An integrated synthetic biology and robotics approach for neutralising landmines in post-war communities

Basti, Y.; Williams, S.; Aellen, E.; Muci, F.; Amri, I.; Davila, A.; Schluter, A.; Dao, A.; Meyer, P.; Dembska, J.; Smith, R. C.; McCabe, B. D.

doi:10.64898/2026.01.20.700574

bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.01.20.700574

An integrated synthetic biology and robotics approach for neutralising landmines in post-war communities

Basti, Y.·Williams, S.·Aellen, E.·Muci, F.·Amri, I.·Davila, A.·Schluter, A.·Dao, A.·Meyer, P.·Dembska, J.·Smith, R. C.·McCabe, B. D.

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Abstract

Unexploded ordnances (UX.Os) and landmines endanger lives and hinder the economic progress of communities living in post-conflict zones. Currently, the primary method for clearing UX.Os relies on metal detection and manual removal of UX.Os - an expensive, time-consuming, and hazardous process. This study, derived from the 2024 EPFL iGEM project SYNPLODE, presents a new approach that integrates synthetic biology and aerial drone robotics, proposing a novel, end-to-end, safe, and efficient solution to address UX.Os. Starting from bacteria engineered to detect and degrade 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), a common explosive in landmines, our solution is designed for three main tasks: detecting TNT and RDX, breaking these compounds down into non-explosive byproducts, and confirming explosive neutralisation. To deploy this solution safely in UXO-contaminated areas, we designed, built, and tested an aerial drone capable of spraying explosive-degrading bacteria. Combining synthetic biology, robotics, mathematical modelling, and affected community engagement, our solution aims to improve UXO and landmine clearance by offering a scalable and cost-effective approach for deactivating UX.Os without risking human lives.

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Basti, Y., Williams, S., Aellen, E., Muci, F., Amri, I., Davila, A., Schluter, A., Dao, A., Meyer, P., Dembska, J., Smith, R. C., McCabe, B. D.. 2026-01-21. An integrated synthetic biology and robotics approach for neutralising landmines in post-war communities. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.01.20.700574

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