Research Focus
Engineering Biosynthesis & Cell-free Synthetic Biology
Our group engineers biosynthetic pathways and systems to discover and produce new natural products, high-value chemicals, alternative antimicrobials, and agrochemicals. We also work on the discovery and characterisation of new enzymes and their roles in biosynthesis, and unlocking novel bioactive compounds for therapeutic and industrial applications. Our research includes activating silent biosynthetic gene clusters, reconstructing pathways, and designing gene expression systems using synthetic biology tools.
We also have an invested interest and track record in cell-free synthetic biology, developing robust, high-yielding cell-free systems for rapid engineering of peptides, proteins, and small molecules. Our automated platforms enable scalable biosynthesis and prototyping for infectious disease and agricultural applications. We collaborate with industry partners and the UKHSA, including a BBSRC-funded project, to target antimicrobial resistance and develop alternative antimicrobials. As co-organisers of the London Cell-free Biological Products Network, we help organise two meetings per year, primarily for early career researchers to present alongside an invited external speaker. The event is well attended (30-50 participants) and provides an interaction point between industry and academia.
