Introduction & Scope of UKM Biofoundry
UKM Biofoundry is an integrated and automated research facility hosted by the Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) at Bangi campus, Selangor, Malaysia. The main scope of this biofoundry is microbial strain design, enzyme prototyping and bioproduct development using systems and synthetic biology strategies. Guided by the iterative Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) biological engineering cycle, research activities at the UKM biofoundry are dedicated for collaborative and contract R&D&I. Instruments at the UKM Biofoundry include automated liquid handler, microplate reader and photo ferment-bioreactor suitable for Design and Build of microbial chassis including bacteria (Gram Positive, Gram Negative), fungi (Yeast), cyanobacteria and microalgae. Together with INBIOSIS state-of-the-art analytical and sequencing instruments including Nano Liquid Chromatography-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry (NanoLC-TOF-MS) and Oxford Nanopore sequencers, researchers will have access to incorporate in-depth strain and biomolecule (DNA, RNA, proteins, enzymes, metabolites) analysis important in the Test step. With INBIOSIS Centre for Bioinformatics Research (CBR) and Centre of Omics Data Analysis (CODA) platforms, researchers will also have access to in-silico- and machine learning-aided structural and multi-omics analysis of that will speed up the Learn step. This is the first biofoundry in Malaysia which is established to promote and accelerate omics-guided bioproduct development and bio-solutions using synthetic and engineering biology technologies. UKM biofoundry provides consultations and contract research service and readily accessible to interested parties from local and international institutions.
Objectives of UKM Biofoundry
In line with the objectives of the Global Biofoundry Alliance (GBA), UKM Biofoundry supports and aims:
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To conduct, support and advance synthetic biology- and biofoundry-based activities (educational, promotional, R&D&I) in Malaysia and in the Asian region
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To establish collaborations and strategic partnerships with biofoundries, academic and industries in the fields of modern and industrial biotechnology
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To address technical and non-technical challenges pertaining to the biotechnological development of bio-based products
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To promote visibility, impact and sustainability of biofoundry-based activities
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To explore grand challenge collaborative projects with local and international partners
UKM Biofoundry Team
Principal Investigator (Coordinator/Manager)
Principal Investigator (Documentation & Promotion)