Homework

Weekly homework submissions:

Metabolic flux analysis (MFA) of a carotenoid-producing strain such as Rhodotorula glutinis to improve β-carotene yield Carotenoids represent a rapidly growing market due to their diverse applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. However, their chemical synthesis (the most widely used production method at present) is associated with the generation of toxic waste that poses risks to both the environment and human health. In this context, it is highly relevant to identify alternative production strategies that enhance intracellular carotenoid accumulation in Rhodotorula glutinis for biotechnological exploitation, as this yeast has demonstrated a high capacity to synthesize and store carotenoids within its cell wall. This project proposes the use of metabolic flux analysis through the silencing of genes that promote metabolic reactions associated with carotenoid biosynthesis. The proposed strategy aims to increase the efficiency of β-carotene production without compromising cellular viability, by selectively silencing target genes involved in competing or regulatory metabolic pathways.

Governance and policy objectives i. Dissemination of relevant information derived from the developed technology i.i Dissemination through scientific publications, repositories, and databases i.ii Dissemination at conferences and specialized forums i.iii Filing of a patent application for the developed invention, including claims covering the genetic constructs generated ii. Transparency of the obtained results ii.i Preparation of technical reports on the results obtained from biosynthesis protocols and characterization of the resulting product ii.ii Conducting life cycle assessment (LCA) and exergy analysis to evaluate the environmental impact of the proposed process ii.iii Scale-up analysis iii. Implementation of safety protocols in compliance with applicable national and international regulations iii.i Drafting of safety protocols related to the developed methodologies

3 & 4

Objectives Option 1 Score Option 2 Score Option 3 Score Dissemination through scientific publications, repositories, and databases Draft clear and reproducible protocols describing the techniques employed. 1 Select appropriate databases and repositories for the publication of the obtained results. 3 Integrate multidisciplinary teams to develop more comprehensive and robust protocols. 2 Preparation of reports on the results obtained from biosynthesis protocols and product characterization Conduct product characterization in collaboration with laboratories or research centers using specialized analytical techniques. 3 Establish a robust statistical experimental design. 1 Provide evidence demonstrating the non-toxicity of the developed strains. 2 Drafting of safety protocols related to the developed methodologies Identify potential health risks associated with the strains, reagents, and techniques employed. 1 Identify and minimize the risk of cross-contamination involving the modified strains obtained. 3 Establish containment and emergency response plans in the event of accidental release or other emergencies. 2

Based on the analysis conducted, the primary set of actions required for effective governance and public policy surrounding the technologies to be developed is identified as those related to governance within the project’s working team. These actions address elements ranging from experimental reproducibility and the appropriate dissemination of results to the implementation of good laboratory practices aimed at preventing risk situations. A key pillar for avoiding potential risks and harm to third parties when applying biotechnology lies in what occurs within research groups themselves, as unintentional accidents may arise from oversights or inadequate internal procedures. Another critical aspect is knowledge dissemination. This is particularly relevant for sharing progress with other research groups to reduce duplicated efforts and overall workload. Furthermore, dissemination enables the receipt of feedback from external groups, facilitating the identification of potential errors that may not have been detected within the laboratory where the technology is being developed. Finally, collaboration with other institutions, as well as proper oversight and strict adherence to existing regulatory frameworks, are essential. In addition, the establishment of internal protocols is necessary to minimize the occurrence of risk situations and to highlight the importance of operating under principles of ethics and social responsibility.

• Week 1 HW: Principles and Practices

  Does the option: Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Enhance Biosecurity • By preventing incidents • By helping respond Foster Lab Safety • By preventing incident • By helping respond Protect the environment • By preventing incidents • By helping respond Other considerations • Minimizing costs and burdens to stakeholders • Feasibility? • Not impede research • Promote constructive applications

Labs

Lab writeups:

• Week 1 Lab: Pipetting

Projects

Final projects:

• Individual Final Project
• Group Final Project