Dr Dhar

Dark Genome Lab

Synthetic Biology the promise of a sustainable future

Synthetic biology is a multidisciplinary field that applies engineering principles to design and construct new biological components or redesign existing natural components towards applications. The construction may be in the native or a non-native setting.
Traditionally, two approaches have been used in science : reductionism and integration. Reductionism is known by terms like histology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry and integration. Integration is manifested in the form of databases, bioinformatics and systems biology. Sometime in the late 90s, people asked if it was possible to establish ‘construction approach’ into biology. This new approach would involve making an inventory of standard parts and assembling them into a system using rules of composition.

New test

Synthetic biology is about designing and building new biological components (parts to cells), either by modifying existing components or by creating entirely new ones. By adopting an engineering approach, the aim is move from construction to function, in a predictable way.

The global synthetic biology market is experiencing rapid growth, with estimates suggesting it will expand from approximately $13.4 billion in 2022 to over $116 billion by 2032.

This growth is driven by advancements in DNA sequencing, gene editing, automation, and artificial intelligence, enabling the development of innovative applications in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, energy, and biomanufacturing.

Using the synthetic biology approach, here are some of the key applications that CSBB is driving:

  • Health: personalised immunotherapy, engineered probiotics, lab-grown organoids
  • Environment: Carbon sequestration, microbial bioreactors, upcycling waste materials
  • Materials: Fragrances, food additives, fabric dyes, cosmetics 
  • Manufacturing: biopharma, fragrances, flavours, chemicals, enzymes

Collaborations

Industry

  1. SciGenom, Kochi
  2. Alstonia Bio, Kochi

Academia

  1. NCAAH, CUSAT, Kochi

Advanced Instrumentation Facility

COMING SOON

Publications and News

Explore our latest publications and media highlights as we continue to drive innovation in AI, synthetic biology, and biorevolution.

  • Breakthrough in AI-assisted bio-manufacturing for pharmaceuticals 2023
  • Partnership with ABC Corporation on AI-enhanced biodegradable materials 2022
  • CSBB awarded government grant for AI-driven renewable biofuel research

Our Team

Scientific Advisory Board

Dr. Aji Parayil

Founder & CEO, Manus Bio

Ajikumar (Aji) is an entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience in technological innovation and commercialization. He invented Manus Bio’s core technology platform at MIT and co-founded Manus Bio in 2011.

Aji has more than 60 U.S. & international patents issued and/or filed and have co-authored more than 50 publications in the area of biotechnology and chemical biology. He currently serves as the founder & CEO at Manus Bio Inc. and co-founder of Mirakel Technologies Inc. Aji obtained his PhD from Mahatma Gandhi University, India and carried out his post-doctoral research at Singapore-MIT Alliance, Singapore and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His research interests lie in engineering chemistry using biology for biomanufacturing of natural products.

Dr. Jane Doe

Director, Synthetic Biology & AI Integration

With extensive expertise in synthetic biology and AI-driven research, Dr. Jane Doe leads the center in the integration of cutting-edge technologies to advance the field of engineered biology. Her leadership ensures that the center remains at the forefront of the biorevolution, developing transformative technologies for industrial and medical applications.

Dr. John Smith

Lead Researcher, Biomanufacturing & AI Applications

A biomanufacturing expert, Dr. Smith focuses on the application of AI to optimize production processes and scale up bio-manufacturing for real-world deployment. He leads initiatives that harness AI to enhance the efficiency of biological production systems.

News

Haritosh wins the Engineering in Hydrocephalus Prize

Haritosh is developing anti-occluding ventricular catheters for the effective treatment of hydrocephalus combating complications that often lead to revision surgeries in the brain space.

Reg No: EKM/TC/667/2023 | Registered under The Travancore-Cochin Literary Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act 1955

Quick Contact

Interested in collaborating, learning more, or joining the biorevolution? Contact us today!
Center for Synthetic Biology and Biomanufacturing 3rd Floor, CUSAT Technology Business Incubator, Kalamassery, Kochi 682 022