ESPOO, Finland, May 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A groundbreaking
study, published in the scientific journal Advanced
Materials, on 6 May 2024,
led by researchers of VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, introduces a transformative approach
that integrates synthetic biology with advanced machine learning
and computational techniques to significantly accelerate the
development of new biomaterials. This method reduces the material
development timeline from years to mere minutes, promising rapid
advancements in medical and industrial applications.
"By leveraging the power of AI and synthetic biology, we have
managed to fine tune and dramatically speed up the design process
of new protein-based materials, allowing for the rapid development
of biomaterials with tailored functionalities, achieving what used
to take years in just months, with the potential to further reduce
this time to minutes," says Pezhman
Mohammadi, VTT's Senior Research Scientist and the head
of the study.
By utilising machine learning algorithms, VTT's research team
was able to efficiently sift through thousands of protein
structures to pinpoint the most promising candidates for laboratory
synthesis.
Accelerating high-demand applications, such as smart
materials
The new high-performance, protein-based biomaterials developed
through this method are expected to replace fossil-based materials
and bring game-changing properties for high-demand applications,
such as medicinal injectables and smart materials to name a few.
The research showcased the effective use of hybrid biomimetic and
de novo design strategies, combining insights from nature's own
design capabilities to create innovative materials from
scratch.
"Synthetic biology enables production of complicated structures
present in nature. Through this approach, we are not only
replicating the extraordinary properties of natural materials but
also enhancing them to meet specific functional needs, going one
step beyond the evolution. The ability to quickly produce materials
with customised properties opens new horizons for innovation in
biotechnology and materials science," says Pezhman.
The publication in Advanced Materials marks a significant
milestone in the multidisciplinary field of material biotechnology
and showcases the potential of integrated sciences in solving
complex global challenges. The research team, including
collaborators from VTT, the Polish Academy of Sciences,
Temple University, Nanyang Technological University and Aalto
University, brings diverse expertise in biology, chemistry,
physics, data science, machine learning, AI and computational
science. Together, they continue to refine these innovative
techniques and expand their applications in the near future.
"As we move forward, we envision that the fusion of
biotechnology, biorefinery processes, automation, synthetic
biology, as well as the pivotal roles of machine learning and AI -
all underpinned by biointelligence - will dramatically transform
manufacturing. This comprehensive approach enables the rapid,
precise design and production of biomaterials, leveraging
automation to streamline and scale operations efficiently.
Convergence of all these technologies not only accelerates
innovation but also enables a radical shift towards more
customised, sustainable production methods across various sectors,
which offer tailored solutions with minimal environmental impact,
revolutionising industry practices," says Pezhman.
The study, titled Accelerated Engineering of ELP-based materials
through Hybrid Biomimetic-De Novo predictive moledular
design and published in Advanced Materials on 6 May, 2024, demonstrates how the collaboration
of experts from diverse fields, including synthetic biology,
artificial intelligence, molecular dynamics simulation and more,
has led to the creation of new biomaterials that are both
sustainable and highly functional.
Further information
VTT Technical Research Centre of
Finland
Mohammadi Pezhman, Senior Research
Scientist
pezhman.mohammadi@vtt.fi, tel. +358 401637835
Further information on VTT:
Paula Bergqvist, Senior Specialist, Communications
+358 20 722 5161, paula.bergqvist@vtt.fi
www.vttresearch.com
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SOURCE VTT Info