Welcome to LeoRios Lab,  we are based in the vibrant University College london, Department of Biochemical Engineering, where our research is driven by the fascinating field of Synthetic Bioprocessing. We are dedicated to applying cutting-edge synthetic biology tools and advanced biotechnologies to enhance the efficiency, scalability, and productivity of bioprocesses.

 

At the core of our work lies the seamless integration of biochemical engineering and synthetic biology principles. By leveraging these disciplines, we engineer biological processes at both the molecular and macromolecular levels, pioneering a novel approach to achieve desired outcomes. Through this integrated framework, we develop innovative and sophisticated bioprocessing techniques, harnessing the latest advancements in synthetic biology, such as genetic engineering, synthetic genomics, and metabolic engineering. These techniques enable us to design and precisely control scalable bioprocesses.

 

Our research endeavors extend beyond the laboratory, aiming to address pressing global socio-economic and environmental challenges. By utilizing our expertise, we strive to ensure equitable access to sustainable food, energy, and pharmaceuticals, while fostering local bio-economies. Additionally, we are committed to promoting access to high-quality education and cultivating a sustainable environment.

 

At LeoRios Lab, we are driven by a passion for unlocking the potential of synthetic bioprocessing to make a positive impact on society. Join us as we pioneer novel approaches, engineer cutting-edge biological systems, and forge a path towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.

 

Our research areas
“What I cannot create, I do not understand”.- Richard Feynman

Microbiol Cell Factories: Synthetic Biology and Metabolic Engineering

Engineering Microbial Consortia

Engineering Microbial Consortia

Engineered Microbial Consortia In their natural habitat, microbial cells live in organised consortia reaching a steady state in terms of...

Learn more
CRISPR Based Low Cost Diagnostics

CRISPR Based Low Cost Diagnostics

We are developing innovative approaches to leverage the power of CRISPR technology for rapid, affordable, and highly accurate diagnostic...

Learn more
Metabolic Engineering

Metabolic Engineering

Our group is working on applying synthetic biology tools to engineer microbial cell factories to produce high value a bulk products such as...

Learn more
Mammalian Cell Factories

Mammalian Cell Factories

Mammalian Cell Factories We are very excited to explore new production ways of biologics using mammalian cells. Therefore, we are venturing in...

Learn more
Multiplex Genome Engineering

Multiplex Genome Engineering

By developing novel methods to simultaneously edit multiple genes or regulatory elements, we aim to accelerate the pace of research and unlock...

Learn more

Bioprocess Engineering

Biocatalysis and Protein Engineering

Biocatalysis and Protein Engineering

We explore the vast potential of enzymes and other biocatalysts, working to optimize their function, stability, and specificity for a variety of...

Learn more
Integrated Bioprocessing

Integrated Bioprocessing

Synthetic biology has allowed the engineering of novel synthetic multi-enzymatic pathways to produce high value products in a sustainable way...

Learn more
Continuous Flow Bioprocessing

Continuous Flow Bioprocessing

The bioprocessing industry has been mainly studied and commercialized using batch and fed-batch production methods, while little focus has been...

Learn more
Bioprocess Modelling using AI and Real-Time Monitoring

Bioprocess Modelling using AI and Real-Time Monitoring

Our multi-disciplinary team employs different modelling approaches, including state-of-the-art AI algorithms and real-time monitoring technologies...

Learn more

Bio-Automation

Automation enhanced by Artificial Intelligence: Applications into Synthetic Biology

Automation enhanced by Artificial Intelligence: Applications into Synthetic Biology

Our research group at UCL Biochemical Engineering is pioneering the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation within the realm of...

Learn more
Open-Source Automation in Synthetic Biology

Open-Source Automation in Synthetic Biology

Our research group at UCL Biochemical Engineering is deeply committed to democratizing synthetic biology through open-source automation. We are...

Learn more
High Throughput Microscale and Mini Bioreactors

High Throughput Microscale and Mini Bioreactors

  Microscale Automated Bioprocessing Tools Microscale bioreators and its further automation have been a critical tool for the development of...

Learn more
Research Areas

We Develop Innovative Solutions

“Impossible only means you haven’t found the solution yet”. - Anonymous

Metabolic Engineering and Systems Biology

Microbial Cell Factories for the Sustainable Production of Drugs, Biomaterials and Biofuels

  • Anticancer Drug Taxol in S. cerevisiae
  • Jet Biofuels in Yarrowia Lipolytica
  • High Value Chiral Amino-alcohols in E. coli
  • High Value Alkaloids (i.e Ephedrine) in S. cerevisiae
  • Fragrances and Food Additives in E. coli and S. cerevisiae

High-throughput  Bioreactors

Mini and Microscale Bioreactors to Speed Up Bioprocess Development  Mimicking Large Scale Conditions

  • Advanced Microplate Based Bioreactors
  • Mini-Bioreactors Mimicking Industrial Scale Conditions
  • Microscale Continuous Flow Bioreactors
  • Low Cost 3D printed Bioreactors
  • Microfluidic MicroBioreactors

