Silk strands.

Enzymology and Synthetic Biology

CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences research is contributing to new bioindustries in a number of ways.

5 February 2010 | Updated 14 October 2011

Overview
Current activities

Overview

Our research focuses on the development of new industrial biotechnologies and biomaterials, environmental biotechnology, enzymology and sensory biology.

We are involved in research on:

manipulating enzyme and structural protein function and structure to create new biochemical pathways and biomaterials
understanding the biomolecular basis of odour and taste discrimination, leading to a biomimetic and bioinspired approach to rapid volatile sensing for food, health and security applications.

Current activities

The Enzymology and Synthetic Biology Program is involved in a range of research activities and projects:

Researching enzymes to improve our world

Research into the use of natural and synthetic enzymes may assist manufacturing industries, agricultural and environmental biotechnologies and biosecurity.

Researching silk genes

Scientists are researching the structure and function of insect derived silks to help determine their effectiveness in developing new biomaterials.

Second generation biofuels

CSIRO is assessing current technology for developing second generation biofuels obtained from lignocellulose with a particular focus on conversion processes.