• Proteins in Organic Solvents: Engineering Enzymes for Sustainable Chemicals Manufacturing with Samuel Thompson

  • Feb 13 2025
  • Length: 48 mins
  • Podcast

Proteins in Organic Solvents: Engineering Enzymes for Sustainable Chemicals Manufacturing with Samuel Thompson

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  • Summary

  • Join us as we explore the innovative world of protein engineering with Samuel Thompson. Samuel's work focuses on engineering proteins to function in organic solvents, environments that would be hostile to traditional cell-based life. This approach has significant implications for bridging the gap between the enzymes market and the trillion-dollar specialty chemicals market, potentially leading to decentralized chemical production with a much lower environmental footprint.

    In this episode, Samuel shares their personal journey, from growing up in West Texas to their current role as a postdoc at Stanford and the University of Washington. They discuss how their queerness informs their science and the long-term vision they have for their work — a commitment to solving complex problems often overlooked by mainstream science. With support from the Homeworld Collective, Samuel is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in protein engineering, aiming to create sustainable solutions for chemical production that could transform industries in the decades to come.

    (00:00) Introduction to Climate Biotech Podcast
    (00:54) Meet Samuel Thompson: A Pioneer in Protein Engineering
    (01:46) Samuel's Unique Approach to Protein Engineering
    (02:14) The Origin Story: A Journey from Japan
    (02:56) Challenges and Philosophies in Protein Engineering
    (04:20) Samuel's Academic Path and Early Research
    (04:59) Identity-Driven Science: Personal and Professional Insights
    (06:38) Early Inspirations and Academic Achievement

    (09:16) Graduate School and the Road to Stanford
    (12:52) Innovative Research at Stanford
    (16:38) The Cold Start Problem and Overcoming Challenges
    (18:24) The Importance of Solvent in Protein Engineering
    (22:29) Historical Context and Future Directions
    (26:38) AI and Protein Folding in Organic Solvents
    (27:05) Challenges and Limitations of AI in Protein Design
    (27:59) Innovative Techniques in Protein Screening
    (29:03) Triple Emulsion Pico Reactors Explained
    (31:40) Fluorescence Signals and Protein Assays
    (35:16) Engineering Challenges and Solutions
    (38:55) Future Directions and Exciting Frontiers
    (45:15) Mentorship and Advice for Aspiring Scientists
    (47:28) The Power of Collective Effort in Biology
    (50:19) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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