Company
The BioVentures Institute Sp. z o.o. is an innovation-driven molecular biotechnology company, conducting applied research, product development and production, utilizing advanced genetic engineering, molecular biology, biochemical and microbiological technologies. Our proprietary universal recombinant DNA, RNA, protein technology for the construction of a new generation vaccines, biologics, biosymilars, industrial and environmental processes is protected worldwide by 5 patents and 6 patent applications. This break-through biotechnology of ordered DNA fragment amplification-expression and construction of genetically programmable artificial RNA and proteins provides scientific and economical solutions, not possible with other known technologies.
BioVentures Institute mission:
research-oriented molecular biotechnology company, aiming at improving life quality by providing novel medical, industrial and environmental biomolecular technologies to create better us and better world.
Business scope:
developing and applying advanced novel genetic engineering technologies for medical, research, industrial end environmental applications. Cloning and production of recombinant proteins. Contract research.
Our leading edge technology:
DNA fragment amplification-expression method for construction of concatemeric nucleic acids, proteins, bionanostructures with genetically programmable functions. This is a universal recombinant DNA technology for creation of a new generation vaccines, biologics, biosymilars, industrial bioprocesses and environmental detoxification, which is globally protected by patents and patent applications.
Research and business development team
Piotr Skowron, Ph.D., D.Sc., Professor
Professor of molecular biology, founder and Head of Molecular Biotechnology Department at University of Gdansk (Poland). His Ph.D. was a joint project of the Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA) and University of Gdansk. Scientist and inventor, for over 25 years engaged in research in the areas of molecular biology of bacteria, thermophilic microorganisms, regenerative medicine, anti-cancer therapies, as well as the development of novel gene cloning, manipulation and expression technologies, protein engineering and biosynthesis. Co-author of high level publications (+60, IF +210, cit. +500), 28 patents and patent applications. Principal founder, CEO and an author of BioVentures Institute Ltd. biotechnology - DNA Fragment Amplification & Concatemeric Proteins Construction - a technology for the construction of artificial, concatemeric DNA, RNA and proteins with programmable functions. Co-founder of 9 biotechnology start-up companies. Extensive industrial experience: developed over 70 original biotechnology methods and products, an original inventor of DNA micro-spin/silica purification format (world sales +500 mln USD/year), for 13 years head investigator and director of R&D at USA biotechnology companies, received 1st award (2015) from the Pomeranian Employers Association in the category ‘Primum Cooperatio’ that is ‘first and foremost cooperation’ – ‘proving that cooperation of scientific and economic environment brings tangible benefits to business and science.’ Received four awards from th Chairman of the University of Gdansk for scientific achievements and numerous grants, industrial and academic, for a total of more than 17 mln USD. Conducts worldwide scientific collaborations.
Grzegorz Węgrzyn, Ph.D., D.Sc., Professor
Molecular biologist. M.Sc. in molecular biology and Ph.D. anf habilitation in molecular genetics from University of Gdansk, Poland. His Ph.D. thesis was focused on the regulation of DNA replication in starved cells. Research fellow at the Department of Biochemistry, University of Nottingham Medical School (UK), where he worked on the mechanisms of gene expression regulation in bacteria. Post-doctoral researcher at Center for Molecular Genetics, University of California at San Diego (USA), where he investigated regulation of viral DNA replication. Since 1996 he is head of the Department of Molecular Biology at University of Gdansk (Poland). Several projects are being conducted in his laboratory, which are focused mainly on regulation of gene expression and DNA replication, biology of bacteriophages, as well asmechanisms and new treatment methods for human genetic diseases. Co-author of over 400 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and over 600 communications at scientific conferences. His articles have been cited over 6,500 times, Index H = 40. Member of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, American Society for Microbiology and International Society for Plasmid Biology. Editor of several scientific journals, including FEMS Microbiology Reviews, Microbial Cell Factories (Editor-in-Chief), Metabolic Brain Disease (Deputy-Chief-Editor), Plasmid, Scientific Reports, and Acta Biochimica Polonica (Editor-in-Chief). He supervised 53 Ph.D. theses and has experience in leading teams, having functions of Head of Department of Molecular Biology, Dean of Faculty (2002-2008), and Vice-Rector for Research (2008-2016). In 2020, he was included in the top 2% Researchers in the World with the highest impact on science development. In the same year he won the Vebleo Scientit Award, for his contribution to science development and impact of his studies on society.
