Advancing Enzyme Discovery with Machine Learning: Isomerase at Directing Biosynthesis VIII
Isomerase will be participating in Directing Biosynthesis VIII (29 June - 1 July), a leading forum bringing together experts from across academia and industry to explore the frontiers of biosynthesis, bioinformatics, and natural product discovery. Representing Isomerase at the conference, Senior Bioinformatician Lauren Turner will present the latest advances in EvoSelect®, a machine learning-driven platform designed to accelerate enzyme discovery and optimisation.
Unlocking De Novo Protein Design with EvoSelect®
The identification and optimisation of enzymes remains a critical bottleneck in the development of new bioprocesses, particularly where natural diversity does not sufficiently meet the performance requirements for industrial applications. EvoSelect® addresses this challenge by applying advanced machine learning approaches to generate de novo protein sequences with enhanced or novel functionality.
Rather than relying solely on screening enzyme libraries, EvoSelect® infers structural relationships embedded in large protein sequence alignments and generates de novo protein sequences that are likely to have enhanced characteristics. This approach is particularly powerful as published structures are not required and the number of variants needed to screen is in the tens rather than thousands. EvoSelect® therefore provides a route to more efficient enzyme discovery, reducing development timelines and increasing the likelihood of identifying high-performing candidates.
Integrating Machine Learning with the IsoZym Platform
At Isomerase, EvoSelect® is not used in isolation but is integrated into the IsoZym® platform, where enzyme variants are rapidly taken forward into expression, screening, and characterisation pipelines, ensuring that computational predictions translate into real-world performance.
This integration is supported by Isomerase’s core capabilities in:
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Microbial strain engineering, across multiple host organisms, and protein expression optimisation
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High-throughput screening, assay development and analytical workflows for enzyme performance evaluation
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Bioprocess development, enabling scale-up and integration into process-relevant conditions for industrial use
By combining in silico design with robust experimental validation, Isomerase delivers a closed-loop system for enzyme development, accelerating the transition from concept to application.
Leveraging Natural Products Expertise
Natural products represent a rich source of structurally complex and functionally diverse compounds, but their biosynthesis often involves intricate enzymatic pathways that are challenging to characterise and optimise.
Isomerase brings extensive experience in this area, working across:
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Biosynthetic pathway elucidation and optimisation
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Heterologous expression of natural product pathways
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Enzyme identification within gene clusters
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Functional characterisation of novel biosynthetic enzymes
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Structural characterisation of natural products
Through this expertise, Isomerase is well positioned to support projects ranging from early-stage discovery through to pathway engineering and process development.
The combination of natural products insight with platforms such as EvoSelect® allows for the targeted improvement or redesign of enzymes within complex pathways, opening new opportunities in areas such as pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and ingredients.
Supporting Industrial Biomanufacturing
The convergence of machine learning, bioinformatics, and experimental biology is transforming the way enzymes and bioprocesses are developed. At Isomerase, this convergence is applied directly to industrial challenges, supporting clients across sectors including:
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Pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals
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Food and ingredients
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Industrial biotechnology and sustainable materials
From early-stage feasibility through to process optimisation, Isomerase works collaboratively with partners to design and deliver tailored solutions that meet both technical and commercial requirements.
Connect with Us at Directing BioSynthesis VIII
Directing Biosynthesis VIII offers a valuable opportunity to engage with the latest developments in biosynthesis and enzyme engineering, and to connect with experts driving innovation in the field.
If you are attending the conference, we invite you to connect with Lauren Turner to learn more about EvoSelect® and how Isomerase can support your enzyme discovery and development projects.
Alternatively, you can reach the team at
Learn more about the conference here