Characterization of Protein Aggregation Using Hydrogel-Encapsulated nIR Fluorescent Nanoparticle Sensors

Mathematical modeling and process analytical technology for continuous chromatography of biopharmaceutical products

Chromatography is a widely used separation method that is inherently a batch operation. However, the demand for higher productivity and lower cost and labor has prompted industries such as the petrochemical and food industries to transition from batch to continuous chromatography. Growing market competition in the biopharmaceutical industry and the rise of novel biotherapeutics modalities have brought about promising continuous chromatography methods as well as next-generation tools to enable continuous operation in bioprocessing. While these continuous chromatography methods outperform their batch counterpart, their implementation presents challenges due to their greater complexity. This review discusses two key technologies that are essential for the implementation of continuous chromatography: mathematical modeling and novel process analytical technologies. Mechanistic-based models not only aid in process development and optimization but also allow for greater process control and automation.

Optimizing the Preparation Procedure of Recombinant PSCA, as a Practical Biomarker in Prostate Cancer

Background:

The unique expression pattern of prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) in a number of prevalent neoplasms has made the antigen a great target for cancer researches, and many clinical methods have been developed based on the application of this tumor marker. Hence, optimal PSCA laboratory production can be considered a hallmark for many researchers.

Objective:

An analytical study was designed to improve the quality and quantity of PSCA production.

Materials and Methods:

The effects of different compositions of lysis buffers and some ultrasound durations were assessed by calculation of the protein recovery followed by PSCA specific blotting experiments. Then, based on the results of the web-based characterization, interference removal, followed by re-solubilization of the protein in various buffers, was designed, applied, and assessed.

Results:

Since the selection of an appropriate methodology depends merely on the research purposes, we tried to discuss the pros and cons of the investigated methods according to the hydrophobic nature of PSCA as well as its dramatic tendency to aggregate in the form of inclusion bodies in the expression hosts.

Conclusions:

We introduced a newly designed method to fit the delicate immunological surveys and overcome some limiting factors in PSCA production.

From Small Molecules to Synthesized Polymers: Potential Role in Combating Amyloidogenic Disorders

The concept of developing novel anti-amyloid inhibitors in the scientific community has engrossed remarkable research interests and embraced significant potential to resolve numerous pathological conditions including neurological as well as non-neuropathic disorders associated with amyloid protein aggregation. These pathological conditions have harmful effects on cellular activities which include malfunctioning of organs and tissue, cellular impairment, etc. To date, different types of small molecular probes like polyphenolic compounds, nanomaterials, surfactants, etc. have been developed to address these issues. Recently synthetic polymeric materials are extensively investigated to explore their role in the protein aggregation pathway. On the basis of these perspectives, in this review article, we have comprehensively summarized the current perspectives on protein misfolding and aggregation and importance of therapeutic approaches in designing novel effective inhibitors. The main purpose of this review article is to provide a detailed perspective of the current landscape as well as trailblazing voyage of various inhibitors ranging from small molecular probes to polymeric scaffolds in the field of protein misfolding and aggregation. A particular emphasis is given on the structural role and molecular mechanistic pathway involved in modulating the aggregation pathway to further inspire the researchers and shed light in this bright research field.

Developments and opportunities in continuous biopharmaceutical manufacturing

Today’s biologics manufacturing practices incur high costs to the drug makers, which can contribute to high prices for patients. Timely investment in the development and implementation of continuous biomanufacturing can increase the production of consistent-quality drugs at a lower cost and a faster pace, to meet growing demand. Efficient use of equipment, manufacturing footprint, and labor also offer the potential to improve drug accessibility. Although technological efforts enabling continuous biomanufacturing have commenced, challenges remain in the integration, monitoring, and control of traditionally segmented unit operations. Here, we discuss recent developments supporting the implementation of continuous biomanufacturing, along with their benefits.

Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Detection by Carbon Nanotube-Based Near-Infrared Nanosensors

To effectively track and eliminate COVID-19, it is critical to develop tools for rapid and accessible diagnosis of actively infected individuals. Here, we introduce a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-based optical sensing approach toward this end. We construct a nanosensor based on SWCNTs noncovalently functionalized with ACE2, a host protein with high binding affinity for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The presence of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein elicits a robust, 2-fold nanosensor fluorescence increase within 90 min of spike protein exposure. We characterize the nanosensor stability and sensing mechanism and passivate the nanosensor to preserve sensing response in saliva and viral transport medium. We further demonstrate that these ACE2-SWCNT nanosensors retain sensing capacity in a surface-immobilized format, exhibiting a 73% fluorescence turn-on response within 5 s of exposure to 35 mg/L SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles. Our data demonstrate that ACE2-SWCNT nanosensors can be developed into an optical tool for rapid SARS-CoV-2 detection.

A Fiber Optic Interface Coupled to Nanosensors: Applications to Protein Aggregation and Organic Molecule Quantification

Fluorescent nanosensors hold promise to address analytical challenges in the biopharmaceutical industry. The monitoring of therapeutic protein critical quality attributes such as aggregation is a long-standing challenge requiring low detection limits and multiplexing of different product parameters. However, general approaches for interfacing nanosensors to the biopharmaceutical process remain minimally explored to date. Herein, we design and fabricate a integrated fiber optic nanosensor element, measuring sensitivity, response time, and stability for applications to the rapid process monitoring. The fiber optic-nanosensor interface, or optode, consists of label-free nIR fluorescent single-walled carbon nanotube transducers embedded within a protective yet porous hydrogel attached to the end of the fiber waveguide. The optode platform is shown to be capable of differentiating the aggregation status of human immunoglobulin G, reporting the relative fraction of monomers and dimer aggregates with sizes 5.6 and 9.6 nm, respectively, in under 5 min of analysis time. We introduce a lab-on-fiber design with potential for at-line monitoring with integration of 3D-printed miniaturized sensor tips having high mechanical flexibility. A parallel measurement of fluctuations in laser excitation allows for intensity normalization and significantly lower noise level (3.7 times improved) when using lower quality lasers, improving the cost effectiveness of the platform. As an application, we demonstrate the capability of the fully integrated lab-on-fiber system to rapidly monitor various bioanalytes including serotonin, norepinephrine, adrenaline, and hydrogen peroxide, in addition to proteins and their aggregation states. These results in total constitute an effective form factor for nanosensor-based transducers for applications in industrial process monitoring.