processing of recombinant proteins
with high level of transgene expression to provide good yields in plant-based
production system, efficient recovery of the recombinant proteins must also be optimized.
The goal and the general steps for downstream processing are similar between
plant and otherexpression systems. The goal is to recover the maximal amount of
highly purified target protein with the minimal number of steps and at the
lowest cost. The basic steps for downstream processes include tissue
harvesting, protein extraction, purification, and formulation. Plants contain
several undesired molecules (proteins, oils, phenolic compounds etc.) that must
be removed during purification of the recombinant protein. The processing of
plant tissue for the recovery of recombinant proteins generally includes
fractionation of plant tissue, extraction of recombinant protein in aqueous
medium and purification. Several strategies have been developed to improve the
downstream processing of plant produced recombinant proteins.