BioEngineering @ UQ

Baculovirus

Baculoviruses are insect viruses that can be used as effective and highly specific biopesticides as well as an protein expression system. We use our substantial experience with baculoviruses to develop better ways to produce biopesticides and to assist other researchers with pilot scale protein expression.

Existing baculovirus biopesticide products are produced in caterpillars at high cost and with limited scope for economy of scale. A company, Agribio, was recently established as a joint venture between the BioEngineering and Agrichem to commercialise research into fermentation. This project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of large scale, in vitro production (i.e., via fermentation) and test produced biopesticides in field trials.

Baculoviruses are also excellent models of the complex, transient dynamics that is a focus of our fundamental research. The baculovirus program addresses such issues as genetic stability of viruses in culture and the effect of cell cycle status at time of infection on the infection program.

The Baculovirus Team (from left clockwise): Gary Butterworth, Leslie Chan, Duncan Smith, Steve Reid, Linda Lua and Ying Mei Qi. Not present: Richard Haas.