Microbial Engineering & Fermentation

Four sessions are available for abstract submissions.

Synthetic Biology & Genome Engineering

Synthetic biology and genome engineering have revolutionized biotechnology. Next- generation sequencing and synthesis techniques have accelerated cellular prototyping, shortened development timelines, and generated vast biochemical datasets. These advances have also opened up new opportunities in therapeutic development, disease diagnostics, biomanufacturing of biofuels, biochemicals, and biomaterials, and environmental bioremediation. Talks in this session will highlight recent advancements in synthetic biology and genome engineering, featuring, but not limited to, de novo genome design, multiplex genome editing, genetic/metabolic engineering of non-model organisms and industrial hosts, transcriptional and translational reprogramming, genetic circuit design, biosensors, and/or tool development. This session invites experts to share their insights and new discoveries in these fields, emphasizing practical applications and real-world impacts.

Engineering Microbes & Microbial Communities

Various emerging fields within microbial biotechnology harness the power of synthetic biology to produce different chemical and biological products of interest to humans from microbial hosts. Recent progress in gene editing, metabolic engineering, genome-scale modeling, multi-omics, synthetic ecosystems, and systems biology continue to bring new insights and exciting opportunities to further advance the field. Moreover, symbiotic and synergistic interactions among microbial co-cultures enable various applications beyond the capabilities of individual microorganisms. This highly multidisciplinary field also integrates methods such as cell-free protein synthesis and semi-synthetic transformations to expand its reach in bioproduction and therapeutics.
This session aims to bring together innovative methodologies aimed at employing synthetic biology to create new opportunities for production of molecules such as biomaterials and biofuels, development of new therapeutics and disease diagnostics, improvement of agriculture, environmental sustainability, industrial production, or other biotechnological objectives. Some examples of topics include but not limited to:

1. Cell-free synthesis and semi-synthesis as promising approaches for construction of the minimal cell and production of biotherapeutic compounds. Topics related to the theme but not covered here are also encouraged.
2. Generating synthetic gene circuits through functional gene mining and gene editing.
3. Genome-scale modeling, multi-omics, and metabolic flux analysis employing novel computational methods, advanced mass spectrometry and stable isotope labeling for accurate evaluation of metabolic networks.
4. Harnessing microbial co-cultures to advance industrial bioproduction and therapeutics.
5. Developing microbial biosensors for uncovering molecular pathways, environmental monitoring, bioremediation, and disease diagnostics.

Metabolic Engineering & Natural Products

Metabolic Engineering and Natural Products topics of interest:

1. Next gen Synthetic Biology (novel organisms/ cell free production) and Bioengineering (CRISPR/
   Prime editing)
2. Genomic Medicine (RNA/ cell based/ microbiome)
3. Leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning in metabolic engineered cells via control
   strategies and data management.

Recent advancements in metabolic engineering, precise gene editing techniques, and affordable next- generation sequencing (NGS) are poised to revolutionize biomanufacturing. Natural products, are chemicals with complex structures and unique biological activities, making them valuable in various industries. Metabolic engineering allows for the sustainable production of high-value natural products, chemicals and therapeutics that are difficult or expensive to obtain through traditional chemical synthesis, as well as discovering novel natural products by enabling the expression of cryptic biosynthetic pathways. Innovations in this theme aim to improve efficiency, reduce variability in product quality, and enable targeted quality by design, ultimately benefiting diverse patient populations. During this session, speakers will highlight several key areas in Gene Circuitry and Biosensor-Based Technologies to enhance productivity and increase product titers in various manufacturing workflows. Talks will explore use of novel engineered organism and advances in cell free synthesis to demonstrate advances in genomic medicine. Other talks will also aim to address how advances in control strategies benefits quality control in biomanufacturing, facilitate continuous production process, advance cell and gene therapy, while leveraging synthetic biology feedback loops to benefit personalized medicines, therapies and high-value natural products and chemicals.

Case Studies for Microbial Fermentation

Optimization of fermentation conditions can improve titers of high-value chemicals and therapeutics produced by microbes by several orders of magnitude. Case studies in this session will feature new approaches towards the following goals: decreased development timelines, scale-up and scale- down model development, fast track to manufacturing, decreased footprint of fermentation processes, and new technology evaluations including process analytical technologies for microbial processes and fermentation. Use of artificial intelligence in biocatalysis, enzyme engineering, microbial cell factory optimization, and advances in pathway engineering to optimize fermentation processes are particularly encouraged. Case studies in metabolic engineering to manipulate microbial growth conditions and/or adapt hosts to bioreactors, analytics and assays to capture a quality-by-design approach to fermentation processes are also welcome.