Protein design, modelling, optimisation

Our School of Life Science of the FHNW is located at the heart of Europe's biotech hub in Basel. We have expertise in a range of experimental and computational technologies relevant to state-of-the-art research in academia and industry. These include

Protein design and optimisation

• Structure-based and sequence-based design of viral antigens, immunogens and scaffolds using platforms such as Rosetta, AlphaFold and related data-driven modelling tools.

• In silico optimisation of antigen stability, expression, manufacturability and epitope presentation, including rational mutagenesis, interface design and multivalent or nanoparticle display concepts.

• Protein engineering of vaccine candidates (e.g. optimised envelope or capsid proteins, receptor-binding domains, fusion proteins) to enhance immunogenicity while maintaining safety and suitability for industrial production.

Computational modelling and analytics

• Data-driven molecular modelling of viral proteins and complexes to predict structure, conformational dynamics and antigenic surfaces, integrating experimental and public structural data.

• AI-supported analysis of large sequence datasets to track viral evolution, map escape mutations and guide antigen updates for next-generation vaccine formulations.

• In silico screening of designed variants for predicted binding to host receptors, neutralising antibodies or pattern-recognition receptors to prioritise candidates for experimental testing.

Experimental characterisation and process support

• Expression, purification and biophysical/biochemical characterisation of designed vaccine proteins and complexes (e.g. stability, oligomeric state, binding assays).

• Cell-based and advanced 3D culture systems to evaluate functional activity and safety-relevant properties of vaccine candidates in physiologically relevant models.

• Support in upstream/downstream process development and formulation for protein-based vaccine components, in collaboration with pharma technology and biotechnology groups.

Integration into an international consortium

• The School of Life Sciences offers a strong track record in application-oriented collaboration with industry and clinical partners, providing agile project management and translation-oriented research along the healthcare value chain.

• Within a vaccine consortium, our School can act as a hub for rational antigen design and optimisation, tightly integrating computational design, experimental validation and manufacturability assessments to accelerate the development of safe and effective vaccines against high-priority viral pathogens.