AtaGenix Laboratories
AtaGenix Laboratories
AtaGenix's Baculovirus-Insect Cell Expression System (BEVS) delivers properly folded, post-translationally modified recombinant proteins using four host cell lines: Sf9, Sf21, Hi5, and S2 (Drosophila). Using the classic Bac-to-Bac system with pFastBac vectors (pFastBac1, pFastBacHT with 6His+TEV, pFastBacDual for co-expression), we rapidly generate recombinant baculovirus without plaque assays. Full service delivery in 6–8 weeks with protein yields up to 100 mg/L.
This eukaryotic platform bridges the gap between E. coli (fast and cheap, but no PTMs) and mammalian cells (full human-type PTMs, but slower and more expensive). The insect cell system is particularly well-suited for glycoproteins, kinases, multi-subunit complexes, virus-like particles (VLPs), and membrane proteins where proper folding and modifications are essential but mammalian-level costs are not justified.
Every project includes complimentary baculovirus amplification and storage for up to 2 years — reorder protein from your existing virus stock at reduced cost and faster turnaround. For targets requiring mammalian-specific glycan patterns, explore our Mammalian Expression Services.
Eukaryotic Folding & PTMs
Proper folding, glycosylation, and phosphorylation for biologically active proteins
High Yield, Lower Cost
Mammalian-like quality at a fraction of the cost — ideal for mg-scale production
Complex Protein Capable
Multi-subunit complexes, VLPs, and membrane proteins expressed efficiently
AtaGenix's BEVS platform uses the classic Bac-to-Bac system to rapidly generate recombinant baculovirus without plaque assays. Four host cell lines (Sf9, Sf21, Hi5, S2) and three pFastBac vectors provide flexible options for any target protein. Full service from gene to purified protein in 6 to 8 weeks, with complimentary virus storage for up to 2 years.
Service Scope
| ✓ Gene synthesis & codon optimization | ✓ Bacmid construction (Bac-to-Bac system) |
| ✓ Vectors: pFastBac1, pFastBacHT (6His+TEV), pFastBacDual | ✓ 4 host cells: Sf9, Sf21, Hi5, S2 (Drosophila) |
| ✓ Virus generation P1–P3 (no plaque assay needed) | ✓ Expression optimization (MOI, time, temperature) |
| ✓ Multi-subunit co-expression (pFastBacDual) | ✓ Affinity + polishing purification, full QC |
| ✓ Free baculovirus amplification & storage for up to 2 years — reorder protein at reduced cost | |
Insect cell expression is ideal for eukaryotic targets that need proper folding and post-translational modifications but do not require mammalian-type complex glycosylation. Protein yields can reach up to 100 mg/L.
| Target Type | Why Insect Cells |
| Glycoproteins & kinases | Eukaryotic PTMs (glycosylation, phosphorylation) at lower cost than mammalian systems |
| Multi-subunit complexes | pFastBacDual enables co-expression of multiple subunits in a single host |
| Virus-like particles (VLPs) | Proven platform for VLP-based vaccine candidates and structural studies |
| Membrane proteins | Eukaryotic membrane machinery for proper insertion and native-like folding |
6–8
Weeks Delivery
4
Host Cell Lines
100 mg/L
Yield Achievable
2 Years
Free Virus Storage
Every insect cell expression project follows a 5-step pipeline using the classic Bac-to-Bac workflow. Virus titer QC is the critical checkpoint before committing to scale-up. A dedicated PhD scientist manages your project throughout.
01
Gene & Vector
Week 1–2
Codon optimization
pFastBac cloning
Sequence verification
02
Virus Generation
Week 2–3
Bacmid recombination
P1 transfection (Sf9)
P2/P3 amplification
03
Optimization
Week 3–4
MOI titration
Host cell comparison
Harvest time screen
04
Scale-up & Purify
Week 4–6
Large-volume infection
Affinity chromatography
SEC / IEX polishing
05
QC & Delivery
Week 6–8
SDS-PAGE, WB, SEC
Endotoxin testing
Virus stock stored free
Step 1 — Gene & Vector: Codon optimization for insect cell expression, cloning into pFastBac1 (standard), pFastBacHT (6His + TEV cleavage site), or pFastBacDual (dual promoter for co-expression). Full sequence verification before proceeding.
Step 2 — Virus Generation: Bacmid recombination in DH10Bac cells, followed by P1 transfection into Sf9 cells and P2/P3 virus amplification. Virus titer determined by qPCR or plaque assay equivalent. No traditional plaque purification needed with the Bac-to-Bac system.
Step 3 — Optimization: MOI titration, harvest time screening, and host cell comparison (Sf9 vs Sf21 vs Hi5) to identify the condition that maximizes target protein yield and quality. Sf21 may provide higher expression than Sf9 for certain targets; Hi5 is preferred for secreted proteins.
Step 4 — Scale-up & Purification: Large-volume infection under optimized conditions, followed by affinity chromatography and polishing steps (SEC, IEX). Endotoxin-free production available upon request.
Step 5 — QC & Delivery: SDS-PAGE, Western Blot, SEC analysis, and endotoxin testing. Protein delivered lyophilized or in liquid format with project report and COA. Baculovirus stock stored free for up to 2 years for future reorders.
