MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Trends in Biotechnology' source. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:15:17 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5619813&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22260747%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Torres AG, Gait MJ Abstract Efficient cellular delivery is one of the key issues that has hampered the therapeutic development of novel synthetic biomolecules such as oligonucleotides, peptides and nanoparticles. The highly specialized cellular plasma membrane specifically internalizes compounds through tightly regulated mechanisms. It is possible to exploit these natural mechanisms of cellular uptake with rationally designed reagents. Here, we discuss how thiol groups (-SH) naturally present on the cell surface (exofacial thiols) can be used to enhance cellular association and internalization of various materials bearing thiol-reactive groups in their structure. We propose that such thiol modifications should be considered in future design of synthetic biomolecules for op... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5619813 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5619813 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5619814&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22257766%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Silva TL, Roseiro JC, Reis A Abstract Conventional microbiology methods used to monitor microbial biofuels production are based on off-line analyses. The analyses are, unfortunately, insufficient for bioprocess optimization. Real time process control strategies, such as flow cytometry (FC), can be used to monitor bioprocess development (at-line) by providing single cell information that improves process model formulation and validation. This paper reviews the current uses and potential applications of FC in biodiesel, bioethanol, biomethane, biohydrogen and fuel cell processes. By highlighting the inherent accuracy and robustness of the technique for a range of biofuel processing parameters, more robust monitoring and control may be implemented to enhance process efficienc... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5619814 Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5619814 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5559078&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22209562%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jung JP, Squirrell JM, Lyons GE, Eliceiri KW, Ogle BM Abstract Once damaged, cardiac tissue does not readily repair and is therefore a primary target of regenerative therapies. One regenerative approach is the development of scaffolds that functionally mimic the cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) to deliver stem cells or cardiac precursor populations to the heart. Technological advances in micro/nanotechnology, stem cell biology, biomaterials and tissue decellularization have propelled this promising approach forward. Surprisingly, technological advances in optical imaging methods have not been fully utilized in the field of cardiac regeneration. Here, we describe and provide examples to demonstrate how advanced imaging techniques could revolutionize how ECM-mimicking card... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5559078 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5559078 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5559082&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22209518%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Facchini PJ, Bohlmann J, Covello PS, De Luca V, Mahadevan R, Page JE, Ro DK, Sensen CW, Storms R, Martin VJ Abstract Plants display an immense diversity of specialized metabolites, many of which have been important to humanity as medicines, flavors, fragrances, pigments, insecticides and other fine chemicals. Apparently, much of the variation in plant specialized metabolism evolved through events of gene duplications followed by neo- or sub-functionalization. Most of the catalytic diversity of plant enzymes is unexplored since previous biochemical and genomics efforts have focused on a relatively small number of species. Interdisciplinary research in plant genomics, microbial engineering and synthetic biology provides an opportunity to accelerate the discovery of new enzym... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5559082 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5559082 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5559077&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22209623%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Schenk PM, Carvalhais LC, Kazan K Abstract Plants in their natural habitats are surrounded by a large number of microorganisms. Some microbes directly interact with plants in a mutually beneficial manner whereas others colonize the plant only for their own benefit. In addition, microbes can indirectly affect plants by drastically altering their environments. Understanding the complex nature of plant-microbe interactions can potentially offer new strategies to enhance plant productivity in an environmentally friendly manner. As briefly reviewed here, the emerging area of multi-species transcriptomics holds the promise to provide knowledge on how this can be achieved. We discuss key aspects of how transcriptome analysis can be used to provide a more comprehensive picture of ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5559077 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5559077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5559076&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22209624%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ma S, Saaem I, Tian J Abstract Accurate, economical and high-throughput gene and genome synthesis is essential to the development of synthetic biology and biotechnology. New large-scale gene synthesis methods harnessing the power of DNA microchips have recently been demonstrated. Yet, the technology is still compromised by a high occurrence of errors in the synthesized products. These errors still require substantial effort to correct. To solve this bottleneck, novel approaches based on new chemistry, enzymology or next generation sequencing have emerged. This review discusses these new trends and promising strategies of error filtration, correction and prevention in de novo gene and genome synthesis. Continued innovation in error correction technologies will enable afford... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5559076 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5559076 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5546669&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22197260%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lakshmanan A, Zhang S, Hauser CA Abstract Short, self-assembling peptides form a variety of stable nanostructures used for the rational design of functional devices. Peptides serve as organic templates for conjugating biorecognition elements, and assembling ordered nanoparticle arrays and hybrid supramolecular structures. We are witnessing the emergence of a new phase of bionanotechnology, particularly towards electronic, photonic and plasmonic applications. Recent advances include self-assembly of photoluminescent semiconducting nanowires and peptide-conjugated systems for sensing, catalysis and energy storage. Concurrently, methods and tools have been developed to control and manipulate the self-assembled nanostructures. Furthermore, there is growing knowledge on nanostr... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5546669 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5546669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5531288&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22178650%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Larkum AW, Ross IL, Kruse O, Hankamer B Abstract Microalgal production technologies are seen as increasingly attractive for bioenergy production to improve fuel security and reduce CO(2) emissions. Photosynthetically derived fuels are a renewable, potentially carbon-neutral and scalable alternative reserve. Microalgae have particular promise because they can be produced on non-arable land and utilize saline and wastewater streams. Furthermore, emerging microalgal technologies can be used to produce a range of products such as biofuels, protein-rich animal feeds, chemical feedstocks (e.g. bioplastic precursors) and higher-value products. This review focuses on the selection, breeding and engineering of microalgae for improved biomass and biofuel conversion efficiencies. ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5531288 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5531288 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5531289&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22172689%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pease LF Abstract This review critically examines an emerging tool to measure viral clearance from biomanufacturing streams, monitor assembly of viruses and virus-like particles, rapidly identify viruses from biological milieu, assay virus neutralization, and prepare bionanoconjugates for bacterial detection. Electrospray differential mobility analysis (ES-DMA) is a tool of choice to simultaneously determine viral size and concentration because it provides full multimodal size distributions with subnanometer precision from individual capsid proteins to intact viral particles. The review contrasts ES-DMA to similar tools and highlights expected growth areas including at-line process sensing as a process analytical technology (PAT), bioseparating as a distinct unit operation... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5531289 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5531289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5492613&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22119159%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bubela T, Hagen G, Einsiedel E Abstract The novelty of synthetic biology lies in the use of synthesized parts that can be arranged to make useful products. Such advanced, high-throughput genetic engineering projects redesign and fabricate existing biological systems as well as new biological parts, devices and systems that do not occur in nature. This Opinion discusses challenges raised by synthetic biology for public acceptance, regulation, commercialization and the emerging global issue of access to genetic resources and information. As with all new fields of research, maintaining the trust of the public and policy regulators is paramount. Hype and exaggerated claims are counterproductive to developing adaptive and ethically sound regulatory models responsive to stakehol... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5492613 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5492613 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5417899&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22071143%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mahmoudifar N, Doran PM Abstract Joint injury and disease are painful and debilitating conditions affecting a substantial proportion of the population. The idea that damaged cartilage in articulating joints might be replaced seamlessly with tissue-engineered cartilage is of obvious commercial interest because the market for such treatments is large. Recently, a wealth of new information about the complex biology of chondrogenesis and cartilage has emerged from stem cell research, including increasing evidence of the role of physical stimuli in directing differentiation. The challenge for the next generation of tissue engineers is to identify the key elements in this new body of knowledge that can be applied to overcome current limitations affecting cartilage synthesis in v... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5417899 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5417899 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378875&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22037492%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: García-Fruitós E, Vázquez E, Díez-Gil C, Corchero JL, Seras-Franzoso J, Ratera I, Veciana J, Villaverde A Abstract Many protein species produced in recombinant bacteria aggregate as insoluble protein clusters named inclusion bodies (IBs). IBs are discarded from further processing or are eventually used as a pure protein source for in vitro refolding. Although usually considered as waste byproducts of protein production, recent insights into the physiology of recombinant bacteria and the molecular architecture of IBs have revealed that these protein particles are unexpected functional materials. In this Opinion article, we present the relevant mechanical properties of IBs and discuss the ways in which they can be explored as biocompatible nanostructured materials, mainl... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378875 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5378875 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5325208&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22001068%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lux MW, Bramlett BW, Ball DA, Peccoud J Abstract The aim of synthetic biology is to make genetic systems more amenable to engineering, which has naturally led to the development of computer-aided design (CAD) tools. Experimentalists still primarily rely on project-specific ad hoc workflows instead of domain-specific tools, which suggests that CAD tools are lagging behind the front line of the field. Here, we discuss the scientific hurdles that have limited the productivity gains anticipated from existing tools. We argue that the real value of efforts to develop CAD tools is the formalization of genetic design rules that determine the complex relationships between genotype and phenotype. PMID: 22001068 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Biotechnology... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5325208 Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5325208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5275746&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21944550%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Batalha IL, Lowe CR, Roque AC Abstract Protein phosphorylation is a complex and highly dynamic process involved in numerous biological events. Abnormal phosphorylation is one of the underlying mechanisms for the development of cancer and metabolic disorders. The identification and absolute quantification of specific phospho-signatures can help elucidate protein functions in signaling pathways and facilitate the development of new and personalized diagnostic and therapeutic tools. This review presents a variety of strategies currently utilized for the enrichment of phosphorylated proteins and peptides before mass spectrometry analysis during proteomic studies. The investigation of specific affinity reagents, allied to the integration of different enrichment processes, is tr... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5275746 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5275746 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5275745&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21944551%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Blais DR, Nasheri N, McKay CS, Legault MC, Pezacki JP Abstract Virologists have benefited from large-scale profiling methods to discover new host-virus interactions and to learn about the mechanisms of pathogenesis. One such technique, referred to as activity-based protein profiling (ABPP), uses active site-directed probes to monitor the functional state of enzymes, taking into account post-translational interactions and modifications. ABPP gives insight into the catalytic activity of enzyme families that does not necessarily correlate with protein abundance. ABPP has been used to investigate several viruses and their interactions with their hosts. Differential enzymatic activity induced by viruses has been monitored using ABPP. In this review, we present recent advances a... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5275745 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5275745 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5244974&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21930321%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mazzoli R, Lamberti C, Pessione E Abstract Cellulose waste biomass is the most attractive substrate for 'biorefinery strategies' producing high-value products (e.g. fuels or plastics) by fermentation. However, traditional biomass bioconversions are economically inefficient multistep processes. Thus far, no microorganisms able to perform single-step fermentation into products (consolidated bioprocessing; CBP) have been isolated. Metabolic engineering is currently employed to develop recombinant microorganisms suitable for CBP. The heterologous expression of extracellular proteins (e.g. cellulases or hemicellulases) is the key feature of recombinant cellulolytic strategies, conferring cellulolytic ability to microorganisms exhibiting high product yields and titers. Although ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5244974 Sat, 17 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5244974 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5244973&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21930322%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cho S, Kim S, Kim Y, Park Y Abstract Malarial infection needs to be imaged to reveal the mechanisms behind malaria pathophysiology and to provide insights to aid in the diagnosis of the disease. Recent advances in optical imaging methods are now being transferred from physics laboratories to the biological field, revolutionizing how we study malaria. To provide insight into how these imaging techniques can improve the study and treatment of malaria, we summarize recent progress on optical imaging techniques, ranging from in vitro visualization of the disease progression of malaria infected red blood cells (iRBCs) to in vivo imaging of malaria parasites in the liver. PMID: 21930322 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Biotechnology) Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5244973 Sat, 17 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5244973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5244975&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21924508%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Crivat G, Taraska JW Abstract Watching biological molecules provides clues to their function and regulation. Some of the most powerful methods of labeling proteins for imaging use genetically encoded fluorescent fusion tags. There are four standard genetic methods of covalently tagging a protein with a fluorescent probe for cellular imaging. These use (i) autofluorescent proteins, (ii) self-labeling enzymes, (iii) enzymes that catalyze the attachment of a probe to a target sequence, and (iv) biarsenical dyes that target tetracysteine motifs. Each of these techniques has advantages and disadvantages. In this review, we cover new developments in these methods and discuss practical considerations for their use in imaging proteins inside living cells. PMID: 21924508 [PubMe... