Hitting the target: creating tractable target proteins without losing function for the biopharmaceutical sector

Some biopharmaceuticals can aggregate at various stages of their development which has adverse effects for patients.

To reduce or prevent this, a tripartite B-lactamase assay (TPBLA) has been developed which assesses the aggregation propensity of biopharmaceuticals as well as acting as a directed evolution screen to identify sequence changes which increase stability and prevent aggregation. In many cases, this can mean a decrease in functionality.

Previous work in the lab has led to the development of another assay, Solubility 'n' Affinity Coselection (SnAC) which selects for both variables using a reporter.

During this project, this assay will be optimised and applied to a variety of proteins relevant to the biopharmaceutical sector.