OUR RESEARCH FOCUSES ON

Automated high-throughput Adaptive Laboratory Evolution (ALE) experimentation

Our research employs adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) for optimizing microbial strains. Addressing the limitations of traditional strain design, ALE fosters the evolution of strains in a controlled setting, enhancing traits, boosting yields, and revealing new metabolic pathways. Our work has applications in industrial biotechnology, promoting efficient and sustainable processes, and in medicine, where we develop strains for therapy and diagnostics. We combine computational and systems biology with advanced genetic engineering to redefine the limits of microbial engineering.

Bioinformatics pipeline and database for mutations

In our quest to better understand the relationship between genotype and phenotype, we've designed a suite of computational tools tailored for detailed mutation analysis. These tools empower our team to effectively parse, categorize, and study genetic variations. Adding depth to our research is the ALEdb database—a unique and unparalleled public resource. It stands alone in its specialization, cataloging mutations derived directly from experimental evolution studies. This database is not just a repository; it's an invaluable tool for researchers aiming to decode the intricacies of evolutionary change.

Automated cell culturing and omics sampling

Consistent, reproducible cellular growth is key to accurate measurements in microbiology. We are using our automated platform to measure biology accurately and collect omics data samples for studying biology through genome-wide and targeted assays. In doing so, we can delve deeper into the complexities of biology, honing in on specific areas of interest.

Body of Work – ALE Biofoundry

Organisms Evolved - ALE Platform

Escherichia coli (>10 strains)
Pseudomonas putida
Corynebacterium glutamicum
Vibrio natriegens
Bacillus subtilis
Streptomyces sp.(x3)
Cupriavidus necator
Parageobacillus thermoglucosidasius
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Yarrowia Lipolytica
Ogataea polymorpha
Pichia pastoris
Rhodosporidium toruloides
Clinical Isolates Pathogens
Synthetic & Reduced Genome Organisms

Total Projects and Collaborators

~100 Total Projects
- >10 years of operation – 2 locations (US and EU)
- Multiple replicates and conditions for each project
~3200 Total Independent Populations Evolved
Fee-for-Service Projects with Industry – 6 success / 2 ongoing (one repeat customer)
>60 peer-reviewed publications – demonstrated use cases
Collaboration with >15 Universities as well as National Labs