Starch is a stored form of carbohydrate that is the main source of calories in the human diet as well as a crucial raw material in many bio-industries. At present, starch is produced primarily through photosynthesis in plants. However, a research team from China recently published their research achievements with synthetic starch on “Science”.

Through rational design, modular assembly, and three pivotal enzyme optimizations, the team constructed 11 reactions of unnatural carbon sequestration and starch synthesis pathways. This is the first time that scientists have synthesized starch molecules from carbon dioxide in the lab. NMR and other tests showed that the structure of the synthetic starch was consistent with that of natural starch. Preliminary laboratory tests showed that synthetic starch is about 8.5 times more efficient than starch produced by conventional agriculture.

Synthetic biology makes synthetic starch possible. Using synthetic starch instead of natural starch can help save more than 90% of natural resources, avoid the negative effects of pesticides, reduce chemical fertilizer impact on the environment, improve worldwide levels of food security, promote economic development of carbon neutral creatures, and increase the sustainable development of biology-based societies.

Synbio Technologies, as a DNA synthesis company, commits to providing efficient DNA sequence design and synthesis services around the globe. Through modular assembly, we can provide you with any well-designed DNA sequence.

Related Services
Synthetic Biology
Pathway Synthesis
Enzyme Engineering