Recombinant Protein Purification

Resource Person: Dr Arathi B P
Organizing Committee: Department of Biotechnology
Participants: MSc II & IV Sem Biotechnology Students
No of Participants: 88
Date: 14.08.2024
Time: 10 AM to 1 PM
Venue: Visveswaraiah Seminar Hall
A guest lecture on "Recombinant Protein Purification" was conducted on 14th August 2024 by Department of Biotechnology in Visveswaraiah Seminar Hall at M S Ramaiah College of Arts, Science, and Commerce. The session was organized specifically for the MSc Biotechnology students of II and IV semesters. The lecture was delivered by Dr. Arathi B P, a Postdoctoral Fellow from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, who is renowned for her research in protein engineering and purification.

Objectives

The primary objective of the lecture was to provide in-depth knowledge and practical insights into the purification of recombinant proteins, a crucial aspect of biotechnology. The session aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, enabling students to better understand the complexities involved in the purification process, which is essential for various biotechnological applications including drug development, enzyme production, and research.

Introduction

The event commenced with a welcome speech by Ms. Megha P, a student of IV Semester MSc Biotechnology. She warmly welcomed the resource person, faculty members, and fellow students, setting a positive tone for the session. Her address emphasized the significance of the topic and the value it holds for aspiring biotechnologists. Ms. Kaursika Roy from II Semester MSc Biotechnology introduced the esteemed resource person, Dr. Arathi B P. Ms. Roy highlighted Dr. Arathi’s academic achievements and her extensive experience in the field of biotechnology. She also mentioned Dr. Arathi’s ongoing research at IISc, which focuses on protein purification techniques and their applications in various biotechnological fields. The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Ms. Vandana P, a student of II Semester MSc Biotechnology. She expressed her gratitude to Dr. Arathi B P for taking time out of her busy schedule to share her expertise with the students and also thanked the faculty members and the organizing committee, participants for their efforts in making the event a success.

Lecture Highlights

Dr. Arathi B P delivered an engaging and informative lecture on "Recombinant Protein Purification." She began with a brief overview of recombinant DNA technology and the significance of recombinant proteins in research and industry. Dr. Arathi then delved into the methodologies involved in the purification of recombinant proteins, explaining the various techniques such as affinity chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, and size exclusion chromatography
The lecture also covered:

• Expression Systems Dr. Arathi discussed different expression systems used for producing recombinant proteins, including bacterial, yeast, and mammalian systems, emphasizing their advantages and limitations.
• Challenges in Purification The complexities and challenges faced during the purification process were elaborated upon, with real-life examples from Dr. Arathi's research work
• Applications The lecture highlighted the wide range of applications of purified recombinant proteins in pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and industrial enzymes.
• Case Studies Dr. Arathi presented case studies demonstrating successful purification processes, which provided practical insights and encouraged interactive discussions among students.

Interactive Session

The lecture was followed by an interactive session where students actively participated by posing questions and discussing their doubts. Dr. Arathi patiently answered each query, providing additional resources and guidance for further reading. The students appreciated the opportunity to engage directly with an expert in the field, gaining clarity on various aspects of protein purification.

Conclusion

The guest lecture on "Recombinant Protein Purification" was highly beneficial for the MSc Biotechnology students, providing them with valuable knowledge that is directly applicable to their academic and research pursuits. The event was well-organized and received positive feedback from both students and faculty members. Such initiatives contribute significantly to the academic development of students and strengthen the institution's commitment to providing quality education in the field of biotechnology.

Recommendations

Based on the success of this lecture, it is recommended that similar guest lectures and workshops be organized regularly, focusing on advanced topics in biotechnology to keep students abreast of the latest developments in the field.