Team:Macquarie Australia

Check out our latest advancements!

Hydrogen fuel

Hydrogen fuel is a ‘zero emission’ fuel capable of providing motive power to vehicles, such as cars, boats, aircrafts, and rockets, as well as electrical power to devices, such as those involved in manufacture. The production of hydrogen fuel requires pure hydrogen, and since this is not naturally available in large quantities, it must be acquired via techniques that are very energy intensive. Currently, around 95% of all energy dedicated to hydrogen production is obtained via the burning of fossil fuels. As such, the environmental costs involved in hydrogen fuel production negate a large portion of the environmental benefits seen in hydrogen fuel use.

Abstract: H₂ydroGEM - Producers of Pollution-Free Energy

To seek a clean and sustainable fuel resource, we sought to imitate the most efficient natural mechanism for the transduction of energy - photosynthesis. By engineering the photosynthesis system into E.coli, ‘green’ hydrogen fuel can be produced simply from sunlight and water. To do this, we focused on the assembly of the hydrogenase enzyme complex, the final component of the photosynthesis pathway. We successfully added an [FeFe] Hydrogenase enzyme, from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, ferredoxin, ferredoxin NADP(+) reductase (FNR) and maturation enzymes (HydEFG), which together, work cohesively to produce our desired ‘green’ hydrogen gas product.
Our modeling and human practice approaches provided an assessment of the viability of the production of hydrogen on an industrial scale. We have also developed strategies to educate future generations about the potential applications of synthetic biology for providing alternative green energy solutions which can address the global energy crisis.

Hydrogen Production

Long Term Project

Sponsorship Opportunity

In order for our team to compete in the Giant Jamboree conference in November, we aim to raise funds for 5+ students to attend. Currently, it costs $4000 for one student to attend, including a $900 registration fee. Any financial contributions you can make towards achieving this goal will be greatly appreciated and donations above $500 will be recognised as shown.

	$10	$35	$150	$250	$500	$500 - 1000	$1000 - 5000	$5000 +
Send you a thank you brochure	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
A personal thank you on social media		✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
A personal thank you at our conference			✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
A thank you on our official wiki page				✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
We will send you an official iGEM t-shirt for our team					✔	✔	✔	✔
Company logo on all print promotions					✔	✔	✔	✔
Company logo and website link on our iGEM wiki sponsors page						✔	✔	✔
Acknowledgement in our growing social media presence						✔	✔	✔
Company logo on front page of our wiki							✔	✔
Company logo on our interactive website							✔	✔
Company logo on the back of all team t-shirts during events							✔	✔
Verbal acknowledgement of sponsorship in the lead up to the Giant Jamboree conference							✔	✔
Company logo on the front of all team t-shirts and mascot								✔
Branded as major sponsor throughout our advertising, press releases, print promotions, and conferences								✔

At the conference, sponsors can gain exposure, since iGEM is the largest gathering of synthetic biology globally. Sponsors can also interact with the upcoming high-achieving graduates and their academics.
All sponsors will receive a post-event summary report and certificate. Our team would be grateful to receive your support.