NCCR Molecular Systems Engineering
A Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research hosted by the University of Basel and ETH Zurich. Performs interdisciplinary research in systems chemistry, synthetic biology and biomolecular engineering to design molecular systems and cellular technologies for synthesis, diagnostics, therapeutics and tissue restoration. Also conducts technology transfer, organized scientific events, public engagement and embedded ethics activities.
Industries
Nr. of Employees
medium (51-250)
NCCR Molecular Systems Engineering
Products
Engineered Cartilage Implants
Cartilage implants developed from nasal septum cells to treat complex knee injuries and potentially osteoarthritis.
Gene Switch Activated by Nitroglycerine Patch
A gene switch technology activated by a nitroglycerine skin patch to control cell therapies for metabolic diseases.
Gene Correction Therapy for Stargardt Disease
A gene correction therapy developed to treat Stargardt disease, an inherited form of macular degeneration causing vision loss.
CRISPR-Based Gene Variant Analysis Method
A method combining two gene editing techniques to rapidly assess the impact of genetic mutations related to cancer development and treatment.
Synthetic Protocells with Cell-Cell Communication
Synthetic protocells engineered to emulate natural cellular communication, including artificial organelles and environmental sensitivity.
Microbial Cell Factories for Cycloalkene Synthesis
A whole-cell hybrid biocatalytic system combining natural and artificial enzymes to produce cycloalkenes from fatty diacids.
Engineered Cartilage Implants
Cartilage implants developed from nasal septum cells to treat complex knee injuries and potentially osteoarthritis.
Gene Switch Activated by Nitroglycerine Patch
A gene switch technology activated by a nitroglycerine skin patch to control cell therapies for metabolic diseases.
Gene Correction Therapy for Stargardt Disease
A gene correction therapy developed to treat Stargardt disease, an inherited form of macular degeneration causing vision loss.
CRISPR-Based Gene Variant Analysis Method
A method combining two gene editing techniques to rapidly assess the impact of genetic mutations related to cancer development and treatment.
Synthetic Protocells with Cell-Cell Communication
Synthetic protocells engineered to emulate natural cellular communication, including artificial organelles and environmental sensitivity.
Microbial Cell Factories for Cycloalkene Synthesis
A whole-cell hybrid biocatalytic system combining natural and artificial enzymes to produce cycloalkenes from fatty diacids.
Services
Technology transfer and industry collaboration programs
Events and structured collaboration opportunities to connect researchers with industry partners, including an annual technology event and a Technology Collaboration Program.
Education and training programs for researchers
Interdisciplinary education activities including seminars, summer schools, fellow retreats, career workshops and exchange training programs across participating groups.
Ethics advisory and public engagement modules
Ethics advisory services for projects, public seminars, art–science collaborations and think-tank activities to integrate societal and ethical perspectives into research.
Public lecture series (SeminBar)
A public lecture series featuring international scientists who present research and key concepts in formats accessible to a broad audience.
Art–science communication program (Art of Molecule)
Collaborative projects using artistic media to communicate molecular systems engineering concepts and foster public dialogue.
Technology transfer and industry collaboration programs
Events and structured collaboration opportunities to connect researchers with industry partners, including an annual technology event and a Technology Collaboration Program.
Education and training programs for researchers
Interdisciplinary education activities including seminars, summer schools, fellow retreats, career workshops and exchange training programs across participating groups.
Ethics advisory and public engagement modules
Ethics advisory services for projects, public seminars, art–science collaborations and think-tank activities to integrate societal and ethical perspectives into research.
Public lecture series (SeminBar)
A public lecture series featuring international scientists who present research and key concepts in formats accessible to a broad audience.
Art–science communication program (Art of Molecule)
Collaborative projects using artistic media to communicate molecular systems engineering concepts and foster public dialogue.
Expertise Areas
- Molecular systems engineering
- Synthetic biology and synthetic cells
- Biocatalysis and enzyme engineering
- Microfluidics and high-throughput screening
Key Technologies
- CRISPR and gene-editing methods
- Artificial metalloenzymes
- Enzyme engineering
- Droplet microfluidics