Research

At SynBio@UNIPD, our research focuses on translating fundamental scientific insights into practical applications that benefit society.

Synthetic Biology enables us to design and engineer new biological systems — or modify existing ones — to achieve desired functions.

Our research projects address key challenges in:

Health & Medicine

Synthetic biology enables the design of novel therapeutic strategies, including the development of engineered probiotic bacteria, targeted gene therapies and living biosensors, enhancing disease treatment and patient care.

Environment & Climate

By engineering microorganisms capable of bioremediation, synthetic biology offers solutions for environmental challenges, such as pollution cleanup, waste valorization, and carbon sequestration, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.

Food & Agriculture

Through the genetic modification of crops for improved yield, nutritional value, optimized soli microbiota and enhanced resistance to pests and environmental stressors, synthetic biology supports sustainable agriculture and food security.

Energy

Synthetic biology facilitates the production of biofuels by engineering microorganisms to convert biomass into renewable energy sources, offering sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.

Industrial Biotechnology

In industrial settings, synthetic biology is employed to design microorganisms that efficiently produce chemicals, materials, and pharmaceuticals, streamlining manufacturing processes and promoting sustainability

Methods & Tools

Development and application of a wide range of experimental and computational tools, from genetic circuit design and metabolic engineering to mathematical models and automation. These methods support the study and rational design of biological systems and enable reproducible, scalable synthetic biology research

Through interdisciplinary collaborations and cutting-edge technologies, we aim to create scalable, sustainable, and socially responsible biotechnological solutions.