Use of plant protein hydrolysates for varicella virus production in Serum-Free Medium

Serum-free media containing no animal-derived components were assessed for their efficacy to produce live attenuated varicella virus. Serum-free medium containing an ultrafiltrate of soy protein acid hydrolysate and lipid resulted in a viral production yield comparable to media containing fetal bovine serum, indicating that varicella virus can be produced without the risk of contamination associated with the use of bovine serum. Revisions requested; Revisions requested 20 December 2004; Accepted 21 December 2004     

Recombinant microbial systems for the production of human collagen and gelatin

The use of genetically engineered microorganisms is a cost-effective, scalable technology for the production of recombinant human collagen (rhC) and recombinant gelatin (rG). This review will discuss the use of yeast (Pichia pastoris, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Hansenula polymorpha) and of bacteria (Escherichia coli, Bacillus brevis) genetically engineered for the production of rhC and rG. P. pastoris is the preferred production system for rhC and rG. Recombinant strains of P. pastoris accumulate properly hydroxylated triple helical rhC intracellularly at levels up to 1.5 g/l. Coexpression of recombinant collagen with recombinant prolyl hydroxylase results in the synthesis of hydroxylated collagen with thermal stability similar to native collagens. The purified hydroxylated rhC forms fibrils that are structurally similar to fibrils assembled from native collagen. These qualities make rhC attractive for use in many medical applications. P. pastoris can also be engineered to secrete high levels (3 to 14 g/l ) of collagen fragments with defined length, composition, and physiochemical properties that serve as substitutes for animal-derived gelatins. The replacement of animal-derived collagen and gelatin with rhC and rG will result in products with improved safety, traceability, reproducibility, and quality. In addition, the rhC and rG can be engineered to improve the performance of products containing these biomaterials.     

呼肠孤病毒Ⅲ型免疫荧光检测方法的建立及初步应用

目的 建立呼肠孤病毒Ⅲ型（Reo3）免疫荧光（IFA）检测方法,应用于人用动物源性生物材料及生物制品外源Reo3的检测。方法滴定病毒TCID50,筛选Reo3敏感细胞,依据国标IFA法制备抗原片,方阵法滴定免疫荧光素最佳工作浓度。并进行特异性、敏感性和稳定性试验。结果选取BSC-1细胞作为Reo3敏感细胞,病毒感染力滴度（TCID50）为10-5.8/mL;免疫荧光素最佳工作浓度为1∶100;与小鼠鼠痘（Ect）病毒、小鼠肝炎（MHV）病毒均无交叉反应;稳定性和敏感性试验显示,不同时间IFA检测灵敏度均为1∶1280;可检测到的病毒滴度最低为10-4.1/mL。结论建立的IFA法敏感性、特异性强,稳定性好,可用于人用动物源性生物材料及生物制品Reo3的检测。     

Current Status for High Titre Poxvirus Stock Preparation in CEF Under Serum-Free Medium Conditions: Implication for Vaccine Development

In light of the recent detection of BSE in North America and its endemic nature in other regions of the world, there is a real need to employ cell culture conditions that do not require any animal-derived material. Here we report the use of an ultra-low protein serum-free medium (VP-SFM, Invitrogen) for the amplification of poxviruses in primary chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF). We compared the amplification of four different poxviruses (canarypox, modified Ankara Virus (MVA), vaccinia virus strain Copenhagen and myxoma strain Lausanne) in three different media: DMEM 10%, DMEM 2% and serum-free medium VP-SFM. VP-SFM is a serum-free, ultra-low protein medium containing no proteins or peptides of human or animal origin designed to support the replication of viruses and the production of recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies. Our results show that high titre poxvirus stocks can be prepared in VP-SFM equivalent to that prepared in serum containing medium.     

The Formation of Insecticidal Films on Building Materials

The success of size and gelatin as pretreatments was not confined to films of pyrethrins in oil. Pretreatment of cement with 10 % w/v size and 5 % w/v gelatin greatly prolonged the toxic life of films formed by other insecticides in oil solution.
The effects of adding different substances to size and gelatin solutions as pretreatments were investigated. 5 % w/v size or gelatin solutions containing suspended lime or distemper powder were, with the exception of gelatin containing distemper, less effective pretreatments than size or gelatin solutions alone. Magnesium silicofluoride, benzoic acid and salicylic acid, at concentrations up to 0.5 % w/v, appear suitable as preservatives for 5 % w/v gelatin. These three substances are, however, unsuitable for inclusion in size solutions, as they cause precipitates to form. Glycerin or turkey-red oil at concentrations of 0.5 % v/v, appear suitable as plasticizers for inclusion in both 5 % w/v size and 5 % w/v gelatin solutions.     

