Prof. Urpo Lamminmäki, PhD

My research is largely focused on recombinant antibodies and other bioaffinity molecules. I am interested in developing techniques used for tailoring such molecules as well as applications of these molecules in various fields including diagnostics, drug development, and biomarker discovery.

✉️ urplammi@utu.fi

UTU ResearchPortal Page

Latest publication: Huhtinen, O. A., Salbo, R., Lamminmäki, U. & Prince, S. Selection of Biophysically Favorable Antibody Variants Using Modified Flp-In CHO Mammalian Display Platform. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 11, 1170081 (2023).

Eeva-Christine Brockmann, PhD

Senior Researcher

✉️ eechbr@utu.fi

UTU ResearchPortal Page

Latest publication: Hietanen, E. et al. Isolation and characterization of phage display-derived scFv antibodies against human parechovirus 1 VP0 protein. Scientific Reports 12, 13453 (2022).

Tuomas Huovinen, PhD

University Lecturer

✉️ tuohuo@utu.fi

UTU ResearchPortal Page

Latest publication: Kulmala, A., Lappalainen, M., Lamminmäki, U. & Huovinen T. Synonymous Codons and Hydrophobicity Optimization of Post-translational Signal Peptide PelB Increase Phage Display Efficiency of DARPins ACS Synthetic Biology 11, 3174–3181 (2022).

Hanna Sanmark, PhD

University Teacher

In my research, I construct antibody phage libraries and use these libraries to develop binders with novel specificities. Together with my coworkers, I have built several universal phage libraries and at the moment new libraries with improved characteristics are under construction using molecular biology methods. Phage display is used to enrich specific binders from the libraries. The method can be used to create binders against any target antigen.

✉️ hansan@utu.fi

UTU ResearchPortal Page

Latest publication: Salmela, M. et al. Molecular tools for selective recovery and detection of lignin-derived molecules. Green Chemistry 20, 2829-2839 (2018).

Angel Garcia de Lucas, PhD

Postdoctoral Researcher

✉️ angel.garciadelucas@utu.fi

UTU ResearchPortal Page

Latest publication: de Lucas, Á. G., Lamminmäki, U. & López-Picón, F. R. ImmunoPET Directed to the Brain: A New Tool for Preclinical and Clinical Neuroscience. Biomolecules 13, 164 (2023).

Archana Vishwakarma, PhD

Postdoctoral Researcher

Hi, I ’m Archana Vishwakarma, a postdoc working on immunoassays.
My research focuses on biosensors, diagnostic assays, and advanced detection technologies, with a goal of making experiments faster, more sensitive, and more reliable.
Outside the lab, I enjoy traveling, dancing, and spending time with my dog.

✉️ arvish@utu.fi

UTU ResearchPortal Page

Latest publication:

Sultana Akter

Project Researcher/Doctoral Researcher

✉️ suakte@utu.fi

UTU ResearchPortal Page

Latest publication: Akter, S. & Lamminmäki, U. A 15-min non-competitive homogeneous assay for microcystin and nodularin based on time-resolved Förster resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET). Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 413, 6159–6170 (2021).

Sami Oksanen

Doctoral Researcher

In my research, I focus on exploring the vast possibilities of using next (and third) generation sequencing technologies to enhance antibody screening in terms of throughput, accuracy, and efficiency. Equipped with a strong DIY attitude, I love delving deep into methods I use in my projects, even if it means learning a totally new programming language from scratch. Python, UNIX, 3D printing and microcontrollers have become essential tools in my arsenal, providing solutions to nearly any challenge encountered.

✉️ sajook@utu.fi

UTU ResearchPortal Page

Anastasiia Kushnarova-Vakal

Doctoral Researcher

✉️ amkuva@utu.fi

UTU ResearchPortal Page

Latest publication: Kushnarova-Vakal, A., Äärelä, A., Huovinen, T., Virta, P. & Lamminmäki, U. Site-specific linking of an oligonucleotide to mono- and bivalent recombinant antibodies with SpyCatcher-SpyTag system for immuno-PCR. ACS Omega 5, 24927–24934 (2020).

Saara Östman

Doctoral Researcher

✉️ samahay@utu.fi

UTU ResearchPortal Page

Oskar Haavisto

Doctoral Researcher

✉️ oaahaa@utu.fi

UTU ResearchPortal Page

Ida Bäckström

Doctoral Researcher

✉️ isback@utu.fi

UTU ResearchPortal Page

Adeesha Herath Mudiyanselage

Doctoral Researcher

✉️ aphemu@utu.fi

UTU ResearchPortal Page

Susanna Lammi

Doctoral Researcher

✉️ sktlam@utu.fi

UTU ResearchPortal Page

My research focuses on ultra-stable scFv antibodies and developing a mammalian cell display platform that will enable the production of these ultra-stable, and biophysically favorable antibodies. I conduct part of this research in collaboration with the Institute of Biomedicine and the Cancer Research Laboratory at the University of Turku. In my free time, I enjoy taking dance classes and listening to podcasts. I also enjoy photography, but I wish I had more time for it.

Niklas Ekman

Project Researcher/Laboratory Technician

✉️ niekma@utu.fi

UTU ResearchPortal Page

Irene Callus

Project Researcher

✉️ ircall@utu.fi

UTU ResearchPortal Page

I have been working within the Antibody Engineering Group since 2023 and my time here has been very fruitful. First I started as a research assistant and then continued with my Masters thesis project. Currently I am working on anti-immunocomplex antibodies and finding applications for them. I am very interested in research related to human health and diagnostics, and how antibody engineering can be incorporated into it. In my free time I enjoy baking, trying (and mostly failing) different craft projects, and travelling back home to Malta for sea and sun.