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Baculovirus Insect Cell Expression Services
Ichor offers baculovirus-mediated expression in Sf9, Sf21, or Tni insect cells for intracellular, secreted, and membrane proteins with cost-effective, reproducible and easily scalable results. This system is useful for large proteins, difficult target and supplies most of the post-translational modifications found from mammalian cells at a lesser cost.
Our custom insect production services allow our clients the accessibility, flexibility and transparency that is highly sought after. With over 10 years of insect protein production, our experts will work with your team to provide the protein that will best suite your downstream needs.
Gene Design
Genes are designed by our experts to fulfill your requirements.
- Timeline: 2-3 weeks
- Deliverables: Full sequence
Baculovirus Amplification
From bacmids, virus is matured through 2 rounds of amplification to provide large volumes of high titer baculovirus stock to facilitate downstream expression.
- Timeline: 3 weeks
- Deliverables: Bacmid Prep Report Titer results
Expression Testing
We use a panel of different cell lines and expression conditions with varying multiplicity of infections (MOI) to finely tune our expressions for the most reliable outcome.
- Timeline: ≤ 1 week
- Deliverables: Expression results (SDS-PAGE, A280)
Purification Optimization (Optional)
Utilizing an optimized system to evaluate the most pertinent purification cascade, Ichor’s purification optimization allows us to establish pathways to achieve the highest yield and purity possible.
- Timeline: ≤ 2 weeks
- Deliverables: Any available protein. Detailed protocol of work, Coomassie stained SDS-PAGE gels, chromatograms and analytical size exclusion if applicable.
Batch Productions
Our insect expression system allows for reliable and reproducible batch productions at large scale with cost-effective, quick turnarounds.
- Timeline: 1-2 weeks
- Deliverables:
- All protein that is available.
- Analysis on Coomassie-blue stained SDS-PAGE gels.
- Analysis from analytical size-exclusion chromatography to probe for purity and monodispersity of preps if efficient yield is achieved.
- Full protein report for each preparation.
Sf9 Insect Cell Expression Model
The Sf9 cell line is one of the most widely used hosts within the insect cell expression system. Derived from Spodoptera frugiperda, Sf9 cells provide high infection efficiency and robust growth characteristics.
When used with recombinant baculovirus vectors, Sf9 insect cells for protein expression support the production of complex recombinant proteins including enzymes, membrane proteins, viral antigens, and structural protein assemblies.
Our baculovirus insect cell expression services utilizes Sf9 cells due to their scalability and reproducible protein yields, making them ideal for both exploratory and large-scale protein production projects.
Endpoints
Purity Assessment
Proteins are evaluated using SDS‑PAGE and chromatography to confirm purity and integrity.
Functional Readiness
Proteins are delivered suitable for biochemical, structural, or cell‑based assays.