Development of a novel antifouling platform for biosensing probe immobilization from methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine-containing copolymer brushes

The immobilization of thiol-terminated poly[(methacrylic acid)-ran-(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)] (PMAMPC-SH) brushes on gold-coated surface plasmon resonance (SPR) chips was performed using the "grafting to" approach via self-assembly formation. The copolymer brushes provide both functionalizability and antifouling characteristics, desirable features mandatorily required for the development of an effective platform for probe immobilization in biosensing applications. The carboxyl groups from the methacrylic acid (MA) units were employed for attaching active biomolecules that can act as sensing probes for biospecific detection of target molecules, whereas the 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) units were introduced to suppress unwanted nonspecific adsorption. The detection efficiency of the biotin-immobilized PMAMPC brushes with the target molecule, avidin (AVD), was evaluated in blood plasma in comparison with the conventional 2D monolayer of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) and homopolymer brushes of poly(methacrylic acid) (PMA) also immobilized with biotin using the SPR technique. Copolymer brushes with 79 mol % MPC composition and a molecular weight of 49.3 kDa yielded the platform for probe immobilization with the best performance considering its high S/N ratio as compared with platforms based on MUA and PMA brushes. In addition, the detection limit for detecting AVD in blood plasma solution was found to be 1.5 nM (equivalent to 100 ng/mL). The results have demonstrated the potential for using these newly developed surface-attached PMAMPC brushes for probe immobilization and subsequent detection of designated target molecules in complex matrices such as blood plasma and clinical samples.

Red cell volume can be accurately determined in sheep using a nonradioactive biotin label

The sheep has served as an informative animal model for investigation of human fetal and newborn erythropoiesis and red blood cell (RBC) kinetics. We previously validated the permanent label (14C)cyanate for measuring red cell volume (RCV) in sheep. Here, we validate biotin labeling of RBCs as a nonradioactive method for measuring RCV in sheep with the anticipation that it can be applied in studies of human infants. The RCV was determined simultaneously using two techniques for quantitation of the biotin label. The first one quantified total blood concentration of biotin label on biotin-labeled RBCs using (125I)streptavidin. The second one enumerated biotin-labeled RBCs by flow cytometry after incubation with fluorescein-conjugated avidin. RCV measurements made using the two biotin quantitation techniques were validated against both (14C)cyanate and 51Cr as reference methods. Both biotin techniques produced RCV values that agreed well with the reference methods and with each other, producing correlation coefficients averaging >or =0.93. Sequential repetitive measurements in the same animal also agreed with the (14C)cyanate method and each other (average difference <10%). These results establish biotin-labeled RBCs as an accurate method for performing RCV measurements in sheep. This biotin method can be applied in studies that model neonatal erythropoiesis.

Avidin bioconjugate with a thermoresponsive polymer for biological and pharmaceutical applications

A thermoresponsive polymer, N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylamide (Mn 6 kDa) with a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of 37 degrees C, was activated and conjugated to avidin to yield a derivative with 200 kDa molecular weight. Gel permeation analysis demonstrated that the new bioconjugate possessed an apparent size corresponding to a 220 kDa globular protein. Photon correlation spectroscopy and turbidometric studies showed that the bioconjugate underwent temperature dependent phase transitions. The protein-co-polymer bioconjugate displayed the same onset phase transition temperature (LCST) as the original synthetic co-polymer. Nevertheless, the aggregation profile of the bioconjugate shifted at higher temperature as compared to the original polymer. This indicated that the aggregation behaviour coil-to-globule transition of the co-polymer was modified by anchoring to the protein surface. Circular dichroism analysis showed that the co-polymer conjugation did not alter the protein tertiary structure tertiary the aromatic amino acid environment. The bioconjugate maintained 85+/-3% of native avidin affinity for biotin and biotin-Mab, and high affinity was maintained after three heating cycles. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that the co-polymer bioconjugation increased the avidin residence time in the bloodstream. The distribution phase of avidin-co-polymer was longer than the native protein by a factor of 20. The co-polymer conjugation decreased by three-fold the distribution extent of avidin and reduced significantly its up-take to the liver.

