Dr. Hiraka's involvement with our iGEM team, recommended initially by Dr. Ikebukuro during our collaboration with the Tokyo Agriculture and Technology University in 2019, has been instrumental in shaping and supporting our project endeavors. His expertise and continued engagement with our team have proved invaluable to our work. Dr. Hiraka's expertise in various areas, including protein engineering, protein purification, activity assay, recombinant production, bioelectrochemical analysis, and biosensors, has been a tremendous asset to our team's research efforts. His specialized knowledge has provided critical insights and guidance, particularly in the field of protein modeling. When we initially reached out to Dr. Hiraka in the spring, we had been interested in the potential for random mutagenesis of PHA synthase. Through Dr. Hiraka's expertise in this area, we sought to optimize the particular enzyme for our project's goals. While we had redirected our project's focus after the initial contact with Dr. Hiraka, his continued support, assisting in utilizing protein modeling software and providing relevant research papers, allowed us to consolidate our ideas and effectively carry out our finalized project.
Dr. Hiraka's involvement with our iGEM team, recommended initially by Dr. Ikebukuro during our collaboration
with the Tokyo Agriculture and Technology University in 2019, has been instrumental in shaping and
supporting our project endeavors. His expertise and continued engagement with our team have proved
invaluable to our work. Dr. Hiraka's expertise in various areas, including protein engineering, protein
purification, activity assay, recombinant production, bioelectrochemical analysis, and biosensors, has been
a tremendous asset to our team's research efforts. His specialized knowledge has provided critical insights
and guidance, particularly in the field of protein modeling. When we initially reached out to Dr. Hiraka in
the spring, we had been interested in the potential for random mutagenesis of PHA synthase. Through Dr.
Hiraka's expertise in this area, we sought to optimize the particular enzyme for our project's goals. While
we had redirected our project's focus after the initial contact with Dr. Hiraka, his continued support,
assisting in utilizing protein modeling software and providing relevant research papers, allowed us to
consolidate our ideas and effectively carry out our finalized project.
</p>
</div>
<divclass="row mt-4 sideline">
<h1id="ss-IkebukuroLaboratory">Dr Ikebukuro, Dr Kobayashi, Dr. Kawai, Dr, Kato, Dr. Miura </h1>
<h4>2023 June 22</h4>
<h4>2023 June 22, Thursday</h4>
<p>
Dr. Ikebukuro, Dr. Kobayashi, Dr. Kawai, Dr. Kato, and Dr. Miura are professors at the University of Agriculture and Technology, each specializing in different fields within the realm of life sciences and biotechnology. Their combined expertise covers the metabolic engineering of bacteria, protein modeling and engineering, and plant genetics. Dr. Ikebukuro's specific focus on gene and protein engineering, as well as Dr. Kobayashi's expertise in the metabolic engineering of bacteria, is particularly relevant to our project. Through discussing the direction of our project with the professors, we ensured that our research aligned with the latest scientific understanding and methodologies regarding PHA secretion. Additionally, we expressed concerns on the effective use of the results obtained from our labs. The professors provided valuable insights into how the expression levels of phasin can potentially enhance secretion pathways, specifically through increased quantities of the target protein for secretion and reduced granule size. Moreover, the professors recommended considering the copy number and compatibility of our plasmid backbone with the glucose-rich environment anticipated during PHA production. Furthermore, the professors suggested using a hydroxybutyrate assay kit as an alternative to expensive and potentially unavailable devices for PHA quantification.
Dr. Ikebukuro, Dr. Kobayashi, Dr. Kawai, Dr. Kato, and Dr. Miura are professors at the University of
Agriculture and Technology, each specializing in different fields within the realm of life science and
biotechnology. Their combined expertise covers metabolic engineering of bacteria, protein modeling and
engineering, and plant genetics. Dr. Ikebukuro's specific focus on gene and protein engineering, as well as
Dr. Kobayashi's expertise in metabolic engineering of bacteria is particularly relevant to our project. We
discussed the direction of the project with the professors, ensuring that our research aligned with the
latest scientific understanding and methodologies. We expressed concerns about how to effectively utilize
the results obtained from our labs. The professors provided valuable insights into how the expression levels
of phasin can potentially enhance secretion pathways. This enhancement can occur through both increased
quantities of the targeted protein for secretion and reduced granule size, which are important
considerations for optimizing our project. The professors recommended using the pET28 plasmid backbone
instead of pUC19. This choice is based on its better copy number and compatibility with the glucose-rich
environment anticipated during PHA production. This decision is significant as the choice of plasmid can
greatly influence the success of genetic engineering projects. The professors suggested using a
hydroxybutyrate assay kit as an alternative to expensive and potentially unavailable machines for PHA
<p>In the initial stages of our project's development, a central concern was the potential consequence utilizing of food waste as a potential biofuel source for bioplastic production. We initially hypothesized that by establishing a pathway for repurposing food waste, individuals may feel less culpable for discarding excess food, potentially leading to an unwanted increase in food waste. To gain further insights into the psychological aspects of this issue, we sought an interview with Dr. Naughton, an economist. </p>
</div>
</div>
<p>Our discussion with Dr. Naughton commenced with a focus on the broader issue of plastic pollution. With social media as a pivotal platform for raising awareness, Dr. Naughton emphasized that humans are primarily visual learners.When humans are confronted with complex and seemingly distant issues like plastic pollution, without visuals, it can often lead to superficial understanding and often fails to prompt action. In the context of the United States, the popular "Save the Turtles" movement on social media promotes sustainability through small actions like avoiding plastic straws. While these actions are commendable, they often fail to address the underlying reasons for such environmental challenges.
