"To solve problems like treating environmental pollutants or improving industrial process efficiency, you ultimately need some kind of catalyst. The catalytic power of proteins is far stronger than any substance we have chemically created so far."
Colin Jackson (ANU) said in an interview with ChosunBiz at the St. John's Hotel in Gangneung on the 23rd during "The 1st Gangneung NP·BIO International Conference" that protein design could be the "key" to solving industrial and environmental problems at the same time.
Protein design is a technology that artificially creates the structure and properties of proteins to perform specific functions. Rather than using proteins found in nature as they are, it is about "custom-making" proteins to fit the function a researcher wants, such as breaking down a particular chemical or synthesizing new molecules.
Jackson said, "We have not yet reached a complete solution, but the potential is more than sufficient," adding, "A new catalyst system centered on proteins will be a game changer that changes the landscape of the environment and industry as a whole going forward."
◇"Protein design enters a full-fledged revolutionary period"
Catalytic proteins, commonly called enzymes, can be seen as "experts in chemical reactions" created by nature. For example, processes such as breaking down food or producing energy in the human body are all carried out by the catalytic action of protein enzymes. Artificial catalysts made by people, such as metal catalysts and chemical catalysts, work only under specific conditions or are less efficient, but protein enzymes can perform complex and difficult chemical reactions precisely and quickly.
Of course, not all problems can be solved with proteins alone. Jackson said, "Both physical devices and biochemical systems are necessary." The idea is to design an integrated reaction system that combines devices and materials science technologies, centered on protein enzymes.
For example, when removing pollutants in the air, filters or capture devices are essential. You have to collect the pollutants and bring them into contact with enzymes for decomposition to occur. Materials science technologies should protect enzymes and enhance reaction efficiency so that each element works organically.
Jackson sees the field of protein design as having now entered a full-fledged revolutionary period. He said, "We have often spoken of a biotechnology revolution, but actual progress has been slower than expected. But the situation will change going forward," adding, "An era is coming when we can make custom enzymes tailored for almost any use, cheaply and quickly."
He said that using enzyme proteins can make previously polluting processes environmentally friendly. They can also be applied to medicine and materials development. Jackson said, "Enzyme proteins can make new molecules at lower cost and break down toxic substances or waste efficiently," adding, "As humanity is now at the threshold of sustainability, this technology will help enhance sustainability across society."
◇"It is a scientist's responsibility to move science into society"
Jackson is a co-director of the Synthetic Biology Initiative at the Australian National University. Synthetic Biology is a field of research that optimizes the production of specific substances by altering the genes of living organisms. He is also deeply interested in connecting his lab's Synthetic Biology research outcomes with industry and society.
Jackson said, "A lot of excellent science comes out of universities, but if it does not move into industry, it ends with just a paper," adding, "Researchers need to make its value understood so industry can invest, and create channels that can connect with corporations."
He said research funded by taxes should be returned to society. Jackson said, "It is a scientist's duty to ensure that good research leads to industry and that the public can feel the benefits." In fact, his lab has already produced a success story. Jackson recently founded a company called Samsara Eco, which is commercializing technology that uses enzymes developed in the university lab to break down plastic.
Jackson said he has supervised more than 30 Ph.D. students and 15 postdoctoral researchers to date. He said, "Creativity, which is more important than anything in research, is not innate; it is developed through training," adding, "Do not wait for other people's ideas—practice making yourself uncomfortable, and creativity arises in discomfort. If you can enjoy that, science becomes much more fun."
He pointed to the accelerating convergence of molecular biology and artificial intelligence (AI) and advised young life science researchers not to feel a barrier to entering AI. Jackson said, "Even if it is a bit uncomfortable, do not be afraid of math or computer science," adding, "They are now basic languages required for every researcher, so actively learn them while your brain is flexible."