Protein Purification for the People

Overview

Protein purification is a common practice across Penn State’s Biomedical Engineering labs. While it is commonplace, the accessibility to current purification processes remains out of the price range of certain labs on campus. The goal of our group is to create an accessible and fully automated protein purification system that will be available to Penn State labs for benchtop use.

Objectives

– Create a fully automated benchtop model for gravimetric/affinity chromatography
– Obtain proof of concept through purification efficiency testing
– Scale and remodel original design files from preprint provided by the sponsor

Approach

– Participate in regular meetings and frequent communications with the sponsor to go over the work the group has done and any questions
– Redesigned STL files for 3D printing to improve device functionality and be easily scalable to accommodate multiple lab requirements
– Calibration of all electronics and alignment of components allowed for the automated device to be defined as fully functional and accurate
– Use of laboratory to conduct multiple experiments to obtain proof of concept that the device effectively purifies proteins
– Analysis of protein purification was completed with SDS-PAGE and Ultraviolet tests
– Documented procedures and results throughout laboratory analysis

Outcomes

– A large subset of testing, coding, and STL files were gathered and organized to assist future groups
– An automated 3D printed model was created to carry out protein purification through means of affinity chromatography
– Our STL files paired with our thorough testing of the overall product allowed us to conclude that the automated protein the purification system is fully functional, extremely affordable, and accessible to all Penn State Labs