Biocompatibility of a Novel Avidin-Agarose Adsorbent for Extracorporeal Removal of Redundant Radiopharmaceutical From the Blood

The use of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) in cytotoxic conjugates (radionuclides, toxins, or drugs) for targeting tumor cells is restricted due to toxicity in vital organs. Through improved tumor targeting, it is possible to administer larger amounts of such labeled MAbs, thus improving the ability to eradicate tumor cells without increased normal organ toxicity. Extracorporeal affinity adsorption treatment (ECAT) has therefore been developed using an avidin-agarose (AA) adsorbent with high binding affinity for the biotinylated radiolabeled MAb, rituximab. During ECAT, excess radioimmunoconjugates, not bound to the tumor cells, can be removed improving tumor targeting. The present study was performed to estimate the biocompatibility of the AA adsorber. Seven patients with B-cell lymphoma not responding to conventional treatment were studied. During the ECAT procedure, blood (B) components, plasma (P) complement fragments C3a, C5a, and P-bradykinin were analyzed, and other laboratory tests were carried out. Slight decreases in B-hemoglobin (8.3%), B-thrombocytes (11.4%), and P-albumin (14.3%) were observed, and could be explained by the dilution of the blood with normal saline and acid citrate dextrose. The AA adsorbent had no effect on the blood cells, immunological status or P-bradykinin level. The AA adsorber demonstrated good hemocompatibility and biocompatibility, without any side effects in the patients.

Poly(ethylene glycol)-avidin bioconjugates: suitable candidates for tumor pretargeting

Avidin-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) conjugates were obtained by derivatization of about 10% of the protein amino groups (four amino groups per protein molecule) with linear 5 kDa PEG or branched 10 or 20 kDa PEGs. Circular dichroism analysis showed that the polymer conjugation neither altered the protein structure nor the environment of the aromatic amino acids which are present at the level of the biotin binding site. Spectroscopic studies were carried out to evaluate the biotin recognition activity of the conjugates either in terms of number of biotin binding sites or avidin/biotin affinity. Avidin-PEG 5 kDa and avidin-PEG 10 kDa displayed over 90% of the native protein biological activity while a reduction in the recognition of biotinylated antibodies of about 25% was found with PEG 20 kDa. In vivo studies demonstrated that the protein immunogenicity was in the order: wild type avidin>avidin-PEG 5 kDa>avidin-PEG 10 kDa>avidin-PEG 20 kDa. By intravenous injection into mice bearing a solid tumor, all conjugates displayed prolonged permanence in the circulation with respect to the native protein. The area under the curve values of avidin-PEG 5 kDa, avidin-PEG 10 kDa and avidin-PEG 20 kDa were about 3-, 7- and 30-times higher than the wild type avidin with reduced accumulation in kidneys and liver. Interestingly, all conjugates accumulated significantly in the tumor mass. In particular, in the case of avidin-PEG 20 kDa, 8% of the injected dose (ID)/g of tissue accumulated in the tumor after 5 h from the administration and over 6% of the ID/g was maintained throughout 72 h.

Drug targeting to the brain using avidin-biotin technology in the mouse; (blood-brain barrier, monoclonal antibody, transferrin receptor, Alzheimer's disease)

A beta1-40 peptide radiopharmaceuticals could be used to image A beta brain amyloid in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease should the A beta peptide radiopharmaceutical be made transportable through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in vivo. The present studies used the RI7-217 rat monoclonal antibody to the mouse transferrin receptor as a BBB drug targeting vector for the delivery to brain of A beta1-40 radiolabeled with either 125-Iodine or 111-Indium. The A beta peptide radiopharmaceutical is conjugated to the RI7 MAb using avidin biotin technology, wherein the A beta1-40 peptide radiopharmaceutical is monobiotinylated (bio) and bound to a conjugate of the RI7 MAb and streptavidin (SA). The [125 I]-bio-A beta1-40 or the [111 In]-bio-A beta1-40 either free or bound to the RI7/SA conjugate was injected intravenously into anesthetized adult mice and plasma pharmacokinetics and organ uptake were measured over the next 60 minutes. The A beta1-40 peptide radiopharmaceutical radiolabeled with 111-Indium was the preferred formulation, compared to peptide labeled with 125-Iodine, because there was a greater metabolic stability and reduced artifactual organ uptake of metabolites associated with the use of the 111-Indium nuclide. However, biotinylated A beta1-40 peptide radiopharmaceuticals conjugated to the RI7/SA brain drug targeting system were metabolically unstable in mice in vivo owing to active biotinidase activity. Future work involving brain drug targeting in mice that utilizes avidin biotin technology will need to incorporate biotin analogues that are resistant to biotinidase.