Łukasz Janus, Ph.D.
Graduated from Poznan University of Life Sciences and the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poland. PhD defended in 2012 in the discipline of plant biotechnology. Łukasz Janus is passionate about applying new technologies in biotechnology as well as medical and cosmetic chemistry. Co-author of publications in international journals (IF 25.4) as well as co-author of patents in national and international procedures (including P407950, PCT / IB2015 / 052915, WO / 2015/162560). Co-founder of 9 bio-medical companies. In the years 2009-2020, he participated in 10 grant projects in the filed of biotechnology and medical devices (including NCBiR Strategmed project in regnerative medicine, NCBiR project POIG 1.4, NCBiR project 3.1 POIG). Winner of 4 competitions in commercialization of scientific products and 3 prizes at biotechnology conferences. For achievements in the field of combining scientific work with effective commercialization of scientific research, Łukasz Janus was nominated for the Man of the Year 2012 title.
Alicja Wiercińska-Drapało, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc., Professor
Medical doctor and virologist. Obtained M.D. from Medical University in Bialystok (Poland), Ph.D. and habilitation from the Medical University of Bialystok. Completed specialised training in internal medicine and infectious diseases. Worldwide recognized specialist in hepatology and AIDS. Major contributor to studies on co-infection of HBV and HCV with HIV, HIV/AIDS pathogenesis, the interdependence of AIDS development and response to HAART therapy, antiretroviral therapies, evaluation of new biomarkers in assessing the severity of clinical inflammatory bowel diseases, organ complications in HIV-infected patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy, new biomarkers for cancer diagnosis in HIV-infected patients. Head of the Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Hepatology Clinic, Warsaw Medical University, Poland, as well as head of the Department of Regional Infectious Diseases Hospital. Editorial vice-head and head of HIV & AIDS Review, member of the Committee of Editors of the following international journals: Recent Patents on Endocrine Metabolic and Immune Drug Discovery, The Open Infectious Disease Journal, among others. Awarded by the Minister of Health for scientific achievements in 2006, 2007, 2008 and for her contribution in cases of AIDS patients in 2008, 2009, 2010.Co-author of over 200 scientific publications, Impact Factor app. 380; Index H = 36.
Research team
Agnieszka Żylicz Stachula, Ph.D., D.Sc., Associate Professor
Biotechnologist and molecular biologist. M.Sc. in biotechnology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of the University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk. Ph.D. in biological sciences in the field of biochemistry, specialising in molecular biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw. Habilitation in the field of microbiology, Faculty of Biology of the University of Gdansk. Over 20 years of experience in genetic engineering and biotechnology. 2007-2012 employed as assistant professor in the Department of Theoretical Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk. Since 2012 assistant professor in the Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk. Co-author of 34 scientific publications (Impact Factor +130, cit. 255, Index H = 9), 3 patents and 7 patent applications. Principal investigator of several original and implemented biotechnological projects. Task leader in TECHMATSTRATEG2/410747/11/NCBR/2019 NCBR grant, Three UG Vice-Chancellor’s Prizes for a series of scientific papers. Scientific experience: basic molecular biology and biotechnology research, thermophilic microorganisms and thermostable enzymes, regenerative medicine, anti-cancer therapies, bionanotechnology, genomics and proteomics; projects with biomedical and industrial applications; experiment design: planning, conducting, analysis and interpretation; design of DNA molecules, molecular cloning, genetic and protein engineering, protein purification. Scientific achievements: cloning and expression of tens of genes and their variants encoding proteins of scientific importance/utility, significant participation in the development of the DNA-FACE™ technology for the construction of artificial, concatemeric DNA, RNA and proteins with programmable functions. Extensive industrial experience - over 10 years of experience in commercial molecular cloning in the US biotechnology industry.
Daria Krefft, Ph.D.