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5244975 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5244975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5217673&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21907435%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fernández A, Fraser C, Scott LR Abstract Proteins are dynamic objects that often undergo significant structural change and reduce their conformational possibilities upon ligand binding. Thus, unless dynamic information is incorporated, structure-based drug design becomes of limited applicability. Even within a dynamic approach, a rarely visited scenario arises as proteins increase their entropy content upon ligand binding by locally enhancing conformational exploration in the complex. In this opinion piece, we argue that this binding mode is of primary importance in drug development because it allows for drugs that are not optimized in the conventional way but feature mismatches with the target. Thus, we advocate entropy optimization that exploits dynamic information for ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5217673 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5217673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5192385&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871679%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kowalczyk SW, Blosser TR, Dekker C Abstract Through recent advances in nanotechnology and molecular engineering, biomimetics - the development of synthetic systems that imitate biological structures and processes - is now emerging at the nanoscale. In this review, we explore biomimetic nanopores and nanochannels. Biological systems are full of nano-scale channels and pores that inspire us to devise artificial pores that demonstrate molecular selectivity or other functional advantages. Moreover, with a biomimetic approach, we can also study biological pores, through bottom-up engineering approaches whereby constituent components can be investigated outside the complex cellular environment. PMID: 21871679 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Biotechnolo... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5192385 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5192385 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5192384&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871680%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Molesini B, Pii Y, Pandolfini T Abstract Genetic engineering methods based on the use of transgenes have been successfully adopted to improve crops. A novel all-native DNA gene technology consists of the creation of intragenic constructs by isolating genetic elements from a crop, rearranging them in vitro, and inserting them back into the plant. The ever-increasing genomic information and the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms that control fruit development could be exploited to confer the desired fruit phenotypes using endogenous DNA. The spatial/temporal regulation of genes can be modified by using appropriate endogenous regulatory elements, such as fruit-specific promoters. In addition, intragenic silencing can be employed to downregulate fruit-related genes. Here,... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5192384 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5192384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5140869&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21831463%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fedorovich NE, Alblas J, Hennink WE, Oner FC, Dhert WJ Abstract In engineered bone grafts, the combined actions of bone-forming cells, matrix and bioactive stimuli determine the eventual performance of the implant. The current notion is that well-built 3D constructs include the biological elements that recapitulate native bone tissue structure to achieve bone formation once implanted. The relatively new technology of organ/tissue printing now enables the accurate 3D organization of the components that are important for bone formation and also addresses issues, such as graft porosity and vascularization. Bone printing is seen as a great promise, because it combines rapid prototyping technology to produce a scaffold of the desired shape and internal structure with incorporat... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5140869 Sun, 07 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5140869 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5140868&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21831464%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kim H, Cooke MJ, Shoichet MS Abstract Traumatic injury to the central nervous system (CNS) is highly debilitating, with the clinical need for regenerative therapies apparent. Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) are promising because they can repopulate lost or damaged cells and tissues. However, the adult CNS does not provide an optimal milieu for exogenous NSPCs to survive, engraft, differentiate, and integrate with host tissues. This review provides an overview of tissue engineering strategies to improve stem cell therapies by providing a defined microenvironment during transplantation. The use of biomaterials for physical support, growth factor delivery, and cellular co-transplantation are discussed. Providing the proper environment for stem cell survival and host tiss... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5140868 Sun, 07 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5140868 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5140870&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21821299%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tan W, Wang H, Chen Y, Zhang X, Zhu H, Yang C, Yang R, Liu C Abstract The active targeting of drugs in a cell-, tissue- or disease-specific manner represents a potentially powerful technology with widespread applications in medicine, including the treatment of cancers. Aptamers have properties such as high affinity and specificity for targets, easy chemical synthesis and modification, and rapid tissue penetration. They have become attractive molecules in diagnostics and therapeutics rivaling and, in some cases, surpassing other molecular probes, such as antibodies. In this review, we highlight the recent progress in aptamer-mediated delivery for therapeutics and disease-targeting based on aptamer integration with a variety of nanomaterials, such as gold nanorods, DNA micel... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5140870 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5140870 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5140871&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21816495%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Puri M, Sharma D, Barrow CJ Abstract Demand for new and novel natural compounds has intensified the development of plant-derived compounds known as bioactives that either promote health or are toxic when ingested. Enhanced release of these bioactives from plant cells by cell disruption and extraction through the cell wall can be optimized using enzyme preparations either alone or in mixtures. However, the biotechnological application of enzymes is not currently exploited to its maximum potential within the food industry. Here, we discuss the use of environmentally friendly enzyme-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from plant sources, particularly for food and nutraceutical purposes. In particular, we discuss an enzyme-assisted extraction of stevioside from Stevia r... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5140871 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5140871 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096099&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21798607%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Boyle DS, Hawkins KR, Steele MS, Singhal M, Cheng X A CD4 T-lymphocyte count determines eligibility for antiretroviral therapy (ART) in patients recently diagnosed with HIV and also monitors the efficacy of ART treatment thereafter. ART slows the progression of HIV to AIDS. In the developing world, CD4 tests are often performed in centralized laboratories, typically in urban areas. The expansion of ART programs into rural areas has created a need for rapid CD4 counting because logistical barriers can delay the timely dissemination of test results and affect patient care through delay in intervention or loss of follow-up care. CD4 measurement at the point-of-care (POC) in rural areas could help the facilitation of ART and monitoring of treatment. This review highlights recent t... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096099 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5096099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096103&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21794941%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Esquível MG, Amaro HM, Pinto TS, Fevereiro PS, Malcata FX Molecular hydrogen (H(2)) obtained from biological sources provides an alternative to bulk chemical processes that is moving towards large-scale, economical generation of clean fuel for automotive engines. This opinion article examines recent improvements in H(2) production by wild and mutant strains of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii - the green microalga currently considered the best eukaryotic H(2) producer. Here, we review various aspects of genetic and metabolic engineering of C. reinhardtii, as well as of process engineering. Additionally, we lay out possible scenarios that would lead to more efficient research approaches in the near future, as part of a consistent strategy for sustainable biohydrogen supply. PMID:... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096103 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5096103 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096107&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21788092%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Badr CE, Tannous BA Application of bioluminescence imaging has increased tremendously in the past decade and has significantly contributed to core conceptual advances in biomedical research. This technology provides valuable means for monitoring of different biological processes in immunology, oncology, virology and neuroscience. In this review, we discuss current trends in bioluminescence and its application in different fields with an emphasis on cancer research. PMID: 21788092 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Biotechnology) Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096107 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5096107 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096113&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21782265%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Urlacher VB, Girhard M Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) are versatile biocatalysts that catalyze the regio- and stereospecific oxidation of non-activated hydrocarbons under mild conditions, which is a challenging task for chemical catalysts. Over the past decade impressive advances have been achieved via protein engineering with regard to activity, stability and specificity of P450s. In addition, a large pool of newly annotated P450s has attracted much attention as a source for novel biocatalysts for oxidation. In this review we give a short up-to-date overview of recent results on P450 engineering for technical applications including aspects of whole-cell biocatalysis with engineered recombinant enzymes. Furthermore, we focus on recently identified P450s with novel bio... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096113 Tue, 19 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5096113 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096127&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21775004%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Stephenson PG, Moore CM, Terry MJ, Zubkov MV, Bibby TS Biofuels derived from marine algae are a potential source of sustainable energy that can contribute to future global demands. The realisation of this potential will require manipulation of the fundamental biology of algal physiology to increase the efficiency with which solar energy is ultimately converted into usable biomass. This 'photosynthetic solar energy conversion efficiency' sets an upper limit on the potential of algal-derived biofuels. In this review, we outline photosynthetic molecular targets that could be manipulated to increase the efficiency and yield of algal biofuel production. We also highlight modern 'omic' and high-throughput technologies that might enable identification, selection and improvement of al... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096127 Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5096127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096117&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21775005%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chi Z, O'Fallon JV, Chen S Using captured CO(2) to grow microalgae is limited by the high cost of CO(2) capture and transportation, as well as significant CO(2) loss during algae culture. Moreover, algae grow poorly at night, but CO(2) cannot be temporarily stored until sunrise. To address these challenges, we discuss a process where CO(2) is captured as bicarbonate and used as feedstock for algae culture, and the carbonate regenerated by the culture process is used as an absorbent to capture more CO(2). This process would significantly reduce carbon capture costs because it does not require additional energy for carbonate regeneration. Furthermore, not only would transport of the aqueous bicarbonate solution cost less than for that of compressed CO(2), but using bicarbonate w... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096117 Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5096117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5000544&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21726912%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gohara DW, Di Cera E Trypsin-like proteases (TLPs) are a large family of enzymes responsible for digestion, blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, development, fertilization, apoptosis and immunity. A current paradigm posits that the irreversible transition from an inactive zymogen to the active protease form enables productive interaction with substrate and catalysis. Analysis of the entire structural database reveals two distinct conformations of the active site: one fully accessible to substrate (E) and the other occluded by the collapse of a specific segment (E*). The allosteric E*-E equilibrium provides a reversible mechanism for activity and regulation in addition to the irreversible zymogen to protease conversion and points to new therapeutic strategies aimed at inhibiting or... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5000544 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5000544 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5000545&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21724282%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Malcata FX Microalgae have much higher lipid yields than those of agricultural oleaginosous crops, and they do not compromise arable land. Despite this, current microalga-based processes suffer from several constraints pertaining to the biocatalyst and the bioreactor, which hamper technologically and economically feasible scale-up. Here, we briefly review recent active research and development efforts worldwide, and discuss the most relevant shortcomings of microalgal biofuels. This review goes one step further relative to related studies, because it tackles otherwise scarcely mentioned issues - for example, heterotrophic versus autotrophic metabolism, alkane versus glyceride synthesis, conduction versus bubbling of CO(2), and excretion versus accumulation of lipids. Besides p... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5000545 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5000545 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5000546&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21705101%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ingle NP, Malone B, Reineke TM In the era of nucleic acid therapeutics, there is an urgent need for non-viral delivery vehicles that can cross the extracellular and intracellular barriers and deliver nucleic acids to specific intracellular regions. This paper reviews the development of a subclass of polymer-based delivery vehicles termed poly(glycoamidoamine)s (PGAAs). The general design of this family consists of carbohydrate residues copolymerized with oligoethyleneamine units, which have proven to be an effective motif that promotes polyplex formation, efficient cellular internalization, high gene expression and low cytotoxicity with cultured cell lines and primary cell types. We then discuss the structure-property relationships of the PGAA class of delivery vehicles and st... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5000546 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5000546 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5000547&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21700350%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Miller-Jensen K, Dey SS, Schaffer DV, Arkin AP Gene expression noise is a significant source of phenotypic heterogeneity in otherwise identical populations of cells. Phenotypic heterogeneity can cause reversible drug resistance in diseased cells, and thus a better understanding of its origins might improve treatment strategies. In eukaryotes, data strongly suggest that intrinsic noise arises from transcriptional bursts caused by slow, random transitions between inactive and active gene states that are mediated by chromatin remodeling. In this review, we consider how chromatin modifications might modulate gene expression noise and lead to phenotypic diversity in diseases as varied as viral infection and cancer. Additionally, we argue that this fundamental information can be app... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5000547 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5000547 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4905435&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21640417%26dopt%3DAbstract We describe the recent burgeoning of prokaryotic laccases, their catalytic properties, structural features and molecular evolution, vis-à-vis fungal laccases where possible. Special focus is given to the application of laccases to the emerging cellulosic biofuel industry. PMID: 21640417 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Biotechnology) Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4905435 Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4905435 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4905367&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21640418%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chen JR, Ma C, Wong CH Influenza viruses continue to cause annual epidemics and pose the threat of a deadly global pandemic. Vaccination has remained the best approach for prevention and control of influenza infection. However, current influenza vaccines are only effective against closely-matched circulating strains, and therefore must be updated and administered every year. In this review, we discuss recent developments in the search for better influenza vaccines, especially using the major virus surface glycoprotein hemagglutinins (HAs). Understanding how glycans on HAs affect the immune response and knowledge of how broadly neutralizing antibodies are induced will pave the way for a cross-protective influenza vaccine that does not require frequent updates or annual immuniza... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4905367 Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4905367 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4905452&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21632131%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ni BJ, Rittmann BE, Yu HQ Soluble microbial products (SMP) are soluble organic compounds released during normal biomass metabolism in mixed culture biotechnology. In this review, we give the up-to-date status on several essential SMP issues: mechanisms of SMP formation, differentiation between utilization-associated products (UAP) and biomass-associated products (BAP), biodegradability of the SMP components, how formation of SMP by autotrophs controls effluent quality and supports a substantial population of heterotrophs, mathematical modeling that includes SMP, and improving effluent quality by controlling SMP. We also present two timely examples that highlight our current understanding and give an indication of how SMP affects the performance of modern mixed culture biotechn... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4905452 Mon, 30 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4905452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4905460&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21620493%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Castagnola M, Cabras T, Vitali A, Sanna MT, Messana I Although very attractive for noninvasive specimen collection, saliva has not yet been considered a relevant bodily fluid for the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases. The functional roles of specific salivary peptides and proteins have also not yet been studied in detail. Recent proteomic analysis of human whole saliva has shown that salivary biomarkers could contribute to the detection of local and systemic diseases, provided the standardization of proper sampling procedures exists. Recently, interesting and novel functions for different families of specific secretory peptides and proteins have been demonstrated, which could be a basis for the design of peptidomimetics with relevant biotechnological applications. In this re... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4905460 Tue, 24 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4905460 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4905466&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21612834%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gusakov AV Mutant strains of Trichoderma reesei are considered indisputable champions in cellulase production among biomass-degrading fungi. So, it is not surprising that most R&D projects on bioethanol production from lignocellulosics have been based on using T. reesei cellulases. The present review focuses on whether any serious alternatives to T. reesei enzymes in cellulose hydrolysis exist. Although not widely accepted, more and more data have been accumulated that demonstrate that fungi belonging to the genera Penicillium, Acremonium and Chrysosporium might represent such alternatives because they are competitive to T. reesei on some important parameters, such as protein production level, cellulase hydrolytic performance per unit of activity or milligram of protein. ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4905466 Mon, 23 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4905466 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4855209&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21561673%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lee JW, Kim TY, Jang YS, Choi S, Lee SY Metabolic engineering has contributed significantly to the enhanced production of various value-added and commodity chemicals and materials from renewable resources in the past two decades. Recently, metabolic engineering has been upgraded to the systems level (thus, systems metabolic engineering) by the integrated use of global technologies of systems biology, fine design capabilities of synthetic biology, and rational-random mutagenesis through evolutionary engineering. By systems metabolic engineering, production of natural and unnatural chemicals and materials can be better optimized in a multiplexed way on a genome scale, with reduced time and effort. Here, we review the recent trends in systems metabolic engineering for the product... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4855209 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4855209 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4855208&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21561674%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Araya CL, Fowler DM Analysis of protein mutants is an effective means to understand their function. Protein display is an approach that allows large numbers of mutants of a protein to be selected based on their activity, but only a handful with maximal activity have been traditionally identified for subsequent functional analysis. However, the recent application of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) to protein display and selection has enabled simultaneous assessment of the function of hundreds of thousands of mutants that span the activity range from high to low. Such deep mutational scanning approaches are rapid and inexpensive with the potential for broad utility. In this review, we discuss the emergence of deep mutational scanning, the challenges associated with its use and... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4855208 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4855208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4855207&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21561675%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Freitas F, Alves VD, Reis MA A vast number of bacterial extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs) have been reported over recent decades, and their composition, structure, biosynthesis and functional properties have been extensively studied. Despite the great diversity of molecular structures already described for bacterial EPSs, only a few have been industrially developed. The main constraints to full commercialization are their production costs, mostly related to substrate cost and downstream processing. In this article, we review EPS biosynthetic and fermentative processes, along with current downstream strategies. Limitations and constraints of bacterial EPS development are stressed and correlation of bacterial EPS properties with polymer applications is emphasized. PMID: 2... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4855207 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4855207 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4855211&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21549437%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kshitiz , Kim DH, Beebe DJ, Levchenko A Current techniques used in stem cell research only crudely mimic the physiological complexity of the stem cell niches. Recent advances in the field of micro- and nanoengineering have brought an array of in vitro cell culture models that have enabled development of novel, highly precise and standardized tools that capture physiological details in a single platform, with greater control, consistency, and throughput. In this review, we describe the micro- and nanotechnology-driven modern toolkit for stem cell biologists to design novel experiments in more physiological microenvironments with increased precision and standardization, and caution them against potential challenges that the modern technologies might present. PMID: 21549437 [... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4855211 Tue, 03 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4855211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4855210&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21549438%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Khan OF, Sefton MV Rebuilding tissues involves the creation of a vasculature to supply nutrients and this in turn means that the endothelial cells (ECs) of the resulting endothelium must be a quiescent non-thrombogenic blood contacting surface. Such ECs are deployed on biomaterials that are composed of natural materials such as extracellular matrix proteins or synthetic polymers in the form of vascular grafts or tissue-engineered constructs. Because EC function is influenced by their origin, biomaterial surface chemistry and hemodynamics, these issues must be considered to optimize implant performance. In this review, we examine the recent in vivo use of endothelialized biomaterials and discuss the fundamental issues that must be considered when engineering functional vasculat... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4855210 Tue, 03 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4855210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4802268&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21546108%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bolivar JM, Wiesbauer J, Nidetzky B The state of the art in the application of microstructured flow reactors for biocatalytic process research is reviewed. A microstructured reactor that is fully automated and analytically equipped presents a powerful screening tool with which to perform biocatalyst selection and optimization of process conditions at intermediary stages of process development. Enhanced mass transfer provided by the microstructured reactor can be exploited for process intensification, particularly during multiphase biocatalytic processing where mass transfer across phase boundaries is often limiting. Reversible immobilization of enzymes in microchannels remains a challenge for flexible realization of biotransformations in microstructured reactors. Compartmental... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4802268 Tue, 03 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4802268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4802269&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21536337%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Vainstein A, Marton I, Zuker A, Danziger M, Tzfira T Endonuclease-mediated induction of genomic double-strand breaks has enabled genome editing in living cells. However, deploying this technology for the induction of gene disruption in plant cells often relies on direct gene transfer of endonuclease (i.e. zinc finger nuclease or homing endonuclease) expression constructs into the targeted cell, followed by regeneration of a mutated plant. Such mutants, even when they have no detectable traces of foreign DNA, might still be classified as transgenic because of the transgenic nature of the endonuclease delivery method. Indirect delivery of endonucleases into target cells by viral vectors provides a unique non-transgenic approach to the production of mutated plants. Furthermore, v... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4802269 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4802269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4802270&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21529975%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sivaraman D, Biswas P, Cella LN, Yates MV, Chen W Traditional methods that rely on viral isolation and culture techniques continue to be the gold standards used for detection of infectious viral particles. However, new techniques that rely on visualization of live cells can shed light on understanding virus-host interaction for early stage detection and potential drug discovery. Live-cell imaging techniques that incorporate fluorescent probes into viral components provide opportunities for understanding mRNA expression, interaction, and virus movement and localization. Other viral replication events inside a host cell can be exploited for non-invasive detection, such as single-virus tracking, which does not inhibit viral infectivity or cellular function. This review highlights... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4802270 Tue, 26 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4802270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4802271&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21497924%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Banères JL, Popot JL, Mouillac B G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the largest family of integral membrane proteins, participate in the regulation of many physiological functions and are the targets of approximately 30% of currently marketed drugs. However, knowledge of the structural and molecular bases of GPCR functions remains limited owing to difficulties related to their overexpression, purification and stabilization. The development of new strategies aimed at obtaining large amounts of functional GPCRs is therefore crucial. Here, we review the most recent advances in the production and functional folding of GPCRs from Escherichia coli inclusion bodies. Major breakthroughs open exciting perspectives for structural and dynamic investigations of GPCRs. In particular, co... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4802271 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4802271 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4802272&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21489647%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cole AJ, Yang VC, David AE Interest in utilizing magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) for biomedical applications has increased considerably over the past two decades. This excitement has been driven in large part by the success of MNPs as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging. The recent investigative trend with respect to cancer has continued down a diagnostic path, but has also turned toward concurrent therapy, giving rise to the distinction of MNPs as potential "theranostics". Here we review both the key technical principles of MNPs and ongoing advancement toward a cancer theranostic MNP. Recent progress in diagnostics, hyperthermia treatments, and drug delivery are all considered. We conclude by identifying current barriers to clinical translation of MNPs and offer consid... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4802272 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4802272 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4802273&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21477876%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wu B, Szymański W, Heberling MM, Feringa BL, Janssen DB Aminomutases carry out the chemically challenging exchange of a hydrogen atom and an amine substituent present on neighboring carbon atoms. In recent years, aminomutases have been intensively investigated for their biophysical, structural and mechanistic characteristics. The reactions catalyzed by these enzymes have considerable potential for biotechnological applications. Here, we present an overview of this diverse group of enzymes, with a focus on enzymatic mechanisms and recent developments in their use in applied biocatalysis. PMID: 21477876 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Biotechnology) Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4802273 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4802273 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4802274&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21459467%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Demento SL, Siefert AL, Bandyopadhyay A, Sharp FA, Fahmy TM Vaccine development has progressed significantly and has moved from whole microorganisms to subunit vaccines that contain only their antigenic proteins. Subunit vaccines are often less immunogenic than whole pathogens; therefore, adjuvants must amplify the immune response, ideally establishing both innate and adaptive immunity. Incorporation of antigens into biomaterials, such as liposomes and polymers, can achieve a desired vaccine response. The physical properties of these platforms can be easily manipulated, thus allowing for controlled delivery of immunostimulatory factors and presentation of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that are targeted to specific immune cells. Targeting antigen to immune cell... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4802274 Fri, 01 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4802274 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4802275&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21459466%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sannomiya T, Vörös J Along with remarkable progress of nanoplasmonics over the past 10years, single plasmonic nanoparticle sensors have introduced a completely new dimension to the sensing scale, considering that nanoparticles are comparable in size to biomolecules such as nucleic acids or antibodies. Single particle sensing methods have recently shown the possibility of detecting the adsorption of single biomolecules, and have already provided information about conformational changes of single molecules. For practical application, arrays of such compact sensor units are expected to realize massive multiplexing and high throughput in diagnostics and drug discovery in the near future. In this review, recent achievements and perspectives of this emerging biosensing technique a... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4802275 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4802275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4637673&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21435731%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kim HK, Choi YH, Verpoorte R NMR-based metabolomics is an important tool for studying biological systems and has been applied in various organisms, including animals, plants and microbes. NMR is able to provide a 'holistic view' of the metabolites under certain conditions, and thus is advantageous for metabolomic studies. To maximize the use of the information obtained, it is also important to create a platform to measure, store and share data. Public databases for storing and sharing information are still lacking for NMR-based metabolomic analysis in plants. Such databases are urgently needed to make metabolic profiling a real omics technology. In addition, to understand metabolic processes in depth, single-cell analysis and the turnover of metabolites in pathways (fluxomics)... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4637673 Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4637673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4637675&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21397350%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang Y, Li Z, Wang J, Li J, Lin Y Graphene is the basic building block of 0D fullerene, 1D carbon nanotubes, and 3D graphite. Graphene has a unique planar structure, as well as novel electronic properties, which have attracted great interests from scientists. This review selectively analyzes current advances in the field of graphene bioapplications. In particular, the biofunctionalization of graphene for biological applications, fluorescence-resonance-energy-transfer-based biosensor development by using graphene or graphene-based nanomaterials, and the investigation of graphene or graphene-based nanomaterials for living cell studies are summarized in more detail. Future perspectives and possible challenges in this rapidly developing area are also discussed. PMID: 21397350 ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4637675 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4637675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4637674&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21397351%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pollegioni L, Molla G d-Amino acid oxidase (DAAO) is a well-known flavoenzyme that catalyzes the oxygen-dependent oxidative deamination of amino acid D-isomers with absolute stereospecificity, which results in α-keto acids, ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. Recently, the extraordinary functional plasticity of DAAO has become evident; in turn, boosting research on this flavoprotein. Protein engineering has allowed for a redesign of DAAO substrate specificity, oxygen affinity, cofactor binding, stability, and oligomeric state. We review recent developments in utilizing DAAO, including as a biocatalyst for resolving racemic amino acid mixtures, as a tool for biosensing, and as a new mechanism of herbicide resistance. Perspectives for future biotechnological applications of this oxi... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4637674 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4637674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4577764&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21392838%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Karlsson FH, Nookaew I, Petranovic D, Nielsen J Abundant microorganisms that inhabit the human intestine are implicated in health and disease. The gut microbiome has been studied with metagenomic tools, and over 3 million genes have been discovered, constituting a 'parts list' of this ecosystem; further understanding requires studies of the interacting parts. Mouse models have provided a glimpse into the microbiota and host interactions at metabolic and immunologic levels; however, to provide more insight, there is a need to generate mathematical models that can reveal genotype-phenotype relationships and provide scaffolds for integrated analyses. To this end, we propose the use of genome-scale metabolic models that have successfully been used in studying interactions between ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4577764 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4577764 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4577767&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21388697%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Stroeve P, Ileri N Recent advances mean that arrays of nearly uniform cylindrical, conical and pyramidal shaped pores can be produced in several types of substrates. Surface modification of nanopore surfaces can give unique mass transport characteristics that have recently been explored for biomolecule separation, detection and purification. Recent interest has focused on the use of nanoporous membranes for mass transfer diodes that act analogous to solid-state devices based on electron conduction. Asymmetric pores such as conical pores can show superior performance characteristics compared to traditional cylindrical pores in ion rectification. However, many phenomena for membranes with asymmetric pores still remain to be exploited in biomolecular separation, biosensing, micro... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4577767 Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4577767 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4577766&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21388698%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kwit C, Moon HS, Warwick SI, Stewart CN Incorporation of crop genes into wild and weedy relative populations (i.e. introgression) has long been of interest to ecologists and weed scientists. Potential negative outcomes that result from crop transgene introgression (e.g. extinction of native wild relative populations; invasive spread by wild or weedy hosts) have not been documented, and few examples of transgene introgression exist. However, molecular evidence of introgression from non-transgenic crops to their relatives continues to emerge, even for crops deemed low-risk candidates for transgene introgression. We posit that transgene introgression monitoring and mitigation strategies are warranted in cases in which transgenes are predicted to confer selective advantages and di... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4577766 Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4577766 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4577768&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21377748%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Niemz A, Ferguson TM, Boyle DS Nucleic acid testing for infectious diseases at the point of care is beginning to enter clinical practice in developed and developing countries; especially for applications requiring fast turnaround times, and in settings where a centralized laboratory approach faces limitations. Current systems for clinical diagnostic applications are mainly PCR-based, can only be used in hospitals, and are still relatively complex and expensive. Integrating sample preparation with nucleic acid amplification and detection in a cost-effective, robust, and user-friendly format remains challenging. This review describes recent technical advances that might be able to address these limitations, with a focus on isothermal nucleic acid amplification methods. It briefl... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4577768 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4577768 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4523292&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21324540%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Marr AC, Liu S In the future, biomass will continue to emerge as a viable source of chemicals. The development of new industries that utilize bio-renewables provides opportunities for innovation. For example, bio- and chemo-catalysts can be combined in 'one pot' to prepare chemicals of commercial value. This has been demonstrated using isolated enzymes and whole cells for a variety of chemical transformations. The one-pot approach has been successfully adopted to convert chemicals derived from biomass, and, in our opinion, it has an important role to play in the design of a more sustainable chemical industry. To implement new one-pot bio- and chemo-catalytic processes, issues of incompatibility must be overcome; the strategies for which are discussed in this opinion article. ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4523292 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4523292 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4523291&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21324541%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mallidi S, Luke GP, Emelianov S Imaging modalities play an important role in the clinical management of cancer, including screening, diagnosis, treatment planning and therapy monitoring. Owing to increased research efforts during the past two decades, photoacoustic imaging (a non-ionizing, noninvasive technique capable of visualizing optical absorption properties of tissue at reasonable depth, with the spatial resolution of ultrasound) has emerged. Ultrasound-guided photoacoustics is noted for its ability to provide in vivo morphological and functional information about the tumor within the surrounding tissue. With the recent advent of targeted contrast agents, photoacoustics is now also capable of in vivo molecular imaging, thus facilitating further molecular and cellular cha... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4523291 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4523291 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4523294&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21316780%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Vanhee P, van der Sloot AM, Verschueren E, Serrano L, Rousseau F, Schymkowitz J Peptides possess several attractive features when compared to small molecule and protein therapeutics, such as high structural compatibility with target proteins, the ability to disrupt protein-protein interfaces, and small size. Efficient design of high-affinity peptide ligands via rational methods has been a major obstacle to the development of this potential drug class. However, structural insights into the architecture of protein-peptide interfaces have recently culminated in several computational approaches for the rational design of peptides that target proteins. These methods provide a valuable alternative to experimental high-resolution structures of target protein-peptide complexes, bringi... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4523294 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4523294 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4523293&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21316781%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kovarik ML, Allbritton NL Seemingly identical cells can differ in their biochemical state, function and fate, and this variability plays an increasingly recognized role in organism-level outcomes. Cellular heterogeneity arises in part from variation in enzyme activity, which results from interplay between biological noise and multiple cellular processes. As a result, single-cell assays of enzyme activity, particularly those that measure product formation directly, are crucial. Recent innovations have yielded a range of techniques to obtain these data, including image-, flow- and separation-based assays. Research to date has focused on easy-to-measure glycosylases and clinically-relevant kinases. Expansion of these techniques to a wider range and larger number of enzymes will a... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4523293 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4523293 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4466349&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21310501%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Blaby-Haas CE, de Crécy-Lagard V Nearly 2200 genomes that encode around 6 million proteins have now been sequenced. Around 40% of these proteins are of unknown function, even when function is loosely and minimally defined as 'belonging to a superfamily'. In addition to in silico methods, the swelling stream of high-throughput experimental data can give valuable clues for linking these unknowns with precise biological roles. The goal is to develop integrative data-mining platforms that allow the scientific community at large to access and utilize this rich source of experimental knowledge. To this end, we review recent advances in generating whole-genome experimental datasets, where this data can be accessed, and how it can be used to drive prediction of gene function. PMI... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4466349 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4466349 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4466350&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21295366%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Morin A, Meiler J, Mizoue LS Computational design of protein-ligand interfaces finds optimal amino acid sequences within a small-molecule binding site of a protein for tight binding of a specific small molecule. It requires a search algorithm that can rapidly sample the vast sequence and conformational space, and a scoring function that can identify low energy designs. This review focuses on recent advances in computational design methods and their application to protein-small molecule binding sites. Strategies for increasing affinity, altering specificity, creating broad-spectrum binding, and building novel enzymes from scratch are described. Future prospects for applications in drug development are discussed, including limitations that will need to be overcome to achieve com... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4466350 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4466350 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4466351&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21292337%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Seeley EH, Caprioli RM The molecular complexity of biological tissue and the spatial and temporal variation in the biological processes involved in human disease requires new technologies and new approaches to provide insight into disease processes. Imaging mass spectrometry is an effective tool that provides molecular images of tissues in the molecular discovery process. The analysis of human tissue presents special challenges and limitations because the heterogeneity among human tissues and diseases is much greater than that observed in animal models, and discoveries made in animal tissues might not translate well to their human counterparts. In this article, we briefly review the challenges of imaging human tissue using mass spectrometry and suggest approaches to address th... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4466351 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4466351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399540&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21256609%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Guillotin B, Guillemot F Bottom-up tissue engineering technologies address two of the main limitations of top-down tissue engineering approaches: the control of mass transfer and the fabrication of a controlled and functional histoarchitecture. These emerging technologies encompass mesoscale (e.g. cell sheets, cell-laden hydrogels and 3D printing) and microscale technologies (e.g. inkjet printing and laser-assisted bioprinting), which are used to manipulate and assemble cell-laden building blocks whose thicknesses correspond to the diffusion limit of metabolites, and present the capacity for cell patterning with microscale precision, respectively. Here, we review recent technological advances and further discuss how these technologies are complementary, and could therefore be ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399540 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4399540 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399542&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21255854%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sou T, Meeusen EN, de Veer M, Morton DA, Kaminskas LM, McIntosh MP Pulmonary immunization has gained increased recognition as a means of triggering both a mucosal and systemic immune response without the use of needles. The appropriate formulation of antigens in a dry, solid state can result in improved stability, thereby removing cold-chain storage complications associated with conventional liquid-based vaccines. The particulate nature of dry powder vaccines could also induce a better immune response. This review describes our current understanding of pulmonary immunization, including possible barriers facing the development of pulmonary vaccines, and discusses recent advances in spray-drying technologies applicable to the production of dry powder formulations for pulmonary v... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399542 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4399542 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399541&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21255855%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bhambure R, Kumar K, Rathore AS Quality by Design (QbD) is gaining industry acceptance as an approach towards development and commercialization of biotechnology therapeutic products that are expressed via microbial or mammalian cell lines. In QbD, the process is designed and controlled to deliver specified quality attributes consistently. To acquire the enhanced understanding that is necessary to achieve the above, however, requires more extensive experimentation to establish the design space for the process and the product. With biotechnology companies operating under ever-increasing pressure towards lowering the cost of manufacturing, the use of high-throughput tools has emerged as a necessary enabler of QbD in a time- and resource-constrained environment. We review this top... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399541 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4399541 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399543&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21251723%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Palmer AE, Qin Y, Park JG, McCombs JE In the past 5-10 years, the power of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) and its numerous derivatives has been harnessed toward the development of genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors. These sensors are incorporated into cells or organisms as plasmid DNA, which leads the transcriptional and translational machinery of the cell to express a functional sensor. To date, over 100 different genetically encoded biosensors have been developed for targets as diverse as ions, molecules and enzymes. Such sensors are instrumental in providing a window into the real-time biochemistry of living cells and whole organisms, and are providing unprecedented insight into the inner workings of a cell. PMID: 21251723 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399543 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4399543 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399544&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21232809%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bugg TD, Braddick D, Dowson CG, Roper DI The development of new antibacterial agents to combat worsening antibiotic resistance is still a priority area in anti-infectives research, but in the post-genomic era it has been more difficult than expected to identify new lead compounds from high-throughput screening, and very challenging to obtain antibacterial activity for lead compounds. Bacterial cell-wall peptidoglycan biosynthesis is a well-established target for antibacterial chemotherapy, and recent developments enable the entire biosynthetic pathway to be reconstituted for detailed biochemical study and high-throughput inhibitor screening. This review article discusses recent developments in the availability of peptidoglycan biosynthetic intermediates, the identification of ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399544 Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4399544 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399545&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21227520%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Weusthuis RA, Lamot I, van der Oost J, Sanders JP Innovative fermentation processes are necessary for the cost-effective production of bulk chemicals from renewable resources. Current microbial processes are either anaerobic processes, with high yield and productivity, or less-efficient aerobic processes. Oxygen utilization plays an important role in energy generation and redox metabolism that is necessary for product formation. The aerobic productivity, however, is relatively low because of rate-limiting volumetric oxygen transfer; whereas the product yield in the presence of oxygen is generally low because part of the substrate is completely oxidized to CO(2). Hence, new microbial conversion processes for the production of bulk chemicals should be anaerobic. In this opinion ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399545 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4399545 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4249760&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21131080%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wood TK, Hong SH, Ma Q Anywhere water is in the liquid state, bacteria will exist as biofilms, which are complex communities of cells that are cemented together. Although frequently associated with disease and biofouling, biofilms are also important for engineering applications, such as bioremediation, biocatalysis and microbial fuel cells. Here, we review approaches to alter genetic circuits and cell signaling towards controlling biofilm formation, and emphasize utilizing these tools for engineering applications. Based on a better understanding of the genetic basis of biofilm formation, we find that biofilms might be controlled by manipulating extracellular signals, and that they might be dispersed using conserved intracellular signals and regulators. Biofilms could also be f... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4249760 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4249760 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4249761&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21129798%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ananthanarayanan A, Narmada BC, Mo X, McMillian M, Yu H Bottom-up engineering of microscale tissue ("microtissue") constructs to recapitulate partially the complex structure-function relationships of liver parenchyma has been realized through the development of sophisticated biomaterial scaffolds, liver-cell sources, and in vitro culture techniques. With regard to in vivo applications, the long-lived stem/progenitor cell constructs can improve cell engraftment, whereas the short-lived, but highly functional hepatocyte constructs stimulate host liver regeneration. With regard to in vitro applications, microtissue constructs are being adapted or custom-engineered into cell-based assays for testing acute, chronic and idiosyncratic toxicities of drugs or pathogens. Systems-level m... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4249761 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4249761 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4216620&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21106266%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Plaxco KW, Soh HT Although the ability to monitor specific molecules in vivo in real-time could revolutionize many aspects of healthcare, the technological challenges that stand in the way of reaching this goal are considerable and are poorly met by most existing analytical approaches. Nature, however, has already solved the problem of real-time molecular detection in complex media by employing biomolecular "switches". That is, protein and nucleic acids that sense chemical cues and, by undergoing specific, binding-induced conformational changes, transduce this recognition into high-gain signal outputs. Here, we argue that devices that employ such switches represent a promising route towards versatile, real-time molecular monitoring in vivo. PMID: 21106266 [PubMed - as supp... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4216620 Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4216620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4200786&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21087800%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yu Y, Lutz S Protein engineers traditionally rely on amino acid substitutions to alter the functional properties of biomacromolecules, yet have largely overlooked the potential benefits of reorganizing the polypeptide chain of a protein by circular permutation (CP). By connecting the native protein termini via a covalent linker and introducing new ends through the cleavage of an existing peptide bond, CP can perturb local tertiary structure and protein dynamics, as well as introduce possible quaternary structure changes. In several recent studies, these effects have successfully been exploited to manipulate protein scaffolds, resulting in improved catalytic activity and altered substrate or ligand binding affinity, as well as enabling the design of novel biocatalysts and biose... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4200786 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4200786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4184404&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21075467%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Qian F, Morse DE Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent an emerging technology for electricity generation from renewable biomass. Given the demand for a better understanding of the bio/inorganic interface that plays a key role in MFC energy production, small-scale MFCs are receiving considerable attention owing to their intrinsic advantages in both fundamental studies and applications as high-throughput platforms. Here, we present a brief review centered on the development of miniature MFCs at the milliliter to microliter scale. The principles, design motifs and experimental demonstrations of representative miniature MFC devices and systems are introduced, followed by a discussion of the key challenges and opportunities for realizing the exciting potentials of miniaturized MFCs... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4184404 Sat, 13 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4184404 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4165358&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21067833%26dopt%3DAbstract We present an outlook on future applications based on the intrinsic advantages of MSCs, specifically highlighting how these living energy systems can facilitate the development of an electricity-producing green roof. PMID: 21067833 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Biotechnology) Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4165358 Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4165358 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152380&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21055835%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Azadi H, Talsma N, Ho P, Zarafshani K Much has been published on the application of genetically modified (GM) crops in Africa, but agricultural performance has hardly been addressed. This paper discusses the main consequences of GM crops on agricultural performance in Ethiopia. Three main criteria of performance - productivity, equitability and sustainability - are evaluated in the context of the Ethiopian agricultural sector. We conclude that the application of GM crops can improve the agricultural productivity and sustainability, whereas equitability cannot be stimulated and might even exacerbate the gap between socioeconomic classes. Before introducing GM crops to Ethiopian agriculture, regulatory issues should be addressed, public research should be fostered, and more ex a... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152380 Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4152380 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4138531&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21035218%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Teller C, Willner I The structural and functional information encoded in the base sequence of nucleic acids provides a means to organize hybrid protein-DNA nanostructures with pre-designed, programmed functionality. This review discusses the activation of enzyme cascades in supramolecular DNA-protein hybrid structures, the bioelectrocatalytic activation of redox enzymes on DNA scaffolds, and the programmed positioning of enzymes on 1D, 2D and 3D DNA nanostructures. These systems provide starting points towards the design of interconnected enzyme networks. Substantial progress in the tailoring of functional protein-DNA nanostructures has been accomplished in recent years, and advances in this field warrant a comprehensive discussion. The application of these systems for the con... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4138531 Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4138531 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4122564&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21030098%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Langridge P, Fleury D Adoption of new breeding technologies is likely to underpin future gains in crop productivity. The rapid advances in 'omics' technologies provide an opportunity to generate new datasets for crop species. Integration of genome and functional omics data with genetic and phenotypic information is leading to the identification of genes and pathways responsible for important agronomic phenotypes. In addition, high-throughput genotyping technologies enable the screening of large germplasm collections to identify novel alleles from diverse sources, thus offering a major expansion in the variation available for breeding. In this review, we discuss these advances, which have opened the door to new techniques for construction and screening of breeding populations, ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4122564 Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4122564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4107666&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20971518%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Humpel C The identification and validation of biomarkers for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other forms of dementia are increasingly important. To date, ELISA measurement of β-amyloid(1-42), total tau and phospho-tau-181 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the most advanced and accepted method to diagnose probable AD with high specificity and sensitivity. However, it is a great challenge to search for novel biomarkers in CSF and blood by using modern potent methods, such as microarrays and mass spectrometry, and to optimize the handling of samples (e.g. collection, transport, processing, and storage), as well as the interpretation using bioinformatics. It seems likely that only a combined analysis of several biomarkers will define a patient-specific signature to diagnose... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4107666 Fri, 22 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4107666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4107668&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20970210%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jovetic S, Zhu Y, Marcone GL, Marinelli F, Tramper J Most infections are caused by bacteria, many of which are ever-evolving and resistant to nearly all available antibiotics. β-Lactams and glycopeptides are used to combat these infections by inhibiting bacterial cell-wall synthesis. This mechanism remains an interesting target in the search for new antibiotics in light of failed genomic approaches and the limited input of major pharmaceutical companies. Several strategies have enriched the pipeline of bacterial cell-wall inhibitors; examples include combining screening strategies with lesser-explored microbial diversity, or reinventing known scaffolds based on structure-function relationships. Drugs developed using novel strategies will contribute to the arsenal in fight aga... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4107668 Tue, 19 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4107668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4107667&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20970211%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Harfouche A, Meilan R, Altman A Forest trees provide raw materials, help to maintain biodiversity and mitigate the effects of climate change. Certain tree species can also be used as feedstocks for bioenergy production. Achieving these goals may require the introduction or modified expression of genes to enhance biomass production in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner. Tree genetic engineering has advanced to the point at which genes for desirable traits can now be introduced and expressed efficiently; examples include biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, improved wood properties, root formation and phytoremediation. Transgene confinement, including flowering control, may be needed to avoid ecological risks and satisfy regulatory requirements. This and stable... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4107667 Tue, 19 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4107667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4088117&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20961641%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Joseph SJ, Read TD New sequencing technologies have made the production of bacterial genome sequences increasingly easy, and it can be confidently forecasted that vast genomic databases will be generated in the next few years. Here, we detail how collections of bacterial genomes from a particular species (population genomics libraries) have already been used to improve the design of several diagnostic assays for bacterial pathogens. Genome sequencing itself is also becoming more commonly used for epidemiological, forensic and clinical investigations. There is an opportunity for the further development of bioinformatic tools to bring even further value to bacterial diagnostic genomics. PMID: 20961641 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Biotechnology) Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4088117 Sun, 17 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4088117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4061646&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20933291%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chan SW The term "chromosome engineering" describes technologies in which chromosomes are manipulated to change their mode of genetic inheritance. This review examines recent innovations in chromosome engineering that promise to greatly increase the efficiency of plant breeding. Haploid Arabidopsis thaliana have been produced by altering the kinetochore protein CENH3, yielding instant homozygous lines. Haploid production will facilitate reverse breeding, a method that downregulates recombination to ensure progeny contain intact parental chromosomes. Another chromosome engineering success is the conversion of meiosis into mitosis, which produces diploid gametes that are clones of the parent plant. This is a key step in apomixis (asexual reproduction through seeds) and could hel... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4061646 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4061646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4026178&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20880600%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Poma A, Turner AP, Piletsky SA Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are prepared by creating a three-dimensional polymeric matrix around a template molecule. After the matrix is removed, complementary cavities with respect to shape and functional groups remain. MIPs have been produced for applications in in vitro diagnostics, therapeutics and separations. However, this promising technology still lacks widespread application because of issues related to large-scale production and optimization of the synthesis. Recent developments in the area of MIP nanoparticles might offer solutions to several problems associated with performance and application. This review discusses various approaches used in the preparation of MIP nanoparticles, focusing in particular on the issues associa... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4026178 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4026178 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3973407&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20833440%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lares MR, Rossi JJ, Ouellet DL Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have been shown to effectively downregulate gene expression in human cells, giving them potential to eradicate disease. Prospects for clinical applications are discussed in this review, along with an overview of recent history and our current understanding of siRNAs used for therapeutic application in human diseases, such as cancer and viral infections. Over recent years, progress has been made in lipids, ligands, nanoparticles, polymers and viral vectors as delivery agents and for gene-based expression of siRNA to enhance the efficacy and specificity of these methods while at the same time reducing toxicity. It has become apparent that given the recent advances in chemistry and delivery, RNAi will soon prove to be... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3973407 Thu, 09 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3973407 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3973410&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20832881%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cho M The recent decision in the case Association for Molecular Pathology et al. v. United States Patent and Trademark Office et al. shocked the biotechnology industry. Although the case could be overturned on appeal, it will probably change how gene patents are written. The effects of the decision might be most strongly felt in the short term by clinical laboratories that develop new genetic tests based on single genes. However, evidence suggests that patents are less effective as an incentive to innovate in the field of genetic diagnostics than for pharmaceuticals. In addition, as genomic technologies move towards whole-genome analysis, policy arguments for patent protection for single genes become less compelling. It is clear that the intellectual property model challenged ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3973410 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3973410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3973409&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20832882%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Velankar H, Clarke KG, Preez RD, Cowan DA, Burton SG Nitrile and amide bioconversions have received attention through their ability to provide a range of commercially important chemicals. These bioconversions are mediated by distinct process strategies. Here, the processes performance is discussed, and the use of whole cells, cell extracts and enzymes as biocatalysts is compared. Additionally, the benefits of biocatalyst reuse through immobilization have been identified and immobilization matrices utilized for these bioconversions evaluated. Exploitation and commercial development will depend on optimization of the process performance and the capacity for scale-up in addition to the biocatalytic potential. High substrate concentrations and biocatalyst stability and reuse throu... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3973409 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3973409 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3973408&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20832883%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Johnson DG It is generally thought that science and engineering should never cross certain ethical lines. The idea connects ethics to science and engineering, but it frames the relationship in a misleading way. Moral notions and practices inevitably influence and are influenced by science and engineering. The important question is how such interactions should take place. Anticipatory ethics is a new approach that integrates ethics into technological development. PMID: 20832883 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Biotechnology) Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3973408 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3973408 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3962311&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20828847%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Petibois C, Desbat B In the 1990s, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) imaging arrived as an analytical tool for the biological sciences. However, major limitations have appeared with respect to modern techniques of clinical imaging; slow acquisition of data, diffraction limitations, inability to image living biosystems, and weak sensitivity of detectors. Recent technological developments have demonstrated that FTIR imaging can be used to image living biosamples at the surface of specific crystals, lateral resolution can reach 100nm without diffraction limits, and real-time imaging is accessible. These analytical improvements, in conjunction with industrial efforts in providing a new generation of high photon flux IR sources and more sensitive detectors, will give FTIR imaging a... