We are preparing the world for the upcoming synthetic biology revolution
Centre for Young Synbio Scientists promotes cutting-edge synthetic biology research in Finland by supporting young researchers, PhD students and post-docs.
CYSS is a joint project of VTT and Aalto University to promote global collaborations between research organizations and companies.
CYSS 2023 Key Research
Biomaterials from Microbial Chitin
Doctoral student An Nguyen employs synthetic biology to develop cost-effective, sustainable biomaterials. Originating from plastic-burdened Vietnam, An's research centers on producing chitin and chitosan from microbial sources. By stressing fungal organisms, An enhances chitin output, tapping into the entire biomass for value.
Microbial Self-healing Materials
Researcher Manuel Arias Barrantes pioneers a multidisciplinary approach blending science and design, to unlock the potential of microbial self-healing. Barrantes is working with living materials that could autonomously regenerate, defying the wear and tear of everyday use.
New pathways for microbial pigments
Research scientist Pradhuman Jethas work focuses on unveiling novel biosynthetic pathways for bio-based pigments. By deciphering the genomic secrets behind the captivating red color pigment of Cortinarius semisanguineus mushrooms, Jetha envisions harnessing these pathways within microbial hosts, cultivating year-round color production in compact bioreactors.
Predicting the future catalytic activity of enzymes
Doctoral student Robert Armah-Sekums research aims to forecast the catalytic activity and substrate interaction of enzymes, circumventing arduous trial-and-error experimentation. By using AI and computational modeling, Armah-Sekum is able to predict the functions of proteins by unraveling the intricate interplay between protein attributes, structure, and function.
AI assited enzyme design for improved bioplastics
Research Scientist Tuula Tenkanen combines AI, synthetic biology and enzyme design to revolutionize bioplastics. She develops new to nature polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), biobased polymers with versatile properties, and employs AI to design enzymes for efficient biosynthesis.
