Anthology is an evolution company generating diverse genomes for advanced biomanufacturing. Leveraging nature's tools that power biodiversity, Anthology is optimizing genomes of underexplored organisms such as filamentous fungi to expand the portfolio of valuable products that can be made biologically in a sustainable and cost-competitive way.
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Jing Zhang
Jing Zhang is the co-founder and CEO of Anthology. She is passionate about creating synthetic biology tools to tackle climate change, such as producing biochemicals from CO₂ and fixing nitrogen using microbes. Previously, she founded and led a conservation and animal welfare think tank. With Anthology, Zhang is translating her knowledge in microbial synthetic and systems biology to advance biomanufacturing. Zhang has an M.S. from MIT and is completing her Ph.D. at Boston University.
TECHNOLOGY
Critical Need
Biomanufacturing has been limited by its utility, complexity, and scalability. Currently, only a few microorganisms with minimal genetic modification are used to produce bio-based products on an industrial scale. To accelerate decarbonization using biology, we must reimagine the organisms we use and how we engineer them. Non-model organisms like filamentous fungi and autotrophs are gaining industry-wide attention because they can consume renewable feedstocks, produce products at scale, and withstand harsher bioreactor conditions. Advances in genetic tools are making these underexplored organisms more accessible, which will drive the next bioeconomy revolution.
Technology Vision
Traditional genetic engineering, with its small modifications to bioproduction organisms, fails to make the significant changes necessary to transport us into a bioeconomic future. Inspired by nature’s toolbox for generating biodiversity, Anthology is developing a platform technology that creates highly diversified and evolved genomes to unlock the power of underexplored organisms for advanced biomanufacturing. Its unique genomic datasets can bring us closer towards generating optimal genomes. With filamentous fungi as its first line of organisms, Anthology is sourcing the hidden world of molds and mushrooms for their potential to revolutionize protein manufacturing.
Potential for Impact
Anthology aims to deeply explore the evolutionary landscape and facilitate its adaptation to climate change. Beginning with filamentous fungi, Anthology is tapping into the biotechnological potential of myriad organisms that can utilize renewable energy sources, and make bio-based products at scale. Anthology’s technology will lead to a bioeconomic future where carbon-neutral—and ultimately carbon-negative production—is possible.
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Anthology