Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), have developed a novel method for the production of recombinant proteins.
Key points
- Mass production of recombinant proteins using yeast cell factories needs methanol, a compound that requires safe handling, carries the risk of catching fire, and sometimes produces harmful byproducts.
- Researchers have now developed an alternative, safer process that instead relies on a common food additive called monosodium glutamate (MSG).
- Recombinant proteins, such as vaccine antigens, insulin and monoclonal antibodies, are mass-produced by growing modified bacterial, viral or mammalian cells in large bioreactors.
- The most widely used organism is the yeast Pichia pastoris (now called Komagataella phaffii).
