Urine could play a key role in future biotechnological systems

A common chemical found in urine can be used to boost the large-scale production of proteins like hormones and antibodies used by biotech companies.

Researchers from the University of Birmingham and Aston University in the UK have developed a system that uses urea to trigger production of these proteins in the large quantities required by the biotech industry.

Typically, this process involves introducing small pieces of DNA into bacteria like E. coli to trick them into overproducing certain proteins. It is a well-known technology that was first developed in the 1970’s. However, overproduction is typically triggered by “inducer” molecules, which can be expensive and often require careful handling, e.g. As cooling require.

By using urea, researchers have developed a method that is cheaper, less complicated, and uses readily available materials.

In a new study published in New biotechnologythe team examined both purified urea and the urea contained in common garden fertilizers. They showed that similar results could be obtained with both sources.

Co-author Professor Steve Busby from the University of Birmingham’s School of Biosciences said: “Our goal is to make this technology available to biotech companies that want to explore how to optimize their processes while keeping their costs down.”

The team also showed that it is possible to fine-tune the protein levels triggered by the urea molecule by varying the concentrations used. This is important in order not to damage or deplete the host bacteria. They found that it was possible to optimize production to levels similar to those produced with medium-strength promoters currently used as standards by the biotech industry.

The study builds on previous work where the team successfully showed that nitrate, a cheap, stable and abundant inorganic ion, could also be used as a trigger. Nitrate is commonly found in many commercial fertilizers and even some garden fertilizers, meaning it is always readily available, even in areas where other types of promoter chemicals may not be accessible.

co-author dr. Joanne Hothersall, also at the School of Biosciences, added: “Both urea and nitrate will be much more readily available and easier to use in places where infrastructure limits access, such as where a cold chain is maintained, we hope.” that these new approaches will open new avenues of research for the biotech industry.”