Josh Flack Group
Cellular Engineering
Mammalian cells are intricately evolved machines that surpass the biological complexity of bacteria or yeast. A growing number of biotechnologies aim to leverage these cells for the production of bioactive molecules, therapeutics and even food products. However, in their unmodified state, these cells are rarely suited to robust, efficient large-scale bioprocesses.
Figure 1: Array of desirable cellular phenotypes for cultivated meat production.
In the Cellular Engineering group, we introduce new and improved phenotypes into mammalian cells for biotechnology applications, including Cellular Agriculture (CellAg), using a variety of gene editing and genetic modification techniques. We use cell biological approaches to unpick the genetic basis of desirable phenotypes so as to further improve them. In collaboration with other members of the Bioprocess Engineering section, we validate the performance of these cell lines in large scale cultures.
If you have ideas for research or education in Cellular Engineering or CellAg topics, or would like to discuss opportunities for joining the group, please just get in touch!
Figure 2: Spectrum of genetic engineering tools and their application to cultivated meat.
Collaborations
Our research is highly relevant to the growing cultivated meat and CellAg biotechnology industries, and we are always interested to collaborate with academic and industry partners in these spaces. Feel free to reach out!
About me
Originally from the UK, I hold BA and MSc degrees in Biochemistry, and a PhD in Cell Biology from Cambridge University. Post-PhD, I worked for five years as Head of Cell Biology at Mosa Meat, a startup company pioneering the development of cultivated meat technologies. As of May 2024, I am employed as an Assistant Professor in the Bioprocess Engineering section at TU Delft.
Josh Flack
- J.E.Flack@tudelft.nl
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Room: 58.C0.340