Applying Synthetic Biology to Biotechnology and Environmental Resilience
Scientists working in the Synthetic Biology Section at Oak Ridge National Laboratory develop and apply principles and techniques for biosystems design to engineer plants, bacteria, and fungi for a range of biotechnology and environmental applications. By developing and optimizing genetic tools for non-model organisms and energy crops, researchers in this group drive innovations that enhance chemical production, improve bioproduct synthesis, and address environmental challenges.
What We Do
Microbial engineering
One of the section’s key research areas involves developing advanced genetic tools to modify non-model microbes. Unlike well-studied model organisms such as E. coli and yeast, many microbes with promising industrial applications are difficult to grow in laboratory conditions. These non-model microbes exhibit unique metabolic capabilities that can be harnessed for biotechnological advancements, including producing high-value chemicals, converting plant biomass into fuels and materials, breaking down environmental pollutants and mining critical minerals and materials. By improving the ability to genetically manipulate these microbes, researchers are unlocking new pathways for reliable bioprocessing and waste reduction.
Feedstocks for biomanufacturing
In addition to microbial engineering, the section focuses on improving crops through plant genome editing and metabolic pathway modifications. By enhancing genetic traits that contribute to disease resistance, drought tolerance, and greater biomass yields, researchers are developing hardier and more productive feedstock crops that can be turned into chemicals and materials. Domestic biobased resources are extensive and include species such as poplar and switchgrass. By identifying the function of critical genes and optimizing plant metabolism, scientists are working toward the creation of better crops that can thrive in varied environments.
Advance biosystem understanding
Beyond individual organisms, the researchers also investigate biosystems at the ecosystem level, studying interactions between plants, microbes, and environmental conditions. These holistic approaches ensure that advancements in biotechnology continue to contribute to broader energy and environmental goals, supporting a secure and thriving bioeconomy.
Groups
Microbial Engineering Group
Modifying microorganisms to address challenges in energy production and industrial manufacturing.
Biological Systems Design Group
Engineer proteins, microbes and plants to better understand and influences complex biological processes.
“We have developed biotechnologies that make the overall manufacturing process cheaper, such as feedstock crops that need less water and nutrients to grow larger, and processing methods that reduce or negate the need for costly solvents.”
Carrie Eckert, Synthetic Biology Section Head
Publications
Aug, 2026
Journal
Biochemical approaches for synthesis of performance-advantaged polymers from lignocellulosic biomass
Lignocellulose is an abundant renewable feedstock for production of sustainable fuels, chemicals, and materials. The structural complexity of lignocellulose provides key material properties and inspires the design of advanced materials. However, this same complexity also presents challenges for conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into new materials with consistent proper…
Aug, 2026
Journal
Horizontal transfer of chromosomal DNA mediated by an integrative and conjugative element generates frequent localized recombination in Novosphingobium aromaticivorans
Horizontal gene transfer is an important evolutionary process by which DNA is exchanged between cells that are physically co-located but not direct evolutionary descendants. Horizontal transfer of highly divergent DNA is relatively easy to detect and can produce major phenotypic changes, exemplified by the acquisition of antibiotic resistance determinants. However, transfe…
Aug, 2026
Journal
Genome shuffling enables quantitative trait locus mapping in Bacillus subtilis
Genetic mapping is a powerful tool for eukaryotic genetics that has only been applied to bacteria in limited circumstances. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping generally relies on sexual recombination to break linkages between genes, yet bacteria rarely undergo sufficient homologous recombination to generate suitable mapping populations. In this work, we used iterative…
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