Transient Gene Expression

Transient Gene Expression (TGE) is the optimal choice for achieving rapid mammalian production, serving as the initial stage in assessing the expression of proteins in mammalian cells. Within a timeframe as short as 5 weeks, we can provide protein for research purposes and concurrently evaluate up to 72 constructs to ascertain the feasibility of protein expression in HEK293 or CHO cells. Upon the completion of initial feasibility studies, we can scale expression up to 30 L culture volume using shake-flasks.

  • Systems: HEK293-6E, CHO-3E7, or Your Preferred System
  • Scale from 1mL to 30L
  • Test up to 72 constructs in parallel
  • As little as 5 weeks to purified protein
  • Yields up to 500 mg/L

Workflow at Bioneer

Leveraging our expertise across diverse protein types, we provide early insights into the expression of your protein and mitigate risk through a flexible step-wise project approach with Go/No-Go decision points.

Process Step

Our approach

Time

Gene Design and Plasmid Preparation
  • Gene sequence is optimized for use in selected system
  • Gene synthesis via 3rd party provider
  • Cloning into expression vector
  • Large scale, high purity plasmid preparation for transfection (Can be conducted as stand-alone service)
2 – 4 weeks
Feasibility Studies & Construct Screening
  • Screen up to 72 constructs in parallel using deep well plates
  • Test expression in shake-flasks (1 mL – 30 L)
  • Analysis via SDS-PAGE and A280
2 – 3 weeks

Report Outlining Expression Results (Go/No Go)

Upscaled Expression
  • Upscaled expression of selected constructs
  • Up to 30 L culture volume can be run in parallel using shake-flasks
2 – 3 weeks

Reporting & Delivery of Culture Supernatant/Cell Pellets (Go/No-Go)

Purification and Downstream Process Development
  • Affinity purification for rapid delivery of purified product
  • Development of a downstream process customized for your protein
2+ Weeks
Characterization and Analysis
  • Customized analytical packages leveraging a full range of protein characterization methods
2+ Weeks
Formulation
  • Stability studies, buffer optimization, and more to create the optimal formulation for your protein
2+ Weeks

Reporting and Delivery of Purified Protein

Additional Services:

Stable Cell Line Development

Stable cell line development offers a robust solution for sustained and reliable protein expression in mammalian cells which is necessary for therapeutics, large-scale manufacturing, or other applications where consistent expression over multiple generations is critical. Stable cell lines can often provide higher per volume protein expression levels compared to transient gene expression. We offer a complete solution to provide you with fully documented and characterized cell banks for seamless transfer to a manufacturing facility for further production. Our proprietary Bioneer BION-CHO 6.0 System™ ensures high titers and consistent protein expression levels across generations, validated across various protein modalities. With innovative technologies and a multidisciplinary approach, we are well-equipped to tackle specialized projects.

  • Systems: CHO-DG44, CHO-S, BION-CHO 6.0 System™, or your preferred system
  • Stable Pools in as little as 8 weeks
  • Monoclonal Cell Lines in as little as 12 weeks
  • Fully characterized cell line
    • Research Cell Bank (RCB) tested for sterility and mycoplasma
    • Monoclonality verified and documented
    • Stability over 60 generations verified and documented
    • BSE/TSE statement provided
    • Documented cell line history
  • Yields up to 6 g/L
  • Royalty-free

BION-CHO 6.0 System™

The Bioneer BION-CHO 6.0 System™ outperforms commercially available systems. By utilizing our proprietary vectors specifically designed for use in CHO-DG44 cells, we achieve a significant increase in expression levels, which can be further enhanced through MTX amplification and media optimization.

We have successfully demonstrated the expression of various protein modalities, including enzymes, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and Bispecifics, maintaining stable expression over 60 generations, even in cells subjected to MTX amplification. With demonstrated titers reaching up to 6 g/L for mAb expression, the BION-CHO 6.0 System™ is the premium choice for a system.

Workflow at Bioneer

Leveraging our expertise across diverse protein types, we provide early insights into the expression of your protein and mitigate risk through a flexible step-wise project approach with Go/No-Go decision points.

Process Step

Our approach

Time

Gene Design and Plasmid Preparation
  • Gene sequence is optimized for use in selected system
  • Gene synthesis via 3rd party provider
  • Cloning into expression vector
  • Large scale, high purity plasmid preparation for transfection (Can be conducted as stand-alone service)
3 – 6 weeks
Transfection and Generation of Stable Pools
  • Transfection into cells via nucleofection
  • Cells subjected to selection pressure
  • Banking of cells from stable pools
3 weeks
Optional MTX Amplification
  • Additional selection pressure applied via MTX to upregulate expression of Gene of Interest. Can increase titer up to 2-fold
3 weeks
Optional Fed-batch Shake-Flask Production
  • Fed-batch production in shake-flasks to produce early material
2 – 3 weeks

Reporting & Transfer of Stable Pools, Supernatants, or Purified Proteins (Go/No-Go)

Single Cell Cloning, Expansion, and Screening
  • Single cell sorting into 96 well plates from pools.
  • Identification of growing clones and expansion
  • Selection of up to 24 clones
  • Verification of monoclonality
4 Weeks
Production Models and Selection of Top Clones
  • Fed-batch production of top clones to further screen for top producers
3 Weeks
RCB Banking of Top Clones
  • Research Cell Banks made of top ~3 clones
  • BSE/TSE statement provided
  • Verification of monoclonality
  • Documentation of cell history
2 Weeks

