Life Bulb

2022 was the first year that Okanagan iGEM, formerly UBCO iGEM, competed in the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition. We were composed of a 16 member team of undergraduate students, along with several UBC professors acting as instructors and Principle Investigators. In addition, our team had several PhD student instructors around the world.

The 2022 Team was awarded a Gold Medal for our efforts and nominated for Best Wiki!

Our Project

Autobioluminescent organisms are the future of lighting. Electrical light contributes to 20% of energy consumption and 6% of global CO2 emissions, which are projected to increase 60% by 2030. Thus, we propose an autobioluminescent lighting system to tackle the climate crisis by reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. We will engineer the cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 with a cyclical bioluminescent pathway elucidated from fungi, which has previously only been expressed in eukaryotes. Our genetic circuit was designed based on the analysis of genomic differences and field observations of different species of luminous fungi. With these fungal genes we will create a scalable, versatile, and carbon-negative lighting source. We engineered E. Coli with a codon optimized version of this pathway as a stepping-stone for expression and characterization of the system in Synechocystis. This proof-of-concept study will open the doors for an adaptable and efficient way of growing light.


Vision, Values & Goals

Through Life Bulb, we hope to create a product that is: 

A Sustainable Solution Towards Reducing Global GHG Emissions

This autobioluminescent lighting system can be integrated into the community through sustainable human infrastructure like bus stops or the exterior of buildings, charging via photosynthesis during the day and emitting light at night. In doing so, Life Bulb removes carbon dioxide from the air producing oxygen, acting as a carbon-negative light source.  Additionally, LEDs are currently our most efficient and long lasting light source. But with these bulbs we pay a steep price in embodied carbon, heavy metals, and toxic metalloids. Mining for these materials contributes to the destruction of countless acres of wildlife habitat every year and leaches toxic metals into the surrounding land and water, often with lethal consequences. Life Bulb tackles this problem as a biological solution, with the ability to grow your own light to scale.

An Educational Tool for the Youth 

Another goal of “Life Bulb” is to demonstrate that synthetic biology is not only for scientists. We envision Life Bulb as an educational tool.

We imagine our product being marketed towards young teens and children for personal use, using our engineered lighting system in applications such as a night light or lamp with instructions for care, as well as information on GMOs and synthetic biology.

In doing so, we aim to reduce the stigma surrounding GMOs and biotechnology, given the resistance and politicization in parts of the world.


A Medium for Expressing Art and Culture 

Additionally, we intend to collaborate with local Indigenous populations to bring more awareness to First Nation historical and cultural heritage. We believe it is important to have their perspective as Kelowna was founded on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Syilx-Okanagan people, and our campus would not exist without this bond. 

STEM research often does not put focus on Indigenous people's perspective, which is why UBCO iGEM strives to work alongside First Nation community members and leaders to combine traditional artforms with the natural beauty of bioluminescence. 

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Click here to check out the official Wiki for Life Bulb, presented to judges at the iGEM Grand Jamboree in Paris!