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Biotechnology

Photo: Chemical Laboratory Operations ECBC's BioDefense team conducts basic and applied research in the areas of enzymology, molecular biology, microbiology and biochemical engineering. Staff conducts focused investigations of chemical/biological warfare agents and their products, explosives/propellants and other materials, offering quality-controlled decontamination, detection and protection products and services.

The Center also houses one of only a few complete process-engineering facilities. Known as the PEF, the facility incorporates pilot scale bio-manufacturing capabilities and is in the process of being upgraded to current Good Manufacturing Practice standards. Here, staff can perform in vitro cytotoxicity tests on human and animal cell cultures under Good Laboratory Practices Protocols and recently added the capability for using gene arrays to study the effects of systemic exposures on gene expression.

The Center is capable of providing cradle-to-grave project support, from basic molecular biology and gene cloning to scale-up bioprocess design, validation, and optimization for improved product quality and/or cost savings. In addition to providing these services, staff is proficient in quality control and assurance and biotechnology/clinical diagnostics.

Specific Services

Chemical agent neutralization and biodegradation
Enzymatic decontamination of full spectrum of chemical/biological agents
Biological weapons simulant production, validation and testing
Natural products-based biological weapon decontaminant and test plan development
Development of novel DNA probes for emerging biological agents
PCR assay optimization for biological agent detection
Validation of biological agent detectors
Development of enzyme-based chemical weapon sensors
Development of enzyme-based surface protection against chemical agents

The Gillette Company recently asked ECBC to conduct a toxicology validation study to independently validate a new test developed by Gillette to determine a specified chemical's potential to cause irritation or damage to the eye. ECBC is one of a few laboratories in the world certified to perform this study.

ECBC is partnering with Claragen, Inc., to improve production processes for recombinant human CC10 protein. CC10 is a natural human protein essential for the development of normal healthy lungs. Claragen, Inc., is developing CC10 for treatment of inflammatory, fibrotic and immunologic diseases.

In 1998, when the toxin known as Pfiesteria was causing fish kills in Maryland waters, ECBC assisted the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute's Center for Marine Biology with the establishment of its Biosafety Level 3 laboratory needed by the university to conduct research with the Pfiesteria toxin. ECBC was asked to review laboratory engineering controls and advise on standing operating procedures and training.