10087778A novel high-throughput scale-out fermentation array for isoprene bioprocess developmentClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKIsoprene is a high-value, bulk commodity chemical, widely used in the production of industrial rubbers (~95% of all isoprene use). Additionally, isoprene can be converted downstream to a wide range of useful isoprenoid product molecules (e.g. limonene, retinol), commonly used in high-value sectors (e.g. flavourings, pharmaceuticals and beauty and fragrances). However, isoprene is currently primarily produced via petroleum cracking, which is both cost-intensive and highly detrimental to the environment. Furthermore, the dependence on fossil fuels for isoprene production leaves the isoprene market extremely susceptible to fluctuations in crude oil and gas prices. In recent times, this issue has become increasingly apparent owing to COVID supply chain issues and the Russia-Ukraine war severely impacting feedstock prices. The development of relatively cheap and sustainable isoprene production routes is of great interest. Bio-based manufacturing using microorganisms offers a sustainable alternative for the production of isoprene. However, development of suitable host strains for industrial scale biomanufacturing is slow and expensive. Twig are pioneering the development of a lab automation platform with machine learning to expedite the R&D process for strain development. This relies on increased automation using data driven insights applied to the strain development process, enabling the rapid development of highly productive commercially viable strains. Building on advancements in miniature fermentation systems, we aim to advance our approach by incorporating data from high-throughput screening using pioreactor-arrays, to be developed in collaboration with UCL. Successful outcomes will de-risk isoprene production and support post-project engagement with commercial partners for scale-up. Isoprene also unlocks pathways to other molecules of interest e.g. limonene, retinol, bakuchiol.