Since 2000, the Microbial Physiology Section of the European Federation of Biotechnology brings together the academic and industrial community in order to discuss physiological aspects of recombinant protein production in different host cells. In a biannual rhythm, the most recent meeting took place in Sardinia, Italy, in the fantastic Porto Conte Bay nearby Alghero, from September 25th to 28th 2008. More than 250 participants from all over the world attended this conference.

As far as host cell physiology plays a key role in the production of recombinant proteins, the following topics have been discussed at this meeting: energy metabolism of heterologous protein production, transcription and translation control, stress response, protein folding, assembly and secretion, glycoengineering, process development and process stability.

Besides renowned speakers especially young scientists were given the opportunity to present and discuss their scientific results. E.g. Kristin Baumann (Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona) gave a very interesting talk on hypoxic fed-batch cultivation of Pichia pastoris as well as Gerald Striedner ( University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Siences Vienna) introduced a plasmid-free T7 based E. coli expression system.

BIOMIN Holding GmbH was represented by Doris Hartinger from the BIOMIN Research Center, who presented a poster on degradation of fumonisins.

In summary, it was a scientifically most interesting and stimulating meeting at a charming venue.