS Patients Surival', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that leads to a progressive muscle wasting and paralysis due to damage in motor neurons. However, no efficient treatment exists. The BGU-IGEM team aims to develop a system that will ultimately prolong survival of ALS patients by targeting microglia and reactive astrocytes, which are both non-neuronal cells that directly contribute to motor neuronal damage. Our approach is based on: (1) inhibition of toxic pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion in microglia cells and (2) on promoting intrinsic apoptotic signal in reactive astrocytes and preventing their toxic effect on motor neurons. Using modified genome editing technique, we build a system that specifically target toxic astrocytes and prevent the formation of new ones which hopefully will slow down the progression of the disease. As the reactivity of microglia and astrocytes is a common in neurodegenerative diseases, our novel approach could be expanded to other neurodegenerative diseases.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=BGU_Israel', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Wiki', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Bielefeld-CeBiTec', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Bielefeld-CeBiTec','location':'Germany', 'institution':'Bielefeld University, CeBiTec','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'nanoFactory: Recycling metal resources - Every particle matters!', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Copper, silver and gold - metals are essential for our daily life but resources are dwindling. Industrial mining of metals and electronic waste cause pollution of the environment. Therefore, we established new approaches to recover valuable resources through synthetic biology. By enhancing bacterial abilities to scavenge metal ions from the environment we generated nanoparticles. We optimized Escherichia coli to accumulate metal ions as copper and iron by overexpression of dedicated importers and silencing of exporters while reducing the effects of oxidative stress. To gather nanoparticles from various metal ions we engineered the iron storage protein ferritin. Recycled into nanoparticles the metals could be used for various applications as demonstrated by printing electronics. Considering Dual Use aspects we decided to extract metal ions from pit water instead of dissolving electronics directly. Therefore, in close collaboration with leading experts we developed a customized cross-flow bioreactor for the mining industry.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Bielefeld-CeBiTec', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Bilkent-UNAMBG', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Bilkent-UNAMBG','location':'Turkey', 'institution':'Bilkent University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'The Last Penicillin Binder', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Water pollution originates from many contaminants and antibiotic waste is one of them. Antibiotics which remain in waste water after a treatment may cause bacteria to become multi resistant. In result of this, bacterial infections could spread rapidly and without having an efficient treatment. Current chemical methods of water purification require high cost and energy to be effective. To solve this problem with a cheaper method, our team modified bacteria to bind penicillin remains in waste water. The bacteria produce biofilms which on the surface has penicillin binding peptides attached to csgA proteins. We aim to target beta-lactam rings of the penicillin with these peptides. Our modified bacteria produces an iron-storage protein, bacterioferritin. Then using a magnetic field, we plan to pull away the penicillin-captured-bacteria to which we have added magnetic property with bacterioferritin proteins.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Bilkent-UNAMBG', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Bio Without Borders', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Bio_Without_Borders','location':'United States', 'institution':'Biotech Without Borders Inc.','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Blueblood', 'track':'Diagnostics', 'abstract':'Horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) blood is the basis for the LAL clotting test for endotoxins in injectable formulations. Harvesting crabs for this purpose has endangered this 350 million-year-old species. The first step in the cascade that characterizes the LAL test is activation of the protease Factor C by contact with endotoxins. We have devised a replacement for the LAL test using cloned Factor C and an artificial substrate consisting of a reporter fused to cellulose binding domain with the Factor C protease site connecting them. The substrate is bound to paper by the cellulose binding domain. When exposed to Factor C mixed with the injectable liquid formulation to be tested, the presence of endotoxins will activate the protease and the substrate will be cleaved, releasing the reporter. Our aim is to develop the most cost-effective and simple device possible so that it can be used by everyone.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Bio_Without_Borders', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'BioIQS-Barcelona', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:BioIQS-Barcelona','location':'Spain', 'institution':'Institut Quimic de Sarria','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'IN SITU PERSONALIZED DIAGNOSIS KIT FOR CELIAC DISEASE', 'track':'Diagnostics', 'abstract':'In our iGEM Project we will design a personalized gluten sensor through a synthetic biology approach. To do so, we will build a model based on the HLA expression of the patient which will be coupled to a sensor, allowing the detection of reactive epitopes. Our sensor: a) Will be built according to the patient HLA, allowing the detection of specific reactive epitopes independently of the food source. b) Will be able to detect reactive epitopes even in fermented foods. c) The methodology implemented in our sensor could be used for the identification of new reactive epitopes and unknown allelic variants. d) Requires only a DNA sample of the patient. Therefore, the methodology and application of our sensor could be extended for the detection of other HLA related disorders as well as the generation of new research lines for the diagnosis, detection and basic knowledge of these type of disorders.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=BioIQS-Barcelona', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'BioMarvel', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:BioMarvel','location':'Korea', 'institution':'HANKUK ACADEMY OF FOREIGN STUDIES YONGIN + CHEONGSHIM iNTERNATIONAL ACADEMY','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Functional Fusion Protein-Based Biochip for Diagnosis and Monitoring of Heart Failure', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'The goal of this project is to construct a novel fusion protein of gold binding polypeptides (GBP)-protein G (ProG) to develop an electrochemical biosensor for rapid and simple diagnosis and monitoring heart failure. DH5-alpha E. coli strain was transformed by a genetically modified recombinant vector coding GBP and ProG. The GBP-ProG fusion protein was derived from the strain with IPTG-induced expression and purified using the TALON metal affinity resin. The resulting GBP-ProG was directly self-immobilized onto gold surfaces via the GBP portion, followed by the oriented binding of antibodies onto the ProG domain targeting the Fc region of antibodies. An electrochemical immunochip was fabricated through the GBP-ProG and gold patterned interdigitated array electrode. Antibody immobilization onto the gold surface of the electrode by the GBP-ProG was rapidly and simply achieved with proper antibody orientation. This immunochip shown in this study could be used for diagnosis and monitoring of heart failure.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=BioMarvel', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': 'Best Integrated Human Practices, Best New Composite Part, Best Part Collection', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'BIT', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:BIT','location':'China', 'institution':'Beijing Institute of Technology','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'JACOB 2.0:Reborn for Optimization', 'track':'Diagnostics', 'abstract':'Last year, our JACOB 1.0 used the competitive reaction between target protein and aptamer-complementary chain complexes to achieve signal conversion for sample markers early detection. This year, we adopted the idea of JACOB, detect CKMB protein to monitor myocardial infarction. Then, in order to adapt to different needs of detection. We designed two sets of independent fluorescent expression systems that each has advantages. One is to modify the molecule SAM on the complementary chain, and to control engineering bacteria to produce GFP by using SAM-riboswitch. Another method is to combine the Spinach Probe with the complementary strand to form a stem loop structure to capture the Fluorescein (DFHBI) then produce fluorescence. We designed microfluidic chip that can carry the whole biological reaction process. We integrated the peristaltic pump on it also, so the chip and detection equipment are completely separated, which greatly reducing the volume of the overall instrument.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=BIT', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'BIT-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:BIT-China','location':'China', 'institution':'Beijing Institute of Technology','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Who can get an A?', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is considered as the main reason of human aging through damaging DNA, attacking membrane and inducing apoptosis. Now many antioxidants adding in food, cosmetic and some medical production claim they can clear oxidative damages. Although many methods of measuring antioxidants capability are precise in vitro, there is no standard method for living cell. Therefore our project is to construct a system which can determine the activity of antioxidants in vivo. We chose Saccharomyces. cerevisiae as host and accumulated ROS by overexpressing genes. After reacting with antioxidants, the remaining ROS could reflect the antioxidant activity which could be detected by a redox sensor, roGFP2-Orp1. Additionally, a feedback gene circuit was set to avoid the overproduction of ROS which injured our yeast. Compared with the traditional methods, our system requires a milder environment, damage-free and with higher biologically relevant which make our system more reliable.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=BIT-China', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'BJRS China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:BJRS_China','location':'China', 'institution':'Beijing Jianhua Experimental School','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'OxygenMAX', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Previous work have shown that the expression of bacterial Vitreoscilla hemoglobin (VHb) can help bacteria utilize oxygen more efficiently. However, the bacterial cell membrane makes efficient hemoglobin-oxygen contact a challenge. Based on this, our team designed a VHb surface display system to express VHb on the outermost shell of the bacteria to raise the hemoglobin-oxygen contacting efficiency. Consequently，this could help bacteria tolerate the low oxygen environment better. We named this system OxygenMAX system. Basically, our OxygenMAX system can be applied to industrial fermentation to raise the high-cell-density growth of the engineering bacteria in bioreactors. Also, allowing for the better growth ability of the OxygenMAX system carried bacteria, our system can help avoid contamination with miscellaneous bacteria in industrial fermentation. Moreover, our OxygenMAX system can be applied to other low-oxygen engineering bacteria working condition like biosensor in intestinal tract, water or soil.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=BJRS_China', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'BNDS CHINA', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:BNDS_CHINA','location':'China', 'institution':'Beijing National Day School','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'A. hydrophila Killer', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Aeromonas hydrophila is an ubiquitous gram-negative opportunistic pathogen in aquaculture. Every year, it causes a variety of diseases in fish. The symptoms include ulcers, fin rot, and hemorrhagic septicaemia. When A. hydrophila enters fish body, it often colonise in the gastrointestinal tract first. The pathogens virulence factors secretion systems are controlled by N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL)-dependent quorum-sensing system based on the ahyRI locus. Since the pathogen has developed resistance to most common antibiotics, our project targets to develop an A. hydrophila killer by engineering the fish probiotics, Escherichia coli MG1655. The killer expresses lactonase to degrade quorum sensing signals from the pathogen in aim of reducing the production of virulence factors. Also, it expresses antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to inhibit the growth of A. hydrophila directly. We plan to regulate lactonase and AMPs expression by using Prhl promoter, which is induced by the pathogens dominant quorum sensing molecule, C4-HSL.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=BNDS_CHINA', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': ' Best Wiki, Best Model ', 'awards':, 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'BNU-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:BNU-China','location':'China', 'institution':'Beijing Normal University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Screening Advantageous Mutants - a Self-enrichment System', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Bioengineering uses stable, highly productive mutants, target strains, which contain foreign genes. However, screening these mutants costs vast time and workforce, and it is difficult to avoid using antibiotics. We applies synthetic biology methods, constructing a novel pathway to screen mutants by giving target strains growth advantages. Here, utilizing AND gate, the gene of interest expresses to a certain level, making the downstream pchAB gene express and catalyze the generation of salicylic acid（SA）. SA can activate the expression of glucose dehydrogenase, which gives the target strains an additional growth advantage. Besides, we integrate the most important control module of the system into the genome using Chemically Inducible Chromosomal Evolution(CIChE). In summary, the target strain will finally obtain the greatest growth advantage in bacterial suspensions and achieve screening internally. This new screening method is simple to operate and provides a new idea for antibiotic-free screening.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=BNU-China', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'BOKU-Vienna', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:BOKU-Vienna','location':'Austria', 'institution':'BOKU Vienna','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'ROBOCROP –Turning Genes ON and OFF, in Yeast and Arabidopsis through a dCas9 Toggle Switch', 'track':'Information Processing', 'abstract':'Our goal, communication with eukaryotes, is achieved through the heart piece of our model, the dCas9 Toggle Switch. This will allow switching between two stable states of gene expression. It consists of 2 gene classes which we simply call the ON and OFF genes. One gene in each class, which is considered the primary gene, codes for a gRNA which represses the antagonistic set of genes by binding to dCas9 and further blocking transcription though CRISPR Interference. The switch can be activated either by signal molecules binding to a receptor or directly by liposome bound gRNA that is taken up by the cell. As a proof of concept, the ON gene contains a GFP coding sequence as a reporter gene. Our design is very universal and has many possible applications in the lab and in agriculture, such as controlling flowering time of plants to protect them from late frost.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=BOKU-Vienna', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Bordeaux', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Bordeaux','location':'France', 'institution':'IECB','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Far Waste in the Landes Forest', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'This year IGEM Bordeaux Team would like to find an alternative to an entire segment of the traditional petrobased chemistry by a new green biobased chemistry. Indeed, we would like to focus on the biocatalysis of the hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). Dont worry, it is not as complicated as it appears. HMF is a by-product of the lignocellulosic biomass treatment. Its toxicity toward microorganisms leads to big issue for many companies which want to use these microorganisms to produce molecules of interest from lignocellulosic biomass. Our project consists in HMF detoxification by using it as a substrate to produce FDCA through bacteria .FDCA was identify as one of most promising biobased molecules which can replace many polymers such as PET (and other petrobased molecules). We suggest a sustainable alternative, eco-friendly and independent from fossil resource.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Bordeaux', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'BostonU', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:BostonU','location':'United States', 'institution':'Boston University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Characterizing Inducible Tools for Dynamic Control of Transcription in Budding Yeast', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'BostonU is characterizing and optimizing two light-inducible promoters, LOV2 and PhiReX, in S. cerevisiae to improve eukaryotic transcriptional control with applications in industrial fermentation. Light-inducible promoters lend greater spatiotemporal control over transcription than small molecule-inducible promoters. Further, LOV2 is activated by blue light and PhiReX by red light, allowing for multiplexed control. We characterize these systems using the eVOLVER, a novel automated cell culturing platform developed by Brandon Wong at Boston Universitys Khalil Lab. The eVOLVERs specificity and high throughput allows for unprecedented characterization across light pulse programs, temperature, and OD thresholds. We then apply LOV2 and PhiReX to the violacein pathway, demonstrating the induction of four distinctly-colored phenotypes in a single strain, providing a proof-of-concept for the multiplexed control and finely-tuned expression of genes required for effective control of metabolic flux via transcriptional regulation.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=BostonU', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'BostonU HW', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:BostonU_HW','location':'United States', 'institution':'Boston University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'TERRA: An application agnostic device that selectively dispenses the outputs of microfluidic chips', 'track':'Open', 'abstract':'While microfluidics is not new to synthetic biology, theyre not widely used by or accessible to many biologists. The current lab on a chip microfluidic chips are highly specialized to each experiment and expensive to manufacture. In order to analyze the results of the experiments on microfluidic chips, many designs incorporate embedded sensors directly on chip. However, labs already have dedicated equipment to analyze experiments, such as plate readers and flow cytometers. Traditional analytical equipment could be used to analyze the outputs of microfluidic chips if the outputs were dispensed selectively into standard vessels, such as a 96-well plate. This would increase the design space for microfluidic experiments, enabling biologists to incorporate microfluidic chips into their workflows without having to fabricate highly specialized chips. To accomplish this we have created TERRA, an application-agnostic system that selectively dispenses the outputs from a microfluidic chip into standard vessels for downstream analysis.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=BostonU_HW', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Software Tool, Best Hardware', 'awards':, 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Botchan Lab Tokyo', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Botchan_Lab_Tokyo','location':'Japan', 'institution':'Tokyo University of Science','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Bacterial Supplement ~Amino Acid Synthesis Model from Nitrogen in Intestinal Bacteria~', 'track':'Food & Nutrition', 'abstract':'Among some kind of nutrients, proteins are very important elements for body formation. However, it is difficult for people in poor areas to continuously obtain protein rich foods. Therefore, in addition to these ingredients, we propose Bacterial Supplement anyone can easily take it into the body. We got this idea from Papuans living in Papua New Guinea. Despite their low-protein diets, they have muscular bodies. It is thought that nitrogen fixing bacteria in their intestines are influencing on protein nutrition. We thought to construct a pathway to synthesize amino acids from nitrogen in E. coli, introducing it in the future. To synthesize amino acids, we first express nitrogenase to convert nitrogen to ammonia. We then express amino acid dehydrogenase to synthesize glutamate and phenylalanine from accumulated ammonia. We hope that our project will contribute to the solution of protein-energy malnutrition by fixing this E. coli in our intestinal flora.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Botchan_Lab_Tokyo', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'British Columbia', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:British_Columbia','location':'Canada', 'institution':'University of British Columbia','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Co-Optimize: Distributed Metabolic Pathway of Naringenin and Kaempferol', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'Distributing metabolic pathways between microbial community members has shown significant potential for the large-scale production of complex, biologically-derived chemical products. Our goal is to address the challenge of regulating population dynamics in a synthetic microbial consortium, by improving the rate of production of naringenin and its pharmaceutically significant derivative, kaempferol, which has anti-cancer properties. This is done by distributing the synthesis of kaempferol between two E. coli strains and optimizing their relative proportions in co-culture. To optimize population dynamics for the production of kaempferol, we regulated the ratio of the two strains using GP2, a transcriptional inhibitor, under the control of a biosensor responsive to the pathway intermediate naringenin. This couples cell growth with the concentration of naringenin, allowing the co-culture to self-optimize based on pathway intermediate abundance. Using our system, we have demonstrated a novel way to optimize microbial polycultures for the synthesis of metabolically complex compounds.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=British_Columbia', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'BrockU', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:BrockU','location':'Canada', 'institution':'Brock University','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Lights, Camera, Flip!: Engineering a Light-Activatable Flip Recombinase for in vivo Genetic Manipulation', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'Flip recombinase is a versatile and important recombinase enzyme with broad applications in molecular genetic applications. Flip recombinase has been used to induce genetic mutations in vivo in numerous model organisms including bacteria, Drosophila, Zebrafish, and mouse and human cells. However, Flip recombinase activity is binary and thus cannot be precisely activated in time and space. Utilizing light sensitive protein interaction domains termed magnets, we have developed a light-sensitive optogenetic variant of Flip recombinase that can be controlled in Escherichia coli with exquisite spatio-temporal precision. We believe this Opto-Flip recombinase has the potential to be utilized in multiple model organisms, and will provide a novel tool allowing for precise molecular-genetic control for numerous future research and industrial applications.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=BrockU', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'BUCT-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:BUCT-China','location':'China', 'institution':'Beijing University of Chemical Tech','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Research and Construction of Fatty Acids and Glyoxylic Acid Operons', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'The regulation of expression in the process of life is the essence of life. The construction of gene expression regulation network has become the key to explain the mystery of life. However, due to its complexity and diversity, it is necessary to study its subunit ¬-operator first. . In this experiment, experiments were carried out by experimental ideas such as controlled experiments and deductive methods. Through the design process, operon prediction, operon verification, quantitative analysis, model establishment and other experimental processes, the research and construction of multi-class fatty acids and glyoxylate operons were carried out. Through many experiments, this experiment successfully constructed fatty acid, glyoxylate operon, and found a suitable substrate for fatty acid operons: hydroxy fatty acids. At the same time, quantitative experiments have also made some progress. Based on the qualitative and quantitative experiments, we also established the mode', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=BUCT-China', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Bulgaria', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Bulgaria','location':'Bulgaria', 'institution':'Sofia Tech Park JSC','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'The 65 CRISPRoses Story', 'track':'Diagnostics', 'abstract':'We aim to create a CRISPR-based DNA diagnostics system that could be used for the detection of the most frequent mutations leading to cystic fibrosis. This genetic condition is considered to be the most common rare disease in Bulgaria. In most cases, the patient is initially misdiagnosed when sweat chloride level is used as an indicator. Our system relies on CRISPRs ability to recognize specific sequences. We plan on using different read-outs, our first idea being site-specific DNA cleavage if a cystic fibrosis associated mutation is present. Another approach would be a pair of dCas9 proteins, linked to split halves of a reporter molecule that restores its activity if the target sequence is identified. Not only could our system be applied in big healthcare facilities, but also in many small town hospitals, since it does not require expensive and sophisticated equipment, for instance DNA sequencing devices.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Bulgaria', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Calgary', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Calgary','location':'Canada', 'institution':'University of Calgary','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Snip, Equip, Flip: Towards a Safer Gene Therapy', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'The ideal medicine is not a perfect treatment - its a cure. Gene therapy, by correcting the genetic basis of disease, may represent humanitys best chance to develop such ultimate health solutions. Despite its unbounded potential, gene therapy is constrained by safety concerns surrounding existing gene transfer technologies. Highlighting a path forward, the 2018 Calgary team has developed a targeted gene integration strategy that leverages CRISPR knock-in, FLP recombinase vector integration and beta-resolvase backbone excision. Extending the integration strategy, the team tested chromatin-modifying elements to reduce variability in therapeutic gene regulation, built a droplet microfluidic device for a scalable gene transfer system, and developed a search tool to help iGEMers find past teams software. As an extensible platform, the strategy promises greater reproducibility for transgenic research and industrial applications. As a vision for the future, the approach represents a shift away from legacy technologies and towards a safer gene therapy.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Calgary', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Software Tool', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Cardiff Wales', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Cardiff_Wales','location':'United Kingdom', 'institution':'Cardiff University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'RNAphid - an effective RNAi pesticide against Myzus persciae, expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Aphids are crop pests globally. They feed on a massive diversity of crops and can cause tremendous economic loss for farmers by reducing crop yields and grain sizes. They damage crops directly by feeding on plant vasculature, draining essential compounds, or indirectly, as hosts of a variety of plant viruses. Current agricultural practice is to use chemical pesticides, which are unfavourable due to off-target effects, harmfulness to humans, and developing resistance of aphids. Consequently, our team has attempted to produce an effective RNAi pesticide against Myzus persicae, the most economically detrimental aphid pest worldwide. In the vasculature of Nicotiana benthamiana, we express siRNAs that affect aphid bacteriocytes, cells that enable the survival of their essential symbiont, Buchnera aphidicola. We target genes BCR3 and SP3 to do this. Finally, we expand the limited PhytoBrick registry, with several plant promoters and reporter genes.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Cardiff_Wales', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'Best Plant Synthetic Biology', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'CCA-San Diego', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:CCA-San_Diego','location':'United States', 'institution':'Canyon Crest Academy','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'HORIZON: Regulated Systems for Crude Oil Degradation, Coupled with Biohydrogen Production', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Oil fuels our modern world, but unrefined oil contains carcinogenic compounds known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs and Petrogenic PAHs can inflict lasting damage to entire ecosystems. Horizon harnesses the natural ability of microorganisms to degrade PAHs to catabolize them into nontoxic substances. Horizon then reuses the catabolic end products which can be metabolized by bacteria to produce clean energy by coupling the degradation pathways with sequences that upregulate hydrogen synthesis within E.Coli. Horizon also uses synthetic pathways to metabolize long n-chained hydrocarbons to fuel such hydrogen synthesis. These engineered E.Coli systems are then implemented in a bioreactor system optimized for bioremediation and capable of modulating between conditions for degradation and synthesis. To regulate the oil degradation and hydrogen synthesis pathways inexpensively, Horizon characterizes riboswitches and novel synthetic CRISPRi operators under riboswitch regulation. Ultimately, Horizon provides a comprehensive system for oil degradation and clean energy fuel production.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=CCA-San_Diego', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'CCU Taiwan', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:CCU_Taiwan','location':'Taiwan', 'institution':'National Chung Cheng University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Liggreen', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'With the policy of restriction on plastic usage in Taiwan,we aim to produce a lignin-like polymer which can be applied as a lining for paper cups in place of plastic. We were inspired by the water resistant nature of lignin, but natural lignin has many weaknesses. By taking advantage of an oxidizing enzyme produced by engineered Pichia pastoris, we can bind monolignols together into a simpler polymer. This polymer, which we named Liggreen, is water resistant like plastic but decomposable and also heat resistant. Liggreen in paper cups is just one of many applications, so the future of Liggreen is prosperous.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=CCU_Taiwan', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best New Application Project, Best Product Design', 'awards':, 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'CDHSU-CHINA', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:CDHSU-CHINA','location':'China', 'institution':'chengdu shishi highschool','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Use genetically modified lactic acid bacteria to compound miraculin', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Nowadays, it is nearly impossible for the patients with diabetes mellitus to enjoy the sweat foods, and our project is designed to solve that problem. So far, there is one thing that could help us reach our purpose-- Synsepalum dulcificum. The key is that the Miraculin in the Synsepalum dulcificum Could turn the taste of sour foods to sweat briefly, allowing patients with diabetes mellitus to enjoy the sweat taste. However, the current technology couldnt make the collection of Miraculin from the Synsepalum dulcificum easy and efficiently. Our goal is to compound the Synsepalum dulcificum protein by using genetically modified technology, and we believe that the new compound method could increase the quantity of the Miraculin and decrease the cost of production, with the intention to help diabetes mellitus patients.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=CDHSU-CHINA', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Chalmers-Gothenburg', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Chalmers-Gothenburg','location':'Sweden', 'institution':'Chalmers University of Technology','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'DiYEASTive: Probiotic yeast for diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Our project uses Synthetic Biology to treat colorectal cancer. Our envisioned product is a pill containing genetically engineered probiotic yeast. The pill is ingested by the patient and passes through the digestive tract. If the ingested yeast cells encounter cancer cells in the colon, they will selectively attach to them. As more yeast cells accumulate, the secretion of anti-cancer molecules will be triggered. The yeast cells continuously produce gas vesicles which will refract ultrasound waves. This allows detection and monitoring using simple ultrasound imaging technology in an otherwise invisible and inaccessible part of the body. Meanwhile, the anti-cancer molecules specifically target and kill the cancerous cells, treating the patient with highly limited collateral damage.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Chalmers-Gothenburg', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Model', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'CIEI-BJ', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:CIEI-BJ','location':'China', 'institution':'China International Education InstituteChina In','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'A yeast system for detection and degradation of aflatoxin B1', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Our project is inspired by the possible contamination of the carcinogenic aflatoxins (AFTs), in Pu?er, a Chinese traditional fermented tea. We aim to design a genetically engineered yeast system to detect and degrade its widely occurred species AFT-B1. Our system contains three modules-induction, detection and degradation. The induction module was designed based on an iGEM project in 2017 using two fragments of an antibody against AFT-B1. The detection module utilizes enhanced yellow fluorescent protein to indicate the presence of ATF-B1. In the degradation module, four candidate enzymes were incorporated individually and their activities were assessed. Both detection and degradation modules are triggered when AFT-B1 bridges the two antibody fragments. Our design not only provides a parallel detection and degradation in yeast with potential practical value for Pu?er Tea and other agricultural products, but also establishes a convenient screening system for identifying novel AFT-B1-degrading enzymes.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=CIEI-BJ', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Claremont', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Claremont','location':'United States', 'institution':'Pomona College, Harvey Mudd College, Scripps College, Pitzer College, Claremont McKenna College','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'No title', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'No abstract', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Claremont', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'CMUQ', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:CMUQ','location':'Qatar', 'institution':'Carnegie Mellon University Qatar','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Cas12a - Recognizing Carriers of recessive traits to save generations', 'track':'Diagnostics', 'abstract':'Our approach overcomes the limitations of sequencing, it being a cost-ineffective, labour-intensive, and location-specific method. Utilizing CRISPR for purposes other than gene editing has allowed us to create a novel, field-ready, diagnostic technique for carriers of recessive traits. Cas12a proteins are DNA targeting enzymes that recognize DNA based on a guide RNA sequence designed to match a target. The binding initiates non-specific single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) cleavage activity in Cas12a sufficient to degrade linear and circular ssDNA within minutes. Through this, ssDNA attached to fluorescent dye and quencher, serving as reporters, will undergo degradation. Upon cleavage, the quencher is released and fluorescence is emitted. We designed, built and programmed a hand-held device that can detect the fluorescence with high sensitivity. Simply, DNA obtained from cheek swabs, inserted into the device, diagnoses carriers of Sickle Cell Anemia.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=CMUQ', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'CO Mines', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:CO_Mines','location':'United States', 'institution':'Colorado School of MinesColorado','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Molecular Mining of Cadmium: Detecting and Binding Cadmium for Bioremediation', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Heavy metal contamination at current and former mining sites is a significant environmental and human health problem. Cadmium (Cd) is one of the more commonly found metal contaminants and due to the highly toxic nature, even minute amounts can cause loss of function of the kidney and liver and loss of bone. We developed a rapid and efficient cadmium sensing and binding system that is capable of detecting cadmium down to 10 μM concentrations. When exposed to a minimum concentration of Cd, the cell expresses the green fluorescent protein (GFP). After Cd is detected, a metallothionein protein binds it and sequesters it in the periplasmic space in the E. coli cell. We will present data characterizing the performance of this system. The engineered system can be used for remediation efforts to remove Cd from the environment and process it safely.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=CO_Mines', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'ColegioFDR Peru', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:ColegioFDR_Peru','location':'Peru', 'institution':'Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Fishing for Mercury: Detecting and Removing Hg from Fish Meal.', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Contamination of heavy metals is intoxicating the food chain at an alarming rate. We are working with T.A.S.A., exporter of anchovy fish meal to detect, accumulate, and isolate mercury (Hg) from their fish meal product. Our first construct contains a Hg accumulator and Green Fluorescence protein (GFP) to detect and accumulate the Hg. The second construct, with delayed expressed of a Killer Red (KR) protein, will kill the bacteria in response to light. We aim to characterize the delayed expression of the KR protein under three different RBSs using unique constructs. The construct enabling delayed expression of the KR protein will be coupled with GFP/accumulator construct. We are building the GFP/accumulator construct using overlapping PCR. Finally, we are designing and creating a container optimizing the efficiency of detection and removal of Hg from fish meal.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=ColegioFDR_Peru', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Latin America'}, {'team_name':'ColumbiaNYC', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:ColumbiaNYC','location':'United States', 'institution':'Columbia University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Self-Contained Detection of Pathogenic Bacteria Using E. coli Based TX-TL Cell-Free Expression System', 'track':'Diagnostics', 'abstract':'Improved characterization of the cas13a protein provides the opportunity to build a cheap, rapid non-technical diagnostic tool that has point-of-care applications in resource-poor settings through the use of an Escherichia coli ¬≠based transcription-translation (TX-TL) cell-free expression system. This self-contained platform encodes all components for diagnosis from detection to a readout in a cell-free solution. By combining the collateral cleavage of CRISPR-cas13a and small molecule sensing via metal sensitive operons, this system becomes modular, allowing for multiple diagnostic targets. To demonstrate, gene fragments of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae were detected through the creation of specific targeting guide RNAs. CRISPR-cas13as collateral cleavage and its preferential cleaving towards certain motifs allowed for the development of a ratiometric read-out due to the preferential degradation of chromoprotein expressing mRNA. The diagnostic system provides a simple in vitro platform that can be used for the versatile detection of pathogenic bacteria in clinical or field settings.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=ColumbiaNYC', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Cornell', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Cornell','location':'United States', 'institution':'Cornell University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Oscillate', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'As the field of synthetic biology grows, it becomes increasingly necessary to have a reliable cell signaling platform that is more resilient to noise than traditional promoter-controlled systems. This year, we developed a robust new paradigm for cellular signaling based on frequency, rather than amplitude-based signals. Our system is analogous to a band-pass filter in electronics; the bacteria respond only to signals of an intermediate frequency, but not those of low or high frequency. By adding tunable degradation tags to proteins in the system, it is possible to frequency at which the reporter was expressed. Versatile deterministic and stochastic models were developed by our team and used to simulate and predict properties of the system. Creating a more robust paradigm for cellular signaling has several implications for the future of synthetic biology, including advancements in biological data storage and computing, chemical production, and biosensing.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Cornell', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'CPU CHINA', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:CPU_CHINA','location':'China', 'institution':'Department of Molecular Biology','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'A gene therapy strategy to target hepatocellular carcinoma based on conditional RNA interference', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), also called malignant hepatoma, is one of the deadliest cancers. Through the introduction of a double-stranded RNA to the targeted messenger RNA (mRNA), RNA interference (RNAi) leads to the specific cleavage of the mRNA and efficient silencing of gene expression. Since RNAi could be used to silence genes involved in the development and progression of carcinomas, it has promising therapeutic potential for their treatment. The gene therapy strategy we propose here: (1) utilize two cancer-specific promoters (one HCC-specific) to open an AND-gated system to target HCC, the selectivity supposed to be extremely high; (2) is dependent on and hence controllable by a low molecular weight compound; (3) has the flexibility to be adapted to target any mRNA and, if there are disease-specific promoters, other diseases.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=CPU_CHINA', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'CSU CHINA', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:CSU_CHINA','location':'China', 'institution':'Central South University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Hepasheild: Gene Circuits for Liver Cancer Gene Therapy', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'The goal of our team is to develop a sensitive system to specifically kill liver cancer cells via genetic circuits, by using the combination of liver cancer-specific promoters and miRNAs. The expression of Gal4-VP16 fusion protein was under the control of liver cancer cells-specific AFP, hTERT or ZEB1-AS1 promoters. The Gal4-VP16 in turn drives the HSV-thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) expression by binding to nine tandem UAS elements in the promoter. Furthermore, the expression of Gal80, a Gal4 inhibitor, is controlled under a CMV promoter as well as a cluster of miRNA93/miRNA-362-5p/miRNA-221 binding sites at the 3-end. As miRNA93/miRNA-362-5p/miRNA-221 are liver cancer cells-specific miRNAs, the expression of Gal80 is significantly suppressed in the liver cancer cells compared with normal cells. As a result, the nontoxic ganciclovir is converted by HSV-TK to a cell-killing drug in the liver cancer cells, but not normal cells.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=CSU_CHINA', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'CSU Fort Collins', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:CSU_Fort_Collins','location':'United States', 'institution':'Colorado State University','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Staphylococcus aureus Quorum Sensing: A Look Into Ultra-Sensitivity Switches in Gram Positive Bacteria', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'One of the most pressing matters facing the medical community is the growing dilemma of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Due to their overuse, we have created bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, and there are cases of bacteria that are resistant to multiple antibiotics, so called superbugs, such as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA). They pose an enormous risk to human health in the coming decades. We focused on utilizing the quorum sensing system of S. aureus to build a sensitivity switch, dependent on the concentration of the autoinducing peptide (AIP) that it uses to detect its population density, and become virulent and break away from the biofilm. Our system will hijack the system and trigger production of a phage that will specifically target S. aureus and deliver a kill mechanism. This system will be able to safely treat S. aureus and avoid perpetuating the problem of creating new resistant species.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=CSU_Fort_Collins', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'CU-Boulder', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:CU-Boulder','location':'United States', 'institution':'University of Colorado at Boulder','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Antibody Switch', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Biologic based therapies have become a promising field in cancer medicine due to their ability to harness the immune system to attack cancer cells. However, a potential side-effect of these therapies is an overactive immune system which can lead to severe reactions and possibly death. A solution to this overactive autoimmune attack would be to engineer and implement a safety switch into the system. This would allow for more aggressive monoclonal antibody therapies to be used while limiting the hazards of potential severe side-effects of current therapies.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=CU-Boulder', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'CUNY Kingsborough', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:CUNY_Kingsborough','location':'United States', 'institution':'Kingsborough Community College','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'ow Cost Quantification of DNA Using ImageJ™ and Application', 'track':'Open', 'abstract':'Quantification of nucleic acids is essential for ligation reactions and other reactions that require nucleic acids. Without accurate quantification of nucleic acids, it is difficult to complete a molecular biology experiment. Spectrophotometers are commonly used but are not accessible to all lab groups, making experiments prohibitively difficult for some. The Ethidium Bromide Spot Test protocol is a quick and dirty approach that relies on visualizing dye-DNA complex fluorescence under UV light. However, its reliability is questionable because the protocol is not well characterized. This year, the CUNY Kingsborough iGEM team hopes to better characterize this protocol and standardize the fluorescent measurements using ImageJ™. Ideally, our characterization will allow future iGEM teams to reduce lab costs but still produce trustworthy results. As proof of application, we will use the Ethidium Bromide Spot Test to construct and characterize quorum sensing BioBricks. Additional modelling will be performed to tune the BioBricks’ pattern-forming behaviour.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=CUNY_Kingsborough', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Dalhousie Halifax NS', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Dalhousie_Halifax_NS','location':'Canada', 'institution':'Dalhousie University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'A Microbial Approach to Detecting Toxic Aluminum', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'As a result of acid rain, levels of toxic aluminum are rising in Nova Scotia rivers. These aluminum levels correlate with dramatic declines in Atlantic Salmon populations. Measuring aluminum levels is expensive, making it difficult for community groups that protect rivers in Nova Scotia to track aluminum levels. To decrease this cost, we designed a sensitive and inexpensive biosensor to detect levels of toxic aluminum. Our team is making use of the natural product pyoverdine, a fluorescent compound that certain pseudomonads produce to scavenge iron. While the enzymes responsible for pyoverdine synthesis are known, it is not known what steps in the pyoverdine synthesis pathway may be rate-limiting. We are overexpressing pyoverdine enzymes to determine the rate-limiting step. We are developing a fluorescent aluminum biosensor, which could be used as a point-of-care diagnostic for at-risk rivers. This will enable targeting of mitigation strategies and better profiling of aluminum levels.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Dalhousie_Halifax_NS', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': 'Best Environment Project', 'awards':, 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Delgado-Ivy-Marin', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Delgado-Ivy-Marin','location':'United States', 'institution':'Delgado Community College','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'SynJazz NOLA', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'No abstract', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Delgado-Ivy-Marin', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'DLUT China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:DLUT_China','location':'China', 'institution':'Dalian University of Technology','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'A mirobial agent for treating hyperuricemia', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Hyperuricemia refers to the symptom that the level of uric acid is unusually high in ,blood. It commonly affects joints and leads to the gouty arthritis which are shown as joint deformity. At present, the drugs for treatment of hyperuricemia show a strong side effect. Urate oxidase is an enzyme in organism that catalyzes the oxidation of uric acid in purine metabolism. It oxidizes uric acid to allantoin. Allantoin can be easily metabolized by the kidneys. To solve the above problems, introduced the gene encoding humanized urate oxidase into E. coli Nissle. After the patient consumes these bacteria, the recombinant strain will remain in the patients intestine. When the uric acid concentration reaches the threshold, the strain can secrete urate oxidase which can reach the blood of the patient. In addition, we have set up a microbial population control and in vitro lethal system to make our strains safer.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=DLUT_China', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': 'Best New Application Project', 'awards':, 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'DLUT China B', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:DLUT_China_B','location':'China', 'institution':'Dalian University of Technology','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Homehold portable urine analyzer for early diagnosis and monitoring of chronic kidney diseases', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'In order to provide regular screening and early prevention for potential patient populations, it provides home portable visual detection. This project is aimed at chronic kidney disease caused by hypertensive and diabetes.In the early stages of the diseaseÔºåit can provides medical advice by testing the content of early indicator beta2 microglobulin in the urine. We can get the concentration of the beta2 microglobulin by color change of the liquid crystal film which substance is the orientation change of the liquid crystal molecules caused by the antigen-antibody reaction on the liquid crystal substrate.The aldehyde group at the carbon terminal of the nano-antibody is modified by a screening and co-expression system, and then C18 is attached to enhance its ability to induce liquid crystal molecules, so that the nano-antibody fully satisfies the needs of liquid crystal detection.This project provides prophylactic measures for patients, early recognition and timely treatment.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=DLUT_China_B', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'DNHS SanDiego', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:DNHS_SanDiego','location':'United States', 'institution':'Del Norte High School','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Survival and Quorum Sensing Activity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Under Influence of QS Inhibitors vs Antibiotics', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic bacterial species, often infects major burns and cystic fibrosis. Historically, antibiotics can treat these infections; however, P. aeruginosa quickly grow resistance, increasing colonization in human flora and decreasing treatment efficiency. Alternatively to antibiotics, inhibition of quorum sensing (QS), chemical communication among bacterial colonies, is under speculation. This experiment compares the effects of common antibiotics (gentamicin and tobramycin) to QS inhibitors (salicylic acid and zeaxanthin) on Pseudomonas survival and QS activity. Bacteria transformed with a plasmid that detected LasR, a P. aeruginosa QS indicator, levels and correspondingly produced green fluorescence protein (GFP) would be transformed to P. aeruginosa and grown in the presence of each antibiotic and QS inhibitor over 3 days. Absorbance and fluorescence would then be measured through serial dilution. This experiment explores a promising possibility for the future of antibacterial care efficiency and success in saving the lives of cystic fibrosis and burn patients.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=DNHS_SanDiego', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'DTU-Denmark', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:DTU-Denmark','location':'Denmark', 'institution':'Technical University of Denmark','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Hyphae Hackers: Fungal building materials for extreme environments', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'Colonization of uninhabitable areas, like Mars, will require building materials to be transported to the site of deployment. Transport limitations such as space and weight make this process very expensive. Based on these challenges, we propose to make building materials from fungal mycelium to be grown on site. Therefore, our project is focused on how to optimize the material properties of the fungi through engineering of basic fungal characteristics. Our initial studies identified Aspergillus oryzae as the best candidate chassis for material properties and ease of genetic engineering. Based on this, we transformed the melA gene from Rhizobium etli into A. oryzae in an effort to improve the UV radiation tolerance by establishing melanin production. Furthermore, we have designed a final geometric structure that can withstand external conditions and reduce the amount of work needed to assemble it.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=DTU-Denmark', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Duesseldorf', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Duesseldorf','location':'Germany', 'institution':'Heinrich Heine University','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Trinity - towards an engineered co-culture toolbox', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Co-cultures are found in all conceivable entities, such as the human gut, cheese or plants, but good tools to study those communities are currently not given. Indeed we created a modularly built toolbox using not only three different dependencies but also three different organisms: With Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Synechococcus elongatus our team engineered a system based on nutrient exchange. Here phosphate is provided through oxidation of phosphite, nitrogen source produced by melamine breakdown, whilst carbon source is provided by Synechococcus elongatus. Two additional independent approaches are designed, too. The first includes regulation via cross-feeding by amino acid auxotrophies and production: lysine by Escherichia coli and leucine by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The other utilizes regulated self-lysis via quorum sensing molecules, to control cell density by a phage lysis gene. This engineered toolbox opens a wide range of possibilities to create microbial communities for different purposes, such as synthetic probiotics.