Proteomics, Structural Biology and Protein Engineering for Cell-Free Protein Synthesis Platforms

Navarrabiomed offers complementary expertise in proteomics, structural biology and protein engineering to support consortia addressing HORIZON-HLTH-2027-01-IND-01 on the development of cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) platforms for the discovery and/or production of biologicals.

Our contribution spans both analytical and structural characterisation of CFPS systems and products. Through our Proteomics Platform, we can provide high-resolution mass spectrometry for the characterisation of cell lysates and CFPS-derived proteins, including protein identification and quantification, analysis of post-translational modifications, detection of impurities and degradation products, and comparison across production conditions and batches. These activities can support the identification of critical quality attributes and process optimisation within a Quality by Design framework.

Complementing these capabilities, our Protein Crystallography and Structural Immunology Unit provides expertise in protein engineering, molecular design and structural biology. We maintain recombinant protein expression workflows in E. coli, Sf9 and CHO cells, together with protein purification and production of antibodies, Fab fragments and soluble pMHC/TCR complexes, enabling the generation of conventionally expressed reference materials for comparison with CFPS-produced proteins. Using BLI/SPR and X-ray crystallography, with routine access to the ALBA synchrotron, we can evaluate binding performance, structural integrity, molecular interaction interfaces and structure-dependent biological properties.

By integrating proteomic, analytical and structural data, we can help investigate the relationships between CFPS production conditions, protein folding, post-translational modifications and critical product quality attributes. We are interested in participating in activities related to protein engineering, structural and analytical quality assessment, molecular design, candidate validation and process optimisation, complementing partners specialised in CFPS platform engineering, bioprocess development and GMP-compliant manufacturing.