The
Laboratory and its
Research Activities
The Laboratory of Enzyme Technology, of the Agricultural University of Athens, is formally founded and began its activities in 1991. Staff members of the laboratory presently are Professor Y. Clonis (Director), Associate Professor N. Labrou, and E. Pappa (M.Sc.), technical & research assistant. Furthermore, the laboratory employs quality postdoctoral research fellows and graduate students candidates for M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees. The Laboratory has published more than 100 papers in international research journals and books, has executed successfully numerous research projects, and is highly experienced and active in the following areas of biotechnology: (a) Enzyme engineering and modification. Study and redesign of the protein/enzyme structure. Development of biocatalysts with new and/or improved properties employing recombinant DNA technology. (b) Downstream processing and affinity chromatography. Development of purification processes for rapid production of high-value enzymes. Enzyme purification protocols based on novel affinity materials. Design and synthesis of biomimetic ligands and materials. (c) Enzyme Biosensors. Development of biocatalytic materials (immobilized enzymes) suitable for bioassays and for construction of optical biosensors for determination of metabolites and xenobiotics (pharmaceuticals, chemicals and agrochemicals). The laboratory has facilities for protein purification, molecular biology, gene sequencing, optical sensor technology, biochemical analysis and study of enzyme activity, using spectrophotometry, HPLC, and fiber optic technology. It is equipped with a fully controlled bioreactor (Bioengineering), a Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography system (Waters-Millipore), an analytical and a preparative HPLC system (Gilson), PCR systems, fibre optic analytical system, 2D-electrophoresis, refrigerated centrifuges, lyophilizers, cell-disintegrators, cold room and incubator room. The Laboratory adopts a multidisciplinary approach, which fosters and encourages interactive project work between in-house and external groups. This provides the Laboratory with important links with those departments featuring relevant expertise in the University, with national and international Industry, and with research centres around the world.
|
