iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) is an annual competition in the field of synthetic biology.
Since 2008, it brings together teams of undergraduate and graduate students from around the world to work on innovative projects using genetic engineering and biological systems.
It costs $5000 to enter the competition, but as the
president of the foundation says, it teaches students to develop essential skills in fundraising and establish their own startup ventures.
In 2019, a
UC San Diego team, used Trimethylamine dehydrogenase (TMADH) to reduce TMA into formaldehyde, methane, and a reduced electron-transferring flavoprotein. Since Formaldehyde is toxic, theytested this in E. coli where TMADH and formaldehyde dehydrogenase are both produced to break down TMA and formaldehyde. Team members included
Allison Bien,
Daniel Kim, and
many others)
In 2014, a team from Paris University,
genetically engineered skin bacteria (E.coli and Corynebacterium striatum) by introducing a trimethylamine mono-oxygenase from a non-human bacteria (Ruegeria pomeroyi).
In 2012, a
team from Fatih university genetically engineered bacteria producing geraniol and FMO3 to eliminate TMA odors. Their product, FreshEcoli, was supposed to work as a synthetic perfume.
MEBO Research and
Aurametrix conducted
several clinical studies, but never tested any of the genetically engineered products mentioned above. This is due to the potential risks and safety concerns associated with use of genetically engineered bacteria in human subjects.
1 comments:
It looks hopeful, anyway! Please keep us informed of progress in this area. Thank you.