Manchester Researchers Share in £18million Industry-Academia Networks

University of Manchester researchers have been chosen to lead four of the new research networks including The Bioprocessing Network: BioProNET directed by Professor Christopher Smales, University of Kent, and Professor Alan Dickson, The University of Manchester, Faculty of Life Sciences. Professor Dickson said: “Biologics are complex products made by cells with immense commercial and social potential. Antibody proteins, for example, are revolutionary medicines for treatment for previously incurable diseases. The production of biologics (bioprocessing) is performed in complex biological systems. The bioprocessing network (BioProNET) will integrate academic and industrial strengths to improve current practice and to establish step-changing and innovative solutions for the manufacture of the next generation of biologics.
 

IBCarb - Glycoscience Tools for Biotechnology and Bioenergy is led by Professor Sabine Flitsch, The University of Manchester’s School of Chemistry based in the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) and the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) and Professor Rob Field, the John Innes Centre.  Professor Flitsch said: “Carbohydrates constitute the largest source of biomass on Earth and their exploitation for novel applications in biomaterials, energy, food and health will be critical in moving away from dependence on hydrocarbons to develop sustainable biotechnologies and reduce GHG emissions, ensuring both energy and food security.”
 

The Natural Products Discovery and Bioengineering Network (NPRONET) is directed by Professor Jason Micklefield, The University of Manchester’s School of Chemistry based in MIB and EPS, and Professor Barrie Wilkinson, the John Innes Centre. Professor Micklefield, from The University of Manchester, said: “Natural products are small molecules produced by microorganisms and plants which often possess potent biological activity. The discovery of new natural products can lead to new drugs including urgently required antibiotics, agrochemicals to increase crop yields helping feed the growing population, as well as other important products."

Network in Biocatalyst Discovery, Development and Scale-Up directed by Professor Nicholas Turner, The University of Manchester’s School of Chemistry based in MIB and EPS and Professor John Ward from University College London.

Professor Turner said: “The BBSRC-funded Network in Biocatalyst Discovery, Development and Scale-Up, will firstly develop new tools to accelerate biocatalyst research, discovery and development; secondly provide the framework and coordination to allow research groups from industry and academe to easily access and develop a truly broad range of biocatalyst panels and technologies for screening and thirdly provide a pipeline through to scale-up, manufacture and commercial use of novel enzymes.”

Two of the networks are being funded with support from The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to a value of £1M.