The Living Revolution

Dr. Fernando Guzman talks with us about Cell-free systems, a method for producing proteins without the laborious process of growing and harvesting cells. One of the main drawbacks of these cell-free systems is the cost, Dr. Guzman shared with us his research in trying to make these systems less expensive and thus more available in low and middle income countries. The benefit of this would be using these methods for disease diagnosis, and also for education purposes where resources are usually limited. 

To find out more view Dr. Guzman's original research here: https://doi.org/10.1021/acssynbio.1c00342

 Prof. Roisin Owens tells us about her research into creating 3D biomimetic materials which can be used to model human systems such as the intestinal tract and the lungs. With these model systems we can learn many things about disease and treatments for those diseases. 

Dr. Michael Köpke & Prof. Michael Jewitt talk with us about their work on the carbon-negative production of acetone and isopropanol. These chemicals are currently produced from fossil derived carbon. In this new research waste gases from the chemical industry can be used, tho produce acetone and isopropanol helping us move one step closer to a more sustainable and circular economy.

Dr. Kerstin Göpfrich talks with us about her research into creating synthetic cells. We discuss DNA origami, where the line is drawn between synthetic and engineered cells, the ethics of producing synthetic cells and challenges faced by the field. 

 Prof. Ardemis Boghossian shares with us her research and knowledge into bioelectronics and related fields. This feels like science fiction, but it is research that is happening in laboratories right now. Some bacteria have been found to produce electons naturally, by learning from these organisms we have the ability to produce self-renewing biological materials that can harvest solar energy. 

Dr. Rodrigo Ledesma Amaro from Imperial College London shares insight into metabolic engineering, a field of study that allows us to control and manipulate the behavours of living organisms. With metabolic engineering tools we can harness organisms to cure diseases, create biomaterials, biofuels, recycle rare materials and even create 'living materials', for example self-healing concrete. The field is incredibly exciting and there is much work being done to progress the field. We hope to have more researchers in this field in the future, be sure to follow to stay updated.

Biomanufacturing uses biology to produce valuable chemicals such as fragrances, food additives, platform chemicals and fuels. This means of manufacturing can use waste streams contributing to circular economy, reduce necessity for harsh chemicals and create milder reaction conditions. Sythetic Biology could play a large part in the success of this field,. and this is what we talked about in today's episode with Dr. Neil Dixon from the University of Manchester. This podcast is brought to you by the Mancehster iGEM 2021 team with support from the University of Manchester and the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. Follow us on social media to stay updated @igem_manchester2021

Today we discussed genetically engineering plants to improve foor security, nutrition and biofuel production with Proffesor Simon Turner from the Univeristy of Manchester. This podcast is brought to you by the Mancehster iGEM 2021 team with support from the Mancehster Institute of Biotechnology and the University of Manchester. Follow us on instagram to stay updated @igem_manchester2021

Today we talked with Prof. Loiuse Horsfall, the programme director for the master's in synthteic biology at the University of Edinburgh. She shared with us her knowledge of the field and we covered subjects such as what is synthetic biology and how can it be applied to obrtain and recycle rare earth metals. This podcast is brought to you by the manchester iGEM2021 team with support from the University of Manchester and the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. Follow us on instagram @igem_mancehster2021

Today we talk to students from King's College London about their project for the international synthetic biology competition known as iGEM. They are using synthetic biology to create a bioadhesive which will hold in place scaffolds that can be used to treat spinal cord injuries.