Machine Bio's synthetic biology approach to bioprocessing is based on standalone transmembrane synthesis reactors that can efficiently convert DNA to pure protein. The cell-free reactions occur using a proprietary membrane that recognizes when a desired protein product is produced with an extremely high degree of selectivity.

"We are for the first time putting selective transport into the form of a synthetic membrane that you can build into a bioreactor. This is what allows us to make protein that is born pure. You don't have to subtract impurities from this protein when you make it," said David Marash, co-founder and CEO of Machine Bio. "Downstream purification is such a massive burden for the biopharma industry, a limiting factor, and we looked to nature and found a solution."

Marash and Jack Fernandes, co-founder and head of sales and corporate development, spoke to ScienceBoard.net at the 2022 Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) International Convention in San Diego about the traditional challenges of producing protein for the industry.

"We are challenging a conventional paradigm immediately from the outset," said Fernandes, who described the current protein production process as laborious, time-consuming, and costly. "Previous systems are not operating under the assumption that protein is pure to begin with. That's unique to Machine Bio."

In October, Machine Bio was named the inaugural $200,000 grand prize winner of the BioTools Innovator Competition, selected by a live audience vote at the BioTools Innovator 2021 Capstone Event.

Watch the video below to learn more.