High Cell-Density Fermentation of E. coli and P. putida: From Proteins to Bioplastics
📍 Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry PAS, Kraków
🗓️ June 17–19, 2026
💡 Part of Eurobiotech 2026
👩🔬 Hands-on, High-Impact, High-Cell-Density
Join us at one of Central Europe's most advanced microbiological process labs for a 3-day interactive workshop designed for biotechnologists, bioengineers, and innovators working on the frontlines of microbial production.
This workshop focuses on the design, execution, and optimization of high cell-density (HCD) fermentations for recombinant protein expression in Escherichia coli and biopolymer (PHA) biosynthesis in Pseudomonas putida using industrial-grade bioreactor systems.
🔬 What Will You Learn?
🧫 HCD Protein Production in E. coli – 5L & 30L Bioreactors
Learn how to boost recombinant protein yields by pushing E. coli to its physiological limits. We’ll guide you through:
- Fed-batch process design for maximizing biomass
- Induction strategies using IPTG and temperature profiles
- Monitoring DO, pH, and feeding curves in real time
- Differences in process control between bench-top (5L) and pilot (30L) scales
🌱 PHA Biopolymer Production in P. putida – 5L Fermentors
Explore how P. putida can be turned into a plastic-producing factory. Participants will:
- Operate a 5L fermentation process for PHA accumulation
- Optimize substrate feeding and nitrogen limitation
- Learn downstream biomass recovery for further PHA extraction
🛠️ What Will You Do?
This is not a passive seminar — it’s a true lab experience. You will:
- Assemble and sterilize bioreactors (Biostat B & C)
- Prepare and calibrate electrodes, pumps, and gas lines
- Inoculate and control high-density microbial cultures
- Initiate protein expression using IPTG
- Harvest cultures using a high-speed industrial centrifuge
- Engage in data-driven decisions based on real-time OD, DO, pH, and feeding rate curves
🤝 Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
- Real Fermentation Equipment – Not a demo, not a video. You'll work with actual Sartorius Biostat fermentors used in research and production.
- Cross-Scale Perspective – Compare 5L and 30L fermentations side-by-side.
- Meet the Experts – Interact with experienced researchers and engineers, including those who routinely work at the interface of academia and biotech industry.
- From Genes to Grams – Gain insights into how upstream decisions affect downstream yields.
- Workshop Certificate – Every participant receives a signed certificate confirming their practical training in HCD fermentation.
🎓 Who Should Attend?
- Biotech PhD students and postdocs seeking advanced bioprocessing experience
- Industrial scientists working on microbial protein or polymer production
- Fermentation technologists interested in scaling and process control
- Start-up founders and tech-transfer professionals looking to de-risk production routes
- Anyone curious about pushing bugs beyond their limits, safely and sustainably
🎥 Bonus Content
The workshop will be documented with professional photography and videography. You’ll get a chance to:
- See yourself in our official aftermovie
- Promote your skills and lab work on social media
- Be part of a growing community of fermentation experts!
🌐 Full agenda, registration details, and participant limits will be announced in early 2026.