</p>
<p>Recognizing the current state of actions toward awareness, we leveraged Dr. Naughton's insights into human behavior to devise effective strategies to reduce food waste within our school’s community. We discussed the concept of "the dollar will vote," which suggests that when making choices on a large scale, it's essential to assume that people prioritize convenience and cost savings. Building upon this concept, we are actively working to arrange a meeting with our cafeteria staff. One of our ideas is to reduce food portions while providing options for those who desire larger servings. This approach ensures that default meal portions align with students' ideal serving sizes, thereby minimizing food waste.
</p>
<p>Furthermore, in our endeavor to shift our community's mindset toward food waste reduction, we recognized the power of visual communication. Understanding that people often need issues to be placed "in front" of them to comprehend their significance, we plan to set up a display featuring rows of trash bags filled with imitation food. As these bags accumulate, they will serve as a visual representation of the substantial amount of food waste generated each week, driving home the urgency of the issue.
</p>
<p>Additionally, we aim to engage and educate the younger generation, particularly elementary school students who often exhibit significant enthusiasm for sustainability-related topics. By nurturing their passion and providing educational initiatives, we hope to foster a culture of responsible consumption and waste reduction from an early age, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future.</p>
<p>In the initial stages of our project's development, a central concern was the potential consequence utilizing
of food waste as a potential biofuel source for bioplastic production. We initially hypothesized that by
establishing a pathway for repurposing food waste, individuals may feel less culpable for discarding excess
food, potentially leading to an unwanted increase in food waste. To gain further insights into the
psychological aspects of this issue, we sought an interview with Dr. Naughton, an economist. </p>
<p>Our discussion with Dr. Naughton commenced with a focus on the broader issue of plastic pollution. With
social media as a pivotal platform for raising awareness, Dr. Naughton emphasized that humans are primarily
visual learners.When humans are confronted with complex and seemingly distant issues like plastic pollution,
without visuals, it can often lead to superficial understanding and often fails to prompt action. In the
context of the United States, the popular "Save the Turtles" movement on social media promotes
sustainability through small actions like avoiding plastic straws. While these actions are commendable, they
often fail to address the underlying reasons for such environmental challenges.</p>
<p>Recognizing the current state of actions toward awareness, we leveraged Dr. Naughton's insights into human
behavior to devise effective strategies to reduce food waste within our school’s community. We discussed the
concept of "the dollar will vote," which suggests that when making choices on a large scale, it's essential
to assume that people prioritize convenience and cost savings. Building upon this concept, we are actively
working to arrange a meeting with our cafeteria staff. One of our ideas is to reduce food portions while
providing options for those who desire larger servings. This approach ensures that default meal portions
align with students' ideal serving sizes, thereby minimizing food waste..</p>
<p>Furthermore, in our endeavor to shift our community's mindset toward food waste reduction, we recognized the
power of visual communication. Understanding that people often need issues to be placed "in front" of them
to comprehend their significance, we plan to set up a display featuring rows of trash bags filled with
imitation food. As these bags accumulate, they will serve as a visual representation of the substantial
amount of food waste generated each week, driving home the urgency of the issue.</p>
<p>Additionally, we aim to engage and educate the younger generation, particularly elementary school students
who often exhibit significant enthusiasm for sustainability-related topics. By nurturing their passion and
providing educational initiatives, we hope to foster a culture of responsible consumption and waste
reduction from an early age, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future..</p>
</div>
<divclass="row mt-4 sideline">
<h1id="ss-MAFF">Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishers (MAFF)</h1>
<p>The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in Japan has been dedicated to working on the Biomass Towns program for over a decade. The primary objective of this program is to convert biomass into products that would typically be derived from new resources, thereby creating more sustainable towns. Recognizing the significance of bioplastics within these initiatives, we had the pleasure of gaining valuable insights from the Ministry regarding their large-scale biomass-to-bioplastic production systems.
