Dr. Marion Mahnke

Transfer of E.coli platform from China to Denmark. Successful project phase transitions and DRF batch completion within 5 month after transfer. Optimization projects in Yeast and E.coli for efficient incorporation of non-canonical (or unnatural) amino acids (ncAA or uAA) into therapeutic proteins during fed-batch and continuous cultivations.

Leading a department focusing on therapeutic protein and peptide expression and purification as an integrated part of the global Novo Nordisk R&D organization. The department is responsible for early process development using Design of Experiment (DOE), documentation and process transfer to CMC in China and Denmark and protein production in mid to large scale in E.coli. Implementation of Process Analytical Technologies (PAT) and basic QbD principles in China.

Technical project leadership for two single domain antibody projects until transfer to Preclinical Development Half life extension and delivery technology projects for antibody fragments and therapeutic proteins Strain engineering in E.coli and yeast (gene knock outs leading to improved protein quality and proprietary yeast display strain for generation of improved antibodies) Development of efficient processes and production of antigens, antibodies and therapeutic proteins.

Leading a group of scientists in the field of Protein Expression and Purification using mainly Microbial Systems (such as E.coli, Pichia pastoris and baculo virus), purification and refolding techniques in order to produce therapeutic proteins and antigens. Global Strategy Team member for Microbial projects from Research to Clinical Production.

Innovation project team leader of an inter-disciplinary expression automation project comprising three expression systems: E.coli (automated multiparallel fermentation system), Baculo (wave system with automated harvest and online two step purification) and early development of a transient HEK system. Business plan, implementation and building a Protein Production Center at NIBR

Production of natural products and recombinant proteins Process development for production of immunotoxins in E.coli and Pichia pastoris

Process development for production of various Natural Products, such as FK506, Epothilon A, Sangliferin A using fungi, Actinomyces and Myxobacteria

Genetic and biochemical characterization of protein toxins from new isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis (or Bt), a Gram-positive, soil-dwelling bacterium, commonly used as a biological pesticide.

Process Development for the production of Soraphen A using the Myxobacterium Sorangium cellulosum. Soraphen A was a highly effective agent against plant-pathogenic fungi. It was extensively researched for agricultural use until it was discovered to be a teratogen

Mikrobiologie, Biotechnologie, organische Chemie und Molekulargenetik