Challenge
Many valuable small molecules have never been produced biologically because suitable enzyme combinations are unknown.
Product D represented a first-of-its-kind attempt to establish an entirely new biosynthetic route from central metabolism to a novel cosmetic active.
Canopy design and wet:lab approach
Canopy explored approximately 44,000 possible biosynthetic solutions, integrating enzyme discovery, pathway assembly and metabolic compatibility predictions.
The system prioritised 22 enzyme variants considered most likely to catalyse the required chemistry.
Eighteen of these variants were experimentally incorporated into approximately 1,600 engineered strain designs, allowing rapid screening of multiple pathway configurations.
Results
Experimental validation successfully demonstrated biological production of the target molecule.
Key outcomes included:
- 22.2 mg/L titre achieved in microplate screening
- First known demonstration of microbial production
- Successful implementation of a four-gene pathway from central metabolism
- Novel cosmetic active produced through AI-guided pathway discovery
Impact
Establishing a previously unknown biosynthetic route represents a critical milestone and forms the foundation for further novel bioproduct discovery by applying similar strategies to other valuable targets.
This case demonstrates Canopy’s ability not only to optimise existing pathways but to enable entirely new biological manufacturing opportunities.
We are continuing the develop Product D, readying it for commercial manufacture alongside specialty chemical and consumer goods partners.