RFP for Biocatalytic Co-Factor Regeneration

Use of enzymes that require NAD(P)(H), FAD, ATP, or CoA in industrial biocatalytic processes is limited due to the high cost of these co-factors and the limited possibilities for their in vitro regeneration. Stable, versatile and economic co-factor regeneration systems are needed to provide the tools that enable biocatalytic oxidations, reductions and formation of activated intermediates. Research proposals should address such conversions and may focus on:

• Co-factor analogs and mimetics;
  
  
• Novel phosphorylation systems;
  
  
• Integrated processes for enzymatic co-factor regeneration.

Studies that additionally involve enzyme immobilization, use of enzymes in organic solvents, and novel process configurations are preferred, but these components are not critical for overall fundability of the proposal.

We encourage collaborative efforts among different research laboratories and institutions that bridge disciplines (e.g. molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry and genomics). There are additional opportunities to match BRDC funds with other funding sources to increase the magnitude of the effort. We anticipate funding one or two research projects in each area for a duration of three or more years at a total funding level of approximately $750,000 per year.

All preproposals must be received in the offices of BRDC by October 1, 2001.

To apply, use the form (available below) as a guideline–or contact BRDC directly at (309)688-1188 for additional information.

RFP Preproposal (Word.doc) Right click this link and select "Save Link As" to download this file

RFP Preproposal (Adobe Acrobat .pdf)

Send completed forms to:

BRDC
1815 N. University Street
Peoria, IL 61604

Or fax the completed form to BRDC at:
(309) 688-1292

RFP for Novel Host-Vector Systems for Fermentation and/or Biocatalysis

Efficient production of any biotechnologically derived product requires the seamless participation of several complex technologies. A key participant is the host system in which gene expression or biocatalysis takes place. Limited access to such systems can restrict rapid research progress. Robust, novel hosts, particularly yeasts or fungi, would improve the probability of research success in these areas. Research proposals should focus on the timely development of the key tools of molecular genetic manipulation in novel host microorganisms, including:

• Genetic transformation;
  
  
• Vector system(s) containing selectable markers;
  
  
• Specific chromosomal insertion of heterologous DNA;
  
  
• Chemically controlled gene regulation mechanisms;
  
  
• Amenability to high throughput genetic and biochemical techniques.

Capability to or availability of genome or EST DNA sequencing for host characterization is desirable.

We encourage collaborative efforts among different research laboratories and institutions that bridge disciplines (e.g. molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry and genomics). There are additional opportunities to match BRDC funds with other funding sources to increase the magnitude of the effort. We anticipate funding one or two research projects in each area for a duration of three or more years at a total funding level of approximately $750,000 per year.

All preproposals must be received in the offices of BRDC by October 1, 2001.

To apply, use the form (available below) as a guideline–or contact BRDC directly at (309) 688-1188 for additional information.

RFP Preproposal (Word.doc) Right click this link and select "Save Link As" to download this file

RFP Preproposal (Adobe Acrobat .pdf) Send completed forms to:

BRDC
1815 N. University Street
Peoria, IL 61604

Or fax the completed form to BRDC at:
(309) 688-1292

RFP for Plant Transformation Systems

BRDC is requesting proposals for research directed at the development of new transformation systems in plants. The research must be directed toward the development of systems that include the following characteristics:

• Applicable to one or more of the major crops including maize, soybean, wheat, cotton or rice;
  
  
• High throughput–meaning low cost and labor requirements;
  
  
• No antibiotic resistance genes as required by recent EU regulations;
  
  
• Single copy inserts as required by recent EU regulations;
  
  
• Predictable and stable expression through successive generations of breeding and seed increase.