iGEM stands for the International Genetically Engineered Machines competition, an international competition where teams create, test, and present their own bioscience research projects involving genetic devices. The Stanford team is composed of 7-12 undergraduate students, who work on developing a project through a needs finding process and presenting at the annual Grand Jamboree, located in Paris. Click here to learn more .

To learn more about the 2023 project, read through our iGEM Page.

2023 Project Abstract:
Antibiotics have long been the cornerstone of treating bacterial infections and, at times, are the only effective care option available. Rising antibiotic use in developing nations has rapidly reduced the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics and led to a rise in antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB). Common approaches for combating ARB include novel antibiotics and bacteriophages. However, there is currently no method to eliminate ARB that reduces disruption to native microbiota and ecosystems, minimizes human health risks, and does not readily broaden the antibiotic resistance spectrum. Our project, Antibiotic Resistance Control (ARC), achieves sub-host specificity in bacteriophages, enabling precise targeting of ARB in a diverse range of environments. We created this functional killing response by integrating synthetic RNA switches to enhance target precision and control lytic activity. By limiting phage integration and lytic activity to antibiotic resistance gene mRNA presence, we effectively safeguard symbiotic microbiomes without expanding the range of antibiotic resistance.

To learn more about the 2022 project, read through our iGEM Page.

2022 Project Abstract:
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), accounts for 12% of solid waste worldwide thus making PET processing a top priority. Recently, an enzyme was discovered in bacteria that breaks down PET and following this, several studies have used the wild-type protein to improve its efficiency and stability for enzymatic degradation in vitro. Although these recent achievements are incredible advances, having optimized PETases for conditions that microbes prefer will essentially make PET biodegradable. To produce PETases that function under different conditions (e.g. fermentation), the 2022 Stanford iGEM team is building a platform for producing PETases through continuous directed evolution called “OrthoRep”. To achieve this, we’ve developed a system that selects for yeast mutants with improved activity in user-defined conditions. Our workflow can be used to evolve PETases that work optimally for different species based on the pH and temperature used in our evolution and could be used to evolve enzymes that break down many other materials.

Stanford iGEM is in the midst of recruiting a team for Summer 2024. Once assembled, the new team will put together opportunities to connect and engage with High School students. If you are a High School student (or just someone who is curious and wants to learn!) and would like to be sent emails about these future opportunities, sign up for our mailing list and we will reach out to you once they have been organized. Fill out the High School Engagement interest form at this link.

The 2023 Team was composed of 8 full time undergraduates, and received the help of many sponsors, graduate student mentors, as well as our 4 wonderful PIs. Learn more about our team here .

Our team depends on the generous support of a team of graduate student (and beyond!) mentors. Mentorship can range from being a Stanford iGEM Consultant (a handful of guiding conversations over the summer offering your expertise), to a Stanford iGEM Mentor (more regular support helping to oversee project trajectory and/or giving wetlab advice). Interested in helping guide our team? Please contact this email: stanfordigem2023@gmail.com to get in touch
Check out our mentors from last year here.

Want to support us? Get in contact with us at stanfordigem2023@gmail.com and help our team succeed in the 2024 season!