iGEM 2016: MUNICH TEAM RECEIVES GRAND PRIZE AT iGEM JAMBOREE

In developing a novel approach toward bioprinting tissue, Munich student team brings world championship in synthetic biology to Germany.

Initiated by the Research Training Group GRK2062, „Molecular Principles of Synthetic Biology“, the combined iGEM team from the two Munich universities LMU and TUM has received the 2016 Grand Prize (1st place) in the international iGEM competition at Boston (MA). The team has developed a novel approach towards bioprinting based on a biomolecular two-component glue, which is composed of the protein avidin and the vitamin biotin that tightly bind to each other. This mild molecular interaction enables the printed cells to adhere to each other, opening up new perspectives for the bioprinting of live tissues and even organs.

After developing their interdisciplinary bioprinting project over the summer in the laboratory of Prof. Dr. Arne Skerra at TUM in Weihenstephan, the team was awarded the main prize of the "Overgraduate" section on November 1st, 2016. Furthermore, it won the first prize in the category "Manufacturing" and additionally received special awards for "Best Hardware" as well as "Best Software". Following up on the 4th place for LMU in 2012 and the 2nd place for TUM in 2013, this represents the greatest success for a Munich team in the iGEM competition thus far.

Congratulations to all members and thanks a lot to all sponsors of the team!

More information about the team and their project

iGEM 2016 results

The iGEM competition is an annual, world wide, synthetic biology event aimed at undergraduate university students, as well as high school and graduate students. Multidisciplinary teams work all summer long to build genetically engineered systems using standard biological parts called Biobricks. iGEM teams work inside and outside the lab, creating sophisticated projects that strive to create a positive contribution to their communities and the world.

The International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to education and competition, the advancement of synthetic biology, and the development of an open community and collaboration.