Throughout the 20th century, chemical synthesis (chemistry) laid the foundation for human prosperity, delivering transformative innovations such as fertilizers, plastics, and life-saving pharmaceuticals. However, modern society now faces an unprecedented era of challenges—from climate change and emerging infectious diseases to geopolitical risks that threaten supply chain stability and economic security. Our current manufacturing models, heavily reliant on fossil resources and centralized global supply chains, are reaching their structural limits.

The Yuzawa Lab confronts these critical issues through a synthetic biology approach that transcends the constraints of traditional chemistry. Leveraging advanced long-chain DNA synthesis and editing technologies, we precisely engineer megasynthases and microbes to establish production systems for a diverse array of high-value molecules (MW 100–1000). These compounds, which are otherwise inaccessible or prohibitively difficult to synthesize chemically, can now be produced through sustainable and self-reliant processes.

By establishing advanced molecular manufacturing as a core strength, we aim to provide a versatile toolkit for the autonomous creation of complex functional molecules. Through these efforts, the Yuzawa Lab contributes to the realization of a resilient and prosperous society that remains steadfast even in an uncertain world.