A team of five UTD students finished a 10-month biomanufacturing research process, placing first among more than 5,000 participants from over 65 countries in the International Genetically Engineered Machine competition.
UTD team taRNAdigrada’s project revolved around the protection of mRNA vaccine proteins, such as the ones rapidly developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To protect the fragile protein structures, the team turned to a small yet extremely resilient micro-animal: the tardigrade. Given the extreme inequities in vaccine distribution, partially due to difficult temperature conditions abroad, there exists great need for protein structures resilient like the tardigrade to be integrated into mRNA protein production.
“Vaccines [could] be stored at different temperature conditions and their longevity [could] be extended,” biomedical engineering junior Namyuktha Prakash said. “It [could] expand access to vaccines!”
The team consisted of five members: Prakash, neuroscience and business administration senior Amanda Le, biochemistry junior Selina Wang, biochemistry senior Maria Shaikh and healthcare studies senior Aaliyah Sherfuddin. Despite their hard work throughout the year, the crew was initially taken aback by their success.
“I think we were really surprised because we weren’t necessarily expecting that,” Wang said. “But it was really exciting for us to win — it was very suspenseful. It really couldn’t have happened without the help of everyone involved in the project.”
As part of the contest, the team traveled to Paris to present their research. The international forum, referred to as the Grand Jamboree — a weeklong exchange featuring expert speakers and impromptu conversations on biomanufacturing and in-depth learning
“Seeing all the teams was really cool,” Le said. “Everybody there was super interested in science almost as much as you are, if not more, and so it was really nice because you’re having all these conversation with people who went through the same experience as you.”
Assistant professor of bioengineering Dave Dingal said the team still had a long way to go with the project. A work investment Dingal and the students said was worthwhile since their mRNA research could prove useful in various scientific applications once a final product is ready.
“We hope that we can actually produce a scientific manuscript out of it,” Dingal said. “We hope that in subsequent year we can continue to perform given we already have this experience — we learned quite a lot on a very steep learning curve.”
Though three members of the team are graduating seniors, the future of the team carries much hope, especially considering the rapid advancement of the team in its first year. To fill the vacant spots, the team’s advisors have put out a call for applications across the university.
“To all the first year biomedical sciences students, I want to urge you to apply,” assistant biological sciences professor Xintong Dong said. “I think the team’s definitely going to keep going.”
Students interested should apply by Jan. 23, with freshman, sophomore and juniors of any major eligible. Questions may be directed to Dong and Dingal through their UTD emails.