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
Biomeccano Protein Design Competition 2026
The Centre for Programmable Biological Matter is proud to be hosting the first ever Biomeccano Protein Design Competition this summer. Aimed at PhD students studying in the Department of Biosciences at Durham University with an[…]
Read moreBionano 2026
About the Conference We are holding our sixth biennial BIONANO Meeting at Durham University. BIONANO 2026 follows the previous highly successful meeting held at the Centre for Programmable Biological Matter in Durham in 2024. This year[…]
Read moreCPBM at RNA UK Conference
Earlier this year, the group of researchers at the Centre for Programmable Biological Matter working on RNA attended the annual RNA UK conference hosted in Windermere. Dr. Ting-Yu Lin delivered[…]
Read more








