Rapid non-invasive monitoring of baculovirus infection for insect larvae using green fluorescent protein reporter under early-to-late promoter and a GFP-specific optical probe

Evaluating Baculovirus Infection Using Green Fluorescent Protein and Variants

By use of a strategy incorporating the green fluorescent protein (GFP), facile and rapid monitoring and visualization of baculovirus infection in insect cells is possible in vivo. This chapter describes two techniques for simple determination of virus titer in the baculovirus expression system using GFP co-expression and rapid monitoring of Sf-9 insect cell infection using a combination of GFP and the early-to-late (ETL) promoter of the virus vector. Because of its early appearance, GFP, when placed under the control of ETL promoter, will facilitate vector construction, virus isolation, and titer determination.

Development of immobilized biophotonic beads consisting of Photobacterium leiognathi for the detection of heavy metals and pesticide

The present communication deals with construction of immobilized robust biophotonic bead using P. leiognathi, a marine luminescent bacterium for their possible application in monitoring of environmental toxicants. Immobilization efficiency of agar, carrageenan and sodium alginate was evaluated separately in terms of luminescence response and was recorded as 30.3, 77.4 or 99.5%, respectively. Under optimized storage conditions, the luminescent response of P. leiognathi in the immobilized state was studied over a period of 30 days. These biophotonic beads were further used as a rapid and reliable optical biosensing tool for the detection of heavy metals [Hg(II), As(V) or Cd(II)] and pesticide [2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)] in water systems. The concentration range for the detection of Hg(II), As(V), Cd(II) and 2,4-D was 2-32ppm, 4-128ppm, 16-512ppm and 100-600ppm, respectively, while corresponding sensitivity threshold was 2.0ppm, 4.0ppm, 16.0ppm and 100ppm. A comparison of inhibition constant (K(d)) (or EC(20)) values indicated that the sensitivity thresholds rank as Hg(II)>As(V)>Cd(II)>2,4-D. Moreover, the time taken for the detection of heavy metals and pesticide was less than 30min. Using the bioluminescence inhibition method, the concentration of heavy metals and pesticide could be predicted.

Co-expression vs. co-infection using baculovirus expression vectors in insect cell culture: Benefits and drawbacks

The baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) is a versatile and powerful platform for protein expression in insect cells. With the ability to approach similar post-translational modifications as in mammalian cells, the BEVS offers a number of advantages including high levels of expression as well as an inherent safety during manufacture and of the final product. Many BEVS products include proteins and protein complexes that require expression from more than one gene. This review examines the expression strategies that have been used to this end and focuses on the distinguishing features between those that make use of single polycistronic baculovirus (co-expression) and those that use multiple monocistronic baculoviruses (co-infection). Three major areas in which researchers have been able to take advantage of co-expression/co-infection are addressed, including compound structure-function studies, insect cell functionality augmentation, and VLP production. The core of the review discusses the parameters of interest for co-infection and co-expression with time of infection (TOI) and multiplicity of infection (MOI) highlighted for the former and the choice of promoter for the latter. In addition, an overview of modeling approaches is presented, with a suggested trajectory for future exploration. The review concludes with an examination of the gaps that still remain in co-expression/co-infection knowledge and practice.

Photodiode-based detection system for biosensors

Many sensors and biosensors are based on the detection of optical changes in the sensing phase. In order to build a stand-alone sensing device, a miniature and low-cost detection system is critical. Here, the method for manufacturing the most critical part (the photodetector) is described in detail. The receiver is based on a photodiode. The practical design of such device is presented here. By using it, it is possible to construct an optical sensor for fluorescence or absorption-based measurement. Discussed here are suitable methods for generation and modulation of probing light, as well as the possible optical configurations. Practical advice is given on the selection of the bandwidth, noise, amplification, etc. The described system was used for detection of green red fluorescent protein in E. coli during fermentation.