Smart combinations

Research at TU Darmstadt integrates a broad field ranging from the development of methods for the generation of genetic logic circuits using computer models to the design of ion-conducting nanopores, which open up new applications in bioengineering. The respective research groups have already received several million euros in funding from the Hessian Funding Programme for Scientific Excellence (LOEWE) (projects CompuGene and iNAPO). The new centre unites scientists from biology, chemistry and electrical engineering, material sciences, physics, mechanical engineering and philosophy.

Synthetic biology is an engineering approach to equip biological cells with new molecular properties and features. In contrast to traditional biotechnology, this functionality is achieved by combining well-characterised and standardised components at the molecular level. New molecular biology methods, such as versions of the gene scissors CRISPR, are used in the process. At the same time, the design methodology for RNA molecules and proteins for specific targets is continuously evolving. Overall, synthetic biology benefits from integrating research results from biophysics and biochemistry, micro- and nanostructuring, automation and control engineering, computer-aided design methods in electrical engineering and advances in the field of machine learning.

Professor Heinz Koeppl, Head of the Centre for Synthetic Biology, adds: “In addition to the initial work by CompuGene and iNAPO, my current ERC Consolidator Project CONSYN is also well suited to contribute to the development of the Centre. The main objective there is to correctly translate the problematic context-dependency of genetic circuits into computer models. These models can then be used to make circuits more robust”.