Bioverfahrenstechnik
© Felix Noak

Mutation rate of plasmids

The use of plasmids as genetic carriers to produce recombinant proteins, pharmaceuticals or chemicals is an established method and will continue to be used in the future. The functionality of the plasmid contributes significantly to the quality and quantity of the products. Mutations that occur during cultivation usually have a negative influence on the plasmid and consequently on the cell. Possible consequences are thus a reduction in product quantity or also contamination through increased by-product formation.

The aim of the work is to determine the plasmid mutation rate and to establish existing relationships between mutation rate, replication mechanism and specific copy number of the plasmids.

Responsible person

Dr. Matthias Gimpel