What is iGEM and our project, Barnacure?

2025-10-09

iGEM Competition & Barnacure Team Members

Team Illustration by Joanna, Year 11

Article written Jing Jing, Year 11

Primary Principal Investigator: Thomas Edwards, Head of Biology & Head of Science

What is iGEM?

iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition) is a global genetic engineering competition initiated by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The competition began in 2003, became an international event in 2005, and has since evolved into one of the most influential student science and technology activities in the field of synthetic biology.

Each year, it attracts over 300 teams from more than 40 countries and regions worldwide, including undergraduate, graduate, and high school divisions.

View 'Barnacure' - Wellington's iGEM competition submission video and solution to boat barnacle build up

The core of iGEM is synthetic biology: a rapidly growing interdisciplinary field that integrates biology, engineering, computer science, and chemistry.

It aims to design and construct new biological parts, devices, and systems using standardized biological components (BioBricks). Participating teams leverage synthetic biology techniques to address real-world challenges, with projects spanning healthcare, environmental protection, energy production, and food safety.

As a benchmark event in synthetic biology, iGEM emphasizes not only technological innovation but also Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). Teams must comprehensively consider project safety, ethical issues, and societal impact while promoting public awareness through education and policy advocacy.

This unique competition model fosters interdisciplinary thinking and a sense of social responsibility among the new generation of bioengineers.

About our project

Marine surfaces like ship hulls face biofouling, leading to increased drag, fuel use, and maintenance costs. Traditional toxic antifouling paints leach harmful metals into seawater.

A sustainable alternative uses engineered bacteria to produce antifouling enzymes in protective coatings. These enzymes break down biofilms and prevent organism settlement without harming marine life. This eco-friendly solution could cut costs, extend ship lifespans, and reduce emissions.

Tradition cleaning barnacles problems

Most antifouling methods use toxic biocides, harming marine ecosystems and facing bans. Alternatives like power washing are costly—why clean ships often when a sustainable coating could offer lasting protection?

Unlike projects mimicking barnacle cement proteins for adhesives, we target these proteins for degradation. We’ll express cp-19k in E. coli, test protease efficiency against it, then engineer bacteria to produce the protease—a biological antifouling breakthrough.

Wha

Education

We taught Year 5 simple biology experiments to build foundational knowledge. For Years 6–7, we introduced the Bronze CREST Award CCA, guiding pupils to design their own research projects.

We also taught Year 9 pupils micropipetting techniques and created a clear CREST pathway for Year 7–13.

To further broaden opportunities, we established the Experimentalist CCA for Year 7 and 8, and Biotechnology for Beginners for Year 9 and 10, where pupils learned about laboratory safety and aseptic techniques, the importance of keeping laboratory notebooks, and practical skills essential for future iGEM success.

Beyond school, we arranged a session with Stepping Stones, where we taught children about DNA, micropipetting, and iGEM. Looking ahead, we plan to expand and promote these initiatives to other Wellington schools across China, fostering a wider culture of scientific exploration.