Smart Biosensors and Diagnostics

Synthetic Biology Tools Applied for Low-Cost Diagnostics and Biosensing Capabilities

  • CRISPR Based Diagnostics for COVID19
  • Biosensors Applied in Aquaculture
  • Digital Microfluidic Diagnostics

Automation and Artificial Intelligence

State of the Art Bio-Automation enhanced by Artificial Intelligence algorithms

  • Open Source Low Cost Automation
  • Edinburgh Genome BioFoundry
  • Bio-Automation Enhanced Through Artificial Intelligence
  • Automated Digital Microfluidics

Advanced Bioprocessing Technologies

Designing Novel Bioreactors and Intensified Bioprocesses to tackle Scale Up Challenges

  • Integrated Bioprocessing
  • Continuous Flow Bioprocesses
  • Scale up of Mammalian Cells Systems
  • Hybrid Biomodelling combining Machine Learning and deterministic algorithms
  • Life Cycle Assessments
Work With Us!

Opportunities

“If a window of opportunity appears, don’t pull down the shadow”. - Tom Peters
Postdoc and Fellowships Opportunities
Entrepreneurship
MSc, MScR and PhD Opportunities
Academic Partnerships
Industrial Collaborations
Visiting Students

About The interdisciplinary Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering (ACBE)

The centre is a world leader in bioprocess research creating novel engineering solutions to underpin future biomanufacturing operations across a range of sectors, including biopharmaceuticals, cell and gene therapies, vaccines, bio-manufactured small molecules, bioenergy, biorefining and bioremediation.
0
Recent Investment in the Department (£ million)
0
Research and training centres
0
Researchers (PhDs, Postdocs, Technicians and Principal Investigators)
0
Key Research Areas
Meet the Team

The Rising Stars of LeoRios Lab

``Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success``. - Henry Ford
Behnaz Nowrouzi
Behnaz Nowrouzi
PhD Student: Metabolic Engineering
Behnaz is focusing on genome engineering using plants P450 in yeast. These enzymes are promiscuous and therefore, minimizing by-products, while...
Dr Leonardo Rios
Dr Leonardo Rios
Associate Professor of Synthetic Bioprocessing
Leonardo became an Associate Professor at the UCL Biochemical Engineering Department in 2023, where he leads his research group. His research...
Prakriti Karki
Prakriti Karki
Undergraduate Student
Prakriti Karki is a member of Media Lab Nepal. Her interests are immunology, microbiology, synthetic biology ,bioinformatics, open science and...
Swayambhik Mukherjee
Swayambhik Mukherjee
Post-Graduate Student, Biotechnology, St. Xavier's College (Autonomous), Kolkata
Swayambhik is a Post-Graduate student of Biotechnology at St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Kolkata. He has research interest in...
Emma Watts
Emma Watts
BSc Hons Biotechnology
Emma is interested in the intersection of synthetic biology and sustainability.
Jorge H. Santoyo-Garcia
Jorge H. Santoyo-Garcia
PhD Student: Integrated Bioprocessing
Jorge focuses on Integrated Bioprocess design, developing novel high throughput production and recovery methods of high value natural products...
from the blog

Learn About Our Latest News, Events, Leading Technologies and Research Outputs

Digital Microfluidics Workship

Digital Microfluidics Workship

About the Biomedical Automation Network: The Biomedical Lab Automation (BLA) network aims to coordinate and maximize the potential of the University’s automation...

Read more
Standardization of biological parts for S. cerevisiae: a BioRoboost newsletter

Standardization of biological parts for S. cerevisiae: a BioRoboost newsletter

As our understanding of genetic circuits has improved, there has been a shift towards standardisation of the design process. This entails the creation of a library of...

Read more
Bio-automation at Edinburgh  University

Bio-automation at Edinburgh University

Sed up perspiciatis Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat...

Read more
testimonials

What People Say About Us

I did a period of research abroad at Leo Ríos’ lab. The whole group made me feel like I was at home during the time I was there and they really valued me as a member of the team. They shared their knowledge in the best way posible and I had responsibilities from day one. Leo is not only a great scientist, he is an amazing leader.

 

 

Gabriela Mellado (visiting student)
Gabriela MelladoVisiting Student

I’m really glad to have joined  Leo’s lab during my master year to conduct research on advanced machine scheduling for COVID-19 diagnosis optimization. I’m extremely impressed with the best scientific research atmosphere, the strongest scientific prowess, and the most harmonious relationships in this lab. These really helped me to make progress in my academic years and will benefit me in the future.

Yimeng Han (MSc Student)
Yimeng HanMsc Student
Glad to be a member of Dr. Leo’s lab. I have learned a lot in such a harmonious
atmosphere. Hope to keep updated on the well-designed website!
Junlin Dong (MSc Student)
Junlin DongMsc Student (Currently Research assistant in SIAT)
Contact Us

We are open for collaborations

“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean”. - Ryunosuke Satoro
Give Us a Shout