R&D

Past and ongoing R&D programs of Syngulon:

Research Program 1: E.S.T.

Research partner: Gembloux AgroBiotech – Pr. Frank Delvigne

Period : 2016 – 2019

Objective : scale up of fermentation technologies for the production of recombinant products in E. coli.

Our bacteriocin technologies are aimed at improving industrial biofermentation production through increased product yield, contamination prevention. We work with Prof. Frank Delvigne from the University of Liège (Gembloux AgroBiotech) to scale up from the bench to industrial-scale fermenters.

Research Program 2: PARAGEN

Research partner: Tereos

Period: 2017 – 2019

Objective: Development of a unique library of bacteriocin genetic elements through synthetic biology. This library is organized by industrial application, and are made available to our partners to improve their microbial-based processes (i.e. avoiding microbial contamination).

To make this library pertinent for industry, Syngulon has built strategic partnerships with leading companies in the bioeconomy.

Research Program 3: ALGOTECH

Research partners: UMons, ULB, UCLouvain

Period: 2017 – 2020

Objective: Algotech is an academic network built for optimisation of bioproduction with an emphasis on microalgae.

As one of the industrial partners, Syngulon has a strategic focus on the synthetic biology aspects of the network.

Research Program 4: RPR

Research partner: UCLouvain

Period: 2017 – 2019

Objective: Development of bacteriocin-based genetic technologies applied to Gram-positive bacteria.

One of Syngulon’s scientists (Dr. Johann Mignolet) is hosted in the lab of Prof. Pascal Hols. This strategic collaboration allows Syngulon to have access to unique knowledge on the genetics of Gram positive bacteria, more specifically, their bacteriocins.

Research Program 5: OligoCar

Research partners: ULiège, VITO

Industrial partners: Lambers-Seghers, Fytofend

Period: 2018 – 2019

Objective : Explore the production of oligo-carrageenans in the industry (phyto applications and feed applications).

Production of recombinant carrageenases to generate oligo-carrageenan for industrial needs.

Syngulon’s role is to provide genetic systems of recombinant carrageenases compatible with standard industrial practices.

Research Program 6: ERA CoBioTech – ComRaDes

Research partners: ULiège, TU Delft, Universität Stuttgart

Website COMRADES

Industrial partner: DSM, Centrient Pharmaceuticals

Period: 2018- 2021

Objective : Developing scale-up/scale-down approach to improve industrial fermentation.

This international program includes top academic scientists, Prof. Frank Delvigne (University of Liège), Prof. Robert F. Mudde (TU Delft), Prof. Ralf Takors (Universität Stuttgart).

Syngulon’s role for the ComRades project is to apply synthetic biology to streamline strains based on the needs of the partners.

Research Program 7: EVOL-MODEL

Research partner: UCL

Period: 2018 – 2021

Objective: Development of an evolutionary system to increase the number and properties of bacteriocins and modelisation of microbial consortia.

One of Syngulon’s scientists is hosted as an invited scientist in the laboratories of Dr. Chris Barnes and Dr. Vitor Pinheiro at University College London. This strategic collaboration with these top scientists will allow Syngulon to develop a unique knowledge of directed evolution of bacteriocins and modelisation of microbial consortia relevant to the industry.

Research Program 8: STAPHCONTROL

Research partner: ULB

Period: 2019 – 2023

Objective: PhD Thesis about bacteriocins against drug resistant Staphylylococcus aureus

Research Program 9: PhD thesis (2)

PhD Doctoral Training Programs: 1 BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council) + 1 MRC iCASE (Medical Research Council industrial Collaborative Awards in Science and Engineering)

Research partner: Imperial College