Research highlights
Advancing biotechnology through collaboration and cutting-edge research
Collaboration on various projects integrating bioengineering and bioprocessing has led to a crucial insight: technology is most successful when supported by the best possible microbe. Driven by this understanding and a vision to effectively execute Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) cycles, Dr. Kim Trollope and Professors Heinrich Volschenk and Johann Görgens founded a pioneering biofoundry for the South African biotechnology community. The biofoundry is based in Prof. Volschenk’s laboratory at the Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University.
Legacy DNA cloning methods and investigating new methods to marry isothermal amplification and automation of cloning.
Delivering a superior enzyme for the efficient production of prebiotic fructooligosaccharide sweeteners.
Our laboratory utilizes an integrated platform for both in vitro transcription and cell-free protein synthesis, enabling the seamless production of functional proteins from DNA templates. This system allows for rapid, efficient protein expression without the need for living cells, facilitating flexible experimental design and accelerating research in protein function, enzyme activity, and synthetic biology applications.
An innovative yeast screening tool has been developed to identify "jackpot" clones in a protein-agnostic manner. This method allows for the rapid and cost-effective evaluation of thousands of engineered yeast strains, ultimately pinpointing a select few to undergo more rigorous testing to assess their potential for specific applications. The team has deployed this tool to develop technologies to produce in vitro transcription enzymes used to manufacture mRNA vaccines.
Mammalian cell culture protocols are in place, including the transfection of mRNA to assess the functionality of in vitro transcription processes. Beyond this, our mammalian cell culture facility is equipped for a wide range of studies, inlcuding microbial-mammalian cell co-culture to study host-pathogen interactions,evaluating drug efficacy and toxicity, and producing biological products like antibodies and vaccines.
Other research interests
- Assay development
- Novel antifungal agents
- Protein purification and protein chemistry
- Bioprocess development and scale-up (partnered with the Department of Chemical Engineering, Stellenbosch University)