Revolutionizing Biomanufacturing: Innovations by Anthology

Boston-based startup Anthology is changing the game in biomanufacturing by optimizing the genomes of underexplored microorganisms. This approach promises to significantly expand the biomanufacturing toolbox, making it possible to efficiently produce a wider variety of products from diverse feedstocks.

The Concept of Accelerated Evolution

“By combining innovations from genome engineering, hardware engineering, and computational biology, we are creating a platform that accelerates evolution by speeding up the process of generating genome mutations and selecting the best performers from our custom devices,” says co-founder Tzu-Chieh Tang, PhD (TT).

They are developing a comprehensive data set that maps genotypes to downstream phenotypes, paving the way for generative genome design. “This means that given any feedstock or product of interest, we can design a genome from scratch,” adds Tang.

Insights from the SynBioBeta Conference

In a recent interview at the SynBioBeta conference in San Jose, Tang and co-founder Jing Zhang, PhD (JZ), discussed the disruptive potential of their technology.

Potential Disruptions in Biomanufacturing

Tang elaborates, “Currently, biomanufacturing largely revolves around E. coli and yeast, which limits capabilities. Our goal is to transform how biomanufacturing is approached by utilizing genetic engineering, hardware engineering, and AI tools to create organisms tailored to specific needs.”

Learning from Nature

Jing Zhang highlights that Anthology’s approach differs from traditional methods. “While others engineer cells like computers, we draw inspiration from nature. This method allows us to produce a vast array of data that links mutations to desirable traits,” she explains.

The Potential of Fungi in Biomanufacturing

Fungi are an intriguing option for biomanufacturing due to their ability to produce proteins at high titers. However, the engineering process is tedious and lengthy, often taking up to 10 weeks to see results. “To address these challenges, we employ microfluidics and high-throughput equipment to rapidly screen candidates,” states Zhang.

Optimizing Production Strains

Tang contrasts the traditional methods for optimizing production strains. “Many engineers focus on tweaking numerous individual factors, which is labor-intensive and costly,” he notes. Alternatively, they mimic evolution using limited tools, which can be inefficient.

Anthology, however, approaches optimization differently. “Think of a book. We can rearrange paragraphs, modify chapters, or even borrow pages from other books to introduce diversity,” Tang explains. “If certain changes lead to desirable traits, we can use DNA sequencing to understand what caused those changes.”

Screening for Success

When it comes to screening mutations for desirable traits, the methods vary based on the traits. “For traits we can assess through competition, like waste feedstock utilization, we let them compete in bioreactors,” says Tang. “For traits requiring individual evaluation, we isolate cells in droplets and use advanced analysis techniques.”

Building on Nobel Prize-Winning Research

Tang mentions that their work builds upon Barbara McClintock’s research on ‘jumping genes.’ “We utilize mobile genetic elements from different hosts, applying modern genetic tools for precise control over these elements,” he notes.

Business Model Innovation at Anthology

As for the company’s business model, Zhang reveals, “We are exploring different strategies, primarily focusing on proving our technology with existing industrial hosts, which has already shown cost benefits for our partners. We are also engaging with industry leaders to identify proteins and feedstocks of interest, generating high-potential production targets.”

With a foundation built on addressing real industry needs, Anthology is positioning itself as a leader in the future of biomanufacturing.