Building with Biology

Female scientist in a lab doing an experiment

Modern DNA editing and synthesis techniques have the potential to transform the way we address societal problems, with applications from medicine to agriculture, bioproduction and beyond. The development of modular standardised parts, tools and processes is essential to achieve this potential.

Cambridge research in this area has focussed on the development and open sharing of synthetic biology and molecular tools and techniques, as well as the use of in vitro and cell-free technologies for bioproduction. Our researchers are applying these tools in a variety of fields, and we have particular strength in the areas of basic bioscience, biomedicine, plant science and agriculture.

Themes

Synthetic and Molecular Tools and Techniques

Our researchers are developing molecular biology tools and synthetic biology approaches. Including standardisation and modularisation of genetic building blocks

In vitro and Cell-free Technologies

Our researchers are developing and using cell-free extracts and in vitro technologies. These systems are ideal for gene expression and protein production.