</p>
<p>The overarching mission of the Biomass Towns program, launched in 2005, revolves around creating recycling-oriented societies that enhance environmental conservation, particularly in rural fishing villages. Remarkably, this program has made substantial progress, extending its influence to 318 districts. Moreover, they have also been successful in authorizing the Biomass Industrial City Policy which has been implemented in 101 areas as of July 2023. This policy made a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions by harnessing organic energy sources to replace fossil fuels. Beyond its environmental impact, the program has generated multiple economic benefits, including the promotion of local employment opportunities, the creation of new industries, and bolstering local disaster preparedness. The program's financing, primarily self-sustained with occasional tax-based funding, paints a promising picture for its continued success.
</p>
<p>The Biomass Utilization Process in each town varies, but generally, it involves collecting biomass, usually distributed in small quantities. With efficient transportation and economic viability as critical components of biomass utilization. Currently, the process is categorized into two main segments: energy utilization and material utilization. This includes biomass production, collection, transportation, storage, conversion into materials, and subsequent transportation for everyday use, all while disposing of unusable fuel sources along the way. The complexity of the process opens up numerous job opportunities, each critical to the overall success of the program.</p>
<p>For instance, in the livestock biomass process, dairy farmers have their livestock manure collected and transported for fermentation. The manure undergoes a 40-day fermentation process at 40°C to produce methane gas and digested methane fermentation liquid (biofertilizer). This methane gas is sold as power generation energy, while the biofertilizer serves as a valuable resource for pastures and more. This not only generates electricity but also addresses local issues such as odor reduction and pollution prevention.
</p>
<p>In regards to the production of bioplastics, specifically PLA (Polylactic Acid), within these towns, it is yet to be fully integrated into these Biomass Towns due to its novelty, there has been improvement in the processes of large-scale commercial facilities. Such as there method to focus on breaking down starch from corn, a resource crop, into glucose and then converting sugar from sugarcane into lactic acid before polymerization, ultimately yielding bioplastics.</p>
<p>On July 7th, 2023, we engaged with the Bioplastic Association of Japan, an organization dedicated to fostering collaboration among bioplastic companies in Japan and facilitating dialogue with the Japanese government. Our interaction with this association was driven by our desire to gain insights into the existing bioplastic landscape in Japan, allowing us to assess our own bioplastic product in comparison to what currently exists in the market.</p>
</div>
</div>
<p>Our discussion centered on the lack of government funding for bioplastic implementation. The association's role primarily revolves around sharing insights from large commercial and active participation in large-scale university conferences. Additionally, they host seminars, exhibitions, and community outreach initiatives aimed to promote eco-friendliness. Although Japan lacks specific regulations concerning bioplastic production, there is a clear distinction between biomass plastics and biodegradables in terms of disposal practices.</p>
<p>One of the challenges faced by the association and the broader bioplastics industry in Japan is the need for suitable developmental facilities. In countries located in Europe, the widespread availability of composting stations allows citizens to properly dispose of their bioplastics, further highlighting the success of the European Bioplastic Association. Aside from one compost station located in Chiba prefecture, Japan has yet failed to implement such stations throughout the nation. Furthermore, bioplastics offer substantial environmental benefits, companies often grapple with cost-related challenges that can deter them from adoption, emphasizing the need for a shift in corporate mindset.</p>
<p>Bioplastics come in two primary categories: biomass-based and biodegradable. Biomass-based bioplastics are commonly used in convenience stores and do not biodegrade but are sourced from biomass, contributing to a recycling-oriented approach, while biodegradable plastics are primarily employed in agricultural contexts to address challenges like crop damage caused by wildlife. Biodegradable plastics are not intended for individual consumers due to their limited shelf life, which typically spans seven months. Instead, they are tailored for industrial use, especially in forestry and agriculture. It's essential to note that a relatively small portion of the population, approximately 10%, actively seeks environmentally friendly options, underscoring the nuanced dynamics of consumer behavior in the bioplastics market.</p>
<pclass="mt-4">We had the opportunity to attend an in-person biomedical engineering event located in Ginza, a central district of Tokyo, Japan. The event centered around the prestigious "Kobe Prize," which was established in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Nakatani Foundation. Since its inception in 1984, the Nakatani Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of researchers working in the realm of biomedical engineering.</p>
<p>The Kobe Prize recognizes outstanding achievements by young researchers in the field of Biomedical Engineering. These researchers have been honored for the originality of their work and potential to drive innovation within Biomedical Engineering. </p>
