Episode 92

90. Flipping the Light Switch on Cells: Deniz Kent of Prolific Machines

· 1:06:09 · Host: Karl Schmieder & Erum Azeez

Erum and Karl welcome Deniz Kent to talk about the practical and innovative ways light is being used to control cellular processes, offering new possibilities in biotechnology. From sustainable fashion to the future of biomanufacturing, they discuss topics that impact both our personal lives and…

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Episode Description:

Erum and Karl welcome Deniz Kent to talk about the practical and innovative ways light is being used to control cellular processes, offering new possibilities in biotechnology. From sustainable fashion to the future of biomanufacturing, they discuss topics that impact both our personal lives and the broader scientific community. Deniz shares insights on using light-sensitive proteins to revolutionize biomanufacturing, potentially lowering costs and expanding access to life-saving drugs.

Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?

Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.messaginglab.com/groweverything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Chapters:

  • 00:00:00 - The Scientific Method: Uncovering Truth Together
  • 00:01:02 - Nature's Symphony: A Walk in the Park
  • 00:02:59 - Fashion Forward: Innovations in Sustainable Style
  • 00:05:22 - TV Insights: Unstable Season 2 Breakdown
  • 00:08:50 - The Art of Science Fiction: How TV Mirrors Reality
  • 00:12:31 - Museum Adventures and Family Tales
  • 00:14:30 - Spotlight Interview: Dennis Kent of Prolific Machines
  • 00:17:42 - Optogenetics: Controlling Cells with Light
  • 00:22:01 - Exploring the Future of Biotech with Light
  • 00:26:45 - Innovations in Cell Engineering: A New Frontier
  • 00:29:27 - Beyond Molecules: The Power of Light in Biotech
  • 00:32:14 - Mammalian Cells Meet Light: New Horizons
  • 00:37:23 - Making Biopharmaceuticals Accessible
  • 00:39:19 - Planetary Health: Light as a Game-Changer
  • 00:43:59 - Reinventing Bioreactor Design
  • 00:50:00 - The Road to Commercialization: Prolific Machines
  • 00:57:08 - Wisdom for Future Biotech Entrepreneurs
  • 00:59:59 - Wrapping Up: Reflections and Future Vision

Topics Covered: biotech, bioengineering, precision fermentation, epigenetics, optogenetics, light, biosolutions, cellular control, photomolecular biology

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Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com

Music by: Nihilore

Production by: Amplafy Media

About Grow Everything

Grow Everything reveals the world of biology as technology. Hosts Erum Azeez Khan and Karl Schmieder talk with the founders, scientists, and executives biologizing entire industries — biomaterials from waste, precision fermentation, cultivated food — and unpack how the bioeconomy is solving health and climate challenges. Winner of SynBioBeta's 2026 Impact Award.

See all 202 episodes of Grow Everything →

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