The LAB

Traditionally, the focus of metabolic engineering has been on transforming biomass and biomass-derived feedstocks into chemical products. In this paradigm, CO₂ is converted into biomass via photosynthesis and microbes are engineered to transform waste and/or sugars derived from this biomass into chemical products. As global challenges converge, a new approach is necessary: land use changes and rising demand for food in an increasingly unstable climate mean that we need to harness the power of microbial fermentation in new ways. Anabolic Bioengineering is about transforming small molecules – CO₂, acetate, ethylene glycol, etc – into bigger ones, like polymers, biodiesel, and even proteins.

At the LAB, we search through the near-infinite space of biochemistry to find and build novel metabolic pathways that could help us mine the atmosphere and/or existing waste streams for carbon and nitrogen to make the chemical products people use everyday. We collaborate with other groups to envision and build out integrated processes in which pollution is transformed into the stuff we all need. Our goal is to support the development of a sustainable future powered by a circular economy, and in so doing, help to address the biggest challenges we all face today.