Biotechnology Notes最新文献

Organ-on-chip (OOC) technology is an innovative approach that reproduces human organ structures and functions on microfluidic platforms, offering detailed insights into intricate physiological processes. This technology provides unique advantages over conventional in vitro and in vivo models and thus has the potential to become the new standard for biomedical research and drug screening. In this mini-review, we compare OOCs with conventional models, highlighting their differences, and present several applications of OOCs in biomedical research. Additionally, we highlight advancements in OOC technology, particularly in developing multiorgan systems, and discuss the challenges and future directions of this field.

During manufacturing of mammalian-cell derived monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) virus clearance capacity of the downstream process has to be demonstrated. The protein A chromatography step typically achieves less than 4 log₁₀ and is not considered as a major contributing step. Having been successfully applied to host cell protein removal before, we used different wash buffers for three mAbs with two model viruses (Minute virus of mice and Murine leukemia virus) in series as well as separately to further understand major contributing interactions for virus retention and potentially design a generic toolbox of stringent wash buffers to be applied to various mAbs. Results indicate a major relevance of hydrophobic interaction for Murine leukemia virus (xMuLV) and mAb A, based on improved clearance for buffers additionally containing increased levels of hydrophobic compounds. This effect was less pronounced for Minute virus of mice (MVM), whereby hydrogen-bonds were expected to play a stronger role for this model virus. Additionally, electrostatic interactions presumably are more relevant for MVM retention compared to xMuLV under the conditions evaluated. A generic mAb and virus-independent stringent wash buffer toolbox could not be identified. However, based on our results a customized mAb and virus wash buffer design with improved virus clearance is possible, with here demonstrated log reduction increase by 1.3 log₁₀ for MVM and 2.2 log₁₀ for xMuLV for the protein A step compared to equilibration buffer alone.

Fungal endophytes are valuable sources of bioactive compounds with diverse applications. The exploration of these compounds not only contributes to our understanding of ecological interactions but also holds promise for the development of novel products with agricultural, medicinal, and industrial significance. Continued exploration of fungal endophyte diversity and understanding the ecological roles of bioactive compounds present opportunities for new discoveries and applications. Omics techniques, which include genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, contribute to the discovery of novel bioactive compounds produced by fungal endophytes with their potential applications. The omics techniques play a critical role in unraveling the complex interactions between fungal endophytes and their host plants, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms and potential applications of these relationships. This review provides an overview of how omics techniques contribute to the study of fungal endophytes.

Biosurfactants, synthesized by microorganisms, hold potential for various industrial and environmental applications due to their surface-active properties and biodegradability. Metabolic and genetic engineering strategies enhance biosurfactant production by modifying microbial pathways and genetics. Strategies include optimizing biosurfactant biosynthesis pathways, expanding substrate utilization, and improving stress responses. Genetic engineering allows customization of biosurfactant characteristics to meet industrial needs. Notable examples include engineering Pseudomonas aeruginosa for enhanced rhamnolipid production and creating synthetic biosurfactant pathways in non-native hosts like Escherichia coli. CRISPR-Cas9 technology offers precise tools for genetic manipulation, enabling targeted gene disruption and promoter optimization to enhance biosurfactant production efficiency. Synthetic promoters enable precise control over biosurfactant gene expression, contributing to pathway optimization across diverse microbial hosts. The future of biosurfactant research includes sustainable bio-processing, customized biosurfactant engineering, and integration of artificial intelligence and systems biology. Advances in genetic and metabolic engineering will enable tailor-made biosurfactants for diverse applications, with potential for industrial-scale production and commercialization. Exploration of untapped microbial diversity may lead to novel biosurfactants with unique properties, expanding the versatility and sustainability of biosurfactant-based solutions.

Scorodocarpus borneensis, also known as the Kulim tree or Garlic tree, has been consumed by the local communities in Southeast Asia as traditional spice using its old leaves, stem bark, and seeds. The locals also used Kulim tree parts as conventional alternative to treat many diseases such as hemorrhoids, leprosy, diabetes, and diarrhea. However, there was limited scientific evidence to support these traditional claims. Therefore, this systematic review aims to present and evaluate a detailed overview of the phytochemical constituents of S. borneensis from previous existing studies, shedding light on their chemical composition, bioactivity, and potential applications. In addition, current studies regarding S. borneensis are still on a fundamental level. Hence, we aim that this review will reveal the research gap from the previous literature and provide an insight to implement a new research approach in the future. A literature search was conducted using four databases: ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. The articles were screened and data were extracted based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guideline. 8 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria that focused on the phytochemicals from S. borneensis. The major phytochemical compound reported was phenolic compound. S. borneensis also exhibits several therapeutic outcomes such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer but current studies are not enough to support the claims regarding S. borneensis health benefit. In conclusion, this review highlights the current understanding of S. borneensis’ phytochemical composition and its therapeutic applications which are important in preventing human diseases especially non-communicable diseases.

Aspergillus oryzae is an important fungus in food and industrial enzyme production. In A. oryzae, targeted knock-in transformation is primarily limited to homologous recombination (HR)-based systems, in which non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ)-disruptant hosts are required. However, preparation of hosts and transformation templates for such systems is laborious, in addition to other disadvantages. In the present study, we examined alternative targeted knock-in mediated by CRISPR/Cas9, in which a microhomology-mediated end-joining (MMEJ) and single-strand annealing (SSA) repair system was employed. This approach enabled the efficient development of targeted knock-in transformants without host preparation using only a short homology template. We conclude that this new method could be applied to facilitate the transformation of A. oryzae, and will make it easier to acquire targeted knock-in transformants, especially from industrially important non-model strains.