Recent patents on biotechnology最新文献

Background: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens contains several fungal inhibitory compounds, such as peptides and lipopeptides, representing the remarkable potential for biotechnological, agricultural, and biopharmaceutical applications.

Objectives: This research aimed to extract and characterize iturin A as the key antagonism factor of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens M13RW01 toward pathogenic fungi, using HPLC and mass spectrometry [MS] analysis.

Methods: For this study, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain M13-RW01 isolated from Isfahan soil was used. The lipopeptide compounds of B.amyloliquefaciens were examined for antagonistic performance against Aspergillus niger PTCC 5010, Mucor hiemalis PTCC 5292, Fusarium oxysporum CBS 62087, and Penicillium chrysogenum PTCC 5037 by well diffusion and percentage of growth inhibition. The crude extract was run on Waters μBondpak C18 column in the HPLC system to separate the antibiotics. Major antibiotics were analyzed based on MS.

Results: HPLC analysis demonstrated that the lipopeptide compound is similar to iturin A. Moreover, MS analysis of these compounds and purified iturin A revealed a high similarity between them, with the same molecular ion peaks identified. Results showed that the produced lipopeptides by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens were of iturin A genum. The molecular ion peaks of the B.amyloliquefaciens M13RW01 methanolic fraction were at 1027.10, 1043.05, 1058, 1066, 1072, 1088.95. These compounds restrained fungal germination and growth. Inhibition growth percentages were 79.28, 76.13, 84.47and 59.15% for Aspergillus niger, Mucor hiemalis, Fusarium oxysporum, and Penicillium chrysogenum, respectively.

Conclusion: According to the present study, B.amyloliquefaciens M13RW01 lipopeptides are able to inhibit the growth of some fungi. B.amyloliquefaciens M13-RW01 isolated from Isfahan soil plays an essential part in antagonizing pathogenic fungi. Thus, this antifungal lipopeptide is supposed to be a biological protection agent for farm crops.

A significant portion of the population in low-income countries relies on medicinal plants for healthcare. Fava d'anta is an important species in Brazil due to its bioactive compounds like quercetin and rutin. These compounds have various pharmaceutical applications, but the sustainability of their exploitation is challenged by overharvesting, necessitating sustainable management practices and further biotechnological advancements. The study conducted a comprehensive review of Fava d'Anta patents and their applications in various pharmacological activities, which are crucial for the development of new medicines and formulations. Patents were searched in four specialized patent databases: The United States Patent and Trademark Office, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Espacenet and the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). A total of 109 patents were identified through document collection, with 26 patents meeting the inclusion criteria. The analysis revealed a global concentration of innovation in regions like Europe and the United States. Fava d'anta has demonstrated a wide range of therapeutic properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, largely attributed to polyphenols. These bioactive components have shown potential in diverse applications, from nutraceuticals to cosmetics. Patent registrations highlight the significant potential of Dimorphandra species for phytoproducts, particularly due to compounds like quercetin and rutin, but further studies are needed to explore their mechanisms of action and enhance technological applications, especially in cosmetics.

Background: Biorefineries can refer to forms of fuel production through renewable biomass derivatives, using different structures of lignocellulosic material, such as lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose. From lignin, we can produce natural binders and adhesives, among other products. With hemicellulose, we can produce emulsifiers, resins, or lubricants, for example. Using cellulose, we can produce fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, or even solvents. Fuels from biorefineries can replace, totally or partially, non-renewable fuels that pollute the environment, such as oil. Considering the climate emergency, we are experiencing, the tendency to reduce the availability of oil, and the negative environmental impacts caused by it, fuels obtained through the processing of renewable plant materials present themselves as a good alternative to replacing fossil fuels. Firstgeneration ethanol (1G) can be obtained by fermenting, for example, sugar cane juice. Secondgeneration (2G) ethanol can be obtained by processing lignocellulosic waste. In this process, there must be pre-treatment and hydrolysis of the biomass before the fermentation and distillation processes. Third-generation ethanol (3G) can be obtained through the fermentation of substrate present in microalgae. Fourth-generation ethanol (4G), in turn, involves the integration of production processes from other generations, increasing the efficiency of 2G and 3G processes for ethanol production.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the scenario of patent registrations filed both on the Google Patents platform and Espacenet, which proposes the production of fuels from biorefineries, that are renewable and sustainable.

