ProtoLife will continue exploration of industrial applications of the evolutionary optimization techniques developed during the PACE project.
One direction that is a form of artificial cell research is optimization of an in vitro protein synthesis process that may be installed in vesicles. This project does not currently envision a full artificial cell, but a a combination of container and metabolism functionalities. Further functionality may possibly be provided by technological complementation.
ProtoLife will also pursue other non-artificial cell applications of evolutionary optimization in the pursuit of business opportunity. These directions include:
- protein crystallization
- in vitro protein synthesis optimization
- drug combination therapies
- media optimization for in vivo protein production
- optimization of plastic manufacture
Legal status: ProtLife was originally configured as an Italian company (S.r.l.). It has now expanded to include a US entity. Legal agreements (including cross-licensing and cost sharing agreements) have been executed to ensure transparency of IP as it is developed by both the Italian company and the US company. Income is shared by both companies through a royalty agreement, and taxed respectively in each country.