https://video.igem.org/videos/watch/8c83f22a-74d5-4876-897a-2353fd426b9e Title: Engineered RBC-Membrane Platform for Mitochondrial Delivery Description: Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to metabolic, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases. Yet delivering healthy mitochondria remains a major challenge: isolated mitochondria are fragile, potentially immunogenic, and inefficiently taken up by cells. Healthy mitochondria are only half the solution — we also need a safe and effective way to deliver them. To address this challenge, we developed a membrane-based mitochondrial delivery platform. In our system, the mitochondrion is the cargo, while an engineered red-blood-cell–like membrane derived from induced MEL cells serves as the delivery vehicle. Through four Design–Build–Test–Learn cycles, we established a hypotonic open-and-reseal loading method, developed a model-guided hybrid lipid formulation, and introduced mannose-based targeting for macrophages. Human Practices played a central role in shaping the project. Guided by discussions with Prof. Chen Qingfeng, Prof. Jiang Kai, and Prof. Tao Yong, we redesigned our system with greater emphasis on safety and reproducibility. We switched to MEL-derived membranes and an all-murine cell workflow, introduced a defined synthetic lipid component, and shifted toward mannose-based targeting. For us, Human Practices was not simply about gathering feedback — it meant listening, changing the design, and clearly documenting what changed and why. Our experimental failures also reshaped how we approached the project. At first, when experiments did not work, we focused on adjusting conditions. The real turning point came when we realized that the problem was not always the conditions — sometimes we were asking the wrong question. A negative result does not necessarily mean a failed project; it can be the evidence that reveals what to test next. That became one of the most valuable lessons we learned through iGEM. At this stage, our platform should be viewed as a delivery system rather than a proven therapy. The next step is to determine whether delivered mitochondria remain functional and whether they can support recovery in recipient cells. Wiki | Official Page Thu, 29 Oct 2026 22:25:52 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://video.igem.org https://video.igem.org/client/assets/images/icons/icon-1500x1500.png https://video.igem.org/videos/watch/8c83f22a-74d5-4876-897a-2353fd426b9e All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://video.igem.org/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.