<p>The presentations and discussions at the event were intentionally kept at a more general level to ensure that the knowledge and insights of biomedical engineering in Japan were shared with individuals who might not have a specialized background in the field.</p>
<p>A brief explanation of each researcher’s area of discipline:</p>
<pclass="mt-4">We had the opportunity to attend an in-person biomedical engineering event located in Ginza, a
central district of Tokyo, Japan. The event centered around the prestigious "Kobe Prize," which was
established in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Nakatani Foundation. Since its inception in
1984, the Nakatani Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of researchers working in the realm of
biomedical engineering.</p>
<p>The Kobe Prize recognizes outstanding achievements by young researchers in the field of Biomedical
Engineering. These researchers have been honored for the originality of their work and potential to drive
innovation within Biomedical Engineering. </p>
<p>The presentations and discussions at the event were intentionally kept at a more general level to ensure that the knowledge and insights of biomedical engineering in Japan were shared with individuals who might not have a specialized background in the field. </p>
<p>Although the majority of attendees appeared to be men in their 60s or older, there was a presence of
approximately 10 high school students, alongside Sara and Nadia. This diverse audience underscored the
event's commitment to disseminating knowledge and fostering interest in biomedical engineering, even among
<p>In Japan, there is a pressing need to raise awareness among the general public regarding bioplastics and compostable plastics. Oftentimes, when plastic products possess biodegradable or compostable properties, they are inadvertently discarded in regular burnable or non-burnable bins. Moreover, if individuals are unaware of the biodegradable characteristics of a specific plastic product, the disposal method for bioplastics in Japan remains inconsistent. To rectify this situation, it is proposed that a new and distinct category be introduced within the existing waste division system, dedicated exclusively to bioplastics.</p>
<p>To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing such a dedicated category, we conducted an in-depth investigation in Kamikatsu, a rural town located in Tokushima prefecture.</p>
<p>Kamikatsu holds a prominent role in Japan's waste management landscape. It first gained international recognition as the first town in the country to issue a Zero Waste Declaration back in 2003. Prior to this initiative, Kamikatsu's waste management practices involved the incineration of all household garbage at one (Hibigatani) site, regardless of the type of waste.</p>
<p>However, in 1994, the town introduced a revolutionary recycling system, formulated under the Kamikatsu Recycle town plan. Under this system, residents meticulously segregate their waste into 45 distinct categories. The Zero Waste Center in Kamikatsu plays a pivotal role by providing comprehensive guidance on the proper cleaning and disposal procedures for various types of waste. It also offers insights into the destination of each type of waste, whether it is destined for recycling or landfills, along with the corresponding disposal costs. </p>
<p>In Japan, there exists a pressing need to raise awareness and knowledge levels among the general public
regarding bioplastics and compostable plastics. Oftentimes, even when plastic products possess biodegradable
or compostable properties, they are inadvertently discarded in regular burnable or non-burnable bins.
Compounding the issue is the fact that even if individuals are aware of the biodegradable characteristics of
a specific plastic product, the disposal method for bioplastics in Japan remains inconsistent, typically
mirroring the disposal of conventional plastics. This practice underutilized the inherent biodegradability
of these materials. To rectify this situation, it is proposed that a new and distinct category be introduced
within the existing waste division system, dedicated exclusively to bioplastics.</p>
<p>To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing such a dedicated category, our team member,
Sara Nakadate, conducted an in-depth investigation in a rural town located in Tokushima prefecture.
Additionally, research was conducted into the current garbage disposal system operating within the 23 wards
of Tokyo.</p>
<p>Kamikatsu, situated in Tokushima, holds a prominent position in Japan's waste management landscape. It gained
recognition as the first town in the country to issue a Zero Waste Declaration back in 2003, marking the
20th anniversary of this pivotal declaration in the present year. Prior to this initiative, Kamikatsu's
waste management practices involved the incineration of all household garbage at the Hibigatani site,
regardless of the type of waste. However, in 1994, the town introduced a revolutionary recycling system,
formulated under the Kamikatsu Recycle town plan. Under this system, residents meticulously segregate their
waste into an impressive 45 distinct categories. The Zero Waste Center in Kamikatsu plays a pivotal role by
providing comprehensive guidance on the proper cleaning and disposal procedures for various types of waste.
It also offers insights into the destination of each type of waste, whether it is destined for recycling or
landfills, along with the corresponding disposal costs. This remarkable waste management transformation has
been made possible, in part, due to the town's relatively small population of approximately 150,000
residents and its rural way of life, which fosters community-driven sustainability initiatives.</p>
