Development of Light-Responsive Artificial Cells using Plant-Based Photoreceptor Systems

The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) has a requirement to research advanced foundational science in the synthetic biology domain. The goal is to leverage high-throughput protein engineering and AI-assisted structural refinement to create programmable, pseudo-living systems responsive to environmental light stimuli. This project will address a key challenge by integrating unique photoreceptor systems evolved in plants into artificial cell platforms. 

ERDC-CERL intends to award a contract for services with competition restricted to Bioconscientia, LLC. in accordance with RFO FAR 12.102(a). The anticipated award date is 09/30/2026.