Section Biochemistry

"Proteins form the structure and chemistry of life. Their enormous diversity, their specialization and their potential for therapeutic use are overwhelming and make biochemistry and bioanalytics pioneering disciplines."
We put our knowledge into practice in projects with life science companies, the pharmaceutical industry as well as in education courses and general teaching.
Areas of our expertise

Recombinant Protein Technology
Pharmaceutically and biotechnologically relevant proteins are expressed in both prokaryotic (e.g. E. coli) and in eukaryotic cells (e.g. CHO, HEK). The goal is to achieve the highest possible expression rates of the target protein for downstream processing. We are experienced in the production of soluble proteins, including antibodies, refolding from inclusion bodies, and purification of membrane Proteins.
Downstream Processing
In Downstream Processing (DSP) different methods are used to purify the target protein to homogeneity as required e.g. for an active pharmaceutical ingredient. The focus is on chromatographic techniques, but filtration methods are also used. The processes are developed in such a manner that a scale-up to GMP production is possible. At laboratory scale recombinant proteins are purified for preclinical pilot studies. In addition to the classical downstream procedures, we develop new methods, such as the automated screening of appropriate conditions for protein purifications using Design-of-Experiments (DoE).
Early Development of Biologics
The development of protein-based therapeutics, e.g. monoclonal antibodies, usually starts with a large number of candidates that have been obtained e.g. by phage display or from immunized animals. However, many of these candidates do not sufficiently meet the desired requirements in terms of specificity, affinity and solubility to develop a safe and marketable drug for patients. In so-called developability assessments, we test the candidates for their suitability for development as a drug using various orthogonal methods. In addition, we support biotech and pharmaceutical companies in the characterization of selected lead candidates. Our developed methods are then used in quality control during GMP production. We have experience in the developability assessment of mono- and bispecific antibodies as well as antibody drug conjugates.
Bioanalytics
We use a variety of bioanalytical methods for the detailed characterization of proteins and glycans. The complexity of proteins requires comprehensive analysis to obtain reliable data regarding therapeutic efficacy, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, protein folding and stability. With our LC-MS/MS (ESI-Q-TOF), we can determine accurate masses and generate information about sequences and post-translational modifications of proteins. Recombinant proteins often include complex glycosylations, the detailed examination of which we carry out by means of mass spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis and ion chromatographic methods.
Ligand-analyt interactions are examined in label-free real-time measurements using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy. These allow the determination of association and dissociation rate constants, and thereby the affinity.
Within a 5-year Horizon2020 project with 13 European partners we are responsible for the analysis of glycan structures of plant protein-based toxins.
Bioinformatics
Knowledge of the theoretical physicochemical properties of proteins is needed for analytical experiments, it facilitates the development of a downstream strategy and provides information about the stability of the product. Since none of the software applications currently available can satisfactorily meet all the requirements, a stand-alone web app with full functionality was developed.
Research & Development

The Biochemistry team carries out applied science in the context of research and development projects, Bachelor’s and Master’s theses in cooperation with industry partners. We use our experience in recombinant protein technology, downstream processing, early development of biologics and bioanalytics, and the infrastructure of our superbly equipped laboratories.
Courses of study

For the Bachelor's degree, the Centre for Biochemistry and Bioanalytics is responsible for biochemistry lectures 1-4, as well as bioanalytics lectures and the practical course in biochemistry. The specialisation course in the 6th semester and the subsequent Bachelor’s thesis include research topics arising from our core competencies in cooperation with partners in industry.
In the Master’s degree program in the specialisation “Chemistry for the Life Sciences”, we conduct the module Big Active Molecules with the lecture "Recombinant Proteins as Therapeutics" and the practical course "Downstream Processing & Analytics" in our laboratories. Master’s theses are based on current topics from R&D projects.
Team
Students
Jon Grolimund (MSc)