The Centre of Excellence for Biocatalysis, Biotransformations and Biocatalytic Manufacture (CoEBio3) at The University of Manchester is pioneering the future of sustainable manufacturing. By harnessing the power of nature’s enzymatic processes, we are helping industry replace traditional chemical methods with cleaner, more efficient biocatalytic alternatives.
Our mission is to bring enzyme-driven innovation to the heart of industrial manufacturing, reducing environmental impact while increasing process performance and economic viability.
What is biocatalysis and how can it help?
Industrial manufacturing is at a turning point. Many conventional production routes rely on non-renewable resources, harmful chemicals, and energy-intensive steps. CoEBio3 offers a proven solution: biocatalysis using engineered enzymes.
In nature, complex molecules are created through elegant sequences of enzymatic conversions. At CoEBio3, we replicate and enhance these pathways to build synthetic and natural products at scale — helping our industrial partners make greener, safer and more cost-effective choices.
Training
CoEBio3 aims to train the next generation of bio-innovators. Our interdisciplinary programmes prepare PhD students and researchers with the real-world skills to apply biocatalysis, protein engineering and sustainable manufacturing in industry.
We offer:
- PhD projects co-developed with industry and aligned with real manufacturing challenges
- Access to a network of elite partners and mentors
- A strong track record of impact, including a free online course in industrial biotechnology with over 10,000 learners to date.
Our outputs and impact
At CoEBio3 we focus on delivering solutions that have real impact in the chemical manufacturing industry and for our partners. Our work has already enabled major industrial advances:
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Commercialised over 1,000 enzymes
Covering 20+ reaction types, significantly expanding biocatalytic options for manufacturing.
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Pioneered metal-free processes
Reducing reliance on costly and hazardous precious metal catalysts.
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Delivered high-performing biocatalysts
Engineered industry-ready enzymes suitable for large scale pharmaceutical manufacturing.
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Our partners
Our Centre brings together world-leading industrial and academic partners including AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck Sharpe and Dohme, Prozomix and the Universities of Bristol and York.
We’ve also helped shape national policy. In 2018, our researchers co-authored the UK strategy report Growing the UK Industrial Biotechnology Base, supporting government plans for a £440 billion bio-economy by 2030.
Join us
Whether you're an industrial partner looking to solve manufacturing problems or a PhD student ready to tackle real-world challenges, collaborating with CoEBio3 provides access to our research and expertise.