Development of a robust SPR system for the detection of growth factors in an insect-based expression platform

Growth factors are signaling molecules used in cell culture that provide cues to cells. They are one of the key inputs and main consumables in lab growth meat production. Because of this, they are the main driver of production costs. Future Fields is a Canadian biotechnology company that has developed a more cost-effective and scalable platform for producing key growth factors for lab grown meat production; however, analysis of growth factors produced in Future Fields’ system is costly and time consuming. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is a novel method of efficient and highly sensitive detection of proteins. The implementation of SPR into Future Fields’ production system would have profound impacts on their ability to produce growth factor products faster and more cost effectively.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mark McDermott

Student:

Thuy Nguyen

Partner:

Future Fields

Discipline:

Chemistry

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Alberta