On October 27, the 2024 International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM) was grandly concluded. iZJU-China, an undergraduate team from the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, participated in the competition for the first time and stood out from hundreds of teams from Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Edinburgh, Tsinghua University, and other major universities around the world, won the gold medal and was nominated for the Best Fashion & Cosmetics Project.
Introduction to iGEM
The International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM) is a top international academic competition in the field of biology initiated by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2004, aiming to encourage college students and young scientists to solve real-world problems through innovative biological projects. It is widely recognized by academic journals such as Nature and Science, as well as the industrial sector. iGEM encompasses multiple disciplines, including biology, mathematics, computer science, art and design, economics, and management, and is an international science and technology competition centered around biology with interdisciplinary integration. In 2024, more than 400 teams from over 50 countries participated in iGEM.
Team and Project Introduction
This year's iZJU-China team consists of 26 undergraduate students, guided by Dr. Huang Wenwen, a researcher and assistant professor at the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Professor Chen Ming from the School of Life Sciences at Zhejiang University, and Dr. Lian Jiazhang, a researcher at the School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering at Zhejiang University.
The team developed "Yeastea", a yeast skincare product combining bisabolol, ceramides, and yeast extract, designed for sensitive skin to enhance skin barrier repair. By utilizing a genetic oscillator, an autonomous negative feedback regulatory genetic circuit, the team controlled the production of ceramides and bisabolol in brewing yeast, reducing cellular toxicity and extending yeast lifespan, which increased the production of ceramides by 37%. The yeast extract containing the product has good biocompatibility. Additionally, in terms of human practice, the team designed the AREA framework suitable for the Fashion and Cosmetics track to collect feedback and specifically segmented stakeholders and non-stakeholders to optimize the project. This innovative yeast extract skincare product provides an affordable, efficient, and sustainable solution for skin repair, with expectations for a broader future in the skincare and cosmetics industry. Team Introduction: https://2024.igem.wiki/izju-china/
Team Member List
Wang Chen, Yu Haoyang, Wang Mingyuan, Wang Yaqi, Kong Kexuan, Lv Siyuan, Zhu Jiaying, Liu Zimo, Xu Ruiling, Li Yexuan, Yang Yijun, Yang Bo, Xiao Mingyang, Wu Di, Zhang Yiyang, Zhang Xiaohan, Chen Jinpeng, Zheng Ximeng, He Zihang, Yuan Shihong, Gao Yifan, Cao Yue, Cao Xiaoran, Gong Siyuan, Ji Shu Han, Xiong Shi Han
