MORF: Turning Data Overload into Research Momentum

The MORF team meet the Microbiology Society at their Annual Conference

Biotech innovations are expanding and improving the world at an unprecedented rate. For example, since the first bacterial genome was completed in 1995, sequencing methods have advanced tremendously, and the challenge to produce a reference genome for all 1.2 million known species on Earth is now underway as part of the Tree of Life Programme. This enormous expansion of analytical potential means the data landscape is increasingly more complex and specialist skills are required to navigate it. The focus has now turned to tools that can corral the data into informative plots such that meaningful conclusions can be drawn to advance the biotechnology field.

A defining element of this evolving data landscape are webs of omic data (genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data) that are frequently analyzed separately, but which require a holistic view to appreciate the complete biological system. MORF: a ‘Multi-Omics Research Factory,' is set on tackling this challenge. By integrating these complex, extensive, and scattered biological data webs and presenting them in easy-to-follow visuals, MORF provides an interactive display of all elements of the available research through an intuitively accessible interface.

Initially built by a team of biologists for multi-omics analysis, the MORF program has added capabilities in fermentation data integration. The platform offers comprehensive solutions for both biological data (including sequences, expression data, and metabolic profiles) and bioprocessing data, addressing the need to integrate segregated data sets and visualize them for ease of application.

The harmonization of fermentation data is critical for biomanufacturing scale-up in particular, reducing costs and expediting time to market. MORF aims to become the industry expert on the aggregation and analysis of fermentation data. From microplate readers to production scale bioreactors and everything in between, they can seamlessly transform endless spreadsheets into a visual representation of the bioprocess, with the flexibility to add offline data and insights from their team. Through their online interface, a lab scientist could have rapid analysis and comparison of fermentation runs performed, while facilitating easy data-sharing and reporting. Using MORF also means legacy data can be integrated for comparison of runs through time and scale, bringing more value to key experimental data.

MORF enables multi-scale comparison of bioprocessing data

The MORF team’s technical and academic expertise makes them adept at assisting with data synthesis and providing valuable insights, identifying potentially critical nexus points to optimize bioproduction. In this way, they are reimagining how we approach bioinformatics, making complex tools available to bench scientists and group leaders with no bioinformatics or programming background required.

MORF Origins

MORF was created for the DETOX project, a 5-year project aiming to engineer improved strains for bioproduction by studying the stress response of microbes during fermentation. Using MORF to display and integrate multi-omics data, target genes were identified to improve the production of high-value biobased products threefold.

The DETOX Project was led by Gavin Thomas, a Professor in Microbiology at the University of York, and involved a collaboration of academic groups across the UK and industrial partners including Mitsubishi, Ingenza, and the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI). Gavin wanted a tool for the whole team to be able to access and interpret the results of the collaboration, without using command-line coding. The project’s talented bioinformatician, Vicki Springthorpe, designed and created DETOXbase, later rebranded to MORF, to explore its commercial potential value beyond the DETOX project.

The transition of the tech into a commercial product is led by Joyce Bennett, the DETOX Project Manager and now CEO of MORF. Luckily Joyce is adept at turning her hand to whatever the commercialization process throws at her, from brand awareness and customer acquisition to business planning, recruitment and now raising investment funds.

Gavin Thomas, now CSO, brings a wide-ranging understanding of how microbes work. He has extensive expertise in microbial physiology and biochemistry. Additionally, he specializes in metabolic modeling and the manipulation of the cell envelope to improve bioproduction. Gavin has supervised projects to build genome-scale metabolic models, evolve strains for bioproduction, and explore human microbiomes. This breadth of knowledge, along with a deep understanding of how different data types can be used to answer biological questions, forms the foundation upon which MORF is built. It provides clients with superior insights drawn from the cutting edge of biotechnology.

Vicki, as CTO, drives the platform's data analysis capabilities, both performing and supervising client projects and feature development. MORF also has a strategic partnership with Firefinch Software consultants ensuring the platform is ready to scale.

MORF’s Strategic Trajectory

Recent developments have solidified MORF’s importance as a critical feature in the biotech sector. In March, the team secured support from Innovate UK’s competitive ICURe Programme. This involved a global exploration to gather insights and demonstrate to the public body that there was a clear demand for their data optimization platform. Now, MORF is on a runway to spin out of the University of York and expand its throughput and market traction.

The MORF ICURe team: Gavin Thomas, Barry McHoull, Joyce Bennett and Natalia Stawniak

Additionally, MORF has made progress in the industry by securing strategic collaborations with companies such as HydRegen (for fermentation data integration) and chemical conglomerate Johnson Matthey (for high-throughput optimization).

“The MORF platform has the potential to create both real time-saving benefits and improved insight into our datasets, especially given the complexity & volume of data we are now receiving from our High-throughput fermentation equipment. We look forward to the impact MORF can have going forward for us and the wider Bioprocessing community”

Robert Salmon, Team Leader-Bioprocessing at Johnson Matthey

 

Another notable partnership is with Azotic Technologies; for Azotic, MORF is helping to interpret the microbes central to their technology by building an interactive KEGG pathway analysis tool (a collection of pathways representing knowledge of molecular interactions and relationship networks for cellular processes, metabolism, human diseases, genetic information, etc.). This partnership demonstrates MORF's versatility in adapting to diverse research needs across the biotechnology sector.

The Future of MORF

As MORF gears up for its anticipated spin-out, the company is expanding its product’s capabilities to allow users to upload new data types. The platform will provide a comprehensive database that serves both academics and industry scientists, bridging the gap between theoretical and applied biotechnology.

Metagenomes and transcriptomes can be interpreted at a glance with attractive visualizations

With well-curated data comes the opportunity to use machine learning capabilities to model bioprocesses and predict opportunities for improvement. In MORF the models will not just be based on artificial intelligence but informed by the expert team at MORF to ensure they reflect the current understanding of biology. This will be immensely beneficial given AI and machine learning models' struggle with scientific accuracy.

In the rapidly evolving biotechnology sector, tools like MORF are set to play a pivotal role in driving innovation. From pharmaceuticals to sustainable materials, MORF's impact is expected to be far-reaching. By streamlining data analysis and integration, MORF promises to accelerate research and development in bioproduction.

As this data visualization and bioinformatics field continues to develop, it holds the potential to catalyze the unlocking of new discoveries and technological advancements, and disrupt industries across and outside of the biotechnology landscape.

Conclusion: Connect and Collaborate with MORF

MORF is a dynamic engine of efficiency and optimization, poised to revolutionize biotech operations. For investors seeking high-potential opportunities, researchers aiming to delve deeper into biology, and biotech companies looking to drive innovation, MORF offers a transformative solution. To explore how MORF can unlock new potential in the biotech landscape, visit their website or contact Joyce Bennett for more information.