Laura Freeman
PIPS Host Organization: Sekisui Diagnostics UK Ltd
Project Title: Optimising Native Streptavidin Production

For many years, Sekisui Diagnostics has produced streptavidin to sell to laboratories for molecular biology, using 600 L batch fermentation of Streptomyces avidinii. Despite only producing this product once a year, the company noticed variability in their yield. Therefore, the aim of Laura’s project was to find ways to maximize streptavidin yield, which required developing a method to downscale the fermentation procedure and conditions.

Laura started by growing the bacteria in shake flasks and, through monitoring streptavidin production, cellular morphology, and pH, she was able to highlight some conditions that needed investigating in her final two weeks when she cultured S. avidinii in 2 L fermenters. This project provided Laura with a good opportunity to learn how to set up, run, and monitor batch fermenters. Since she holds a strong interest in the gut microbiome and feels that this is an area she would like to pursue a post-doc in, she believes these are valuable skills to have.

Laura developed her scientific notetaking skills, understanding that accountability is critical when working on large international projects, so she was advised to write down all the details about all the reagents and equipment used. She also observed a client pull out of a project involving the whole department, resulting in them not having much to do for a few weeks. Laura did not like the dependency that CDMOs have on their clients to conduct research. By speaking to different colleagues, she got the impression that scientists in industry have less independence and responsibilities than in academia. However, she enjoyed working set hours and felt that there were good career progression opportunities in the company.