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Duesseldorf', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best New Basic Part', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Duke', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Duke','location':'United States', 'institution':'Duke University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Optimized Taxol Biosynthesis in E. Coli', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'Taxol is a natural molecule found in the bark of the Pacific Yew tree that has been used to treat a variety of cancers. Current manufacturing methods are unable to achieve high yields; the aim of our project is to greatly improve manufacturing outputs and reduce costs through biosynthesis of taxol from an intermediate in the synthesis pathway in E. coli. We used a modular approach to link the five necessary genes together before recombineering the construct into the E. coli genome; our design thus can be easily adapted to produce next generation taxanes. Five T7 bacteriophage promoters of varying strengths were selected from a promoter library and fitted in random combinations to the pathway genes. The resulting variants were screened to determine which combination of promoters maximized taxol synthesis. Finally, we analyzed the activity of produced taxol and evaluated this biosynthesis designs feasibility in industrially relevant conditions.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Duke', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'East Chapel Hill', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:East_Chapel_Hill','location':'United States', 'institution':'University of North Carolina','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Improving the Efficacy of Riboswitch Based Sensor for Visual Detection of Fluoride in Water', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Fluoride, in appropriate quantities, has been recognized as beneficial for protecting tooth enamel from decay. However, a significant problem arises when excess amounts of fluoride infiltrate drinking water. High fluoride concentrations can result in dental fluorosis, which is characterized in children by hypomineralization of the enamel. To address this challenge by efficiently detecting fluoride in water, we aim to develop a fluoride biosensor using previously characterized fluoride riboswitches. Last year, we have developed an operon that, when fluoride binds, activates the riboswitch resulting in transcription of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene. Thus, when fluoride is present, bacterial growth can be observed in the presence of chloramphenicol. However, this system was only able to detect high fluoride concentrations. To improve the efficacy and reduce the detection threshold, we used restriction enzymes to test various promoters and riboswitch sequences. We found that two of the new sequences promoted higher bacterial growth.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=East_Chapel_Hill', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Ecuador', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Ecuador','location':'Ecuador', 'institution':'Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Recombinant production of fusion proteins and their coupling to bacterial cellulose for obtaining a biomaterial.', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Development of a biomaterial based on the cross-linking of bacterial cellulose and fusion proteins, for use in biomedical applications. Bacterial cellulose is used as a bandage matrix. The fusion proteins have the following parts: CBD, ELP and BMP2. CBDs function is to bind to cellulose, the ELP protein gives greater flexibility to the bandage, while the BMP2 protein, an inducer of cell differentiation in osteoblasts, is responsible for reducing the recovery time of the bones. To achieve the objective, the expression of the cellulose and the fusion proteins is carried out separately. For bacterial cellulose, is used an Escherichia coli expression system, in two plasmids: psb1C3 responsible for cellulose synthesis and psb1A3 responsible for the synthesis of the export system and overproduction. For the fusion protein, is used plasmid psb1C3, which contain the genes for the proteins CBD, ELP and BMP2.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Ecuador', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Latin America'}, {'team_name':'ECUST', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:ECUST','location':'China', 'institution':'ECUST','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Engineering microbial method to solve the problem of blockage corrosion caused by bacteria', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'The global cost of blocking and corrosion in cooling towers is estimated to be several billion dollars each year, which mainly results from the colonization of microbes. The microbes cause the formation of corroded objections and biofilm, directly leading to severe blocking. In this year, ECUST iGEM is trying to solve the problem by synthetic biology, presenting a totally new idea. By constructing engineered Escherichia coli, we design an integrated gene circuit which assembles sensing, cleaning rust, eliminating biofilm and killing iron bacteria. The microbes in pipelines will firstly be sensed through quorum sensing, then two key substances will be secreted to clear rust and biofilm respectively. When this method achieves the certain effect, the expression of antimicrobial peptides and autolysins will be triggered to kill the bacteria without adhesion ability, basically preventing the pipelines from being blocked again.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=ECUST', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Edinburgh OG', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Edinburgh_OG','location':'United Kingdom', 'institution':'University of Edinburgh','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Escherichia Coli with heterologous polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) pathway produces bio-based and biodegradable thermoplastics from industrial co-products', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'Among the pressing issues towards bio-based alternatives to plastic, cost-efficiency and truly sustainable models remain a challenge. As our proposed solution, we are investigating the production of polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate (PHBV) by looking not only at using industrial co-products as substrate but also improving downstream processing. PHBV and other polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are thermoplastics that can be designed with bespoke physical properties based on their relative compositions. By introducing heterologous genes (phaCAB) from Cupriavidus necator, we engineered recombinant Escherichia coli to produce PHBV using co-products from local whisky distilleries. Furthermore, we have designed a secretion system to reduce costs associated with current extraction methods. To complement this, we are developing not only in silico metabolic models for optimized polymer synthesis but also macro-scale models to assess the environmental and economic impact of these products in their life cycles.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Edinburgh_OG', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Edinburgh UG', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Edinburgh_UG','location':'United Kingdom', 'institution':'University of Edinburgh','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Maxed OOT', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Release of the living prokaryotic chassis used in synthetic biology outside of laboratory conditions can cause unforeseeable damage to the environment and the ecosystems present there. However, the inability to release synthetic biology inhibits its usefulness, and limits its potential in solving global and localised problems. At team Maxed OOT we believe we have the solution… Maxicells! Maxicells are achromosomal E. coli cells that cannot replicate. Maxicells remain metabolically active following the loss of their chromosome and express genes given to them on an ‘instructor plasmid’. In our project we analyse the most efficient methods for maxicell production, quantify their active metabolic timeframe, and characterise them as a biosensor. Additionally, we present our triple lock system for preventing horizontal gene transfer. The resulting novel chassis could re-contextualise many previous Synthetic Biology projects and open doors for the field as a whole.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Edinburgh_UG', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Foundational Advance Project', 'awards':, 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Emory', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Emory','location':'United States', 'institution':'Emory University School of Medicine','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Recombinant bacteria protect fruit flies from malathion', 'track':'Food & Nutrition', 'abstract':'Organophosphate (OP) insecticides, including parathion and malathion, inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, thereby causing over-accumulation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. OPs account for 30% of pesticide sales worldwide. Over 200,000 people, mostly farm workers, die each year from over-exposure. The OP malathion is the most common insecticide contaminant of livestock feed in the U.S. Here we show that Escherichia coli that express artificially evolved enzymes protect a model animal, Drosophila melanogaster, from otherwise toxic doses of malathion. This result is significant because the strategy could be extended to protect pollinating insects, livestock and farm workers from malathion. More generally, these results suggest that enzymes that bioremediate toxinscan be applied without purification as long as they are expressed in environmentally benign hosts.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Emory', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'EPFL', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:EPFL','location':'Switzerland', 'institution':'EPFL STI IBI LBNC','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Title: CAPOEIRA (CAncer PersOnalised Encapsulin Immunotherapy & Relapse surveillAnce)', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'While Melanoma remains the deadliest form of skin cancer, immunotherapy approaches can harness our immune system to defeat it! Yet, current immuno-treatments suffer from high costs, limited accessibility, and poor specificity. Our project CAPOEIRA, named after the Brazilian self-defense martial-art, exploits the potential of synthetic biology to develop a personalized, cost-effective, and rapid production scheme for cancer vaccine and point-of-care relapse surveillance. First, a bioinformatic pipeline integrating state-of-the-art tools identifies our targets: melanoma neoantigens, the fingerprints of cancer cells. Next, cell-free protein expression rapidly synthesizes a library of encapsulin protein nanocompartments presenting the various neoantigen epitopes. This encapsulin vaccine activates dendritic cells which trigger T-cells attack on the neoantigen-bearing cancer cells. Nevertheless, we dont underestimate a defeated villain! To detect potential relapse, we combine techniques including dumbbell probes, rolling circle amplification, isothermal amplification, and CRISPR-Cas12a to detect circulating tumor miRNA and DNA. Ultimately, CAPOEIRA trains the immune system to retaliate!', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=EPFL', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Therapeutics Project, Best Software Tool', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'ETH Zurich', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:ETH_Zurich','location':'Switzerland', 'institution':'ETH Zurich','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'AROMA - Autonomous Robot for Odorant Measurement in Air', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'Cell-based biosensors allow to simply and selectively sense diverse chemical signals; yet their applications are limited by the minutes-to-hours timescale of gene transcription and translation. To generate a real-time output, we exploit the much faster changes in protein interaction and bacterial movement. Based on the E. coli Tar chemotaxis receptor, we developed two sensing systems: detecting DNA binding of a transcription factor via split luciferase complementation, and imaging the movement of bacteria at the single-cell level. The sensory domain of Tar can be modified to recognize different molecules, extending the applicability of the sensor. To show the advances brought by our system we built AROMA, an autonomous robot that is directly driven by the onboard biosensor. The robot detects the concentration of volatile compounds in air by imaging the bacterial response with a microscope built in-house. This enables our device to locate the source of pollutants or chemical hazards.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=ETH_Zurich', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best New Application Project, Best Presentation, Best Product Design, Best Hardware', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Evry Paris-Saclay', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Evry_Paris-Saclay','location':'France', 'institution':'University Paris-Saclay','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'PepTalk - Repurposing Bacteriophage Peptide Signals For Expanded Bacterial Communication Vocabulary', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Communication is Key is a universal principle that applies to all levels of organization: from microbial colonies to human social networks. Communication helps single-celled organisms to determine their collective fate by quorum sensing, and individual footballers to coordinate the winning goal for their team (Allez les bleus!). However, if the language used to communicate has limited vocabulary, its hard to have any meaningful conversation. Synthetic bacterial consortia are currently engineered using a very small set of signalling molecules for cell-to-cell communication, thus limiting the potential of this powerful technology. In our project, PepTalk, we repurpose the small peptide based signalling system of SPbeta group bacteriophages for application in the more widely used laboratory workhorse Escherichia coli by engineering hybrid E. coli promoters in order to demonstrate orthogonal communication channels between cells. The PepTalk system will expand the repertoire of unique bacterial communication signals, enabling more complex conversations in bacterial consortia.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Evry_Paris-Saclay', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best New Composite Part', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Exeter', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Exeter','location':'United Kingdom', 'institution':'University of Exeter','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Project Perchlorate: Turning a problem on Earth into a solution on Mars', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Mars is a location of scientific interest and the next step in space exploration. NASA’s 2008 Phoenix Rover found that Martian regolith contained up to 1% perchlorate salts, which would leach into crops grown in Martian soil and cause health issues like hypothyroidism. Additionally, transporting the necessary oxygen to a Martian base would be expensive and inefficient. Oxygen production would ideally take place in situ. Our project aims to utilise a GM bacterium that bioremediates perchlorate, reducing it to oxygen. Naturally occurring perchlorate reducing bacteria utilise two enzyme complexes; PcrABCD for perchlorate reductase and Cld for chlorite dismutase. We will insert these genes on two plasmids into E. coli. We’ve worked with stakeholders to design a perchlorate reducing bioreactor that could be integrated into existing life support systems, providing breathable oxygen. Existing methods of perchlorate disposal are explosive, something especially dangerous in space, making this a uniquely synbio project.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Exeter', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'FAU Erlangen', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:FAU_Erlangen','location':'Germany', 'institution':'Friedrich-Alexander Universtität','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Paving the Way for Biocatalytically Active Protein Membranes', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'The idea of this project is the improvement of biocatalytic properties of enzyme cascades using surface-layer (S-layer) proteins. S-layers are prokaryotic protein membranes which assemble into two-dimensional lattices with different symmetries. As components of a model system, the S-layer proteins SbsB (p1, Geobacillus stearothermophilus), PS2 (p2, Corynebacterium glutamicum) and RsaA (p3, Caulobacter crescentus) were isolated. In solution these S-layer proteins arrange into three-dimensional nanostructures. Cluster formation of S-layer proteins was examined by mixing different symmetries (p1, p2 and p3). Structure formation was predicted with Monte-Carlo Markov chain simulations. To explore novel potential applications, S-layer proteins were conjugated with Streptavidin. Thus, various biotinylated fluorescence markers can be applied for FRET analysis. This can serve as model system for S-layer conjugates with biocatalysts.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=FAU_Erlangen', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'FJNU-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:FJNU-China','location':'China', 'institution':'College of Life Science','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': '2-PLEAsant', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'According to statistics, the microbes we touched each day are about 3 times more than the human cells. The infection with some specific microbes can cause infectious diseases and give unpleasant smell. Bacteria can infect any area of the body and cause different diseases: pneumonia, meningitis, food poisoning, etc. Our project focuses on inhibition of the infectious microbes in a more efficient, environmentally friendly way. Based on the principles of metabolic engineering, we engineered an E.coli strain producing phenyllaclic acid that has broad-spectrum antibacterial effects, and the rose-like aroma compound 2-phenylethanol. We incorporated the common components of temperature and salt control in the synthesis system, which applied phenyllaclic acid and 2-phenylethanol to the natural environments. In addition, we designed the toxic protein mazF as a suicide switch to ensure biosafety. In the future research, we plan to promote the system into various types of fields and solve more environmental problems.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=FJNU-China', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'FSU', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:FSU','location':'United States', 'institution':'Florida State University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Audiogenetics: Activating Bacteria with Sound', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'QUESTION: Can sound be used to induce gene expression in E. coli? IMPACT: It is routine to use a small molecule to induce gene expression in cells. Can sound become a routine means to induce gene expression? The Human Practices Team revealed that success in using sound to induce gene expression in cells has the potential to impact the brewing industry and molecular biology research. A potential negative impact could be the activation of pathogenic cells with sound guns. RESULTS: We characterized promoters submitted by the 2008 UC Berkeley team that potentially could be activated by sound. In parallel, we selected additional promoters that also have the potential to be induced by sound. We tested the promoters in new genetic devices to evaluate if different sound frequencies and amplitudes correlated with increased gene expression. The results of the tests are available on the wiki and will be presented.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=FSU', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Fudan', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Fudan','location':'China', 'institution':'Fudan University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'ENABLE across-membrane binary computing in mammalian cells', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Contact-dependent signaling is critical for multicellular biological events, yet customizing contact-dependent signal transduction between cells remains challenging. Here we have developed the ENABLE toolbox, a complete set of transmembrane binary logic gates. Each gate consists of 3 layers: Receptor, Amplifier, and Combiner. We first optimized synthetic Notch receptors to enable cells to respond to different signals across the membrane reliably. These signals, individually amplified intracellularly by transcription, are further combined for computing. Our engineered zinc finger-based transcription factors perform binary computation and output designed products. In summary, we have combined spatially different signals in mammalian cells, and revealed new potentials for biological oscillators, tissue engineering, cancer treatments, bio-computing, etc. ENABLE is a toolbox for constructing contact-dependent signaling networks in mammals. The 3-layer design principle underlying ENABLE empowers any future development of transmembrane logic circuits, thus contributes a foundational advance to Synthetic Biology.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Fudan', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Fudan-CHINA', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Fudan-CHINA','location':'China', 'institution':'Fudan University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Synthetic Transducer Engineering Platform (STEP)', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Cell therapy has shown great potential in cancer treatment these years, while the existing CAR-T cell therapy can only target on cell surface antigens. However, there are also many tumour markers free in the blood, also being important targets marking the location of tumour. Here we manage to construct a brand new transducer system, named STEP, to recognise small, soluble tumour markers (e.g. VEGF, AFP, TSGF). For that purpose, we adapt and optimise a newly developed system to transduce the input (free ligands) into release of a transcription factor and expression of desired drugs. To increase the recognition ability, we use Rosetta to redesign the interface between ligand and receptor in order to enhance the binding affinity. Our STEP system can be applied for detecting tumour markers in blood and secrete drug in real time to appropriate tissues, providing a new yet practical approach for cell therapy and cancer treatment.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Fudan-CHINA', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Gaston Day School', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Gaston_Day_School','location':'United States', 'institution':'Gaston Day School','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Improving E. colis resistance to isobutanol for large scale production', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'We use fuel to power everything from our cars to our furnaces; however, our fuel supply is running low. As a result, we are turning to biofuels for renewable energy. We are trying ethanol, but it is inefficient, requires arable land, and pulls corn from the food supply. For this reason, our team is engineering E. coli K-12 to produce isobutanol, a biofuel with an energy density similar to gasoline. We started by improving E. colis resistance to isobutanol. Though E. coli can produce isobutanol naturally, its toxicity will hinder production at high concentrations. Higher resistance will allow for greater production later. We cloned the genes GlmY, EutG, and AdhP, combined them with a range of promoters, and observed bacterial growth in media containing isobutanol from 0.0217 to 0.650mM. In the future, we plan on cloning AdhE, AceE, AceF, YiaY, and GlmZ: genes associated with alcoholic resistance.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Gaston_Day_School', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'GDSYZX', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:GDSYZX','location':'China', 'institution':'Guangdong Experimental High School','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Rocking Yeast', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Our goal this year is to create a kind of yeast for controlling heavy metal contamination in water. Heavy metal pollution has the characteristics of being enriched by the biological chain.Traditional treatment methods such as chemical reagent sedimentation mostly bring about great environment pollution and potential safety hazard. We aim at treating this pollution with yeast in an environmentally friendly, economical and effective manner. We found that gene PCS1 extracted from Arabidopsis thaliana can synthesize phytochelatins to chelate heavy metal ion. we use the genetic engineering techniques to take the pcs1 gene from Arabidopsis thaliana and then transfer it into the pPIC9K plasmid. The final step of the process is to transfer this plasmid into the yeast’s cell and activate the gene expression of psc1. ', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=GDSYZX', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Georgia State', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Georgia_State','location':'United States', 'institution':'Georgia State University','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Is Your Detector Expecting? See with HCG!', 'track':'Diagnostics', 'abstract':'Detection is essential in providing an illustration of the chemical world around us. Currently, fluorescent protein are used as reporters but they require additional analysis with expensive and immobile equipment. We propose to create an alternative detection system kit using recombinant Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) as a reporter. The goal of our project is to create an easy, cost-effective, and sensitive detection device for use in synthetic biology, it can even be used by other iGEM teams to get an all-or-nothing response indicating the presence of targeted protein using pregnancy test strips. We plan to create a pGEX plasmid containing recombinant HCG preceded by new restriction sites which is where the promoter is inserted, only to be activated in the presence of the protein in question. Then when a pregnancy test strip is inserted in the sample, it will trigger the response based on the activation of the introduced promoter.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Georgia_State', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Gifu', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Gifu','location':'Japan', 'institution':'FABS, Gifu University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'MPPP (Mass-production of protein in PURE system)', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'In vivo circular RNA expression can be a cutting edge method to perform mass-production of protein. During the translation of coding information of DNA into amino acids, function of ribosomes is naturally influential. The translation is initiated by binding ribosomes to mRNA and termination of translation is induced by a stop codon. When a start codon is recognized by ribosomes, the protein producing organelles release the protein. To produce large amount of protein and long-chain protein we can utilize circular RNA without the stop codon. iGEM Gifu 2015 performed the method of the Permuted Intron-Exon Method (PIE method). Currently 2.5% of transcribed RNA can be formed as circular RNA. With PIE method, mass-production of protein was confirmed in E.coli, however the protein had no function because of aggregation. This year our team will try to produce functional protein from the circular RNA in PURE system, a kind of cell-free system.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Gifu', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'GO Paris-Saclay', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:GO_Paris-Saclay','location':'France', 'institution':'I2BC','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'MethotrExit: a HeteroGenious Cleaning Factory', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Cytotoxic anticancer drugs are among the harmful chemicals found in hospital wastewater at high concentrations. Degradation through physical and chemical methods exist but are often inefficient, unsustainable or expensive. We propose MethotrExit, a bioreactor-based approach to tackle this problem. We focused on the biotransformation of methotrexate (MTX), a widely used anticancer drug. We designed synthetic cassettes encoding a new biotransformation pathway using a heterologous carboxypeptidase in Escherichia coli. In only five hours, MethotrExit drastically removes MTX from the media. However, anticancer drug degradation products and/or the biotransformation pathway itself might be toxic for E. coli. To overcome this issue, biobricks generating heterogeneity in enzyme expression were built to ensure survival of a subpopulation. Modeling of this system highlights the interest of a division of labor between cleaning and stem bacterial cells.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=GO_Paris-Saclay', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Goettingen', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Goettingen','location':'Germany', 'institution':'University of Goettingen','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Glyphosate on my plate?! Detection and inactivation of Glyphosate using the soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Feeding the steadily growing world population is a major agricultural task that heavily relies on the utilization of herbicides. Glyphosate is the prominent example for a total-herbicide, as its usage rate is ever increasing since its introduction in 1974, making it the most-used herbicide in the USA today. Glyphosate has a bad reputation as it is thought to be harmful to human health. We want to improve the knowledge of the influence of glyphosate on the physiology of a model organism. For this purpose, we aim to engineer the Gram-positive model bacterium Bacillus subtilis for the detection and degradation of glyphosate. So far, we have isolated B. subtilis variants tolerating high amounts of glyphosate. Currently, these strains are used to develop and characterize a glyphosate detection system, which is based on fluorescently labeled bacteria. We also plan to engineer the bacteria for glyphosate inactivation using the glyphosate N-acetyl-transferase.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Goettingen', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best New Basic Part', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'GreatBay China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:GreatBay_China','location':'China', 'institution':'Shenzhen College of International Education','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'mCATNIP: microbial Compartmentalization AssisTed Nepetalactol Ingredient Production', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Nepetalactone is the active ingredient in catnip, a feline attractant, and a potential green pesticide. It has a common precursor, nepetalactol, with other plant-derived compounds of great therapeutic value, such as vincristine (an anti-cancer drug). We aim to synthesize nepetalactol through the co-culture of E. coli and yeast where E. coli generates the intermediate geraniol, and yeast continue to convert geraniol to nepetalactol. Endogenous genes in yeast are deleted to reduce shunt products. Besides, we design, characterize, and use a library of transcription activator-like effectors (TALE) stabilized promoter to regulate the heterologous gene expression in E. coli. Our applied design conceives the future application of nepetalactone on stray cat control, which we consider as an opportunity for public engagement and education.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=GreatBay_China', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Presentation, Best Integrated Human Practices, Best Education & Public Engagement', 'awards':'Best Model, Best Product Design, Best New Basic Part, Best New Composite Part, Best Part Collection, Best Wiki, Best Poster', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Grenoble-Alpes', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Grenoble-Alpes','location':'France', 'institution':'Université Grenoble Alpes','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Phagyzer : a fully automated detection device in the superbugs era.', 'track':'Diagnostics', 'abstract':'Bacteriophages are viruses that kill specifically, and with a relative efficiency, strains from a bacterial species. They are thus a viable alternative to antibiotics that our fully automated device aims to promote. Our project is designed to: identify a pathogenic bacterium; detect if this bacterium presents an antibiotic resistance marker; select the most effective phages for a therapy. As a proof of concept, we targeted Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, a bacterium causing opportunistic lung infections in immunosuppressed patient. We created DNA probes targeting a housekeeping gene and an antibiotic marker of PAO1. In parallel we automated the different processes required for detection with DNA probes: from the DNA extraction after lysis to a fluorescence measurement via a bacterial transformation. Hence, untrained healthcare professionals will eventually be able to take a sample from a patient, run it through our system, wait for a few hours and get information to decide of a therapy.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Grenoble-Alpes', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': 'Best Hardware', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Groningen', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Groningen','location':'Netherlands', 'institution':'University of Groningen','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'StyGreen: Bioplastic from cellulosic waste through consolidated bioprocessing', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'Current production of styrene, an important plastic monomer, is oil based. As an alternative to oil based styrene we aim to produce styrene from a presently underused wastestream: cellulosic waste. Our system consists of both breaking down cellulose to glucose and subsequent styrene production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. First the cellulose is degraded by an established cellulosome complex containing different cellulases and a cellulose binding domain. By complexing the cellulases and anchoring the complex to the cell wall the efficiency of the cellulosome is enhanced synergistically. The freed glucose is taken up and used for growth and production of phenylalanine. Conversion of phenylalanine to styrene occurs in two steps, first the phenylalanine ammonia lyase enzyme (PAL2) is introduced, which enables the yeast to convert phenylalanine into trans-cinnamate. The final step of our cascade is catalyzed by a native enzyme, producing styrene from trans-cinnamate.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Groningen', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Manufacturing Project, Best Presentation, Best Poster, Best Model', 'awards':'Best Measurement', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'GZHS-United', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:GZHS-United','location':'China', 'institution':'Guangdong Experimental High SchoolGuangdon','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'And then there were none (mosquitoes)', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Our project is to make a new biological mosquito killer to kill mosquitoes in an environmentally friendly way. Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and Zika are prevailing around the world and causing death of a great number of people every year. Therefore, controlling mosquitoes is of great importance. There are two active components in our product: protein Cry11Aa and recombinant Aedes aegypti densoviruses. Protein Cry11Aa is solubilized in mosquito mid-gut and can lead to cell lysis when binding the receptor on cell membrane. The recombinant Aedes aegypti densoviruses can express insect-specific toxin, which kill mosquito by to affect insect neuronal sodium conductance. We mix them together to make effective and environmental mosquito killer. The new mosquito killer shows a high specificity for mosquitoes as a host. It is relatively stable in the environment and have the potential to spread and persist in mosquito populations.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=GZHS-United', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'H14Z1 Hangzhou', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:H14Z1_Hangzhou','location':'China', 'institution':'Zhejiang University','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Production of several liver-saving factors in Lactobacillus', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'After literature survey, several key liver-saving factors were screened out and further synthetic pathways were constructed in Lactobacillus. This in-vivo strategy will be super to the traditional production of these factors in industry.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=H14Z1_Hangzhou', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': 'Best New Basic Part', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'HAFS', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:HAFS','location':'Korea', 'institution':'Hankuk University of Foreign Studie','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Minicell-based oral delivery of Insulin', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Type 1 and 2 Diabetes mellitus (T1DM, T2DM) are caused by inappropriate insulin production. The former results from the lack of √ü cell, while the later results from insulin resistance. In order to treat T1DM as well as severe cases of T2DM, patients should be injected with insulin analog multiple times a day. Because these analogues are readily degraded upon oral intake, the only method of injecting insulin analog is via invasive methods. We aimed to develop minicell-based insulin delivery system that can be orally administered. Minicells are achromosomal cells that do not reproduce. Overexpression of FtsZ gene in Escherichia coli induces abnormal cell division that produces minicells. Through gibson assembly, we have engineered the minicell that produce single chain insulin associated with cell penetrating peptide that facilitates cellular intake. The cells lyses in response to bile salt, which leads to targeted secretion of insulin in intestine.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=HAFS', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': 'Best Presentation, Best Poster, Best Education & Public Engagement', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Hamburg', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Hamburg','location':'Germany', 'institution':'University of Hamburg','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Reagents of S.H.I.E.L.D.', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Malaria is one of the deadliest diseases worldwide. Extraordinary efforts are made to reduce malaria infections with limited success. All currently available applications, which look to prevent transmission by mosquitoes, are limited by the vast infrastructural differences in affected regions. With the Sustainable Human-Imitating Elimination and Lure Device (S.H.I.E.L.D.) we developed a mosquito trap tailored especially to the requirements of infrastructurally and economically disadvantaged regions. S.H.I.E.L.D. employs a self-sustaining co-culture of cyanobacteria and engineered E. coli which produce a complex mosquito attractant mixture as well as a targeted bioinsecticide. Careful implementation of novel regulatory circuits limiting cell growth, responding to nutrient availability, and monitoring metabolic load allows sustained in-trap production of attractants and insecticide over extended periods of time. The durable trap case with nano filter, co-culture separation and hydrogel reservoir ensures biosafety and brings together our no-maintenance sustainable solution to one of worlds biggest problems.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Hamburg', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Harvard', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Harvard','location':'United States', 'institution':'Harvard University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Degratin: a story of keratin degradation', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'Keratosis pilaris and Seborrheic keratosis are characterized by a buildup of keratin which are accompanied by redness and rashes. In severe cases, these skin conditions may be precancerous. Keratin is difficult to degrade due to the nature of its protein structures. However, complete degradation can be induced by the synergistic capacity of endo-acting, exo-acting, and oligopeptide-acting keratinases. We have engineered strains of E.coli to produce these keratinases and secrete them through the curli secretion pathway. We then encapsulated these modified bacteria in a hydrogel only permeable to the enzymes and essential nutrients for growth. Thus, weve created a prototype for a keratin-degrading patch to place on the afflicted area to mitigate the lesion, eliminating the need for conventional invasive treatments. The development of easily produced keratinases lends to future uses, such as management of agricultural waste and facilitated research in precancerous growths linked to excess of keratin.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Harvard', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Hawaii', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Hawaii','location':'United States', 'institution':'University of Hawaii','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Delivering Transgenes to Corn Centromeres', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'Nature has provided a remarkable system to insert genes into functional centromeres of grass genomes. Specifically, centromeric retrotransposons (CR) have the unique ability to insert themselves into the centromere by targeting a yet unidentified docking agent. We plan to adapt this system to insert genes of interest into centromeres. Centromeres are advantageous transgene targets because they lack recombination, allowing the stacking of multiple traits. Retrotransposons, or jumping genes, self-replicate and package their genome into self-assembling virus-like particles (VLPs), then reinsert (or jump) themselves into a new chromosomal location. To measure the stability of VLPs for packaging molecular cargo, we cloned the full-length gene encoding the CR gag protein and successfully generated VLPs in vitro. We also tested the efficiency of different gene constructs in forming VLPs in vitro. Electron microscopy can confirm VLP assembly, however, we plan to develop a convenient fluorescent assay to assess VLP assembly.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Hawaii', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'HBUT-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:HBUT-China','location':'China', 'institution':'Hubei University of Technology','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Nickel Hunter2.0', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'This years iGEM team decided to continue the work started by last years team with the Nickel Hunter project; a biological device to detect nickel ions in the environment. Two shortcomings of the previous design were a small measurement range, and low precision. This year we added the nickel ions channel protein NikABCDE gene to the original gene element allowing the ions to enter the cell more smoothly, which has improved both of these issues. We also replaced the RFP gene with the luciferase LuxCDABE gene. The reporter gene emits fluorescence in response to nickel ions which further enhances our measurement precision. It also provided the opportunity to develop a biosensing instrument for real-time nickel ions detection. Our changes improved sensitivity and range, as well as provided an opportunity for a new method of nickel ions detection.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=HBUT-China', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'HebrewU', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:HebrewU','location':'Israel', 'institution':'Agroculture Faculty in Rehovot','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'The Catalysis of Dioxin Degradation', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Dioxins, a family of chemical compounds, pose a serious threat to humans, animals, and the environment. Classified as persistent environmental pollutants, these compounds move up the food chain via bioaccumulation; consequently, they are found in very harmful concentrations by the time the reach humans. Our team has set out to engineer a metabolic pathway for the complete degradation of dioxins, and detoxification of chlorinated compounds. The pathway would involve the uptake of these pollutants and their subsequent breakdown into molecules that would enter organisms native metabolism. We are testing the pathway in S. cerevisiae, and have prepared expression vectors and means to engineer a multitude of plants. By deploying such pathways directly into endemic plants, our solution can be tailored to specific regions. Furthermore, because we can efficiently control plant reproduction, we can responsibly implement synthetic biology to solve this issue in a non-invasive and ecological manner.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=HebrewU', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Environment Project, Best Software Tool', 'awards':'Best Plant Synthetic Biology', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'HFLS ZhejiangUnited', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:HFLS_ZhejiangUnited','location':'China', 'institution':'Hangzhou Foreign Language School','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Formaldehyde Eliminator: Engineered Microbes for Detecting and Biodegrading of Formaldehyde', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Formaldehyde brings different degrees of harmful symptoms to us humans, such as eye, throat and skin irritation, and even carcinogenicity, which is widespread used in construction and decoration industries. In previous iGEM projects related to formaldehyde, several problems still need to improved, such as 1) the present sensing threshold of formaldehyde concentration (~ 10 ppm) is far upper beyond the environment-protecting standard (~ 0.1 ppm); 2) the degrading system seems to work unstably, although some survival or duration after formaldehyde addition was observed. Our project is aiming to construct a more sensitive and effective E. coli-based system for detecting and further degrading formaldehyde in environments, basing on current systems (already registered as BioBrick parts).', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=HFLS_ZhejiangUnited', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'HK HCY LFC', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:HK_HCY_LFC','location':'Hong Kong', 'institution':'PLK Laws Foundation College','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'A Self-Assembled DNA Tweezer Nanomachine - New Approach for the Diagnosis of Spinocerebellar Ataxia(SCA3)', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'The situation of SCA was described by Professor Edwin Chan during interviews. The difficulties encountered by patients from different stages of SCA were shared in a workshop with Hong Kong Spinocerebellar Ataxia Association. The SCA3 relates to either up or down regulation of four miRNAs biomarkers. A new approach for the diagnosis of SCA3 will be developed under this study. Under the mentorship of the University of Hong Kong, a DNA tweezer nanomachine is employed to detect target SCA3 biomarkers. When the desired miRNA hybridized to the recognition site on the tweezers, the nanomachine is turned from an open state to a closed state, which allows the assembly of the split strand G-quadruplex. The G-quadruplex acts as an aptamer and binds to hemin. The hemin-mediated peroxidase activity produces a color change as a signal. This alternative diagnostic method would have further implication on monitoring the onset and progress of SCA3.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=HK_HCY_LFC', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'HKJS S', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:HKJS_S','location':'Hong Kong', 'institution':'St Stephens College','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Carbon dioxide Reduction to Methane using Modified Nitrogenase with PET decomposition as Primary Carbon Source', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Poly(ethyleneterephthalate) (PET) is a prevalent material which can is used in various applications, while bringing adverse effects to the environment. An enzyme, PETase, can degrade the highly-crystalized PET to mono-(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalic acid (MHET), terephthalate and Bis(2-Hydroxyethyl) terephthalate. MHET is also further decomposed by MHETase to terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol (EG). EG can be further broken down in E. coli K-12 to produce carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide, however, is a notable greenhouse gas. Using the mutagenesis of the amino acid residues of nifD in nitrogenase, the substrate binding site can be modified so that carbon dioxide can undergo the multi-electron reduction to methane. We propose an efficient carbon dioxide reduction system with the decomposition of PET as the primary carbon source. PETase, MHETase, and amino acid substituted nitrogen fixation genes in MoFe nitrogenase will be expressed in a fast-growing bacterium, E. coli.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=HKJS_S', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Hong Kong HKU', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Hong_Kong_HKU','location':'Hong Kong', 'institution':'The University of Hong Kong','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'In vivo synthesis of therapeutic DNA nanostructures', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'DNA nanotechnology has been evolving fast in the past few decades and has found various new applications in biomedicine. Currently, most functional DNA nanostructures are assembled in vitro, using chemically synthesized custom oligonucleotides. Our project aims to harness the synthetic ability of bacteria to accelerate the production of functional DNA nanostructures. Multiple DNA nanostructures with aptamers and strand-displacement toeholds were designed for breast cancer therapy. We characterized their actions in vitro and evaluated their therapeutic effects on human breast cancer cell line. To synthesize these DNA nanostructures, a reverse transcription system consisting of three plasmids was designed to operate inside E. coli. By demonstrating a simple and scalable biological production method of functional DNA nanostructures, we made a foundational advance in synthetic biology.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Hong_Kong_HKU', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Part Collection', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Hong Kong HKUST', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Hong_Kong_HKUST','location':'Hong Kong', 'institution':'Hong Kong University of Sci & Tech','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'From plastics to the power line', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Polyethylene is the most widely used plastic and arguably one of the most versatile materials to ever be synthesized. Its practicality and convenience however, have come at a great environmental cost. Polyethylene takes millennia to decompose, leeching harmful microplastics into the environment. We approached this pressing issue from a synthetic biology perspective, making use of E. coli engineered with genes encoding for laccase to degrade polyethylene into smaller alkane chains. Our team recognizes the opportunity to further advance this project by addressing another key issue ¬ñ energy. Using Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 strains inbuilt extracellular electron transport mechanism in tandem with genes responsible for alkane metabolism derived from Desulfatibacillum alkenivorans, we will generate electricity from the metabolism of degraded polyethylene, hoping that it will one day help in solving the worlds growing energy needs. Thus, our project serves as an integrated effort to simultaneously solve two crucial problems.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Hong_Kong_HKUST', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Hong Kong JSS', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Hong_Kong_JSS','location':'Hong Kong', 'institution':'UCCKE','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'A Synthetic Approach to Absorbing Copper Ions in Aquaponics', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Heavy metal pollution has been a hot issue among the society, copper is one of the most universal types of pollutant. In aquaponics, accumulation of copper ions is toxic to organisms. In sight of this, we aimed to create a cost-effective device for metal ions removal from water. In this project, metallothioneins, a type of protein capable of binding metal ions, was expressed in E. coli. Copper absorption capacity of the transformed bacteria is tested. From our results, E. coli can absorb copper ions at 10 mg/L and 2 mg/L. The is no significance difference between untransformed and transformed bacteria at 10 mg/L. At 2 mg/L, the transformed bacteria expressing Elsholtzia haichowensis Metallothionein 1 (EhMT1) slightly enhances the copper absorption ability. At last, we tried circulating E. coli inside dialysis tubings, receiving positive results, it is confirmed the idea using bacteria to remove copper ions in water is feasible.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Hong_Kong_JSS', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Hong Kong-CUHK', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Hong_Kong-CUHK','location':'Hong Kong', 'institution':'Chinese University','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'RAPID(RNA Aptamer Probe for Influenza Detector)', 'track':'Diagnostics', 'abstract':'Transmissible diseases such as influenza have threatened the lives of people in Hong Kong and worldwide. However, while cold-flu differentiation remains difficult for non-experts, subtyping for epidemic control and treatment scheming is inaccessible for small clinics. In our project, we have constructed a sequence-specific RNA probe that increases its fluorescence by 10-fold upon target recognition. It is proven in a cell-free context and has the potential to expand to cellular applications. We also developed a mobile phone-based fluorometer coupled with its external software, collectively called Tracer. (The combination of hardware calibration and machine learning analysis may provide signal measurement with orthogonality and accuracy.) The tools can be combined into a user-friendly kit, allowing quick determination of their infection status using their nasal fluid, while the data obtained from a population of software users can be gathered for epidemic monitoring. This project provides a novel, rapid RNA-based influenza diagnostic system.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Hong_Kong-CUHK', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'HSHL', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:HSHL','location':'Germany', 'institution':'Hochschule Hamm-Lippstadt','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Enabeling Tobacco plants to hyperaccumulate heavy metals', 'track':'Food & Nutrition', 'abstract':'Our challenge is to solve the problem of heavy metal polluted soil, especially in areas of high industrial use, such as mining. We enable a tabacco plant to hyperaccumulate cadmium and lead by transfering genes of arabidopsis halleri and adding other special abilities that support accumulation of heavy metals.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=HSHL', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'HUBU-Wuhan', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:HUBU-Wuhan','location':'China', 'institution':'Hubei University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Building up biological parts in non-model bacterium Zymomonas mobilis for converting waste cartons into biofuels', 'track':'Energy', 'abstract':'Although many genetic parts have been characterized, they are mostly from and for model species with limited studies on their compatibility. Additionally, significant amount of omics data has also been accumulated but not widely utilized yet. Zymomonas mobilis is a non-model Gram-negative ethanologenic bacterium with many desirable characteristics to favor the production of lignocellulosic biofuels. In this project, a reporter-gene system for Z. mobilis was established to effectively characterize genetic parts such as promoters and RBS. Moreover, promoter strength was systematically predicted based on omics datasets. These genetic parts including their compatibility were then characterized and further utilized for building an isobutanol-production module to convert campus waste paper cartons into renewable biofuels of ethanol and isobutanol. The success of our project will not only build up a reporter-gene system, basic and composite parts for the non-model species, but also provide renewable biofuels while protecting the campus environment.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=HUBU-Wuhan', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'HUST-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:HUST-China','location':'China', 'institution':'Huazhong University of Science and Technology','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Optopia', 'track':'Energy', 'abstract':'To convert optical energy into electric energy in a clean and sustainable way, Optopia is designed as a photovoltaic system consisting of photosynthetic microorganism (Rhodopseudomonas palustris) and electrogenic microorganism (Shewanella oneidensis). Synthetic biology strategies are applied to the system to trigger production and export of lactate in Rhodopseudomonas palustris, as well as to improve efficiency of lactate utilization and extracellular electron generation in Shewanella oneidensis. Compared to Cyanobacteria, also a kind of photosynthetic microorganism but generating oxygen in photosynthesis, Rhodopseudomonas palustris serves as a better carbon resource provider for Shewanella oneidensis, not only because of its anaerobic photosynthesis maintaining an anaerobic environment required for extracellular electron generation in Shewanella oneidensis, but also due to its capacity of reusing the waste from Shewanella oneidensis. Hence, functioning as a compatible and mutually beneficial optical MFC (Microbial Fuel Cell), Optopia creates a novel and optimized approach to utilize clean resources through optical-electric conversion.