iGEM 2015 team Berlin
Berlin's iGEM project was about constructing a modular filtering unit, which can be applied in wastewater treatment plants to degrade microplastics into biodegradable compounds, hence reducing the release of microplastics into aquatic ecosystems and food chains. Their application scenario describes the filter unit in terms of structure, functioning mechanism, further application possibilities, and risks. Their technomoral scenario studies in the form of short stories topics like affordability, safety, and acceptability in the home-scale use of the filter. The team also organized events such as “SciArt Café”, featuring presentation and discussion about synthetic biology, and the team’s project. They also had contact with public media, as they were featured in a documentary in German TV about the problematic issues with microplastics.