New Enzymes for Skin and Hair

Lead Research Organisation: Durham University
Department Name: Biosciences

Abstract

Over the last decade the development of high-throughput Next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques has revolutionized our ability to investigate entire eco-systems on the sequence level leading to the discovery of many thousands of new bacterial species, including entirely new bacteria phyla, so called Candidat Radiation Phyla (CPR organisms). Bacteria have evolved to occupy all eco-systems on the planet. Therefor, their protein machines have adapted to a wide range to conditions, from living at temperatures close to the freezing point of water up to temperatures of close to 100 degrees and pressures of 300 bar, from extreme pH values to high salinity. The extreme high osmotic stress conditions, for example, are relevant to skin, hair and topical formulations which are exposed to low relative humidity of the environment. High overall protein stability on the other hand is key to enable a wide range of formulations and ensure long-term storage. In this project we will mine the meta-genomic data of millions of sequenced genes e, to identify proteins of interest using the latest AI technology. The focus will be on lipases and proteases that have significant potential in many applications in the bio-economy ranging from food-technology including breweries, cheese production and food preservation to medicine and consumer products such as skin and hair care. The selected targets will be expressed, purified and characterised using a range of biochemical and biophysical techniques. The most promising enymes will be forwards structure determination and functional assays for future applications in consumer products.

Publications

10 25 50

Studentship Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Student Name
BB/Y512746/1 30/09/2023 29/09/2027
2919702 Studentship BB/Y512746/1 30/09/2024 29/09/2028