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=HUST-China', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'HZAU-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:HZAU-China','location':'China', 'institution':'Huazhong Agricultural University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Pyroptosis: a new approach for cancer therapy', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Pyroptosis is an inflammatory form of programmed cell death. The morphology of pyroptosis is characterized by cell swelling which causes the release of cytoplasmic contents. Recent studies have demonstrated that the N-terminal domain of GasderminD protein accounts for pyroptosis of the host cell, which may be exploited for tumor suppression. In our project, we redesign Salmonella to act as a delivery vehicle that can target tumor cells and replicate in their cytoplasm. By inducing the bacterial expression of the N-terminal domain of GasderminD, bacteria are led to lysis and release this protein into the cytoplasm of tumor cell and then induce pyroptosis to the tumor cell by making membrane pores. The lysate of cell rupture during pyroptosis destroys the tumor microenvironment and attracts immune cells into tumor bed to kill tumor cells. Our project which aims to induce pyroptosis to tumor cells provides a new approach for cancer therapy.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=HZAU-China', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'HZNFHS China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:HZNFHS_China','location':'China', 'institution':'Hangzhou No.14 High School Hangzhou','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Genetic Engineered Germ For Improving the Soil Environment of Tea Trees and More', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Our Project is finding effective gene in some particular gems and applying them to another germ to created a engineered germ for improving the soil environment.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=HZNFHS_China', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'ICT-Mumbai', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:ICT-Mumbai','location':'India', 'institution':'Institute of Chemical Technology','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'SmartSoil: Rooting for Sustainable Agriculture', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Plants secrete many chemicals in the soil around their roots. These exudates can act as molecular signals for microorganisms in the rhizosphere, which can in turn modulate gene expression. We wish to exploit this natural phenomenon to engineer microorganisms to sense and respond to plants. A synthetic symbiotic association that helps plants grow better and resist diseases will reduce dependence on artificial fertilizers and pesticides. Toward this end, we are studying changes in gene expression in the common soil bacterium, Bacillus subtilis, in response to root exudates of rice, wheat, tomato and soybean plants. As a case study, we are constructing a genetic amplifier using an exudate-inducible promoter to produce phosphatase, which will help solubilize organic phosphate present in the soil. This represents an advance toward smart soil management practices and sustainable agriculture.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=ICT-Mumbai', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'IISc-Bangalore', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:IISc-Bangalore','location':'India', 'institution':'Indian Institute of Science','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'PhageShift: Improving treatment of bacterial infections through novel modifications to conventional phage therapeutics', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Bacteriophages have long been proclaimed as the answer to antibiotic resistant bacterial infections. However, simultaneous resistance to phages and antibiotics is a concerning possibility. Anticipating this problem, we have developed an in-silico protein modification algorithm that hard-codes mutual exclusion of antibiotic and phage resistance. An engineered phage with high affinity for phosphoethanolamine, the molecule that confers colistin resistance, has been developed as a proof-of-concept. This system has potential applications in drug delivery, ligand extraction and study of bacterial membrane proteins. We are also building a phage mediated immune recruitment system that ensures removal of the pathogen without significant toxin release - a fatal condition in immuno-compromised individuals. This is accomplished by a monocyte chemokine encoded into a lysis deficient phage genome that recruits phagocytic immune cells to the site of infection. PhageShift thus takes a leap forward in addressing potential problems with phage therapeutics before they arise.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=IISc-Bangalore', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Software Tool', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'IISER-Bhopal-India', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:IISER-Bhopal-India','location':'India', 'institution':'IISER Bhopal','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'MethNote: A prototype of methane biosensor constructed by genetically modifying Pichia pastoris', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Methane is a Greenhouse gas associated with Global Warming, and green methods are desired for its real-time monitoring. Thus, we have developed the prototype of a robust field-applicable methane biosensor, MethNote. We found an enzyme-complex methane monooxygenase(MMO) from Methylococcus capsulatus, a methanotrophic bacterium, that converts methane to methanol. We expressed soluble-MMO in the methylotrophic yeast, Pichia pastoris, which harbors a plasmid expressing the reporter gene under a methanol inducible promoter AOX. Thus, linking methane uptake to a reporter gene expression generates the proposed methane biosensor. The inclusion of sMMO pathway was also checked by metabolic modeling. The constructed part will be a useful contribution to the iGEM repository. A commercial design of MethNote will find widespread applications in environmental monitoring of methane. In future studies, we also anticipate an additional application of Mut- strain of P. pastoris expressing sMMO in biofuel production through methanol sequestration.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=IISER-Bhopal-India', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'IISER-Kolkata', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:IISER-Kolkata','location':'India', 'institution':'IISER Kolkata','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'BACMAN', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Arsenic contamination of ground water is a serious issue in West Bengal (India). Each year a large population falls victim to severe Arsenic poisoning due to ingestion of heavy doses of Arsenic through water and food over years. Small amounts of water can be purified before drinking using several available techniques such as chemical filtration kits etc. but no decontamination techniques exist to remove Arsenic uptaken by food crops (rice) or fishes through polluted water used to raise them in paddies or ponds. We, Team IISER-Kolkata plan to design a probiotic bacteria that can efficiently intake and sequester Arsenic at the physico-chemical conditions existing in the human gut. We aim to design an affordable and effective pill to administer the probiotic microbes into the gut. The microbes will then colonize in the gut and outcompete GI epithelia at Arsenic abosorption thus shielding humans from accumulating the ingested heavy-metal.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=IISER-Kolkata', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'IISER-Mohali', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:IISER-Mohali','location':'India', 'institution':'IISER Mohali','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'FearOmone: Cat pheromone based Bio-synthetic deterrent to minimize post harvest losses caused by rat manifestation.', 'track':'Food & Nutrition', 'abstract':'FearOmone seeks to exploit the innate fear of murines for the cats. Our challenge is to create genetically engineered yeast producing cat pheromone-based biosynthetic deterrent and prepare a device capable of diffusing this cat pheromone to areas surrounding grain storage facilities, thereby keeping murines away. Our first aim is to transform our host system, S. cerevisiae, with necessary synthetic gene circuits which will result in a recombineered yeast that mimics the cat nephron pathway for producing felinine. Next, we will conduct controlled experiments in the form of murine behavior assays to test the effectiveness of our synthetically derived felinine as a rat/mouse deterrent. Finally, we intend to design user-friendly and field-effective hardware to integrate with our yeast cells and run simulations on field data to understand murine behavior in realistic conditions and over a reasonable time-frame, with the intention of designing software for optimal dispersal of our FerOmone.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=IISER-Mohali', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': 'Best Food & Nutrition Project', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'IIT Delhi', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:IIT_Delhi','location':'India', 'institution':'IIT Delhi','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Back & Forth with Recombinases', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'With the growth of synthetic biology, there has been an increase in the development of digital synthetic circuits, which requires biological logic gates that can accept a binary input and generate a suitable binary output. Often biological systems are unable to provide sharp and accurate input to output response due to reasons like noise, growth factors etc. Hence there exists a need of robust and reliable modules that can transform the analog and stochastic behaviour of biology into a digital response. We aim to develop recombinase based elementary constructs that would allow development of complex circuits with specialized functions with greater ease. Recombinases are enzymes that trigger site-specific recombination to perform excision/incision or inversion of genetic circuits, to produce the desired gene expression. Our project involves use of serine based recombinases to develop a novel recombinase based toolkit of elementary circuits such as feedforward loop, feedback loop etc.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=IIT_Delhi', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'IIT Kanpur', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:IIT_Kanpur','location':'India', 'institution':'IIT Kanpur','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'SWASH: Hacking E.Coli to clean the cleansing agent', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'There are about 2 billion people worldwide who dont even have access to clean drinking water. This has resulted in a growing need for solutions to tackle the problem of water pollution. One of the major chemical wastes discharged in sewage and as industrial effluents are detergents. This year we plan to provide a reliable and robust solution to this problem by focusing on sodium dodecyl sulfate(SDS) which is an anionic biodegradable surfactant and is the major component of detergents used around the world. Our project is concerned with developing a synthetic pathway in E.coli for extracellular expression of enzyme alkyl-sulfatase originally found in bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa to degrade SDS into commercially viable 1-dodecanol. As part of our project, we will also develop a bio-sensor to precisely quantify and characterize the by-products obtained as a result of SDS degradation.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=IIT_Kanpur', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'IIT-Madras', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:IIT-Madras','location':'India', 'institution':'IIT-Madras','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'ADaPtat1on : Expanding Toolkit for Acinetobacter baylyi', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Acinetobacter baylyi is a gram-negative, soil-dwelling, non-pathogenic, naturally competent and nutritionally versatile organism especially known for its ability to degrade aromatic compounds. However, only a few tools are available for its gene manipulation. This year, we plan to expand the toolkit for A. baylyi ADP1 by making a synthetic promoter library along with codon optimized fluorescent reporter proteins to achieve better control over its expression rates. The codon table is not available for this organism. So we obtained sequence data of well-characterised proteins of this organism by filtering manually putative and hypothetical sequences and used this data to generate the codon table using CUTE - a tool of ChassiDex. The codon optimisation is done manually by replacing the less frequent codons with high-frequency codons based on the generated table. This can potentially open up various new exciting synthetic biology opportunities with this unexplored organism.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=IIT-Madras', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Imperial College', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Imperial_College','location':'United Kingdom', 'institution':'Imperial College London','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'PixCell: Electronic Control of Biological Patterning', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Engineering complex biological systems requires precise control of gene expression. Current biological control systems fail to provide the reversible and programmable spatiotemporal control of electrical systems used in industry. Electrogenetics is an emerging field of synthetic biology investigating electronic detection and control of gene expression. Presented here is the development of the first aerobic electrogenetic control system in E. coli. It functions through altering transcriptional activation of the SoxR/PsoxS redox-signalling system by controlling the oxidation of redox-mediators using an electrode. The potential of this system for precise spatial control is demonstrated using an affordable, custom electrode array to induce pattern formation in a lawn of cells. Patterning was a necessary condition for the evolution of complex multicellular life, and as such the programmable patterning demonstrated serves as an essential tool for the development of multicellular synthetic biology.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Imperial_College', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'iTesla-SoundBio', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:iTesla-SoundBio','location':'United States', 'institution':'SoundBio Lab','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Factor C The Difference: A Synthetic Biology Alternative to the LAL Endotoxin Detection Assay', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Many gram-negative bacteria naturally create compounds called endotoxins, which induce pathological symptoms including septic shock in humans. Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) testing, the gold-standard endotoxin detection test, is used in virtually every area of biomedical product development. The test is derived from horseshoe crab blood, including coagulation Factor C, the primary effector protein. Many horseshoe crabs die each year due to the bleeding process, straining populations and ecosystems along the US Atlantic Coast and in Asia, where it is less sustainable. Moreover, LAL testing is expensive, creating a barrier to biomedical innovation in low-resource settings. For these reasons, our team sought to synthesize a codon-optimized sequence of Factor C and integrate it into Bacillus subtilis (a gram-positive bacterium) using a pAX01 backbone with a xylose inducible promoter. In the future, we hope to design a detection mechanism to signal for the cleavage of Factor C and the presence of endotoxin.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=iTesla-SoundBio', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Jiangnan', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Jiangnan','location':'China', 'institution':'Jiangnan University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'SuperVIP-Suspended universal plasma-enabled rapid vaccine production', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'Vaccine is one of the most cost-effective public heath solution, with cell-based approach being a promising production strategy. We are devoted to establish a cell line with self-owned intellectual property and feasible for rapid production of a broad spectrum of viruses, with the aim of reducing the cost of cell based virus production in the heath care sector. By constructing two biobricks and enabling three features to our chassis cells, we considerably reduced virus production cost by increasing virus titer per cell and virus-producing cells per fermentor, and broadening cells virus sensitivity spectrum. We used computational modeling to explore genes for biobrick construction and cold atmospheric plasma ejecting device to further increase virus titer. We proved the significance of our project through systematically examining the needs of vaccine production companies including our close collaborator DaBeiNong, and disseminated knowledge related to vaccine and synthetic biology to the public.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Jiangnan', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Jiangnan China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Jiangnan_China','location':'China', 'institution':'Jiangnan University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Anti-Man', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'Lactic acid bacteria are the most promising microorganisms to act as live vaccines and microbial cell factory which can produce various chemicals. During fermentation processing, they suffer from various stress conditions, especially acid and cold stress.Therefore, we aim to develop an ideal food-safe grade microorganism with enhanced acid and cold tolerance. Genome mutagenesis combined with high-throughput technologies was performed on Lactococcus lactis NZ9000 to screen acid tolerance strain. Next, comparative transcriptomics analysis was performed on mutant and parent strain to investigate the response mechanisms of microbial cells during acid stress. Based on the proposed acid tolerance mechanisms, one new anti-acid component-msmK was discovered. Also, an anti-cold gene cspD2 was selected. The constructed recombinant strain L.lactis NZ3900/pNZ 8149-MsmK-CspD2 shows a significant survival advantage compared with L.NZ3900/pNZ 8149, which means our product exhibited enhanced acid and cold tolerance. This study provides valuable insight into the development of robust industrial strains.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Jiangnan_China', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Jilin China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Jilin_China','location':'China', 'institution':'Jilin University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'The collection of synthetic RNA-based thermosensors with different sensing temperatures', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Many strategies could be used by bacteria to coordinate temperature-dependent gene expression. A well-known class of biological temperature sensitive element is RNA-based thermosensor, which is thermoregulatory RNA sequence in the 5-untranslated region of mRNAs. RNA thermosensors could induce equilibrium shift between closed and open conformations of the translation initiation region under temperature variation condition, and lead to mRNA degradation or ribosome accessibility, thereby controlling the efficiency of translation initiation. However, natural RNA-based thermosensors are difficult to be engineered with the narrow sensing temperature range. Therefore, this year based on free-energy method, we designed a series of synthetic RNA-based thermosensors, which can be engineered easily with broader sensing range. Then, we predicted their theoretical sensing temperature, detected the practical threshold by experimenting setting temperature gradient, and built the standard parts collection.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Jilin_China', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best New Basic Part', 'awards':'Best Part Collection', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'JMU Wuerzburg', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:JMU_Wuerzburg','location':'Germany', 'institution':'Julius-Maximilians Universität Würzburg','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Test Tonic – a rapid diagnostic device for malaria', 'track':'Diagnostics', 'abstract':'Malaria affects 200 million people every year as reported by the WHO. This disease is caused by different Plasmodium species, leading to different types of malaria. Therefore a successful therapy for malaria requires rapid identification of the species affecting the patient. We engineered Test Tonic, a qPCR-based diagnostic device, capable for detecting Plasmodium DNA. Test Tonic can not only detect Plasmodium in general but also uses our specifically engineered and optimized primer/probe pairs for the identification of individual Plasmodium species. As a low resource alternative to qPCR we investigate Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) for our Malaria diagnosis system. Providing isothermal DNA amplification, RPA avoids the need of an expensive thermocycler. These benefits of a quick, economically priced, easy to use and portable malaria test make Test Tonic suitable for the application in traveling situations and in areas without proper infrastructure and energy supply.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=JMU_Wuerzburg', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'JNFLS', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:JNFLS','location':'China', 'institution':'Shandong University','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'HCV, Aparecium!', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'We aim to develop a biosensor for detecting HCV by the nucleic acid aptamer, and the specific detection of trace HCV could be realized by rolling circle amplification, which has great significance to shorten the window period of HCV in clinic transfusion. HCV C gene was expressed, and collected secreted HCV C protein was used to bind specifically with the nucleic acid aptamer. Using the competing reaction of the target antigen, a highly sensitive fluorescent aptamer sensor was developed based on the rolling circle replication. When there is no target antigen, the aptamer complementary sequence binds with aptamer instead of the padlock probe; whereas when the aptamer probe binds with the target antigen, the complementary sequence hybridizes with padlock probe, which triggers rolling circle amplification reaction. Under the action of DNA ligase, the padlock probe is further cyclized and a rolling circle amplification occurs under the action of DNA polymerase.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=JNFLS', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'KAIT JAPAN', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:KAIT_JAPAN','location':'Japan', 'institution':'Kanagawa Institute of Technology','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Challenge to suspended animation of cells', 'track':'Information Processing', 'abstract':'Conservation of cells, which is indispensable for regenerative medicine, now depends on freezing method. However, the freezing method has a low cell survival rate. Our idea is to preserve cells for a long time using suspended animation. Our definition of the state of cells suspended animation is state of hypometabolism followed by ATP depression, and then returned to the original state. H‚ÇÇS is believed to be involved in this suspended animation process at the individual level. The objective of our project is to let the E.coli respond to the signal of the cell, and secrete the necessary amount of H‚ÇÇS synthase (CTH) for the state of suspended animation to lower the metabolism. The secretion of CTH is regulated by RhlR . When the cells to be preserved become the state of suspended animation, the secretion of CTH from E.coli will stop, and most of the E.coli will also be suicided.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=KAIT_JAPAN', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'KCL UK', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:KCL_UK','location':'United Kingdom', 'institution':'Kings College London','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Developing a novel tool to overcome antibiotic resistance by regulating gene expression in bacteria', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Antibiotic resistance is a major concern worldwide, estimated to cause 1 death every 4 minutes. Antibiotics for fatal infections such as tuberculosis and pneumonia have become less effective due to bacterial resistance to drug-based treatments. This phenomenon has led pharmaceutical companies to develop new antibiotics to try overcome this problem. However, this is costly and contributes to the emergence of multi-resistant bacterial strains. Throughout the years bacteria have developed mechanisms to resist antibiotics such as DNA mutagenesis, cell wall modification and other; most involve various bacterial proteins that have been modified or repurposed to protect bacteria. It has been shown that down-regulating these proteins expression helps maximise the effects of antibiotics. Therefore, our team aim to engineer a library of sRNAs, providing a platform for new tools to regulate gene expression. Our approach therefore synergises with current antibiotic treatment regimes, creating an innovative therapeutic tool.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=KCL_UK', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'KUAS Korea', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:KUAS_Korea','location':'Korea', 'institution':'Korea University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Bacterial Evolutionary Game Simulation (BEGS) for Snowdrift, Harmony, Stag Hunt and Prisoners Dilemma Games', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'How does microbial community perpetuate or perish? Like human society, in nature, microorganisms not only compete but also cooperate with each other for a successful establishment of a microbial community. The major goal of our project is to construct an accessible evolutionary game model using a synthetic microbial population controlled by genetic circuits. Here, we use E. coli to form a microbial population composed of the "cooperator" and the "cheater". "Cooperator" which displays β-glucosidase on the cell surface breaks down cellobiose into glucose. This enzymatic activity allows both "cooperator" and "cheater" to share glucose as an energy source (public goods). "Cheater" which expresses GFP is now able to proliferate within microbe population by glucose from cooperator. Based on the combination of mathematical modeling and experiments, we are going to find critical parameters for evolutionary games such as harmony, snow-drift and prisoner’s dilemma for controlling population dynamics of the microbial community.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=KUAS_Korea', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Kyoto', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Kyoto','location':'Japan', 'institution':'Kyoto University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Swallomyces cerevisiae ~Building a biological desalination system~', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'The conformation, kinetics, and binding of macromolecules are highly sensitive to the ion environment so we must control it to succeed biological research. Thus, there is demand of ionic control tool which supports bio-sensing and bio-remediation for research usage. So we addressed to develop such a biological deionization tool. This year we focused on Na+ which is basic ion in biology, and desalination system can be realized by salvaging Na+ in solution as paste of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by applying two attributes. One is highly Na+ uptake of their plasma membrane and vacuolar by transfer of transporters. The other is surface interaction aggregation system using SdrG-Fgβ protein connection through surface display. In addition, we calculate initial amount of our yeast to adjust to desired concentration by reconstructive membrane transport mathematical model. Furthermore, this tool can be applied to bioremediation and expanded to other ions.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Kyoto', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'LACAS BioBots', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:LACAS_BioBots','location':'Pakistan', 'institution':'Lahore College of Arts and Sciences','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'No title', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'No abstract', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=LACAS_BioBots', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Lambert GA', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Lambert_GA','location':'United States', 'institution':'Lambert High School','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Captivate: Capture the Data & Activate the Response', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Vibrio cholerae, a pathogenic waterborne bacteria, impacts millions of people annually. Cases are most prevalent in developing countries with a lack of practical diagnostic methods and clean water. Lambert iGEM created a proactive, inexpensive diagnostic kit for V. cholerae detection utilizing frugal hardware devices and toehold switches. These riboregulators activate gene expression in response to predetermined RNA sequences. Engineering E. coli to detect V. cholerae, we targeted ctxB, a non-toxic subunit of a gene specific to all pathogenic V. cholerae. Our Chrome-Q system quantifies aquatic V. cholerae presence utilizing HSV values while the Color-Q app inputs data into our machine learning model, CALM. Utilizing rainfall, conflict, and cholera case/death data, CALM is able to accurately model the Yemeni V. cholerae outbreak, forecasting outbreaks weeks in advance. With this diagnostic kit, Lambert iGEM addresses V. cholerae epidemics by predicting outbreaks, thus providing low-cost sustainable diagnostic tools while enhancing quality prediction.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Lambert_GA', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Wiki, Best Poster, Best Integrated Human Practices, Best Presentation, Best Measurement, Best Hardware, Best Model, Best Product Design', 'awards':'Best Integrated Human Practices, Best Presentation, Best Measurement, Best Hardware', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Leiden', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Leiden','location':'Netherlands', 'institution':'Leiden University','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Fifty Shades of Stress: A colourful screening platform for detecting bacterial cell stress', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'The number of drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria is rising at an alarming rate, while no new classes of antibiotics have been discovered in the past three decades. We tackle this twofold problem using an innovative open-source screening platform and an extensive societal outreach program aimed at spreading awareness of antimicrobial resistance. Current drug discovery efforts suffer from tunnel vision: screening is limited to lethal compounds. Our project aims to enable rapid discovery of compounds that stress bacterial cells, which can be used to establish novel synergistic combination therapies. Such combination therapies have proven to reduce resistance development in HIV and cancer treatments. In our project, we created an E. coli reporter strain that produces fluorescent proteins in response to distinct classes of cellular stress, by utilising promoters which become activated under specific stressful conditions. This specificity allows for determination of the mechanism of action and for establishment of synergistic combination therapies.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Leiden', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Wiki, Best Integrated Human Practices, Best Entrepreneurship, Best Part Collection', 'awards':'Best Therapeutics Project, Best Model', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Lethbridge', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Lethbridge','location':'Canada', 'institution':'University of Lethbridge','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'VINCEnT: A modular Viral-Inspired Novel Cargo Encapsulation Toolkit for targeted delivery of molecules to cells', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'The 2018 Lethbridge iGEM team is developing a Viral-Inspired Novel Cargo Encapsulation Toolkit (VINCEnT) for simple design and assembly of protein nanocompartments (PNCs). This standardized toolkit can be used to produce custom PNCs for targeted delivery of various cargos including nucleic acids, proteins, and small molecules to desired cell types. PNC design will be facilitated by our software platform, enabling informed selection of cell-targeting surface modifications, encapsulation proteins, and cargo-loading approaches tailored to the intended application. PNCs have wide-ranging utility from targeted drug delivery and gene therapy to materials synthesis and distribution of biological control agents. With the simplified design, standardized protocols, and modular components, less experienced users will be able to design and produce PNCs in a basic laboratory environment. We have also critically examined the dual-use implications of making custom PNC production more accessible and have developed a risk assessment rubric for VINCEnT to help mitigate potential threats.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Lethbridge', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Lethbridge HS', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Lethbridge_HS','location':'Canada', 'institution':'Chinook High School, Winston Churchill High School, Catholic Central High School, Lethbridge Collegiate InstituteChinook','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Cu Later: The Capture and Removal of Metal Ions from Solution Using Phage Capsid Display', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Tailings ponds enclose 176 square kilometers of oil extraction waste in Alberta. They pose a serious issue, as they contain toxic products such as heavy metals that negatively affect the environment. Due to the difficulty of its separation, the potentially useful metals present in these tailings ponds are rendered useless. However, our system of bacteria and bacteriophage demonstrates a possible solution. The target metal being copper, we will use a copper-binding protein on bacteriophage capsids to bind the copper. Then, elastin-like polymers attached between the copper binding proteins and the capsid proteins will be used for inducible precipitation, bringing the metals to the bottom of the solution and allowing them to be repurposed. Cu Later is an innovative project by turning the waste in oil sands into opportunity, in addition to cleaning up the environment.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Lethbridge_HS', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': 'Best Model', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Linkoping Sweden', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Linkoping_Sweden','location':'Sweden', 'institution':'Linkoping University','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'The Folding Factory', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'The expression of proteins in bacteria is a way to enable production of biofuels, large scale production in the pharmaceutical industry, and research. However, mass production of certain proteins in bacteria is hindered by protein size or the complex folding structure of proteins. Protein folding has been shown to be assisted by chaperones, a protein aiding the expression of other proteins in bacteria. We illustrate this by co-expression of GroES and proteins that are problematic to express in E-coli. GroES is mostly known as a co-chaperone, but some studies indicate that it has a folding property on its own. We have aimed at investigating this further in order to create a system for expressing proteins in bacteria. We hope that our findings will give insight into sustainable ways for industrial protein production.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Linkoping_Sweden', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Lubbock TTU', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Lubbock_TTU','location':'United States', 'institution':'Texas Tech University','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Expanding the Synthetic Biology Toolkit for Polyamine Production', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'The metabolic engineering of E. coli has significant potential to provide an accessible cellular factory for the in vivo production of essential chemicals during space exploration. Recognizing the versatility of using E. coli for bio-manufacturing during space travel, we investigate applications in polyamine production. In particular, a diamine known as putrescine with medicinal and materials applications. To expand on earlier improvements of the product yield for putrescine in E. coli, we explore modifying the W3110 strain of K-12 E. coli. Additionally, we explore the use of TX-TL cell-free synthetic biology to design transcription factor-based biosensors for the detection of improved putrescine yield and to monitor other small molecules of interest. With these strategies we hope to improve the yield of putrescine in E. coli and to expand the synthetic biology toolkit for metabolic engineering.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Lubbock_TTU', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Lund', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Lund','location':'Sweden', 'institution':'Lund University','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Using synthetic biology to increase recombinant protein yield via co-expression of Vitreoscilla hemoglobin', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'The use of Vitreoscilla hemoglobin (VHb) to increase recombinant protein yield via co-expression has been proven successful in various applications. However, recent studies have indicated that the success is largely dependent on the choice of associated expression system. While there are many ways of regulating VHb levels, there is to this end no simple nor standardized way of tuning the expression levels for a certain application. We present a set of inserts containing VHb expressed at various levels, created by utilizing the library of constitutive Anderson promoters. The effect on the cell growth was investigated by optical density measurements. The increase in recombinant protein yield was determined by co-expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and measuring fluorescence intensity by flow cytometry. Preliminary data suggest a positive correlation between VHb expression level and GFP fluorescence intensity. Further studies include expression under varying oxygen availability and expression of other target proteins.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Lund', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'LZU-CHINA', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:LZU-CHINA','location':'China', 'institution':'Lanzhou University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'New therapy for gastric cancer based on TIL cells-exosomes mechanism', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Gastric cancer is one of the most popular digestive malignant carcinomas in the world. Exosomes are cell-derived nanovesicles and act as vesicles for delivering micromolecular like miRNA. Here, we turn HEK 293 T cells and MGC803 cells into a manufacturing factory, massively producing exosomes with our target miRNA in it,whose function is related to reduce the viability of tumor cells.The three miRNA is obtained by bioinformation analysis.To be continued, considering the heterogeneity of tumor cells, we use inducible promoter to active three miRNAs separately. By changing the inducers concentration, we want to grope optimum functional concentration range of miRNAs. Finally, we hope that this system can be used in tumor infiltrating T cells. TIL is an inactive T lymphocyte in tumor tissue whose function is inhibited because of tumor microenvironment. If the TIL were armed with our controllable miRNAs, a new therapy for gastric cancer treatment would appeared.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=LZU-CHINA', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Therapeutics Project, Best Part Collection', 'awards':'Best New Composite Part', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Macquarie Australia', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Macquarie_Australia','location':'Australia', 'institution':'Macquarie University, Dept Mol.Sci','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Chlorophyll-induced Vesicles (ChiVes) for metabolic engineering and protein purification', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'Recombinant proteins have diverse and important therapeutic and industrial utility, at present their purification is costly, time and labour intensive. Our research simplifies this purification process by sequestering desired proteins into synthetic vesicles, allowing for bulk purification via an operationally simple centrifugation step. These synthetic vesicles have been engineered into the expression host E.Coli. As previously shown in plants and algae, vesicle formation occurs spontaneously in the presence of chlorophyll and the enzymes needed for its biosynthesis. Cells grown in the dark recruit phospholipids to form crystalline aggregates known as prolamellar bodies. Subsequent exposure of the cells to light results in the conversion of these aggregates to vesicles. By mimicking this natural process, our cells can be selectively induced to capture valuable recombinant products in easily isolable vesicles. Additionally, through computational modelling and our human practices customer discovery toolkit, we have validated the viability and potential impact of this research.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Macquarie_Australia', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Madrid-OLM', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Madrid-OLM','location':'Spain', 'institution':'Complutense University of Madrid','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Internet of BioThings', 'track':'Open', 'abstract':'Society demands a better understanding of its environment. We require information about our surroundings, from the traffic density to the temperature distribution in the city we live. Generating and interconnecting this big amount of data is what we call the Internet of Things (IoT). There is no standard way of taking biological measurements within the frame of traditional IoT (i.e. the concentration in the air of viruses, toxins, allergens, etc). It is due to the instability of the reactives, the complexity of automating the laboratory protocols and the need of highly sensitive devices. Additionally, the economic cost of biological devices is remarkably high in comparison to traditional IoT gadgets. And this feature is key, as it is mandatory to extract data from a huge number of nodes. Our project deals with this issue, bringing together microfluidics, aptamer-based sensors, an affordable electrochemical metrological system and a big ammount of love.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Madrid-OLM', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': 'Best Open Project', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Makerere University', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Makerere_University','location':'Uganda', 'institution':'Makerere University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Plastic biodegradation', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Plastics are waste products that pollutes the environment we live in more especially clogging the sewage system in urban centers and toxins from decomposed plastics are introduced into ecological systems that humans often manipulate for food. A biological approach to resolving this problem is favorable because of its practicality and efficiency. Ideonella sakaiensis is a bacteria that naturally decomposes polyethylene terephthalate, we have decided to genetically modify E. coli cells to model the plastic degradation process by adding the Lipase and Chlorogenate Esterase genes from Ideonella sakaiensis into E. coli bacterial cells.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Makerere_University', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Africa'}, {'team_name':'Manchester', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Manchester','location':'United Kingdom', 'institution':'University of Manchester','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Man-Cheester: Development of Listeria monocytogenes biosensor for use in cheese starter cultures.', 'track':'Food & Nutrition', 'abstract':'Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, food-borne bacterium, capable of causing the rare, but potentially fatal, disease listeriosis. L. monocytogenes can replicate at temperatures as low as 0°C, allowing it to survive in industrial and domestic refrigerators. L. monocytogenes is often found in soft cheeses, making many varieties of cheese unavailable to those who are immunosuppressed. Man-Cheester aims to introduce the agr quorum sensing system from L. monocytogenes into bacteria used in the cheese making process. On detection of AIP, a key quorum sensing molecule of L. monocytogenes, a colour change will occur, causing the cheese to turn purple and alerting the consumer to its contamination. Our concept could be further developed to include other sources of L. monocytogenes contamination, such as meats, vegetables or kitchen surfaces, to prevent as many cases of listeriosis as possible.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Manchester', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Marburg', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Marburg','location':'Germany', 'institution':'Philipps University Marburg','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Vibrigens - Accelerating Synbio: Establishing Vibrio natriegens as the new chassis organism for synthetic biology', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Waiting for cells to grow is an enormous time sink for synthetic biologists. Cloning cycles with the current standard, Escherichia coli, typically take up to three days. In our project Vibrigens - Accelerating Synbio, we established the tools to turn Vibrio natriegens into the next generation chassis for synthetic biology, ready to be used reliably. By taking advantage of its unbeaten doubling time of 7 minutes, we substantially reduced waiting time and made one-day-cloning a reality. We built and characterized a flexible golden-gate-based part collection, consisting of more than 100 parts, which enables the creation of complex pathways in a short amount of time. Our engineered V. natriegens strains VibriClone and VibriExpress are designed for cloning and protein expression applications, respectively. Moreover, we established the first synthetic metabolic pathway in this organism by producing the platform chemical 3-Hydroxypropionate and along the way developed an accelerated workflow for metabolic engineering.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Marburg', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Wiki, Best Presentation, Best Integrated Human Practices, Best Education & Public Engagement, Best Model, Best Measurement, Best New Basic Part, Best New Composite Part', 'awards':'Best Foundational Advance Project, Best Poster, Best Part Collection ', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'McGill', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:McGill','location':'Canada', 'institution':'McGill University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Synnotch and Tandem ScFv in Novel System Granting Multi-Specificity to Phagocytic Immune Cells in Cancer', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'The Notch family of proteins are kinetically activated cell surface receptors found in eukaryotes which can be modified to form synthetic notch (SynNotch) receptors. Our team has designed a gene construct activated by SynNotch to produce a downstream product of choice. Through the transfection of immune cells with our SynNotch system and tandem ScFVs antibodies specific for both SynNotch and a target of interest, one can target many different cancers with the same population of transfected cells. The system provides specificity to one population of cells through use of a single tandem ScFV, and multi-specificity through the use of multiple ScFVs. The downstream product is modular and can be switched to activate cytokine signaling, cytotoxic granule release, and other important cellular events. This system shows great promise as a flexible, cost-effective immunotherapy with the potential to treat a wide variety of cancers.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=McGill', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'McMaster', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:McMaster','location':'Canada', 'institution':'McMaster University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Investigating Mechanisms of Amyloid-beta Aggregation in Alzheimers Disease', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'Our proposed project seeks to investigate amyloid-beta aggregopathy in Alzheimers disease (AD) through an E.coli model system. We will generate a mutant library of the Amyloid Beta 1-42 (Aβ1-42) gene, to be recombinantly expressed in E.coli as part of a drop-out screen. Given that Aβ1-42 spontaneously aggregates into toxic plaques, we expect the dropout cultures to become enriched over time for Aβ1-42 gene variants correlated with a reduced capacity for aggregation. We will use next generation sequencing data from our initial and resulting mutant sequences to develop a model to identify key regions of the Aβ1-42 sequence crucial to plaque formation. This can contribute to future research by revealing plaque-forming Aβ mutations.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=McMaster', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'McMasterA', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:McMasterA','location':'Canada', 'institution':'McMaster University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'No title', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'No abstract', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=McMasterA', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Melbourne', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Melbourne','location':'Australia', 'institution':'The University of Melbourne','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Glutamate Biosensor', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Our proposed project is to create a glutamate biosensor. The proposed biosensor can be used to detect and give a fluorescent readout on the glutamate concentration level. The biosensor will be a circuit in Escherichia coli where fluorescent readout, via FRET, will correlate with the glutamate concentration. The signal will be detected using a calcium based fluorescent system. Our system uses a calcium channel that has a glutamate binding site which opens upon binding in our bacteria. Once the channel opens, the influx of calcium and the binding of calcium to our calmodulin-based fluorescent sensor. The calmodulin undergoes a conformational change into its active form, and will form a protein-protein interaction with M13 peptide, the calmodulin-binding domain of skeletal muscle myosin light chain kinase. On the ends of both protein will have an EGFP protein that will be in vicinity of each other to give a FRET signal.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Melbourne', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'METU HS Ankara', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:METU_HS_Ankara','location':'Turkey', 'institution':'METU Developmental Foundation High School','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'The Combination of FucO and GSH Stimulates Bioethanol Production from Lignocellulosic Biomass', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'As energy resources get scarce, bioethanol production from lignocellulosic waste looks like a great alternative in terms of high energy yield and eco-friendliness. Due to their highly complex and rigid structure, lignocellulosic wastes need to be pretreated before they can be fermented. The process causes toxic byproducts such as furfural and 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural that inhibit the ethanol production and growth rate of bacteria, E. coli ethanologenic strain KO11. By integrating GSH and FucO genes into KO11 bacteria, we aim to enhance bioethanol production. Since furfural and HMF act as thiol-reactive electrophiles, cellular glutathione levels get depleted in their presence, leading to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Thus, overexpression of GSH increases cellular growth rates and lifespan. On the other hand, the expression of fucO results in the formation of NADH dependent furfural oxidoreductase which degrades furfural into furfuryl alcohol resulting in a higher rate of growth and ethanol fermentation.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=METU_HS_Ankara', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': 'Best Wiki, Best New Basic Part, Best New Composite Part, Best Part Collection', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Michigan', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Michigan','location':'United States', 'institution':'Univ of Michigan','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'CRISPR Testing Model: Competitive Binding', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'The Cas9 enzyme has seen a rapid expansion of applications in the field of gene therapy. However, CRISPRs high frequency of off site targets can lead to undesired mutations, making it imperative that accuracy and efficiency be improved to be successful. Since modifications to minimize off-site targets are under development, it is important that there is a standardized model available on which these modifications and their binding patterns can be tested and compared. We designed a testing platform for comparing engineered Cas9 variants to the natural form through direct competition. Our model relies on competition between two Cas9s from Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus as a proof of concept in an assay termed Guardian/Assassin. This system can be used to expedite the design process of Cas9 systems and expand the Cas9 toolbox by allowing faster identification of efficiency within IGEM and throughout the scientific community.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Michigan', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'MichiganState', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:MichiganState','location':'United States', 'institution':'Michigan State University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'No title', 'track':'Food & Nutrition', 'abstract':'No abstract', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=MichiganState', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Mingdao', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Mingdao','location':'Taiwan', 'institution':'Mingdao High School','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Blood Pathogen Test for a Mosquito Bite', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Bloodborne and mosquito-borne diseases are common among humans. They are caused by pathogens in the blood such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, dengue viruses, HIV, etc. To detect these pathogens in the human bodies is difficult in areas with lacking resources such as healthcare workers and lab equipment. Whats more, patients infected with diseases like HIV may not be willing to let others to know. Therefore, a simple and self diagnostic device would greatly appeal to them. Team Mingdao is working on engineered mosquitoes to become a biosensor and blood drawer. We successfully demonstrated the experiment in the mosquito cells with the synthetic Toll signaling through antimicrobial peptide (AMP) reporter system to response the pathogens. Finally, to make this project to be usable in real life, we designed a portable mosquito cage as the size of a matchbox for use at home even without any professional instruction.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Mingdao', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best New Basic Part, Best Part Collection', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Minnesota', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Minnesota','location':'United States', 'institution':'University of Minnesota','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Self-Sustaining Engineered Bacteria for Mercury Bioremediation with Auxotrophic Based Biocontainment System', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'We have engineered mercury(II) ion auxotrophy, which is sensitive to the mercury(II) ion concentration. Cell proliferation will remain normal with the presence of mercury(II) and the auxotrophic attribute by mercury(II) concentration, at which become nonviable. This is achieved by inserting an plasmid vector into an existing auxotroph E. coli (strain JW3841-1), which has its GlnA gene (Glutamine synthetase) knocked out, leads to its inability to synthesize glutamine and constrains the E. colis proliferation. MerR is a mercury(II)-dependent transcriptional repressor-activator based on mercury(II) concentration. When mercury(II) is present, it activates the transcription of the mercury resistance protein complex and represses when absent. GlnA, MerR and MerA gene will be implanted into strain JW3841-1. MerR is activated by environmental mercury(II), glutamine synthetase will be produced for cell utilization. When the environmental mercury(II) is fully converted into mercury(0) by MerA (Reductase), the translation of glutamine synthetase will stop, which lead to bacterial death.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Minnesota', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Missouri Rolla', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Missouri_Rolla','location':'United States', 'institution':'Missouri S&T','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'BTree', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Since the year 2002, North American ash trees have been infected with and killed by an invasive beetle species known as Emerald Ash Borers (EAB). Current methods for prevention and treatment of EABs are too expensive and time consuming for large scale eradication. Our proposed long term solution is to develop Ash trees that are genetically resistant to EABs. From a known Bacillus thuringiensis Cry8Da protein, we hope to induce mutations in the proteins receptor binding regions to create a Bt toxin specific for EABs. After screening modified proteins, we will utilize leaf-specific expression of the Cry Toxin in Arabidopsis thaliana as our model system for Ash trees. This method will target EABs as they feed on ash leaves during adulthood. We hope to present this system for future development as a safe and effective alternative to current treatment methods used in affected areas.