Sample records for lyophilization

  1. Basic Principles of Lyophilization, Part 1.

    PubMed

    Akers, Michael J

    2015-01-01

    The achievement of a high-quality lyophilized (freeze-dried) dosage form involves the combination of optimal formulation design and optimal freeze-dry cycle design. This 2-part article describes how this can be done. Part 1 discusses the basic principles and procedures of lyophilization up to a discussion on the different stages of lyophilization. The stages of lyophilization are discussed in part 2.

  2. Lyophilized aspirin with trehalose may decrease the incidence of gastric injuries in healthy dogs.

    PubMed

    Lin, Lee-Shuan; Kayasuga, Yuko; Shimohata, Nobuyuki; Kamata, Hiroyuki; Suzuki, Shigeki; Echigo, Ryosuke; Mochizuki, Manabu; Chung, Ung-Il; Sasaki, Nobuo

    2012-11-01

    Trehalose has several novel anti-inflammatory and cell-protective functions. We hypothesized that lyophilized aspirin/trehalose could decrease the severity of aspirin-induced gastropathy. Thirteen dogs were assigned into aspirin, lyophilized aspirin/trehalose, and control groups, and the gastric lesions were assessed on gastroscopy with the modified Lanza scale. Another 6 dogs were used to measure the plasma aspirin concentration by high-performance liquid chromatography after aspirin or lyophilized aspirin/trehalose administration. The results indicated that lyophilized aspirin/trehalose induced less gastric ulceration than aspirin despite maintaining therapeutic concentrations of plasma aspirin in both the groups. Lyophilized aspirin/trehalose might be a solution to decrease aspirin-induced gastropathy.

  3. Lyophilization of a triply unsaturated phospholipid: Effects of trace metal contaminants

    PubMed Central

    Payton, N.M.; Wempe, M.F.; Betker, Jamie L.; Randolph, T.W.; Anchordoquy, T.J.

    2013-01-01

    As liquid liposomal formulations are prone to chemical degradation and aggregation, these formulations often require freeze drying (e.g. lyophilization) to achieve sufficient shelf-life. However, liposomal formulations may undergo oxidation during lyophilization and/or during prolonged storage. The goal of the current study was to characterize the degradation of 1, 2-dilinolenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DLPC) during lyophilization, and to also probe the influence of metal contaminants in promoting the observed degradation. Aqueous sugar formulations containing DLPC (0.01 mg/ml) were lyophilized, and DLPC degradation was monitored using HPLC/UV and GC/MS methods. The effect of ferrous ion and sucrose concentration, as well as lyophilization stage promoting lipid degradation, was investigated. DLPC degradation increased with higher levels of ferrous ion. After lyophilization, 103.1% ± 1.1%, 66.9% ± 0.8%, and 28.7% ± 0.7% DLPC remained in the sucrose samples spiked with 0.0 ppm, 0.2 ppm and 1.0 ppm ferrous ion, respectively. Lipid degradation predominantly occurs during the freezing stage of lyophilization. Sugar concentration and buffer ionic strength also influence the extent of lipid degradation, and DLPC loss correlated with degradation product formation. We conclude that DLPC oxidation during the freezing stage of lyophilization dramatically compromises the stability of lipid-based formulations. In addition, we demonstrate that metal contaminants in sugars can become highly active when lyophilized in the presence of a reducing agent. PMID:23567484

  4. Stabilization of a Recombinant Ricin Toxin A Subunit Vaccine through Lyophilization

    PubMed Central

    Hassett, Kimberly J.; Cousins, Megan C.; Rabia, Lilia A.; Chadwick, Chrystal M.; O’Hara, Joanne M.; Nandi, Pradyot; Brey, Robert N.; Mantis, Nicholas J.; Carpenter, John F.; Randolph, Theodore W.

    2013-01-01

    Lyophilization was used to prepare dry, glassy solid vaccine formulations of recombinant ricin toxin A-chain containing suspensions of colloidal aluminum hydroxide adjuvant. Four lyophilized formulations were prepared by using combinations of rapid or slow cooling during lyophilization and one of two buffers, histidine or ammonium acetate. Trehalose was used as the stabilizing excipient. Aggregation of the colloidal aluminum hydroxide suspension was reduced in formulations processed with a rapid cooling rate. Aluminum hydroxide particle size distributions, glass transition temperatures, water contents, and immunogenicities of lyophilized vaccines were independent of incubation time at 40°C for up to 15 weeks. Mice immunized with reconstituted ricin toxin subunit A (RTA) vaccines produced RTA-specific antibodies and toxin-neutralizing antibodies (TNA) regardless of the length of high temperature vaccine storage or the degree of aluminum adjuvant aggregation that occurred during lyophilization. In murine studies, lyophilized formulations of vaccines conferred protection against exposure to lethal doses of ricin, even after the lyophilized formulations had been stored at 40°C for 4 weeks. A corresponding liquid formulation of vaccine stored at 40°C elicited RTA-specific antibody titers but failed to confer immunity during a ricin challenge. PMID:23583494

