Elaine Rudge

I'm a Specialist Technician in the Centre for Enzyme Innovation (CEI) working in the Biorecycling Laboratory whilst assisting within Discovery phase as required. I have 15 years experience as a microbiologist within industry.

My main responsibility is for the Biorecycling Laboratory. Here we utilise bioreactors from small scale (max 2mL reactions) through to larger 5L options for protein expression in E. coli or P. pastoris as well as using these for enzymatic breakdown of plastics. This can be from everyday items such as bottles, films and textiles. 

We aim to do all this at an industrially viable process and have scientists with extensive experience within industry, we understand the financial need for these cost analyses.

The Discovery phase involves finding new enzymes from microbes in the environment that break down plastics.

My industrial microbiology experience includes testing and validating pharmaceutical products, medical devices and disinfectants.

I have worked to GLP and GMP compliance and in FDA and UKAS accreddited laboratories. I have experience of Quality Systems/Manuals including equipment validation and qualifications, internal auditing of processes and procedures and writing/reviewing procedures in compliance with EN/international standards and pharmacopoeias.

I gained a First Class Honours degree (BSc. Hons. Applied Science) in 2011 through Learning at Work at the University of Portsmouth and won the Liz Bishop prize for academic excellence.

My research experience (5+ years) has allowed me to develop Biotechnology skills using different Bioreactors for changing applications. The BioLector Pro is a benchtop reactor with small scale (2 mL) reactions automatically controlled within 36 or 48 well plates. Our 250 mL Getinge Bioreactors are primarily used for enzymatic digestion of plastics. We also have 1 L versions of these. Our BioFlo is capable of 5.6 L microbial fermentations for protein expressions.