The NYCU-Taipei iGEM “Vigila Guard” project contributes to global health

2024-02-22

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.

The overall conceptual design and schematic diagram of ‘Vigila Guard.’ And it includes three main components: detection, reporting, and protection.
The NYCU-Taipei iGEM team has been participating in this international competition since 2007, consistently earning numerous international honors for Taiwan and the university. Over the past 17 years, the team has amassed impressive achievements, including a World Championship in the environmental category, a consistent top-six global ranking, a third position in Asia, and a total of 12 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze medals.

 

For More Information：NYCU Official Website Link, NYCU-Taipei iGEM team

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