Protein Engineering Services

Creative BioMart provides top-notch protein engineering services to cater to a wide range of scientific and industrial needs. We use directed evolution and rational design to boost protein functionality, stability, and specificity.

We offer a full suite of services, from feasibility studies to structural analysis, ensuring accurate outcomes. Focusing on boosting activity, expression, and novel properties, Creative BioMart facilitates efficient enzyme design and the development of therapeutic proteins for meaningful applications.

Overview

What is Protein Engineering?

Protein engineering is all about digging into the connection between how proteins are built and what they do, with a goal to tweak them to fit specific needs. The main techniques here are rational design and directed evolution . Rational design leans on a deep understanding of protein structure and function, using computer tools to predict how changes might work out. Directed evolution, on the other hand, mimics natural selection by introducing random mutations and screening for the best performers to quickly boost protein capabilities.

The field of protein engineering combines genetic editing, bioinformatics, automated screening, and precision characterization, showcasing interdisciplinary collaboration. Techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 and recombinant DNA are essential for altering genes that encode proteins, thereby controlling changes in amino acid sequences. Computational tools play a crucial role, with applications like molecular docking for protein-ligand interactions prediction and molecular dynamics simulations for analyzing protein behavior. Machine learning and AI algorithms help process large datasets, uncover optimization paths, and accelerate design cycles. High-throughput screening technologies swiftly create and evaluate mutation libraries to select proteins that meet design goals. Finally, structural techniques like X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM), along with biochemical and physical chemistry experiments, verify the success of protein modifications.

In the future, protein engineering will further integrate artificial intelligence, big data analysis, and automated platforms for an end-to-end design approach, significantly boosting efficiency. The evolution of synthetic biology opens new possibilities not only for single protein modification but also for designing entirely new cells or biological systems with novel functions. Personalized medicine is rising, driving genomic-based precise protein design tailored to individual patients’ needs. With cross-disciplinary technology integration, protein engineering will play an increasingly vital role in nanotechnology, sustainable development, and new bio-materials creation. These advancements will deepen our understanding of life systems and offer innovative solutions to complex global challenges.

Applications of Protein Engineering

Research Field	Examples
Medicine	Protein Drug Optimization: We’re working on boosting the stability and activity of antibody drugs and enzyme replacement therapies. Biomarkers: Developing diagnostic tools that are more sensitive and specific. Gene and Cell Therapy Carriers: Crafting safer and more efficient gene carriers and cell modification tools.
Industrial Enzymes	Stability Enhancements: We’re tweaking enzymes to withstand high temperatures and extreme pH levels. Catalytic Efficiency: Enhancing enzyme performance for use in industries like food, chemicals, and textiles.
Agriculture and Environment	Disease-Resistant Plant Proteins: Creating proteins to help plants fend off pests and diseases. Pollutant-Degrading Enzymes: Designing enzymes that can break down pollutants for environmental cleanup.
New Material Development	Tailored Protein Materials: Producing proteins with specific mechanical properties or biocompatibility. Smart Responsive Materials: Developing materials that react to changes in temperature or pH.

Our Services on Protein Engineering

Customized Protein Design

By using cutting-edge software and tapping into expert insights, we offer services to design proteins just the way you need them.

Protein Optimization

We enhance how proteins are built, how they function, and how they’re made, using smart design strategies and evolutionary techniques.

Mutant Screening

By blending computer predictions with lab tests, we swiftly identify mutants with desired characteristics.

From DNA to Proteins

We deliver comprehensive services, handling everything from genetic material to fully-formed proteins, tailored to what you’re looking for.

Our Protein Engineering Platforms

Platforms	Details
Directed evolution	Phage display platform
	E. coli display platform
	Yeast display platform
	Special cell-based display platform
	Cell-free display platform
Rational design	Sequence-based design
	Structure-based design
	De novo design
Library construction	Random mutagenesis
	Site directed mutagenesis
	DNA recombination

Service Workflow

Instruments and Equipments

These tools each play a unique and essential role at various stages of protein engineering. From efficient separation and purification using HPLC and AKTA systems, to structural analysis with Cryo-EM, and functional validation with the Octet analyzer, they offer comprehensive tech support for effective protein engineering research and development.

