Elisabeth Thomsson has been active at the Mammalian Protein Expression unit since 2005. She earned her bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Gothenburg, with a particular focus on cell physiology and microbiology during her studies. Later, Elisabeth obtained her doctorate at Chalmers University of Technology in the Department of Life Sciences. Her research focused on carbon and nitrogen starvation in relation to ethanol production under anaerobic conditions.
- As an industrial doctoral student, I had the privilege of collaborating with Absolut Vodka. Together, we investigated how oxygen deprivation, combined with various nutrient deficiencies, affects ethanol production. Oxygen deficiency and variations in nutrient availability are more easily encountered on an industrial scale due to the use of enormous cultivation tanks. The results aimed to optimize production with less preprocessing and with as simple cultivation conditions as possible.
It was during her diploma work that Elisabeth, instead of studying cell death, was advised to focus on cell cultivation.
- My interest in cell culture perfectly harmonized with the position I was offered at Mammalian Protein Expression. Cultivating mammalian cells is challenging, which makes the work more complex.
Elisabeth primarily focuses on cell cultivation on a larger lab scale and cultivating cells in bioreactors. When users require a larger amount of protein, Elisabeth uses bioreactors, allowing her to scale up production to gram levels.
Mammalian cells are required when users need a larger protein or if the protein requires multiple modifications. If the protein needs to bear multiple modifications, using bacteria as a production system is not sufficient; mammalian cells are a better alternative as they can produce larger, more complex proteins. An example of a protein Elisabeth has produced is human virus proteins for use in healthcare for the diagnosis of various diseases. Proteins are also produced for research purposes – such as antibodies, which can be produced by culturing hybridized cells in a bioreactor
.- One of the most rewarding aspects of my work at Mammalian Protein Expression is the interaction with our users and the opportunity to learn about their research areas. This contributes to making my work both varied and more interesting.
The cultivation process itself is also a major reason why Elisabeth enjoys her job.
- Additionally, I find cell cultivation incredibly enjoyable. It's exciting to see when larger cultures work, and when something doesn't work, you have to assess what the cultivation needs and use your problem-solving skills.
