Meet Tijn Delzenne

Tijn Delzenne

I hope to use my background in synthetic biology to develop a system for fatty acid production using cell-free-synthesis methods.

Hi there, I’m Tijn! I am joining the EVOLF consortium through a PhD position in the lab of Greg Bokinsky at TU Delft. Before starting my work at TU Delft, I studied Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology at Leiden University. After completing my studies, I obtained short-term funding for a project in which I aimed to greenify industrial biotechnology by creating an artificial endosymbiotic relationship. The goal of this project was to establish an interaction between a compound-producing host and a cyanobacterial symbiont, eventually incorporating photosynthetic metabolism into organisms that would otherwise not be able to grow using light and CO2. During this time, I also developed a low-cost, open-source device that enables regular incubators to be converted to CO2-regulating machines for the growth of photosynthetic bacteria and mammalian cell lines. In addition, I have been involved with the iGEM synthetic biology competition for the past 5 years as a supervisor for the Leiden University team, and a competition judge.

Starting in the EVOLF consortium as a PhD candidate, I hope to use my background in synthetic biology to develop a system for fatty acid production using cell-free-synthesis methods. These fatty acids are an essential building block for the formation and maintenance of cellular membranes and are vital for the establishment of a synthetic cell capable of growth and division. I am excited to be able to contribute to a small part of the journey towards the creation of a synthetic cell.

Outside of work, I like to keep busy by tinkering and crafting. Recently, I have taken an interest in building my own electronic devices such as keyboards, clocks, and even a pocket-sized PCR machine. Next to that, I do analogue photography, play guitar, love going to concerts and museums, and stay active through various sports.