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3962311 Mon, 06 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3962311 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3955122&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20810180%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Min BK, Marzelli MJ, Yoo SS Techniques to enable direct communication between the brain and computers/machines, such as the brain-computer interface (BCI) or the brain-machine interface (BMI), are gaining momentum in the neuroscientific realm, with potential applications ranging from medicine to general consumer electronics. Noninvasive BCI techniques based on neuroimaging modalities are reviewed in terms of their methodological approaches as well as their similarities and differences. Trends in automated data interpretation through machine learning algorithms are also introduced. Applications of functional neuromodulation techniques to BCI systems would allow for bidirectional communication between the brain and the computer. Such bidirectional interfaces can relay informatio... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3955122 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3955122 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3955121&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20810181%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kutateladze M, Adamia R Over recent decades, a growing body of literature has validated the use of bacteriophages for therapy and prophylaxis in the war against drug-resistant bacteria. Today, much more is known about bacteriophages than in the 1930s when phage therapy first appeared and began to spread to many countries. With rapid dissemination of multi-drug-resistant bacterial pathogens, the interest in alternative remedies to antibiotics, including bacteriophage treatments, is gaining new ground. Based on recent experience and current results of bacteriophage applications against bacterial infections in countries where this alternative therapy is approved, many scientists and companies have come to believe that the use of phages for treating and preventing bacterial diseas... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3955121 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3955121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3915748&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20800302%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Basu J, Ludlow JW As a result of recent successes in regenerative medicine approaches to engineering multiple disparate tubular organs, methodology commonalities are emerging. Principal themes include the importance of a biodegradable scaffold seeded with a population of smooth muscle cells. Such composites trigger a regenerative response following in vivo implantation, resulting in de novo organogenesis. In this review, we examine bladder regeneration as a foundational platform technology to highlight key principles applicable to the regeneration of any tubular organ, and illustrate how these general concepts underlie current strategies to regenerate components of gastrointestinal, vascular, pulmonary and genitourinary systems. We focus on identifying the elements of this pla... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3915748 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3915748 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3915747&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20800303%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Vanholme R, Van Acker R, Boerjan W Plant biomass is a renewable and potentially sustainable resource for the production of liquid biofuels and a multitude of bio-based materials. To tailor plants for biofuel production, a powerful gene discovery program targeted to cell wall recalcitrance genes is needed. In parallel, a system is required that reveals the pleiotropic effects of gene modifications and that delivers the fundamental knowledge necessary for successful gene stacking. In our opinion, these objectives can be pioneered through a systems biology approach in Arabidopsis. We develop our ideas with a focus on the lignin biosynthetic pathway, because lignin is among the most important factors determining cell wall recalcitrance. PMID: 20800303 [PubMed - as supplied by ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3915747 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3915747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3900200&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20727603%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Soh KC, Hatzimanikatis V Metabolic networks have been studied for several decades, and sophisticated computational frameworks are needed to augment experimental approaches to harness these complex networks. BNICE (Biochemical Network Integrated Computational Explorer), a computational approach for the discovery of novel biochemical pathways that is based on biochemical transformations, overcomes many of the current limitations. BNICE and similar frameworks can be used in several different areas: (i) 'Design' of novel pathways for metabolic engineering; (ii) 'Retrosynthesis' of metabolic compounds; (iii) 'Evolution' analysis between metabolic pathways of different organisms; (iv) 'Analysis' of metabolic pathways; (v) 'Mining' of omics data; and (vi) 'Selection' of targets for e... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3900200 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3900200 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3900199&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20727604%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chen Z, Wilmanns M, Zeng AP The future of industrial biotechnology requires efficient development of highly productive and robust strains of microorganisms. Present praxis of strain development cannot adequately fulfill this requirement, primarily owing to the inability to control reactions precisely at a molecular level, or to predict reliably the behavior of cells upon perturbation. Recent developments in two areas of biology are changing the situation rapidly: structural biology has revealed details about enzymes and associated bioreactions at an atomic level; and synthetic biology has provided tools to design and assemble precisely controllable modules for re-programming cellular metabolic circuitry. However, because of different emphases, to date, these two areas have dev... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3900199 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3900199 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3890783&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20724010%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chaloupka K, Malam Y, Seifalian AM Nanosilver (NS), comprising silver nanoparticles, is attracting interest for a range of biomedical applications owing to its potent antibacterial activity. It has recently been demonstrated that NS has useful anti-inflammatory effects and improves wound healing, which could be exploited in developing better dressings for wounds and burns. The key to its broad-acting and potent antibacterial activity is the multifaceted mechanism by which NS acts on microbes. This is utilized in antibacterial coatings on medical devices to reduce nosocomial infection rates. Many new synthesis methods have emerged and are being evaluated for NS production for medical applications. NS toxicity is also critically discussed to reflect on potential concerns before ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3890783 Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3890783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3890784&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20719399%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cerchia L, de Franciscis V Aptamers are short, structured, single-stranded RNA or DNA ligands that bind with high affinity to their target molecules, which range from small chemicals to large cell-surface and transmembrane proteins. Aptamers are now emerging as promising molecules to target specific cancer epitopes in clinical diagnosis and therapy. Furthermore, because of their high specificity and low toxicity, aptamers might be considered as the compounds-of-choice for in vivo cell recognition. Specific cancer cell recognition could be capitalized upon for delivering therapeutic nanoparticles, small interfering RNA bioconjugates, chemotherapeutic cargos or molecular imaging probes. In this article, we review recent advances in the use of aptamers for in vivo cancer cell rec... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3890784 Sun, 15 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3890784 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3855063&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20692061%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Varshney RK, Glaszmann JC, Leung H, Ribaut JM Many of the crop species considered to be minor on a global scale, yet are important locally for food security in the developing world, have remained less-studied crops. Recent years have witnessed the development of large-scale genomic and genetic resources, including simple sequence repeat, single nucleotide polymorphism and diversity array technology markers, expressed sequence tags or transcript reads, bacterial artificial chromosome libraries, genetic and physical maps, and genetic stocks with rich genetic diversity, such as core reference sets and introgression lines in these crops. These resources have the potential to accelerate gene discovery and initiate molecular breeding in these crops, thereby enhancing crop productivi... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3855063 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3855063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3855066&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20691487%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mulukutla BC, Khan S, Lange A, Hu WS Cultured mammalian cells are major vehicles for producing therapeutic proteins, and energy metabolism in those cells profoundly affects process productivity. The characteristic high glucose consumption and lactate production of industrial cell lines as well as their adverse effects on productivity have been the target of both cell line and process improvement for several decades. Recent research advances have shed new light on regulation of glucose metabolism and its links to cell proliferation. This review highlights our current understanding in this area of crucial importance in bioprocessing and further discusses strategies for harnessing new findings toward process enhancement through the manipulation of cellular energy metabolism. ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3855066 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3855066 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3855065&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20691488%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Putnam WS, Prabhu S, Zheng Y, Subramanyam M, Wang YM Regulatory guidance stipulates that comparability assessment is required to support manufacturing process changes during the development of a biological product or post-approval. However, strategies for assessing the comparability of pre- and post-change materials are still evolving. A hierarchical risk-based approach is recommended, starting with analytical testing to ensure quality, followed by biological characterization and, if needed, in vivo pharmacokinetic (PK), PK-pharmacodynamic (PD), safety and/or efficacy studies. The need for an in vivo study and the type of study required depend on the magnitude and the potential impact of the changes and the timing in the development process. This review discusses factors affec... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3855065 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3855065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3855064&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20691489%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Horgan AM, Moore JD, Noble JE, Worsley GJ Synthetic polymers and colloids are increasingly being exploited in bioassays to help measure gene expression, sequence genomes, monitor metabolic disorders and detect the presence of disease. This can be attributed to their potential to reduce reaction scales, improve throughput, lower costs and improve the sensitivity, selectivity, stability and reproducibility of assays. This review highlights the newest application areas, including some of the strategies employed, as well as major technical challenges and future opportunities. The move away from conventional assay approaches is being driven by a desire to improve our basic understanding of human biology, to diagnose diseases earlier, and to manage healthcare resources more efficien... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3855064 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3855064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3777324&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20646768%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Miskovic L, Hatzimanikatis V The engineering of cells for the production of fuels and chemicals involves simultaneous optimization of multiple objectives, such as specific productivity, extended substrate range and improved tolerance - all under a great degree of uncertainty. The achievement of these objectives under physiological and process constraints will be impossible without the use of mathematical modeling. However, the limited information and the uncertainty in the available information require new methods for modeling and simulation that will characterize the uncertainty and will quantify, in a statistical sense, the expectations of success of alternative metabolic engineering strategies. We discuss these considerations toward developing a framework for the Optimizati... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3777324 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:21:09 +0100 3777324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3777323&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20647113%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Galperin MY, Koonin EV The rapidly accumulating genome sequence data allow researchers to address fundamental biological questions that were not even asked just a few years ago. A major problem in genomics is the widening gap between the rapid progress in genome sequencing and the comparatively slow progress in the functional characterization of sequenced genomes. Here we discuss two key questions of genome biology: whether we need more genomes, and how deep is our understanding of biology based on genomic analysis. We argue that overly specific annotations of gene functions are often less useful than the more generic, but also more robust, functional assignments based on protein family classification. We also discuss problems in understanding the functions of the remaining 'c... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3777323 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:21:07 +0100 3777323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3777325&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20637515%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Liu C, Choe V, Rao H The ubiquitin-proteasome system handles the majority of controlled proteolysis in eukaryotes. Defects in the ubiquitin-proteasome system have been implicated in diseases ranging from cancers to neurodegenerative disorders. However, the precise role of ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated degradation in health and disease is far from clear. A major challenge is to link specific substrates directly to a particular degradation pathway. Here, we review genome-wide approaches that have been developed in recent years to comprehensively identify ubiquitylated substrates of a particular pathway. Components of the ubiquitin-proteasome system are attractive drug targets, as illustrated by the efficacy of some proteasome inhibitors in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Info... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3777325 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3777325 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3759215&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20621372%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lee HJ, Kim E, Kim JS PMID: 20621372 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Biotechnology) Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3759215 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3759215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3734022&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20598388%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bubela TM, Caulfield T Technology transfer offices (TTOs) play a central role in the knowledge translation and commercialization agenda of Canadian universities. Despite this presumed mandate, there is a disconnect between the expectations of government and research institutions (which view TTOs' primary role as the promotion of profitable commercialization activities) and the reality of what TTOs do. Interviews with professionals at Canadian TTOs have revealed that, at their best, TTOs support the social and academic missions of their institutions by facilitating knowledge mobilization and research relationships with other sectors, including industry; however, this does not always produce obvious or traditional commercial outputs. Thus, the existing metrics used to measure th... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3734022 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3734022 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3734021&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20598389%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gross RA, Ganesh M, Lu W Traditional chemical catalysts for polyester synthesis have enabled the generation of important commercial products. Undesirable characteristics of chemically catalyzed condensation polymerizations include the need to conduct reactions at high temperatures (150-280 degrees C) with metal catalysts that are toxic and lack selectivity. The latter is limiting when aspiring towards synthesis of increasingly complex and well-defined polyesters. This review describes an exciting technology that makes use of immobilized enzyme-catalysts for condensation polyester synthesis. Unlike chemical catalysts, enzymes function under mild conditions (</=100 degrees C), which enables structure retention when polymerizing unstable monomers, circumvents the introduction ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3734021 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3734021 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3710868&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20580110%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: SvatoÅ¡ A Small molecules are defined as low molecular weight organic compounds (typically <1000Da), which could be either natural or artificial. Because established imaging methods are not able to selectively detect the positions, concentrations and structures of small molecules in biological samples, new methods have been developed. This review summarizes recent technological developments in one such method, mass spectrometric imaging (MSI). Lipids, hydrocarbons, sugars, phenolics, alkaloids, antibiotics, pharmaceutical and agrochemical compounds, bacterial, plant, and insect-defensive and semiochemical compounds are covered. Additionally, the latest MSI methods as well as sample preparation, imaging software, and medical and biological applications will be discussed. ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3710868 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3710868 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3680528&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20541270%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kumar A, Ergas S, Yuan X, Sahu A, Zhang Q, Dewulf J, Malcata FX, van Langenhove H Unbalanced production of atmospheric CO(2) constitutes a major challenge to global sustainability. Technologies have thus been developed for enhanced biological carbon fixation (also referred to as CO(2) mitigation), and one of the most promising capitalizes on microalgae. However, the "best bioreactor", which would be able to achieve maximum productivity and maximum energy efficiency under a given set of operational costs, does not exist. This review briefly examines the current technologies available for enhanced microalgal CO(2) fixation, and specifically explores the possibility of coupling wastewater treatment with microalgal growth for eventual production of biofuels and/or added-value prod... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3680528 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3680528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3680527&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20541271%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang Y, Hammes F, De Roy K, Verstraete W, Boon N Flow cytometry (FCM) is rapidly becoming an essential tool in the field of aquatic microbiology. It provides opportunities for microbial analysis at both the community and single-cell levels. Compared with other techniques, FCM facilitates rapid data acquisition and multi-parameter analysis, leading to increased popularity and widespread applications. Here, we briefly review the current status of FCM in the field of microbiology, focusing on its recent applications in aquatic microbiology. These developments range from straightforward total cell counts to community structure analysis, and further extend to physiological analysis at a single-cell level. Exciting future prospects for the applications of FCM in aquatic microbiology... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3680527 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3680527 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3655751&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20538360%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dübel S, Stoevesandt O, Taussig MJ, Hust M In vitro antibody generation technologies have now been available for two decades. Research reagents prepared via phage display are becoming available and several recent studies have demonstrated that these technologies are now sufficiently advanced to facilitate generation of a comprehensive renewable resource of antibodies for any protein encoded by the approximately 22,500 human protein-coding genes. Antibody selection in vitro offers properties not available in animal-based antibody generation methods. By adjusting the biochemical milieu during selection, it is possible to control the antigen conformation recognized, the antibody affinity or unwanted cross-reactivity. For larger-scale antibody generation projects, the handling,... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3655751 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3655751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3590641&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20483496%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Golynskiy MV, Seelig B Enzymes offer cheap, environmentally responsible and highly efficient alternatives to chemical catalysts. The past two decades have seen a significant rise in the use of enzymes in industrial settings. Although many natural enzymes have been modified through protein engineering to better suit practical applications, these approaches are often insufficient. A key goal of enzyme engineers is to build enzymes de novo - or, 'from scratch'. To date, several technologies have been developed to achieve this goal: namely, computational design, catalytic antibodies and mRNA display. These methods rely on different principles, trading off rational protein design against an entirely combinatorial approach of directed evolution of vast protein libraries. The aim of ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3590641 Sun, 16 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3590641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556627&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20452692%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mapari SA, Thrane U, Meyer AS The recent approval of fungal carotenoids as food colorants by the European Union has strengthened the prospects for fungal cell factories for the production of polyketide pigments. Fungal production of colorants has the main advantage of making the manufacturer independent of the seasonal supply of raw materials, thus minimizing batch-to-batch variations. Here, we review the potential of polyketide pigments produced from chemotaxonomically selected non-toxigenic fungal strains (e.g. Penicillium and Epicoccum spp.) to serve as food colorants. We argue that the production of polyketide azaphilone pigments from such potentially safe hosts is advantageous over traditional processes that involve Monascus spp., which risks co-production of the mycotoxi... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556627 Thu, 06 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3556627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556628&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20452071%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mackanos MA, Contag CH Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) reveals biochemical 'fingerprints' and has found disease patterns in excised human tissues. Fiber-optic probes have been developed for FTIR in living systems, allowing for cancer detection. There are challenges to making in vivo FTIR a reality, which are being addressed through hardware advances, determining key wavelengths and tissue preparation. Fiber-optic evanescent wave spectroscopy (FEWS)-FTIR with endoscope-compatible fiber-optic silver halide probes is feasible, and could prove useful for distinguishing premalignant and malignant tissues from biopsies or within patients. Developments of smaller silver halide probes as well as in vivo tissue drying methods will move this approach closer to the clinic ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556628 Wed, 05 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3556628 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3545897&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20447706%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cuesta AM, Sainz-Pastor N, Bonet J, Oliva B, Alvarez-Vallina L Evolutionary pressure has selected antibodies as key immune molecules acting against foreign pathogens. The development of monoclonal antibody technology has allowed their widespread use in research, real-time diagnosis and treatment of multiple diseases, including cancer. However, compared with hematologic malignancies, solid tumors have often proven to be relatively resistant to antibody-based therapies. In an attempt to improve the tumor-targeting efficacy of antibodies, new formats with modified, multivalent properties have been generated. Initially, these formats imitated the structure of native IgG, creating mostly monospecific, bivalent antibodies. Recently, novel trivalent antibodies have been developed to ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3545897 Mon, 03 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3545897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3530788&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20434785%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang D, Bodovitz S Cellular heterogeneity that arises from stochastic expression of genes, proteins and metabolites is a fundamental principle of cell biology, but single cell analysis has been beyond the capability of 'omics' technology. This is rapidly changing with the recent examples of single cell genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics. The rate of change is expected to accelerate owing to emerging technologies that range from micro/nanofluidics to microfabricated interfaces for mass spectrometry to third- and fourth-generation automated DNA sequencers. As described in this review, single cell analysis is the new frontier in omics, and single cell omics has the potential to transform systems biology through new discoveries derived from cellular heterogenei... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3530788 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3530788 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3530787&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20434786%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Maphosa F, de Vos WM, Smidt H Various 'omics' methods have enabled environmental probing at the molecular level and have created an important new paradigm in bioremediation design and management. Ecogenomics - the application of genomics to ecological and environmental sciences - defines phylogenetic and functional biodiversity at the DNA, RNA and protein levels. It capitalizes on this knowledge to elucidate functions and interactions of organisms at the ecosystem level in relation to ecological and evolutionary processes. Effective bioremediation of widespread halo-organic pollutants in anaerobic environments requires knowledge of catabolic potential and in situ dynamics of organohalide-respiring and co-metabolizing microorganisms. Here, we discuss the potential of ecogenomic... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3530787 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3530787 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3521645&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20430457%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Koszelewski D, Tauber K, Faber K, Kroutil W Optically pure amines are highly valuable products or key intermediates for a vast number of bioactive compounds; however, efficient methods for their preparation are rare. omega-Transaminases (TAs) can be applied either for the kinetic resolution of racemic amines or for the asymmetric synthesis of amines from the corresponding ketones. The latter process is more advantageous because it leads to 100% product, and is therefore a major focus of this review. This review summarizes various methodologies for transamination reactions, and provides an overview of omega-TAs that have the potential to be used for the preparation of a broad spectrum of alpha-chiral amines. Recent methodological developments as well as some recently identified... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3521645 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3521645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3521646&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20427096%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Srinivas M, Heerschap A, Ahrens ET, Figdor CG, Vries IJ Cellular therapy, including stem cell transplants and dendritic cell vaccines, is typically monitored for dosage optimization, accurate delivery, and localization using noninvasive imaging, of which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a key modality. (19)F MRI retains the advantages of MRI as an imaging modality, and also allows direct detection of labeled cells for unambiguous identification and quantification, unlike typical metal-based contrast agents. Recent developments in (19)F MRI-based in vivo cell quantification, the existing clinical use of (19)F compounds and current explosive interest in cellular therapeutics have brought (19)F imaging technology closer to clinical application. We review the application of (19... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3521646 Sun, 25 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3521646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3467874&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20381183%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Roh SW, Abell GC, Kim KH, Nam YD, Bae JW Recent advances in molecular biology have resulted in the application of DNA microarrays and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies to the field of microbial ecology. This review aims to examine the strengths and weaknesses of each of the methodologies, including depth and ease of analysis, throughput and cost-effectiveness. It also intends to highlight the optimal application of each of the individual technologies toward the study of a particular environment and identify potential synergies between the two main technologies, whereby both sample number and coverage can be maximized. We suggest that the efficient use of microarray and NGS technologies will allow researchers to advance the field of microbial ecology, and importantl... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3467874 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3467874 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420802&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20349528%26dopt%3DAbstract Novel opportunities for computational biology and sociology in drug discovery. Trends Biotechnol. 2010 Apr;28(4):161-70 Authors: Yao L, Evans JA, Rzhetsky A Current drug discovery is impossible without sophisticated modeling and computation. In this review we outline previous advances in computational biology and, by tracing the steps involved in pharmaceutical development,explore a range of novel, high-value opportunities for computational innovation in modeling the biological process of disease and the social process of drug discovery.These opportunities include text mining for new drug leads, modeling molecular pathways and predicting the efficacy of drug cocktails, analyzing genetic overlap between diseases and predicting alternative drug use.Computation can also be used to... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420802 Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:02:06 +0100 3420802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420803&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20346526%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zanella F, Lorens JB, Link W High content screening (HCS) combines the efficiency of high-throughput techniques with the ability of cellular imaging to collect quantitative data from complex biological systems. HCS technology is integrated into all aspects of contemporary drug discovery, including primary compound screening, post-primary screening capable of supporting structure-activity relationships, and early evaluation of ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion)/toxicity properties and complex multivariate drug profiling. Recently, high content approaches have been used extensively to interrogate stem cell biology. Despite these dramatic advances, a number of significant challenges remain related to the use of more biology- and disease-relevant cell system... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420803 Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3420803 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3408909&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20334940%26dopt%3DAbstract This article explains how the development and production engineering design principles used for typical mechanical products can be adapted to the demands of biotechnology products, and how electronics, mechanics and biology can be integrated more successfully. We discuss three emerging areas of biotechnology in which mechatronic design principles can apply: stem cell manufacture, artificial organs, and bioreactors. PMID: 20334940 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Biotechnology) Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3408909 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3408909 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3399775&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20304511%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Shukla AA, Thömmes J The rapid development of high-yielding and robust manufacturing processes for monoclonal antibodies is an area of significant focus in the biopharmaceutical landscape. Advances in mammalian cell culture have taken titers to beyond the 5g/l mark. Platform approaches to downstream process development have become widely established. Continuous evolution of these platforms is occurring as experience with a wider range of products is accrued. The increased cell culture productivity has shifted the attention of bioprocess development to operations downstream of the production bioreactor. This has rejuvenated interest in the use of non-chromatographic separation processes. Here, we review the current state-of-the-art industrial production processes, focusing... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3399775 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3399775 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3347287&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20207435%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bock R, Warzecha H Chloroplasts, the green differentiation form of a group of plant cell organelles called plastids, are the sites of photosynthesis, the main energy source for life on Earth. The small circular genome of the plastid has become increasingly amenable to genetic modification, providing biotechnologists with an attractive site for the accommodation of foreign genes. In recent years, the development of optimized expression strategies has given a huge boost to the exploitation of chloroplasts in molecular farming. Exciting progress has been made with the chloroplast-based production of two particularly important classes of pharmaceuticals: vaccines and antibiotics. Extraordinarily high expression levels and the prospects of developing edible biopharmaceuticals make ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3347287 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3347287 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3320084&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20189666%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lee HS, Vermaas WF, Rittmann BE Hydrogen gas provides exceptional value as an energy carrier and industrial feedstock, but currently is produced entirely by reforming fossil fuels. Biological hydrogen production (BioH(2)), which offers the possibility of being renewable and carbon neutral, can be achieved by photosynthesis, fermentation, and microbial electrolysis cells. This review introduces the principles, advantages and challenges of each approach to BioH(2). Photosynthetic BioH(2) is the ultimate renewable source, since it directly uses inexhaustible resources: sunlight energy and electrons from H(2)O. However, it presents major technical challenges, particularly due to oxygen sensitivity. Fermentative BioH(2) offers a high production rate, but poor conversion efficiency ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3320084 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3320084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3269940&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20149467%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gardossi L, Poulsen PB, Ballesteros A, Hult K, Svedas VK, Vasić-Rački D, Carrea G, Magnusson A, Schmid A, Wohlgemuth R, Halling PJ Enzymes and whole cells are being increasingly applied in research and industry, but the adoption of biocatalysis relies strongly on useful scientific literature. Unfortunately, too many published papers lack essential information needed to reproduce and understand the results. Here, members of the scientific committee of the European Federation of Biotechnology Section on Applied Biocatalysis (ESAB) provide practical guidelines for reporting experiments. The document embraces the recommendations of the STRENDA initiative (Standards for Reporting Enzymology Data) in the context of pure enzymology and provides further guidelines and expl... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3269940 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3269940 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3269939&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20149468%26dopt%3DAbstract This article reviews landmark developments in cell reprogramming, current knowledge, and technological developments now on the horizon with significant promise for biomedical applications. PMID: 20149468 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Biotechnology) Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3269939 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3269939 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3244817&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20129685%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Herman RA PMID: 20129685 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Biotechnology) Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3244817 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3244817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3228994&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20116113%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gunn J, Zhang M Advances in disease treatment and tissue regeneration are buoyed by new, multifaceted materials that emulate and coercively interact with the local microenvironment. Polyblend nanofibers represent an emerging class of biomimetic nanostructures that can act as proxies of the native tissue, while providing topographical and biochemical cues that promote healing. These fibers are prepared with mixtures of synthetically and naturally derived polymers that can behave cooperatively to demonstrate unique combinations of mechanical, biochemical and structural properties. This flexibility has led to the application of polyblend nanofibers in a wide assortment of tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. In this review, we will examine design criteria and properties ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3228994 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3228994 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3228993&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20116873%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dohan Ehrenfest DM, Coelho PG, Kang BS, Sul YT, Albrektsson T Since the founding of the osseointegration concept, the characteristics of the interface between bone and implant, and possible ways to improve it, have been of particular interest in dental and orthopaedic implant research. Making use of standardized tools of analysis and terminology, we present here a standardized characterization code for osseointegrated implant surfaces. This code describes the chemical composition of the surface, that is, the core material, such as titanium, and its chemical or biochemical modification through impregnation or coating. This code also defines the physical surface features, at the micro- and nanoscale, such as microroughness, microporosity, nanoroughness, nanotubes, nanoparticles,... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3228993 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3228993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3186365&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20079945%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Korf J, Huinink KD, Posthuma-Trumpie GA In medicine and biotechnology, close monitoring of molecular processes might assist to optimise therapeutic interventions and production of biochemicals, respectively. Here, we summarize the current status of two automatic and continuous sampling technologies, microdialysis and microfiltration, which facilitate both in vivo and in vitro monitoring of nearly any analyte, because they can be combined easily with many analytical techniques. Conventional microdialysis and microfiltration, which require collecting relatively large samples, are however often impractical and semi-quantitative; hence, we focus on ultraslow sampling to circumvent such limitations. Ultraslow microdialysis and microfiltration already have been used successfully for... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3186365 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3186365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3186366&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20079548%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ferrari M The physics of mass transport within body compartments and across biological barriers differentiates cancers from healthy tissues. Variants of nanoparticles can be manufactured in combinatorially large sets, varying by only one transport-affecting design parameter at a time. Nanoparticles can also be used as building blocks for systems that perform sequences of coordinated actions, in accordance with a prescribed logic. We refer to these as Logic-Embedded Vectors (LEVs). Nanoparticles and LEVs are ideal probes for the determination of mass transport laws in tumors, acting as imaging contrast enhancers, and can be employed for lesion-selective delivery of therapy. Their size, shape, density and surface chemistry dominate convective transport in the bloodstream, margin... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3186366 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3186366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3179157&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20071044%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pissuwan D, Cortie CH, Valenzuela SM, Cortie MB The increasing number of bacterial strains that are resistant to available pharmaceutical compounds is a vital issue for public health. Innovative approaches will be required to improve the methods for both diagnosis and destruction of these organisms. Here, we consider the possible role that can be played by technologies based on gold nanoparticles. Gold nanoparticles generally are considered to be biologically inert but can be engineered to possess chemical or photothermal functionality. A growing body of research is devoted to the potential use of these nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections. The results are both promising and intriguing, and suggest a range of new strategies to identify, target o... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3179157 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3179157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3157900&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20056286%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hutmacher DW, Loessner D, Rizzi S, Kaplan DL, Mooney DJ, Clements JA Advances in tissue engineering have traditionally led to the design of scaffold- or matrix-based culture systems that better reflect the biological, physical and biochemical environment of the natural extracellular matrix. Although their clinical applications in regenerative medicine tend to receive most of the attention, it is obvious that other areas of biomedical research could be well served by the powerful tools that have already been developed in tissue engineering. In this article, we review the recent literature to demonstrate how tissue engineering platforms can enhance in vitro and in vivo models of tumorigenesis and thus hold great promise to contribute to future cancer research. PMID: 20056286... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3157900 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3157900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3141516&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20045210%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Reumann MK, Weiser MC, Mayer-Kuckuk P Molecular imaging permits non-invasive visualization and measurement of molecular and cell biology in living subjects, thereby complementing conventional anatomical imaging. Herein, we review the emerging application of molecular imaging for the study of musculoskeletal biology. Utilizing mainly bioluminescence and fluorescence techniques, molecular imaging has enabled in-vivo studies of (i) the activity of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and hormones, (ii) the mechanisms of pathological cartilage and bone destruction, (iii) skeletal gene and cell therapy with and without biomaterial support, and (iv) the cellular processes in osteolysis and osteomyelitis. In these applications, musculoskeletal molecular imaging demonstrated feasibility for rese... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3141516 Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3141516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3137688&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20044160%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rajkumar M, Ae N, Prasad MN, Freitas H Phytoremediation holds promise for in situ treatment of heavy metal contaminated soils. Recently, the benefits of combining siderophore-producing bacteria (SPB) with plants for metal removal from contaminated soils have been demonstrated. Metal-resistant SPB play an important role in the successful survival and growth of plants in contaminated soils by alleviating the metal toxicity and supplying the plant with nutrients, particularly iron. Furthermore, bacterial siderophores are able to bind metals other than iron and thus enhance their bioavailability in the rhizosphere of plants. Overall, an increase in plant growth and metal uptake will further enhance the effectiveness of phytoremediation processes. Here, we highlight the diversity a... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3137688 Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3137688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3135855&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20042248%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Vazin T, Schaffer DV The stem cell niche is an anatomical site that contains a reservoir of multipotent stem cells (SCs) that can maintain normal tissue, or replenish injured or aged cell populations, in response to mechanisms that regulate whether they should remain quiescent, undergo self-renewal, or differentiate. The choice among these hallmark SC behaviors is governed by intricate soluble and "solid phase" signals that are systemic or presented by the local niche cells. In this review, we discuss the progress achieved in understanding the mechanisms and principles that govern microenvironmental regulation of SC behavior, and focus on novel approaches that have been developed to synthesize this basic information to engineer creative strategies for harnessing and controllin... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3135855 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3135855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3105565&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20015561%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Le Provost F, Lillico S, Passet B, Young R, Whitelaw B, Vilotte JL Non-mouse mammalian transgenesis is limited by its overall inefficiency and technical hurdles. Recent years have seen the emergence of two approaches that are applicable to most mammals. The first, based on lentivirus vectors, allows efficient generation of transgenic founders, most of them expressing the transgene. The second, recently applied to produce transgenic fish and mammals, takes advantage of the design of specific 'DNA-scissors' for efficient introduction of subtle mutations in potentially any region of the genome. This review focuses on the potential of this latter technology to modify mammalian genomes without the need to apply challenging and less-efficient protocols. We highlight the complementar... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3105565 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3105565 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3067492&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19963293%26dopt%3DAbstract We describe the synergistic role of structural biology, particularly in unmasking structure-function relationships following genetic modification and their collective impact on laccase yields. Such recent research draws closer the prospect of industrial quantities of designer, fit-for-purpose laccases. PMID: 19963293 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Biotechnology) Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3067492 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3067492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3067494&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19962774%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Loving GS, Sainlos M, Imperiali B Solvatochromic fluorophores possess emission properties that are sensitive to the nature of the local microenvironment. These dyes have been exploited in applications ranging from the study of protein structural dynamics to the detection of protein-binding interactions. Although the solvatochromic indole fluorophore of tryptophan has been utilized extensively for in vitro studies to advance our understanding of basic protein biochemistry, the emergence of new extrinsic synthetic dyes with improved properties, in conjunction with recent developments in site-selective methods to incorporate these chemical tools into proteins, now open the way for studies in more complex systems. Herein, we discuss recent technological advancements and their appl... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3067494 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3067494 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3067493&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19962775%26dopt%3DAbstract This article examines the formation and structure of fiber-like or filamentous micelles, with cross-sections of nanometer dimensions. These fascinating objects are currently under investigation for drug delivery applications, as impact modifiers for plastics, as templates for the deposition of metal nanoparticles and as precursors to nanoscale ceramics. Moreover, in some cases, studies of their formation and fragmentation are beginning to provide insight into the generation of protein fibers, such as actin or amyloid fibers, derived from soluble cytosolic protein precursors. PMID: 19962775 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Biotechnology) Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3067493 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3067493 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3036515&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19942311%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gorodkin J, Hofacker IL, Torarinsson E, Yao Z, Havgaard JH, Ruzzo WL Growing recognition of the numerous, diverse and important roles played by non-coding RNA in all organisms motivates better elucidation of these cellular components. Comparative genomics is a powerful tool for this task and is arguably preferable to any high-throughput experimental technology currently available, because evolutionary conservation highlights functionally important regions. Conserved secondary structure, rather than primary sequence, is the hallmark of many functionally important RNAs, because compensatory substitutions in base-paired regions preserve structure. Unfortunately, such substitutions also obscure sequence identity and confound alignment algorithms, which complicates analysis greatly... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3036515 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3036515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3000766&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19914725%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Le Gac S, van den Berg A 'Lab-on-a-chip' technology (LOC) has now reached a mature state and is employed commonly in research in the life sciences. LOC devices make novel experimentation possible while providing a sophisticated environment for cellular investigation. As a next step, we introduce here the concept of a 'lab-in-a-cell': the use of a single cell as a minimal and highly confined experimental unit, or experimentation in the simple, but still unequalled, platform provided by nature itself. LOC provides the appropriate format and set of tools for LIC experimentation, and we discuss here three types of LIC investigation: the elucidation of signaling pathways; the creation of novel production units; and the use of microfluidics for assisted reproduction techniques. ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3000766 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3000766 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3000767&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19913316%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Otten LG, Hollmann F, Arends IW The availability of tailored enzymes is crucial for the implementation of biocatalysis in organic chemistry. Enantioselectivity is one key parameter defining the usefulness of an enzyme and, therefore, the competitiveness of the corresponding industrial process. Hence, identification of enzymes with high enantioselectivity in the desired transformation is important. Currently, this is achieved by screening collections and libraries comprising natural or man-made diversity for the desired trait. Recently, a variety of improved methods have been developed to generate and screen this diversity more efficiently. Here, we present and discuss the most important advances in both library generation and screening. We also evaluate future trends, such as ... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3000767 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3000767 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2978036&cid=s_36135_70_f&fid=36135&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19897265%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Floss DM, Schallau K, Rose-John S, Conrad U, Scheller J Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) are highly biocompatible and exhibit a potentially highly useful property: that of a thermally responsive reversible phase transition. These characteristics make ELPs attractive for drug delivery, appealing as materials for tissue repair or engineering, and improve the efficiency with which recombinant proteins can be purified. ELP fusion proteins (referred to as ELPylation) inherit the reversible phase transition property. ELPylation technology recently has been extended to plant cells, and a number of plant-based expression systems have been evaluated for the production of ELPylated proteins. Here, we discuss recent developments in ELP technology and the substantial potential of ELPs for... Trends in Biotechnology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2978036 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2978036