The Bioanalytics and Biological Data Science Team creates cutting edge solutions to challenges involving biological systems by combining automated experimental platforms and versatile bioanalytics with data-driven and mechanistic modelling. We support and enable our collaborators and customers to develop bioinspired products, and processes for biological conversion and synthesis.

Our analytics lab comprises state-of-the-art equipment for the analysis of small and large molecules with LC-MS (Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) and more. We combine these facilities with extensive knowledge about lipidomics and proteomics and have several proved platforms ready for small molecule, protein and glycan analysis. We also develop new analysis method for specific analytes and matrices.

Our automation platforms allow rapid development and high-throughput screening of microbial strains, in scales ranging from 1 ml to 200ml. In projects and customer work we create new protocols for efficient strain assembly, screening and protein measurements, as well as scalable cultivation methods.

Data from these areas as well as sequencing data informs our computational biology approaches. Through metabolic modelling we derive flux distributions and identify bottlenecks, design optimized pathways, and predict microbial community interactions.

Machine learning approaches enable us to derive predictions for the construction and constraint of metabolic models, for advanced analysis in the novel enzyme search, for NGS analysis, and for the design of novel proteins.

The current research questions that keep us excited are:

• How to predict genotype-phenotype dependencies for host design?
• How can machine learning guide us in designing new-to-nature enzymes?
• How to use modelling, AI and automation to push industrial biotechnology beyond the obvious?
• How can we use the power of natural microbial communities for industrial biotechnology?
• How can we solve biological problems by means of mass spectrometry?

Our group works in close connection with other groups in VTT’s Industrial Biotechnology operations, e.g. metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, fermentation and protein discovery.

You can find more information about our analytics lab’s equipment and capabilities here.

And more about automation and robotics for biotechnology here.