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Annual U.S. vehicle crashes on snowy and icy roads result in more than 1,300 deaths and 116,800 injuries. However, using chemical road salt to prevent accidents has negative consequences, including corrosion and nearby water contamination. Our design, a more eco-friendly solution, utilizes naturally occurring antifreeze proteins (AFPs) to prevent ice formation on road surfaces. This project constructs two plasmids, one expressing an AFP from Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass) and one from Tenebrio molitor (mealworm). Both genes are controlled by inducible promoters in Escherichia coli chassis. Proteins will be extracted from the transformed E. coli using cell lysis, centrifugation, and solubilization to release the inclusion bodies containing the proteins. AFPs will then be purified through affinity chromatography to ensure high purity for functionality and stability tests. The application of these AFPs offers a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional road salt, mitigating environmental damage while preventing risks of icy roads.  

Road Salt Alternative Using AFPs

School

Western Reserve Academy
Hudson, OH

BioBuilderClub Season

2024-2025 Season

Category

Resources

BBC Abstract_Salty Squirmerzzz_Western Reserve Academy_2025

BBC LT_Salty Squirmerzzz_Western Reserve Academy_2025

BBC Poster_Salty Squirmerzzz_Western Reserve Academy_2025

WRA Salty Squirmerzzz BioTreks Article