Welcome

Centre for Programmable Biological Matter

OUR MISSION

At the Centre for Programmable Biological Matter (CPBM), our mission is to design and build artificial molecular machines with life-like functionality, pushing the boundaries of bionanoscience. We aim to revolutionize medicine, energy, and environmental sustainability by engineering dynamic, programmable systems that exceed the capabilities of nature. With the power to create nucleic acid and protein structures de novo, we stand at the forefront of a new era where biological matter is not only understood but designed for purpose. Our goal is to turn this vision into reality. We leverage world-class resources, state-of-the-art equipment, and an environment that empowers researchers and innovators to conduct cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research. CPBM fosters a culture of collaboration, uniting diverse expertise and utilising molecular design to accelerate breakthroughs to redefine the future of science and technology.

RESEARCH AREAS

Heddle Lab – Natural Nanomachines

Here we investigate topoisomerases, specifically DNA gyrase, both a fascinating nanomachine and an important target for antibacterial drugs.

Heddle Lab – Artificial Protein Nanostructures

Here we aim to build new artificial protein nanostructures not found in nature.

Heddle Lab – DNA Nanomachines

DNA is not just an information storage molecule it is also a highly programmable structural material that can be easily designed to form useful shapes and even programmable robots.

Bentham Lab – Protein Design

Utilising computational protein design and experimental structural biology to guide the bioengineering of staple crops with enhanced resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.

Lin Lab – RNA Modification

RNA modification is a way to expand nucleotide structure diversity to fulfil different functions. In the Lin lab, we study mechanisms on how RNA modifying enzymes select their RNA targets by obtaining cryo-electron microscope structures details. This will be the basis for customised RNA modifications for bioengineering purposes.

Latest News

Check out our news page for the latest news and events

All aboard for Science!

This half-term, the Celebrate Science Festival is rolling into Locomotion, Shildon, and the CPBM are thrilled to be a part of it!  This free, family-friendly event will bring science to life[…]

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Summer 2025 Interns Enrich Research at the Centre for Programmable Biological Matter

The Centre for Programmable Biological Matter remains deeply committed to training the next generation of scientists. Each summer, we welcome a cohort of enthusiastic interns who bring fresh perspectives and[…]

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 Just published! – ‘Mechanistic insight into the pseudouridylation of RNA’

We are proud to share that our Assistant Professor, Ting-Yu Lin, and PhD student, Yasmin Stone, have co-authored a new review article in RNA Biology with Professor Sebastian Glatt from[…]

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