Lean, mean protein production machine

RECOMBINANT PROTEIN EXPRESSION SERVICE

Boster Bio offers one of the most efficient protein production services. We perform highly successful protein expressions all year round.

3000+ Expressions/year
20 years of Protein Production
98% Expression Success Rate

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Why Choose Our Protein Expression Service

High-efficiency custom recombinant protein production service for all your needs. We combine decades of experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver results that rival genscript protein expression solutions and other leading protein expression offerings.

Rapid Turnaround

Our 2-week e coli recombinant protein production pilot gets you results fast. We understand research timelines and deliver accordingly.

Optimized Codon Design

Our proprietary algorithm maximizes expression success and solubility—better than conventional software.

Expert Project Management

Dedicated concierge support from subject matter experts—accessible around the clock to guide your project.

Full Downstream Services

From expression and purification of recombinant proteins, characterization, desalting, lyophilization, and packaging—we handle everything.

Flexible Scaling

Start with mg pilot runs, scale to gram-level production—seamlessly adjust to your needs.

98% Success Rate

With 3000+ expressions annually and 20 years of experience, we've refined every aspect of the process.

Our Specialty: Recombinant Protein Expression Services for Antigens/Immunizations

We can do simple E. Coli protein expressions with what seems to be the lowest cost on the market. However, we also offer a comprehensive suite of proteins expression services using various expression systems: E. Coli, baculovirus, insect cells, yeast, membrane proteins, and mammalian cells. Downstream services are available as well— affinity purification, protein characterization, desalting, lyophilization, packaging, and product information labeling.

Fast turnaround

2-week rapid recombinant protein expression E coli

Solubility expert

Proprietary technology for maximizing solubility

Cost efficiency

Economy of scale lowers cost

Comprehensive Protein Expression Services

Purification, protein characterization, desalting, tag cleaving, tag removal, the whole shebang

Our codon optimization

We developed our own expression optimization algorithm that prioritizes the use of optimal codons, enhancing the success rate and solubility of protein expression. This advanced approach sets us apart from conventional plasmid/gene optimization software, ensuring superior outcomes for your projects.

Custom Workflow: Choose Your Service Level

As a specialized protein expression CRO, we offer both comprehensive full-service packages and flexible à la carte options to match your specific requirements and budget.

Full-Service Package

Complete end-to-end protein expression solution—from gene synthesis to final delivery.

Gene synthesis and codon optimization
Vector construction and cloning
Small-scale pilot expression
Expression optimization
Large-scale production (mg to g scale)
Affinity purification
Quality control (SDS-PAGE, MS, endotoxin)
Desalting and buffer exchange
Lyophilization and packaging
Detailed technical report

Best for: Researchers who need a complete, hands-off solution from concept to purified custom proteins.

À La Carte Services

Mix and match services to fit your existing workflow—bring your own vectors, or let us handle specific steps.

Expression only (your vector)
Purification only (your lysate)
Scale-up production only
Codon optimization only
Vector construction only
Tag removal service
Refolding optimization
QC and characterization only
Custom buffer formulation

Best for: Labs with existing infrastructure who need specific expertise or capacity for particular steps.

Not sure which option is right for you?

Talk to a protein expression specialist

We promise you a concierge sourcing experience

Scientists serving scientists

It is our project concierges' mission to make your project experience as smooth and memorable as possible. They are subject matter experts who are easily accessible around the clock, always happy to help you solve problems, make recommendations and sort through options.

Book a meeting with your project concierge

Available Protein Expression Systems

We use various protein expression and purification systems to address your requirements. Here's how they compare:

E. coli Expression

Cost	● ● ○
Speed	● ● ●
Yield	● ● ●
PTMs	○ ○ ○
Culture Conditions	● ○ ○
Scale-up	● ● ●

Yeast Expression

Cost	● ○ ○
Speed	● ● ●
Yield	● ● ●
PTMs	● ○ ○
Culture Conditions	● ○ ○
Scale-up	● ● ●

Insect cells & baculovirus

Cost	● ● ○
Speed	● ● ○
Yield	● ● ○
PTMs	● ● ○
Culture Conditions	● ● ○
Scale-up	● ● ○

Mammalian expression

Cost	● ● ●
Speed	● ○ ○
Yield	● ○ ○
PTMs	● ● ●
Culture Conditions	● ● ●
Scale-up	● ○ ○

Legend:

● ● ● = Excellent | ● ● ○ = Good | ● ○ ○ = Fair | ○ ○ ○ = Not Applicable

Expression System	Advantages	Challenges	Common Uses
E. Coli	Low cost Simple culture conditions Rapid expression Easy scale-up Parallel cloning	Lack of post-translational modifications Protein solubility Inclusion body formation Inefficient expression of higher MW proteins	Prokaryotic & bacterial protein Functional assays Structural analysis recombinant protein antibody and antigen proteins
Yeast	Low cost Industrial-scale yields via fermentation Post-translational modifications possible Rapid expression Simple media	Improper glycosylation High yields require fermentation Culture conditions for optimal growth High mannose modification	Low MW proteins Enzyme studies Cytokine studies Gram per liter fermentation yields
Insect / Baculovirus expression system SF9 (including bac-to-bac baculovirus expression system thermo options)	Post-translational modifications possible Protein processing similar to mammals Protein solubility Static or suspension cultures Suitable for toxic proteins	Lack of partial glycosylation More complex culture conditions Baculovirus vector production time-consuming Longer production time	Transmembrane proteins Secretory proteins Intracellular/cytoplasmic protein Toxic protein analysis
Mammalian	Complex post-translational modifications High-level protein processing Robust bioactive protein expression Low endotoxin levels	Rigorous culture conditions Higher cost Lower yields Long production time	Antibody fragments Complex recombinant expression including recombinant human proteins Secretory proteins Extracellular transmembrane proteins

Recombinant Protein Expression Process

Our streamlined workflow ensures quality at every step—from initial consultation to final delivery. Here's exactly what to expect:

Project Consultation & Design

We discuss your protein target, expression goals, and any special requirements. Our team designs the optimal strategy and provides a detailed quote.

