#06 - Photocatalytic Synthetic Biology
Calum Ferguson (Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Mainz)
Monday, 30 Nov 21:15 - 22:00 CET
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Abstract
Title: Photocatalytic Synthetic Biology
Author(s): Calum Fergusona
Affiliations: aMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Mainz
Abstract: Sunlight is an abundant energy source which nature efficiently utilizes. We are interested in replicating this through the use of photocatalytic materials. Photocatalysis can be used as a powerful tool in synthetic biology, where we can simulate biological processes using light as an energy source. To date we have used fully organic photocatalytic systems as enzyme mimics for the regeneration of cofactors. Moreover, these photocatalytic species can be used in combination with other enzymes. Photocatalytic growth of synthetic cells has also been demonstrated by in situ production of membrane forming polymer blocks. In this talk a brief overview of our recent progress in photocatalytic synthetic biology.