NEUK Synthetic Biology Seminar I
The North-East UK Synthetic Biology Network (NEUK) is delighted to host a research seminar with guest speaker Dr Angelo Joshua A. Victoria, Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge.
Talk: Engineering Living Photoanodes: Genetic Tools and Strain Diversity for Cyanobacterial Bioelectrochemistry
📅 Date: Wednesday 7th October
🕛 Time: 12 PM
📍 Location: Stephenson Building, Room 1.016
🍽️ FREE lunch and drinks provided!
Abstract:
Cyanobacteria represent an exciting frontier for sustainable solar energy conversion, functioning as living photoanodes in biophotoelectrochemical systems. However, unlocking their full potential requires overcoming key bottlenecks in both genetic manipulation and intrinsic extracellular electron transfer (EET) of model strains. This talk explores a two-pronged approach to advancing these living photoelectrocatalyts. First, I will discuss the development of genetic tools as a key enabling technology for cyanobacterial strain engineering. Second, I will focus on our efforts to investigate the natural diversity of cyanobacteria, exploring alternative model strains that exhibit naturally superior EET capabilities. By combining cutting-edge genetic toolkits with the unique physiological traits of newly characterised strains, my research aims to bridge the gap between biological light harvesting and electrode interfaces. Ultimately, this highlights a path forward for designing next-generation, high-efficiency cyanobacterial biophotovoltaics.
You can read more about Angelo and his research on his Cambridge department page: https://www.ch.cam.ac.uk/person/ajv41
Special thanks to our sponsors the Northstar Foundation, JuniperVC, and BBSRC.
Register now (spaces are limited, and don't forget the free food!)