Synthetic Biologist Uses E.Coli Bacteria to Produce Fuel

On the Breakfast Grille, we speak to Dr Jay D. Keasling, Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Bioengineering at the University of California, Berkeley. He is also the chief executive officer of the Joint BioEnergy Institute.

Synthetic biology is is the design and construction of new biological entities such as enzymes, genetic circuits, and cells or the redesign of existing biological systems. Keasling's research involves yeast to produce the anti-malarial drug artemisinin. He discusses how and why he got involved in this project, as well as why there was a need to create a new anti-malarial drug.

Dr Keasling is also working on the metabolic engineering of the E-coli bacterium to produce biofuels. He talks about the process, commercialization efforts, and how his work could potential impact the giant oil companies. Finally, we ask him about the ethical and societal implication of his work.