The current lines of research of the Synthetic Biology laboratory have a strong translational component, focusing on the study and design of enzymes for their application in both biotechnology and human health. The group studies enzymes that interact with biopolymers such as DNA, RNA, cellulose, and chitin, developing tools based on molecular evolution and structural design. The group has created enzymes and biopolymers with unique properties for industrial biotechnology applications, including biomass conversion, new biomaterials, CRISPR gene editing, DNA synthesis and transformation.

The main research objective of the laboratory could be summarized in the design of custom non-natural biological systems with multiple applications for the benefit of society.

Research line 1: Designing of novel enzymes using molecular evolution and structural design
In our group we have developed ancestral sequence reconstructions as the basis for designing new proteins with new and enhanced properties for biotechnological applications.

Research line 2: Gene editing
In our group we create novel CRISPR-Cas system with properties not present in current system such as Cas9. Our enzymes have properties such as PAMless activity, substrate promiscuity or dual activity. We test our enzymes both in cell lines and animal models such as mice.

Research line 3: Designing of novel biomaterials using enzymatic upgrading
We develop enzymes capable of transforming natural resources such as cellulose and chitin into high-tech materials for application in microelectronics.

Research line 4: Mechanobiology
Understanding the role of mechanical forces in biological systems.

Collaborations
Our group have maintained and maintains collaborations with national and international groups including several research labs at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), University of Granada, Harvard University, University of Toronto, Aalto University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Helmholtz Institute, among others.

Latest Publications