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Missouri_Rolla', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'MIT', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:MIT','location':'United States', 'institution':'Massachusetts Institute of Technolo','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Porting the ComCDE System of Streptococcus mutans into HEK Cells as a Potential Caries Treatment', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Cariogenesis is facilitated by the growth of dense, adherent biofilm on the surface of teeth. This process is largely initiated by Streptococcus mutans through quorum sensing, a process by which S. mutans release Competence Stimulating Peptide (CSP) to activate a two-component signaling system (ComCDE) in neighboring cells, leading to critical bacterial mass formation on the tooth surface. Here, we engineer mammalian cells to sense CSP and biofilm formation by incorporating the ComCDE system into Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) cells. In turn, our engineered HEK cells process the signal and actuate a response by secretion of kappa casein, a protein with known anti-biofilm activity. We envision these cells being administered through either an oral device worn overnight or as a cell therapy injected into patients gums by dental professionals. Ultimately, our system will allow cells in the oral cavity to automatically detect and combat cariogenesis, preventing the onset of dental caries.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=MIT', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Montpellier', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Montpellier','location':'France', 'institution':'Centre de Biochimie structurale','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Vagineering : A New Non Hormonal Contraception', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'Modern hormonal contraceptive methods have been revolutionary for women in developed countries; however, they still exhibit a variety of challenges. Developing countries lack consistent access, hormonal contraceptives can produce harmful environmental effects, and some women are unable use them due to health problems. The Vagineering project looks to solve these issues with a novel, non-hormonal method. Our team aims to engineer Lactobacillus jensenii, a bacterium from the vaginal flora, to produce two proteins to prevent unintentional pregnancy: antisperm antibodies that inhibit sperm motility and anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) that produce spermicidal effects. The goal is to create a lasting contraceptive using only bacteria, which can later be reversed by engineering the strain with a kill-switch. Additionally, our studies of this strain have produced a toolbox that will help other teams to further engineer this less-characterized bacterium.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Montpellier', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'Best Education & Public Engagement', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Munich', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Munich','location':'Germany', 'institution':'TU Munich','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Phactory', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'Antimicrobial resistance is a major emerging threat as reported by the WHO. Worldwide implementation of bacteriophage therapy, a 100-year old treatment employing the natural enemies of bacteria, is impeded by the lack of common manufacturing procedures which meet international quality and safety standards. Based on synthetic biology we created Phactory, a cell-free molecular assembly line for bacteriophages. We demonstrate expression of several phages including T7, MS2 and 3S at clinically relevant concentrations. Exploiting the open nature of cell-free systems, Phactory enables modular composition of bacteriophages with engineered proteins while remaining GMO-free. We developed a quality control structure utilizing state-of-the-art bioinformatics, as well as purification and encapsulation protocols. To expand our production variety while reducing cost, we optimized and engineered home-made E. Coli cell-extract. Compared to traditional manufacturing procedures, Phactory requires 2.5% of the production volume and demands no special biosafety regulations to yield bacteriophages ready for therapy.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Munich', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': 'Best Poster, Best Integrated Human Practices', 'awards':'Best Wiki, Best Presentation, Best Entrepreneurship, Best Software Tool', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Nanjing NFLS', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Nanjing_NFLS','location':'China', 'institution':'Southeast University','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'A telomerase and CRISPR-based gene therapy of cancer', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Telomerase is silent in most normal somatic cells while active in over 90% of cancers. Therefore, various telomerase activity inhibitors have been developed to treat cancers but all failed. In our project, we acted oppositely to develop a cancer gene therapy by utilizing the telomerase activity in cancer cells. We constructed a telomerase-activating gene expression system to induce cancer cell death. In this system, a vector ended with a telomerase-recognizable end can be elongated by telomerase, which will provide a telomeric repeat sequence that can be bound by a telomeric DNA-targeting dCas9-VP64-sgRNA. This binding will activate expression of an effector gene Cas9. The produced Cas9 protein can then be targeted to the telomeres of cancer cell chromosomes by a telomere-targeting sgRNA, which will produce the DNA damage and lead to cancer cell death. However, due to no telomerase activity, this system will not affect normal cells.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Nanjing_NFLS', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Nanjing-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Nanjing-China','location':'China', 'institution':'ICBMS, Nanjing University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Light-Driven Biohybrid Nitrogen Fixation Approach in E. coli Cells', 'track':'Energy', 'abstract':'Our team, Nanjing-China 2018, intends to establish a sound and ideal whole-cell photocatalytic nitrogen fixation system. We use the engineered E. coli cells to express nitrogenase and in-situ synthesize of CdS semiconductors in the biohybrid system. Instead of ATP-hydrolysis, such system is able to photocatalytic N2(nitrogen) to NH3(ammonia). The biohybrid system based on engineered E. coli cells with biosynthesis inorganic materials will likely become an alternative approach for the convenient utilization of solar energy.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Nanjing-China', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'NAU-CHINA', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NAU-CHINA','location':'China', 'institution':'Nanjing Agricultural University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'MOSFET', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor) is an essential component in both analog and digital circuits such as analog switches and micro-processors. Inspired by this idea, we built genetic circuit MOSFETs in animal T cells which is Monitoring and Operating System Founded on Engineered T cells. The upstream of this genetic circuit uses synNotch to transduce extracellular signals into cells. The concentration of signals corresponds to different threshold values, and the system can respond accordingly under different concentrations. We achieved some level of logical effects by applying recombinases reverse mechanism to ensure the uniqueness of downstream output. By using ODE and gillespie algorithms, we conducted validations on mathematical models. Using the concentration of cell surface antigen as gate signal, different recombinase and promoter to adjust threshold value, we conducted experiment validation to measure different promoters and recombinases response to signals.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NAU-CHINA', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Navarra BG', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Navarra_BG','location':'Spain', 'institution':'Navarra - planetaSTEMNavarra','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'BioGalaxy: a project to produce plant biofactories for an extra-terrestrial future', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'In this project we propose to develop a simple and cost-effective plant-based method for production and purification of recombinant proteins. The system is based on the production of plants transiently expressing a target protein (TP) fused to granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS). Tissues of GBSS:TP expressing plants will be milled in an aqueous buffer and the starch granules will be purified from plant tissue-derived impurities through a series of simple centrifugation and wash/elution steps allowing the starch granules to precipitate in a highly purified form. The GBSS:TP will be engineered to contain a unique cleavage site recognized by a specific protease, enabling the TP to be separated from the GBSS into the aqueous buffer, while the GBSS remains embedded the starch granule. Once treated with the protease, the starch granules will be removed by centrifugation while the highly purified cleaved TP can be further purified using conventional downstream processing.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Navarra_BG', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': 'Best Poster, Best Measurement', 'awards':'Best Plant Synthetic Biology', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'NAWI Graz', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NAWI_Graz','location':'Austria', 'institution':'University Graz','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'E. coLipid - The good kind of fat!', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'In the last decades, the palm oil industry increased on an extreme level and, because of great demand, it still does. The main products from the palm plant, palm oil and palm kernel oil, are not dispensable in today´s society. Because of their characteristic properties, they are widely used in food-, material-, beauty- and fuel industry. Palm kernel oil mainly consists out of saturated fatty acids, with Lauric acid (C12) as main component. This unique lipid pattern mainly differs from the palm oil itself. The aim of our project: We are working on a way to produce palm kernel oil using microorganisms, especially E.coli.The production of fatty acids and their esterification to triglycerides as energy storage is a natural process in all organisms. We make use of this natural way of synthesis by modifying the expression of fatty acids with appropriate carbohydrate chain length on a molecular level.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NAWI_Graz', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'NCHU Taichung', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NCHU_Taichung','location':'Taiwan', 'institution':'National Chung Hsing University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Engineered Endophyte-Assisted Phytoremediation', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'Endophyte can live inside the plants and work together with them without causing harm to the host plant. With the large and deep root system of plants, the endophyte can have further impact in soil. A serious case of soil contamination is dioxin pollution after the Vietnam War. Dioxin is a group of toxic compounds that accumulate in the environment and are difficult to break down naturally. Tackle with large area soil dioxin contamination is hard, since the most efficient way to clean up is burning, which is eco-unfriendly and costly. Our project combines phytoremediation and engineered endophyte to clean dioxin-contaminated soil. We engineered an endophyte with membrane transporter, dehalogenase and laccase to intake and break down dioxin, and created biobricks compatible shuttle vector that can express in a well-researched endophyte, Burkholderia phytofirmans. This platform can potentially apply to projects that related to or benefit from plant-microbe interaction.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NCHU_Taichung', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'NCKU Tainan', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NCKU_Tainan','location':'Taiwan', 'institution':'National Cheng Kung University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'One step closer towards a low carbon society', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Ever since the 90s when concern over the impact of carbon emission on our environment was first raised, global-wide efforts in reducing emission have been met with mixed results. Just 2017 alone the global emission level grew by 1.4%. This year, the 2018 iGEM NCKU Tainan team will design a device capable of piping CO2 and convert it into biomass via integrating a non-native Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle into E. coli using the RuBisCO and PRK genes from Synechococcus sp, which encode for major enzymes involved in carbon fixation. Industrial gases will enter a pipe (inlet) at the bottom of a bioreactor, flow through a ceramic nozzle and mix with E. coli-containing mixture which also consumes CO2. Of CO2urse is an alternative to utilize excess CO2. Our ultimate goal is to convert CO2 into useful bioproducts. It would be one step closer towards a low carbon society.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NCKU_Tainan', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Measurement, Best Product Design, Best Hardware', 'awards':'Best Environment Project, Best Presentation', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'NCTU Formosa', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NCTU_Formosa','location':'Taiwan', 'institution':'National Chiao Tung University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Plan(t) B', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Soil bacteria distribution is skewed by chemical fertilizers. These elements temporarily increase nutrients; however, they promote excessive growth of certain bacteria, such as phosphate solubilizing bacteria, damaging soil integrity. We developed a regulation system to manipulate soil microbiota, using bacteriocins as bio-stimulants to maintain nutrient levels while balancing bacterial ratios. First, we determine ideal levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for plant growth. After determining a volume of fertilizer, we use a nutrient-to-microbiota model that relates element levels to bacteria amounts to determine the distribution of bacteria after fertilization. We use our bacteriocin-effect-model to predict an ideal bacteriocin volume. A correlation model relates inhibition to changes in bacterial ratios. This system predicts the bacteriocin volume needed to prevent bacteria that thrive off chemical fertilizers from becoming too dominant. Our innovative system of regulating microbiotas using bio-stimulants is a long-term solution, balancing high productivity with environmental sustainability.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NCTU_Formosa', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': 'Best Presentation', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'NDC-HighRiverAB', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NDC-HighRiverAB','location':'Canada', 'institution':'Notre Dame Collegiate','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Escherichia coli transformed with EstA gene breaks ester bonds between fatty acids and 4-nitrophenol', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Through the use of an esterase gene, the engineered bacteria was constructed with the purpose of reducing the accumulation of solidified fat that holds non-biodegradable material together in sewer systems. With the use of DH5…ë Escherichia coli as the chassis, a plasmid was introduced containing a pLac promoter, and EstA gene. The EstA gene that is found in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa, was inserted in the plasmid with the intention of breaking apart ester bonds which connect the glycerol backbone to the fatty acid. To test the enzymes effectiveness, 4-nitrophenol joined to a short chain fatty acid by an ester bond was introduced to the bacteria sample. Once this ester bond is severed, the 4-nitrophenol compound turns green. Preliminary results have shown that the bacteria expressing EstA is capable of breaking the ester bonds within 4-nitrophenol constructs. In the future, our team hopes to achieve the same result with triglycerides.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NDC-HighRiverAB', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'NEFU China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NEFU_China','location':'China', 'institution':'Northeast Forestry University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Secured Message Transmission by Yeast: A multiple-level encrypted biosystem for information storage', 'track':'Information Processing', 'abstract':'In the modern world, most people recognize computers as device to store information, but deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA can do better. However, living organisms can also provide a superior camouflage for secret messages. The aim of our project is to develop a yeast-based encrypted system to transmit information between two parties. We convert messages into DNA sequences using a designated program or code book and integrate them into yeast genome. To comprehend the message, the receiver needs to successfully pass through multiple levels of encryption, including cracking a promoter lock by a specific small RNA, reuniting dispersed DNA segments separated by introns, retrieving message nucleotides by a specific primer set and decoding DNA sequence into readable sentences by a unique program. Additionally, a build-in suicide system will prevent the engineered yeast from being extensively propagated.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NEFU_China', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'Best Information Processing Project', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'NEU China A', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NEU_China_A','location':'China', 'institution':'Northeastern University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Engineered bacteria alleviate the inflammatory bowel disease and prevent colorectal cancer', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Nowadays, due to the popularity of fast food and unhealthy life style, the number of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rising in Asia. In addition, patients with IBD have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, NEU_China_A aims to design a biological system against IBD and potential CRC this year. To relieve the intestinal inflammation, we empowered our bacteria with an anti-inflammatory device, which includes a sensor to detect the inflammatory signal, a highly efficient enhancer and an effector to secrete interleukin ten (IL-10). Furthermore, we engineered our bacteria with myrosinase to turn the glucosinolates, a natural component of cruciferous vegetables, to sulphoraphane. Its an organic molecule with well-known anti-cancer activity. Integrating cruciferous vegetable diet with synthetic biology, we envision that the engineered bacteria will greatly help us to overcome the severe situation in the IBD patients gut.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NEU_China_A', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'NEU China B', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NEU_China_B','location':'China', 'institution':'Northeastern University','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Engineered E.coli L-Lactate Biosensor in food fermentation', 'track':'Food & Nutrition', 'abstract':'The role of L-lactate is not always beneficial for the yogurt fermentation due to excessive L-lactate can provide an optimized growth condition for yeast and mold. Therefore, it is important to detect the concentration of L-lactate. Acid-base titration is a common method for it, but this method is complicated and time-consuming. In order to monitor L-lactate quickly and conveniently, we designed a biosensor for detecting L-lactate concentration by using the lldPRD L-lactate operon and QS system in E. coli. One of these parts is able to induce the lldPRD genes expression, LuxS protein, in the presence of L-lactate. LuxS protein catalyzes the SAM cycle and produces a small signaling molecule AI-2 that motivates our second part promoter of LsrA&K to promote GFP expression. The optic fiber is able to detect the GFP signal and convert it into current. Simultaneously, the entire device container will be made by 3D printing.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NEU_China_B', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'New York City', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:New_York_City','location':'United States', 'institution':'Stuyvesant High School, Choate Rosemary Hall, Bronx Science High School, Horace Mann School, Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Testing the efficacy of mRNA displacement technique in huntingtin cell lines to treat Huntingtons Disease', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Huntingtons Disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant disorder that leads to the progressive degeneration of neurons in the brain, which currently has no cure. HD is typically adult-onset and is characterized by a variety of symptoms including memory loss, involuntary movements, poor coordination, and impaired decision-making. Mutation in the huntingtin (HTT) gene causes HD, specifically a trinucleotide repeat of CAG that is abnormally repeated over 40 times. The goal of our project was to test the effectiveness of the plasmid that we generated last year, which targets and blocks endogenous faulty mRNA and releases a corrected RNA strand for proper protein synthesis of the HTT gene. The efficacy of this plasmid was tested on huntingtin cell lines, specifically the HeLa/polyQ-mCFP cell line. The effectiveness of this treatment was tested by evaluating whether the quantity of mutated HTT protein decreases after transfecting cells with the engineered plasmid.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=New_York_City', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Newcastle', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Newcastle','location':'United Kingdom', 'institution':'Newcastle University','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Alternative Roots: Engineering Microbial Communities', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'The demand for food, fuel and materials is placing unprecedented pressure on agricultural production. To secure higher productivity, the sector relies upon synthetic fertilisers derived from energy intensive manufacturing methods. Here, we propose an alternative approach to support plant productivity. The Alternative Roots project investigated Pseudomonas fluorescens as a chassis organism. Development of a plant-colonising chassis provides novel mechanisms for soil microbiome manipulation without genetically modified crops. As proof of concept, we focus on improving nitrogen supply via naringenin biosynthesis - a potential chemoattractant of free-living, nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Legal and social considerations of the project drove the development of NH-1, a low-cost, small-scale and programmable hydroponic system. Tailored to overcome experimental limitations faced by many plant scientists, NH-1 provides improved reproducibility, coupled with high-throughput experimentation. This system enabled exploration of future deployment techniques within contained environments that may result in enhanced, sustainable crop productivity at a local and accessible level.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Newcastle', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Measurement', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'NJU-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NJU-China','location':'China', 'institution':'Nanjing University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Surf in the neuron: A new strategy to target the dendrites', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'With cell-type specific targeting exosomes expressing a special peptide on the exosomal membrane, we could deliver biological molecules to the neuronal cells. By this method, the localization of molecular cargos in the recipient cells is random and even. However, some molecules are localized at sub-cellular compartment naturally, like in neurons, several mRNAs are transported to the dendrites or axons. How to specifically deliver an exogenous mRNA to the neurites remains to be solved. We tested two cis-acting RNA elements (the 5’-UTRs of Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and the 3’-UTR of mouse β-Actin gene) to guide the mRNA. It turns out the shorter one, 5’-UTR of TBEV works better, and the 5’-UTR could be successfully applied to the AAV vector, carrying the mRNA into the neurites. Through our element, we could improve the targeting method to the sub-cellular level and provide new insights into future treatment of certain neuronal diseases.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NJU-China', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'NKU CHINA', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NKU_CHINA','location':'China', 'institution':'Nankai University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Population Quality Control system: a circuit for yield enhancement based on non-genetic variations', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'Biosynthesis enables renewable and environment-friendly production of various compounds. However, present biosynthetic performances still await improvements to be cost competitive with petroleum-based chemical synthesis and suitable for large-scale industrial production. In order to achieve this goal, many approaches have been created, among which the Population Quality Control ( PopQC ) system is proved efficient. In our project, a PopQC system was developed as a plasmid based gene circuit in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LL3 to continuously select high-performing cells in order to improve the yield of target metabolite, glutamate. In the presence of our PopQC system, high-producers stayed alive while low-producers were unable to survive. Consequently, the average intracellular concentration as well as the yield of glutamate among the population was enhanced, which finally led to the yield enhancement of poly-γ-glutamate, a high-value-added secondary metabolite.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NKU_CHINA', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best New Application Project, Best Model, Best New Basic Part, Best New Composite Part', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'NorthernBC-Canada', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NorthernBC-Canada','location':'Canada', 'institution':'UNBC','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'No title', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'No abstract', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NorthernBC-Canada', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Northwestern', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Northwestern','location':'United States', 'institution':'Northwestern University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'MetaSense: A heavy metal biosensor optimized for cell-free expression', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Water pollution has become a rising problem in Lake Michigan as more contaminants are accidentally or illegally dumped. However, very little is being done to raise citizen awareness or to combat the negative effects on the ecosystem. Thus, the goal of this project is to create a paper-based cell-free assay that detects whether chromium or lead is present in a given water supply. Cell free systems are ideal for heavy metal detection because they are field-deplorable, eliminate issues of biocontamination, and facilitate increased reaction control via the open reaction environment. For each metal, there are two plasmids; one that produces a repressor protein while the other constitutively produces GFP. With this combination, the repressor interferes with the production of GFP until the specified heavy metal is present, resulting in a fluorescent output. The benefit of creating an easy-to-use sensor is that it empowers everyday citizens to test their water quality.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Northwestern', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Nottingham', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Nottingham','location':'United Kingdom', 'institution':'University of Nottingham','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Clostridium dTox', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Clostridium difficile infections are the primary cause of healthcare associated diarrhea, with hypervirulent outbreaks becoming increasingly common across the globe. It is predicted that $6.3 billion is spent annually on treating C. difficile in the U.S alone. Patients who have undergone treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics are at a high risk of being infected by this opportunistic pathogen, because their native gut flora is more likely to exist in a dysbiotic state. Our project aims to engineer a lysogenic bacteriophage with genetic constructs that will suppress the toxin production in C. difficile. We will use two different strategies to achieve this: an antisense RNA system capable of inhibiting translation of toxin transcripts, and a dead Cas9 mechanism to impede transcription of the toxin genes. Ultimately, we intend to produce a novel phage therapy capable of reducing toxigenicity of resident C. difficile without affecting native gastrointestinal microbiota.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Nottingham', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best New Composite Part', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'NPU-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NPU-China','location':'China', 'institution':'Northwestern Polytechnical University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Design and Synthesis of the Minimal Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mitochondrial Genome', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Mitochondria harbor relatively independent genome, the uniqueness of which enables S.cerevisiae to be widely used in the study of mitochondrial loss and relevant diseases. The mitochondrial genome size varies prodigiously between different yeasts, positively correlated with the size of intergenic regions and introns. This year, we boldly try to design and synthesize a minimal S. cerevisiae mitochondrial genome from scratch (39k). We employed bioinformatics algorithms to analyze the function and conservation of various parts of the original mitochondrial genome, providing a criterion for determining the non-essential sequences that could be deleted. The complexity of the mitochondrial genome sequence, low GC content and the existence of local GC clusters make it difficult to synthesize the genome, which was solved by specialised separation, parameter optimization, etc. This genome will be transferred into S. cerevisiae cells that have lost mitochondria genome, verify their function, feed back the result and optimize our original design.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NPU-China', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'NTHU Formosa', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NTHU_Formosa','location':'Taiwan', 'institution':'National Tsing Hua University','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'BioWatcher_Autonomous cell reporter system for non-invasive real-time blood diagnosis', 'track':'Diagnostics', 'abstract':'Countless biomarkers exist in our blood flow, which could be applied to diagnose health condition or even potential diseases. Ensuring the accuracy, common ways for soluble biomarkers detection are mostly invasive and not real-time. Hence, we proposed Biowatcher, engineered reporter cells that enable detection and autonomous report of soluble biomarkers in the bloodstream. The sensing parts of the reporter cells are powered by nanobodies, the single-domain antibody that can be engineered to detect different biomarkers. Binding of biomarkers on nanobodies triggers cleavages and releases of transcriptional activators. Activating the expression of lux gene, in turn, induces bioluminescent emission as a readout for devices to detect. This kind of autonomous reporting system can have great varieties of applications by installation on wearable devices, watch for example. With the required software, the wearable devices could noninvasively track the level of biomarkers for real-time diagnosis.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NTHU_Formosa', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Diagnostics Project, Best Presentation', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'NTHU Taiwan', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NTHU_Taiwan','location':'Taiwan', 'institution':'National Tsing Hua University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Equivibrium', 'track':'Open', 'abstract':'The Vibrio-related infection of the aquatic animal leads to inestimable financial damage for aquaculture in Taiwan. Our goal is to design a regulatory system to replace the usage of antibiotics. Our engineered E. coli will detect AHL secreted by Vibrio and will trigger E. coli a to produce a peptide which can kill Vibrio. The killing genes are regulated by the STAR system, and we would like to let the system satisfy the succession model. Moreover, to verify our experiment, we design a bioreactor which is low-cost and is a real-time O.D. measuring device. It can track two engineered germs at the same time. Last but not least, because the current Vibrio detection methods are time-consuming, we aim to create a high-specificity Vibrio detecting device which collects the water sample automatically and periodically. And it would warn fisherman timely if the concentration beyond the standard value.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NTHU_Taiwan', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'NTNU Trondheim', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NTNU_Trondheim','location':'Norway', 'institution':'NTNU','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Quorum Sensing as a target mechanism for reducing biofilm formation', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Bacterial biofilm formation is a profound challenge in treating wounds, inserting prostheses in patients or on equipment in different production industries. Communication between bacteria and coordination of biofilm formation is mediated by the quorum sensing mechanism. Here we utilize a CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) system to inhibit Escherichia coli’s quorum sensing mechanism by knocking down the luxS gene. The luxS gene encodes the synthase “S-ribosylhomocysteine lysae”, which is responsible for synthesis of the Autoinducer-2 (AI-2) quorum sensing molecule. We implemented the CRISPRi system in E. coli DH5α and TG1 and measured the biofilm production by Crystal Violet assays. We were able to significantly reduce TG1’s biofilm formation, while DH5α showed results with high variability. Experimental approaches for reducing biofilm formation have the potential to illuminate unknown underlying processes in biofilm formation and possibly reveal treatments for the challenges that biofilms account for.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NTNU_Trondheim', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Measurement', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'NTU-Singapore', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NTU-Singapore','location':'Singapore', 'institution':'Nanyang Technological University','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'ModVision - A programmable nucleic acid modification and detection toolkit based on CRISPR/Cas systems', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Recently, different CRISPR/Cas systems have been engineered to perform base editing on both DNA and RNA. However, some critical shortcomings are hampering their applications. For example, these base editors are often too large to fit into common delivery vehicles. Additionally, no approach is available to enable fast screening of specific RNA modifications. To tackle the size issue, we developed novel compact Cas9 protein scaffolds that, when fused to deaminase domains, will be both small enough to fit into delivery vehicles and only exhibit sufficient editing activity for downstream therapeutic applications. With our human practice, similar efforts were made on analogous RNA modifications using the Cas13 protein family. To tackle the second issue, we aimed to directly detect nucleotide modifications in the transcriptome using nanopore sequencing. We synthesised and sequenced unmodified and modified RNAs with the nanopore sequencer to develop different machine learning models that reliably identify positions of base modifications.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NTU-Singapore', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Foundational Advance Project, Best New Basic Part, Best New Basic Part', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'NU Kazakhstan', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NU_Kazakhstan','location':'Kazahkstan', 'institution':'Nazarbayev Universitet','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'From a Dangerous Waste to Functional Nanomaterials: Bioremediation of Sour Crude Oil Waste using Cyanobacteria', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Accumulation of a hydrogen sulfide as a consequence of sulfur-containing sour oil refinement can be dangerous. H2S damages the drilling equipment and causes corrosion of transporting pipelines. We use Cyanobacteria as a chassis since the organism is autotrophic. We designed a Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 that expresses Sulfide Quinone Reductase (SQR) that catalyzes sulfide-dependent plastoquinone reduction in anaerobic conditions, while photosystem II stays inhibited due to sulfide being present. SQR converts Sulfide to elemental Sulfur which is stored in the bacteria and accumulates in the Biomass. The electron flow in this modified Photosynthetic Electron Transport Chain goes to a transgenic Hydrogenase making use of the existing anoxygenic conditions due to sulfide presence. The Biomass is finally converted to functional materials used for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells in accordance with a newly developed method in our laboratory.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NU_Kazakhstan', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Environment Project', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'NUDT CHINA', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NUDT_CHINA','location':'China', 'institution':'National University of Defense Technology','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'PR PREDATOR-An improved protein degradation method based on ectopic expression of TRIM21 and recombinant antibody', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'TRIM-AWAY, through introducing antibody and Trim21 protein into cells by microinjection or electroporation, represents a novel strategy which could rapidly remove unmodified native proteins in diverse cell types. However, the high complexity and low efficiency limited its application. Through combining TRIM-AWAY and ectopic expression of recombinant antibodies, we developed PR PREDATOR, a robust tool for degrading endogenous proteins in mammalian cells. Basically, parts for expression of Trim21 and recombinant antibodies were constructed and inserted in one single vector to realize the P2A-mediated bicistronic expression. GFP and ErbB-3, a member of the receptor tyrosine-protein kinases highly involved in the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells, were chosen as targets of PR PREDATOR for the proof of concept and further demonstration of our design respectively. Our PR PREDATOR method shall provide not only novel tools for protein function study but also brand-new options for treating disease caused by aberrant protein aggregations.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NUDT_CHINA', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'NUS Singapore-A', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NUS_Singapore-A','location':'Singapore', 'institution':'National University of Singapore','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Eco-friendly Bio-manufacturing of Flavonoid Dyes in Escherichia coli via Computer-mediated Optogenetic Regulation', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'Natural dyes are increasingly considered as an eco-friendly solution to the serious water pollution generated by the textile and dye industries. Traditional production of natural dyes from plants heavily exhausts land and labour. While bio-manufacturing is an attractive alternative, it remains costly and chemically-intensive. We aim to develop a new bio-manufacturing method of producing flavonoids in E. coli for use as natural dyes. To eliminate the use of expensive chemical inducers to switch from growth to production phase and allow dynamic gene regulation, we designed an optogenetic circuit using a blue light repressible promoter for flavonoid biosynthesis. As it is critical to monitor cellular metabolic burden for efficient production, we introduced a stress-sensing fluorescence reporter. To optimize operations, a computer-aided system was developed to regulate gene expression using light according to the feedback from the stress sensor. To demonstrate this approach, we produced Luteolin, a natural yellow dye.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NUS_Singapore-A', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Manufacturing Project, Best Hardware', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'NUS Singapore-Sci', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NUS_Singapore-Sci','location':'Singapore', 'institution':'National University of Singapore','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'RESCUE - RNA Editing System for C-to-U Editing', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Since the discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9, researchers now have a tool for precise gene targeting in any living organism. However, there remain concerns about whether such DNA editing methods are ethical, specific and safe, especially if editing is carried out in somatic cells. Recent work has shown that another Cas family protein, Cas13, can target and degrade specific RNA transcripts, thus effectively silencing target gene expression. The targeting of RNA strands has many advantages over DNA, as any changes are not permanent and its effect is transient. Our project aims to extend the application of CRISPR-Cas13 guided RNA targeting system for editing specific RNA bases on RNA strand (RESCUE system). Cas13 is linked to the catalytic domain of APOBEC1, an enzyme that can carry out RNA base modification. Our RESCUE system can diversify the current repertoire of RNA editing methods available.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NUS_Singapore-Sci', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'NWU-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NWU-China','location':'China', 'institution':'Northwest University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'No title', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'No abstract', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NWU-China', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'NYMU-Taipei', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NYMU-Taipei','location':'Taiwan', 'institution':'National Yang Ming University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Hair to Stay - a Drug Screening System for Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA)', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'Hair is one of the first noticeable aspects of our beauty and it reflects our identity. This year, the NYMU iGEM team aims to introduce a quick and convenient drug-screening platform to determine the effectiveness of hair loss product without animal or human testing. The cause of AGA is believed to be highly related to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone that can possibly trigger the production of DKK-1 protein. DKK-1 protein can possibly inhibit the growth of root sheath cells in hair follicles and eventually lead to hair loss. The system that our team designed demonstrates a convenient platform to measure the amount of secreted DKK-1 protein, which provides a novel method for the screening of AGA drugs.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NYMU-Taipei', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best New Application Project', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'NYU Abu Dhabi', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:NYU_Abu_Dhabi','location':'United Arab Emirates', 'institution':'New York University Abu Dhabi','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Pathogene: A portable, low-cost, microfluidic lab-on-a-chip based device for rapid detection of multiple foodborne pathogens', 'track':'Diagnostics', 'abstract':'Despite regulations in place to ensure the distribution of safe food, foodborne diseases (FBDs) remain a global concern. To address the worldwide challenge of FBDs, we have devised a customizable device for the simultaneous detection of multiple food-borne pathogens (FBPs). The device detects specific DNA sequences associated with four FBPs: Campylobacter, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and Vibrio cholerae using the isothermal amplification techniques: recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). The use of isothermal techniques allows the device to be more portable and cost-effective compared to conventional PCR systems, while the use of microfluidics allows for multiplexing and rapid high-throughput screening. The parameters of the device such as the number of pathogens, and amplification and detection methods can be customized as required. This novel lab-on-a-chip based device is rapid, portable, affordable, sensitive, specific, and customizable, making it ideal for resource-limited settings and point-of-care testing.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=NYU_Abu_Dhabi', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Diagnostics Project', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'OLS Canmore Canada', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:OLS_Canmore_Canada','location':'Canada', 'institution':'Our Lady of the Snows','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'The PET Peeve Project: Bio-tagging PET Plastic for Efficient Sorting and Recycling', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'The accumulation of plastic pollution has spurred a global crisis. Looking for a solution, the OLS SynBio team discovered that the issue is not the recycling of plastic, but instead the inefficient sorting of plastics. The project uses synthetic biology to create a novel fusion protein that can specifically bio-tag polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, so it can be sorted and recycled correctly. The project involves two proteins, PET hydrolase (PETase) and a hydrophobin called BsIA, that are produced via a bacterial chassis called Bacillus subtilis. The PETase enzyme binds to PET and is fused to a red fluorescent protein called mCherry, visually indicating when the adhesion occurs. The hydrophobin is water-fearing and will help to bind the PETase to PET plastic. So far, transformations of Bacillus subtilis using the construct have been successful, and real-world applications of the project look promising.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=OLS_Canmore_Canada', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'OUC-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:OUC-China','location':'China', 'institution':'Science Museum No.105','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'miniToe Family- A Controllable Toolkit Based on Csy4', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'This year, we design a toolkit focused on post-transcriptional regulation, which is composed of a RNA endoribonuclease (Csy4) and a RNA module named miniToe. Csy4 (Csy6f), a member of CRISPR family, recognizes a specific 22nt hairpin. The RNA module was constructed by inserting the 22nt Csy4 recognition site between a RBS and cis-repressive RNA element, which can be specifically cleaved upon Csy4 expression, so the RBS is usually masked. Cleaved at the specific recognition site, it can release the masked RBS, thus endowing the programming of gene expression in the translation level with higher feasibility. We want to use one system to achieve diverse expression of target gene. So we further design four Csy4 mutants and five miniToe mutants. The whole system including five Csy4s and six miniToes is called miniToe family. By combining each Csy4 and hairpin, we can achieve different expression level of the target proteins in a polycistron.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=OUC-China', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best New Basic Part', 'awards':'Best Foundational Advance Project', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Oxford', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Oxford','location':'United Kingdom', 'institution':'Univeristy of Oxford','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'miBiome: Treatment of IBD with Genetically Engineered Probiotics', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is characterised by chronic inflammation of the intestine. The condition is associated with an imbalance in immune cell populations, notably Th17 and Treg. Existing immunosuppressive therapies, when successful, often elicit systemic side effects and require frequent readministration. Our solution is to develop a probiotic strain that restores the Th17/Treg cell balance via secretion of IL-10 in response to nitric oxide in the intestinal lumen. Overshoot is prevented by an adenine riboswitch-sRNA construct which responds to extracellular adenosine, an indicator of the Treg cell population. Integration of separate stimuli in a dual feedback loop enables a more dynamic, robust response to the immune state of the body. Various features have been incorporated to maximise biological safety, including an inducible kill switch system. We believe our design offers a non-invasive, self-tuning therapeutic for IBD, with potential to replace conventional immunosuppressants in the treatment of gastrointestinal autoimmune disorders.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Oxford', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Wiki, Best Integrated Human Practices, Best Entrepreneurship', 'awards':'Best Therapeutics Project', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Paris Bettencourt', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Paris_Bettencourt','location':'France', 'institution':'CRI Paris','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'STAR CORES: Protein scaffolds for star-shaped antimicrobial peptides', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Antibiotic overuse in livestock industry is one of the major drivers to the antibiotic resistance evolution; motivating calls to reduce, replace, and re-think the antibiotic usage in animals. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics. Recently, a class of chemically-synthesized, star-shaped AMPs has been shown to exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity while maintaining biocompatibility with mammalian cells. In this project, we combinatorially fused a set of known AMPs to structurally diverse, self-assembling protein cores to produce star-shaped complexes. Over 200 fusions were designed and expressed in a cell-free system, then screened for activity, biocompatibility, and membrane selectivity. In addition, we selected 4 AMPs for rational mutagenesis (~12000 variants), and a subset of fusions for molecular dynamic modeling, to identify features of surface charge and star geometry that impact AMP performance. Overall, we aim to create a novel class of selective, non-toxic AMPs which are biologically-produced.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Paris_Bettencourt', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Software Tool, Best New Composite Part', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Pasteur Paris', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Pasteur_Paris','location':'France', 'institution':'Institut Pasteur','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'NeuronArch: the novel connecting and protecting biofilm based system for prostheses', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'In the future, a long due consideration and an easier access to healthcare will be given to people with disabilities. Presently, some prostheses allow amputees to perform simple actions but without a direct connection between the nerves and the prosthesis. Furthermore, a major health risk is the development of pathogenic communities of microorganisms in structures called biofilms. Strong treatments with antibiotics, or even surgical reinterventions are then required. They represent a heavy burden for both the patient and the healthcare system. We imagined NeuronArch as a novel application that subverts potential pathogenic biofilms using an engineered one. This interface produces substances called neurotrophins (NGF), for directed and controlled growth of nerves. Using a conductive membrane, it will also allow passing of information and enhancement of the electrical properties. Altogether, these improvements would enable patients to regain natural perceptions and prevent the formation of Staphylococcus aureus biofilms by blocking quorum sensing.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Pasteur_Paris', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Product Design', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Peking', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Peking','location':'China', 'institution':'Peking University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Synthetic organelle: A phase-separation-based multifunctional toolbox', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Membrane-less organelles are involved in many essential biological processes. In order to orchestrate various cellular regulation using a single platform and to make the response dynamics more flexible, we put forward the idea to construct a synthetic membrane-less organelle as a multifunctional toolbox in yeast. In this case, certain components are self-organized to form liquid droplets through phase separation, which require multivalence and interaction as prerequisites. Based on this principle, we fused interactional modules into homo-oligometric tags (HOTags) to form droplets in the yeast. Various interactional modules provide diverse control methods while different promoters alter the features and kinetics of our systems. Beyond quantitative analysis of the foundational system, we verified the feasibility of several potential functions theoretically and experimentally, including reaction crucible, sequestration, organization hub, sensor, etc. In the future, by replacing functional modules with other parts, this system would conduct functions not included in the current project.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Peking', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Foundational Advance Project, Best New Composite Part, Best Part Collection', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Pittsburgh', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Pittsburgh','location':'United States', 'institution':'University of Pittsburgh','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Chronological Event Recording of Stimuli using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Base Editing‚Ä®', 'track':'Information Processing', 'abstract':'The ability to measure and record molecular signals in a cell is critical. Current systems are limited in that they can only take a snapshot of the environment, preventing scientists from understanding event order. Previously systems have utilized a CRISPR/Cas9 base editor complex (BE), which can record information in DNA by producing permanent single nucleotide changes; however, recording capability was limited to logging an average concentration of stimuli over a period of time. Our system builds upon these foundations by designing a method of true chronological event recording. By introducing recording plasmids with repeating units of DNA and multiple gRNA to direct our base editor construct, we can achieve true temporal resolution of stimuli. Furthermore, we simplified the readout, so inexpensive laboratory equipment can be used. This technique will provide an understanding of the order in which molecules and proteins appear in systems, illuminating the hidden, casual relationships.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Pittsburgh', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Pittsburgh CSL', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Pittsburgh_CSL','location':'United States', 'institution':'Westinghouse Academy, Oakland Catholic High School, Holy Family Academy, Pittsburgh Science & Technology Academy, Serra Catholic','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Energy on Demand from Symbiotic Microbial Fuel Cells', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'The burning of fossil fuels generates greenhouse gases that damage the atmosphere and impacts the global environment. Energy from sustainable sources such as wind and solar is difficult to store for times when no wind is blowing or no sun is shining. The purpose of this project is to show a possible symbiotic relationship between Shewanella oneidensis and E.coli to generate energy. This allows the use of energy in a eco friendly way. In order to build a sustainable energy source for energy on demand we created a system using living organisms. E.coli was engineered to synthesize lactate which will then be used to feed a Shewanella biofilm. Shewanella oneidensis is a bacterium notable for its ability to reduce metal ions, live in environments with or without oxygen and when incorporated into a microbial fuel cell produced voltage. Results of co-culture experiments to test the symbiotic relationship will be presented.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Pittsburgh_CSL', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Purdue', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Purdue','location':'United States', 'institution':'Purdue University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'A Novel Paper-Based Diagnostic Assay For The Detection of Candida Albicans', 'track':'Diagnostics', 'abstract':'The common yeast infection, vulvovaginal candidiasis, affects 75% of women throughout their lifetime. This disease is caused by the fungal pathogen Candida albicans, which is also a major cause of systemic candidiasis, a rarer but deadly disease with up to a 49% lethality rate. Existing diagnostics for both infection types are lacking in accessibility, speed, or accuracy ¬ñ far from the ideal test. This project focuses on creating such a test by detecting farnesol and tyrosol, biomarkers indicative of C. albicans, by binding them to the split proteins pqsR and tyrosinase. Upon binding, a split horseradish peroxidase catalyzes and produces a blue color on a paper test strip by oxidizing the substrate tetramethylbenzidine. This test will produce a colorimetric output for a simple-to-understand diagnosis without any infrastructure. It also may provide an easy and cheap way to diagnose candidiasis worldwide, reducing antifungal abuse.