Meet the Aalto-Helsinki iGEM Team 2023
We are a team of 10 students, united in our passion for synthetic biology and committed to making an impact in the world. Our journey began in February 2023, and since then, we have been working together to bring our innovative project to life. You can learn more about us and our project here: https://www.aaltohelsinki.com/
Synthetic biology holds great power to make impacts to solve some of the deepest underlying problems of the world, and we worked through this year to solve two of the biggest problems the current world is facing. We would like to thank Synbio Powerlabs for supporting us on this exciting journey, and for sharing a common vision with us securing a smooth cooperation.
Synthetic Biology and iGEM: Shaping the Future
Synthetic biology stands at the intersection of various disciplines, holding the promise of groundbreaking solutions in medicine, agriculture, and energy sectors. It borrows the principles from engineering to integrate them within a biological system to solve real-world problems.
The iGEM competition, originating from MIT, creates a culture of innovation by challenging students globally to design and implement projects within a short timeframe, using synthetic biology as a tool to address real-world problems.
Our Project: PET-2-Protein
In a world grappling with plastic waste and food scarcity, our team envisioned a solution that addresses both issues head-on. Our project, PET-2-Protein, leverages the principles of a circular economy to transform plastic waste into valuable proteins, presenting a sustainable alternative to current practices in plastic recycling and food production.
PET-2-Protein Process
By utilizing naturally occurring PETase enzymes, we aim to break down PET plastics into monomers, which are then converted into proteins. This eco-friendly approach not only offers a solution to the plastic waste problem but also contributes to global food security by creating a novel and sustainable source of protein.
Human Practices: Beyond the Laboratory
Our commitment goes beyond the laboratory. We engage deeply with the community, seeking expert advice to refine our protocols and objectives. We aim to create a greater understanding of synthetic biology and its potential to address pressing global issues through various outreach initiatives, including workshops and collaborations.
The Impact: Paving the Way for a Greener Tomorrow
Our PET-2-Protein project is more than just a scientific innovation; it's a hopeful glimpse into a future where sustainability isn't just a goal, but a reality. Imagine a world where plastic waste doesn't just end up in landfills or oceans but is given a second life, transformed into nourishing proteins that can feed the hungry.
PET-2-Protein is a catalyst for change, embracing SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), as we harness innovation to turn plastic waste into protein, not only combating poverty and food insecurity but also empowering individuals and communities to thrive in a sustainable and equitable society. It's a vision that aligns perfectly with the missions of our sponsor, Synbio Powerlabs, as we both believe in the transformative power of synthetic biology to foster a world that is not only greener but also more sustainable and self-sufficient. Together, we are not just dreaming of a better future; we are actively creating it, one innovative solution at a time.
Join Us in Our Journey
We invite you to follow our journey and learn more about our project through our webpage, social media handles, and blog.
Stay tuned for updates and join us as we explore the fascinating world of synthetic biology!