A*STAR and NUS launch synthetic biology commercialisation lab

The facility will target nutrition consumer care and healthcare applications.

A*STAR and the National University of Singapore (NUS) have launched a joint laboratory aimed at accelerating the commercialisation of synthetic biology research.

The A*STAR SIFBI-NUS Synthetic Biology Joint Lab was established by the A*STAR Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (A*STAR SIFBI) and NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (NUS SynCTI).

The facility will combine A*STAR SIFBI’s expertise in bioprocess development and scale-up with NUS’ strengths in scientific research and talent development. 

Its initial focus will be on nutrition and consumer care, with potential applications in advanced materials and healthcare.

The lab will work with companies to develop, test and validate bio-based alternatives to conventional chemical manufacturing processes. 

Synthetic biology uses engineered biological systems such as microbes and enzymes to produce ingredients, chemicals and materials.

According to A*STAR, the global bioeconomy could contribute up to US$4 trillion annually within the next decade, driven by a shift away from petrochemical-based production. 

The global market for bio-based chemicals is expected to exceed $257b (US$200b) by 2030, whilst the synthetic biology market is projected to grow to more than $77.1b (US$60b) by the same year.

The joint lab will focus on three areas: AI-guided enzyme and pathway engineering to reduce development timelines, microbial platforms that can produce complex molecules at industrial scale, and the development of new bio-based compounds for ingredients and functional applications.

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