Technical University of Munich
Lehrstuhl für Synthetische Biotechnologie (Prof. Brück)
Lichtenbergstr. 4
85748 Garching b. München
Engineering whole cell bio-catalysis
Synthetic Biotechnology is a new, cross-disciplinary approach to employ biocatalytic processes for generation of sustainable chemical entities. The group employs advanced bioinformatic tools in combination with molecular simulation to modulate enzyme catalysis towards process relevant parameters, such as product profile specificity or thermotolerance.
The redesigned enzymes are recombinantly incorporated in customized cell systems to address whole cell production of terpenoids or functionalized lipids.
Metabolic perturbations induced by incorporating designed enzyme systems are assessed by comprehensive systems biology methods. Data sets are used to metabolically rewire hosts cells in order to optimize carbon flux towards desired chemicals using new bioreactor concepts. A specific competence of the group is the use of phototrophic and heterotrophic cell systems, which convert CO2 to value adding chemical entities (see research overview).
Microorganisms
Abstract: Commercially mature products obtained by fractionation or extraction of phototrophic microalgal biomass remain concentrated in four categories: whole-cell Spirulina/Chlorella, C-phycocyanin,…
Biochemistry
Abstract: RNA polymerases are essential in the enzymatic synthesis of RNA via in vitro transcription. The resulting mRNA transcripts have been investigated more and more as therapeutics in clinical studies.…
Microorganisms
Abstract: Therapeutics based on RNA are commonly produced via biocatalytic approaches using RNA polymerases. The most frequently applied enzyme is the RNA polymerase of Enterobacteria phage T7. However, this…
FEBS Letters
Abstract: Terpene synthases (TPSs) generate complex hydrocarbon scaffolds through carbocationic cyclization cascades that demand precise active-site control to stabilize reactive intermediates. While π–cation…
ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering
Abstract: The large-scale production of citric acid using Aspergillus niger generates substantial quantities of fungal biomass, which remains an underutilized resource. In this study, we developed a tailored…
Foods
Abstract: Climate change, increasing disease pressures, and rising global protein demand challenge future food security and highlight the need for sustainable alternative protein sources. Microalgae have…
ACS Synthetic Biology
Abstract: This study describes a genome-editing-based approach for transcriptional silencing of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase (GGPPS) expression in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to investigate cellular…
Protein Science
Abstract: Enzymes catalyze various different chemical reactions often with high efficiency and selectivity compared to synthetic catalysts. Advances in protein engineering over the past decades have allowed…
Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering
Abstract: The sustainable production of microalgal biomass for food and feed applications requires efficient downstream processing methods, particularly for the disruption of recalcitrant microalgal cell walls.…
Polymer
Abstract: Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) is a promising bio-based aliphatic polyester, but its relatively limited thermal stability, moderate mechanical performance, and restricted toughness can limit the range…