1-2 days

Gene Synthesis & Codon Optimization

Using our proprietary algorithm, we optimize your gene for maximum expression and solubility. Gene synthesis is performed by our trusted partners.

1-2 weeks

Vector Construction & Cloning

Your optimized gene is cloned into the appropriate expression vector. We verify sequence accuracy before proceeding to expression.

1 week

Pilot Expression & Optimization

Small-scale expression to test conditions and optimize yield. For E. coli, this typically takes 2 weeks. Complex systems may require multiple iterations.

2-4 weeks

Scale-Up Production

Once conditions are optimized, we scale up to your required volume (mg to gram scale). Our bioreactors ensure consistent, high-quality production.

2-3 weeks

Purification & Quality Control

Affinity purification followed by rigorous QC: SDS-PAGE, Western blot, mass spectrometry, endotoxin testing. Desalting and buffer exchange as needed.

1-2 weeks

Final Delivery & Documentation

Your purified protein is lyophilized (if requested), packaged, and shipped with a comprehensive technical report including all QC data.

3-5 days

Total Timeline: 6-10 weeks for full-service E. coli expression (system-dependent)

Need faster turnaround? Ask about our rapid expression option.

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Why Choose Boster Over Other Protein Expression Companies?

High-efficiency custom protein production and expression service for all your needs.

Established in 1993, Boster Bio offers one of the most efficient recombinant protein services—we are one of the biggest antibody companies that use recombinant immunogen to create antibodies. We express 3000+ recombinant proteins each year for our antibody immunization. This has polished every aspect of our recombinant protein expression and purification process from negotiating the lowest possible recombinant protein synthesis price and cost to resolving tricky solubility issues.

AFFINITY TAGS AND FUSION PROTEINS

Insoluble or otherwise difficult to purify recombinant proteins are often labelled with "tags", or joined with other proteins as "fusion proteins". These fused products facilitate the purification and recovery thereof via affinity purification with a stationary phase that has an affinity for the tag or fused protein. Tags may be added to either the N- or C-terminus of the expression protein. Tagged systems may be used to avoid many of the difficulties encountered during protein purification services.

Examples of highly popular pairs are the His-tag (poly histidine tag), the MBP-tag (maltose binding protein), and the GST-tag (glutathione-S-transferase). These tags are typically utilized to render a soluble protein product that is normally expressed in an insoluble form, and other desirable purification enhancers. Affinity purification, such as nickel-chelate chromatography, is commonly used with His-tag proteins, as they have high affinity and specificity for the ions of nickel and other metals. Finally, the tag must be easily removed after purification to ensure no effect on the protein's function or activity upon analysis.

Polyhistidine Tag, HIS

Popular tag for purification via affinity chromatography. Binds strongly and specifically to nickel ions on the matrix. Requires six histidine residues on C- or N-terminal ends.
Glutathione S-Transferase Tag, GST

Popular for affinity chromatography purification. Binds to reduced glutathione on matrix. Gentle and reversible, preserving protein structure and function.
Maltose Binding Protein Tag, MBP

Improves protein solubility. Used for affinity chromatography purification. Efficiently binds to amylose columns and easily eluted with maltose.

Polyhistidine Tag, HIS

Popular tag for purification via affinity chromatography. Binds strongly and specifically to nickel ions on the matrix.

Glutathione S-Transferase Tag, GST

Popular for affinity chromatography purification. Binds to reduced glutathione on matrix.

Maltose Binding Protein Tag, MBP

Improves protein solubility. Used for affinity chromatography purification.

FAQS About Protein Expression

Q1. Can you purify the proteins after Protein Expression?

Yes, our protein expression services include full-service protein expression with all common downstream services, such as protein synthesis, protein purification, and desalting, and also serve recombinant protein manufacturing needs, such as lyophilization, packaging and labeling.

Q2. How do I place an order for Recombinant Protein Production Services?

To get started, you can tell us the protein sequence you want to express, along with any special requests you might have. We will make a free quote for you with which you can place a purchase order. Once we receive a purchase order under your company name, we will optimize the codons for you and take it from there. The detailed milestones and other product information can be found in the process section above.

Q3. Can You Express Proteins With Post-Translational Modifications?

Yes we can. It will have to be one of the advanced expression packages with eukaryotic expression systems (yeast, baculovirus insect cell expression system or mammalian expression systems). Also, not all PTMs can be achieved, we need to know more details about your PTM of interest.

Q4. Can I provide my own expression vector?

Yes, as long as the expression vector is not under patent/IP protection in the United States, the United Kingdom, or any other country, or if you can extend your license to us. If there are no legal limitations, technically we can accommodate your expression vector.

Q5. What is recombinant protein expression?

A recombinant protein is a protein produced artificially by an expression host organism (expression system) that is transfected with a recombinant gene (target gene) isolated from another organism. The purpose is to produce the target gene encoded protein in large quantities for medical, research and academic uses.

Q6. What expression systems are used for recombinant protein expression?

The most popular recombinant protein expression systems are protein expression bacteria (E. coli), yeast, insect/baculovirus, and mammalian systems. Each has unique advantages—see our comparison table above.

Q7. What methods are used to measure protein expression?

Protein expression is often quantified by protein expression assays and common immunoassays, such as ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) or Western blotting. We also use mass spectrometry for precise characterization.