INDUSTRIAL HOSTS FOR BIOMANUFACTURING

At the Future BRH we are developing biological solutions for the production of chemicals, pharmaceuticals and biofuels, to displace existing technology that relies on harsh chemical processes and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Instead, we harness the power of biological catalysts, or enzymes, that control chemical reactions in all forms of life.

Our research aims are to design efficient pathways and redesign the microbial host to generate bespoke biological factories capable of sustainable and renewable chemicals and fuels production.

MICROBIAL FERMENTATION FOR SUSTAINABLE CHEMICAL MANUFACTURE

Many chemicals and materials that we use in our day-to-day lives are manufactured in processes that are not sustainable. These materials are often produced in energy intensive processes that are dependent on fossil fuels, rare metal catalysts, and produce huge quantities of greenhouse gas emissions.

At the Future BRH we are using synthetic biology and biotechnology to exploit nature’s toolkit and develop bacteria and yeasts that can produce the chemicals and materials that we require.

TECHNOLOGY PLATFORMS FOR ENZYME ENGINEERING

In this video we look at how the Future BRH is developing sustainable manufacturing methods that use renewable resources to replace the use of petrochemicals and fossil fuels. By using these enzymes, which are nature’s catalysts, we can perform chemical reactions and access new products. A process called directed evolution allows us to select enzymes with desired properties for the task (e.g. improved activity, stability, shelf life).