Publication Spotlight: Manufacturing and Formulation Development of Lyophilized Crude Taq DNA Polymerase Extract

Ever wonder how Taq polymerase is made--the enzyme that is found in so many labs and is so integral to teaching biotech and biomanufacturing labs?  Or maybe you wonder if you could make it yourself, maybe save on costs?  A recent student research paper titled "Manufacturing and Formulation Development of Lyophilized Crude Taq DNA Polymerase Extract" explores the manufacturing and formulation of a lyophilized crude Taq extract that has the potential to save money because it can be shipped without the need for cold storage. 

The authors isolated a crude extract of Taq Polymerase as part of the ASPIRE Biotechnology training program, a program that disseminates products and protocols through the DNALC (DNA Learning Center) and InnovATEBIO, the National Biotechnology Education Center. Kim, et. al. then devised a lyophilization screening protocol to determine the best mixture of excipients to preserve the Taq activity under different environmental conditions. This was quite a challenging step requiring in-depth testing and meticulous record keeping. This type of development challenge has spurred the growth of specialist CDMOs (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations), offering services to develop lyo formulations before the drugs are manufactured at large scale for clinical trials, making this project particularly relevant to workforce needs!  

You will need to read the paper to find out what process was most effective but I can tell you that the authors succeeded, and their results should enable ASPIRE and Biotechnology programs nationwide to distribute crude Taq extracts without having to pay for cold shipping! 

Reading research papers can be very informative, but learning about science AND how to save money at the same time is double the fun! For this and other informative papers please visit the Journal of Advanced Technological Education website (JATE).

Manufacturing and Formulation Development of Lyophilized Crude Taq DNA Polymerase Extract. H. Kim, I. Petrosyan, Q. Mortensen, C. Stone, J. Hackett, B. Nash, W. Wooten, and A. Kamajaya. Journal of Advanced Technological Education, Vol. 3 Issue 2. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.13540173

This research was done within the ASPIRE (Advanced Student-focused Project: Internship, Research, & Education) program funded by NSF (DUE 2100575) at Los Angeles Pierce College.