Bioprocess Basics

As the workhorses of life, proteins fulfil a variety of functions in our bodies. If their functionality is limited or missing, diseases can arise. Therefore, proteins and their production are a central key to research. Whether protein expression is to be controlled for experimental, biotechnological, or medical applications, the use of cells is often mandatory. Many researchers repeatedly face the same challenge of producing complex target protein fast and cheap. Transient transfection of recombinant plasmids (rpDNA) in mammalian cells is a popular method for this purpose. In the following article, we look at the success story of research assistant Damian von Blarer, who must produce specific regions of the famous SARS-CoV-2 spike protein for efficiency studies of a rapid test – for this he needs plasmids, and we show which questions you need to answer to produce and amplify them easily yourself.

The idea of using our own cells to produce antibodies essential for survival no longer belongs to science fiction. Although it has been the focus of researchers for decades, the direct use of messenger RNA encoding antibodies has received recent market approval due to the urgency of the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, this platform technology is revolutionizing the way we think about biopharmaceutical production and has great potential for further applications. In the following article, you will learn about the key aspects of the application, production and use of mRNA, the software of life.

The scale–up from bench-top bioreactors to larger, pilot systems can seem daunting. The list of user requirements specifications is much longer, and the manufacturer will provide a peculiar drawing called a P&ID. Reading these is second nature to a Bioprocess Engineer. For someone without such a background, this may be a strange concept. Nevertheless, with a bioreactor in the centre of your process, it is vital to link bioprocess technology and mechanical engineering in a schematic representation. This article shows you how to interpret your P&ID and to understand the functionalities of your bioreactor and its capabilities. 

In order to understand the optimum conditions for in-vitro culture, you need to know which natural environment gives the organism what they need to grow and thrive. In addition, a clear understanding of the different growth phases in a bioprocess is essential for selecting a bioprocess strategy.