Chemist and biotechnologist. M.Sc. in biological chemistry, Ph.D. in biochemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Poland. Assistant Professor at the Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk. Leader of 3 academic grants "Young Researchers Grant" - cloning and analysing thermostable restriction endonucleases belonging to the family of Thermus enzymes. Research area: genetic engineering and protein biochemistry, purification of ‘artificial’ polyepitopic proteins with therapeutic and regenerative properties, constructed with the use of DNA-FACE™ technology, design and cloning of synthetic genes, bacteriophage protein fusion, novel protein expression strategies, engineering DNA-recognition specificity of enzymes, enzymes’ biochemical and physico-chemical properties. Co-author of 10 publications (IF = 33, H-index = 3), 7 patents and patent applications, fellowships in 2 biotechnology companies. Contractor in: antidote for chemical weapons NCBR grant NR12-0070-06/2010; development of DNA-FACE™ technology NCBR grant POIG.01.04.00-22-140/12; new anti-cancer therapy - NCBR grant STRATEGMED3/306853/9/NCBR/2017 (2017-2019) and nanobiomaterials as a next-generation drug delivery system - NCBR grant using the DNA-FACE™ technology, TECHMATSTRATEG2/410747/11/NCBR/2019 (2019-2023).
Ireneusz Sobolewski, Ph.D.
Chemist and molecular biologist. Obtained his master's degree in 1998 at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk. The mainstream of interest was focused on research on complex compounds of transition metal cations with carbohydrates. He was ecologically committed, he cooperated with the ecological monthly EkoBałtyk, writing popular science articles on the subject of chemistry. Developing his interests related to the chemistry of nucleic acids, in 2016 he obtained a doctorate in chemical sciences in the field of biochemistry. 20 years of experience in the biotechnology industry (1999 - 2019) as a chemist, head of the isotope and DNA sequencing laboratory, general manager of the production of reagents used in molecular biology - kits for the isolation of nucleic acids. Development of a new product line - over 20 specialized kits designed to isolate RNA, DNA and proteins from various sources. Significant participation in genetic engineering projects involving cloning of bacterial, viral and human genes. Implementation of the task under the grant on a new anti-cancer therapy, managed by the Gdańsk University of Technology as part of the consortium TARGETTELO- NCBR STRATEGMED3/306853/9/NCBR/2017 (2017-2020) and nanobiomaterials as a next-generation drug delivery system - NCBR grant using the DNA-FACE™ technology, TECHMATSTRATEG2/410747/11/NCBR/2019 (2019-2023).
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Joanna Żebrowska, Ph.D.
Chemist and molecular biologist. M.Sc. in biological chemistry, Ph.D. in molecular biotechnology at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Poland. Graduated from the Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk-Medical University of Gdansk. Assistant Professor at the Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk. Leader of 5 academic grants "Young Researchs Grant - cloning and analysing thermostable restriction endonucleases belonging to the family of Thermus enzymes . Research area: purification of ‘artificial’ polyepitopic proteins with therapeutic and regenerative properties, constructed using the DNA-FACE™ technology, design and cloning of synthetic genes, bacteriophage proteins, chemical synthesis of cofactor analogues for Thermus family enzymes, engineering enzyme DNA-recognition specificity, as well as their biochemical and physico-chemical properties. Co-author of 13 publications (IF = 38, H-index = 3), 3 patent applications, fellowships in 4 biotechnology companies. Project leader in cloning/expression of bacteriophage proteins - NCN grant 2019/03/X/NZ1/01903. Contractor in: poliepitopic regenerative proteins - NCBR grant STRATEGMED1/235077/9/NCBR/2014 (2015-2017); a new anti-cancer therapy - NCBR grant STRATEGMED3/306853/9/NCBR/2017 (2017-2019). Project task leader in nanobiomaterials as a next-generation drug delivery system - NCBR grant using the DNA-FACE™ technology, TECHMATSTRATEG2/410747/11/NCBR/2019 (2019-2023).
Maciej Prusinowski, M.Sc.