Methods: Although there are other lignocellulosic products originating from biorefineries, we will limit ourselves to patents aimed at the production of cellulosic ethanol. The search covered patents filed in the last 5 years (2019-2023). The 10 patents from each of the 3 biotechnological areas were selected, classified as agriculture, environment, and bioprocesses/bioengineering, totaling 30 patents to be analyzed. After selecting patents through the insertion of keywords and Boolean operators, the patents were selected by reading the title, its summary, and, finally, the full document to verify which were aligned with the study.

Results: Analysis of the documents revealed that, in most cases, China leads the way in patent applications involving the use of fuels, such as cellulosic ethanol, which are environmentally renewable and sustainable. The main strategies for the production of renewable and sustainable fuels in the context of biorefineries explore mechanisms for reusing agricultural waste, pre-treatment of residual biomass, and reuse of biorefinery waste, among other technologies.

Conclusion: The future perspective is that the production of renewa

Personalized medicine is an evolving paradigm that aims to tailor therapeutic interventions to individual patient characteristics. With a growing understanding of the genetic, epigenetic, and molecular mechanisms underlying diseases, tailored therapies are becoming more feasible and effective. This review highlights the significant advancements in personalized medicine, focusing specifically on pharmacological strategies. The article explores the integration of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics in drug development and therapy optimization. Pharmacogenomics, the customization of drug therapy based on an individual's genetic makeup, receives particular emphasis. This leads to the identification of specific biomarkers that can predict therapeutic response, drug toxicity, and susceptibility to various diseases. Together with computational tools and artificial intelligence, these advancements contribute to tailored treatment plans for patients with conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. We also highlight the challenges and ethical considerations in implementing personalized medicine, such as data privacy, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. We outline future prospects and ongoing research in this field, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts between researchers, clinicians, pharmacists, and regulatory authorities.

Background: Trophoblast Cell Surface Antigen 2 (Trop2) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that has been implicated in the progression and metastasis of various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Targeting Trop2 expression may represent a promising approach for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Trop2 knockdown using small interfering RNA (siRNA) on the phenotypic and molecular characteristics of the HepG2 liver cancer cell line.

Methods: HepG2 cells were transfected with different concentrations of Trop2-targeting siRNA (3 nM, 5 nM, and 7 nM) at various time intervals (6, 24, and 48 hrs). The expression of Trop2 was assessed by real-time PCR before and after transfection. The impact of Trop2 knockdown on cell apoptosis, migration, morphology, histopathological features, wound-healing assays, and microscopic analysis was examined. Additionally, the expression of the TPM1 gene was evaluated using immunohistochemical analysis.

Results: Trop2 mRNA level was significantly decreased in HepG2 cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner following siRNA transfection. The downregulation of Trop2 resulted in a marked increase in apoptosis, a reduction in cell migration, and alterations in cell morphology and histopathological characteristics. Furthermore, the expression of the TPM1 gene was found to be upregulated in Trop2-knockdown HepG2 cells.

Conclusion: These results highlight the potential of Trop2 as a therapeutic target for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Industrialization and globalization have increased the demand for petroleum products that has increased a load on natural energy resources. The escalating fossil fuel utilization has resulted in surpassing the Earth's capacity to absorb greenhouse gases, necessitating the exploration of sustainable bioenergy alternatives to mitigate emissions. Biofuels, derived from algae, offer promising solutions to alleviate fossil fuel dependency. Algae, often regarded as third-generation biofuels, present numerous advantages owing to their high biomass production rates. While algae have been utilized for their bioactive compounds, their capability as biomass for the production of biofuel has gained traction among researchers. Various biofuels such as bio-hydrogen, bio-methane, bio-ethanol, bio-oil, and bio-butanol can be derived from algae through diverse processes like fermentation, photolysis, pyrolysis, and transesterification. Despite the enormous commercial potential of algae-derived biofuels, challenges such as high cultivation costs persist. However, leveraging the utilization of algae byproducts could improve economic viability of biofuel production. Moreover, algae derived biofuels offer environmental sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and waste reduction benefits, promising novel opportunities for a more sustainable energy future. Moreover, advancements in the field could lead to patents that drive innovation and commercialization in algae-based biofuel technologies.

Background: Parthenium hysterophorous and Lantana camara are notable for their significant phytochemical and antimicrobial properties. Advancements in phytochemical research have led to the development of novel formulations and products derived from P. hysterophorus and L. camara. For instance, patent extracts from these plants have been utilized in the formulation of pharmaceutical drugs, herbal supplements, cosmeceuticals, and agricultural products. P. hysterophorous, commonly known as Santa Maria feverfew or Congress grass, contains various bioactive compounds like terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolics, and alkaloids.These compounds are the key to its medicinal properties, particularly its antimicrobial activity. On the other hand, L. camara, often referred to as wild sage, is rich in phytochemicals such as terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloid glycosides.

