The project focuses on mRNA technology, encoding proteins that trigger the destruction of liver cancer cells. This approach allows the immune system to eliminate tumors. Using synthetic biology tools, including riboswitches, the therapy’s selectivity is significantly enhanced.

Additionally, the team is developing software to analyse transcriptomic data from tumor biopsies and healthy cells. This tool will generate personalized, mutation-dependent switch sequences, tailoring the therapy to each patient.

"The value of our project lies in its contribution to science by using riboswitches for treating a specific type of liver cancer. Our research may indicate a promising new direction for cancer therapies and, in the long run, contribute to oncology treatment. The educational aspect is equally important to us. As part of our competition entry, we plan to introduce high school students to synthetic and molecular biology, which currently receives little attention in their education. To make the knowledge more engaging, we aim to enhance its accessibility through a thematic educational game, hoping to inspire the younger generation to explore the world of biotechnological discoveries," says Bartłomiej Łuszczuk, biotechnology student at WUT’s Faculty of Chemistry and HEPASWITCH project member.

Inter-University Collaboration with a Crucial Goal

According to WHO data from 2020, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks fifth among cancers in terms of incidence and second in terms of cancer-related deaths worldwide.

"The solution our team is developing is based on synthetic biology tools and aims to be a targeted therapy personalised for each patient based on biopsy results. In November 2025, we plan to represent Poland at iGEM – the most prestigious synthetic biology competition in the world. This is a huge opportunity for us to showcase our research results internationally! Our project combines research and education – over the coming months, we will not only continue working on our solution but also promote synthetic biology and engage high school students across Poland," adds Bartłomiej Łuszczuk.

Warsaw University of Technology is represented by Bartłomiej Łuszczuk, who, as part of the team, serves as the leader for internal communication and science promotion. He is also responsible for administrative and marketing matters, particularly the educational aspect – including the development of an educational game on synthetic biology for high school students. The team’s primary research supervisor is Anna Sobiepanek, PhD, from the Chair of Drug and Cosmetics Biotechnology at the Faculty of Chemistry at WUT. She oversees the team's work and actively supports them through each stage of the project.

"The project brings together students from several Warsaw universities. The initial spark for our collaboration was the opportunity to receive funding from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education (MNiSW) and an inspiring discussion panel about iGEM at the 11th Intercollegiate Biotechnology Symposium 'Symbioza,' organised by the Warsaw Biotechnology Association Symbioza, where I currently serve as vice president. The rest of the team met at the Brave Camp event organised by the University of Warsaw Incubator," explains Bartłomiej Łuszczuk. "Our team consists of ambitious students from various universities. While this unique combination of skills is our strength, shaping a common development path for future engineers, doctors, biologists, and IT specialists often requires extensive discussions and is quite a challenge."

Currently, administrative and promotional work is underway, along with the planning of experiments and the design of the first riboswitch prototypes. The final stage of the project will be presenting the solution at the iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) 2025 Grand Jamboree in Paris from October 28–31, 2025. This international competition involves student teams designing and building biological systems using so-called BioBricks – interchangeable genetic components. The goal is to create innovative solutions for real-world problems, such as pollution removal or new therapeutic approaches. Participants develop their projects, test them in laboratories, and then present their results at the Jamboree conference, where they are evaluated by an international jury. iGEM helps deepen understanding of how synthetic biology can be used to develop advanced technologies and solutions.

The project’s primary source of funding, covering research and partial participation costs, comes from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, through the "Support for Students in Developing Their Competencies and Skills" initiative, with a grant of PLN 277,188. Additional negotiations with potential sponsors and partners are ongoing.

Follow the team’s progress on Linkedin.