Biotechnologies for advanced therapeutics
We are transforming how medicines are designed, manufactured and delivered through enzymatic synthesis, protein expression, cell engineering, materials science and advanced diagnostics.
Engineering the future of medicines
As healthcare evolves, novel therapeutics – from oligonucleotides and gene therapies to biopharmaceuticals and biomaterials – demand new biological and biocatalytic solutions.
At MIB, we bring together capabilities in cell culture, 3D tissue models, polymer chemistry, protein expression and diagnostic innovation to drive the next generation of therapeutic technologies. Enzyme engineering plays a central role in this work, supporting oligonucleotide synthesis, drug intermediate production and emerging therapeutic modalities. These efforts are underpinned by our mechanistic insights, analytical expertise and modelling approaches, which together strengthen both therapeutic design and diagnostic development.
Our biotechnologies for advanced therapeutics innovation research
Enzymatic routes to new medicines
We develop new biotechnologies that use engineered enzymes to create modern therapeutic modalities more efficiently and sustainably. Drawing on world‑leading strengths in enzyme engineering and industrial biocatalysis, our researchers design catalysts capable of building complex molecular structures that traditional chemistry struggles to achieve.
These enzymatic routes support emerging medicines, including RNA‑based therapies and other advanced modalities identified as strategic priorities. AI‑enabled design tools, high‑throughput screening and automated pipelines accelerate discovery and scale‑up, reflecting the Institute’s mission to transform therapeutic production through predictive, programmable biotechnology and strong industrial partnerships.
Discovering and biosynthesising antimicrobials and natural products
Our researchers explore microbial and natural biosynthetic pathways to uncover new antimicrobials and bioactive molecules urgently needed to address global health challenges. This work aligns with our focus on fundamental bioscience and therapeutic innovation, using genome mining, pathway engineering and synthetic genomics to activate or redesign natural product assembly lines.
By combining computational tools, automated design–build–test workflows and engineered microbial hosts, we create scalable routes to molecules with pharmaceutical potential. This approach strengthens the UK’s capacity for next‑generation antimicrobial discovery while supporting translation through major partnerships and programmes.
Polymer materials for cryogenic storage and biologic distribution
We develop advanced polymer materials that protect delicate biologics – including proteins, vaccines and cell‑based therapies – during cryogenic storage and transport. This research combines polymer chemistry, materials science and biotechnology to create formulations that prevent freezing damage and maintain product quality.
These materials support the reliable delivery of advanced therapeutics and align with our mission to build new biotechnologies for therapeutic production and deployment. This research underpins both industrial translation and the broader clean‑growth materials agenda.
Novel biogels and biomedical scaffolds
Our researchers design innovative bio‑gels and biomaterial scaffolds that support cell growth, drug delivery and the development of advanced therapies. These materials enable controlled environments for regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and therapeutic delivery systems. By integrating peptide, polymer and polysaccharide chemistry with advanced characterisation, our researchers create tailored structures that mimic biological environments and enhance therapeutic performance.
This work is strengthened by collaborations across the Henry Royce Institute and Manchester’s clinical and biomedical networks, supporting translation into real‑world biomedical applications.
Advancing diagnostics
We develop advanced diagnostic technologies that enable earlier, more precise detection of disease and better monitoring of therapeutic responses. This research spans mass‑spectrometry‑based platforms, biosensors, analytical probes and microfluidic systems. These tools provide rapid, sensitive measurements that support both clinical decision‑making and the development of new therapeutics.
Our strengths in structural and computational biology, analytical science and materials innovation drive diagnostic advances, supported by major investments such as the newly funded Centre for Advanced Diagnostics Development and Application (CADDA). This work enhances healthcare delivery while underpinning the broader therapeutic innovation pipeline.
Why does advanced therapeutics research matter?
Our therapeutic technologies enhance the development and delivery of advanced medicines by reducing manufacturing costs, improving scalability and expanding the possibilities for next‑generation treatments.
At the same time, our deep expertise in areas such as enzymology, materials science, diagnostics and bioprocessing provides a strong foundation for scientific advancement, while our research also contributes to national priorities around health resilience, medical manufacturing and equitable access to lifesaving therapies.
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Want to find out more?
Reach out to our members of staff for more information about their research areas, or if you have a general enquiry, please contact our team.