Which of the following should be chosen for best yield if one were to produce a recombinant protein in large amounts?

  1. Laboratory flask of largest capacity
  2. A stirred-tank bioreactor without in-lets and out-lets
  3. A continuous culture system
  4. Any of the above

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : A continuous culture system

Detailed Solution

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Concept:

  • In recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology, the aim is to produce a desirable protein product.
  • In order to obtain the protein, the rDNA needs to be expressed.
  • The host cells must be induced to express the foreign gene by providing appropriate conditions.
  • This would provide us with the recombinant protein, produced by a heterologous host.
  • Heterologous host refers to the host cell that produces the protein in a cell line where it is not supposed to be.
  • The recombinant proteins can be extracted and purified using various separation techniques in the laboratory.
  • But this kind of laboratory set-up would only give a small-scale production.
  • Large scale production is carried out in bioreactors that use a continuous culture system.

Explanation:

  • A continuous culture system is where used medium is removed from one side while fresh medium is added from other side.
  • This necessitates the presence of in-lets and out-lets.
  • This system helps in maintaining the cells in the exponential phase of growth.
  • This gives us a higher yield of the desired protein due to the larger biomass produced.
  • In a typical bioreactor with a continuous culture system, 100-1000L of cultures can be processed.

Hence, the correct answer is option (3).

Additional InformationStirred-type Bioreactors

  • It may be of 2 types:
    • A simple stirred-tank bioreactor that comes with a stirrer to mix the contents evenly and facilitate oxygen availability throughout the reactor.
    • A sparged stirred-tank bioreactor that uses sterile air bubbles to increase the surface area for oxygen transfer.
  • They also consist of in-lets and out-lets for maintaining a continuous culture system.

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