Researchers fermenting their way to next-gen jet fuels
Published on: 18 April 2023
Marcellin Group
Systems metabolic engineering for industrial biotechnology
The Marcellin Group, led by Group Leader Professor Esteban Marcellin Saldana, is dedicated to developing systems metabolic engineering toolboxes, with the goal of better understanding biological cells to enhance the production of fuels, chemicals and biopharmaceuticals.
Systems metabolic engineering incorporates the concepts and techniques of systems biology, synthetic biology and bioprocess optimisation, offering a framework to modify pathways and bioprocesses for the optimal bioproduction of desired products.
Characterising cells at the molecular level to efficiently manufacture natural and non-natural bioproducts is possible through multi-omics data integration using computational models. The Group’s research aims to integrate multi-omics data to accelerate the design of cells into efficient biological factories.
Research Areas
- Advanced biomanufacturing
- Synthetic biology
- Systems metabolic engineering
Research Approach
The group has recently established a state-of-the-art gas fermentation facility, unique in Australia, which enables fermenting methane and syngas in instrumented fermenters.
Research Highlights
Research Projects
-
Systems biology-driven discovery and enhanced production of natural products
March 2017–August 2019 -
BiG Chemicals: Biological Gas to liquid production of Chemicals, a systems biology approach
March 2015–August 2018 -
Fermentation maps to improve toxoid production in clostridia
March 2016–August 2019
Funding
- Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowships (2023) Biopharmaceutical 4.0: Designing cellular factories for difficul to express proteins
- Bioplatforms Australia Ltd (2023) Bioplatforms Australia (BPA) NCRIS 2022 administered by Bioplatforms Australia Ltd
- Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowships (2023) Using synthetic biology to accelerate critical metal recovery from mine waste
- Monash University (2023) ARC Research Hub for Carbon Utilisation and Recycling (ARC ITRP administered by Monash University)
- Trailblazer Universities Program (2023) Understanding and resolving the biological bottlenecks of recombinant dairy protein production in host microorganisms
- Monash University (2022) Microbial conversion of greenhouse gases into high-value animal feeds (Monash University led Woodside Energy Technologies grant)
- Advance Queensland Women's Research Assistance Program (2021) Dr Veronica Martinez Salazar - AQ WRAP
- ARC Linkage Projects (2020) Engineering cyanobacteria for high-value flavours and fragrances production
