An Ashesi team won gold for their research presentation at the 2024 International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition held in Paris, France, from 16th to 23rd October. The team is the fifth from Ashesi to participate in the global competition, which brings together students from around the world to solve pressing challenges using synthetic biology. Their research tackled what they describe as Ghana’s “dual threat” of coastal erosion and sea plastic pollution. Working through the first half of 2024, the team developed a bio-concrete pentapod that addresses both challenges in a sustainable, enduring way. 

Competing under the name “Sea Titans”, the team comprised Brendan Dolobo ‘26, Obadiah Safi ‘26, Martha Chaitezvi ‘25, Eldad Opare ‘27, Nicole Sibanda ‘26, Tanatswa Charmaine Mhiribidi ‘27, Daniel Tunyinko ‘25, Thembani Ngwenya ‘26, Victor Asum ‘27, and Leslie Konlack ‘25. Engineering Department Head and Senior Lecturer Elena Rosca served as the principal investigator for the project, and Bioengineering Lab Technicians Prince Edem Samoh and John Kwesi Tetteh acted as advisors. 

A Plastic-Breaking, Self-Healing Sea Defense Wall
At the heart of the solution is an engineered genetic system integrated into a naturally occurring marine bacterium, Vibrio natriegens. The system is designed to degrade polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic into eco-friendly components, which can then also facilitate the creation of bio-cement. This bio-cement in turn heals the pentapod structure, extending its durability and effectiveness in protecting coastlines from erosion. 

Team member Thembani, a Computer Engineering major, recalled many “sleepless nights in the lab,” towards the completion of the project. “The highlight was finally submitting the finished product,” she added. “You couldn’t really see the bigger picture while you were tackling your individual aspects. Seeing it all come together was really satisfying.”
While the primary focus of the project was on coastal protection, the research also explored broader applications for the bio-cement material. The team highlighted its potential as an alternative to concrete-based cement used in construction. The research also contributes to the growing scientific understanding of Vibrio natriegens, which has potential bioengineering applications due to its rapid growth rate. 

Expanding Bioengineering Research and Education at Ashesi 

Ashesi’s participation in the iGEM competition since 2017 has catalysed bioengineering research, teaching, and learning on campus. The University’s Engineering department now plans to launch a bioengineering major, designed to prepare students for careers across a spectrum of fields—including biotechnology, bioinformatics, neuro-engineering, and biomedicine. 

 “It is amazing to watch how far we have come,” said Dr. Rosca. “We now have state of the art labs and equipment that allow us to accomplish a lot more in bioengineering education. I am thankful to the university community, the Ashesi Foundation, and our donors for the support.”