Protein Engineering & Biochemistry for BioLogic Exploration

The demand for biological medicines in healthcare is steadily increasing. The PEBBLE laboratory addresses this need by providing high-quality protein production capabilities that support multiple UEF research communities. Going beyond simple bacterially produced proteins, we enable local production, formulation, and quality assurance of diverse, complex proteins required for biologics development and translational medicine. By bridging fundamental biochemistry with clinical applications, the PEBBLE lab offers specialised facilities for the production, characterisation, and formulation of protein-based therapeutics and diagnostic reagents that require expression in living cell systems. Our laboratory has two main research focuses:

Recombinant Protein Production

We provide expertise in recombinant protein production, purification, and their biophysical and functional characterisation.
Our research focuses on bridging academic and clinical studies to advance drug and diagnostic development. Key areas of activity include:
·  Recombinant Protein Production: Utilising bacterial, insect (ExpiSF9), and mammalian (HEK293F) cell culture systems to produce functional recombinant proteins and their further purification.
·   Protein Characterisation: Advanced structural and functional analysis, including binding interaction studies and thermal stability analysis.
·   Biotherapeutic Development: Supporting the development of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) and biotherapeutics.
·   Methodology Development: Optimising protocols for PCR, ligation-independent cloning, and specialised affinity purification (Ni-NTA and Strep-Tactin® XT), Gel-filtration/ Size-exclusion chromatography, Hydrophobic Interaction chromatography, Ion-Exchange chromatography.

Vaccine delivery

Our group develops protein-based and microbial platforms for mucosal vaccine delivery by integrating protein engineering, immunology, and microbiology. We focus on targeted antigen delivery and protection at mucosal surfaces using M-cell–targeted nanobody platforms for intranasal vaccines and acid-resistant, non-pathogenic E. coli vehicles for oral vaccination, with the goal of inducing protective immunity at sites of pathogen entry.

We invite academic and industry collaborators to utilise our advanced infrastructure for protein production and characterisation. Whether you need tailored recombinant proteins, wish to co-develop novel vectors from our repository, or seek to design experimental approaches using our insect and mammalian platforms, we welcome your partnership.

Furthermore, we are looking for motivated master’s students (including Erasmus trainees) and PhD candidates to join our research group. By joining the PEBBLE group, you will gain hands-on experience in molecular biology, protein engineering, FPLC purification, and biophysical characterisation within a multidisciplinary environment.

Contact us to explore collaborative projects, service pricing, or thesis opportunities

[email protected]