Dr. Sara Paulillo

• Investigated self-assembling peptide nanoparticles (SAPNs) as a novel platform for synthetic vaccine design against pathogens like HIV, CMV, HPV, malaria, norovirus and influenza. • Performed bacterial protein expression, conducted affinity and ion exchange purification, protein refolding and characterisation by biophysical methods (TEM, DLS, CD). Electron Microscopy Expert and Radiation Safety Officer. • Actively contributed for project and process development.

• Conducted and developed upstream processes in biopharmaceuticals, mostly based on the mammalian expression platforms Sp2/0 and CHO. • Implemented media optimisation, serum free cultivation, feed and growth condition to achieve maximum biomass, designed induction protocol to increase protein expression, achieved glycosylation profile. • Extensive hands-on experience with running stirred-tank bioreactors (5-10L) and Wave bioreactors (from 5-100L).

Investigated molecular mechanisms of melanoma progression. Conducted proliferation, survival, and motility assays, gene silencing and protein overexpression in mammalian cells, processed melanoma biopsies, primary cultures, 3-D cell culture, and established cell lines. Gene delivery by Lentiviral vectors. FACs analysis.

Studied regulation of asymmetric cell division in C. elegans. Identified 16 putative novel binding partners for PAR-6/PKC-3 complex. Implemented and developed large scale immunoprecipitations from C. elegans embryo lysates. Designed and performed reverse genetics experiments to knockdown gene function. Conducted DNA transformation for generating transgenic nematode strains (gene bombardment, microinjection and co-transformation) with a marker gene.

Nucleoporin and its function in nuclear transport and nuclear organization: Studied putative role of nucleoporins in nuclear organization. Skills: Mammalian cell culture, transient and stable transfections, siRNA delivery, and cell cycle methods. Microinjection into mammalian cells and Xenopus oocytes nuclei. Protein expression, purification and analytical techniques. Molecular biology techniques. Confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy

Developed automated fluorescence microscopy software and hardware: microscope components, liquid handling and staining system.

Developed relational databases in Visual Basic, consulting project administration, notions in sterile process validation and qualification.

Developed new methods for identification of viscotoxins and triterpenes. Performed preparative and analytical high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) methods in the resolution and analysis of organic compounds, enzymatic determination and protein purification.

Synthesized COX-2 intermediates and confirmed structure by TLC, GPC, HPLC, IR, NMR, MS.

Performed chemical analysis from residual wastewater, chemical and microbiological control on yeast fermentation processes.

Preserved microorganisms, performed biochemical tests for the identification of bacteria.

Cell Biology, molecular biology, electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, protein expression, biochemistry.

HPLC, biochemistry