Chemist and biotechnologist. M.Sc. in chemistry at Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Poland. Final year graduate student (Ph.D.) at inter-faculty interdisciplinary doctoral studies Chemistry with Physics at the University of Gdańsk (CHEMFIZ), co-financed by the European Union under the European Social Fund - Operational Programme Knowledge Education Development (WND-POWR.03.02.00-00-I059/16). Research area: gene cloning, expression, protein purification, new tools for the preparation of genomic libraries - ultrafrequent DNA ‘cutters’ - DNA fragmentation for next generation sequencing, affinity relaxation of restriction endonucleases’ enzymatic specificity. Contractor in: new anti-cancer therapy project - NCBR grant STRATEGMED3/306853/9/NCBR/2017 (2017-2019) and bionanomaterials as a next-generation drug delivery system using the DNA-FACE™ technology, NCBR grant TECHMATSTRATEG2/410747/11/NCBR/2019 (2019-2023).
Olga Żołnierkiewicz, Ph.D.
Chemist and molecular biologist. Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Poland. M.Sc. in molecular biology at Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk. Ph.D. in biotechnology at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk. 5 years of experience in the biotechnology industry as a research and development specialist - leader of two projects in the areas of molecular biology of yeast and mold. Research area: molecular cloning, expression, biochemical analysis of gene expression products, coding for ‘problematic’ proteins toxic to a recombinant host, protein biochemistry, purification of ‘artificial’ polyepitopic proteins, development of DNA-FACE™ technology, engineering DNA-recognition specificity of enzymes. Co-author of 11 publications (IF = 33, H-index = 5), 1 patent. Contractor in: development of the DNA-FACE™ technology NCBR grant POIG.01.04.00-22-140/12; new anti-cancer therapy - NCBR grant STRATEGMED3/306853/9/NCBR/2017 (2017-2019); nanobiomaterials as next-generation drug delivery system using the DNA-FACE™ technology, NCBR grant TECHMATSTRATEG2/410747/11/NCBR/2019 (2019-2023). Honoured with: first prize in University of Gdansk’s competition entitled "Innovative cosmetic"; laureate 2009/2010 in the "Best" programme at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk; scholarship under the project "We educate the best - a comprehensive programme for the development of doctoral students, young doctors and academic teaching staff of the University of Gdansk; laureate of the" InnoDoktorant " scholarship.
Edyta Czajkowska, Ph.D.
Chemist and biotechnologist. M.Sc. in chemistry, Ph.D. in biochemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Poland. Leader of 3 academic grants "Young Researchers Grant" - cloning and analysing thermostable restriction endonuclease belonging to the family of Thermus enzymes. Research area: genetic engineering and protein biochemistry, purification of ‘artificial’ concatameric proteins with therapeutic and regenerative properties, constructed using the DNA-FACE™ technology, design and cloning of synthetic genes, fusion bacteriophage proteins, novel protein expression strategies, engineering enzymes’ DNA-recognition specificity, enzymes’ biochemical and physico-chemical properties, discovery of an elusive, taqIIIRM restriction-modification system from the thermophile Thermus aquaticus. Co-author of 4 publications (IF = 16, H-index = 2), fellowships in 2 biotechnology companies. Contractor in new anti-cancer therapy - NCBR grant STRATEGMED3/306853/9/NCBR/2017 (2017-2019); bionanomaterials as a next-generation drug delivery system using the DNA-FACE™ technology, NCBR grant TECHMATSTRATEG2/410747/11/NCBR/2019 (2019-2023).
Beata Łubkowska, Ph.D.
Chemist and biotechnologist. M.Sc. in environmental protection, Ph.D. in peptide chemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Poland. Obtained a podiatry license and qualifications confirmed by an international certificate No. T/10024257/08, member of the Polish Podiatry Society (PTP) and member of the International Federation of Podiatrists (FIP-IFP). Received 1st location in 5 awards for scientific achievements in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk; a distinction from the President of the Foundation for Polish Science. Supervisor of 41 B.A. and 30 M.Sc. Head of 2 academic grants, concerning design of oligopeptide sequences, organic synthesis and research on moisturizing and antimicrobial properties in cosmetic products. Co-author of 20 publications (IF = 7, H-index = 3), fellowships in 2 biotechnology companies. Research area: biomedical applications of peptides, genetic engineering and protein biochemistry, isolation, cloning and expression of bacteriophage genes, bacteriophage fusion proteins, bacteriophage biology, enzymes’ biochemical and physico-chemical properties. Contractor in nanobiomaterials as a next-generation drug delivery system using the DNA-FACE™ technology, NCBR grant TECHMATSTRATEG2/410747/11/NCBR/2019 (2019-2023).