Immobilization of lipase in composites of gelatin and polystyrene via an emulsion-gel pathway

Summary A new method for the immobilization of lipase within composites of polystyrene and gelatin is suggested. First, an emulsion of styrene (containing an initiator) in an aqueous solution of gelatin (containing a dispersant) is prepared with mechanical stirring at 50°C. An aqueous solution of lipase is added (at room temperature) under stirring to the gel-like emulsion previously prepared. The polymerization of the gel containing lipase was carried out at room temperature for four days. The activity of the immobilized lipase in the hydrolysis reaction of triacetin was investigated. The activity depends on the content of gelatin within the composite.     

担载b-FGF的PLGA微球复合明胶支架的体外释放研究

目的:研究担载碱性成纤维细胞生长因子(b-FGF)微球复合明胶支架的外形特征、孔径、孔隙率及体外释放动力学,以期构建具有缓释功能、高孔隙率的担载细胞因子的新型复合明胶支架。方法:本文利用冷冻相分离法和S/O/W法先将b-FGF水溶液包裹于PLGA微球中,然后埋置于明胶溶液中制备为多孔复合明胶支架。分别对微球的形态和复合明胶支架的基本形态、孔径、孔隙率进行表征,通过Elisa法测定b-FGF在复合明胶支架中的体外释放行为。结果:制备成形态良好的三维复合明胶支架,其孔隙率为82.90%±1.45%,孔径范围为150~300μm,复合明胶支架中b-FGF在体外缓慢释放20余天。结论:担载蛋白微球复合明胶支架不仅满足组织工程支架的要求,还能有效缓释细胞因子,为细胞和组织生长提供良好的微环境,为进一步应用于组织工程领域提供了可能。     

运用基因芯片技术检测牛、山羊、猪和鸡源性成分

本研究通过对脊椎动物分子标记基因进行序列分析,最终选择线粒体DNA(mtDNA)16S rRNA基因为目标基因,利用一对通用引物,在该引物扩增区间设计了4条特异性基因芯片检测探针及2条质控探针用于对牛、山羊、猪、鸡等4种动物源性成分进行检测。通过对PCR扩增体系及杂交体系的优化,该检测方法能实现对上述4种动物源性成分同时进行快速、准确地检测,具有很好的特异性,灵敏度均达到1pg,最终建立了这4种动物源性基因芯片检测方法。该基因芯片检测技术将为我国进出口饲料中的动物源性成分的鉴别提供新的检测方法和技术支持。     

肉类及肉制品中动物源性成分鉴别方法研究进展

肉类掺假问题直接影响着人类健康、公共卫生安全以及社会稳定等方面,成为当今食品安全热点话题之一,因此,高效、精确的肉类及肉制品中动物源性成分的检测鉴定势在必行。基于此,主要介绍了对于动物源性成分检测及鉴别的不同研究方法,分析了利弊,并对后续肉类及肉制品中动物源性成分的鉴别方法的研发方向进行了展望,以期为此领域提供资料性参考。     

THE SWELLING OF ISOELECTRIC GELATIN IN WATER : I. EQUILIBRIUM CONDITIONS.

The swelling of isoelectric gelatin in water has been found to be in agreement with the following assumptions. Gelatin consists of a network of insoluble material containing a solution of a more soluble substance. Water therefore enters owing to the osmotic pressure of the soluble material and thereby puts the network under elastic strain. The process continues until the elastic force is equal to the osmotic pressure. If the temperature is raised or the blocks of gelatin remain swollen over a period of time, the network loses its elasticity and more water enters. In large blocks this secondary swelling overlaps the initial process and so no maximum can be observed. The swelling of small blocks or films of isoelectric gelatin containing from .14 to .4 gm. of dry gelatin per gm. of water is defined by the equation See PDF for Equation in which K_e = the bulk modulus See PDF for Equation. V_e = gm. water per gm. gelatin at equilibrium; V_f = gm. water per gm. gelatin when the gelatin solidified.     