Methods: P. hysterophorous and L. camara plants selected and checking their antimicrobial activity by agar well diffusion method.

Results: In our study, we found that the leaf extract of P. hysterophorous exhibited the most potent antibacterial activity against E. coli. P. hysterophorous exhibited the most potent antifungal activity against A. niger and T. viride, with a diameter of inhibition zone measuring 12 mm, followed by A. flavus and A. parasiticus. In case of L. camara, the inhibitory zone ranging from 14 to 18 mm was detected against S. abony, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and K. pneumonia. The leaf extract of the maximum zone of inhibition in case of L. camara was shown by A. flavus (12 mm).

Conclusion: The present study suggests that these two weeds could be useful in the development of bactericides and fungicides.

The utilization of medicinal plants in the treatment of respiratory diseases has a rich history dating back centuries. A vast body of research literature, including review articles, research papers, case studies, patents, and books, provides substantial evidence supporting the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of diseases and injuries. This study delves into the diverse range of plant species known for their therapeutic properties, with a specific focus on their applications in respiratory health. Medicinal plants have played a crucial role as a source of ingredients for medications and the synthesis of drugs. Globally, over 35,000 plant species are employed for medicinal purposes, particularly in emerging countries where traditional medicine, predominantly plant-based pharmaceuticals, serves as a primary healthcare resource. This review highlights the significance of medicinal plants, such as aloe, ginger, turmeric, tulsi, and neem, in treating a wide array of common respiratory ailments. These plants contain bioactive compounds, including tannins, alkaloids, sugars, terpenoids, steroids, and flavonoids, which have diverse therapeutic applications. Some medicinal plants, notably Echinacea purpurea and Zingiber officinale, exhibit potential for adjuvant symptomatic therapy in respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, asthma, the common cold, cough, and whooping cough. The leaves of medicinal plants like Acacia torta, Ocimum sanctum, Mentha haplocalyx, Lactuca virosa, Convolvulus pluricaulis, and Acalypha indica are commonly used to address pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, colds, and cough. This review aims to shed light on specific medicinal plants with therapeutic value, providing valuable insights for researchers in the field of herbal medicine. These plants hold the potential to serve as novel therapeutic agents in the treatment of respiratory diseases.

Introduction/objective: During the 1150 days of COVID-19 pandemic there were great efforts to develop efficient treatments for the disease. After this long time, some drugs emerged as treatment for COVID-19. Some of them are new drugs, most of them, known drugs. These developments were triggered by information already available in patent documents. Pharmaceutical companies, therefore, rushed to conduct drugs evaluations and trials in order to deliver to the world a reasonable treatment that could reach the majority of its population. However, it is not immediately clear how companies operated to reach their goals. The ability of open innovation to achieve results assertively and faster than closed innovation strategies is questioned and therefore, it is questioned whether pharmaceutical companies use open innovation to face COVID-19.

Methods: In this work, data available on patent databases were mined to inform about the scientific and technological panorama of selected drugs tested for COVID-19 treatment and to understand the perspectives of such developments during the pandemic.

Results: This study evidenced that most treatments were based on known drugs, that some of the initially promising drugs were abandoned during the pandemic, and that it was able to inform if open innovation and collaborations were explored strategies.

Conclusion: This study evidenced that the developments during COVID-19 were not based on open innovation by revealing a patent race towards the treatment development, but with practically no collaborations or information exchange between companies, universities, and research facilities.

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a complication of diabetes that occurs in 40 - 60 million individuals worldwide and is associated with other chronic diseases. However, there are no review studies that present the state-of- the- art and technologies developed to circumvent this important health problem.

Materials and methods: This review was conducted based on scientific papers and patents. The papers were retrieved from Lilacs, PubMed, and Web of Science databases, and the patents from INPI, ESPACENET, WIPO, and GOOGLE PATENTS. Thus, a sample consisting of 14 scientific articles and 667 patents was analyzed.

Results: From the analysis of the data, we drew an overview of the development of biomedical technologies for DPN and detected the pioneering spirit of China, the USA, and Japan in the area, with a focus on the treatment of DPN. Based on this, we carried out a SWOT analysis to help direct future efforts in the area, which should focus primarily on developing technologies for prevention, early diagnosis, and, above all, cure of the disease to reduce the important impact of this disease in various sectors of society.

Conclusion: This study finds a concentration of diabetic peripheral neuropathy products, especially therapeutic drugs, in high-income countries. It highlights the need for global collaboration and strategic focus on therapeutic adherence and preventive strategies to effectively manage DPN.