Projects
Every year, Prairie iGEM scopes a new project around a real-world problem — then designs, tests, and presents a synthetic biology solution on the international iGEM stage. Here is the archive so far.
Designing the next generation of live therapeutics to prevent recurrent UTIs.
An engineered live therapeutic using Lactobacillus strains designed to restore balance to the vaginal microbiome. By blocking the tools pathogens use to cause infection, the project offers a proactive, microbiome-friendly alternative to the cycle of repetitive antibiotic use.
Engineering a compost-native bacterial chassis to break down PLA bioplastic where it actually ends up.
Recipient of a Nomination for Best New Basic Part
RePLAse engineers a compost-native bacterial chassis to break down PLA bioplastic in local landfills and municipal compost facilities. By combining improved adhesion mechanisms with optimized degradation enzymes, the project closes the loop on 'compostable' plastics that often fail to break down under standard conditions.
The first phase of the team's work on polylactic acid — a bio-based device to improve PLA breakdown.
Recipient of a Nomination for Best Part Collection
PLAnet Zero was the first phase of Prairie iGEM's work on polylactic acid (PLA). The team built a bio-based device aimed at speeding up plastic breakdown by anchoring naturally occurring enzymes to a cell surface display mechanism — setting the stage for the next year's gold-medal RePLAse project.
A smart bio-based device for monitoring and managing invasive species in Lake Winnipeg.
Prairie iGEM's inaugural international project addressed the infestation of zebra mussels in Lake Winnipeg. The team designed a targeted, green approach to detect and control this disruptive invasive species — establishing the University of Manitoba as a credible voice in the global synthetic biology community.
Join the team or support our next international run.