Ultraviolet protection of nucleopolyhedrovirus through microencapsulation with different polymers

A microencapsulated formulation of Helicoverpa armigera nuclear polyhedrosis virus (HaNPV) was produced by emulsion technique to improve its stability under ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The polymers used include sodium alginate, gelatin and starch at concentration levels of 3% and 5% w/v. Except for the starch microencapsulated formulation (3% w/v), the difference in mortality of treated insects between microencapsulated and non-microencapsulated suspensions before irradiation was not significant according to variance analysis (Duncan test, P < 0.05, df = 6). This indicates that microencapsulation of HaNPV does not affect viral activity. Among the three polymers, gelatin performed the best and provided the most stable formulation. The Original Activity Remaining (OAR) percentage for the gelatin formulations did not change from its initial value after 24 h of irradiation. There was no significant difference between the OAR percentage values of 3% and 5% gelatin formulations after 72 h of UVA exposure (90 and 94, respectively; Duncan test, P < 0.05, df = 6). The OAR percentage for the gelatin microencapsulated formulation was 90 after 30 minutes of exposure to UVC radiation. However, for the non-microencapsulated virus suspension, the OAR percentage value declined sharply to 16 after 30 minutes of exposure to UVC radiation. Concerning the in vitro release behaviour of gelatin microparticles (MPs), virus release initiated quickly, but continued at a slower rate until it reached 100% after 1 h of exposure to the release media. The experimental data for the gelatin MPs showed good correlations with the Korsmeyer–Peppas semi-empirical model, indicating that the transport mechanism is primarily consistent with Fickian diffusion.     

Structural properties of starch-chitosan-gelatin foams and the impact of gelatin on MC3T3 mouse osteoblast cell viability

Background

This study examines the effects of adding gelatin to a starch-chitosan composite foam, focusing on the altered structural and biological properties. The compressive modulus of foams containing different gelatin concentrations was tested in dry, wet, and lyophilized states. MC3T3 mouse osteoblast cells were used to test the composite’s ability to support cell growth. The stability of the foams in α-MEM culture media with and without cells was also examined.

Results

It was found that for dry foams, the compressive modulus increased with increasing gelatin content. For foams tested in wet and lyophilized states, the compressive modulus peaked at a gelatin concentration of 2.5% and 5%, respectively. The growth of MC3T3 mouse osteoblast cells was tested on the foams with different gelatin concentrations. The addition of gelatin had a positive effect on the cell growth and proliferation.

Conclusion

The composite foam containing gelatin improved cell growth and is only dissolved by the growing cells at a rate influenced by the initial concentration of gelatin added to the foam.

     

Preparation of gelatin microbeads with a narrow size distribution using microchannel emulsification

The purpose of this study was to prepare monodisperse gelatin microcapsules containing an active agent using microchannel (MC) emulsification, a novel technique for preparing water-in-oil (W/O) and oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. As the first step in applying MC emulsification to the preparation of monodisperse gelatin microcapsules, simple gelatin microbeads were prepared using this technique. A W/O emulsion with a narrow size distribution containing gelatin in the aqueous phase was created as follows. First, the aqueous disperse phase was fed into the continuous phase through the MCs at 40°C (operating pressure: 3.9 kPa). The emulsion droplets had an average particle diameter of 40.7 μm and a relative standard deviation of 5.1%. The temperature of the collected emulsion was reduced and maintained at 25°C overnight. The gelatin microbeads had a smooth surface after overnight gelation; the average particle diameter was calculated to be 31.6 μm, and the relative standard deviation, 7.3%. The temperature was then lowered to 5°C by rapid air cooling and finally dried. The gelatin beads were dried and could be resuspended well in iso-octane. The had an average particle diameter of 15.6 μm, and a relative standard deviation of 5.9%. Using MC emulsification, we were able to prepare gelatin microbeads with a narrow size distribution. Since this emulsification technique requires only a low-energy input, it may create desirable experimental conditions for microencapsulation of unstable substances such as peptides and proteins. This method is promising for making monodisperse microbeads.     

