CBB Operator Working in the Lab
Welcome to CBB
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.
We Work with a Wide Range of Clients across the Biotech, Life Sciences, and Pharmaceutical Spaces
We welcome clients from diverse industry sectors, including biotech startups seeking scalable biomanufacturing, academic research laboratories advancing translational science, life science vendors supporting basic and applied research worldwide, as well as large multinational pharmaceutical manufacturers and government agencies involved in drug development and public health initiatives. Our services are accessible to clients regardless of geographic location, ensuring professional support for protein production, purification, and bioprocess development.
How to Start a Service with CBB?
We’re here to support your project every step of the way. Getting started with the Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing (CBB) is simple. Clients can request services by completing our Client Request Form online. After submitting the form, a CBB representative will contact you within 2-3 business days to confirm your request and to schedule an initial consultation.
During this initial consultation, your project requirements will be discussed in a non-confidential manner. CBB will then evaluate whether our facility can meet your specific needs. If so, a Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDA) template will be provided for your consideration. In parallel, we will share a ballpark estimate of the costs for your project.
Upon execution of the CDA, a more in-depth discussion will be used to provide a more accurate assessment of the costs for CBB’s bioprocessing services. Services can begin once a Master Service Agreement is in place and a Project Ordered is created specifically tailored toward your bioprocessing needs.
Our team will be with you through every step to ensure a smooth and compliant bioprocessing experience.
Bioprocessing Services
Fermentation, protein purification, & cGMP production for Phase-1 clinical trials
Academic Opportunities
Predoctoral Iowa Biotech Fellowship, CBB & NIH fellowships available
Annual Conference
The CBB hosts an annual conference focusing on innovations in the biocatalytic sciences.
"I worked for CBB since they first started with fermentation in their present location! I had previous experiences running 2000 liter fermenters at Solvay Animal Health. I really enjoyed watching the fermenters being delivered and set up. I worked closely with B. Braun company getting them up and running. The team came together over the next couple years. They have all become very experienced operators in the upstream and downstream processing! Everyone works well together and produces high quality product! I have since retired and miss my coworkers."
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