About the Webinar

Clarification of cell culture samples is a critical step that directly impacts downstream purification quality and throughput. In this webinar, we will present data-driven strategies for rapid removal of cells and debris using Thomson's Universal Rapid Clear® 24-/96- Filter plates that minimize processing time. The session will highlight results comparing direct application of cultures to filters versus precleared samples, showing equivalent recovery and purity following a 5-minute spin. Case studies from insect expression will demonstrate how simplified clarification enhances reproducibility, resin-tip performance, and overall efficiency in protein characterization workflows.

What You'll Learn

• Rapid clarification methods for lysate and secretion workflows

• Data comparison: precleared vs. direct filtration approaches

• Implementation of a 5-minute, low-speed clarification step

• Influence of clarification on purification efficiency and reproducibility

• Strategies for integrating clarity optimization into automated workflows

Guest Speaker

With nearly two decades of experience in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research, Edward Kraft, Ph.D., serves as Senior Director of Small Molecule Discovery at Leash Bio. His work has focused on advancing high-throughput protein expression and production, protein design and characterization, and accelerating hit-to-lead discovery programs.

Prior to joining Leash Bio, Dr. Kraft held key leadership roles across industry. At Recursion Pharmaceuticals, he led the development of ultra-high-throughput screening platforms for oncology drug discovery, leveraging high-dimensional biological data to initiate and advance hit-to-lead programs. At Genentech, as Senior Scientific Manager and Group Lead, he directed teams responsible for high-throughput protein design, screening, and production across multiple expression systems, including E. coli, insect (baculovirus), and mammalian cells, driving significant gains in efficiency through automation and innovative workflows. Earlier in his career at Monsanto, he contributed to and led efforts in protein design and production, phenotypic screening, and receptor discovery through internal and external collaborations.

Dr. Kraft’s expertise centers on integrating advanced technologies—including computational modeling, protein engineering, and high-throughput screening—to accelerate drug discovery. His work continues to focus on driving innovation at the interface of biology and technology to expand therapeutic opportunities and improve human health.