ACROSOMIC REACTION AND PROTEOLYTIC ACTIVITY IN THE SPERMATOZOA OF AN ANURAN AMPHIBIAN, LEPTODACTYLUS CHAQUENSIS (CEI)

Acrosomal reaction and acrosomal protease release in Leptodactylus chaquensis are correlated. When spermatozoa are included in gelatin films, the characteristic digestion halos around the sperm head can be observed only after the acrosomic reaction is accomplished. The addition of 10 mM EDTA to the gelatin films arrests the acrosomic reaction and no digestion halo is formed. Crude enzymatic preparations containing acrosomal proteases are equally active on gelatin and BAPNA substrates, irrespective of the presence of EDTA. Trypsin inhibitors (ovomucoid, lima bean and soybean) produce both diminution of the digestion halo and lowering of the activity of crude enzymatic preparations on gelatin or BAPNA substrates.     

Functional, antioxidant and film-forming properties of tuna-skin gelatin with a brown algae extract

Characteristics and functional properties of gelatin from skin of Atlantic Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) were investigated. The gelatin was extracted by an acid-swelling process in the presence of different concentrations of commercial pepsin, followed by subsequent heating. The extraction yield was higher when increasing concentrations of pepsin were used during the swelling process. Emulsion activity index, foam formation ability and foam stability of gelatin increased with the increase of gelatin concentration. Antioxidant properties (ferric-reducing ability and DPPH-radical-scavenging capacity) of gelatin-based edible films containing aqueous or methanolic extracts of brown algae (Cystoseira barbata) were also assessed. For comparative purposes, tuna-skin gelatin edible film with BHA was studied. Antioxidant properties of the films were increased significantly when natural extracts were added. Extracts of brown algae could be useful additives to obtain edible films from tuna-skin gelatin with interesting functional and antioxidant properties.     

Collective experiences of adventitious viruses of animal-derived raw materials and what can be done about them

Contamination of animal-derived raw materials with viruses, mycoplasmas, bacteria and fungi is common. These contaminants can interfere with the diagnosis of viral infection, and vaccines produced using infected cell cultures could lead to seroconversion or disease in the vaccinated animal. The purity, safety and efficacy of viral vaccines requires testing of the ingredients, cell substrates and final product. Methods for detection of viruses, especially bovine viral diarrhea virus, in nutrient serum, cell cultures, seed viruses and viral vaccines, and the frequency of their detection at the Center for Veterinary Biologics are discussed. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Antibacterial activity of hen egg white lysozyme against Listeria monocytogenes Scott A in foods

Egg white lysozyme killed or prevented growth of Listeria monocytogenes Scott A in several foods. Lysozyme was more active in vegetables than in animal-derived foods that we tested. For maximum activity in certain foods, EDTA was required in addition to lysozyme. Lysozyme with EDTA effectively killed inoculated populations of 10(4) L. monocytogenes per g in fresh corn, fresh green beans, shredded cabbage, shredded lettuce, and carrots during storage at 5 degrees C. Control incubations without lysozyme supported growth of L. monocytogenes to 10(6) to 10(7)/g. Lysozyme had less activity in animal-derived foods, including fresh pork sausage (bratwurst) and Camembert cheese. In bratwurst, lysozyme with EDTA prevented L. monocytogenes from growing for 2 to 3 weeks but did not kill significant numbers of cells and did not prevent eventual growth. The control sausages not containing lysozyme supported rapid and heavy growth, which indicated that lysozyme was bacteriostatic for 2 to 3 weeks in fresh pork sausage. We also prepared Camembert cheese containing 10(4) L. monocytogenes cells per g and investigated the changes during ripening in cheeses supplemented with lysozyme and EDTA. Cheeses with lysozyme by itself or together with EDTA reduced the L. monocytogenes population by approximately 10-fold over the first 3 to 4 weeks of ripening. In the same period, the control cheese wheels without added lysozyme with and without chelator slowly started to grown and eventually reached 10(6) to 10(7) CFU/g after 55 days of ripening.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Interaction between cell-binding domain and extracellular matrix-binding domain of fibronectin determined by fluorescence depolarization