Małgorzata Ponikowska, M.D.
Medical doctor and biotechnologist. Graduated from Medical University of Warsaw. Gained international experience at the University of Cologne (Germany), University of Oviedo (Spain), Comenius University (Slovakia) and Uppsala University (Sweden). Privately engaged as a passionate blogger on current health issues - recently obviously COVID19 and vaccines, but also on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle during the pandemic. Currently graduate student (for Ph.D.) at Dept. of Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk. Research area: biomedical biotechnology, vaccinology, virology, genetic engineering and protein biochemistry, isolation, cloning and expression of bacteriophage genes, construction of biologics drug candidates. Contractor in bionanomaterials as a next-generation drug delivery system using the DNA-FACE™ technology, NCBR grant TECHMATSTRATEG2/410747/11/NCBR/2019 (2019-2023).
Edyta Raczuk, M.Sc.
Chemist. M.Sc. in organic chemistry at the Department of Environmental Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Poland. Ph.D. student at Dept. of Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk. Research area: photocatalysis, synthesis of TiO2 micro- and nanoparticles, quantum dots, cloning and expression of bacteriophage genes, protein purification development. Contractor in photocatalysis and nanotechnology – NCN grant; new anti-cancer therapy - NCBR grant STRATEGMED3/306853/9/NCBR/2017 (2017-2019); bionanomaterials as a next-generation drug delivery system - NCBR grant TECHMATSTRATEG2/410747/11/NCBR/2019 (2019-2023).
Patrycja Laszuk, M.Sc.
Chemist and biotechnologist. M.Sc. in chemistry at the Department of Environmental Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Poland. Ph.D. student at Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk. Research area: photocatalysis, synthesis of TiO2 micro- and nanoparticles, quantum dots, cloning and expression of bacteriophage genes, protein purification development. Contractor in new anti-cancer therapy - NCBR grant STRATEGMED3/306853/9/NCBR/2017 (2017-2019); bionanomaterials as a next-generation drug delivery system using the DNA-FACE™ technology, NCBR grant TECHMATSTRATEG2/410747/11/NCBR/2019 (2019-2023).
Natalia Krawczun, Ph.D. Candidate.
Chemist and biotechnologist. Natalia Krawczun graduated from two faculties of the Gdansk University of Technology: master's degree at the Faculty of Chemistry, major in Biotechnology, specialization in Molecular Biotechnology, and master's degree at the Faculty of Management and Economics, major in Management, specialization in Manufacturing Systems Management. Her passion is combining biotechnology and genetic engineering with industry. For five years (2010-2015) she was involved in obtaining enzymes from microorganisms living in extreme temperature conditions. She completed phd studies at the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Gdansk. Currently, she is writing her doctoral dissertation. Deepening her professional qualifications, she obtained the certificate of the Internal Auditor of the Quality Management System ISO 9001: 2008 and the certificate of the Internal Auditor of the HACCP System and BRC/IFS. She completed the courses: Project Management (Faculty of Management and Economics, Gdansk University of Technology) and "Crystallization of proteins - art or craft?" (Polish Crystaographic Association, Wroclaw). She was a laureate of the 4th edition of the "We educate the best" project (University of Gdansk). She was also a scholarship holder of the FOSTER Foundation for Supporting Creative and Scientific Initiatives (Gdansk University of Technology). She was the manager and main contractor in the NCN project 2011/01/N/NZ1/01569 "Method of obtaining and biochemical characteristics of the nucleases from a psychrophilic microorganisms Desulfotalea psychrophila LSv54, Psychromonas ingrahamii 37 and Shewanella violacea DSS12" (2011-2015). She was a contractor in 3 NCBiR grants: EU / NCBiR (2012-2015) POIG.01.04.00-22-140/12, STRATEGMED1/235077/9/NCBR/2014 (acronym REGENNOVA) (2013-2016), STRATEGMED3/306853/9/NCBR/2017 (acronym TARGETTELO) (2017-2020). Currently, he is working on the TECHMATSTRATEG2/410747/11/NCBR/2019 project (acronym BIONANOVA) (2019-2023). She is a co-author of 6 international publications (IF 13.5), 7 patents applications and 25 communications at international conferences.