9732957 Harcum The objective of this career program is to enhance the understanding of the stress response in recombinant Escherichia coli and to integrate biotechnology research and education of chemical engineers. The research portion of this proposal will use experiments to increase the basic understanding of cellular control of proteolytic processes during recombinant protein production. Protease activity levels will be monitored as well as the cleavage sensitive peptide bonds determined. A model will be developed and refined to improve the control of recombinant fermentations. This information will have the dual benefit of reducing both fermentation and downstream purification costs. The education portion of the program is focused towards educating chemical engineers in biotechnology principles to meet the growing demand for this expertise. The stress response in recombinant E. coli will be model system for the integration of research and education for undergraduate and graduate students. ***