  5. Stabilization of a recombinant ricin toxin A subunit vaccine through lyophilization.

    PubMed

    Hassett, Kimberly J; Cousins, Megan C; Rabia, Lilia A; Chadwick, Chrystal M; O'Hara, Joanne M; Nandi, Pradyot; Brey, Robert N; Mantis, Nicholas J; Carpenter, John F; Randolph, Theodore W

    2013-10-01

    Lyophilization was used to prepare dry, glassy solid vaccine formulations of recombinant ricin toxin A-chain containing suspensions of colloidal aluminum hydroxide adjuvant. Four lyophilized formulations were prepared by using combinations of rapid or slow cooling during lyophilization and one of two buffers, histidine or ammonium acetate. Trehalose was used as the stabilizing excipient. Aggregation of the colloidal aluminum hydroxide suspension was reduced in formulations processed with a rapid cooling rate. Aluminum hydroxide particle size distributions, glass transition temperatures, water contents, and immunogenicities of lyophilized vaccines were independent of incubation time at 40 °C for up to 15 weeks. Mice immunized with reconstituted ricin toxin subunit A (RTA) vaccines produced RTA-specific antibodies and toxin-neutralizing antibodies (TNAs) regardless of the length of high temperature vaccine storage or the degree of aluminum adjuvant aggregation that occurred during lyophilization. In murine studies, lyophilized formulations of vaccines conferred protection against exposure to lethal doses of ricin, even after the lyophilized formulations had been stored at 40 °C for 4 weeks. A corresponding liquid formulation of vaccine stored at 40 °C elicited RTA-specific antibody titers but failed to confer immunity during a ricin challenge. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. In-Situ Molecular Vapor Composition Measurements During Lyophilization.

    PubMed

    Liechty, Evan T; Strongrich, Andrew D; Moussa, Ehab M; Topp, Elizabeth; Alexeenko, Alina A

    2018-04-11

    Monitoring process conditions during lyophilization is essential to ensuring product quality for lyophilized pharmaceutical products. Residual gas analysis has been applied previously in lyophilization applications for leak detection, determination of endpoint in primary and secondary drying, monitoring sterilization processes, and measuring complex solvents. The purpose of this study is to investigate the temporal evolution of the process gas for various formulations during lyophilization to better understand the relative extraction rates of various molecular compounds over the course of primary drying. In this study, residual gas analysis is used to monitor molecular composition of gases in the product chamber during lyophilization of aqueous formulations typical for pharmaceuticals. Residual gas analysis is also used in the determination of the primary drying endpoint and compared to the results obtained using the comparative pressure measurement technique. The dynamics of solvent vapors, those species dissolved therein, and the ballast gas (the gas supplied to maintain a set-point pressure in the product chamber) are observed throughout the course of lyophilization. In addition to water vapor and nitrogen, the two most abundant gases for all considered aqueous formulations are oxygen and carbon dioxide. In particular, it is observed that the relative concentrations of carbon dioxide and oxygen vary depending on the formulation, an observation which stems from the varying solubility of these species. This result has implications on product shelf life and stability during the lyophilization process. Chamber process gas composition during lyophilization is quantified for several representative formulations using residual gas analysis. The advantages of the technique lie in its ability to measure the relative concentration of various species during the lyophilization process. This feature gives residual gas analysis utility in a host of applications from endpoint determination to quality assurance. In contrast to other methods, residual gas analysis is able to determine oxygen and water vapor content in the process gas. These compounds have been shown to directly influence product shelf life. With these results, residual gas analysis technique presents a potential new method for real-time lyophilization process control and improved understanding of formulation and processing effects for lyophilized pharmaceutical products.

  7. Process and Formulation Effects on Protein Structure in Lyophilized Solids using Mass Spectrometric Methods

    PubMed Central

    Iyer, Lavanya K.; Sacha, Gregory A.; Moorthy, Balakrishnan S.; Nail, Steven L.; Topp, Elizabeth M.

    2016-01-01

    Myoglobin (Mb) was lyophilized in the absence (Mb-A) and presence (Mb-B) of sucrose in a pilot-scale lyophilizer with or without controlled ice nucleation. Cake morphology was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and changes in protein structure were monitored using solid-state Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ssFTIR), solid-state hydrogen-deuterium exchange-mass spectrometry (ssHDX-MS) and solid-state photolytic labeling-mass spectrometry (ssPL-MS). The results showed greater variability in nucleation temperature and irregular cake structure for formulations lyophilized without controlled nucleation. Controlled nucleation resulted in nucleation at ~ −5 °C and uniform cake structure. Formulations containing sucrose showed better retention of protein structure by all measures than formulations without sucrose. Samples lyophilized with and without controlled nucleation were similar by most measures of protein structure. However, ssPL-MS showed the greatest pLeu incorporation and more labeled regions for Mb-B lyophilized with controlled nucleation. The data support the use of ssHDX-MS and ssPL-MS to study formulation and process-induced conformational changes in lyophilized proteins. PMID:27044943

  8. Characterization of the Physical Stability of a Lyophilized IgG1 mAb After Accelerated Shipping-like Stress

    PubMed Central

    Telikepalli, Srivalli; Kumru, Ozan S.; Kim, Jae Hyun; Joshi, Sangeeta B.; O'Berry, Kristin B.; Blake-Haskins, Angela W.; Perkins, Melissa D.; Middaugh, C. Russell; Volkin, David B.