Reporting & Transfer of Stable Pools, Supernatants, or Purified Proteins (Go/No-Go)

Expression and Genetic Stability Study of Top Clones
  • Mock production to confirm stability of cell lines during manufacturing
  • 9+ week cultivation of top producers
  • Samples taken at various timepoints and analyzed for expression and genetic stability
13 weeks
Upstream Process Development
  • Optimization of media and expression conditions to maximize yield
  • 2x 1 L single use bioreactors
  • Production of pre-clinical material
3+ weeks
Purification and Downstream Process Development
  • Affinity purification for rapid delivery of purified product
  • Development of a downstream process customized for your protein
2+ weeks
Characterization and Analysis
  • Customized analytical packages leveraging full range of protein characterization methods
2+ weeks
Formulation
  • Stability studies, buffer optimization, and more to create the optimal formulation for your protein
2+ weeks

Reporting and Delivery of Purified Protein

Additional Services:

  • Cell Line Engineering
  • Glyco-engineered cell lines

Upstream Process Development

Optimization of cultivation conditions is not just important, but critical for achieving maximum yield in protein expression. By adjusting factors such as temperature, pH, and nutrient composition, we can tailor a cultivation process specifically designed to maximize production in your chosen mammalian cell line.

Beginning with small-scale experiments in tubes and shake-flasks, we methodically identify the most favorable expression conditions and can further test scalability utilizing single-use bioreactors. Whether you are seeking to develop a new process, optimize an existing one, conduct confirmation runs, or engage in pre-clinical production, our expertise and resources are at your disposal.

  • Fed-batch Production
  • Increase yields up to 2-fold
  • 2x 1 L Single Use Bioreactors
  • Media and process optimization

Purification and Downstream Process Development

We specialize in developing customized downstream processes, drawing upon our profound understanding of the inherent complexities in protein purification and the unique characteristics of each protein. We can swiftly provide materials using standardized methods such as affinity chromatography or devise intricate multistep processes that ensure purity levels surpassing 99%.

With experience in developing processes for cGMP manufacturing, our processes are carefully designed for seamless transfer to manufacturing facilities. Whether you require rapid material, full-scale process development, or optimization of existing procedures, our team of experts is fully equipped to assist you every step of the way.

  • Tagged and Non-tagged Methods
  • Upscaling and Tangential Flow Filtration
  • Process Development & Troubleshooting
  • mg to g scale

Variety of chromatographic techniques available

  • Affinity chromatography (Protein A, L, IMAC, etc.)
  • Ion exchange chromatography
  • Size exclusion chromatography
  • Mixed mode chromatography
  • Hydrophobic interaction chromatography
  • Endotoxin removal chromatography
  • More!

General Workflow

While every protein is different, our workflows are designed to optimize speed, resolution, capacity and yield. The following outlines the general steps in a downstream process.

Process Step

Example techniques

Preparation, Extraction, Clarification
  • Isolation of soluble/insoluble fractions
  • IB Solubilization & Refolding
  • Cell lysis
  • DNA removal
  • Protease inactivation
  • Clarification
  • Filtration

Capture

(Isolate, concentrate, and stabilize)

  • Affinity chromatography (Protein A, L, IMAC, etc.)
  • Ion exchange chromatography
  • Size exclusion chromatography
  • Mixed mode chromatography
  • Hydrophobic interaction chromatography
  • Etc.
Intermediate Purification

(Remove Bulk Impurities)

  • Ion exchange chromatography
  • Mixed mode chromatography
  • Hydrophobic interaction chromatography
  • Size exclusion chromatography
Polishing

(Achieve final high level purity)

  • Ion exchange chromatography
  • Mixed mode chromatography
  • Hydrophobic interaction chromatography
  • Size exclusion chromatography
Finalizing/ Formulation

(final preparation)

  • Ultrafiltration/Diafiltration
  • Buffer Exchange
  • Concentration adjustment
  • Sterile Filtration

Characterization & Analysis

We specialize in offering customizable characterization packages for protein analysis, utilizing a diverse array of techniques to meticulously examine protein properties. Through close collaboration with you, we tailor a plan to explore various facets of your protein, including purity, identity, structure, aggregation and stability.

Additionally, our cross-disciplinary approach enables us to provide further insights into your protein’s functionality by leveraging our in vitro modelling, histology, or formulation services. Whether you’re immersed in fundamental research, assay production, or biopharmaceutical development, our comprehensive characterization packages deliver invaluable insights to propel your projects forward.

Select from a variety of techniques

  • Gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE, native PAGE, IEF)
  • Western blotting
  • Capillary electrophoresis (CGE and cIEF)
  • Bradford and BCA protein quantification
  • Quantitative amino acid analysis (outsourced)
  • UV spectrophotometry
  • UHPLC (SEC, IEX, HIC, RP chromatography)
  • ELISA
  • Enzyme assays
  • Endotoxin measurement
  • Host cell protein analysis (CHO and E. coli HCP, Cygnus kit)
  • Host cell DNA (qPCR method)
  • Mass spectrometry (outsourced)
  • Circular Dichroism
  • Dynamic light scattering
  • Infrared spectroscopy
  • Thioflavin T Fluorescence
  • DSC and ITC
  • Mass Photometry (Refeyn TwoMP)

Additional Services:

Formulation

Bioneer also offers comprehensive formulation services, click here to learn more about our peptide and protein formulation offerings.

For further information
please contact:

Ryan Jeffrey Polito
Business Development Manager