Technical University of Munich
Werner Siemens-Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology (WSSB) (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).
Talanta
Abstract: Proteomic analysis of highly mineralized biological matrices remains analytically challenging due to the dense inorganic framework that restricts solvent accessibility and strongly binds proteins…
Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology
Abstract: Cocoyam is an underutilized, low-amylose tuber and has significant potential for conversion into porous starch (PS). This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and functional properties of…
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…
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…
Environmental Sciences Europe
Abstract: Calcareous red algae (CRA) are key ecosystem engineers in marine environments, shaping reef architecture and sustaining biodiversity. Through calcification, they produce approximately 1.6 × 10⁹ tonnes…
Talanta
Abstract: The chemical profiling of complex mixtures of natural products (NPs) is a major challenge in analytical chemistry and generally addressed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS).…
Processes
Abstract: Marine microalgae from the genus Nannochloropsis are promising candidates for the photoautotrophic production of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5), a polyunsaturated fatty acid known for its numerous…
Frontiers in Food Science and Technology
Abstract: A growing global population and climate change challenge conventional agriculture and global food safety. Microalgae are an emerging sustainable nutrient food resource, increasingly regarded as an…
Journal of Natural Products
Abstract: Natural polymers have garnered attention due to their unique properties, i.e., structural versatility, biocompatibility, and modifiability. Recent efforts focus on sustainable raw materials to develop…
