Putting intelligence in high throughput

The engineering group provides enabling technologies the for high throughput expression, purification, characterization, and crystallization of proteins of interest to the SGC. This includes the development and optimization of protocols for these technologies, particularly in the area of protein expression.

Our technologies include a number of off the shelf systems which have been programmed to semi-automate steps from cloning though to crystallization. Many of these systems have been customized to better fulfill the requirements of the SGC. This includes custom software and hardware upgrades.

We have developed a number of novel systems, focused particularly in the area of protein expression. This includes LEX, a low-cost, high density bioreactor system which serves as the primary expression system at the SGC Toronto.

Some factors that have been investigated to improve protein expression include pH levels, oxygen content, bubbling rates, and reactor geometries. These experiments both optimize our existing systems and drive further technology development.

Our group has developed a variety of small equipment for use around the labs. This ranges from custom microplates to pinners and plate washers to environmental control units for specialized assays.

Due to the highly parallel nature of the work being done at the SGC, we have developed a variety of racks and stands to help improve organization.

Our engineering analysis capabilities are also put to use for various projects. Past projects have included thermal, stress, and fluid analyses.

Team Members:

• Raymond Hui, Ph.D., Principle Investigator
• Ken Yamazaki, M.Eng., Automation Engineer

Alumni

• Charise Jewell (Currently at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research)
• Dengbo Ma, Ph.D.
• Fabien Marino, M.Eng. (Currently at Merck KgaA)
• Sam Memar
• Sandro Nalli, Ph.D. (Currently at GlaxoSmithKline)
• Aye Nyein San, M.A.Sc. (Currently at SQI Diagnostics)
• Andy Wong (Currently studying at University of Waterloo)
• Ron Yeung (Currently at Harbinger Biotech)