The right expression system depends on your protein's biology. E. coli is fastest and cheapest but offers no glycosylation. Insect cells provide eukaryotic folding and simple glycans at mid-range cost. Mammalian cells deliver full human-type PTMs at higher cost.
| Feature | E. coli | Insect Cell | Mammalian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glycosylation | None | Simple glycans | Complex / human-type |
| Folding | Limited | Eukaryotic | Eukaryotic |
| Yield | High | Up to 100 mg/L | Moderate |
| Timeline | 2–3 weeks | 6–8 weeks | 8–12 weeks |
| Relative Cost | $ | $$ | $$$ |
AtaGenix offers four insect cell host lines: Sf9 (standard for virus generation and intracellular expression), Sf21 (may provide higher yields than Sf9 for certain targets), Hi5 (optimized for secreted protein production), and S2 Drosophila cells (suitable for constitutive expression without baculovirus).
Full service delivery from gene synthesis through purified protein takes 6 to 8 weeks. This includes gene synthesis and vector construction (weeks 1–2), baculovirus generation (weeks 2–3), expression optimization (weeks 3–4), scale-up and purification (weeks 4–6), and QC with delivery (weeks 6–8).
Yes. AtaGenix provides complimentary baculovirus amplification and storage for up to 2 years. Clients can reorder protein from their existing virus stock at reduced cost and faster turnaround, since virus generation steps are already complete.
Choose insect cells when your protein requires eukaryotic post-translational modifications (glycosylation, phosphorylation, proper folding) but does not need mammalian-type complex glycosylation. Insect cells are also the best choice for multi-subunit complexes (via pFastBacDual co-expression), virus-like particles, and membrane proteins. If your protein has no PTM requirements, E. coli is faster and cheaper. If you need human-type glycans, choose mammalian expression.
Insect cell glycosylation produces paucimannose-type glycans which differ from mammalian complex glycans. Timelines include gene synthesis. Yields and timelines are target-dependent. Data: AtaGenix technical handbook P13–14. Quote-based pricing.
Step 1 — Gene & Vector: Codon optimization for insect cell expression, cloning into pFastBac1 (standard), pFastBacHT (6His + TEV cleavage site), or pFastBacDual (dual promoter for co-expression). Full sequence verification before proceeding.
Step 2 — Virus Generation: Bacmid recombination in DH10Bac cells, followed by P1 transfection into Sf9 cells and P2/P3 virus amplification. Virus titer determined by qPCR or plaque assay equivalent. No traditional plaque purification needed with the Bac-to-Bac system.
Step 3 — Optimization: MOI titration, harvest time screening, and host cell comparison (Sf9 vs Sf21 vs Hi5) to identify the condition that maximizes target protein yield and quality. Sf21 may provide higher expression than Sf9 for certain targets; Hi5 is preferred for secreted proteins.
Step 4 — Scale-up & Purification: Large-volume infection under optimized conditions, followed by affinity chromatography and polishing steps (SEC, IEX). Endotoxin-free production available upon request.
Step 5 — QC & Delivery: SDS-PAGE, Western Blot, SEC analysis, and endotoxin testing. Protein delivered lyophilized or in liquid format with project report and COA. Baculovirus stock stored free for up to 2 years for future reorders.
The right expression system depends on your protein's biology. E. coli is fastest and cheapest but offers no glycosylation. Insect cells provide eukaryotic folding and simple glycans at mid-range cost. Mammalian cells deliver full human-type PTMs at higher cost.
| Feature | E. coli | Insect Cell | Mammalian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glycosylation | None | Simple glycans | Complex / human-type |
| Folding | Limited | Eukaryotic | Eukaryotic |
| Yield | High | Up to 100 mg/L | Moderate |
| Timeline | 2–3 weeks | 6–8 weeks | 8–12 weeks |
| Relative Cost | $ | $$ | $$$ |
AtaGenix offers four insect cell host lines: Sf9 (standard for virus generation and intracellular expression), Sf21 (may provide higher yields than Sf9 for certain targets), Hi5 (optimized for secreted protein production), and S2 Drosophila cells (suitable for constitutive expression without baculovirus).
Full service delivery from gene synthesis through purified protein takes 6 to 8 weeks. This includes gene synthesis and vector construction (weeks 1–2), baculovirus generation (weeks 2–3), expression optimization (weeks 3–4), scale-up and purification (weeks 4–6), and QC with delivery (weeks 6–8).
Yes. AtaGenix provides complimentary baculovirus amplification and storage for up to 2 years. Clients can reorder protein from their existing virus stock at reduced cost and faster turnaround, since virus generation steps are already complete.
Choose insect cells when your protein requires eukaryotic post-translational modifications (glycosylation, phosphorylation, proper folding) but does not need mammalian-type complex glycosylation. Insect cells are also the best choice for multi-subunit complexes (via pFastBacDual co-expression), virus-like particles, and membrane proteins. If your protein has no PTM requirements, E. coli is faster and cheaper. If you need human-type glycans, choose mammalian expression.
Insect cell glycosylation produces paucimannose-type glycans which differ from mammalian complex glycans. Timelines include gene synthesis. Yields and timelines are target-dependent. Data: AtaGenix technical handbook P13–14. Quote-based pricing.
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Contact Us
+86-27-87001869
info@atagenix.com
Building C, R & D Building, No. 666, Shendun 4th Road, Donghu New Technology Development Zone, Wuhan
