We, the SynBio2024 team, have been working on the following question for quite some time: How can we specifically control the blue colour of plants? Researching this topic requires creativity, ambition, discipline, communication and the planning and execution of various laboratory tasks. However, it is not without its rewards and offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience beyond the research itself, including conferences and meetings. We have already been to Bielefeld, Münster, Regensburg, Halle and Vienna to present our own research, but also to learn from others and exchange ideas with people facing similar challenges.
In the spring of 2024, the idea arose of whether it would be possible to create blue flowers, regardless of the plant species. The possibilities are very limited, as the plant needs very specific conditions to develop the blue colour. This is one of the reasons why it is so rare in nature. The blue pigments in flowers are mainly produced by anthocyanins from the so-called flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. Only one of these anthocyanins, delphinidin, is capable of being blue. This property has already been exploited to create blue-flowering plants. In our research project, however, we are working with the cornflower. The interesting thing about this plant is that it contains something called protocyanin, which is a complex of metal ions, a red pigment (cyanidin) and a colourless pigment (apigenin).
Identifying genes
Our approach to achieving the desired blue colour is to first identify the relevant genes in the cornflower and then introduce them into the genome of another plant so that it also produces blue flowers. We are in the process of identifying the genes so that we can start the transformation.
Our team currently consists of six dedicated students, all at different stages of their studies. The road is not always easy and research often does not go as expected. However, we have already developed valuable skills that go beyond science. Personal responsibility and confidence in one’s own abilities grow through independent work. The freedom to design your own project without rigid guidelines is a great experience.
But why all this?
Apart from the ‘wow factor’ of blue plants, the function behind the development could also serve as a biomarker. It is possible, for example, that plants react to disease by changing colour, making the infection visible at an early stage and making diagnosis easier.
In addition to research, we are also involved in education: in mid-December, two school classes visited us to get an insight into how research is carried out at the university and what topics they can expect in biology. We are grateful for the support we have already received from many companies. In particular, we would like to thank the Braunschweig University Association and the Braunschweig Citizens’ Foundation.
Chiara Dassow says about our SynBio project: “I would like to encourage all students to take advantage of similar projects to grow and gain valuable experience, even if it means a lot of work alongside their studies. It’s worth it!”