Multidisciplinary approach to natural products identification
The Ferrier Research Institute offers a comprehensive solution for identifying natural products using a combination of synthetic biology, bioinformatics, and metabologenomics. This approach accelerates discovery and development of novel bioactive compounds.
Overview
The Ferrier Research Institute at Victoria University of Wellington has developed a state-of-the-art method for identifying natural products through a multidisciplinary approach. Utilizing expertise in synthetic and molecular biology, microbiology, and chemistry, the institute employs a unique combination of bioactivity-guided fractionation and metabologenomics. This innovative process enables the rapid identification of bioactive compounds and their corresponding biosynthetic gene clusters, facilitating the development of novel compounds with potent bioactivities.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Bioactivity-guided fractionation: Utilizes HP20 resin, silica gel chromatography, and HPLC to fractionate extracts for high-throughput anti-microbial assays.
- Metabologenomics approach: Integrates genome sequencing, bioinformatics, and mass spectrometry to identify and engineer biosynthetic gene clusters for optimized compound production.
- Chemical characterization: Employs NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry for detailed analysis of isolated compounds.
This method overcomes traditional challenges in culturing microbial strains and identifying target compounds by leveraging advanced bioinformatics and synthetic biology techniques.
Technology readiness level
This comprehensive approach is currently at Technology Readiness Level 4, indicating that it has been validated in a laboratory environment. Future work includes scaling up bioprocess protocols and engineering microbes for high-yield production of target compounds.
About Victoria University of Wellington
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is a comprehensive public research university serving New Zealand’s capital, with campuses embedded across the city and a strong civic orientation. Industry collaboration is anchored by research institutes based in the Gracefield Innovation Quarter alongside national innovation infrastructure, providing access to advanced laboratories and workshops for joint development. The Pipitea campus hosts the Taiawa Wellington Tech Hub, while proximity to Parliament and government agencies supports regulatory engagement and public‑sector partnerships. Research is supported by competitive national funding and international grants. Wellington UniVentures, the University’s commercialization company, manages IP, licensing, and spin‑outs to accelerate market translation.
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