Australian journal of biotechnology最新文献

The industrial processing of proteins expressed as insoluble inclusion bodies employs a reasonably standard sequence of unit operations. One of these is centrifugation, which serves to concentrate the inclusion bodies after disruption of the host microorganism, and also separates the inclusion bodies from other cellular debris. Monitoring the performance of the centrifuge is essential if excessive product and hence financial loss is to be avoided and a reasonable separation obtained. The analytical disc centrifuge may be used to monitor the centrifugation. This instrument returns the sample size distribution with high resolution and without fouling. By obtaining size distributions of the centrifuge feed, supernatant and concentrate, the fractional collection efficiency of the centrifuge may be determined as a function of the Stokes diameter, and a mass balance constructed.

AIDS patients are susceptible to a variety of infections from microorganisms as a result of their immunosuppressed condition. These infections are mainly responsible for the morbidity and mortality in these patients. The organisms responsible include protozoa, bacteria, fungi and viruses. Their presence may be a result of reactivation of latent or previous infection, or exposure to opportunistic agents. The seriousness of the patients' condition makes rapid and early diagnosis imperative so that appropriate treatment can be instituted. Methods of diagnosis including more recent technology are discussed.

Evolutionary processes have demonstrated that genetic mutations can, over time, produce a complete restructuring of the previous ecological order. The capacity of biotechnology to manipulate and transform genetic material at a far greater rate than nature is capable of suggests that careful consideration should be given to effectively controlling these technologies. This paper examines the underlying technical and philosophical concerns and arguments which underpin the development of appropriate regulations for biotechnology. The regulatory frameworks which have been set in place around the world are reviewed. Modifications which are being introduced in the light of increasing practical experience and in response to changing societal pressures are discussed. Potential negative impacts of biotechnology on developing countries are specifically addressed. A case is made for co-ordinated international efforts to develop consistent and uniform legislation for the safe and environmentally beneficial application of biotechnology on a more equitable global basis.

This paper reviews the use of yeasts to produce heterologous proteins via the development of transformation systems. The ability to genetically engineer yeast cells has many advantages over prokaryotic systems. Yeasts are already well established in fermentation procedures, are able to secrete glycosylated and modified proteins to render the proteins biologically active, and yeasts do not secrete toxic chemicals. With the techniques available it is possible to explore yeasts as hosts for the expression and secretion of commercially-useful proteins.

The Genetic Manipulation Advisory Committee (GMAC) is the national body which reviews research and development work in Australia using genetic manipulation technologies. It supersedes and continues the work of the Recombinant DNA Monitoring Committee (RDMC). GMAC has recently drafted new guidelines for small scale laboratory work. The difference between these guidelines and the ones they have replaced is the broadening of the scope of work to be monitored, from recombinant DNA work to other genetic technologies which may also produce new combinations of inheritable genetic material. Experience from assessing proposals over the life of the RDMC and a previous Academy of Science committee enabled the GMAC Scientific Sub-committee to be more specific about the experiments it wanted to assess before they can begin, and those which could be safely exempted from the guidelines.