Enzyme Discovery and Design

Welcome to the Enzyme Discovery and Design group, which is part of the Biological Chemistry and Bioinformatics group at the Department of Chemistry at UiT. Our focus is to develop novel enzymes for use in molecular diagnostics, mRNA biomanufacturing and other biotech applications. 

Marine enzymes from the Arctic often function optimally at room temperature or even lower temperatures, thus making them perfect candidates for implementation of Point-Of-Care (POC) diagnostic technologies or temperature-sensitive biomanufacturing processes. Our group has an extensive track record in developing nucleic-acid modifying enzymes designed to provide enzymatic solutions that work efficiently at low-moderate temperatures. Many of our past research projects have resulted in license agreements with industry partners leading to the launch of several enzyme products on the market. Simultaneously, we have accumulated vast expertise in recombinant expression and purification of marine enzymes as well as employing rational enzyme design methods to modify and optimize the enzymes activity, substrate specificity and stability.

If you are interested in our ongoing and past research projects, have a look at the project page to learn more about our reserach activities.