Integrated metabologenomics platform for bioactive natural product discovery
An innovative platform combining high-throughput screening, genome sequencing, and mass spectrometry for efficient discovery of novel bioactive natural products, targeting specific pathogens with precision.
Overview
The Integrated Metabologenomics Platform offers a cutting-edge solution for the discovery of novel bioactive natural products. By integrating high-throughput screening, genome-sequenced microbial libraries, and advanced mass spectrometry profiles, this platform enables the targeted identification of compounds with potent activities against specific pathogens. Leveraging expertise in strain engineering, bioinformatics, and bioactivity-guided fractionation, this platform avoids rediscovery of common compounds, providing unique natural products efficiently.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Combination of high-throughput screening with genome-sequenced microbial libraries
- Advanced mass spectrometry for detailed profiling
- Expertise in strain engineering and bioinformatics
- Bioassay-guided fractionation and structure elucidation using NMR, MS, and ECD
- Genome mining and comparative genomics to identify unique biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs)
- Strain engineering for optimized production of bioactive compounds
- Scalable fermentation and downstream processing for improved yields
Technology readiness level
This platform is at Technology Readiness Level 6, indicating that it has been demonstrated in relevant environments. Future validation plans include genomic sequencing, bioinformatic analysis, and bioassay-guided fractionation to further characterize and optimize the discovery of bioactive natural products.
About University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a comprehensive public research university based in Ann Arbor with additional campuses in Dearborn and Flint, known for a broad, interdisciplinary research enterprise and a major academic health system. Industry partners engage through co-located facilities, including a large north campus research complex with shared labs and incubator space, plus on-campus testbeds for rapid prototyping and validation. Proximity to Detroit’s mobility and manufacturing base, plus dedicated business engagement teams, streamlines sponsored research and access to talent. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, and DoD, alongside state and industry sponsorship. A centralized tech transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup support, with corporate memberships and flexible agreements.
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