Synthetic Biotechnology: From Avidin-biotin to Designer Cellulosome Technology

Synthetic biology is a very broadly defined approach, in which biology, biotechnology and bioengineering are closely interwoven. In the past several decades, our work has contributed to the development of this modern-day field that continues to provide significant insight into the mechanisms of biological systems with extensive applied import. In early work, we initiated the use of the tenacious interaction between egg-white avidin or its bacterial relative streptavidin with the vitamin biotin for a broad range of biotechnological applications. In later work, we discovered the multi-enzyme “cellulosome” complex, which synergistically degrades recalcitrant cellulosic substrates into soluble sugars. In contrast to the free enzyme paradigm, the cellulosome complex comprises a set of self-assembling Lego-like structural and enzymatic components. We further focused on dismantling the cellulosome into its component parts and reassembling them using synthetic biology approaches into “designer cellulosomes” of precise enzymatic content and configuration. Rational bioengineering of the tailor-made complexes is now being developed for improved cellulose degradation. Integration of alternative enzymes and/or noncatalytic components render the designer cellulosome concept a general platform for self-assembly of biologically active nanomaterials. Like avidin-biotin technology, the designer cellulosome approach can be modified for broad usage in an incredible range of biotechnological applications.