Protein Folding Platform

Project Summary

Bio-techne empowers researchers in life science and clinical diagnostics by providing high quality reagents, instruments, custom manufacturing, and testing services. Some key products of the company are diagnostic products, high quality purified proteins and reagents, protein analysis solutions. This design aims to be capable of controlling and monitoring the initial mix rate of the protein with the refolding buffer, the overall duration of the refold reaction, and the temperature of the reaction. The design also aims to incorporate concentration testing of the initial protein mixture.

Design Goal

The goal of this project is to aid Bio-Techne in standardizing their process for obtaining active, functional protein from improperly folded material expressed by E. coli. This can be done by optimizing the refolding parameters, to promote native protein conformation and minimize aggregation.

Design Constraints

• Finding a material for tubing that offers a flexible turning radius and chemical compatibility.
• Designing insulating, water-tight housing for the tubing, with multiple ports.
• Ensuring consistent mixing of the buffer solution and denatured protein solution.
• Ensuring the device accommodates 1-5L of fluid, which remains in suspension in device or 7 days.
• The device shall have manual sampling valves and ports for pulse addition of proteins.