Dr Gareth Forde returned from Cambridge University to join the Monash University, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering as a Lecturer. Dr Forde was awarded a Fellowship of $200,000 over three years, he took up his position in October 2004.
Research Project Title: Plasmid DNA Purification for Gene Therapy and Vaccine Applications
Research Project Description: One of the central challenges in delivering vaccines and gene therapy products is to find a vector that is able to safely introduce the product to the target cells. The use of viral vectors has been questioned due to safety and regulatory concerns over their toxicity and immunogenicity (i.e. MMR jab). This has led to the study of plasmid DNA (pDNA) as a non-viral gene therapy expression vector, which has the dual advantages of being free from specific safety concerns associated with viruses and generally simpler to develop (Scherman, 2001). The proposal is to utilize unique unit operations (affinity chromatography, expanded bed adsorption and monoliths) to develop a patentable industrial process for the production of pDNA. The process will be scaleable and commercially viable.
“Our primary goal is to develop a vaccine technology in order to streamline the speed at which vaccines can be produced from six – nine months down to as little as two weeks, whilst also reducing the cost per dose of vaccines.”
“VESKI has been of enormous assistance in supporting the creation of BEL and in the ongoing support of the research projects.”
Dr Gareth Forde
Project News: In December 2005, Monash University opened a new Bio Engineering Laboratory (BEL) to house research at the interface of engineering, biotechnology and medicine.
The new lab will allow collaborations with other researchers. The BEL laboratory will house a pilot-scale biomolecule production facility for process research and development into biomolecules such as proteins, vaccines and DNA. The laboratory was co-funded by VESKI and will allow Dr Forde to continue his work to improve vaccine development times.
To view Dr Gareth Forde's expanded profile please click here.
To view more information regarding the Bio Engineering Laboratory please click here.
To read more about Dr Gareth Forde please click here.
To read the media release 'Algae Cleans Up Carbon Dioxide and Creates New Fuel' (April 2007) please click here.
To read about Dr Gareth Forde's collaboration with a L'Oreal Fellow please click here.