Designing a microbial factory for isopropanol production from sugar and CO2
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Lunds universitet - Institutionen för processteknik och tillämpad biovetenskap |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 999 382 |
| Project duration | July 2025 - June 2026 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Emerging technology solutions |
| Call | Innovative collaborations with Singapore in quantum and synthetic biology - stage 2 |
Purpose and goal
Use of synthetic biology for designing a versatile microbial platform for resource-efficient production of chemical building blocks from residual lignocelluloses and waste gases, in collaboration with National University of Singapore (NUS) and an industrial stakeholder. Goal is to overcome fossil dependence and greenhouse gas emissions by developing alternative robust solutions based on renewable feedstock in order to meet the net zero emission target by 2050.
Expected effects and result
Long-term collaboration with NUS established in the field of synthetic biology, high impact publications, the needed infrastructure established in Sweden leading to enhanced technology development and innovation in circular bioeconomy and climate change mitigation. Specifically, the project will result in trained personnel and a microbial system for production of a renewable building block for a plastic used in a wide range of products.
Planned approach and implementation
The project is structured into three interdependent and interconnected work packages (WPs) planned in close collaboration with NUS. The first two WPs focus on strain design, construction, and optimization, with genetic and screening work distributed between LU and NUS. The last WP provides machine learning feedback across the pipeline. NUS will lead high-throughput screening through its biofoundry, while LU will focus on construct design, mutagenesis, and fermentation development.