Sanchez-Moran's enzyme immobilization research takes top prize at biologics summit
Surpassing more than 300 participants, chemical engineering PhD student Hector Sanchez-MoranÌýtook homeÌýfirst prize at the PEGS Essential Protein and Antibody Engineering Summit poster presentation competition. The summit took place from May 15-19Ìýin Boston.Ìý
Sanchez-Moran's said his poster exploredÌýsignificantÌýadvancements in the field of enzyme immobilization and its applications.
"This award signifies recognition for my years of researchÌýin the Kaar and Schwartz labs," said Sanchez-Moran, who is co-advised by Professor Daniel SchwartzÌýand Associate Professor Joel Kaar.Ìý"TheÌýaward, along with the enthusiastic responsesÌýfrom individualsÌýI engaged with regarding my poster, demonstratesÌýthe value the biotechnologyÌýcommunity places on our work, highlightingÌýthe significantÌýimplications of efficientÌýenzyme immobilization."
The summit bills itself asÌý"the leading biologics event," with comprehensive programming covering biologic drug development, includingÌýin-depth presentations on protein and antibody engineering, immunotherapy, oncology, expression, analytics and immunogenicity.
Enzyme immobilization has been extensively employed by protein engineers for a variety of applications, including bioremediation, biosensors andÌýindustrialÌýbiocatalysts. However, the precise understanding of how enzyme immobilization and its applicationsÌýinteract is not yet well understood, Sanchez-MoranÌýsaid. HisÌýposter shed light onÌýthe complex nanoscale stabilizing interactions that lead toÌýthe remarkable stabilization of important enzymes used in detergent production, pharmaceutical manufacturing and the food industry. While these enzymes are barelyÌýstable above body temperature, Sanchez-Moran'sÌýimmobilization technique demonstrated the ability to maintainÌýtheir functionalityÌýup to boiling temperatures, thereby enhancing their utility inÌýindustrial settings.
Sanchez-Moran said it was his first experience attending a conference with significant industry participation.
"It was interesting to present my poster alongside representatives from leading biotech companiesÌýand engage inÌýconversationsÌýabout their own technologies," he said.Ìý"It'sÌýfascinating to observe the delicate balance these companies maintain, walking the fine line between disseminating their findings whileÌýprotectingÌýcrucial information regarding their intellectual property."