The future of bioprocessing

Registrations are currently open for BioProNET workshops on big data and computational methods, genome editing and bioprocess intensification.

BioProNET is a network that focuses on the use of cells and their components (that is, bioprocessing) to produce biologics, defined as products that are composed of proteins (such as antibodies), peptides, RNA, DNA or vaccines. It is a BBSRC Network in Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy (NIBB), co-sponsored by EPSRC.

BioProNET has 900 members from industry, academia and other organisations who all share an interest in bioprocessing – membership is free and open to everyone, and they welcome members from outside the UK.

Registrations are currently open for three BioProNET workshops, taking place in June and July 2018:

• Using big data and computational methods in bioprocessing – 11th June, University of Kent, Canterbury
• The promise of genome editing: changing bioprocessing, manufacture and much more – 18th June, Bradfield Centre, Cambridge Science Park
• Bioprocess intensification – 4th July, University College London

Using big data and computational methods in bioprocessing

11th June, University of Kent, Canterbury

The continuing advances in computational methods and the greater use of high throughput ‘omics approaches has increased the potential for greater application of these methods in bioprocessing.

This BioProNET workshop, on 11th June 2018 in Canterbury, will focus on a number of main areas including:

• antibody design,
• use of genetic variation when analysing CHO cells for biologics production
• protein modelling to investigate properties such as aggregation and binding of host cell impurities to biologics.

Confirmed speakers include Charlotte Deane, University of Oxford, Mark Wass, University of Kent and Nicole Borth, Universität für Bodenkultur, Vienna, Austria.

You can find out more and register via the BioProNET events page.

The promise of genome editing: changing bioprocessing, manufacture and much more

18th June, Bradfield Centre, Cambridge Science Park

Evolution is so ‘yesterday’ as we enter the revolution offered by genome editing. You may find this opinion provocative but if the cellular systems we have are not good enough for the functions needed, why should we not just build new ones by changing the genetic makeup of the cell. So far, so good… the promise remains but what is the reality of this hope?

A BioProNET and Horizon Discovery co-sponsored workshop, on 18th June in Cambridge, will bring together expert opinion leaders from academia and industry to examine the likelihood of the expectations being translated to outcomes. Via short expert presentations and focused group discussions, participants will examine how the potential of genome editing to change the manufacture of bio-based products may be enhanced and the practical consequences of such interventions from a commercial perspective.

Confirmed speakers include Nicola McCarthy, Horizon Discovery; Mark Fife, Pirbright Institute and Claus Kristensen, University of Copenhagen.

You can find out more and register here.

Bioprocess intensification

4th July, University College London

The continued growth of the biopharmaceutical industry is being challenged by a greater number and variety of products than in the past. The industry is also increasingly concerned with the affordability of these products. These key factors means process intensification has become a critical objective. The goal is higher productivity processes to enable small process trains, resulting in cost-effective, lean, and agile manufacturing facilities.

This BioProNET symposium, on 4th July in London, assembles 8 leaders from the biopharmaceutical industry and academia (Line Lundsberg-Nielsen (NNE), Hani El-Sabbahy (3M/UCL), Ajoy Velayudhan (UCL) Peter Levison (Pall), Will Lewis (GSK), Jonathan Souquet (Merck KGaA), John Welsh (Pall) Suzy Farid (UCL)) who will present their latest findings and opinions on the subject. By bringing together scientists and engineers from academia and industry who are actively engaged in bioprocess intensification the event will provide forum for lively debate.

You can find out more and register via the BioProNET events page.