The Synthelis offering centres around two key stages:

• Feasibility study
• Scale up

Feasibility Study

During the feasibility study we take samples of PCR products, expression vectors or as a bare minimum a DNA sequence from our clients and then analyse these samples to ascertain the viability of the membrane protein production process.

These samples are first subject to a Molecular Biological Process where we take the clients' samples and clone it into a suitable expression vector. This will then enable us to embark upon the next stage of the feasibility study, the Screening Process.

The Screening Process sees us test this expression vector against a wide variety of biological conditions, a set of biological criteria that will enable Synthelis to ascertain both the biological suitability of the vector for scale-up, as well as the exact biological conditions that will make this process possible.

This patented cell-free process is an important part of the Synthelis offering, and it is this which enables Synthelis to identify with a high degree of accuracy the exact conditions in which membrane protein production can flourish. This screening process is therefore the principal reason why Synthelis is able to manufacture membrane proteins with such high yield.

The final stage of the feasibility process sees the Synthelis team dispatch a detailed report to its client detailing:

• An overview of the molecular biological and screening processes
• An evaluation of potential yield and membrane protein purity rates
• An executive summary outlining the potential for scale-up

It is important to note that Synthelis is able to provide protein membranes in both proteoliposome and soluble forms.

Scale-up

Once a decision has been taken to enter into phase two of the process, Synthelis will at first sit down with the client to take a detailed brief to ascertain the client's needs regarding both quantities and purity rates required. It is at this point that a decision will be taken, drawing on information that has been developed via the feasibility study, to identify the correct quality controls that will be applied to the produced membranes.