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Purdue', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Queens Canada', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Queens_Canada','location':'Canada', 'institution':'Queens University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'In The Glow: Luminescent Biosensors for Hormone Detection and Diagnosis', 'track':'Diagnostics', 'abstract':'This years project has focused on the production of protein biosensors for detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of salivary hormones. We have taken two approaches to our design process. Firstly, we constructed a reagent-less, and continuous glucocorticoid sensor which utilizes changes in Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer to detect hormones. Secondly, we have begun developing a novel, and easy to use biosensor which utilizes ligand-dependent intein splicing to produce a luminescent signal. The resulting signal could then be quantified, providing a dose-dependent measurement of analytes. In addition to our laboratory work, we have constructed a complimentary diagnostic pacifier featuring a built in luminometer, allowing for the potential to passively collect, and analyze saliva in a portable and non-invasive fashion. In practice, a child would use the pacifier as normal, and the babys salivary hormones would be collected, analyzed, and wirelessly transmitted to the parent or a healthcare professional through a smartphone application.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Queens_Canada', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Diagnostics Project, Best Presentation, Best Poster, Best Entrepreneurship, Best Product Design', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'RDFZ-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:RDFZ-China','location':'China', 'institution':'RDFZ','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Xscape', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Biosafety has always been a major challenge. Leakage of recombinant DNA to the environment may cause undesirable environmental consequences. Aiming to solve this urgent issue, we constructed three devices: two for industrial fermentors, and one for drug delivery bacteria. The first device for use in fermentors utilized thermal-sensitive and quorum system sensors, PhlF and sRNA as logic gate components, and DNase as actuator, forming a NOR gate; the second used a cold-regulated device and a LuxR-repressed promoter as sensors, forming an AND gate. Both devices will self-induce DNA degradation if recombinant bacteria are accidentally leaked into environment. Moreover, with multiple thermal-sensitive devices and gas vesicles, we could perform noninvasive monitoring of the bacteria, drug release by heating tissue at the nidus, and initiation of DNA degradation by applying a higher temperature. For human practice, we mainly focused on current biosafety issues, including biohackers, sales of hazardous materials and local laws.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=RDFZ-China', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'REC-CHENNAI', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:REC-CHENNAI','location':'India', 'institution':'Rajalakshmi Engineering College','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'FLUOROSCREEN', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'With the ever-growing demand for designing proteins with better sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and affinity, oligo-based site-directed mutagenesis has become instrumental and indispensable in Genetic Engineering. The conventional method is considered cumbersome, for it relies on replica-plating to screen the mutants based on the reversal in resistance and sensitivity to two antibiotics: Tetracycline and Ampicillin respectively. It also necessitates sub-cloning the mutated gene in an expression vector to ultimately express the mutant-protein. Our orthogonal system facilitates fluorescence-based screening of mutants, using a novel Red-Green Dual-Fluorescent GFP-mutant. While point-mutating the gene-of-interest, introducing a single point-mutation in the coding sequence of this GFP-mutant codes for its Green-Only isoform. The loss of red fluorescence in the transformed colonies is indicative of successful mutagenesis. Apart from simplifying the screening method, this system facilitates the mutagenesis of the target-gene and expression of the mutated-gene using a single plasmid, thus eliminating the need for sub-cloning.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=REC-CHENNAI', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Rheda Bielefeld', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Rheda_Bielefeld','location':'Germany', 'institution':'Bielefeld University, CeBiTec','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Interpoll-Scanning the air for pollen', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'A great percentage of Earths population is allergic to specific substances. Approximately 20 million people living in Germany are allergic to different plants, animals and much more, but about half of them are allergic to pollen. We want to help these people suffering from an allergy to pollen by advising them which dose of medicine is necessary for every day. Although there is already useful medicine, we are convinced that we can optimize the use of such medicine and reduce the exposure to unnecessary drugs which have negative side effects like lowering the personal performance capacity, becoming tired and many others. Therefore we use a DNA-based method using pectinase and cellulase to open the pollen and isolates their DNA. This DNA will be used for a PCR with specific primers against the birch allergen Bet. By hereby identifying pollen we aim to measure the current pollen exposure in the air.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Rheda_Bielefeld', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'RHIT', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:RHIT','location':'United States', 'institution':'Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'PEBBLE - Modifying Escherichia coli to Degrade and Metabolize Polyethylene Terephthalate Plastic into Usable Products', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'A recently discovered bacteria, Ideonella sakaiensis, degrades polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic into ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid using the enzymes PETase and MHETase. As genetic engineering methods have not been well-developed for this organism, we are engineering this pathway into Escherichia coli, a model organism. Other researchers have mutated PETases active site to increase its substrate turnover. We are cloning the DNA sequences of these mutated enzymes into an E. coli plasmid and developing a second plasmid to overexpress the native E.coli enzymes for ethylene glycol metabolism. With both plasmids, the transformed bacteria should be able to survive solely off the PET carbon. The only byproduct would be terephthalic acid, a precipitate which can be recycled into new plastic. Computer simulations of the pathway gave us predictive degradation rates at optimum conditions. Implementation of these bacteria in the future could address the concern of plastic build-up in our world.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=RHIT', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Rice', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Rice','location':'United States', 'institution':'Rice University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'PORTAL: A Portable Transcription-Translation System to Improve Cross-Species Genetic Circuit Reliability', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'The unique properties of non-model bacteria can expand the applications of synthetic biology. However, currently there are few reliable tools for engineering non-model bacteria. A central obstacle to the development of such tools is the dependence of circuit expression on host machinery. To address this problem, we developed PORTAL, a system which uses T7 transcription and orthogonal ribosomes to insulate the circuit from host processes. We characterized PORTAL in four E. coli strains, Shewanella oneidensis, and Pseudomonas putida, comparing PORTAL-driven and host-driven expression of a reporter. To design orthogonal ribosomes, we created software that analyzes binding energies of 16S rRNA and determines the optimal orthogonality-promoting anti-Shine-Dalgarno mutations. We created a model that simulates the performance of PORTAL and shows that the system is minimally sensitive to metabolic differences. PORTAL presents a tunable virtual machine to facilitate insulated synthetic gene circuit expression in non-model bacteria.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Rice', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Foundational Advance Project, Best Education & Public Engagement', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'RMHS Maryland', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:RMHS_Maryland','location':'United States', 'institution':'Richard Montgomery High School','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Conversensations: Developing a Two-Way Quorum-Sensing Feedback Loop and Characterizing Dose-Dependent Sensitivity to Realistic Autoinducer Concentrations', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Quorum sensing, a form of bacterial cell-to-cell communication reflecting cell population fluctuations, can be adapted to facilitate multi-population collaboration. Our project combines two different QS systems to create a novel feedback loop in an E.coli co-culture, where each population synthesizes a different fluorescent protein in response to the other populations autoinducer production. Population A is a LuxS knockout that produces AI-1 and RFP in response to AI-2, while Population B secretes a constant level of AI-2 and expresses GFP in response to AI-1. In co-culture, each population induced fluorescence in the other, indicating a successful two-way quorum sensing system. In the process, we also generated novel characterization data for two Biobricks, demonstrating for the first time that BBa_K575024 exhibits minimal leaky expression and is dose-dependent over a range of realistic AI-1 concentrations (5-1000 nM). We also provide the first evidence that BBa_K575026 is induced by AI-1.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=RMHS_Maryland', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Rotterdam HR', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Rotterdam_HR','location':'Netherlands', 'institution':'Rotterdam University of Applied Sci','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Selective carbon monoxide detection using the CO binding receptor protein CooA in E. coli.', 'track':'Open', 'abstract':'Modified bacteria that are present in our product contain the CooA receptor gene which codes for the synthesis of a receptor protein named CooA. This CooA receptor can bind with the carbon monoxide derived from the polluted environment. The binding of the CooA receptor with carbon monoxide results in a change of the protein structure. Due to the changed structure, the CooA protein will be able to bind to a CooA sensitive promoter on the bacterial DNA. The binding of the CooA receptor with the promoter enables the synthesis of the enzyme urease. Accordingly, the formed urease converts the urea which is present in the medium into CO2. The released CO2 gas in the medium will be collected. When a certain threshold is reached in the amount of produced gas an increase in the resistance between two electrodes will occur. Finally, the detected change in resistance will activate the alarm.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Rotterdam_HR', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Ruia-Mumbai', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Ruia-Mumbai','location':'India', 'institution':'Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Catechewing Coli: The Paan Stain Redemption', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Indiscriminate spitting of red-colored catechu (Paan-) based products is a common practice in India. Paan stains tarnish public places and historical monuments in the country. Although a considerable amount of resources are invested in cleaning these stubborn red-stains, existing methods are ineffective in removing them. Our team designed a dual-component ecologically contained system that will remove these stains more efficiently. The first module employs a four-enzyme system that breaks down the stains into non-toxic byproducts in a targeted manner. The second module interfaces with this degradation system to trigger the destruction of the systems DNA from the environment as a safety measure after the stain-fighting enzymes have been produced. Given the enormity of this social issue, we take a holistic approach to actively engage our community and learn from industry experts, users, cleaners, and policy makers how to effectively remove existing stains as well as prevent new ones.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Ruia-Mumbai', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Environment Project, Best Presentation', 'awards':'Best Integrated Human Practices', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Saint Joseph', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Saint_Joseph','location':'Turkey', 'institution':'St. Joseph High School','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'RAFI - Revolutionary Approach To Fish Infections', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'For years, fish industry has been one of the most important economic resources. However , humans were not the only ones consuming this resource; some aquatic bacteria such as Vibrio anguillarum and many other bacteria species have evolved to prey on fish. This has caused huge economic losses in various countries fish industries. Humans responded to this problem by applying antibiotics, to which bacteria easily developed resistance. Another solution applied was vaccinations but they were ineffective for fish larvae .Thats why we need to find an effective solution that can adapt to its ever changing environment. For this we aim to use bacteriophages as a specialized lytic agent to eliminate fish pathogen. Due to resistant nature of bacteria we will support our bacteriophages with an antimicrobial peptide in a recombinant therapy where we will observe any potential synergy against Vibrio anguillarum. We will execute our experiments in in-vitro environments .', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Saint_Joseph', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'SBS SH 112144', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SBS_SH_112144','location':'China', 'institution':'The Stony Brook School, He County First Middle School','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'The lysis of Cyanobacteria in freshwater ecosystem using Cyanophage lysozyme and its commercial implications', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'The rampant growth of cyanobacteria in freshwater ecosystem has become more than an environmental issue. Their incredible ability to multiply and voracious consumption of oxygen often make them a disturbing factor to natural systems. Although effective ways to gather and salvage cyanobacteria have been developed, there are barely any success in decomposing these bacteria. Through background research, our team identified a cyanophage lysozyme, cp-OS lysozyme 1. Alone with other chemicals such as BugBuster, this lysozyme in small reaction systems could lyse the cyanobacteria effectively. Through molecular cloning, protein expression, and the subsequent purification, we were able to acquire the recombinant protein from E. coli cells, and we evaluated its enzymatic activity under different pH and temperatures. We also designed a prototype device in which immobilized lysozyme can be used to lyse cyanobacteria repeatedly. Our research lays foundation for the utilization of cyanobacteria components in agricultural, bioenergetic, and even medical fields.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SBS_SH_112144', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'SCAU-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SCAU-China','location':'China', 'institution':'South China Agricultural University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Desertification combating strategy: bacterial cellulose biosynthesis in desert surviving cyanobacteria', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'Desertification is becoming a serious global problem. Great efforts have been put into the desertification control by introducing various methods. Here, we take advantage of using genetic engineering and synthetic biology as powerful tools to propose a new strategy for the densification control. We use Acetobacter xylinus which is a model bacterium for producing cellulose. Its cellulose can be used for water conserving both soil and moisture. On the other hand, Microcolus vaginatus is a dry land living cyanobacteria which is an ideal bioreactor for producing bacterial cellulose. We cloned seven key genes that are critically required for bacterial cellulose synthesis from Acetobacter xylinus and expressed them in cyanobacteria. Additionally, we employed computer modeling and prediction to optimized the production of cellulose. Finally, we successfully achieved the cellulose production from the transgenic cyanobacteria and its cultivation on sands. Together, we have developed a new and low-cost method for desertification control.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SCAU-China', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'SCU-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SCU-China','location':'China', 'institution':'Sichuan University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'CRISProgrammer', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Inspired by the modularization, call-and-return and do-not-reinvent-the-wheel philosophy in computer programming, we came up with the idea of using the dCas9 to manipulate the expression of proteins and to implement complex logic in E. coli. Ideally, we would like to generate a versatile Library strain containing the CDS of commonly used proteins. Individuals would simply transform a much smaller Minimid which contains specific sgRNAs targeting the sequence of desired proteins into the Library strain, then the dCas9-sgRNA complex can control the expression. To show the practicality of the design, we tested the system in E. coli by using a series of simple logic circuits based on dCas9-sgRNA complex, with fluorescent proteins as reporters. We also thought about the further application of our design in the synthesis of indigo and try to modularize two enzymes that participated. This project will contribute to the construction of engineered bacteria and green manufacturing.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SCU-China', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'SCUT ChinaB', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SCUT_ChinaB','location':'China', 'institution':'South China University of Technolog','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Plastic Killer - Engineered corynebacterium glutamicum that degrade plastics', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'In recent years, the problem of plastic pollution has attracted more and more attention because of its huge amount and ubiquity. Meanwhile, traditional PET treatment methods have problems such as high cost, insufficient degradation, and secondary pollution. Therefore, we have constructed an engineering strain that can degrade PET and convert it into a carbon source. We are going to use Corynebacterium glutamicum in our project which is a food-grade microorganism that is commonly used in the industrial production of foods and amino acids. Our bacteria will firstly degrade PET to p-Phthalic acid(TPA) and Ethylene glycol(EG). Secondly, they will catalyze the TPA to protocatechuatePCA and finally to PDC, which can participate in TCA cycle to provide energy for cell growth and development. All in all, our engineered bacteria have the advantage of effectively degrading PET at a lower cost without secondary pollution.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SCUT_ChinaB', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'SCUT-ChinaA', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SCUT-ChinaA','location':'China', 'institution':'South China University of Technology','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Enhancing limonene biosynthesis by a high efficiency enzyme self-assembly system', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Terpenoid flavor and fragrance compounds (TFFCs) show extensive application in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and food industries that have rapid grow market demands. The use of GRAS microorganisms to convert natural raw materials into aroma compounds can be described as natural products, which have been considered as one of the most promising strategies. However, fermentive TFFCs produced by engineered microbes mostly only obtain intermediates or low yields of end-product currently. This study proposes a non-conditional yeast Yarrowia lipolytica as a chassis for TFFCs production, in which limonene was chose as target product. By employing synthetic biology technology including gibson assembly, CRISPR/Cas9 and protein scaffold, we develop a high-performance enzyme self-assembling system (HESS) to rewiring the pathway into limonene accumulation. Furthermore, the MVA pathway will be enhanced by overexpression of two rate-limiting enzymes (HMG1 and ERG12) for increasing the production. This project will provide an alternative metabolic engineering strategy for biosynthesis of TFFCs.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SCUT-ChinaA', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'SDSZ China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SDSZ_China','location':'China', 'institution':'Experimental High School attached to BNU','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Advanced enzymolysis technique for chitosan production', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Chitin is a kind of natural macromolecular substance that can be found abundant in the exoskeleton of arthropods. It could be converted to chitosan, -1, 4- polymer of 2-glucosamine, through deacetylation. Chitosan is significantly soluble and bioactive, widely used in medicine, food industry, and water treatment. However, the current technology that treats chitin with concentrated alkali has led to deficient, unstable chitosan production, and pollution. After learning that Chitin Deacetylase (CDA) could hydrolyze the acetamino group on chitin, we aimed to find out a crystal- chitin-active-enzymes due to the only industrial-available source of chitin. In our research, we chose several CDA and chitinase sequences, synthesized and complemented them with respective domains, and cultivated them in plasmid pET-28a. After inserting plasmids into competent cells and searching for optimal induction condition for expression, we would finally find out maximum viability and model the research for factory production.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SDSZ_China', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': 'Best Integrated Human Practices', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'SDU-CHINA', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SDU-CHINA','location':'China', 'institution':'Shandong University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'MetaboLight: Light-controlled Redirection of Metabolic Flux', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'In engineering Escherichia coli cell factories, conflicts exist between engineered and endogenous pathways for their competition for metabolite precursors. E.g., the production of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) inevitably consumes Acetyl-CoA in the TCA cycle for cell growth. Given cell mass is a key factor of yield, precise switching from growth phase to production phase is significant. Previous studies utilized chemical inducers which are subject to irreversibility & toxic effects. In this project, we addressed these problems by introducing light in E. coli transcriptional control. A switch redirecting metabolic flux from growth to PHB production was built using a green light responsive CcaS/CcaR two-component system and a Type I-E CRISPR-Cas System. Upon green light illumination, the gene cluster phbCAD is transcribed to initiate PHB synthesis. A crRNA is transcribed simultaneously and binds a deactivated cas3 (mimicking dcas9) to block the expression of gltA, an essential gene in TCA cycle and cell growth.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SDU-CHINA', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'SFLS Shenzhen', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SFLS_Shenzhen','location':'China', 'institution':'Shenzhen Foreign Languages School','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Early detection of breast cancer using miRNA-155 and miRNA-10b', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'The global incidence of breast cancer has been rising since the late 1970s. According to the data of breast cancer incidence released by the National Cancer Center and the Center for Disease Control in 2009 , the incidence of breast cancer in the registered areas ranks the first in women with malignant tumor. Our project is to use miRNA--miRNA155 and miRNA10b--in human serum as biomarkers to detect early forms of breast cancer. Toehold switches are used for the detection and the product can be suited to any other early cancer detections if the trigger part is changed to bind with other miRNA sequences. When both kinds of miRNAs are binded,our artificial designed biological system will produce green fluorescent protein.Based on it,we can detect fluorescence and calculate microRNA expression level.Were trying to make our project become a convenient and cheap disease-detecting method in peoples daily life.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SFLS_Shenzhen', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'ShanghaiTech', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:ShanghaiTech','location':'China', 'institution':'ShanghaiTech University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Fast & Fidelity - a circuit system achieving high input-output concurrence', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Input, controller, and output have been the standard procedure of engineered regulatory biocircuit. However, the precise input-to-output control may fail at times mainly due to (i) delayed responses from input signals to output signals, and (ii) unexpected interactions between the host and exogenous circuits. For example, previous iGEM projects primarily focused on the single time response of systems, which underestimated the fact that continuously changing inputs may cause the disorder of output signals. Therefore, a system needs to be constructed for rapidly responding to the changing input signals and eliminating the superposition between outputs from different input signals. In this context, we design a high-fidelity control system with a feedback loop and orthogonal ribosome, which allows the outputs to respond precisely to the changing input signals. We envision that our control system will offer the synthetic biology community a novel solution to manipulate uncertain input.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=ShanghaiTech', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'SHPH-Shanghai', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SHPH-Shanghai','location':'China', 'institution':'Shanghai East Hospital South Branch','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'A new biological method to degrade biofilm.', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Our team finds that lactic acid produced by Lactobacillus delbruckii ND02 is an acid with considerable effect of biofilm degradation. In order to support Lactobacillus delbruckii for acid secretion, lysozyme is used to hydrolyze polysaccharides in the biofilm to smaller fragments of mono and disaccharides. Sequence that codes for lysozyme is combined with sequence of Lactobacillus breris that codes for S-layer protein signal peptide, which promotes the secretion of lysozyme. The combined sequence is then transferred to the acid producing Lactobacillus delbruckii for expression.With nutrients provided by hydrolyzed polysaccharides, Lactobacillus delbruckii secretes lactic acid that further degrades the biofilm. As the pH of the system gradually decreases, the ability of Lactobacillus delbruckii adhering to biofilm increases, In addition, hydrogen peroxide is secreted for sterilization when the pH drops below 3. This produces a positive feedback loop for biofilm degradation and its effect is expected to be significant.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SHPH-Shanghai', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'SHSBNU China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SHSBNU_China','location':'China', 'institution':'The Second High School Attached to Beijing Normal University','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Biofilm x Laccase', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'The textile industry creates environmental problems due to the release of highly polluting effluents containing substances from different stages of dyeing that are resistant to light, water, and various chemicals. These dyes would do harm to human health and ecological system. The biological degradation of dyes is an economical and environmentally friendly alternative. Thus, the aim of team SHSBNU_China is to create a biofilm for discoloration of synthetic reactive dyes. The team would use biofilm of E. coli and engineered it to contain the laccase CotA from B. subtilis, which is a polyphenol oxidase that can catalyze the degradation of dyes. In the form of living biofilm, the bio-degradation will be more resistant to stress from environment or different effluents.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SHSBNU_China', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'SHSID China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SHSID_China','location':'China', 'institution':'Shanghai High School International Division','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Everglow', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'With electricity consumption increasing across the globe, the conservation of energy has become a topic of major concern. Our team has devised an innovative solution to reduce electricity usage by attempting to create genetically modified bioluminescent plants. By altering particles on the microscopic level, we hope to create plants that can glow and thus replace electricity in the future. To these ends, our team conducted experiments to transfer the lux operon, a cluster of genes (LuxCDABEG) that control bioluminescence in the bacterial species Aliivibrio fischeri, to plant species like Nicotiana tabacum. We also attempted to insert an extra copy of LuxG to enhance the effects of bioluminescence. The results are promising and point to the possibility of creating a greener alternative to current lighting. Furthermore, we will design a new plasmid that can detect potential stress factors like ethanol and report the signal with stronger bioluminescence.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SHSID_China', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'SHSU China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SHSU_China','location':'China', 'institution':'Shanghai Foreign Language School, Shanghai Pinghe School, Shanghai Qibao Dwight High School, Saint James School','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'ExoBlood', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'We will engineer human cell line to produce exosomes that work as cellular hemoglobin based oxygen carriers. They can be used in blood transfusion and stroke treatment. We will first try to secrete human hemoglobin subunits and other required proteins for oxygen transport. Then we will focus on loading the protein cargo into the exosome, which we have chosen for the reason of immune-compatibility and easy production. The exosomes will be loaded endogenously with hemoglobin using membrane anchored proteins (CD63) or using exosome-forming pathways inside the cell (WW tag and Ndfip1). By doing this, we will produce an efficient method for future iGEM teams to create protein-loaded exosomes that can be used in therapeutics and develop a potential blood replacement.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SHSU_China', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'SIAT-SCIE', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SIAT-SCIE','location':'China', 'institution':'Shenzhen College of International Education','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'COPE: CRISPR/Cas9-OMV-signal Peptide Encapsulation technique mediated targeting of oncogene in Fusobacteria Nucleatum', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Outer Membrane Vesicles(OMVs) are a ubiquitous type of vehicles that continuously bud off from gram-negative bacterias outer membrane, serving as a communicative tool between bacteria. As natural kins to the bacterial membrane, they can preserve the integrity and bioactivity of sensitive Cas9 proteins and single guide RNA (sg-RNA) within, when used as a delivery tool. Our project aims to construct a system that uses OMVs as vectors for transporting the Cas9 protein and sgRNA into the host cells to achieve efficient muting of the virulent gene of interest in its genome. We expressed Cas9 and sgRNA together with a signal peptide enabling them to reach the bacterias periplasm to be encapsulated by OMVs. We expect this technique would reveal more flexible approaches in both in vitro and in vivo genetic engineering, thus enlarging the armamentarium of Synthetic Biology.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SIAT-SCIE', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'SJTU-BioX-Shanghai', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SJTU-BioX-Shanghai','location':'China', 'institution':'Bio-X SJTU','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'ECHO: E.coli for Colon Health Observation', 'track':'Diagnostics', 'abstract':'Colorectal cancer being a severe illness worldwide, its mortality rises along with diagnosis delay. As a result, an accurate method for early diagnosis is in desperate need. Therefore, this year our team comes up with an engineered E.coli used for early, non-invasive detection of colorectal cancer. Due to the combination with ultrasound technique, we name it, ECHO. When our device arrives at the colorectal area after capsule degradation, it stabilizes on cancerated tissue through antigen-peptide binding, meanwhile expressing gas vesicles in vivo, enabling the rapid detection and location of the cancer foci using ultrasound. Besides usage on detection, ECHO also synthesizes azurin used to eliminate cancer cells after being triggered by environmental factors in cancerated area. At last, after ultrasound detection and medicine synthesis, arabinose will be consumed to trigger self-destruction pathway. To sum up, our device introduces an applicable and innovative non-invasive technique in early diagnosis of colorectal cancer.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SJTU-BioX-Shanghai', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Diagnostics Project', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'SJTU-software', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SJTU-software','location':'China', 'institution':'Shanghai Jiao Tong University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Metlab: a metabolic network alignment tool', 'track':'Software', 'abstract':'Our project, Metlab, is a metabolic network alignment tool. User can input a pathway designed by themselves, then our software can align the pathway to the networks in the database, and show the aligned part of the networks. With the help of our software, user can discover the natural pathways similar with the pathway they design.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SJTU-software', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'SKLMT-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SKLMT-China','location':'China', 'institution':'Shan Dong University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Planet protect plan', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Pseudomonas fluorescence Pf-5 is kind of biocontrol bacteria which can be used in the environmental protection. Compared with E.coli, the developed organisms, the toolkit for Pseudomonas fluorescence seems hasnt been exploited well. This year, SKLMT-China wants to construct a library of artificial constitutive promoters as a useful tool for the model-based fine-tuning of gene expression in Pseudomonas fluorescence. The strength of different promoters will be characterized by a reporter gene, firefly luciferase. Given that P. fluorescence pf-5 has a poor ability to degrade nicotine in the natural environment, we hope to engineer this bacteria with a nicotine degradation gene cluster (about 30Kb) from P.putida S16 by red/ET recombination technology. In this way, the nicotine degradation pathway in P. fluorescence pf-5 could be improved so it can degrade nicotine more efficiently. Combined with the promoter library, pf-5s nicotine degradation efficiency can be easily controlled.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SKLMT-China', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'SMMU-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SMMU-China','location':'China', 'institution':'Second Military Medical University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'CaRTIN: Reversion of Failing Heart with a Controlled Gene-therapy via Cardiomyocyte RyR2 Targeting Intra-Nanobody', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Chronic PKA phosphorylation of RyR2 has been shown to lead to cardiac dysfunction. We designed a targeting device, CaRTIN (Cardiomyocyte RyR2 Targeting Intra-Nanobody), to implement RyR2-specific inhibition of phosphorylation. Here, one of the isolated RyR2 nanobodies, AR185, inhibiting RyR2 phosphorylation in an in vitro assay was then chosen for further investigation. We investigated the potential of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-9-mediated cardiac expression of AR185 to combat post-ischemic heart failure. Adeno-associated viral gene delivery elevated AR185 protein expression in rat heart, and this administration normalized the contractile dysfunction of the failing myocardium in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, CaRTIN therapy to failing cardiomyocytes reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ leak, restoring the diminished intracellular Ca2+ transients and Ca2+ load and reversed the phosphorylation of RyR2. To achieve controlled intra-nanobody release, a BNP promoter based platform was also accessed. Our results established a role of CaRTIN as a promising therapeutic approach for heart failure.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SMMU-China', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'SMS Shenzhen', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SMS_Shenzhen','location':'China', 'institution':'Shenzhen Middle School','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'The prevention and treatment of dental caries', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'This year, SMS_Shenzhen team will focus on using synthetic biologic method to prevent dental plaque. Dental plaque can be led by Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria lives in humans mouth. Clinging to the teeth in thin layers called biofilm, S. mutans digests sucrose and produces acids that can eat into enamel and cause cavities. Specifically, dextran is the main component of the biofilm. We find two enzymes, the first one is named Dextranase, which can hydrolyze the dextran in the biofilm; and the second one is named FruA, which can decompose the resource that S. mutans uses to produce bioflim. The gene of these two enzymes are cloned into E. coli and Lactobacillus. In our experiment, we would use E.coli to produce these two enzymes for relative measurement like enzyme activity. Then, for commercial design, we would produce leben with our Lactobacillus which can secrete these two enzymes.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SMS_Shenzhen', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Sorbonne U Paris', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Sorbonne_U_Paris','location':'France', 'institution':'Sorbonne Université','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Suga[R]evolution', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Sugar is the main source of energy for the cell factories used in synthetic biology. However, its massive production has dramatic impacts on the environment. Therefore, in order to bring a solution to this serious environmental issue, we want to engineer a green microalgae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtti, to allow an ecofriendly sugar production within marine waters, limiting the competition with arable lands. Moreover, to be able to spread the use of microalgae as a chassis, more genetic tools to engineer it are still required. To do so, we will enrich the recently developed Modular Cloning (MoClo) toolkit for C. reinhardtti with a synthetic retrotransposon to generate in vivo continuous directed evolution. It will be the first time that such genetic tool is applied to non-baring plasmid cells such as microalgae. This approach enables the generation of new proteins with tailor-made functional properties as well as the optimization of biological systems.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Sorbonne_U_Paris', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'SSHS-Shenzhen', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SSHS-Shenzhen','location':'China', 'institution':'Shenzhen Senior High School','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Beetle Rival ---An RNAi-based approach for Phyllotreta striolata control', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Phyllotreta striolata is one of the most destructive insects worldwide. However, the present insect control strategies have certain limitations, for example, chemical insecticide applications will cause dietary pollution and environmental destruction. Here, we aim to develop an RNAi-based approach for controlling P. striolata. This approach is to topically apply exogenous siRNAs/shRNAs onto vegetables, ingestion of the sprayed siRNAs or shRNAs by P. striolata will induce the RNAi mechanism in the insect and lead to its death. In our project, siRNAs/shRNAs were designed based on the mRNA sequences of their target genes. The effect of both siRNAs and shRNAs in mediating RNAi in P. striolata were examined. Experimental results show that both siRNAs and shRNA could successfully silence their target genes, which was demonstrated by the survival rate decrease after siRNA or shRNA treatment. Our project provides an environmentally friendly approach for insect control.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SSHS-Shenzhen', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'SSTi-SZGD', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SSTi-SZGD','location':'China', 'institution':'Shenzhen institute of technology','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'HYALURONIC ACID MICRO FACTORY : A BACTERIUM PRODUCES LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT HYALURONIC ACID', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'The production of hyaluronic acid（HA）has been changed from traditional animal tissue formulation to microbial fermentation. However, there is no report that tissue cells or microorganisms can directly produce low molecular weight HA . In order to prepare low molecular weight HA , physical and chemical methods are needed. However, there are many drawbacks in physical and chemical methods, such as poor product stability, low efficiency, complex reaction conditions and possible environmental pollution. This year our project constructed a recombinant strain Bacillus subtilis 168E which could directly produce different molecular weight HA products by regulating the activities of LHAase. The HasA gene and identified precursor genes was transferred into Bacillus subtilis. Since HA of high molecular weight was produced at this time, we transferred the LHAase gene into Bacillus subtilis 168 which is from leech resources coding hyaluronidase. Therefore the HA could be enzymatic hydrolyzed to different molecular weight.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SSTi-SZGD', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'St Andrews', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:St_Andrews','location':'United Kingdom', 'institution':'University of St Andrews','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'A system for detection of bacterial cell lysis and the presence of biofilms', 'track':'Diagnostics', 'abstract':'A split mNeongreen fluorophore system was employed such that one half of the protein was retained within a certain population of Escherichia coli, while a different population exported the other component. Upon lysis of the former group, the two protein domains associated to form the complete molecule, which fluoresced detectably. Regarding the detection of biofilms, several methods were tested. An mCherry fluorophore was fused to binding proteins for each of the following components of biofilms: the polysaccharides alginate and Psl (major components of the biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa), cellulose, and double stranded RNA. Studies were carried out to determine which of these most accurately predicted the presence or absence of biofilms as compared with the results of traditional detection methods.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=St_Andrews', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Stanford', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Stanford','location':'United States', 'institution':'Stanford University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'A transcription-inducing bacterial detection platform for DNA, small molecules, and proteins', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'Two-hybrid systems are a well-established tool for screening protein-protein interactions in yeast and bacteria; however, there is little precedent of using these systems for detection. By swapping bait and target proteins for single-chain antibodies and dCas9, we have adapted a bacterial two-hybrid system as a modular E. coli-based detection platform for small molecules, proteins, and DNA. While most whole-cell detection methods indicate the target molecules presence by activating a visible reporter, our system initiates transcription of a downstream gene. This allows us to activate gene expression in response to a specific signal, effectively turning any DNA sequence, small molecule, or protein into a potential transcription factor. This holds tremendous promise as a safety mechanism for engineered bacterial strains: if an undesirable mutation or molecular product is detected within a cell, our system can kill the cell by activating an apoptotic gene, or express a fluorescent protein for live-cell sorting.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Stanford', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Stanford-Brown-RISD', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Stanford-Brown-RISD','location':'United States', 'institution':'Ames Research Center','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Functionalizing mycotecture', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'A turtle carries its own habitat. While it is reliable, it costs energy. NASA makes the same trade-off when it transports habitats and other structures needed to lunar and planetary surfaces increasing upmass, and affecting other mission goals. But what if it didnt have to be transported from earth? What if it could be grown on planet? The Stanford-Brown-RISD iGEM team proposes to explore the use of fungal mycelium, the vegetative structure of fungi, as a light-weight, durable material that could be grown on planet using spores to create habitats and other necessary items. The team will focus on developing a design for a habitat from mycelium as a proof of concept, and using synthetic biology to enhance the filtration and adhesion capabilities of the mycelium. The team will further explore the implications and uses of these biodegradable, self-growing structures made of fungi on Earth.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Stanford-Brown-RISD', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': 'Best Manufacturing Project, Best New Composite Part', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Stockholm', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Stockholm','location':'Sweden', 'institution':'KTH Royal Institute of Technology','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Biotic Blue: Fighting antibiotic pollutants in the Baltic Sea', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Antibiotics are among the most impactful polluters of water resources. Their presence negatively affects the environment due to ecotoxicity and potential contribution to antibiotic resistance. Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) is among the most prevalent and persistent antibiotics in the Baltic Sea. We want to tackle this problem by harnessing the oxidative power of a laccase originating from Trametes versicolor. This enzyme has the capacity to oxidize a wide range of aromatic compounds. We aim to express this laccase in Pichia pastoris and engineer its ability to inactivate SMX using advanced in silico rational design methods. Enzyme activity, SMX removal and toxicity assays were performed for analysis. In our final product, the laccase will be immobilised on magnetic beads, creating a reusable recovery system powered with magnetism. It can be implemented at wastewater treatment facilities or at entering points of the sewage system in hospitals, elderly homes and houses.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Stockholm', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Presentation, Best Education & Public Engagement, Best Model, Best Entrepreneurship, Best Product Design', 'awards':'Best Environment Project, Best Integrated Human Practices', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Stony Brook', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Stony_Brook','location':'United States', 'institution':'Stony Brook University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'The Sucrose Factory', 'track':'Energy', 'abstract':'In 2017, humans released ~32.5 gigatons of CO2 into the atmosphere. Even if anthropogenic carbon emissions ended today, the CO2 in our atmosphere would persist for thousands of years, causing ocean acidification and global warming. Current carbon sink technology is not economically feasible and would cost trillions of dollars at modest estimates. We believe the solution lies in cyanobacteria - photosynthetic prokaryotes - as they were the first organisms to sink carbon dioxide billions of years ago and are some of the most efficient autotrophs. Our approach is to induce sucrose secretion for the industrial production of biofuels and bioplastics, while simultaneously sinking CO2. Additionally, to address the lack of promoters available for cyanobacteria synthetic biology research, our team developed a variety of constitutive, light-inducible, and nutrient-repressible promoter BioBricks for our strain of Synechococcus elongatus. We hope these promoters will be used to produce other high value carbon sinking products.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Stony_Brook', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Energy Project', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Stuttgart', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Stuttgart','location':'Germany', 'institution':'University of Stuttgart','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'The Anti Germ Coating - TAGC', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'To stop the spreading of germs in public places is an issue everyone can agree on its usefulness. Our team aims to produce an antimicrobial surface coating which tackles this problem. This coating, called The Anti Germ Coating, TAGC, consists of a chitosan matrix, coupled with rhamnolipid and nisin. All of these substances have shown antimicrobial properties in previous studies. During the iGEM competition we produced two BioBricks until this day, one for nisin-production and one for chitosan production. A third BioBrick, which should enable rhamnolipid production is currently under construction. Two approaches of coupling are used to generate our coating. The first method uses a surface-accessible tyrosine to couple a modified nisin to chitosan enzymatically. Chemical linkage of rhamnolipid is achieved by using divinyl adipate, which acts as a cross-linker. Antimicrobial properties of the coating are currently investigated. First results seem to be very promising.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Stuttgart', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'SUIS Shanghai', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SUIS_Shanghai','location':'China', 'institution':'Shanghai United International School WanYuan Campus','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Better Together: Engineering Bacteria for Symbiotic Relationships with Micro Algae.', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Although numerous strains of microalgae have already been identified as being useful for biotechnology purposes, to make commercial up-scaling of algal production cost effective, research into novel approaches to enhance microalgae growth, and their products is needed. Microalgae and bacteria have existed together from the early days of evolution. This co-evolution provides an interesting avenue for industrial biotechnology exploration. Synthetic biology presents us with an opportunity to rationally design and construct microbial communities with well-defined objectives. The co-cultivation of engineered bacteria and micro-algae provides the possibility for enhancing associations between these populations. We aim to engineer a strain of E.coli which will help increase the biomass of microalgae through nutrient-exchange-based mutualism. Our engineered bacterium was designed to express the gene cluster for the biosynthesis of Vibrioferrin, a type of siderophore. Our construct will allow for the increased bioavailability of iron for many species of microalgae once co-cultured.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SUIS_Shanghai', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'Best Education & Public Engagement', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'SUSTech Shenzhen', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SUSTech_Shenzhen','location':'China', 'institution':'Southern University of Science and Technology','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'A Time-saving Machine for Genetic Screening in Two-Cell System', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'With rapid development of Molecular and Cellular Biology, we know more about whats in a cell but still know little about how cells interact among populations. Cell-Cell Interactions form a complicated signaling network which is far beyond our imagination. SUSTech 2018 Team developed a time-saving machine to study cell signaling networks based on genetically engineered Two-Cell system, a Secreting and Responding cell. Wnt signaling pathway was our proof-of-principle. Secreting cells secret Wnt signal and were modified by CRISPR-Cas9 knockout system for genetic screening on Wnt secretion. Responding cells were constructed by inserting a strong TCF promoter with GFP fluorescence for visualization of Wnt signal level. Two types of cells were then encapsulated by our microfluidic system producing thousands of Two-Cell droplets at a time. Unlike traditional coculture method, this is time-saving. In future, our systems may have wider applications in synthetic biology, drug screening and immunological recognitions.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SUSTech_Shenzhen', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'SYSU-CHINA', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SYSU-CHINA','location':'China', 'institution':'School of Life Science, SYSU','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Braking Bad--Torwards a safer CAR-T therapy', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'CAR-T therapy is one of the most promising treatment for cancer, with multiple ongoing clinical trials worldwide and 2 therapies approved by the FDA. However, without proper control after administration of CAR-T cells, severe adverse effects may bring fatal risks to the patients, especially during the clinical trial stages. While suicide switches serve as common methods for controlling adverse effects, they completely halt the expensive treatment, and repeating the treatment process could be a burden for the patients, both physically and financially. To provide a safer yet affordable CAR-T therapy, we developed a reversible safe switch controlled by small molecules called CAR BRAKE. By expressing U24 protein of the human herpesvirus 6A under the control of tet-ON promoter, we can downregulate CAR molecules on the cell surface through endosomal recycling inhibition. This could potentially be used as a universal add-on for all CAR-Ts and TCR-Ts to ensure safety.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SYSU-CHINA', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Therapeutics Project, Best Measurement', 'awards':'Best New Basic Part', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'SYSU-Software', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SYSU-Software','location':'China', 'institution':'Sun Yat-Sen University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'CO-RAD: Collaborative optimization platform with recommendation, analysis and design', 'track':'Software', 'abstract':'Designing genetic circuits and protocols by teamwork is pervasive for synthetic biologists, but its still hard to cooperate with partners using traditional collaborative software for the complexity and hierarchy in synbio design. Here, we develop an open-access software CO-RAD to facilitate the collaboration, recommendation and analysis for the synthetic biologists. CO-RAD allows users to edit circuits and protocols online while collaborating with other users in real-time. For assisting users in optimizing their circuits, we strengthen CO-RADs ability of recommendation and analysis. After designing circuits in embedded design platform easily, users will get similar circuits from our interactive database by collaborative filtering algorithm. Users can also acquire various projects information efficiently through our search engine. Based on directed evolution algorithm, our software can simulate performance of circuits and provide suggestion of optimization. Moreover, some deep level information of circuit sequence can be showed in our software concisely.