Camena Bioscience and Constructive Bio have partnered in a research initiative led by the Max-Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology (MPI-MP) to create synthetic chloroplast genomes. This project has received £9.1 million in funding from ARIA, the Advanced Research + Invention Agency, and involves academics from the University of Essex and UC Berkeley.

Historically, the construction of synthetic chloroplast genomes has been a formidable challenge due to their large size and complex structure. However, Camena and Constructive aim to tackle these obstacles using their DNA synthesis technology and large-scale DNA assembly toolkit. This collaboration is poised to enable high-fidelity DNA synthesis and complete genome assembly, which could optimize crop performance amid climate change and transform plants into sustainable biofactories for biofuels and pharmaceuticals.

Chloroplasts, the specialized structures within plant cells responsible for photosynthesis, contain a complete set of DNA known as the chloroplast genome. These genomes, typically ranging from 120 to 170 kilobases in length, are rich in adenine and thymine and feature extensive repetitive regions, making them particularly difficult to sequence and synthesize. Insights gained from studying chloroplast genomes can enhance our understanding of plant evolution and energy capture.

The project is led by Dr. Daniel Dunkelmann at MPI-MP, with contributions from Pallavi Singh at the University of Essex and Patrick Shih at UC Berkeley. Dr. Steve Harvey, CEO of Camena Bioscience, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “Combining Camena’s ability to synthesise DNA with Constructive’s ability to assemble genomes precisely highlights the UK’s leadership position in cutting-edge synthetic biology, and leading role in DNA sequencing innovation. We’re delighted that Camena was the chosen DNA synthesis partner to deliver highly complex constructs at scale, and look forward to working with MPI-MP to realise their ambitious vision.”

Dr. Ola Wlodek, CEO of Constructive Bio, emphasized the significance of the project, stating: “Synthetic chloroplasts represent a groundbreaking leap for synthetic genomics, bringing pioneering ideas into reality and laying the foundation for a bioeconomy projected to surge to $30 trillion by 2050. This leap is made possible by the combined capabilities of Camena and Constructive. We are excited to apply our transformative large-scale DNA assembly toolkit to help power a biomanufacturing revolution, and we believe it will deliver outsized ROI for savvy investors through disruptive innovation—while aligning with ESG mandates to safeguard planetary health and reshape entire industries for generations to come.”

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