Zymergen acquires enEvolv to accelerate biomanufacturing efforts

Synthetic biology startup Zymergen has reportedly acquired enEvolv, a leading developer of ultra-high throughput microbial screening & engineering solutions.

The acquisition could accelerate the ability of Zymergen’s to deliver innovative solutions to market by up to 20%. enEvolv’s technology could help Zymergen advance the pace and scale of biomanufacturing.

enEvolv’s proprietary platform is apparently based on the functioning of biosensors which enable the exploring of several billion individual engineered cells in a single day, sensing target molecules with excellent specificity and sensitivity.

Theses biosensors deliver throughput significantly greater than currently used technologies that are limited to just a few thousand searchable cells. The technology is based on numerous foundational patents exclusively licensed from Harvard University’s Church Labs. It has also been deployed successfully in various commercial applications.

According to enEvolv CEO Colin South, the partnership will enable the combination of ultra-high throughput genome engineering and cutting-edge technology to lead innovation in material science and bring biological manufacturing revolution into the mainstream.

As per terms of the transaction, the enEvolv team, including South and founder and COO Jay Konieczka, will join Zymergen.

Zymergen is already a global organization with several offices across North America and Asia. The acquisition adds a Boston-based headquarter to the Zymergen footprint, enhancing collaboration with East Coast partners and significantly improving the company’s ability to attract new talent from science, technology, and academic communities around New England.

Zymergen is currently the technology leader in the synthetic biology business due to the company’s high-standards for research and its commitment towards developing advanced materials from biobased sources.

Also read: Relief Therapeutics to test RLF-100 for ARDS in patients with COVID-19

Implementing enEvolv’s tech to explore ultra-large genomic libraries leveraging Zymergen’s proven capabilities in machine learning, automation, and engineering, according to Zymergen CEO Joshua Hoffman, will significantly help the company’s ability to discover, develop, and commercialize materials manufactured biologically across myriad industries including electronics, agriculture, and consumer care.

Zymergen hopes the acquisition will accelerate its delivery of high-performance and sustainable solutions to customers, further cementing its leadership position in the biomanufacturing business.

 

Source: https://www.bioportfolio.com/news/article/4254647/Zymergen-Announces-Acquisition-of-enEvolv-Accelerating-Ability-to-Deliver-High-Value-Products.html