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SYSU-Software', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': , 'awards':, 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'SZU-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:SZU-China','location':'China', 'institution':'Shenzhen university','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Cockroach terminator', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'This year we designed a fungal cockroach terminator system based on Metarhizium anisopliae. It can infect cockroaches in a very high efficiency and eventually lead to death. Our system consists of three parts. First, we use a hydrophobic protein called HsbA. It can help our fungus attach better to the cockroaches. Second, we transferred Bbchit which encodes the chitinase that can penetrate the surface of the cockroaches. After our transgenic Metarhizium anisopliae enter the hemolymph of cockroach. The third gene we transferred called MCL1 will combine with the specific antigen on the surface of Metarhizium anisopliae , which makes our system invisible and can avoid the detection of the immune system. This allows our transgenic Metarhizium anisopliae to reproduce themselves greatly and eventually lead to cockroachs death. For better application we designed a device to contain our emulsifiable powder which we will definitely show you in giant jamboree.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=SZU-China', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Wiki, Best Integrated Human Practices, Best Education & Public Engagement, Best Model', 'awards':'Best Manufacturing Project, Best Product Design', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Tacoma RAINmakers', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Tacoma_RAINmakers','location':'United States', 'institution':'Charles Wright Academy','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Ticket or Quit It: Protecting Families from Arsenic Contamination', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'In Tacoma, Washington, arsenic pollution from the ASARCO copper smelter continues to devastate the surrounding communities soil and water. Even small amounts of arsenic pose a threat to long-term community health, including cancer and developmental issues in children. The city and state have spent more than $62,000,000 over 18 years testing around 450 yards in the region, with efforts still underway. Our iGEM team seeks to change that paradigm by engineering an affordable and easy-to-use biosensor that utilizes chromoproteins made in the presence of bioavailable arsenic. Our biosensor is user-friendly by design and will not require hazardous chemical reagents. The Tacoma RAINMakers goal is to improve community understanding of this local environmental issue and provide a low-cost tool that can be used by the citizens of Tacoma and communities worldwide to detect heavy metals.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Tacoma_RAINmakers', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': 'Best Education & Public Engagement', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Tartu TUIT', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Tartu_TUIT','location':'Estonia', 'institution':'University of Tartu','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Eco-friendly sunscreen: MAAs+yeast extract', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Nowadays a great number of commercially produced sunscreens contain chemical compounds with a broad-spectrum ultraviolet coverage, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are extremely toxic to the environment. Every year around 14,000 tons of sunscreen is washed into the oceans and seas, resulting in a dramatic increase of the toxicity level, causing a variety of pathologies to corals. Tatru_TUIT iGEM team will engineer S. cerevisiae to produce yeast extract enriched with biological sunscreen compounds Shinorine and Porphyra-334, both of which belong to Mycosporine-like Amino Acids (MAA). In order to produce MAAs, we will introduce 4 genes from cyanobacteria Nostoc commune KU002 (MysA, MysB, MysC, MysD) or Actinosynnema mirum DSM 43827(amir_4259, amir_4258, amir_4257, amir_4256) into yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Our final product, which combines positive properties of both biological sunscreen compounds and yeast extract, could be further used in cosmetic products like creams, lotions, etc.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Tartu_TUIT', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'TAS Taipei', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:TAS_Taipei','location':'Taiwan', 'institution':'Taipei American School','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Say No to Glow: Reducing the carcinogenic effects of ALDH2 deficiency', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Turning red after consuming alcohol may seem like a mere social inconvenience. Yet, this flushing response is caused by an accumulation of acetaldehyde, a carcinogenic intermediate of alcohol metabolism. Acetaldehyde is broken down into harmless acetate by aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2). ALDH2 deficiency, the result of a point mutation in the ALDH2 gene, produces a much less efficient ALDH2 enzyme, leading to an accumulation of acetaldehyde and the subsequent flushing response. While about 8% of the global population is ALDH2 deficient, in our home, Taiwan, approximately 47% of the population carries this genetic mutation--the highest percentage in the world! Studies show that ALDH2 deficiency greatly increases the risk of developing esophageal and head and neck cancer. Thus, our project aims to produce recombinant ALDH2 to decrease levels of acetaldehyde in the upper digestive tract region. We envision delivery of ALDH2 as a purified protein or in consumer-friendly probiotics.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=TAS_Taipei', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Wiki, Best Presentation, Best Poster, Best Integrated Human Practices, Best Education & Public Engagement, Best Model, Best Product Design', 'awards':'Best Entrepreneurship', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Tec-Chihuahua', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Tec-Chihuahua','location':'Mexico', 'institution':'ITESM - Campus Chihuahua','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Production of antimicrobial peptides in Escherichia coli for Paenibacillus larvae and Melissococcus plutonius inhibition', 'track':'Food & Nutrition', 'abstract':'American and European Foulbrood are diseases that affect bee (Apis mellifera) larvae worldwide. In the last two years, 53 countries suffered from these diseases, 6 of them are among the top 10 honey producers. The causal agents of these ailments are gram-positive bacteria: Paenibacillus larvae and Melissococcus plutonius respectively. Nowadays, two techniques for the treatment of Foulbrood are used: antibiotics and incineration of hives. The former promotes the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria while the latter results unprofitable for beekeepers. Therefore, we propose the production of bee antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in Escherichia coli to treat P. larvae and M. plutonius infections. Defensin 1, abaecin, defensin 2, and apidaecin are each expressed in a different BL21 (DE3) culture. PelB leader peptide and a 6X His-tag foster adequate expression and further purification. Through mathematical modeling, the diffusivity of PLGA-nanoencapsulated apidaecin is evaluated for future in vivo delivery in the bee system.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Tec-Chihuahua', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Food & Nutrition Project, Best Education & Public Engagement, Best Entrepreneurship', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Latin America'}, {'team_name':'Tec-Monterrey', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Tec-Monterrey','location':'Mexico', 'institution':'Tecnológico de Monterrey','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'E.Coding', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'CRISPR-Cas technology has the capability of storing information. This year, iGEM team Tec-Monterrey aims to use the CRISPR-Cas system to store specific DNA sequences in the genome of E. coli in order to save information about the environment surrounding the bacteria. To make this possible, Cas1-Cas2 proteins, which create the protospacer acquisition in the CRISPR system, are used to insert a synthetic DNA sequence in the CRISPR array within the genome of the bacteria. This synthetic sequence is produced by a second system, called SCRIBE. The final step of our project is reading out the inserted DNA sequence. Using specific primers for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are used to amplify a section of the CRISPR array where the sequence is inserted. Taking together both systems, our project intends to act as a biological tape recorder capable of sensing external stimuli in the environment and storing their presence in the genome.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Tec-Monterrey', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Latin America'}, {'team_name':'TecCEM', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:TecCEM','location':'Mexico', 'institution':'Tecnologico de Monterrey, CEM','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Novel Treatment: Tissue regeneration in burns by recombinant proteins with nanodelivering on a MiniSkin Simulator', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'The percentage of the mexican population that can afford a treatment for second degree burn injuries is low since they demand a large spend when treated. Representing the third cause of infant mortality in Mexico, it stands for an urgent issue to assess. This project approaches such problematique with the design of a multi-glycopeptide scaffold and the recombinant growth factor Leptin B to induce fibroblast proliferation. Nanoencapsulation was employed to ensure proper delivery and distribution. Growth measurements were evaluated through cell image analysis and lactate dehydrogenase activity as an indirect indicator, obtained from the culture medium in the MiniSkin Simulator, which is a hardware to test molecules in a 3D culture. This system could enhance tissue regeneration, minimizing infection risks and treatment lapses for affected patients with second degree burns.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=TecCEM', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Therapeutics Project, Best Measurement, Best Software Tool, Best Hardware', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Latin America'}, {'team_name':'TecMonterrey GDL', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:TecMonterrey_GDL','location':'Mexico', 'institution':'Tecnologico de Monterrey-GDL','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Lactobachill: a smart psychobiotic with anxiolytic and antidepressant properties', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Around 300 million people suffer from depression and anxiety worldwide. Although there are several therapeutic strategies available, treatments targeting the gut-brain axis are gaining importance due to the strong relationship between alterations in the microbiota, systemic inflammation, and psychiatric disorders. Therefore, we aimed to develop a novel approach for the treatment and prevention of depression and anxiety. For this, we will genetically engineer a strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus to detect increases in the levels of stress in the body. This psychobiotic, which we have termed Lactobachill, will secrete soluble receptors (i.e., sgp130 and a mutated variant of sgp80) that could selectively inhibit the aberrant trans-signaling pathway of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6. We will also characterize the efficiency of secretion of these receptors, which will be coupled to bacterial signal peptides from Sec-dependent pathways. We envision that Lactobachill could be used as an adjunct to current treatments against anxiety and depression.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=TecMonterrey_GDL', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Latin America'}, {'team_name':'Thessaloniki', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Thessaloniki','location':'Greece', 'institution':'Aristotle University Thessaloniki','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Galene: A genetic toolbox for controlled gene expression', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Biological systems are unpredictable, noisy and difficult to maintain stable even under standardized conditions, thus making controlled gene expression difficult. Combined with the fickleness and stochasticity associated with genetic circuitry, fluctuations in the production rate of a desired protein are inevitable. Through model-driven design, we engineer systems which guarantee constant gene expression, decoupled from gene/plasmid copy number, that can be induced to meet the desired expression level. We implement a Type I incoherent feedforward loop in E. coli cells to stabilize promoters using TAL Effectors, CRISPRi and cis-acting sRNA repressors that regulate a downstream attenuator. Furthermore, to render our system versatile, we introduce a theophylline riboswitch that allows on-the-fly control of stabilized protein production. We provide a foundational advance tool that enables fine tuning of complex metabolic pathways, functionality improvement of logic gates and suppression of fluctuations in gene expression.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Thessaloniki', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Tianjin', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Tianjin','location':'China', 'institution':'Tianjin University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Life Tik Tok', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Organisms are adapted to the relentless cycles of day and night thanks to circadian clocks which regulate biological activities with ~24-hour rhythms. This year, we reconstruct KaiABC clock system in the bio-rhythm expression of yeast. This will not only perfect the experimental data of the template xenotransplantation, but also provide more reliable materials in regulating and exploring the oscillation. Correlated with the yeast two-hybrid technique, reporter genes help detect the results of our construction. To work as a powerful heterologous regulator, we investigate the regulatory mechanism of the clock through the systematic alteration of chromosome topology. And a novel application we envisioned was that S. cerevisiae can produce different products alternately under the periodic regulation day and night.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Tianjin', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'TJU China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:TJU_China','location':'China', 'institution':'Tianjin University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Booming CRISPRers', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'This year, the CRISPR-Cas family is the protagonist in our story series. The old member, dCas9, is the enhancer for the heavy-metal detection based on E. coli, while the newbie, Cas12a, is a worker for the high-throughput cancer-related SNP detection chip. We have also built a highway for tracking and delivering the Cas9/sgRNA complex in mammalian cells, and we try to apply it to manipulate the mitochondrial genome.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=TJU_China', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Tokyo Tech', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Tokyo_Tech','location':'Japan', 'institution':'Tokyo Institute of Technology','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Finding Flavi - Establishment of dengue virus serotype prediction and detection systems', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'Dengue virus, which is in the flavivirus family, is a worldwide spread virus and has huge impact on society, however, not many developing countries are recognizing its danger. Dengue virus is unique in terms of its four different serotypes. Multiple infection can easily cause severe dengue, appearing hemorrhage and organ damage. It is important to grasp which serotype the patient is infected, however, there is not enough data about each serotype in a year. To tackle the situation, we succeeded in the development of the serotype prediction system using stochastic process analysis. This system can predict the patients serotype by simulating the past data. We also developed the simple and fast testing kit that can detect serotype with fluorescence, so that we can check the patient easily and get enough data to estimate the patients serotypes more accurate. In the future, this system can contribute to other flavivirus detection system.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Tokyo_Tech', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Tongji China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Tongji_China','location':'China', 'institution':'Tongji University, Shanghai','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Ocandy', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Neoantigens, which are the abnormal proteins produced by mutations in cancer cells that activate the immune system have already become the hotspots of concern to researchers. Neoantigen is Individualized and is a promising concept to be used in cancer treatment. Type III secretion system (T3SS) acts as a promising tool for protein delivery directly into the target cells. We establish a method which can deliver neoantigens into immune system using the Type III secretion system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We select the colorectal cancer as our target and use the bioinformatic method to filter our item antigens. Then we use the T3SS to deliver the item antigens into immune system through orally intake of engineered attenuated bacteria. Since for the T3SS, there are almost no restrictions on the delivery of short peptide antigens, this method has the flexibility to be adapted to, if there are effective neoantigens, any specific cancer patient.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Tongji_China', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Tongji-Software', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Tongji-Software','location':'China', 'institution':'Tongji University, Shanghai','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Alpha Ant', 'track':'Software', 'abstract':'Advancements in metabolic engineering have enabled us to engineer enzymes and construct novel pathways for various applications including drug discovery and value-added biochemical production. However, it is hard to design and construct pathways with high efficiency and fidelity while balancing the metabolic burden of the microorganism.Thus,our project is to develop powerful and convenient web tool for synthetic biologists to design proper metabolic pathways while taking into account several criteria such as thermodynamic feasibility, material competition of heterologous reactions, atom conservation, toxicity of intermediates.We obtain data from several databases, including KEGG,BRENDA,MetaCyc and equilibrator.The core algorithm we use is depth-first search. Other than that, we have some additional functions for users, including organism recommandation and FBA. Alpha Ant means its capacity to find the most efficient metabolic pathway is just like the ant colonys intelligence of finding the most efficient path to a food source once it has been discovered by scouts.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Tongji-Software', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Toronto', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Toronto','location':'Canada', 'institution':'University of Toronto','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Exploring biomass flotation as a viable separation technique for application in bioremediation processes', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'Our project focuses on demonstrating flotation of Escherichia coli using gas vesicle proteins (GvPs) as a novel cellular separation technique for bioremediation processes. Previous iGEM teams have demonstrated gas vesicle production and flotation in mammalian and yeast cells using GvPs from various bacterial species. Shapiro et al., (2018) engineered a GvP-producing plasmid using arg1 from Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and Bacillus megaterium to synthesize these echogenic structures and observed that high expression enabled E. coli to float. Our goal is to replicate and improve their flotation results by modifying arg1 to achieve consistent flotation using a specific induction protocol. We propose that using this technique may be a cost-effective separation technique for various bioremediation processes. Upon sorption or uptake of pollutants or valuable materials, this technique could allow for simpler extraction of pollutant-harboring or heavy metal-bound bacteria. We have developed a bioreactor model to investigate this claim.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Toronto', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Toulouse-INSA-UPS', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Toulouse-INSA-UPS','location':'France', 'institution':'LISBP-INSA Toulouse','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Cerberus : Creating Endless Possibilities with Cellulose', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'Cellulose is broadly used in medicine, textile and stationery. However, functionalising cellulose could lead to exciting innovative material developments such as conductive paper or self-disinfecting bandages. Here, we designed a versatile linker protein to enable the fixation of a wide range of organic and inorganic molecules on cellulose. Since the design is based on the fusion of three fixating protein heads, we named it Cerberus, like the mythological dog. The first head is a protein domain of the type 3 Carbohydrate Binding Module family to bind cellulose. The second is a streptavidin domain, with high affinity for biotinylated compounds. The last head features an unnatural amino acid, azidophenylalanine, allowing click chemistry to form covalent bonds. Each head has been assessed and cellulose with new functions has been produced. This work combines synthetic biology, chemistry and molecular modelling and paves the way to a revolution in our use of cellulose-sourced materials.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Toulouse-INSA-UPS', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Manufacturing Project', 'awards':'Best New Basic Part', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'TPHS San Diego', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:TPHS_San_Diego','location':'United States', 'institution':'Torrey Pines High School','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Chitinolytic Activity of Serratia Marcescens Chitinase in Response to Various Species of Pathological Fungi', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Fungi producing harmful mycotoxins flourish on various crops. Such fungal infections significantly reduce sustainability and food production in developing countries, where mycotoxin exposure from lack of advanced food storage are responsible for severe economic losses and 40% of diseases. Our team developed a modified enzyme chitinase capable of breaking down chitin cell walls. Specifically, Serratia Marcescens Chitinase works against multiple families of fungi. By GSTChiA Chitinase genes with a signal sequence from araC, we successfully generated an Escherichia coli line that secretes chitinase against Rhizoctoniasolani Solani, Alternaria raphani, and many other pathogenic fungi. Expression of GSTChiA was further quantified through analysis of chitin compounds. This project will provide an easily accessible method capable of combating major pathogens, saving crop yield and revenue.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=TPHS_San_Diego', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Tsinghua', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Tsinghua','location':'China', 'institution':'Tsinghua University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'NEON Coli - Wide-dynamic-range, fine-tuned quorum sensing positive feedback circuit', 'track':'Information Processing', 'abstract':'A major goal of synthetic biology is to design functional analog gene circuits that are capable of signal integration and processing. Our project presents an improved wide-dynamic-range positive feedback circuit based on bacterial quorum sensing system. Preexisting positive feedback circuits suffer from leakage problems, and to solve this we add a CRISPRi system to keep the positive feedback loop in check. This design allows us to execute fine control on signal transduction and protein expression, in our test ststem the expression of sfGFP. In order to make our project more presentable, we use this circuit to design a fluorescent bacteriograph that is able to change the picture, like a bacterial neon light. However this is not the extent of the circuits usefulness, as it may lead to new applications in synthetic biological computations, and projects that require fine control of gene expression.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Tsinghua', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Information Processing Project', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Tsinghua-A', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Tsinghua-A','location':'China', 'institution':'Tsinghua University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Allergy test master: the histamine receptor based whole - yeast sensor', 'track':'Diagnostics', 'abstract':'Histamine increases significantly in blood when allergy happens. So, we engineered the pheromone pathway in yeast to test histamine release in blood sample under one specific allergen per time. The pheromone receptor ste2 in original pathway is replaced by human Histamine receptor H3 or H4. In order to reinforce the coupling between H3/H4 and yeast G-protein, C-terminal of Œ± subunit of G-protein is modified by replacing several amino acids from the homologous protein in human. EGFP is set behind promoter Fus1 as the reporter gene. Many previous works support our modifications. Then the models of histamine and EGFP intensity relationship and the diagnosis credence can help to give the final result. Our special-designed integrated box can finish the blood collection, reaction and data sending process. Then the result will be calculated by our server and sent back to the smart phone. Thus, our project is available in families.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Tsinghua-A', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'TU Darmstadt', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:TU_Darmstadt','location':'Germany', 'institution':'TU Darmstadt','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Combimers', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'Dependence on petrochemicals derived from oil and gas poses a major problem in the plastics industry and polymer production. Establishing biological precursors for high quality polymers is a hurdle we want to tackle. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic-acid), PLGA, is a copolymer used in a variety of biological applications due to its attractive properties: tailored biodegradation rate, biocompatibility, and a wide range of surface modifications for specialized utilization. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves of PLGA derivates for clinical applications as surgical tools or nanoparticles in innovative drug delivery systems. Faster degradable copolymers, like poly(lactide-co-glycolide-co-caprolactone), PLGC, have similar properties and are attractive for pharmacokinetics of nanocapsule engineering. We set ourselves the goal to manufacture PLGA and PLGC in a sustainable, eco-friendly way. The required monomers will be produced by engineering of the Krebs cycle and other biological pathways in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=TU_Darmstadt', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'Best New Composite Part', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'TU-Eindhoven', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:TU-Eindhoven','location':'Netherlands', 'institution':'Lab. Chemical Biology, TU Eindhoven','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'GelCatraz: Where E. Coli goes to stay! A Novel platform for Living Materials.', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'Living biomaterials are expected to revolutionize the field of medicine. This new class of devices, which incorporates biomaterials and harnesses the synthetic powers of living cells, would enable numerous applications ranging from replacement organs to personalized point-of-care medicine production. A major obstacle for the use of Living Biomaterials outside the lab is bacterial leakage, presenting both a technical issue and a safety risk. Our project aims to address this issue. We have engineered a strain of E. Coli to anchor itself into a novel dextran hydrogel by expressing an adhesive protein derived from arctic ice-binding bacteria. This platform would enable innumerable applications. As a proof of concept, we have designed a patch for chronic wounds in which anchored E. coli would secrete antimicrobial peptides to fight infections and reduce the need for systemic antibiotics and daily change of wound dressing – a painful procedure for many patients.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=TU-Eindhoven', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best New Basic Part, Best New Composite Part', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'TUDelft', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:TUDelft','location':'Netherlands', 'institution':'TU Delft','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Advanced Detection of Performance Enhancement (ADOPE): Detecting Gene Doping with Innovative Targeted Next Generation Sequencing', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'TU Delft iGEM 2018 aims to prevent the abuse of synthetic biology in sports by developing a genetic doping detection methodology. Gene doping has been on the list of prohibited substances in sports since 2003, yet no method has been implemented to enforce this ban. Our project, Advanced Detection Of Performance Enhancement (ADOPE), aims to provide the proof-of-concept for an efficient, secure and versatile detection method. We have modelled the detection window; implemented a suitable sample preparation method from blood; developed a valid pre-screen based on gold nanoparticle technology and developed a unique and cutting edge targeted sequencing platform based on a novel dxCas9-Transposase fusion protein and nanopore sequencing technology. Finally, we have developed an algorithm that is able to group our sequencing outputs and indicates whether the athlete used gene doping. Continuous feedback from stakeholders has focussed and improved our project, making our method all the more complete.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=TUDelft', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Wiki, Best Poster, Best Integrated Human Practices, Best Education & Public Engagement, Best Entrepreneurship, Best Part Collection', 'awards':'Best New Application Project, Best Product Design', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Tuebingen', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Tuebingen','location':'Germany', 'institution':'University of Tuebingen','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'BoNT C - Licence to enter', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'In modern medicine treatment options involve many substances modified from natural sources, occasionally even toxins. We modify botulinum toxin in a way that leads to its detoxification. Thus, it can be coupled with a variety of other substances while not losing its specific shuttle mechanism for neuronal cells. In detail, we develop a library of different detoxified botulinum toxin derivatives which can accommodate other proteins, small molecules, and fluorochromes by specific linkers. To investigate the influence of the point mutations leading to detoxification in the active site, we conduct MD simulations. Since our shuttle mechanism could potentially be used in patients, we remove the most prevalent immune epitopes by a theoretical bioinformatics approach. Ultimately, our system is supposed to be utilized for therapy strategies and specific neuronal targeting in basic research. With our project we want to encourage future teams to think outside the box while keeping safety in mind.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Tuebingen', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Tufts', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Tufts','location':'United States', 'institution':'Tufts University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Hypothetical System for Sensing miRNA with High Specificity and Signal Amplification', 'track':'Diagnostics', 'abstract':'miRNA is a small DNA regulatory molecule found in the bloodstream. More recently, its significance as a biomarker for various diseases and conditions from bone microfracture to various cancers has been discovered. These conditions are specifically correlated to certain sequences of miRNA, which is found in low concentrations (6-16CT PCR thresholds). To detect the miRNA with high specificity and amplification, our team proposed a system in which a complimentary toehold RNA would be created upstream of the RNA sequence for cas13a, a modified version of cas9 which would cut RNA randomly, triggering a fluorescent signal amplification when in the presence of RNAse detection kits.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Tufts', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'TUST China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:TUST_China','location':'China', 'institution':'TUST-China','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Tetracycline Detecting and Degradation (T D&D)', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Tetracycline is a kind of antibiotic substance separated from the culture solution of Streptomyces aureofa-ciens, which belong to the common broad-spectrum antibiotic and have a great effect on many types of microorganism, this family including chlotetracycline、oxytetracycline and tetracycline.Last century, tetracycline is widely used in animal husbandry and aquaculture because of its competitive prices between with other antibiotics. As a result of this phenomenon,the pollution of tetracycline in water and soil is increasingly serious. This year, we want to construct a tetracycline detecting and degradation devices,"T D&D"system, to achieve our anticipation that sensitive detection and rapid degradation in the special devices through our constructive chasis. In our project, we would find a better ratio between detecting device and degradation device to the optimal result.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=TUST_China', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'UAlberta', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UAlberta','location':'Canada', 'institution':'University of Alberta','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Developing an Antifungal Porphyrin-based Intervention System (APIS) to treat Nosema infections in honey bees', 'track':'Food & Nutrition', 'abstract':'Nosema ceranae is a microsporidian parasite which infects the European honey bee, Apis mellifera. Nosema infections cause energetic stress in bees and decreases their immune response. The detrimental effects of Nosema can lead to lower hive productivity, and ultimately colony failure. To counteract this infection, Team UAlberta designed an Antifungal Porphyrin-based Intervention System (APIS) to treat Nosema infections in honey bees. APIS uses a modified heme biosynthesis pathway in Escherichia coli to overproduce protoporphyrin IX (PPIX), the eighth intermediate in the pathway. When ingested, PPIX-like molecules have been shown to decrease N. ceranae spore load in infected bees. Re-introducing the heme pathway in E. coli controlled by an inducible promoter overproduces PPIX using existing cell machinery. APIS allows bypassing of mechanisms regulating the endogenous pathway. Our system allows for directly introducing the bacteria into bees, as well as the mass production of PPIX in bioreactors.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UAlberta', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Integrated Human Practices', 'awards':'Best Food & Nutrition Project', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'UC Davis', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UC_Davis','location':'United States', 'institution':'UC DAVIS','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Cenozoic', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Our project aims to develop mammalian-based biosensors for use in the context of environmental toxicology. Specifically, out biosensors have been designed to co-opt the mammalian cells intrinsic stress response pathways and use these to trigger the production of a fluorescent reporter. We hypothesize that a device reporting on the activation of cell stress pathways will provide more physiologically and health-relevant information about the potential toxins present in an environment than bioassays which seek to simply measure the compound presence and/or abundance. That is, our bioassay asks not whether a compound is there, but rather whether compounds exist that may pose a health hazard. Our biosensors use mammalian-derived promoters of genes known to be activated in response to stress-inducing environmental pollutants. These promoters are coupled to a reporter gene (eGFP) and used in in vitro assays to report on the presence of compounds that elicit cell stress.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UC_Davis', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Presentation', 'awards':'Best Measurement', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'UC San Diego', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UC_San_Diego','location':'United States', 'institution':'UC San Diego','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Using unsupervised machine learning and synthetic biology to implement a novel, quantitative liquid biopsy test', 'track':'Diagnostics', 'abstract':'In order to address key bottlenecks in liquid biopsy and noninvasive cancer detection techniques, our team focused on using epigenetic determinants for diagnostic purposes. Presented here is a novel workflow for diagnosing cancer by using promoter methylation as an indicator of interest. Key promoter regions of interest are first identified via unsupervised machine learning applied to the Cancer Genome Atlas via our in silico predictive tool. After this, our specially-designed assay can detect the presence of these hypermethylated regions of interest and provide a quantitative, fluorescent readout in order to generate clinical insight. Special advances in material science and microfluidics are then used to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of our assay. The workflow is then completed via integration into a smartphone application that provides the necessary data and helps streamline doctor-patient communication. Our proof of concept was centered around hepatocellular carcinoma.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UC_San_Diego', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Wiki, Best Integrated Human Practices', 'awards':'Best Diagnostics Project, Best Poster, Best Education & Public Engagement, Best Entrepreneurship', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'UCAS-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UCAS-China','location':'China', 'institution':'University of Chinese Academy of Science','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Rose Forest', 'track':'Open', 'abstract':'A hundred years ago, a nightingale built a red rose for true love out of music by moonlight. Today, our E. coli uses light and music to create a colorful and fragrant rose forest for scientists and artists. Using three sensors to sense light of different wavelengths and intensity, and a RNAP system as resource allocator, our E. coli produces different proportions of three-primary colors responding to light and music, realizing the painting of full-color roses. By changing the output into scent genes, our roses can even emit various sorts of pleasant odors. Besides，we plan to make a collection kit to collect important genes related to light control and the color output of E. coli, which will be more convenient for future researchers. Integrating idealistic human feelings with logical genetic circuits, we aim to bring forth a new perception of combining art and science.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UCAS-China', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'Best Open Project', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'UChicago', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UChicago','location':'United States', 'institution':'University of Chicago','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'An iGEM-Optimized CEN Plasmid for E. coli and Pichia pastoris', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'Komatgella pastoris, otherwise known as Pichia pastoris, serves as an important industrial chasis organism for its ease of cultivation while also making post transcriptional modifications to eukaryotic proteins. Expensive and complex techniques, such as in vivo recombination, however remain a major bottleneck to developing transgenic P. pastoris lines. Centromeric plasmids developed for Saccharomyces cerevisiae overcome this bottleneck by providing the flexibility of plasmids with the stability of endogenous chromosomes. Here, we adapt the pSB1C3 iGEM backbone with a P. pastoris selection marker and various portions of the P. pastoris centromeric sequences to develop centromeric plasmids. We demonstrate by sectoring assay that these plasmids provide chromosome-like stability while maintaining the ease of use of an iGEM plasmid. This plasmid has major implications in the manufacturing of biologics.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UChicago', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'UChile Biotec', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UChile_Biotec','location':'Chile', 'institution':'Universidad de Chile','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Tenzyme Vilu - Aptazymes for biosensing marine toxins.', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Last year during BiMaToX project we developed a novel biosensor based in aptazymes in order to detect paralytic toxins (saxitoxin) produced during harmful algal blooms (HAB). Tenzyme Vilu project will expand this goal to design a platform to obtain functional aptazymes for biosensing other marine toxins. For this, we have fully characterized adenosine monophosphate (AMP) aptazyme to further investigate aptazymes molecules as a diagnostic platform for other marine toxins. In order to improve the affinity of the aptazymes with its respective ligand, we have tested alternative sequences by using a rational design to avoid false negative or positive detections that can eventually arise when analysing raw samples. Then, by using our approach we developed novel aptazymes for sensing different HAB toxins, such as paralytic, diarrheic and amnesic shellfish toxins. Finally, a cell-free cellulose matrix device with different lyophilized aptazyme will be tested to evaluate the presence of different marine toxins.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UChile_Biotec', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Latin America'}, {'team_name':'UCL', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UCL','location':'United Kingdom', 'institution':'UCL- Biochemical Engineering Depart','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'SETA - Silk Engineered Technology & Applications', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'Revolutions in synthetic biology are driven by effective and universal standardisations, which the biomaterial industry has not had… yet. Inspired by the idea of engineering modularity, we investigated an innovative technology that allows for more efficient and high-throughput manufacturing of environmentally-friendly biomaterials. We devised a plug-and-play framework using intein splicing to aid in both the polymerisation and functionalisation of biomaterials with a range of applications. Due to its durability, biodegradability, and kevlar-like strength, we opted for spider silk as a model to test our proposed system. While developing our platform, we conceived a BioBrick-compatible standard with improved flexibility that enables the integration of conventional cloning methods into iGEM’s workflow. Our split-intein system provides the manufacturing industry a modular and accessible polymerisation approach that can foster the next generation of biomaterials.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UCL', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'UCLouvain', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UCLouvain','location':'Belgium', 'institution':'Université Catholique de Louvain','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'No title', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'No abstract', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UCLouvain', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'UConn', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UConn','location':'United States', 'institution':'University of Connecticut','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Biological Alkane Synthesis through Shuttled Electron Transport', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'BASSET aims to engineer E. coli to produce biofuel (short-chained alkanes) in a microbial electrosynthesis (MES) system. For this year, BASSET produces alkanes from fatty acyl-ACPs. This aim is achieved by heterologous expression of Pmt1231 (from Prochlorococcus marinus) and Acr (from Clostridium acetobutylicum), overexpression of the endogenous FadK and a mutant TesA. The engineered organism is tailored for future use in a MES. In the MES, E. coli will accept electrons from an external source (for example, off-peak excess of solar energy). This energy will power the biosynthesis pathway by producing reducing equivalents such as NADH or NADPH in the cell.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UConn', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'UCopenhagen', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UCopenhagen','location':'Denmark', 'institution':'University of Copengagen - PLEN','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'PharMARSy: A novel system combining protein production and purification - keeping astronauts on mars healthy', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'Long-term space travel and colonization of Mars will require on-site production of pharmaceutical proteins to treat diseases, but current methods require expensive and bulky equipment. PharMARSy will develop a novel portable system that combines protein production and purification in a single step. To achieve this, we will hijack the bacterial type-3-secretion system (T3SS) that injects signal-tagged proteins through cell membranes. By constructing a device with two chambers separated by a membrane we direct our T3SS-bearing bacteria to inject target-proteins through the membrane and into a collection chamber. This method will separate the pure recombinant protein from the producing organism, facilitating purification. We will establish proof-of-concept using membranes in the form of liposomes, lipid-bilayers, onion cells and egg yolk. Furthermore, the two-chambered device will be 3D-printed. Our project will be developed further by integrating feedback from experts in space exploration, pharmaceuticals and bio-safety.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UCopenhagen', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Poster', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'UCSC', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UCSC','location':'United States', 'institution':'UCSC','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Portable Progesterone Production in Yeast (PoPPY)', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'Women around the world lack adequate access to safe and affordable methods of contraception. The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) iGEM team will create a safe, sustainable, and cheap progesterone-based contraceptive for all women, regardless of location or status. We will engineer the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica (Yali) to synthesize progesterone. Yali naturally produces a progesterone precursor, ergosterol. We will add five genes to the yeast genome to induce steroid hormone production by completing the progesterone biosynthesis pathway. We will insert these genes into Yali via three parallel experiments: Gibson cloning followed by homologous recombination, yeast-mediated cloning in Saccharomyces cerevisiae followed by Cre-lox recombination into Yali, and yeast-mediated cloning followed by Cre-lox into Yali. Following these experiments, we will monitor progesterone production to determine a safe, effective contraceptive dosage. On proper growth media, our self-replicating yeast biofactory will produce progesterone and provide a sustainable source of contraception.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UCSC', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'UESTC-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UESTC-China','location':'China', 'institution':'University of Electronic Science and Technology of China','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Straw-Degrading Energy E.coli', 'track':'Energy', 'abstract':'With the development of agriculture, the yield of straw is huge, and it grows rapidly around the world every year. However, due to the complex structure of straw, current physical and chemical methods not only consume a lot of energy, but also create potential air pollution problems, while existing biological methods still require pretreatment by chemicals. Therefore, how to use straw effectively has become a problem we need to consider. Fortunately, we have found a bifunctional enzyme, xyn10D-fae1A from a paper, which directly decomposes straw and converts it into useful chemical raw materials – cellulose, lignin, ferulic acid and xylose. In addition, considering the energy shortage, we also convert cellulose to butanol and hydrogen to make more efficient use of cellulose.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UESTC-China', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'Best Energy Project', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'UESTC-Software', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UESTC-Software','location':'China', 'institution':'University of Electronic Science and Technology of China','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'BioMaster: An integrated bio-brick database', 'track':'Software', 'abstract':'BioMaster is an integrated bio-brick database with the function of promoter prediction. We improved and standardized the information of bio-bricks in iGEM Registry by integrating information in databases like Uniprot, Epd, GO, etc. So BioMaster provides more comprehensive information about bio-bricks, including their functions, sites, interactions and references. With these, bio-bricks could be used and designed in a more reasonable way. Meanwhile, BioMaster offers more user-friendly searching methods. In addition, we provided a promoter prediction tool based on machine learning, in which promoter sequences can be found in unlabeled gene sequences. Via this tool, a promoter database predicted from E. coli genome was constructed, it contains a quantity of promoter sequences and information about the gene to which the sequences belong. We believe that this brand-new bio-brick database, BioMaster, can provide more conveniences for synthetic biologists.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UESTC-Software', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'Best Software Project', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'UFlorida', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UFlorida','location':'United States', 'institution':'University of Florida','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Engineering Probiotic Escherichia Coli Nissle 1917 for Buytrate Production', 'track':'Food & Nutrition', 'abstract':'Escherichia coli 1917 is a clinically approved therapy for various forms of inflammatory bowel disease. In order to apply synthetic biology approaches to potentially augment the probiotic and therapeutic potential of this bacterial strain, we decided to introduce a heterologous butyrate producing pathway into the bacteria. We decided to delete several genome genes involved in producing metabolites that drain carbon and reducing equivalents from theoretical butyrate production in a redox - balanced manner. Then, we synthesized two gblocks in order to assemble them together to form a biobrick encoding 5 enzymes involved in butyrate production. We also tested the function of past iGEM teams that have unsuccessfully attempted to produce butyrate. Our approach to metabolic engineering of E. Coli Nissle 1917 involved both genome editing and biobrick assembly, both of which are necessary to turn this strain into a therapuetic butyrate cell factory in the gut.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UFlorida', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'UGA', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UGA','location':'United States', 'institution':'University of Georgia','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Development of Gal4/UAS Reporter Systems for use in Plants', 'track':'Food & Nutrition', 'abstract':'The development of inducible expression systems in plants is imperative to the field of synthetic biology. The University of Georgias 2018 iGEM team is expanding the iGEM registrys profile of plant promoters and reporters. Here we report a modified Gal4/UAS system. The Gal4/UAS system is an inducible promoter system native to yeast that utilizes the Gal4 transcription factor to activate genes downstream of a minimal promoter enhanced by an upstream activator sequence (UAS). We have created a 6X UAS repeat combined with a minimal 35S promoter to provide enhanced expression of reporter genes such as GFP, AmilC, and the apoptotic initiator from bell peppers, BS3, in the model organism, Nicotiana Benthamiana. The introduction of these expression systems to the iGEM registry will enable future iGEM teams to produce targeted expression in plants with ease using a binary vector system.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UGA', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'UI Indonesia', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UI_Indonesia','location':'Indonesia', 'institution':'Universitas Indonesia','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Finding Diphthy: Utilization of LuxAB-eYFP Resonance Energy Transfer System to Detect Diphtheria Toxin', 'track':'Diagnostics', 'abstract':'Diphtheria is an infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, marked by pseudomembrane in posterior pharynx, potentially leading to respiratory tract occlusion and death. Recently, there has been diphtheria outbreak affecting major provinces in Indonesia. We realize the urgency of fast, reliable, and cheap early detection method for diphtheria infection to overcome this issue. Therefore, we plan to combine Escherichia coli Tar chemotaxis receptor with human heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) receptor so the bacteria can detect diphtheria toxin. In addition, we will combine CheA and CheY in E. coli chemotaxis pathway with LuxAB and eYFP, respectively. When in contact, LuxAB and eYFP will create resonance energy transfer system. Without diphtheria toxin, CheA will interact with CheY and thus LuxAB-eYFP energy resonance will happen, resulting in yellow color. With toxin presence, CheA will not interact with CheY and energy resonance will not happen, resulting in blue color (i.e. LuxAB native color).', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UI_Indonesia', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'UiOslo Norway', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UiOslo_Norway','location':'Norway', 'institution':'University of Oslo','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Canditect - Fast detection of vulvovaginal Candida albicans using CRISPR/dCas9', 'track':'Diagnostics', 'abstract':'During their lifetime 75% of women will experience a Candida albicans infection, one of the most common vulvovaginal yeast infections. Currently there are no fast methods to detect whether an infection is caused by C. albicans. As a result, women purchase over-the-counter antimycotics without knowing the cause of their infection. This contributes to the rise of antimycotic resistance, making treatment of future infections more difficult. Based on previous projects, UiOslo_Norway aims to develop a fast detection kit for C. albicans infections, using CRISPR/dCas9. Upon a suspected infection, a vaginal sample will be treated with glucanase to selectively lyse yeast cells walls, exposing the fungal DNA. Afterwards, modified dCas9 enzymes fused with split Œ≤-lactamase are added. Using specifically designed guideRNAs, the dCas9 complexes bind adjacently on C. albicans specific DNA sequences. This activates the Œ≤-lactamase to cleave its substrate nitrocefin, producing a colored product indicating the presence of C. albicans DNA.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UiOslo_Norway', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Presentation', 'awards':'Best Diagnostics Project', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'UIOWA', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UIOWA','location':'United States', 'institution':'University of Iowa','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Investigating biosensors for the industrial production of 3-hydroxypropionic acid', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'Many industrial manufacturing processes revolve around the molecule 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3HP). This organic molecule can be used in a variety of industrial products, from biofuels to bioplastic production. While much research is focusing on maximizing the production of this important molecule, our team belongs to a smaller subset focused on finding ways to sense and measure its production. In a recent study, genes from the bacteria Pseudomonas putida were incorporated into Escherichia coli and demonstrated that re-purposed regulatory proteins from P. putida could be used as a biosensor for 3HP (Hanko et al. 2017). A separate study identified similar 3HP responsive genes in Pseudomonas denitrificans (Zhou et al. 2015). Our research team has transformed a promoter-regulator system that recognizes 3HP into Bacillus subtilis. B. subtilis is a hardy bacterium that has great potential as a 3HP producer for industrial processes and metabolic engineering experiments.