Researchers are developing advanced, fundamental biological systems engineering approaches and solutions.
Challenges being addressed
Applications for enzyme engineering and nanobiotechnology
Engineering enzymes and nanobiotechnology for
- Cell-free biosynthesis
- Carbon capture and artificial photosynthesis
- Specialty chemicals and materials
- Functional smart materials
- Micro bioreactors
- Bioremediation
- Biosensors
- Targeted drug delivery systems
Biomimetics and bio-inspired engineering
Mimicking nature's biological functions using nanotechnology to solve a number of technical challenges in engineering and technology.
Bioprocessing and biotechnology applications in fungi and microalgae
Advancing biotechnology and bioprocessing approaches using co-culture of filamentous fungi and microalgae to form pellets and lichen biofilm and phosphorus removal from waste and animal feed.
Fungal systems biology
Using differential spatial expression to understand how fungi employ suites of often incompatible metabolites to break down wood.
Lignin-degrading enzymes
Discovering and developing environmentally benign lignin-degrading enzymes for biofuels and bioproducts.
Novel bioprocessing for food and bioproducts
Developing novel processes for production of foods, feeds, fuels, and fibers.
Photosynthetic biofilms as biotechnology platforms
Using photosynthetic biofilms as biotechnological platforms to maximize culture stability and minimize water demand.
Renewable biofertilizers
Producing enhanced biofertilizers by using bacteria that take simple sugars and the nitrogen available in the atmosphere and converting this into a nitrogen fertilizer, which can be utilized by plants and algae.
Understanding how biological systems work
Striving to understand how nature refines structure and functionality at the nanoscale and how can we use nanotechnology and nanoengineering to modify and control the properties of bioproducts.