Interaction of domains in fibronectin was observed by photometry of fluorescence polarization of three kinds of dye; [N-(1-anilinonaphthyl-4)]maleimide (ANM tau = 5 ns), [N-(3-fluoranthyl)]maleimide (FAM tau = 20 ns), and [N-(3-pyrene)]maleimide (PRM tau = 100 ns). Each dye was labeled at a free sulfhydryl group in the cell-binding domain. Neither fluorescence of ANM with short fluorescent lifetime, FAM with long lifetime, nor PRM with longer fluorescent lifetime on fibronectin depolarized as much as the free dye. It was found that each dye was firmly fixed in the cell-binding domain. When heparin or gelatin was added in the solution of PRM-fibronectin complex, the fluorescence polarization tended to increase principally by combining heparin or gelatin to fibronectin. It was found that the rotation of whole or partial fibronectin containing the cell-binding domain through fluorescent lifetime of 100 ns was suppressed by combining of heparin or gelatin to fibronectin. When heparin or gelatin was added in the solution of ANM- or FAM-fibronectin complex, on the contrary, the fluorescence polarization tended to decrease, that is, slightly depolarize through the fluorescent lifetime of 5 or 20 ns, respectively. It was found that the rotation of the cell-binding domain, or of part of the fibronectin molecule containing the domain, was slightly promoted by combining heparin or gelatin to its domain. These results indicate that an interaction of the heparin- or gelatin-binding domain with the cell-binding domain was induced by the combining of heparin or gelatin to the respective domains.     

Antibacterial activity of hen egg white lysozyme against Listeria monocytogenes Scott A in foods.

Egg white lysozyme killed or prevented growth of Listeria monocytogenes Scott A in several foods. Lysozyme was more active in vegetables than in animal-derived foods that we tested. For maximum activity in certain foods, EDTA was required in addition to lysozyme. Lysozyme with EDTA effectively killed inoculated populations of 10(4) L. monocytogenes per g in fresh corn, fresh green beans, shredded cabbage, shredded lettuce, and carrots during storage at 5 degrees C. Control incubations without lysozyme supported growth of L. monocytogenes to 10(6) to 10(7)/g. Lysozyme had less activity in animal-derived foods, including fresh pork sausage (bratwurst) and Camembert cheese. In bratwurst, lysozyme with EDTA prevented L. monocytogenes from growing for 2 to 3 weeks but did not kill significant numbers of cells and did not prevent eventual growth. The control sausages not containing lysozyme supported rapid and heavy growth, which indicated that lysozyme was bacteriostatic for 2 to 3 weeks in fresh pork sausage. We also prepared Camembert cheese containing 10(4) L. monocytogenes cells per g and investigated the changes during ripening in cheeses supplemented with lysozyme and EDTA. Cheeses with lysozyme by itself or together with EDTA reduced the L. monocytogenes population by approximately 10-fold over the first 3 to 4 weeks of ripening. In the same period, the control cheese wheels without added lysozyme with and without chelator slowly started to grown and eventually reached 10(6) to 10(7) CFU/g after 55 days of ripening.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Oral bioavailability of active principles from herbal products in humans. A study on Hypericum perforatum extracts using the soft gelatin capsule technology.

The oral absorption of two known active principles of Hypericum perforatum, namely hyperforin and hypericin, was studied in an open, single dose, two-way, randomized, cross-over study involving 12 healthy subjects (six males and six females). Alcoholic Hypericum extract (300 mg, containing 5% hyperforin and 0.3 % hypericin) was administered in the morning after 12 hours fasting. The formulation was administered as softgel capsules containing, inter alia, soya oil together with the herbal extract. A second standard formulation in two piece hard gelatin capsules was also used for comparison purposes. Blood was sampled from the subjects at different times after drug administration and the plasma was analysed according to published analytical methods for the determination of hyperforin and hypericin. Peaks of plasma concentration, Cmax of hyperforin were 168.35 ng/ml +/- 57.79 for the soft gelatin formulation (CV=34.32, n=12) and 84.25 ng/ml +/- 33.51 for the hard gelatin capsule (CV=39.77, n=12). The Tmax values for hyperforin were 2.50 h +/- 0.83 for the soft gelatin formulation compared to 3.08 h +/- 0.79 for the reference formulation, whereas the total AUC were respectively 1482.7 h x ng/ml +/- 897.13 and 583.65 h x ng/ml +/- 240.29. As for hypericin, plasma levels were detectable in approximately half of the subjects treated. However also in this case the soft gelatin capsules exhibited a higher individual absorption when compared with the corresponding data for the hard gelatin capsules.