SynBioFund Projects

To develop a novel piezoelectric platform to probe mechanobiological interactions. This pilot project serves to validate the basic process and has several key objectives. The first goal is to successfully grow a viable cell colony on the piezoelectric matrix. If that can be achieved, then we can determine whether or not the traction forces exerted by the cell culture can be detected and monitored as the culture grows.

The Cambridge University Technology and Enterprise Club (CUTEC) has been running events to support young technologists for the last 13 years. This year our committee is passionate about supporting the transition from idea to prototype in biology and with this in mind we ran a Bio-Hackathon in collaboration with the London Biohackspace and with Bento Bio Works.

For a feasibility study on creating 3D structures, using raw cellulose as a starting material, as a proof of principle for the use of cellulose as a modern building material.

DIY Biolab plan to build and document open hardware for molecular biology.

Continued development of a flexible, low cost, live-imaging platform for long term monitoring of cell behaviour in vitro

This project aims to develop a rigorous design-modeling web-based tool for synthetic biology using a novel design methodology that has been recently developed in the Control Group (Engineering Department).

This project aims to develop an IP-free system for transfer of the high molecular weight DNA from E. coli to M. polymorpha. This includes development of the plant-specific iBACs for the reliable transfer and integration of the high molecular weight DNA into the M. polymorpha genome. Alternative methods for interchassis DNA transfer, such as integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) will be also explored.

To establish the Cambridge University Synthetic Biology Society (CUSBS) to promote the field of synthetic biology amongst the student community and within schools in Cambridge. To continue development of OpenScope and other open technology projects.

The idea is to develop a computational system and corresponding web site to couple information on metabolic and biochemical networks within bacteria (focussing initially on cyanobacteria) with networks of protein evolutionary history and homology. The system is designed to be easily used by biologists with minimal computing experience. The main principle is that the variability in the enzymatic components of pathways across a large sample of different genomes provides a valuable resource for the understanding and manipulation of biosynthesis.

Abstract Terpene flavor compounds are an important target for food improvement in a number of areas. One such area is the brewing of beer, particularly newer “craft” beers that feature large quantities of newer American varieties of hops bred for their aroma and flavor characteristics rather than...