Case Study

Fig. 1. Biosensors linked to phage replication were tested in E. coli with or without ligand and phage for 6 hours. (Jones KA, et al. ACS Cent Sci. 2021)

Case 1: Enhancing biocatalyst evolution with ligand biosensors
The researchers have created ligand-dependent biosensors to efficiently link small molecules to detectable readouts like fluorescence. While these tools are common for monitoring and optimizing small molecules in engineered cells, they’re less explored for evolving biocatalysts. The new biosensors can identify various small molecules and have been used to improve biocatalyst-related continuous evolution methods, such as PACE and PACS. Utilizing these phage-based techniques, they have evolved enzymes with better catalytic abilities. Moreover, our diverse PACS library is rich in active enzymes with new substrate capacities, paving the way for engineering biocatalysts with enhanced functions.

Fig. 2. The temperature and pH profile of VP2.0-catalyzed ABTS oxidation. (Kohler AC, et al. Cell Chem Biol. 2018)

Case 2: Rational engineering of enhanced peroxidases
With growing biotechnological needs, rational protein engineering offers a path to creating innovative enzymes like heme peroxidases, which serve as mild, eco-friendly alternatives to harsh chemical catalysts. These enzymes are valuable but currently limited to the more stable, less active types. Researchers have developed a novel plant-fungal hybrid peroxidase (VP2.0) through structure-guided engineering, combining the catalytic prowess of versatile peroxidases with the stability of plant enzymes, providing greater application potential.

Fig. 3. The glutathione-dependent peroxidase activity of the parent GSTFs and shuffled enzyme variants. (Ioannou E, et al. Int J Mol Sci. 2022)

Case 3: Enhanced herbicide-resistance enzymes via directed evolution
Through extensive herbicide use, weeds have developed multiple resistance, linked in part to phi class glutathione transferases (GSTFs). By using DNA shuffling, researchers created a library of mutant GSTFs from both weeds and cereal crops. Screening revealed enzyme variants with eight times greater catalytic efficiency, increased thermal stability, and enhanced sensitivity to herbicide butachlor. Structural analysis identified elements crucial for these improvements, offering new possibilities for their application in green biotechnology.

Fig. 4. Average nucleotide frequency at each position of the NNK randomized codons. (Woolley M, et al. PLoS One. 2022)

Case 4: Rapid library construction with L&E technique
In vitro protein display methods can utilize vast libraries but are often slowed by complex preparation. This efficient one-pot ligation & elongation (L&E) method creates large synthetic libraries without PCR or purification. Demonstrating this, researchers built an ankyrin repeat protein library with 10¹¹ variants in just 150 μL within 90 minutes, streamlining protein engineering processes.

Why Choose Us?

Comprehensive Platform

An integrated protein engineering platform that combines advanced bioinformatics tools and diverse experimental techniques

Expertise in Rational Design and Directed Evolution

Benefit from our extensive experience in both computational simulation for directed evolution

Advanced Display Systems

Utilize our developed in vivo and in vitro protein display systems

Customizable Library Construction

Such as random and site-directed mutagenesis, tailored to the customer’s specific project requirements

High-Throughput Screening

Screen and refine protein variants to achieve desired results.

Proven Track Record

Creative BioMart is a trusted name in protein engineeri

FAQs

• Q: How to provide sequence information of target proteins?

  A: Customers can submit the gene sequence of the target protein through the online platform, or provide relevant literature and database links for our subsequent design and analysis.

• Q: How can I ensure that the protein I design meets my specific needs?

  A: We use advanced computer-aided design tools and high-throughput screening techniques, combined with extensive experience, to ensure that the proteins we design meet your specific requirements, both structurally and functionally. In addition, we carry out rigorous quality control and validation at every key stage.

• Q: How do we tackle impurities or degradation issues during protein purification?

  A: We use a multi-step purification approach, including techniques like affinity chromatography, ion exchange, and gel filtration. By optimizing buffer systems and operational conditions, we effectively eliminate impurities and prevent protein degradation, ensuring the final product’s purity and activity.

• Q: How will I be involved and informed of progress during the project?

  A: We maintain close communication with our customers, provide regular progress reports, and always answer customer questions to ensure that the project is progressing as expected.

Additional Links and Resources