Protein Expression Facility (PEF)
The University of Queensland
The Protein Expression Facility (PEF) specialises in recombinant protein production to advance cutting-edge research across academia, industry and government sectors.
PEF incorporates frontier protein technologies and a team of highly skilled specialists to deliver proteins for diverse applications.
With a comprehensive protein production platform and a suite of expression systems, PEF designs and develops protein production strategies for over 200 discovery and translational projects per year.
A broad spectrum of protein-based products are routinely produced in milligrams or grams quantity for end-use applications such as biotherapeutic and vaccine development, biocontrol technology, structural and functional studies, and modern diagnostic.
Workshops, customised upskilling programs and one-on-one consultation are also offered.
PEF has been recognised with multiple awards for its service excellence and teamwork.
- Website
- https://pef.facility.uq.edu.au
- Organisation type
-
- University Research Centre
- Number of research staff
- Up to 20 research staff
- Address
- Level 2, AIBN Building (75), The University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD 4072
Strengths and capabilities
- Molecular engineering strategies
- Parallel expression optimisation in four expression hosts
- Upstream and downstream bioprocessing engineering
- Protein analytics and characterisation
- Endotoxin-free DNA plasmid production
- Baculovirus/insect cell technology
- Transient and stable protein production
- Analytical method development
- Biotherapeutic and vaccine technology
- Virus-like particle engineering and production
- Bioconjugation development
- Nanobody discovery platform
Facilities and major equipment
- Molecular biology laboratory
- Cell culture laboratory
- Stirred-tank and rocking-motion bioreactors
- Semi-automated tangential flow filtration system
- Fast protein liquid chromatography purification systems
- A suite of protein analytics
Lead researchers
- Professor David Owen – With an extensive career in Australia's industrial biotechnology sector, David now serves as Director of the nation's leading protein research facility, overseeing hundreds of research projects across the country.
Achievements of the centre
- Convened Protein Australia conference bringing together scientists from 55 organisations to share leading protein technologies and network
- Innovative recombinant snake venom protein set to save lives
- Enabling Queensland ease of development and testing of Zika virus diagnostic tool
Key science sectors
More information about the sectors this centre is involved in:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Biotechnology
- Defence, aviation and space
- Engineering
- Environment and nature
- Food and agriculture
- Health and medical
- Tropical
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