PHAse Out
This year, the Leiden team is participating in the ‘PHAse Out’ project. This aims to produce biodegradable PHA plastics to provide a solution to global plastic pollution. They aim to innovatively genetically modify the bacterium Methylobacterium extorquens AM1 (M. extorquens), enabling large-scale and environmentally friendly production of PHA. Indeed, M. extorquens can grow on sustainable methanol, a cheaper and greener alternative than the conventional sugars used so far for PHA production.
In the lab, they will genetically modify M. extorquens in three aspects. Among other things, they will optimise PHA synthesis, reduce metabolic load and use more efficient extraction methods.
About iGem
iGEM is a synthetic biology competition in which more than 400 teams from around the world compete. This competition challenges student teams to solve local and global problems by designing genetically modified organisms. The grand finale will take place from 2 to 5 November 2023 in Paris, at the famous Paris Expo – Porte de Versailles. Here, all the teams will gather to share their projects with each other as well as with professionals.
OVBSP supports iGem
Entrepreneurs in the Life Sciences & Health sector at Leiden Bio Science Park the iGem team this year for the third year in a row.
iGem offers students the opportunity to develop entrepreneurship in a research project.
Bas Reichert, OVBSP president
How can companies help iGem?
- A conversation with you and your company, to learn more about each other.
- (Partial) financing of our lab materials, worth €3975
- Funding for our team outfit, worth €1240
We are very happy to engage with you! Would you like to know more?
Get in touch with the team, at igem@science.leidenuniv.nl or follow us on the website or social media. Instagram @igemleiden LinkedIn @iGEM Leiden