Implementing More Accurate and Efficient Analytic Workflows at the University of Queensland's Protein Expression Facility

- Dr. Christian Fercher, Senior Principal Scientist at the Protein Expression Facility, The University of Queensland

“Since adopting the Maurice instrument, our workflows have become significantly more accurate, efficient, and reproducible. We replaced less precise methods, such as analytical CEX, with high-resolution charge-variant characterization and reliable pI determination. The integrated CE-SDS capability now provides robust, quantitative size and purity data, enabling us to meet regulatory requirements for release assays.”

- Dr. Christian Fercher, Senior Principal Scientist at the Protein Expression Facility, The University of Queensland

 

Tell us a little bit about your institution and what you do. 

The Protein Expression Facility (PEF) at the University of Queensland is a nationally recognized platform specializing in recombinant protein production. Based within the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) and the Bioproduction Portfolio, PEF applies advanced protein technologies and high-throughput platforms to support researchers across academia, industry, and government. Their multidisciplinary team guides clients through the entire protein supply chain, from molecular engineering and expression optimization to scale-up, purification, and analytical characterization. Operating under ISO 9001 certification, they ensure high-quality, reproducible outcomes.

 

What is your specific area of research?

PEF supports around 100-150 discovery and translational projects annually, focusing on a broad spectrum of applications. These include:

  • Biotherapeutics and vaccine development
  • Diagnostic reagent production
  • Enzymes, biomaterials, and virus-like particles (VLPs)
  • Structural biology tools for macromolecular studies

Highlighted projects include:

  • Custom protein production for malaria diagnostics
  • Development of QLD-made antibody tests for COVID19 detection
  • Rapid-response initiatives for disease outbreaks like Zika and flu
  • Innovative vaccines for avian influenza and rotavirus

PEF also actively engages in educational outreach, offering workshops and one-on-one consultations for students and researchers.

 

Which Maurice platform are you using, and for what application?

We are using the Maurice system and corresponding consumables to perform CE-SDS and icIEF experiments. We primarily utilize the system to analyze proteins produced by mammalian expression platforms. These include monoclonal antibodies as well as a diverse range of other proteins intended for various research and application purposes.

 

Could you please describe the problem you faced prior to using the Maurice instrument?

Prior to implementing the Maurice platform, we encountered challenges in accurately estimating protein isoelectric points (pI) using less precise methods, such as analytical cation-exchange chromatography (CEX). This limited our ability to characterise charge variants with confidence. The introduction of imaged capillary electrophoresis (icIEF) technology  has significantly improved this process, enabling precise characterization of charge heterogeneity. Additionally, the CE-SDS functionality has been invaluable for generating robust, quantitative data on drug substances and products, which is essential for clients requiring these results for release assays.

 

How have things changed or improved for you since implementing the Maurice system?

Since adopting the Maurice instrument, our workflows have become significantly more accurate, efficient, and reproducible. We replaced less precise methods, such as analytical CEX, with high-resolution charge-variant characterization and reliable pI determination. The integrated CE-SDS capability now provides robust, quantitative size and purity data, enabling us to meet regulatory requirements for release assays. Overall, analysis times have shortened, variability has decreased, and project turnaround has improved dramatically. Looking ahead, we expect Maurice to streamline complex protein analytics further, enhance sensitivity for low-concentration samples, and accelerate development timelines for molecules with pharmaceutical potential.

 

Have you recommended or successfully transferred Maurice assays/technology to another group or institute?

We have recommended the Maurice platform to several clients seeking to integrate this capability into their workflows and anticipate that they will use it more extensively in the future.