A Cost-effective Way to Mass Produce Human Epidermal Growth Factor Dr Raymond W K Wong Department of Biochemistry, HKUST
Dr Raymond Wong and his team have made use of recombinant DNA technology to engineer Escherichia coli for the production of the human epidermal growth factor (hEGF). This project was supported by a research grant of HK$2.03 million from the Hong Kong Industry Department and the facilities from the Biotechnology Research Institute (BRI) at HKUST. Scientists have proved that hEGF, an amino acid produced in the duodenum and salivary glands, can accelerate cell proliferation and stimulate new growth in skin as well as intestinal and corneal surfaces. The major obstacle to the commercial application of hEGF in the past was its high production cost (over US$1,000 per mg). With Dr Wong's research findings, this protein can now be mass produced at a cost as low as US$200 per mg. Recently, HKUST signed agreements with two local cosmetics companies to produce this protein for application in their skin care products. The products are well received with positive feedback from the consumers.   Protein Sequence of Human Epidermal Growth Factor A general strategy for the construction of recombinant DNA molecules An E.Coli excretion system for extracellular production of foreign proteins	Dr Raymond W K Wong obtained his PhD in Microbiology from the University of British Columbia, Canada in 1986. Prior to joining HKUST in 1990, Dr Wong worked for Allelix Biopharmaceuticals Inc, focusing on the development of efficient microbial expression systems. Dr Wong has been doing research on E.Coli excretion systems and the genetic engineering of recombinant strains for proteins production for many years. His research achievements have brought him five patents. He works closely with the local industry through research contracts and consulting work.
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