STELLAR

Synthetic cell factories

Winning project of the 2025 call for projects.

OBJECTIVE

The STELLAR project aims to overcome current limitations of microbial factories by developing synthetic cellular factories, designed from scratch for more efficient and controllable bioproduction.

APPROACH

STELLAR builds on cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) powered by low-cost energy sources, integrating:

  • Synthetic metabolic pathways fueled by glucose or D-fructose
  • Photosynthesis-inspired systems enabling light-driven activation
  • Synthetic genomes encapsulated in liposomal compartments

The project combines advanced expertise in CFPS, droplet microfluidics, machine learning, modeling, NMR spectroscopy, and AI-based protein design.

IMPACT

STELLAR aims to deliver the first generation of synthetic cellular factories, creating major opportunities in synthetic biology and biotechnology and accelerating the engineering of novel metabolic pathways in cell-free and microbial systems.

Project duration:
2026 - 2030

Scientific supervisor:
Christophe DANELON (INSA)

Partner institutions

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