Engineering Nanobioreactors Using Nature as our Guide

Nature uses compartmentalization to sequester and organize biological processes, particularly in higher-order (e.g. human or yeast) cells. It was recently discovered that some bacteria use compartmental systems as well, contrary to the long-held belief that bacteria lack such organization. Using a synthetic biology approach, we are engineering the parts that make up these systems in order to sequester chemical reactions and novel biological catalysts of interest. We are also developing the necessary tools to work with these systems in a more efficient manner. In this talk, I will discuss our recent progress and provide examples of how this work will lead to advances for bioenergy and chemical production.

Danielle Tullman-Ercek is an assistant professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Danielle did her undergraduate work at Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, and received her Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. Her research lab focuses on characterizing complex, multi-component biological systems and engineering them for novel functions. In addition to compartmentalization, she studies biomachines driven by molecular motors that bacteria use to secrete antibiotics and toxins. Applications for such machines include secreting biofuels and pharmaceuticals. When not in the lab or the classroom, Danielle enjoys practicing gymnastics and traveling.