INFORS HT blog

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 Multitron incubator shaker remains uniquely popular since its launch in 1991. The original concept was to offer maximum shake flask capacity whilst occupying minimum space within the laboratory. A number of other new features were launched alongside the Multitron, and since have become firm favourites with users. Some of the best loved capabilities of the Multitron are listed below.

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 continuing bioprocess automation brings new challenges. Industry 4.0 pushes us to strengthen the cohesion between people, processes and technologies. How can we develop systems and functions that provide an enhanced user experience and enable a substantial, organic relationship between software and people? Tacking on new functionality to existing solutions is one option, but the opportunity to rebuild using proven new approaches is too important to miss. Here we take you behind the scenes of our software development.

A cross-interdisciplinary collaboration is increasing the sustainable value creation in Norwegian aquaculture and agriculture by using industrial by-products as a nutrient source for yeast-based Single Cell Protein (SCP). The microbial ingredient is used as a high-value locally produced protein source in animal feed with health-promoting components. But how to meet the demand for more biomass? The success story of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) shows us a way to increase production capacity.

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.