Serum concentrations of bisnorbiotin and biotin sulfoxide increase during both acute and chronic biotin supplementation

In addition to the pharmacokinetic interest, serum concentrations of biotin and biotin metabolites are important because biotin in serum might interfere with assays that use avidin-biotin detection systems. With acute and chronic oral administration of biotin the serum concentration of biotin increases. Because of limited specificity of bioassays or avidin-binding assays used in previous studies, the proportion of the increase attributable to biotin metabolites (if any) remains unknown. To address these questions 15 adults consumed 1,200 microg biotin daily for 14 days. Blood samples were obtained before biotin ingestion and at 3 hours after biotin ingestion on the first day ("acute supplementation") and the fourteenth day ("chronic supplementation"). Biotin, bisnorbiotin, and biotin sulfoxide were measured with a chemically specific high-pressure liquid chromatography/avidin-binding assay. Serum concentrations of biotin, bisnorbiotin, and biotin sulfoxide increased approximately fiftyfold with acute supplementation of biotin; each increased further with chronic supplementation. With acute supplementation the proportion of the total attributable to metabolites did not decrease significantly, suggesting that pathways for biotin catabolism are not easily saturated. With chronic supplementation the proportion of the total attributable to metabolites did not increase significantly, suggesting that biotin catabolism was not substantially induced. We conclude that on a mole basis the contribution of biotin metabolites is important, and we provide an estimate of the biotin and biotin metabolite concentration that might be encountered in individuals who self-select large biotin supplements.

Biotin accounts for only half of the total avidin-binding substances in human serum

In studies using an avidin-binding assay to measure the serum or plasma concentration of biotin, biotin is sometimes assumed to be equal to the avidin-binding substances detected. To provide a range of values for serum concentrations of biotin, bisnorbiotin, and biotin sulfoxide, HPLC was used to separate avidin-binding substances in human serum, and the chromatographic fractions were assayed for avidin-binding substances (biotin and biotin metabolites). In sera from 15 normal fasting adults, substantial concentrations of avidin-binding substances other than biotin were detected. Two of the principal substances were identified as bisnorbiotin and biotin sulfoxide based on their chromatographic properties. The serum concentrations of bisnorbiotin and biotin sulfoxide varied widely among the individuals. In three subjects, the concentration of bisnorbiotin exceeded that of biotin. The presence of avidin-binding substances in addition to biotin may have confounded previous measurements of the concentration of biotin in serum, plasma, and blood when avidin-binding assays were used. Because bioassay methods for biotin sometimes use organisms for which one or more of these biotin metabolites are growth factors, measurements of biotin in blood using some bioassays are likely to overestimate the concentrations of biotin.

Pharmacokinetics of [3H]biotin bound to different avidin analogues

The use of avidin-biotin technology in drug delivery facilitates the conjugation of biotinylated therapeutics to transport vectors that are enabled to undergo receptor-mediated transcytosis through the brain capillary endothelial wall, which makes up the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in vivo. However, the conjugation of avidin, a cationic glycosylated protein, to transport vectors greatly increases the rate of removal of the vector from the bloodstream, owing to rapid uptake of avidin by peripheral tissues such as liver and kidney. However, modified avidins may retain high affinity biotin binding properties, but may not be rapidly removed from plasma by peripheral tissues, and such avidin analogues would provide preferred plasma pharmacokinetic profiles. Therefore, the present studies investigate the pharmacokinetics of plasma removal of [3H]biotin bound to one of six different avidin analogues: streptavidin, Neutra-lite avidin, avidin, neutral avidin, Lite-avidin, and succinylated avidin. Isoelectric focusing studies show that avidin and Lite-avidin were highly cationic proteins, whereas neutral avidin, Neutra-lite avidin, and streptavidin were neutral proteins, and succinylated avidin had an acidic isoelectric point. The avidin analogues fell into two groups with respect to rate of biotin removal from plasma. The low clearance group included streptavidin and Neutra-lite avidin, which had a mean plasma clearance of 0.41 mL/min/kg. The high clearance group consisted of succinylated avidin, neutral avidin, and Lite-avidin and had a mean plasma clearance of 17 mL/min/kg, or 40-fold faster than the low clearance avidins.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Investigations of N-linked macrocycles for 111In and 90Y labeling of proteins

