The ES-Cat (Evolution, Synthetic Biology, and Biocatalysis) Research Consortium aims to use directed evolution to reproduce and improve upon the remarkable biological catalysts (enzymes) found in nature. Enzymes are largely selective, efficient, and ‘green’; chemical reactions that may otherwise require high temperatures or pressures, harsh solvents, or toxic metal ions can be catalysed by enzymes in comparatively mild conditions. The exploitation of enzymes is limited, however, by the immense complexity of these biological molecules. The process of Darwinian evolution has shaped naturally occurring enzymes to fill their requirements in nature, so if we wish to harness the catalytic power of enzymes for non-natural reactions or reactions on substrates of our choosing, we must engineer them to suit our needs.
The ES-Cat Consortium, therefore, is designed to share and combine complementary approaches to enzyme engineering, and to empower Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) with the tools required to generate efficient biocatalysts for application in biomedicine, biotechnology, and cell biology.
The objectives of the Action are broadly:
• to involve ESRs in design and application of innovative strategies for industrial protein engineering that integrate directed evolution, powerful computational methods, and miniaturized high-throughput experimentation
• to engage ESRs in collaborative projects with industrial partners interested in robust proteins for use in applied biocatalysis, or medicine.
• to train ESRs as creative researchers able to develop and apply novel methodologies in tailoring enzymes and other proteins for industrial application, by guidance and frequent contacts with PIs from the network, and through participation in scientific events.
• to train ESRS in awareness of societal context of molecular biotechnology and of the industrial opportunities and challenges, as well as to equip them with the ambition and skills required for a successful career in industries contributing to the Europe’s competitive bioeconomy
• to disseminate the vision, activities and results of the ES-Cat network to the outside world by workshops and symposia open to other EU project participants and network members, and their home institutes. In addition to making the case for the use of directed evolution in protein engineering, we will endeavour to raise citizen awareness by engaging with the public via open days, MC ambassadorships and social media.
