My Coop Experience

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     My experience as a Biotechnology Coop Student at Abbvie Biotechnology, Ltd was gratifying. During my time in the department of Technical Operation in the Upstream Process Team, I had the opportunity to apply the knowledge that I acquired as part of  my industrial Biotechnology formation and to learn more about the industry environment. I had the chance to work in the organization and preparation of special projects to tests several cell culture conditions for the growth of the CHO cells in order to find new raw material combinations to optimize the Humira production. In addition, I had the opportunity to learn the assembly process of the bioreactors,  how to use the software program to control different parameters like temperature, pH, agitation, oxygen and others. Also, I learned how to take and analyze samples from the bioreactors and manufacturing. I became an expect in the use of several laboratory equipment like Vi-CELL analyzer, ABL 5 gas analyzer,  Osmometer and Cedex Bio analyzer.  

     During my Coop, I perfected my knowledge in the upstream process, including cell culture techniques with CHO cells. Also, an important part of this experience was that I developed the ability to work with protein purification process, which I had never done before. I had the opportunity to learn and perform protein A purification using the AKTA chromatography column. Also, I performed other purification methods using the Gravitrap purification kit. These two different methods of protein purification gives me an excellent preparation in purification techniques that will help me increase my skills. 

    In conclusion, this experience showed me the relevance of the production of medical drugs like Humira to increase the life quality of the patients. During my time at Abbvie, I acquired conscience and responsibility about the patients and the importance to manufacture a product with high quality to not compromise the patient's health. In addition, this opportunity expanded my possibilities in the future as a professional. This Coop experience fulfilled my expectations, giving me more confidence and preparation in my area of study.