Detalle de: Modeling life responses to environmental crises

The environmental crisis, marked by global warming, biodiversity loss, and microplastic contamination, presents significant challenges to life on Earth. Our current understanding of these factors' impact on molecular life and ecological interactions is limited, and we lack predictive tools for biosystem evolution under these conditions. Gaining a deeper understanding of the ecological complexity of biological systems is crucial for developing ISB strategies to address these environmental challenges.

Describe. This RA focuses on characterizing and predicting biosystem responses to rising temperatures and pollution, especially microplastic exposure, through an ISB approach. By moving beyond reductionist methods, we aim to ensure the long-term stability of new ecosystems and integrate human activities with minimal environmental impact.

Predict. We optimize the DBTL cycle in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering using an integrated approach that includes mechanistic models, machine learning, statistical methods, and robust dynamic control. By developing new protocols for model calibration and optimal experiment design, we create open-source, automated workflows for strain optimization and rapid prototyping, enhancing the predictability of synthetic biocircuits by accounting for context dependency, uncertainty, and noise.

Apply. Bioproduction is essential for achieving carbon neutrality and promoting a circular economy by replacing polluting chemical processes with sustainable bioprocesses. To support this transition, we use advanced bioprospecting and culturomics to discover optimal microorganisms and new enzymatic functions, scale up fermentation for industrial use, and integrate multi-omics and synthetic biology tools to create standardized pathway assemblies for these novel enzymes.