Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers (CCFB)
Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University
The Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers researches and develops innovative functional materials and technologies that can provide solutions for global health and environmental challenges. We harness the capacity of diverse biological systems to synthesise and assemble biologically active materials by applying bioengineering, synthetic biology and biotechnological approaches. A major research focus of ours is the design and development of innovative bio-based materials for uses as vaccines and in diagnostics. Disease focus areas are bacterial and viral infections such as those caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, HCV and Dengue. We explore how microorganisms synthesise polymers and assemble biological nano-/micro-structures and investigate the biosynthesis of polysaccharides and biopolyesters. The Centre forms part of the Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery.
- Website
- https://www.griffith.edu.au/institute-drug-discovery/our-institute/cell-factories-biopolymers
- Organisation type
- University Research Centre
- Number of research staff
- Up to 20 research staff
- Address
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery (N75), Don Young Road, Griffith University, Nathan QLD 4111
Strengths and capabilities
- Biomolecular engineering
- Bioproduction
- Hybrid biomaterials
- Biopolymers
- Vaccines
- Biotechnology
- Microbial expression
- Plant-based expression
- Bioprocessing
- Microbiology
Facilities and major equipment
- Microbial fermentation bioreactor suite
- Bioprocess development
- Biomaterials characterization
- Physical Containment Class 2 (PC2) laboratory
- Biopolymer analysis unit
- Protein analysis unit
- Plant genetic and molecular laboratories
- Immunology and cell culture laboratories
Lead researchers
- Professor Bernd Rehm—Developed biomaterials platform technologies for precision-engineering of vaccines, diagnostics, biocatalysts and bioseparation resins.
- Dr Frank Sainsbury—Developed expression technologies that have supported Phase III clinical trials for VLP vaccines.
Achievements of the centre
- Development of vaccine candidates against SARS-CoV-2
- Development of vaccine candidates against malaria
- Development of innovative self-assembling hybrid biomaterials
Key science sectors
More information about the sectors this centre is involved in:
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