The 2023 International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM) concluded in November in Paris, France, featuring nearly 400 outstanding teams from around the world. Among them, two teams from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), namely NYCU-Taipei iGEM and NYCU-Formosa, made significant achievements. The ‘Vigila Guard’ project by NYCU-Taipei iGEM secured a silver medal, while NYCU-Formosa achieved the remarkable feat of winning the world gold medal.
Under the direction of postdoctoral researcher Dr. Ching-Fen Chang (Dr. Jane) and professors I-Fang Chung and Yu-Chao Wang, the team of 19 individuals from six departments worked together to enter the competition. With ‘Vigila Guard’ as their theme, they utilized genetic engineering techniques to develop a non-invasive, portable biological device capable of real-time detection, aiming to enhance personalized health protection and management.
This groundbreaking project involves constructing a ‘dual-function’ biological device capable of detecting inflammatory factors and emitting fluorescent signals. Simultaneously, it promotes anti-inflammatory effects by measuring the quantity of the antioxidant quercetin. The team successfully employed photosensitive resistors and 3D printing technologies to build detection instruments. These instruments transmit real-time signals to users’ phones through the cloud, achieving personalized health monitoring. The success of ‘Vigila Guard’ is expected to profoundly impact global health issues, particularly in the detection and alleviation of inflammation.
For More Information：NYCU Official Website Link, NYCU-Taipei iGEM team
