The Bioexpression and Fermentation Facility (BFF) was established in 1967 and is one of the largest fermentation pilot plants in the Southeast. The BFF consists of the Fermentation Research Facility (FRF), Protein Purification Facility (PPF), Cell Culture Facility (CCF) and Monoclonal Antibody Facility (MAF). These four divisions enable the BFF to provide clients with a comprehensive array of services covering a wide range of biomanufacturing areas. The BFF has years of experience in fermentation and protein purification. The BFF has the capability to provide expertise in the biotech industry from biofuels and other environmentally-friendly products to biomedical technology. The BFF is located at the University of Georgia, in Athens, GA, occupying approximately 9500 square feet of lab space. The BFF has 23 bioreactors ranging from 1 L to 800 L, with centrifugation and tangential flow filtration capabilities for all reactor sizes. In addition, the BFF has 10 HPLCs capable of flow rates from 1 mL/min to 800 mL/min, and processing at temperatures from 4 ˚C to 80 ˚C. There are 13 staff members with 2 PhD scientists. In 2012, the BFF completed 127 discrete projects for more than 40 clients. In addition to providing services to several in-state biotech companies and academic researchers the BFF has served clients in more than 37 states and six countries. The facility has a solid International reputation for providing fermentation and protein purification services. In addition, significant equipment upgrades have been funded by income from service work and government grants over the past decade to ensure we can continue to grow even more in the future.
