Sotirios Kampranis

Sotirios Kampranis is a Professor in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at the University of Copenhagen, leading research in biochemical engineering for sustainable production of complex plant-derived chemicals. His work bridges enzyme characterization, protein engineering, and metabolic pathway reconstruction in biological systems.

His research interests focus on developing biological synthesis as an environmentally sustainable alternative to organic chemistry methods, with emphasis on:

• Identification and optimization of biosynthetic enzymes for plant specialized metabolites
• Metabolic engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for terpenoid, cannabinoid, and alkaloid production
• Creation of non-canonical plant metabolites through combined protein and metabolic engineering
• Development of yeast-based biosensors and directed evolution methods

Recent publication trends (2023-2025) reveal a strong focus on high-value compounds including taxol (anticancer), celastrol (antiobesity), and forskolin, primarily published in top-tier journals like Nature Chemistry, Nature Communications, and Journal of the American Chemical Society. His work demonstrates significant industrial and therapeutic relevance, with multiple publications picked up by news outlets and referenced in patents.

Kampranis maintains an active research group emphasizing excellence in scientific training, encouraging students to develop independent thinking and visionary approaches. His research has generated substantial academic attention with publications covered by numerous news outlets, blogged about, and widely shared on social media platforms.

He leads laboratory efforts in developing yeast-based cell factories and novel biosynthetic tools, with current projects focusing on continuous mutagenesis methods and whole-cell biosensor development for metabolite detection.