Simulated microgravity for enhanced biopesticide production
This innovative approach leverages simulated microgravity to stimulate the production of secondary metabolites in fungi, enhancing biopesticide production. By mimicking environmental stressors, the process aims to improve the consistency and effectiveness of biocontrol agents.
Overview
This research initiative explores the use of simulated microgravity as a novel environmental stressor to enhance the production of secondary metabolites (SM) in fungi, specifically styrylpyrones, which have potential as biopesticides. By addressing the limitations of traditional laboratory conditions where SM pathways may be silenced, this method seeks to improve the consistency and potency of biocontrol agents.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes simulated microgravity to create nutrient depletion conditions similar to natural environments, stimulating SM production.
- Involves screening various strains of basidiomycetes to identify those with optimal biomass and styrylpyrone production.
- Employs adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) in SM bioreactors to further enhance metabolite production.
- Integrates multi-omics analysis, including whole genome sequencing, transcriptomics, and proteomics, to understand genetic and metabolic changes under microgravity.
Technology readiness level
The research is at Technology Readiness Level 2, indicating that the concept and application have been formulated. Initial experiments with simulated microgravity have been conducted to explore its potential impact on SM production.
About The University of Queensland
The University of Queensland is a large, multi-campus public research university in Brisbane with a comprehensive academic and research profile. Industry partners engage through hospital-embedded laboratories and clinical sites, pilot testbeds, and field campuses across Queensland that enable prototyping, trials, and validation in real-world settings. Co-location with major health precincts and proximity to Brisbane’s innovation districts make collaboration and talent access straightforward, while on-campus incubation and professional education support workforce upskilling. Research is supported by competitive national funding from the Australian Research Council and the National Health and Medical Research Council, alongside state and industry investment. A dedicated technology transfer office and commercialization company manage IP, licensing, sponsored research agreements, and spin-out formation.
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