The Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing (CBB) is a microbial biomanufacturing and research facility that bridges the gap between laboratory discovery and commercial-scale bioprocessing solutions. Located at the University of Iowa, CBB offers microbial fermentation, recombinant protein expression, and downstream protein purification services for a wide variety of clients, including international corporations and early-stage start-up companies. For clients interested in clinical applications, a cGMP suite is available to manufacture of proteins under the quality standards defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifically for Phase 1 clinical trials.  

By combining the technical capabilities of a university-based pilot-scale CDMO with the expertise of affiliated faculty and researchers, the CBB serves as a trusted partner to biotech startups, vendors for the life science community, pharmaceutical companies, and academic innovators. Our facility supports innovation across multiple sectors, supporting the development and scale-up of protein-based therapeutics, specialty enzymes, reagent proteins, and other next-generation biologics. In addition, CBB plays a key role in bioprocessing workforce development through graduate training and NIH-funded biomanufacturing fellowships, thereby helping to shape the future of the biotech and life sciences industries.