Chalmers iGEM project 2024
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 244 330 |
| Project duration | June 2024 - October 2024 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Working methods |
| Call | Everyday innovators in biotech and synthetic biology |
Important results from the project
The goal was to design, construct and evaluate several plasmid-based systems to silence the expression of antibiotic resistance genes. The systems are based on CRISPR/Cas9, CRISPR/Cas13, sRNA and ribozymes. Due to time constraints, only the sRNA and ribozyme systems were evaluated, and we showed that the sRNA system effectively silences two genes involved in tetracycline and erythromycin resistance. More info about the results can be found at: https://2024.igem.wiki/chalmers-gothenburg/results
Expected long term effects
In the long term, we hope to inspire further research, which may lead to the development and practical implementation of our concepts to combat antibiotic resistance, especially since many of these concepts have shown promising results in previous research. By talking about antibiotic resistance and our project at conferences, schools and online, we hope that we have raised awareness of the increasing threat that antibiotic resistance poses and the urgent need for novel solutions to the problem.
Approach and implementation
We began with the design and synthesis of vectors for the silencing systems, which were assembled into plasmids. The silencing systems were transformed into antibiotic-resistant E. coli; antibiotics were added to test gene silencing. Transformations with graphene oxide were evaluated as a potential delivery system. Toehold switches were designed, constructed and evaluated to detect resistance genes. We collaborated with other iGEM teams, presented at the iGEM Grand Jamboree and visited schools.