SBIR-STTR Award

Investigations are being conducted on a new cell immobilization procedure to produce unique biocatalysts using latex coatings on activated carbon. In contrast to previously tried methods, this method gives a porous support allowing rapid substrate and gas transfer, has a hard surface to avoid compression in large beds, and is dense to allow use in fluidized beds. Phase I studies are concentrating on (1) dei-nonstrating the broad spectrum capabilities of this method by immobilizing two organist-ns (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Bacillus subtilis) that are useful for producing recombinant DNA proteins and a monoclonal antibody-producing hybridoma (CPG hybridoma), (2) optimizing the procedure for the first two organisms, and (3) making short-term measurements of biocatalyst life. Product formation (ethanol, L-tryptophan, antibody) will be assayed by suitable analytical technique to indicate the success of the immobilization.The major anticipated result from Phase I will be a proven method for the immobilization of three medically ii-nportant microorganisms. This research will test the feasibility of the proposed concept and will allow investigators to gather in Phase 11 additional research data that can be used to design a commercial catalyst in Phase 111. This technology provides the potential for the large-scale production of RDNA proteins and monoclonal antibodies.Institute Of Allergy And Infectious Diseases

This research continues investigations of a new cell immobilization procedure developed by Lawton Scientific, Inc. to produce unique biocatalysts using cells trapped in latex coatings on solid particles. Phase I demonstrated the applicability of our biocatalyst to a wide spectrum of microorganisms. Phase II will gather data for the scaleup and commercial design of bioreactor systems using our catalyst; two products targeted for future development will be emphasized.A laboratory phase will focus on (1) increasing the useful ranges of temperature and latex porosity, and (2) producing high molecular weight proteins using this catalyst system. A small scale pilot plant will be used to optimize the parameters for penicillin production using this catalyst.Pilot plant studies will focus on tryptophan and penicillin production. Xenogen, Inc. has expressed a strong interest in using this catalyst in conjunction with their genetically engineered yeast strain for commercial tryptophan production. Pfizer, Inc. has shown interest in commercializing the catalyst system in their production of penicillin. The potential cost savings are significant: In penicillin production, a savings in manufacturing cost of 20-40% could be realized due to lower raw material costs, easier product purification, and less waste.National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)