To simplify the synthesis of macrocyclic chelators, commercially available macrocyclic amines were condensed with halogenated acetic acid to prepare the five chelators 12N4 (DOTA), 14N4 (TETA), 15N4, 9N3 and 12N3. Only 12N4 and 9N3 showed efficient labeling of the free chelator with 111In and 90Y. Serum stability studies at 37 degrees C with In-labeled DTPA, 12N4 and 9N3 showed no loss of label over 2 days whereas, with 90Y, only 12N4 showed stabilities comparable to DTPA. The 12N4 chelator was derivatized by attaching biotin on one N-acetate group to stimulate the attachment to protein. The serum stability for both 111In and 90Y was identical to that of biotin derivatized DTPA and lower than that of the free chelators. Biodistribution studies in normal mice of a model protein (avidin) labeled with 90Y via biotinylated 12N4 and biotinylated DTPA showed identical distribution at 1 day except in bone where the %ID/g for the macrocyclic-conjugated protein (3.4 +/- 0.5, N = 8) was significantly (P less than 0.001) lower than that of the DTPA-conjugated protein (9.4 +/- 0.9, N = 7). In conclusion, macrocycles may be readily synthesized from the macrocyclic amines and several show useful stabilities with In and Y. When N-linked to a protein, the Y biodistribution was found to be superior to that of the corresponding DTPA-coupled protein.

Avidin attachment to biotinylated erythrocytes induces homologous lysis via the alternative pathway of complement

Noncovalent attachment of avidin to the membrane of prebiotinylated red blood cells (RBCs) induces lysis via the alternative pathway of complement (APC). Lysis is not species-dependent; RBCs from humans, rabbits, rats, and sheep were lysed with both autologous and all heterologous sera. Both biotinylated and native cells were not lysed. Lysis was observed at an avidin surface density of about 10(5) molecules per cell. Acylation of avidin prevents lysis and decreases the positive charge of the avidin. Lysis depends on the length of the cross-linking agent used for the biotin attachment to the membrane. An increase in the length of the cross-linking agent was accompanied by an enhancement of the lysis and the agglutination titer of biotinylated RBCs in a solution of avidin. It is suggested that avidin attachment induces some transformations of the cell membrane that lead to the conversion from "APC nonactivator" cells to "APC activator" cells. The interaction of avidin with membrane APC-restrictors (decay-accelerating factors, type 1 receptor for complement, homologous restriction factor, and others), the charge of avidin, and its cross-linking ability in lysis are discussed. It is proposed that membrane rearrangement induced by multipoint avidin attachment to biotinylated membrane is the main reason for avidin-induced elimination of APC restriction.

Biocytin hydrazide--a selective label for sialic acids, galactose, and other sugars in glycoconjugates using avidin-biotin technology

Biocytin hydrazide (BCHZ), a new, water-soluble, long-chained, biotin-containing hydrazide, was synthesized and used for the selective nonradioactive detection of glycoconjugates. Procedures were developed for labeling glycoconjugates on blots. The method involves either chemical (periodate-induced) or enzymatic (via galactose oxidase) oxidation of glycoconjugates, the resultant aldehyde groups are then labeled with biocytin hydrazide, followed by interaction with an avidin-based enzyme probe. Since the biotin-containing reagent is a relatively small, charged molecule, the primary labeling step may be carried out on intact cells and on membrane preparations as well as on blotted samples. On blots, the labeling pattern was similar for both periodate- and galactose oxidase-induced biotinylation procedures. In contrast, periodate-induced labeling of either erythrocyte membranes or cells (prior to blotting) produced an altered labeling pattern. Combined enzyme-induced biotinylation of membranes or cells resulted in a pattern similar to that observed for the direct staining of blots. Using galactose oxidase on human erythrocyte membranes, the procedure was sensitive enough to selectively label the Band 3 lactosaminoglycoprotein.