Synthetic biology tools for non-model cyanobacteria

About the project

Modern biotechnology depends on reliable genetic tools that allow researchers to precisely control cellular functions. However, most synthetic biology technologies have been developed for a relatively small number of well-established laboratory organisms, while many environmentally and biotechnologically interesting cyanobacteria remain difficult to engineer.

We develop, evaluate, and optimize genetic and synthetic biology tools for marine unicellular cyanobacteria and unicellular nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria. This includes approaches for gene expression, gene repression, genome engineering, and large-scale genetic screening. By expanding the genetic toolbox available for these non-model organisms, we aim to make them more accessible for both fundamental research and biotechnology, while creating new platforms for studying and engineering photosynthesis, carbon metabolism, and biological nitrogen fixation.