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UIOWA', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'UIUC Illinois', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UIUC_Illinois','location':'United States', 'institution':'Institute for Genomic Biology','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Symbiosis of Lactococcus lactis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae', 'track':'Energy', 'abstract':'We are exploring symbiotic co-culture of Lactococcus lactis, a lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, brewers yeast, as a means to naturally produce lactic acid. This precursor is valuable for the synthesis of poly-lactic acid, a widely used biodegradable plastic. In many food and beverage industries, LAB is a common contaminant of yeast. This suggests that yeast and LAB form a complex microbiome where both species act in symbiosis. Studying the symbiotic relationship between yeast and LAB could increase carbon flux to the production of lactic acid. Co-culture dynamics have not been thoroughly studied, as a result, we obtained bacterial and yeast fluorescence reporter strains and performed a systematic analysis of co-culture dynamics, including optimization of media characteristics and ratios of initial cell numbers. We concluded the ideal co-culture media is a mixture of 1X YPD and 1X M17 media supplemented with 2% glucose.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UIUC_Illinois', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'ULaval', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:ULaval','location':'Canada', 'institution':'Universite Laval','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Adrenayeast: Eco-Innovative Biosynthesis of Adrenaline in Saccharomyces cerevisiae', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'Adrenaline is an essential medication used to treat several conditions, including life-threatening anaphylactic reactions. However, the current chemical manufacturing processes struggle to keep up with the demand for adrenaline, often leading to shortages of potentially life-saving medicine. Our project aims to increase the molecules availability by providing an eco-innovative alternative with milder operational conditions. We designed a two-plasmid system which harbors synthetic human cDNAs encoding the adrenaline enzymatic pathway. We explored how the insertion of this plasmid system into a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain engineered to overproduce L-tyrosine can be used for the biosynthesis of adrenaline. As the enzymatic pathway also produces metabolic intermediates of biomedical interest, we intend to create three strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae producing dopamine, noradrenaline or adrenaline, based on plasmid combination. Along with an optimized protocol to harvest purified products, we present our exploration of the social and ethical impacts of using this process to mass-produce adrenaline.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=ULaval', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'ULaVerne Collab', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:ULaVerne_Collab','location':'United States', 'institution':'University of La Verne','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'A Bio-Solution to Plastic Pollution!', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Every year, 8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean and can devastate the oceans ecosystem. Many of these plastics are broken down into very small pieces called microfibers which are more harmful because they can be consumed by many organisms and negatively affect their health. Although the exact path from land to ocean is still unclear, we aim to remove the plastics from the wastewater level where plastic particles are known to accumulate. To eliminate these plastic particles from wastewater, we tested modified PETase enzyme that contains a unique catalytic site. To model our system, we aim to use a zero-energy requiring RAM pump design to hold our microbes and properly circulate the plastics and degrade them so plastic-free water can be released from the treatment plants and into the environment without any harm coming to the aquatic ecosystems.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=ULaVerne_Collab', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'UMaryland', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UMaryland','location':'United States', 'institution':'University of Maryland','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'PETNET: A scalable solution for plastic bioremediation', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Explosive worldwide increase in plastic production has led to extensive pollution from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) despite ambitious recycling efforts. PETNET uses several advances to address this issue. The recently discovered PETase from Ideonella sakaiensis is attached to a cellulose binding domain to increase PET degrading potential. The degrading efficiency of this protein is amplified with the integrated hardware featuring a cellulose-lined, modular flow reactor. The enzymatic activity of PETase is accelerated when immobilized near flowing PET substrate via interaction of linked CBD with the reactors cellulose scaffold, allowing for feasible real-time PET degradation. Quantitation of PET degradation is accomplished with an evolved protocatechuate biosensor sensitive to micromolar concentrations of PET degradation byproduct. This approach circumvents the need for expensive instrumentation for the downstream detection of PET degradation. PETNET is a comprehensive approach to PET degradation that will offer a scalable platform for society to address the overwhelming accumulation of plastic.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UMaryland', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'UMass Dartmouth', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UMass_Dartmouth','location':'United States', 'institution':'UMass Dartmouth','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'No title', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'No abstract', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UMass_Dartmouth', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'UNebraska-Lincoln', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UNebraska-Lincoln','location':'United States', 'institution':'University of Nebraska - Lincoln','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Improving Early Detection of the Emerald Ash Borer', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'The emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis, is an invasive species native to Asia that first appeared in the United States in 2002. It has since spread to four Canadian provinces and thirty-five U.S. states, including Nebraska. The infestation is currently monitored with detection traps baited with the green leaf volatile (Z)-3-hexenol, which has been documented as an unreliable lure. The more effective bait, Phoebe oil and its most bioactive constituent 7-epi-sesquithujene, are commercially unavailable. Our team seeks to meet this challenge by building a bacterial cell factory to synthesize 7-epi-sesquithujene. We first introduced the mevalonate-dependent pathway into E. coli to enable the accumulation of the key biosynthetic precursor, farnesyl pyrophosphate. The maize terpene synthase gene tps4-B73 was then expressed in the engineered host. Accumulation of the target molecule by the constructed strain was confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Future research will focus on product quantification and purification.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UNebraska-Lincoln', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': 'Best Poster', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Unesp Brazil', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Unesp_Brazil','location':'Brazil', 'institution':'Faculdade de Ciencias Farmaceuticas','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Hope: a framework to engineer living therapeutics', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Treatment of metabolic disorders often relies on pills and uncomfortable injections. Genetically engineered probiotics have the power to revolutionize drug delivery in a non-invasive way, by acting as living therapeutics in the human gut. To take this novel approach to its fullest potential, we designed a robust framework to engineer living therapeutics. Our framework provides an interchangeable and adaptable system to secrete and deliver a therapeutic polypeptide in response to an environmental signal, and a light-responsive biocontainment module based on the CRISPR/Cas9 machinery. Moreover, we designed and constructed a low-cost bioreactor system to simulate the human gut microbiome and validate our engineered probiotic. As proof of concept, we engineered a probiotic to treat type 1 diabetes that secretes insulin in response to glucose. Our framework aims to offer an easy, modular, robust and open-source solution to engineer and validate designer probiotics, bringing new hope to patients suffering from metabolic disorders.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Unesp_Brazil', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Education & Public Engagement, Best Part Collection', 'awards':'Best Hardware', 'region':'Latin America'}, {'team_name':'UNSW Australia', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UNSW_Australia','location':'Australia', 'institution':'University of NSW','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Covalent attachment of enzymes to a self-assembling protein scaffold for substrate channelling', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Metabolic engineering aims to produce complex high-value compounds for industry from simpler and cheaper substrates by enhancing rates of reaction. The rates of metabolic reactions can be greatly enhanced by substrate channelling, which spatially brings together the enzymes of a multi-step reaction, increasing the effective concentration of metabolic intermediates. We have designed a novel protein scaffold that specifically and covalently co-localises enzymes in a modular system. Our Assemblase system consists of a heterohexameric complex of a highly thermostable and chemical resistant archaeal protein, prefoldin, which has been engineered to recruit enzymes using covalent protein-protein interactions. The design is being tested with a two step enzyme pathway to produce the horticultural plant hormone, indole 3-acetic acid, from tryptophan. We propose that the Assemblase system could be used for accelerating the production of pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals, bioremediation and as a foundational research tool.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UNSW_Australia', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Poster, Best Software Tool', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'UofGuelph', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UofGuelph','location':'Canada', 'institution':'University of Guelph','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'E. coli- and S. cerevisiae-Mediated Breakdown and Prevention of Beerstone via FRC, OXC and OxIT', 'track':'Food & Nutrition', 'abstract':'Beerstone is calcium oxalate buildup that forms as a byproduct inside beer brewing equipment. Beerstones high insolubility results in the need for highly corrosive chemicals such as nitric and phosphoric acids, combined with intense physical scrubbing for its removal. Oxalobacter formigenes is a human gut bacterium which solely metabolizes oxalate using enzymes Formyl-Coenzyme A Transferase (FRC) and Oxalyl-Coenzyme A Decarboxylase (OXC). Oxalate is taken into the cell by an oxalate-formate antiporter (OxIT), and following its metabolism, formate is exported from the cell by OxIT. We have investigated engineering E. coli and S. cerevisiae with these genes in order to characterize their activity and feasibility for use in an industrial setting. Tests included heterologous production of FRC and OXC in E. coli to characterize their activity against calcium oxalate, and modifying S. cerevisiae to utilize calcium oxalate using OxIT, FRC and OXC during the brewing process to prevent beerstone buildup.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UofGuelph', 'medal':'-', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'UPF CRG Barcelona', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UPF_CRG_Barcelona','location':'Spain', 'institution':'Pompeu Fabra University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Probiotics to fight metastasis: Engineering E. coli to regulate fatty acid metabolism', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Prevention of metastasis remains a challenge for modern medicine. Recent experimental evidences indicate that metastasis development correlates directly on dietary long chain fatty acids (LCFA) intake, such as palmitic acid (PA). Hence, targeting fatty acid availability in the intestine could prevent cancer cells from spreading. Here a safe, effective and affordable solution is proposed by the design of a probiotic with increased LCFA uptake, GARGANTUA. We approached this by modulating the beta-oxidation family genes in E. coli. Moreover, we developed the first LCFA intracellular biosensor that does not interfere with its metabolism. This will provide a tool able to characterize LCFA uptake. We also developed a framework for the genomic integration of the uptake machinery, as a way to increase safety and robustness of our device. GARGANTUA provides a proof of concept for an alternative approach for metastasis prevention with potential applications in metabolic disease treatment.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UPF_CRG_Barcelona', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Therapeutics Project, Best Model, Best Measurement, Best New Composite Part', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Uppsala', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Uppsala','location':'Sweden', 'institution':'Uppsala University','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'Worm Busters - Fighting the hidden resistance', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'This year iGEM Uppsala has applied modern methods in novel ways to solve problems in a field largely untouched by synthetic biology. The purpose of the project is to use applied diagnostics to prevent overutilization of anthelmintics in horses by engineering a smart bacterium. These bacteria would be able to report the presence of specific nematode parasites in a quantitative manner, allowing deworming treatments to be individualized for each horse depending on the level of infection. This would minimize the risk of future anthelmintic resistance, helping to stem the impending problem. Using synthetic biology to solve problems in veterinary diagnostics has presented many unique challenges to our team. These challenges have been overcome by development of new applications of existing techniques such as phage display, transcriptome sequencing using nanopore technology, and chromoprotein expression.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Uppsala', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'US AFRL CarrollHS', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:US_AFRL_CarrollHS','location':'United States', 'institution':'Carroll High School','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Engineering E.coli to detect and destroy biofilms', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'With growing environmental concerns, industries are increasingly relying on biofuels. Biodiesel storage tanks are susceptible to water infiltration that often results in biofilm formation containing bacteria and fungi. Biofilms may clog pipes, degrade fuel, or corrode storage tanks. We set out to engineer a seek, aim, and destroy system for the remediation of microbial biofilms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, commonly found in fuel biofilms, releases the quorum sensing molecule C4-HSL. Our engineered E. coli cells express CheZ protein in response to a concentration gradient of C4-HSL to activate the flagella motors and propel the cells towards the biofilm. In addition, the engineered E. coli expresses chitinase on its surface and secretes cinnamaldehyde. Chitinase breaks down chitin in the fungal cell walls, increasing the ability of cinnamaldehyde to destroy the fungi. Cinnamaldehyde also eliminates bacteria, thus remediating the biofilm. (DISTRIBUTION A: Approved for public release; distribution unlimited. 88ABW-2018-3904. 01 August 2018.)', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=US_AFRL_CarrollHS', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'USAFA', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:USAFA','location':'United States', 'institution':'USAFA','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Ops Normal: a novel protein sequestration sequence to prevent a phenotypic switch in Candida albicans', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'Candida albicans is a fungus that, despite being considered part of normal human flora, has the potential to cause life-threatening systemic infections, with candida infections being the fourth leading cause of hospital acquired systemic infections and resulting in mortality rates of up to 50%. Candida albicans becomes pathogenic after a phenotype switch from white-to-opaque or opaque-to-white, depending on the infection site. Here, we cloned the 5 UTR of the master white-opaque phenotypic regulator WOR1 into a vector to act as a protein sequestration sequence. To confirm successful cloning of the 5 UTR and expression of our vector, we used E. coli as our model organism. Once integrated into the Candida albicans genome, our genetically engineered part should sequester transcriptional regulating proteins away from the WOR1 gene and alter the phenotypic switching tied to the pathogenicity of Candida albicans.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=USAFA', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'USMA-West Point', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:USMA-West_Point','location':'United States', 'institution':'United States Military Academy, West Point, NYUnited S','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Developing bacterial mammalian olfactory system-based chemical biosensors', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'Artificial bio-sensors based on the mammalian olfactory system are potentially powerful chemical analytical systems for many industrial, medical and security applications. The ability to express mammalian proteins make bacteria a potentially powerful platform for developing artificial chemical biosensors. Bacteria, however, lack several of the intracellular signaling proteins required to alter cell membrane field potential changes in response to odorant binding. To overcome this challenge, we have developed a plasmid containing a synthetic bacterial operon that enables the expression of multiple genes under the control of the upstream regulatory promoter for the AraC gene. In this proof-of-principle system, synthetic operon will be expressed in E.coli with a separate plasmid that co-expresses a human odorant receptor protein. These studies will provide the foundation for future work to develop synthetic operons can be used to heterologously express the multiple proteins required to develop bacterial chemical biosensors based on the mammalian olfactory system.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=USMA-West_Point', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'USP-Brazil', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:USP-Brazil','location':'Brazil', 'institution':'FCF/USP','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'QS-Comms', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Quorum sensing is a mechanism for communication within and between bacterial populations, and it presents interesting possibilities for biotechnology in controlling populational behavior, ranging from task division in bioprocesses to biofilm disruption in infections. However, to generate complex patterns in a predictable manner, orthogonality between different quorum sensing pathways is essential, so the toolkit of quorum sensing parts needs to be thoroughly characterized, expanded and optimized so that this technology may see its full potential. Thus, our project aims to characterize activity and quantify the genetic crosstalk between a variety of quorum sensing systems that showed promising activity in prior works, while also using this information to predict, model and ultimately aid possible design applications and solutions for microbial communication. This way we will build on a growing bank of data of quorum sensing parts that will help future projects work with this technology.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=USP-Brazil', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'Best Measurement', 'region':'Latin America'}, {'team_name':'USP-EEL-Brazil', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:USP-EEL-Brazil','location':'Brazil', 'institution':'Escola de Engenharia de Lorena','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Lacquase: Biodegradation of estrogens from water', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'The detection of endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) in water bodies is increasing. These compounds, also known as estrogens, are highly toxic to fish and may cause long-term harmful effects in humans and other animals.The lack of effective treatment of effluents to remove these micro pollutants has led to the contamination of water reservoirs and pollution of the environment. Our teams proposal was the development of a method for the removal of these estrogens from water. To achieve this goal, we cloned and expressed genetically engineered laccases from filamentous fungi in E. coli strains. Laccases are copper-containing enzymes that act in the oxidation of a various range of phenolic substrates, including EDCs. We plan to explore laccases as model environmental friendly biocatalyzers applied in the biodegradation of estrogenic compounds in water and effluent treatment stations, which can greatly improve water quality.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=USP-EEL-Brazil', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Latin America'}, {'team_name':'UST Beijing', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UST_Beijing','location':'China', 'institution':'Xue Yuan Lu 30','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Natural RE-lease', 'track':'Food & Nutrition', 'abstract':'Our long-term goal is to improve the health-promoting effects of ginsenosides. We believe that sterols in the ginsenosides are responsible for their main benefits. Therefore in the past projects we engineered synthetic squalene cyclase for in situ production of ginseno-sterols in human cells; and produced synthetic β-glucosidase in E.coli for removal of sugar from ginsenosides. In the current strategy, in the wake of “No release” policy of iGEM community, we are able to by-pass synthetic biology methods to achieve our goal by applying in vitro chemical reactions.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UST_Beijing', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'USTC', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:USTC','location':'China', 'institution':'University of Science and Technology of China','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Make TW Beneficial', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'In China, tobacco industry is under governments control. To prevent some people from illegally making cigarettes with TWs (tobacco wastes), especially small pieces of tobacco, TWs are all recycled to dispose. The usual way of TWs disposal is to burn, which produces pollution like CO, and nicotine in TW will spread in the air, causing huge waste. Faced with the phenomenon that nicotine in TW is difficult to use, we propose our project to make nicotine in TW beneficial by degrading nicotine to valuable chemicals. We use 3 enzymes: NicA2, PNAO, SAPD to convert nicotine to 3-succinoyl-pyridine, a valuable medicine. And then, we design a nicotine biosensor, combined with LuxR-AHL-lux pR system to activate expression of the degradation enzymes. Furthermore, to lower the harm of Secondhand Smoke, we devise our hardware using bacterial cellulose to absorb nicotine in air for recycling. We believe our project will make TW beneficial!', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=USTC', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'USTC-Software', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:USTC-Software','location':'China', 'institution':'Univ.of Science&Technol. of China:','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Biohub 3.0', 'track':'Software', 'abstract':'Biohub 3.0 is a powerful Synthetic biology platform devoting for efficient working and sharing. Inspired by some weblog sites, it introduces a communication platform for Synthetic biology researchers to share ideas and experimental programs. When coming up with an idea, one can immediately build a specific basic experimental process and share it with Biohub. Experimental programs can be stored and demonstrated in the cloud. Researchers can focus on the content and wont be distracted by the annoying format. More than a community, the platform is also a well-designed kit for Synthetic biology, providing a powerful search engine for researchers. Massively useful information in daily research is covered. Biohub can be a reliable and powerful software for Synthetic biology researchers all over the world.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=USTC-Software', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'UT-Knoxville', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:UT-Knoxville','location':'United States', 'institution':'The University of Tennessee','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Engineering E. coli for Dichloroacetate and Dichloromethane Degradation', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Chemical pollution resulting from large-scale industrial practices can result in volatile organic compound (VOC) accumulation in water supplies. One VOC of interest, dichloroacetate (DCA), is a chlorinated carcinogenic contaminant at clinically high levels. Similarly, dichloromethane (DCM), is used for various industrial applications but its accumulation in water systems poses a threat to aquatic organisms and is considered a carcinogenic to humans. The goal of the UT Knoxville iGEM Team is to design biological systems in E. coli capable of degrading DCA and DCM in order to remove them from the water supply and metabolize them within the cell. Through the addition of Haloacid Dehalogenase (HADase) genes capable of breaking down DCA as well as the development of a DCM biosensor, we are generating biological organisms in order to facilitate our access to clean drinking.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=UT-Knoxville', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Utrecht', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Utrecht','location':'Netherlands', 'institution':'Utrecht University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'DeTaXion: a synthetic biology-based biosensor to detect environmental pollutants', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Water is one of our most precious resources. Unfortunately, increased use of chemicals such as pharmaceuticals threatens this ecosystem. These contaminants are often difficult to detect. We therefore developed Detaxion, a biosensor to rapidly identify chemical contaminants in water. Detaxion is based on the E. coli chemotaxis system. We engineered the CheY and CheZ chemotaxis proteins to form a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) pair. Upon binding of chemicals to the TAR chemotaxis receptor, BRET fluorescence emission changes in a quantifiable manner. We additionally used receptor ligand binding domain swapping to expand the range of detectable chemicals. Finally, we modified receptor methylation sites to extend the detection range. Our results thus far show successful fluorescence energy transfer. Moreover, we used a capillary-based assay to confirm BRET measurements. Taken together, Detaxion constitutes a synthetic biology-based approach to detect chemical waste in water, to safeguard this vital resource.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Utrecht', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': 'Best Environment Project, Best Wiki', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Valencia UPV', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Valencia_UPV','location':'Spain', 'institution':'Universitat Politecnica de Valencia','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Printeria', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'Access to Synthetic Biology by the interested layperson is currently hampered by several barriers, including a required background knowledge and availability of expensive and often bulky technological equipment. Printeria, a fully-equipped bioengineering device able to automate the process of printing genetic circuits in bacteria but made as simple and easy to operate as a domestic desktop printer, breaks down these barriers. It uses a digital microfluidic system creating little droplets that can be mixed and moved across predefined electrode paths on a PCB surface. Printeria combines this novel system with Golden Gate Technology, low-cost sensors and electronics, and a user-friendly software application. This way, the user is capable of assembling domesticated DNA parts in a one-step reaction and can control all biotechnological steps, from the assembly of parts and transformation to cell culture, with high accuracy. Printeria opens the door to a world of applications affordable for the general public.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Valencia_UPV', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Poster, Best Education & Public Engagement, Best Part Collection', 'awards':'Best New Application Project, Best Model, Best Software Tool, Best Hardware, Best Wiki', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Vilnius-Lithuania', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Vilnius-Lithuania','location':'Lithuania', 'institution':'Institute of Biotechnology VU','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'SynDrop - Synthetic Droplets for Membrane Protein Research', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Membrane proteins (MPs) are an essential part of major cellular processes and key targets for drug development. Since distinct obstacles, including cell-toxicity and irreversible aggregation in hydrophilic environment impede MP research, we employ microfluidics and bottom-up forward engineering approach to revolutionize it. Octanol-assisted liposome assembly is implemented for synthesis of monodisperse cell-sized liposomes. We encapsulate modified MP assembly machinery alongside cell-free protein synthesis system within liposomes with excellent efficiency. This system serves as overarching framework for effective synthesis, folding, and competent insertion into the membrane of active prone-to-aggregate membrane proteins. We offer a full-synthetic microfactory that, coupled with directed evolution, solves contemporary problems in MP engineering. Additionally, synthetic liposomes enable building artificial logic gates and signaling pathways to study metabolic cascades and protein interaction completely noise-free. Utilizing liposomes as simplified synthetic models of living cells, SynDrop will facilitate scientists to step into fully controlled synthetic era of membrane protein research.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Vilnius-Lithuania', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': 'Best Foundational Advance Project, Best Model', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Vilnius-Lithuania-OG', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Vilnius-Lithuania-OG','location':'Lithuania', 'institution':'Vilnius University','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'CAT-Seq: Catalytic Activity Sequencing', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Biological part characterization is the core requirement for engineering complex, yet predictable biosystems. The immense complexity of nature makes this a challenging task. Currently, there is a considerable lack of well-defined, standardized parts and an insufficient grasp of their sequence-function relationship. Notably, state of the art screening methods have insufficient throughput to effectively navigate the extensive biomolecule sequence space. To address this issue we have developed a novel approach to part characterization based on microfluidics and modified nucleotides: Catalytic Activity Sequencing (CAT-Seq). CAT-Seq enables the simultaneous activity measurements of billions of biomolecule variants in parallel. Unique biomolecules are each synthesized in separate water droplets and their activity is recorded and stored into their individual DNA sequences. This information can then be readily retrieved by next-generation sequencing. CAT-Seq can rapidly assess sequence-function relationships, characterize regulatory parts, their interactions, and provide much-needed data for predictively designing novel biological systems.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Vilnius-Lithuania-OG', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': 'Best Foundational Advance Project, Best New Composite Part, Best Part Collection', 'awards':'Best Model', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Virginia', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Virginia','location':'United States', 'institution':'University of Virginia','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Quorus: Engineering a Microbial Symphony', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'Quorum sensing (QS) is a mechanism where bacteria detect the presence of nearby cells and coordinate their behavior among the population. Utilizing the QS genes of the Lsr operon and T7 RNA Polymerase, we are developing a biologically orthogonal quorum response sensitive to the universal autoinducer AI-2. This system introduces an alternative method of gene induction and biomanufacturing to iGEM, re-engineering microbial coordination of population phenotypes. Further, we have designed a synthetic feedback loop in tandem with the Lsr operon to increase the mean and homogeneity of quorum activation in a colony to levels comparable to industrial inducers like IPTG. This provides a system of self-regulating induction that can produce target proteins cheaper and more efficiently than current industrial methods. The resulting engineered microbe has increased biofilm production compared to the wild type, which has applications such as microbial cellulose biomanufacturing and hyper-virulent control organisms for testing certain microbial antibiotics.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Virginia', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': 'Best Software Tool', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'VIT Vellore', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:VIT_Vellore','location':'India', 'institution':'Vellore Institute of Technology','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Toggle pH: Engineered micro workers for ocean pH homeostasis', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Increase in industrialization has led to an overall increase in Carbon Footprint, the major component of which is Carbon Dioxide, leading to global warming. Among other ill effects of industrialization, the one that has garnered a lot of attention is what we call Ocean Acidification also known as the other CO2 problem. Increasing acidity is directly linked to having potentially harmful consequences for marine organisms, such as depressing metabolic rates and immune responses in some organisms, and causing the worst cases of coral bleaching. In order to tackle these problems our engineered microbe jumps in. This engineered E. coli will interact with its surrounding environment to utilize protons whose levels regulate activation of certain pH-sensitive promoters. Along with promoters, specific repressor protein-operator binding regulates gene expression so that the transporter proteins are expressed which shuffle bicarbonates, carbonates and protons in and out of cells that bring about pH homeostasis.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=VIT_Vellore', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Warwick', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Warwick','location':'United Kingdom', 'institution':'University of Warwick','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Safe Water', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Safe water is a global issue. Our team provides solutions to biological, organic and inorganic problems facing polluted water. Biological: The Legionella genus of Bacteria causes disease in humans. We utilise a never before seen regulation system to identify and respond to pathogenic RNA. Organic: Toxic oestrogen concentrations induce sex reversal in fish; the inability for breeding due to lack of males results in population decline. We have artificially tweaked and transferred a recently discovered enzyme pathway into E.Coli which reduces oestrogen toxicity. Inorganic: Lead contamination is responsible for serious health problems. We have designed a system through which lead can be isolated and removed via gas vesicles in Bacillus.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Warwick', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'Washington', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Washington','location':'United States', 'institution':'University of Washington, Seattle','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Stronger Together: An efficient, generalizable approach to design biosensors for small molecules', 'track':'Foundational Advance', 'abstract':'Chemically induced dimerization (CID), in which two proteins dimerize only in the presence of a small molecule, has been widely used to control cell signaling, regulatory, and metabolic pathways, and used as logic gates for biological computation in living mammalian cells. However, few naturally occuring CID systems and their derivatives are currently available. Creating a CID system with desired affinity and specificity for any given small molecule remains an unsolved problem for computational design and other protein engineering approaches. To address this challenge, we have used a novel strategy to select CID binders from a vastly diverse combinatorial nanobody library. We have created new CID systems that can sense cholecalciferol and artemisinin. We are validating CID biosensors by a yeast three-hybrid system and built structural models to understand the small molecule-induced dimerization. Our work is a proof-of-concept that can be generalized to create CID systems for many applications.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Washington', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'WashU StLouis', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:WashU_StLouis','location':'United States', 'institution':'Washington University in St. Louis','section':'Overgrad', 'project_title': 'DETECTING WHEAT RUST FUNGUS SPORES USING E. COLI AND S. CEREVISIAE', 'track':'Food & Nutrition', 'abstract':'Virulent races of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt), or wheat stem rust, have caused devastating effects on cereal grains worldwide, impacting global food security. We are engineering Escherichia coli DH5α and Saccharomyces cerevisiae EBY100 to detect Pgt and improve response times to virulent strains. To detect Pgt, we are creating a device that will germinate spores from the Puccinia genus. The germinated spores produce ribitol, a sugar unique to Pgt. Our engineered DH5α will produce a fluorescent signal in the presence of ribitol, thus detecting Pgt. To detect specific virulent races of Pgt, we will modify yeast to contain the stem rust resistance gene Sr35 from Triticum monococcum. Sr35 recognizes its corresponding effector AvrSr35, secreted by Pgt, as part of the plant’s innate immune system. Using bimolecular fluorescence complementation, our yeast will detect AvrSr35, a first step in being able to indicate the virulence of the germinated Pgt spores.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=WashU_StLouis', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': 'Best Integrated Human Practices', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Waterloo', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Waterloo','location':'Canada', 'institution':'University of Waterloo','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'E. co-light: Dynamic Optogenetic Control of Co-cultures', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'Microorganisms exist in complex and diverse communities. This enables a variety of important interactions including co-metabolism and nutrient cycling. Yet, it can be difficult to culture species together in a laboratory setting. Mixed populations are difficult to maintain primarily due to competition: a difference in growth rates often results in one population outcompeting another. Our team aims to dynamically control E. coli growth by using optogenetics (light-induced gene expression) to regulate the production of MetE, an enzyme essential for bacterial growth. This kind of control could help us overcome a major barrier to maintaining co-cultures: competition between microorganisms. This would open several doors in biotech and research. For instance, metabolic engineering of microbial communities may improve the production of pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and other important materials. Moreover, controllable co-cultures would allow researchers to explore complex interactions between microbes and investigate questions that could not previously be answered due to co-culturing limitations.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Waterloo', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Westminster UK', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Westminster_UK','location':'United Kingdom', 'institution':'University of Westminster','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Facilitating styrene biodegradation through modification of the tod operon', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'While waste plastics are a major environmental concern, polystyrene is one of the least recycled and is amongst the most polluting plastics. We investigated the impact of polystyrene and evaluated chemical methods of reducing its expanded volume using citrus waste chemicals followed by thermal depolymerisation. Methylbenzene (toluene) is metabolised in Pseudomonas putida F1 through the Tod operon, a class of genes which facilitate the transport and metabolism of toluene. Our goal is to use the tod operon to facilitate the biodegradation of styrene monomers. One critical enzyme, the 3-methylcatechol 2,3-dioxygenase (todE) was reported to encounter inactivation by 3-vinylcatechol intermediate of styrene biodegradation thus, our aim is to up-regulate todE in our composite biobricks while computationally modelling it. If successful, these genetic modifications could be applied back to P. putida F1 for more efficient growth on waste styrene on an industrial scale, with the possibility of useful intermediate collection.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Westminster_UK', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Europe'}, {'team_name':'WHU-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:WHU-China','location':'China', 'institution':'WuHan university','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Noahs Ark I - Polyphosphate planet', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'This year we aim to establish a brand new system of environmental remediation and maintenance in water. Owing to leakage or improper discharge, there are high levels of many chemicals in the water body causing water pollution like eutrophication. To deal with this, we established a set of pathways, used the symbiotic system of algae and our engineered bacteria and finally built an device as platform that can carry them—The Noah’s Ark. The Ark can make use of solar energy and continuously collect specific element or chemical agents from water to achieve the water restoration, as well as reusing the purified chemicals as resources！As an experiment, we used the Ark to recover phosphorus this year. Thus, the first product of a whole series was launched：Noah’s Ark I—Polyphosphate planet.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=WHU-China', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'William and Mary', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:William_and_Mary','location':'United States', 'institution':'College of William and Mary','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Construction of a decoding circuit to process dynamic frequency-encoded information', 'track':'Information Processing', 'abstract':'One of the most ubiquitous forms of information processing in cellular systems is one in which information is encoded in the time-domain dynamics of signals. Although there exist synthetic circuits capable of encoding information in the time-domain of gene expression, the field lacks circuits that can decode time-domain information. As a result, synthetic circuits are incapable of processing time-domain information, rendering them unable to interface effectively with dynamically encoded cellular signals. To address this problem we created a decoder circuit that uses an incoherent feed-forward loop to convert frequency-encoded information into amplitude-encoded information. Through modeling and experimentation we demonstrate that our IFFL decoder allows synthetic circuits to more accurately process information encoded in the frequency of an oscillatory signal. Our decoder therefore provides a means for teams to design and build synthetic circuits that can better interface with endogenous signaling pathways to access the broad possibilities of time-domain information processing.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=William_and_Mary', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'WLC-Milwaukee', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:WLC-Milwaukee','location':'United States', 'institution':'Wisconsin Lutheran College','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Ec-Sense', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Fresh water is an increasingly valuable resource in our world where the needs of a burgeoning population are complicated by rapid urbanization. Water contamination and a lack of water security affects millions of people worldwide every year, especially in at risk communities, resulting in illness and transmission of deadly parasites. Unfortunately, ensuring water safety is expensive and time consuming with few testing options available. The WLC-Milwaukee iGEM team has been continuing past work to develop a simple, accurate, and fast test kit for E. coli providing consumers the tools they need to ensure water safety. We have been working with proteins from Lambda phage known to bind the outer membrane protein, LamB, of E. coli conjugated to HRP. This protein-enzyme conjugate binds E.coli and when a colorimetric substrate is used, an easy to read visual signal indicates the presence of E. coli and fecal coliform contamination.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=WLC-Milwaukee', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'Worldshaper-Wuhan', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Worldshaper-Wuhan','location':'China', 'institution':'Wuhan','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Long noncoding RNA IL7-AS promotes cell migration in renal cell carcinoma', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. Patients with RCC typically respond poorly to conventional treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying RCC progression, including metastasis, is required to improve RCC treatment. LncRNAs have been shown to have crucial roles in carcinogenesis and metastasis. LncRNA IL7-AS is a newly discovered lncRNA, which has been suggested to be associated with innate immunity. We first examined the expression pattern of IL7-AS in tumor tissues compared with normal tissues via mining various available public data sets, which has suggested IL7-AS may play an important role in carcinomas, especially in renal cell carcinoma. Our project will clone the different splices of IL7-AS and investigate the role of IL7-AS in renal cell carcinoma. Our studies may reveal that IL7-AS is a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for renal cell carcinoma.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Worldshaper-Wuhan', 'medal':'Bronze', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Worldshaper-XSHS', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Worldshaper-XSHS','location':'China', 'institution':'Zhejiang Xiaoshan High School','section':'High School', 'project_title': 'Microbial Sensor for Nicotine Capture', 'track':'High School', 'abstract':'Tobacco consumption is one of the leading preventable causes of death and disease in the world. Nicotine, a major toxic component of tobacco, can cross biological membranes and the blood-brain barrier easily. During cigarette manufacturing, large quantities of tobacco waste with high concentrations of nicotine are produced, and the disposal of these wastes is a serious ecological problem. Microbial organisms play important roles in the tobacco manufacturing process by altering the content of nicotine. Some strains of Pseudomonas exhibits high nicotine-degrading activity, which has a gene cluster encoded enzymes involved in the catabolism of nicotine. In this project, we are aiming to explore a better way to nicotine detection and degradation. The Escherichia coli strains was constructed to easily detect the concentration of nicotine using synthetic biological methods. Meanwhile, over-expressing the key enzyme genes for nicotine bioremediation is also in progress.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Worldshaper-XSHS', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'WPI Worcester', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:WPI_Worcester','location':'United States', 'institution':'Worcester Polytechnic Institute','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'ICEberg (ISPs Combatting EPSs)', 'track':'Food & Nutrition', 'abstract':'Approximately 48 million people contract a foodborne illness in the United States each year. Many of these outbreaks are linked to field crops contaminated with pathogenic bacteria. Inspired by the 2018 romaine lettuce E. coli outbreak in the United States and the work of the 2015 WPI iGEM team, we investigated methods to prevent biofilms of human pathogens on crops. We analyzed the antimicrobial properties of antifreeze proteins, also called ice structuring proteins (ISPs), and curcumin, a component of turmeric. The biofilms were measured by the amount extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) they produced using crystal violet binding assays. On lettuce leaves, biofilms were quantified by their colony forming units. We also constructed a gene gun, based off the 2016 Cambridge iGEM teams design, to transform lettuce leaves to express antifreeze proteins. In the future, we envision transgenic crops that produce antimicrobial proteins to protect themselves against colonization of human pathogens.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=WPI_Worcester', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'XJTLU-CHINA', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:XJTLU-CHINA','location':'China', 'institution':'Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'EXOport: A CNS-targeting mRNA-packaging exosome device', 'track':'Therapeutics', 'abstract':'In recent decades, scientists have advanced various drug delivery modalities to overcome the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which excludes most neurotherapeutics from entering the central nervous system (CNS), in order to treat CNS disorders. The emerging brain virotherapy using AAV vectors was reported to be immunogenic and costly in manufacturing. In addition, it is rather perilous that therapeutic viruses have to be administered into cerebrospinal fluid. Hence, this year, our team aims to engineer HEK293T cells to produce engineered exosomes, which are extracellular vesicles naturally capable of traversing BBB, hereby providing a low-risk platform for CNS mRNA therapy . The engineering includes: 1. boosting the production of exosomes; 2. facilitating therapeutic RNA to be packaged into exosomes; 3. increasing targeting specificity to neurons with low leakage during the transport of RNA cargo 4. prolonging the expression of therapeutic RNAs in the neurons', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=XJTLU-CHINA', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'XJTU-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:XJTU-China','location':'China', 'institution':'Xian Jiaotong University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'DEcose: A Biosensor-based Directed Evolution Method in Promoting D-psicose Productivity', 'track':'Manufacturing', 'abstract':'D-psicose, the C-3 epimer of fructose, is a natural rare sugar that is low in energy, which exerts several potential health benefits, including preventing diabetes development. Bioproduction of D-psicose shows promise but suffers severely from low enzyme activity. Directed evolution (DE) is an effective strategy for optimizing various enzymes. However, high throughput is never achieved when screening manually or using conventional methods such as HPLC to monitor metabolite concentration. To overcome such difficulties, we have constructed the Sensing, Coupling, Selecting and Iterating framework of DE with quantitative regulatory mechanisms underlying each step. D-psicose productivity is first converted into mRNA expression level, then couples with genes conveying survival advantages by tunable hairpin cassette. The procedure iterates itself in evolving more effective enzymes. This framework for DE could hopefully be applied to improve the functionality of other biomolecules, as long as a suitable biosensor for the final product exists.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=XJTU-China', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'XMU-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:XMU-China','location':'China', 'institution':'Xiamen University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Cell-free Systems for Disease Detection and Treatment', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'This year team XMU-China developed cell-free systems to detect and treat diseases. Protein detection is unique and significant in biology fields, especially for the detection of protein biomarkers which produced by diseased cells. In order to overcome the deficiencies of traditional detection methods, we have developed an Aptamer Based Cell-free Detection system (ABCD system) of protein. The core of the ABCD system is the specific binding of the aptamer and its target protein. After protein detection, we use outer-membrane vesicles (OMVs) to treat the diseased cells. We designed a system that has realized the efficient, customizable production of OMVs, which serves to encapsulate specific siRNA for disease treatment. To guarantee the practicability detection and treatment system, we also improved KaiABC system and TDPs system to regulate the expression rate of OMVs and store fragile chemicals or biological materials.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=XMU-China', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'Yale', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:Yale','location':'United States', 'institution':'Yale University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'Engineering a synthetic bacterial co-culture to degrade and metabolize PET plastics', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a polymer used to make plastic products ranging from synthetic fibers to water bottles. Large amounts of PET end up accumulating in the environment as pollution. A bacterium named Ideonella sakaiensis was found to degrade PET by using two enzymes, PETase and MHETase, to break PET into two monomers: ethylene glycol (EG) and terephthalic acid (TPA). However, I. sakaiensis inability to breakdown PET on a practical time scale undermines its usefulness in eliminating PET pollution. Our project aimed to tackle PET pollution by engineering a synthetic Escherichia coli and Aceintobacter baylyi co-culture to degrade and metabolize PET. Since both E. coli and A. baylyi are more characterized than I. sakaiensis and also capable of high-throughput mutagenesis, PET degradation and metabolism pathways in an engineered synthetic E. coli and A. baylyi co-culture potentially could be optimized to be more efficient than those natively found in I. sakaiensis.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=Yale', 'medal':'Silver', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'North America'}, {'team_name':'ZJU-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:ZJU-China','location':'China', 'institution':'Zhejiang University','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'A Detector - A Framework of Multi-enzyme Assembly', 'track':'New Application', 'abstract':'Injuries–resulting from traffic collisions, drowning, falls or burns - and violence - from acts of war–kill more than 5 million people worldwide annually and cause harm to millions more. A waste of prehospital time led to high mortality. In response to these situations, ZJU-China developed A Detector for point-of-care testing (POCT), a manufacturing platform for other biosensors. Developers can assemble customized enzymes with Tag/Catcher labels in the expected order and immobilize them on a biocompatible matrix of curli fibers. In traumatic shock detecting, a triple-enzyme complex is constructed and performs as a logic gate to integrate two clinical parameters on molecular level. The result is exported through redox reaction on electrodes. Besides, in silicon machine learning is used to build a bridge between real clinical data and currents in our design. In brief, we propose an innovative new application by introducing A Detector, a Tag-Enzyme-Catcher assembly for fast response.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=ZJU-China', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, {'team_name':'ZJUT-China', 'wiki_link':'https://2018.igem.org/Team:ZJUT-China','location':'China', 'institution':'Zhejiang University of Technology','section':'Undergrad', 'project_title': 'LiGEM-DARG: Light-controlled Genetic Engineering Machine for Degrading Antibiotic Resistance Genes', 'track':'Environment', 'abstract':'Due to antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), microbial infections are increasingly difficult to be treated with antibiotics. The spread of ARGs has become a global challenge. Eliminating ARGs of microbes (e.g. from fermentation industry or laboratories) can reduce the amount of ARGs in the environment. To this end, we developed a light-controlled genetic engineering machine for degrading ARGs, which is comprised of the following modules: 1) To cleave an ARG, Cas9 was expressed under the control of arabinose promoter and guided by the sgRNA which targets at the ARG. 2) To control the expression of Cas9 through light, the efficiency of the light-controlled part was measured with eGFP as reporter. 3) To reduce leaky transcription of sgRNA, the arabinose-controlled repressor LacI was constructed and evaluated with eGFP. 4) A module for cell lysis was constructed to disrupt cells after eliminating the ARG. Together, we provided a novel strategy for controlling ARGs.', 'parts_link':'http://parts.igem.org/cgi/partsdb/pgroup.cgi?pgroup=iGEM2018&group=ZJUT-China', 'medal':'Gold', 'nominations': '-', 'awards':'-', 'region':'Asia'}, ];

