Celebrating Our Remarkable Success in iGEM 2023
Dulwich International High School Suzhou has once again marked its name in the annals of the iGEM competition, clinching their fourth consecutive gold medal. The team's success in iGEM is a beacon of inspiration, showcasing how young minds can contribute significantly to solving complex global issues. Their achievements in winning the Best Plant Synthetic Biology and Best New Composite Part awards further underscore their outstanding scientific acumen and ingenuity. This year, the school's achievement is not just a testament to their persistent excellence but also a reflection of their innovative approach in tackling global challenges through synthetic biology.
iGEM, a prestigious international competition, provides a platform for students to explore the vast potential of synthetic biology. It's an arena where creativity meets science, allowing teams to develop projects that address real-world problems. Dulwich Suzhou's recent success in this competition underlines their commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific inquiry and application in education.
The focus of the team's project was a critical global issue – the inefficient use of phosphorus in agriculture. Phosphorus, though abundant, is a double-edged sword in modern farming. While it's indispensable for crop growth, its inefficient use leads to environmental and economic challenges. The students addressed this by developing a two-pronged solution involving a novel "phytosensor" and an intelligent phosphorus fertiliser system.
The phytosensor, a groundbreaking innovation, changes how we monitor phosphate levels in plants. Utilising a gene circuit with a low-phosphate-responsive promoter, an expression amplifier, and a bright GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein), it allows real-time, visual monitoring of a plant's phosphorus status. This ingenious solution not only makes phosphate monitoring accessible but also ensures precise fertiliser application, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Complementing this, the team devised an intelligent fertiliser system inspired by the Nanjing High School 2020 team. This system employs specially engineered bacteria that secrete gluconic acid in response to low-phosphate signals from plant roots, thus mobilising insoluble phosphate salts in the soil. This approach not only enhances soil phosphate utilisation but also contributes to sustainable agricultural practices.
These innovative solutions directly align with the UN SDGs, particularly in sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. By addressing the inefficiencies in phosphorus usage, the team's project holds the potential to revolutionise agricultural practices globally.
Dulwich Suzhou's triumph in iGEM 2023 is more than just a victory in a competition. It's a celebration of relentless curiosity, innovative spirit, and the power of collaborative effort in shaping a sustainable future. This achievement not only brings honor to the school but also serves as a shining example for students worldwide, demonstrating that with passion and perseverance, they can make a tangible difference in the world.
