Presentation Information
[P01-001]Synthetic Biology Innovations at Temasek Polytechnic: From Rapid CRISPR Diagnostics to Sustainable Algal Biomanufacturing
○Anburaj Amaladoss1, Karan Malhotra1, Syed Musthaq Syed Khader1, Miao Huang1, Lay Beng Goh1,2 (1. Temasek Polytechnic (Singapore), 2. National Centre for Engineering Biology, National University of Singapore (Singapore))
Keywords:
Synthetic Biology,Microalgae,Sustainable biomanufacturing,CRISPR diagnostics,One Health
The SynBio Team at Temasek Polytechnic (TP) contributes to the National Centre for Engineering Biology (NCEB) mission by advancing scientific knowledge, developing new biological technologies for a sustainable bioeconomy, and addressing grand challenges in healthcare, food security and environmental protection. Through the integration of CRISPR-powered diagnostics and microalgae bioengineering, our research delivers impactful innovations that link human, animal, and environmental health within a unified One Health perspective.
Synthetic Biology for One Health: Our team has developed rapid and multiplex CRISPR-powered diagnostic platforms for aquaculture pathogens such as Vibrio spp, Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) and White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV). These portable assays enable early on-site detection, reducing farm losses and directly supporting Singapore’s “30 by 30” food resilience goal. The same modular platform is being extended to detect antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in urinary bacteria, offering a faster and more accessible alternative to conventional culture-based methods. Additional diagnostic solutions targeting high-risk human and veterinary pathogens strengthen integrated biosurveillance and promote responsible antibiotic use. Programmable nucleic acid sensing coupled with microfluidic integration provides a scalable and low-cost platform adaptable across diverse One Health applications.
Microalgae Bioengineering for High-Value Compounds: SynBio team is pioneering microalgae bioengineering as a key pillar of sustainable biomanufacturing. Using CRISPR/Cas-based editing and synthetic promoter tuning, we enhance carbon flux through the MEP and MVA pathways to increase production of isoprenoid-derived carotenoids such as fucoxanthin, an emerging functional ingredient in food and nutraceutical industries. Complementary metabolic engineering efforts target protein and peptide biosynthesis for antimicrobial peptides and immunomodulatory metabolites to improve aquafeed performance and animal health. Integration of multi-omics data, metabolic modeling, and cultivation using waste-derived feedstocks ensures economic viability and environmental sustainability, positioning microalgae as next-generation biofactories for Singapore’s circular bioeconomy.
Talent Development and Capacity Building: Aligned with NCEB’s vision, TP’s SynBio group emphasizes manpower development through applied student research, internships, and interdisciplinary training. These initiatives nurture a skilled workforce capable of translating engineering biology innovations into practical One Health and sustainability solutions.ConclusionTogether, these efforts strengthen Singapore’s capabilities in next-generation diagnostics and sustainable algal biomanufacturing advancing NCEB’s goals and establishing TP as a key contributor to the nation’s health-secure and innovation-driven bioeconomy.
Synthetic Biology for One Health: Our team has developed rapid and multiplex CRISPR-powered diagnostic platforms for aquaculture pathogens such as Vibrio spp, Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) and White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV). These portable assays enable early on-site detection, reducing farm losses and directly supporting Singapore’s “30 by 30” food resilience goal. The same modular platform is being extended to detect antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in urinary bacteria, offering a faster and more accessible alternative to conventional culture-based methods. Additional diagnostic solutions targeting high-risk human and veterinary pathogens strengthen integrated biosurveillance and promote responsible antibiotic use. Programmable nucleic acid sensing coupled with microfluidic integration provides a scalable and low-cost platform adaptable across diverse One Health applications.
Microalgae Bioengineering for High-Value Compounds: SynBio team is pioneering microalgae bioengineering as a key pillar of sustainable biomanufacturing. Using CRISPR/Cas-based editing and synthetic promoter tuning, we enhance carbon flux through the MEP and MVA pathways to increase production of isoprenoid-derived carotenoids such as fucoxanthin, an emerging functional ingredient in food and nutraceutical industries. Complementary metabolic engineering efforts target protein and peptide biosynthesis for antimicrobial peptides and immunomodulatory metabolites to improve aquafeed performance and animal health. Integration of multi-omics data, metabolic modeling, and cultivation using waste-derived feedstocks ensures economic viability and environmental sustainability, positioning microalgae as next-generation biofactories for Singapore’s circular bioeconomy.
Talent Development and Capacity Building: Aligned with NCEB’s vision, TP’s SynBio group emphasizes manpower development through applied student research, internships, and interdisciplinary training. These initiatives nurture a skilled workforce capable of translating engineering biology innovations into practical One Health and sustainability solutions.ConclusionTogether, these efforts strengthen Singapore’s capabilities in next-generation diagnostics and sustainable algal biomanufacturing advancing NCEB’s goals and establishing TP as a key contributor to the nation’s health-secure and innovation-driven bioeconomy.
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