//generate team and country list - once it is done, it will call the function to enable the search button setup_teams_and_countries_list(all_teams_info);

//Place all the team information in the general printing div for users to browse for( x=0; x< all_teams_info.length; x++) {

print_this_team("#general_all_teams", all_teams_info[x]);

if( (x%2) != 0 ){

$("#general_all_teams").append("

");

}

}

//if the user is selecting something from the team list dropdown $( "#team_list" ).change(function() {

//empty all previous results $("#filtered_results").empty(); find_selected_team($('#team_list').val(), all_teams_info);

});

//if the user requests a specific search $('#go_search_filter').click(function() {

 		search_request(all_teams_info);

});

});

//functions

//this appends the team list and countries to the dropdowns function setup_teams_and_countries_list(team_list){

var clean_name;

//generate the team list for (x=0; x< team_list.length; x++){

clean_name = (team_list[x].team_name).replace(/ /g, "_");

$("#team_list").append("<option value='"+clean_name+"'>"+team_list[x].team_name+"</option>");

}

//clean the previous variable clean_name = "";

//generate the list of unique countries var countries = [... new Set(team_list.map(x => x.location))];

//order alphabetically countries.sort();

for (x=0; x< countries.length; x++){

clean_name = (countries[x]).replace(/ /g, "_");

$("#country_list").append("<option value='"+clean_name+"'>"+countries[x]+"</option>");

}

//once the team and country list is done loading, enable the search button console.log("done appending all the teams and countries "); enable_search_button(); }

//this function enables the search button function enable_search_button(){ $("#go_search_filter").removeClass("button_disabled"); console.log("The search button is now enabled"); }

//this function finds a specific team from the dropdown and then sends it to print function find_selected_team(team_name, all_teams_info){

$("#general_all_teams").hide(); var temp_clean_name;

for (x=0; x< all_teams_info.length; x++){

temp_clean_name = (all_teams_info[x].team_name).replace(/ /g, "_");

if(team_name == temp_clean_name) {

print_this_team("#filtered_results", all_teams_info[x])

} } }

//this is the general function for printing team information function print_this_team(where_to_append, team_to_print){

$(where_to_append).append("

" + team_to_print.team_name +"

"+ "

"+ "

Location: " +team_to_print.location+ "
Region: "+team_to_print.region+ "
Section: "+team_to_print.section+ "
Institution: "+team_to_print.institution+ "

"+ "

"+ "

Track: "+team_to_print.track+ "
Wiki: <a href='"+team_to_print.wiki_link+"'>"+team_to_print.wiki_link+"</a>"+ "
Poster: "+ "
Presentation:

"+ "

"+ "

"+team_to_print.project_title+"

"+ "

"+team_to_print.abstract+"

");

}

//this is the main search and filter function function search_request(all_teams_info){

//variable to check if the search can be done var proper_search = true;

//create a temp object for searching var current_team_obj ={};

//list of objects to hold all the results var found_teams =[];

//first, empty all previous results $("#filtered_results").empty(); $("#general_all_teams").hide();

//get the values to search for each category var values_to_search = { location: $('#country_list').val(), track: $('#track_list').val(), section: $('#section_list').val(), region: $('#region_list').val() };

//make region and track the same format as the information values_to_search.region = (values_to_search.region).replace(/_/g, " "); values_to_search.track = (values_to_search.track).replace(/_/g, " "); values_to_search.location = (values_to_search.location).replace(/_/g, " ");

// if the user hasn't selected any particular category, ask them to narrow down the search if(values_to_search.location == 'all' && values_to_search.track == 'all' && values_to_search.section =='all' && values_to_search.region =='all'){

$("#general_all_teams").show(); proper_search = false ;

}

//if user selected at least one category, let's search for it! if(proper_search == true){

for (x=0; x< all_teams_info.length; x++){

//populate temp object with current team current_team_obj = all_teams_info[x];

//4 CATEGORIES

//if the user selected all four categories (location + track + section + region) if(values_to_search.location != 'all' && values_to_search.track != 'all' && values_to_search.section !='all' && values_to_search.region !='all'){

if( current_team_obj.location == values_to_search.location && current_team_obj.track == values_to_search.track && current_team_obj.section == values_to_search.section && current_team_obj.region == values_to_search.region ){ found_teams.push(current_team_obj); }

}

//3 CATEGORIES

//if the user selected all three categories (location + track + section) if(values_to_search.location != 'all' && values_to_search.track != 'all' && values_to_search.section !='all' && values_to_search.region =='all'){

if( current_team_obj.location == values_to_search.location && current_team_obj.track == values_to_search.track && current_team_obj.section == values_to_search.section){ found_teams.push(current_team_obj); }

}

//if the user selected all three categories (location + track + region) if(values_to_search.location != 'all' && values_to_search.track != 'all' && values_to_search.section =='all' && values_to_search.region !='all'){

if( current_team_obj.location == values_to_search.location && current_team_obj.track == values_to_search.track && current_team_obj.region == values_to_search.region){ found_teams.push(current_team_obj); }

}

//if the user selected all three categories (location + section + region) if(values_to_search.location != 'all' && values_to_search.track == 'all' && values_to_search.section !='all' && values_to_search.region !='all'){

if( current_team_obj.location == values_to_search.location && current_team_obj.section == values_to_search.section && current_team_obj.region == values_to_search.region){ found_teams.push(current_team_obj); }

}

//if the user selected all three categories (track + section +region) if(values_to_search.location == 'all' && values_to_search.track != 'all' && values_to_search.section !='all' && values_to_search.region !='all'){

if( current_team_obj.track == values_to_search.track && current_team_obj.section == values_to_search.section && current_team_obj.region == values_to_search.region){ found_teams.push(current_team_obj); }

}

// 2 CATEGORIES //if the user selected two categories (location + track) if(values_to_search.location != 'all' && values_to_search.track != 'all' && values_to_search.section =='all' && values_to_search.region =='all'){

if( current_team_obj.location == values_to_search.location && current_team_obj.track == values_to_search.track){ found_teams.push(current_team_obj); }

}

//if the user selected two categories (location + section) if(values_to_search.location != 'all' && values_to_search.track == 'all' && values_to_search.section !='all' && values_to_search.region =='all'){

if( current_team_obj.location == values_to_search.location && current_team_obj.section == values_to_search.section){ found_teams.push(current_team_obj); } }

//if the user selected two categories (location + region) if(values_to_search.location != 'all' && values_to_search.track == 'all' && values_to_search.section =='all' && values_to_search.region !='all'){

if( current_team_obj.location == values_to_search.location && current_team_obj.region == values_to_search.region){ found_teams.push(current_team_obj); } }

//if the user selected two categories (track + section) if(values_to_search.location == 'all' && values_to_search.track != 'all' && values_to_search.section !='all' && values_to_search.region =='all'){

if(current_team_obj.section == values_to_search.section && current_team_obj.track == values_to_search.track){ found_teams.push(current_team_obj); } }

//if the user selected two categories (track + region) if(values_to_search.location == 'all' && values_to_search.track != 'all' && values_to_search.section =='all' && values_to_search.region !='all'){

if(current_team_obj.track == values_to_search.track && current_team_obj.region == values_to_search.region){ found_teams.push(current_team_obj); } }

//if the user selected two categories (section + region) if(values_to_search.location == 'all' && values_to_search.track == 'all' && values_to_search.section !='all' && values_to_search.region !='all'){

if(current_team_obj.section == values_to_search.section && current_team_obj.region == values_to_search.region){ found_teams.push(current_team_obj); } }

// 1 CATEGORY //if the user selected all one category (location ) if(values_to_search.location != 'all' && values_to_search.track == 'all' && values_to_search.section =='all' && values_to_search.region =='all'){

if(current_team_obj.location == values_to_search.location){ found_teams.push(current_team_obj); } }

//if the user selected all one category (track ) if(values_to_search.location == 'all' && values_to_search.track != 'all' && values_to_search.section =='all' && values_to_search.region =='all'){ if(current_team_obj.track == values_to_search.track){ found_teams.push(current_team_obj); } }

//if the user selected all one category (section) if(values_to_search.location == 'all' && values_to_search.track == 'all' && values_to_search.section !='all' && values_to_search.region =='all'){ if(current_team_obj.section == values_to_search.section){ found_teams.push(current_team_obj); } }

//if the user selected all one category (region) if(values_to_search.location == 'all' && values_to_search.track == 'all' && values_to_search.section =='all' && values_to_search.region !='all'){ if(current_team_obj.region == values_to_search.region){ found_teams.push(current_team_obj); } }

}

}

//once the search si complete print results

$("#filtered_results").append("

Found: "+ found_teams.length+" results.

");

for( x=0; x< found_teams.length; x++) {

print_this_team("#filtered_results", found_teams[x]);

} }