David Nielsen Research Group

Arizona State University (Tempe)

Can engineered microbes be reprogrammed to convert renewable feedstocks into fuels and chemicals efficiently at scale? The Nielsen Lab engineers microbial biocatalysts and bioprocesses to convert renewable resources into fuels, chemicals and bioplastics using metabolic engineering and synthetic biology approaches. Projects include pathway engineering, strain optimization, product tolerance enhancement and co-culture systems to improve production from mixed sugars. Methods include heterologous expression, transporter characterization, adaptive laboratory evolution, and integrated bioprocess/product separation designs to enhance yields and robustness. Current projects reported on the lab site highlight applications to CO2 fixation, bicarbonate transporter studies, and bioproduction process integration.