Master Thesis

Role Summary/Purpose:

Master thesis "Developing and comparing three different refolding protocols". The purpose of this master thesis is to investigate, develop protocols and compare three different refolding techniques; two chromatography techniques (IMAC and Size exclusion) and one dilution technique.

Essential Responsibilities:

One of the major bottlenecks in lab scale protein production is the formation of inclusion bodies during expression. Inclusion bodies are mainly composed of the target protein in a denatured form. In many labs this material is discarded, but in this work we can instead use inclusion bodies as a starting point for the protein purification. The model protein which will be used is Dehydrofolate reductase (DHFR) expressed in E .coli which forms a high level of inclustion bodies.


The work will include production of protein, purification of both soluble proteins and inclusion bodies and analysis of the refolded protein, but the focus will be on the development of refolding protocols with the techniques mentioned above.


To be able to set up an efficient refolding protocol and predict which parameters that are important a tool called Design of experiments will be used. Screening studies as well as optimization and stability activities will be performed. Analytical methods such as SDS-PAGE, Western blot, use of Enzymatic assays and Biacore analysis (surface plasmon resonance) will be used for evaluation.


The diploma work will preferably be carried out during Autumn 2015.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Education in Biotechnology/Biochemistry/Chemistry in the level of master thesis work (examensarbete)
Solid laboratory skills
Knowledge about chromatography techniques is an advantage
EU work permit

Desired Characteristics:

Goal oriented, structured and good analytic ability
Able to work independently and good collaborative skills
Interested in research and laboratory work
Good English communication skills