Train with us
Based in the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, we are a national training centre offering comprehensive, interdisciplinary training in biomolecule engineering.
We provide bespoke training and open access to technical expertise and the latest engineering biology equipment including cutting-edge automation and analytical technology.
We cover all aspects of biomolecule engineering including protein expression and engineering, characterisation and validation as well as providing a comprehensive training platform for bioengineers.
Why train with us?
We equip individuals with the skills required to achieve excellence in cutting-edge protein and biomolecule engineering through comprehensive training opportunities on a range of technology platforms. We offer:
- Access to a range of industry-leading, high-throughput robotics and analytical technology platforms.
- Funded short term secondments in the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (up to two weeks).
- Bespoke training opportunities on all technology platforms.
- Development of new techniques and assays in biomolecule engineering.
- Standardisation - online protocols and Standard Operating Protocols for use in scientific research.
- Outreach to secondary schools to give students a taste of careers in biomolecule engineering.
- Expert training programmes for doctoral training networks.
- Training and placements for apprentices.
I've learnt so much! This will make a lasting impression for me and I hope you know you have helped build passion in another woman in STEM.
Judie Murtada / Trainee in PCR, cloning and transformation of E.coli
Who can train with us?
All UK-based academic PhD students, researchers and technical staff are eligible to train with us.
Access and training opportunities on all of the above facilities will be provided to the academic community on request. We also work closely with industrial partners, who are also welcome to request access to facilities and training.
Further funding opportunities and access models to industry partners are also provided through our Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC) and the Henry Royce Institute.
Training modules
Computational chemistry and bioinformatics tools are a crucial component of contemporary biomolecule engineering and (re)design projects. In combination, these tools can be used to guide semi-rational engineering through the identification of mutation targets (hot spots) and rational design by simulating the effect of specific mutations on structure, binding and chemistry. We offer training on a wide range of computational techniques.
High-throughput (HTP) automation is proving essential to building and screening large biomolecule (DNA, RNA, protein) libraries for bioengineering applications. To facilitate these HTP approaches and enable screening of large sample sizes we have a comprehensive array of automated protocols implemented on several integrated robotic platforms. These integrated platforms allow us to multiplex biological samples increasing the throughput of many of the steps in our engineering pipelines, (e.g. Protein engineering and DNA pathway assembly pipelines) including culture handling, DNA / RNA purification and assembly, high-throughput protein expression and purification, biotransformation, assay setups for numerous downstream analytics. The MIB provides an internationally field-leading infrastructure.
To complement the high-throughput automated library generation we have integrated multiple high-throughput analytical techniques that are essential for the workflow of library generation, screening and detailed characterisation of outputs. Our screening technologies include the use of automated liquid handling coupled to UV / Vis / fluorescence microtitre plate-readers, suitable for rapid direct and indirect screening of large numbers of variants via reaction endpoint analysis, or by detailed kinetic characterisation. We can combine this analysis with the use of fluorescence-activated cell sorting for the screening of large libraries of recombinant cells.
Many processes require high-throughput chromatographic techniques, such as gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (LC), ion chromatography (IC) or super fluid critical (SFC) separation to simplify complex mixtures prior to detection. Detection routinely relies on hyphenation to UV detectors or mass spectrometers, to positively identify product(s) and determine their enantiomeric purity. Global ‘omics approaches can be used to debug complex systems and identify metabolic bottlenecks or fluxes. In addition, we have also integrated other analytical techniques into our high-throughput workflows, such as automated isothermal calorimetry for monitoring ligand (e.g. DNA, RNA, substrate, inhibitor, etc) binding processes and Raman and NMR spectroscopies to provide characteristic fingerprints of reactants / products. Our new high-throughput NMR instrumentation consists of an 800 MHz spectrometer equipped with a state-of-the-art H/F-C-N cryoprobe optimal for high sensitivity measurements on small molecules and proteins, and SBS-footprint compatible “SampleJet” autosampler for easy incorporation into automated workflows.
To fully inform and feed back into the library design, directed evolution or engineering programmes it is essential to provide a detailed understanding of the engineered biomolecule using downstream characterisation methods. A full mechanistic understanding of the biomolecule or biological process can be provided using our wide array of biophysical approaches, including UV-vis/IR absorbance, fluorescence, circular dichroism, light scattering, rapid mixing instrumentation, laser photoexcitation, NMR, Raman and isothermal calorimetry. These provide a wealth of information that is key to the design process, such as kinetic parameters, binding affinities, thermostability, rate-limiting steps and dynamical / conformational changes.
Engineering Biology requires appropriate validation that may include the determination of high resolution structures of evolved or designed systems. Comprehensive training in crystallogenesis utilising high throughput liquid handling robotics systems (Mosquito) is provided to facilitate this crucial step. Collaboration and support are provided for subsequent structure determination. Additional structural information can be gained from our 800 MHz NMR spectrometer, such as fold validation where crystallography is not accessible, detecting transient complexes, or transient structures in intrinsically disordered regions.