Support the Future of Cooling – iGEM ’25

The Issue:

Air-cooled systems are everywhere, silently shaping the environments we live and work in. Like traditional ACs, healthcare facilities and data centers consume vast amounts of energy for cooling, accounting for a concerning value of 10% of the global energy usage.

A core issue that is hidden in these systems is biofilm formation, which increases energy use and raises the risk of HAIs (healthcare-associated infections). These robust microbial layers not only decrease heat conduction, forcing systems to work harder and waste energy, but they also become breeding grounds for harmful pathogens. Conventional harsh chemical treatments can damage equipment and endanger health.

Poorly maintained ventilation systems contribute to nearly 20% of hospital-acquired respiratory infections (Source: WHO, 2023). Additionally, 48% of people globally now use AI on a daily basis, driving demand for efficient cooling and ever-increasing energy use.

The Solution:

We're tackling this growing problem with an eco-friendly, high-performance coating strategy. As the 2025 UM iGEM team, we are aiming to genetically engineer a bacterium to produce modified spider silk proteins. These proteins will bind to the copper surface which make up these air-cool systems, thus preventing bacterial biofilm formation without reducing the thermal conductivity of the system. This additional layer eliminates the need for chemical disinfectants, reduces maintenance, and keeps systems thermally efficient and microbe-free. Our approach supports a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future for cooling-intensive industries—from hospitals to data centers.

                       

“This is us, the 2025 iGEM team representing Maastricht University: young and passionate students with diverse backgrounds, but most importantly, self-motivated to create a bold and groundbreaking solution. We’re powering progress with efficiency - help us go further. “

Let’s Power a Greener Future — Together

We’re making cooling systems more sustainable, and we need your donation to take the next step. Our solution saves energy, cuts carbon emissions, and proves that advanced technology doesn’t have to come at our planet’s expense. From smarter healthcare to optimized data centers, the impact reaches far and wide.

“Green technology starts with bold ideas—help us bring ours to life.”

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