A novel method developed by a group of IGB researchers could change the way metabolic engineering is done.

Researchers from the IGB’s Biosystems Design theme, including Steven L. Miller Chair of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Huimin Zhao, recently published a paper in Nature Communications outlining their new method, which could make the metabolic engineering process more efficient.

For decades, scientists have used the natural processes in cells to create useful products such as chemicals and biofuels. 

This process, known as metabolic engineering, modifies the gene networks within cells to increase an organism’s ability to produce a specific substance.