In a quiet corner of Hiroshima, a biotechnology company is making big waves in how we think about sustainability, health, and agriculture. Since its founding in 2019, PtBio Inc., also known as Platinum Bio, has been weaving together cutting-edge gene editing and digital innovation to tackle some of society’s most pressing challenges—from food security and rare diseases to environmental regeneration.
PtBio focuses on what it calls “BioDX”—Biological Digital Transformation. This involves combining DNA analysis and digital workflows to speed up biological research and industrial processes. Whether it’s developing improved crop strains or optimising sewage treatment, PtBio’s approach is firmly rooted in real-world application.
From Shiso Leaves to Sewage Systems
Take their work in agriculture, for example. PtBio applies BioDX in the selective breeding of Akashiso (red perilla), a traditional Japanese herb, using genomic data to enhance traits like flavor and resilience. It’s precision agriculture with a molecular twist.
But the same technology has also found a home underground—in the city’s sewage systems. Working with Higashi Hiroshima City, PtBio uses metagenomics to monitor microbial communities in wastewater treatment plants. This helps city officials fine-tune operations according to seasonal waste patterns, leading to energy savings and more efficient facilities.
Algae, Carbon, and Circular Economies
In the face of climate change, PtBio is also betting on microalgae like Nannochloropsis to convert CO₂ into useful biomaterials. Their BioDX platform analyzes gene expression to support the outdoor mass cultivation of algae—a potential game-changer for carbon recycling and the bioeconomy.
Food waste management is another area getting a microbial makeover. Through fermentation studies and metagenomic analysis, PtBio is helping turn discarded food into resources, contributing to Japan’s growing efforts in circular resource use.
Precision Gene Editing—Without the Licensing Tangle
Gene editing is the other cornerstone of PtBio’s toolkit. Their proprietary platforms, FirmCut Platinum TALEN and ZF-ND1, allow for high-precision DNA modifications while sidestepping costly licensing issues that often limit commercial applications.
These tools are already being put to use in the development of gene therapies for rare conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease with few treatment options. PtBio’s approach targets the specific mutations behind the disease, with the hope of halting or even reversing vision loss.
In another bold application, the company is developing hypoallergenic eggs by removing the ovomucoid protein responsible for most egg allergies—an innovation that could broaden dietary options for millions.
The Minds Behind the Molecules
PtBio’s research is guided by top-tier scientific minds. Among them is Dr. Takashi Yamamoto, a key figure in Japan’s gene editing community, and Dr. Hidemasa Bono, a specialist in genomic data integration. Together, they are advancing a vision of biotechnology that is not only technically sophisticated but socially impactful.
Science with Purpose
What sets PtBio apart is its dual commitment: pushing the frontier of biological science while delivering tangible social benefits. Its innovations span multiple sectors, but the goal remains consistent—a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.
As gene editing and digital biology gain traction globally, PtBio offers a compelling model for how these technologies can be responsibly applied. In the age of high-tech solutions, it’s the quiet, collaborative innovations like these that may leave the most lasting mark.
