Lygos,
Inc., a full-stack producer of specialty chemicals that deliver
high-value performance without the environmental toxicity, today
announced that it was awarded a $2 million grant by the United
States Department of Energy (DOE). The grant will support the
development of new artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning
approaches that combine multi-omics analysis to produce non-intuitive
insights that accelerate microbial engineering research and development.
The research will be performed in collaboration with the Agile
BioFoundry (ABF), a consortium of eight DOE national laboratories
advancing biomanufacturing across public and private sectors.
“The evolutionary complexity of biological systems makes microbes
inherently difficult to engineer using traditional, scientist-driven
hypothesis testing alone,” said Hector Garcia Martin, PhD, ABF Staff
Scientist. “Together with Lygos, we will look to apply some of the
latest advances in AI and machine learning to develop a more
comprehensive understanding of yeast metabolism and how microbes can be
rewired for efficient chemical biosynthesis.”
Lygos’ leading technology platform is based on a high-throughput
combination of computational modeling, unique microbe engineering and
screening, and machine learning. The technology is used with a
proprietary acid-tolerant yeast and best-in-industry engineering cycle
to produce bio-based solutions that deliver the performance benefits of
petroleum-based industrial chemicals without environmental toxicity at
competitive prices.
“We are looking forward to strengthening our existing relationship with
the teams of scientists at the DOE and ABF. Their expertise in
generating and analyzing large, complex multi-omics datasets will help
guide future enhancements to our AI and machine learning microbial
engineering capabilities,” said Jeffrey Dietrich, PhD, Co-founder and
Chief Technology Officer of Lygos. “This new endeavor is another strong
validation of our technology platform and our overall mission to replace
toxic petrotechnology processes, reclaim local U.S. manufacturing and
revive industrial bio-innovation.”
About Agile BioFoundry
The Agile BioFoundry brings together
a specialist team of scientists, engineers, and technical staff from
eight of the U.S. Department of Energy’s national laboratories, with the
aim that their collective skills, expertise, and experience lead to
rapid innovation and growth in the biomanufacturing sector. For more
information, visit www.agilebiofoundry.org.
About Lygos
Lygos has created a full-stack biological
engineering platform focused on organic acid specialty chemicals and
bio-monomers. Lygos’ sustainable, bio-based chemicals replace expensive,
environmentally degrading alternatives from traditional industrial
suppliers, enabling customers to create better, safer products with
value-added performance. For more information, visit www.lygos.com
and follow us @LygosBiotech.
Lygos, the lygos logo and Bio-Malonic are trademarks of Lygos, Inc.
All other brands may be trademarks of their respective holders.
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