Production of a Recombinant Improved Bacillus stearothermophilus DNA Polymerase for DASL Isothermal Amplification

Custom Biologics是一家成熟的生物分析检测开发商，已从GeneBio Systems Inc.获得了一项等温核酸扩增和检测技术的专利。该技术被称为DASL RAPID，是一种需要使用DNA聚合酶的快速、敏感和特异性分子测试平台。目前用于支持DASL RAPID反应的通用DNA聚合酶虽然有效，但价格昂贵且性能不佳，这限制了所得产品的商业用途。与Seneca合作的目的是利用蛋白质工程和重组表达技术，研究和开发一种更高效的嗜脂嗜热芽孢杆菌（Bst） DNA聚合酶，以取代目前在Custom Biologic的DASL RAPID测试中使用的昂贵、低效的通用酶。结果将是一个优化的技术平台，这将提高测试速度、灵敏度和成本。Frank Merante博士将领导该项目，并由塞内卡大学生物科学与应用化学学院（BSAC）的学生研究助理提供支持，他们将运用他们的学术知识和技能，同时发展生物技术和蛋白质工程的实践经验，从而提高他们从学术界向工业界过渡的竞争力。

Custom Biologics, an established developer of bioanalytical assays, has in-licensed a patented, isothermal, nucleic acid amplification and detection technology from GeneBio Systems Inc. The technology, known as DASL RAPID, is a rapid, sensitive and specific molecular test platform requiring the use of DNA polymerase enzymes. Although effective, the generic DNA polymerase enzymes currently used to support DASL RAPID reactions are costly and perform sub-optimally, which limits the resulting products' commercial use. The objective of this collaboration with Seneca is to research and develop, utilizing protein engineering and recombinant expression technology, a more efficient Bacillus stearothermophilus (Bst) DNA polymerase, to replace the expensive, inefficient, generic enzyme currently used in Custom Biologic's DASL RAPID tests. The result will be an optimized technology platform, which will increase test speed, sensitivity and cost profile. Dr. Frank Merante will lead the project, supported by student Research Assistants from Seneca's School of Biological Science and Applied Chemistry (BSAC), who will apply their academic knowledge and skills, while developing practical experience in biotechnology and protein engineering, thereby enhancing their competitiveness as they transition from academia to industry.