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Cologne, Germany
November 20, 2001
MPB Cologne GmbH,
the Molecular Farming company based in Cologne, Germany,
announced today that a cooperation agreement has been concluded
with ATO B.V. in
Wageningen, The Netherlands, covering scale-up of its protein
purification technology from laboratory to pilot scale.
Dr. Dieter Falkenburg, Vice President Business Development of
MPB Cologne, explained: "We entered into a strategic cooperation
with ATO because of their extensive know-how in applied plant
science, their interdisciplinary approach and their ability to
develop large scale processes that are both technically and
economically feasible. ATO is equipped with technical scale
potato tuber processing and protein purification facilities.
This cooperation is the most straightforward approach for
scale-up of processing and recovery within MPB´s Industrial
Tuber™ technology."
One project will cover screening of a number of industrial
techniques for purification of scFv antibodies from potato
tubers. Mid 2002, several 10 g of purified scFv protein shall be
available. Dr. Karin Merck, Senior Scientist Protein and
Separation Technology at ATO, commented: "ATO introduces its
extensive know-how and experience of its Food Structure and
Technology research group in potato processing into this
cooperation. Molecular Farming is an exciting new opportunity
for us to broaden the application of our long-standing
experience." MPB expects a solid basis for implementation of
commercial processing and recovery of scFv antibodies from
Industrial Tubers™.
MPB Cologne develops and produces novel proteins as materials
and active agents by Molecular Farming in genetically optimized
potato tubers for industry customers and partners. The
Industrial Tuber™ is used as a plant bioreactor for economical
large scale production with highest biosafety and quality
standards.
ATO B.V. is a multidisciplinary research company working in the
field of Agrotechnology. The main research activities of ATO are
in the fields of Renewable Resources, Food and Food Processing
and Agro and Industrial Production Chains. By integrating
relevant research disciplines for biotechnology (e.g.
fermentation technology, biochemistry, separation, process and
packaging technology) ATO is capable of covering the entire
chain from raw material to end product. Moreover, by its
integrated approach and market orientation ATO is able to bridge
the gap between R&D and industrial implementation.
Company news release
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