Determination of Bioactive Protein Product Produced During Fermentation Using an Optical Biosensor

Abstract

Abstract: The fermentation of Escherichia coli to produce recombinant antibody fragments, Dl.3 Fv, specific for hen egg lysozyme, has been studied. The expression of antibody fragments has been monitored using an optical biosensor system to detect bioactive Fv in broth and cell homogenate supcrnatants during the course of fermentation. The system has permitted rapid detection, within seconds of sample application to the sensor, of bioactive product. Increase in pcriplasmic product was first detected 4 hours after inoculation of the vessel.