Services for Companies and Research Institutions
Recombinant Strains and Genetic Constructs
The service unit offers design and optimization of genetic constructs and expression systems for diverse microbial hosts, including:
- DNA isolation and preparation of competent cells
- Primer design and target gene amplification
- Site-directed mutagenesis and generation of evolved gene variants
- Selection and design of suitable expression vectors
- Construction of plasmid vectors or chromosomal integration
- RNA work, including isolation and cDNA library preparation
Optimization of Growth and Production Characteristics
Microbial cultivation and production parameters are optimized using BioLector XT/RoboLector microbioreactor platforms or shake-flask cultivation:
- Screening of growth parameters under aerobic and anaerobic conditions
- Evaluation of expression systems in complex media
- Transfer from complex to defined minimal media
- Preparation of inoculum cultures (OD, CFU, growth phase standardization)
- Optimization of cultivation parameters (pH, temperature, inducer concentration)
- Microbial Drug-tolerability (MIC tests, XTT a MTT assays, Drop assay, Growth curve assay)
- Characterization of growth curves under selective pressure (C/N source, pH, temperature, aeration, heavy metals, etc.)
- Preparation microbial strains and cryopreservation of biological material upon request
Laboratory-Scale Cultivation
Cultivation is performed from shake-flask experiments to stirred bioreactors up to 12 L under controlled conditions with online parameter monitoring:
- Shake-flask cultivation (50–500 mL)
- High-throughput isolate screening using BioLector XT/RoboLector with online growth monitoring
- Bench-top bioreactor cultivation (1–5 L, optionally 6–12 L)
- Batch and fed-batch strategies
- Control of cultivation parameters (pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, aeration, agitation)
Downstream Processing (Protein Purification and Processing)
- The center provides comprehensive downstream services, including:
- Affinity chromatography (Ni-NTA, TALON)
- Protein purity assessment by SDS–PAGE
- Spectrophotometric protein quantification
- Biomass processing and cell extract preparation (lysis optimization)
- Product stabilization and storage (lyophilization, formulation)