    2014-01-01

    Upon exposure to shaking stress, an IgG1 mAb formulation in both liquid and lyophilized state formed subvisible particles. Since freeze-drying is expected to minimize protein physical instability under these conditions, the extent and nature of aggregate formation in the lyophilized preparation was examined using a variety of particle characterization techniques. The effect of formulation variables such as residual moisture content, reconstitution rate, and reconstitution medium were examined. Upon reconstitution of shake-stressed lyophilized mAb, differences in protein particle size and number were observed by Microflow Digital Imaging (MFI), with the reconstitution medium having the largest impact. Shake-stress had minor effects on the structure of protein within the particles as shown by SDS-PAGE and FTIR analysis. The lyophilized mAb was shake-stressed to different extents and stored for 3 months at different temperatures. Both extent of cake collapse and storage temperature affected the physical stability of the shake-stressed lyophilized mAb upon subsequent storage. These findings demonstrate that physical degradation upon shaking of a lyophilized IgG1 mAb formulation includes not only cake breakage, but also results in an increase in subvisible particles and turbidity upon reconstitution. The shaking-induced cake breakage of the lyophilized IgG1 mAb formulation also resulted in decreased physical stability upon storage. PMID:25522000

  9. Disinfection byproduct formation in reverse-osmosis concentrated and lyophilized natural organic matter from a drinking water source.

    PubMed

    Pressman, Jonathan G; McCurry, Daniel L; Parvez, Shahid; Rice, Glenn E; Teuschler, Linda K; Miltner, Richard J; Speth, Thomas F

    2012-10-15

    Drinking water treatment and disinfection byproduct (DBP) research can be complicated by natural organic matter (NOM) temporal variability. NOM preservation by lyophilization (freeze-drying) has been long practiced to address this issue; however, its applicability for drinking water research has been limited because the selected NOM sources are atypical of most drinking water sources. The purpose of this research was to demonstrate that reconstituted NOM from a lyophilized reverse-osmosis (RO) concentrate of a typical drinking water source closely represents DBP formation in the original NOM. A preliminary experiment assessed DBP formation kinetics and yields in concentrated NOM, which demonstrated that chlorine decays faster in concentrate, in some cases leading to altered DBP speciation. Potential changes in NOM reactivity caused by lyophilization were evaluated by chlorination of lyophilized and reconstituted NOM, its parent RO concentrate, and the source water. Bromide lost during RO concentration was replaced by adding potassium bromide prior to chlorination. Although total measured DBP formation tended to decrease slightly and unidentified halogenated organic formation tended to increase slightly as a result of RO concentration, the changes associated with lyophilization were minor. In lyophilized NOM reconstituted back to source water TOC levels and then chlorinated, the concentrations of 19 of 21 measured DBPs, constituting 96% of the total identified DBP mass, were statistically indistinguishable from those in the chlorinated source water. Furthermore, the concentrations of 16 of 21 DBPs in lyophilized NOM reconstituted back to the RO concentrate TOC levels, constituting 86% DBP mass, were statistically indistinguishable from those in the RO concentrate. This study suggests that lyophilization can be used to preserve concentrated NOM without substantially altering the precursors to DBP formation. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  10. Comparing the acidities of aqueous, frozen, and freeze-dried phosphate buffers: Is there a "pH memory" effect?

    PubMed

    Vetráková, Ľubica; Vykoukal, Vít; Heger, Dominik

    2017-09-15

    The concept of "pH memory" has been established in the literature for the correlation between the pH of a pre-lyophilization solution and the ionization state of freeze-dried powder (lyophile). In this paper, the concept of "pH memory" is explored for the system of an aqueous solution, a frozen solution, and a lyophile. Sodium and potassium phosphate buffers in the pH range of 5-9 were frozen and lyophilized with sulfonephthalein indicators as acidity probes, and their Hammett acidity functions were compared to the initial pH of the aqueous solution. The results show that the acidities of the lyophiles are somewhat changed compared to the initial pHs, but the acidities in the frozen state differ more substantially. The Hammett acidity functions of the frozen buffers were found to be markedly dissimilar from the initial pH, especially in the sodium phosphate frozen at 233K, where an increase in the initial pH led to a decrease in the Hammett acidity function of the frozen state at a certain pH range. The large acidification observed after freezing the sodium phosphate buffer was not detected in the lyophiles after the sample had been dried; the phenomenon is explained considering the formed crystals analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction. The results suggest that monitoring the final acidity of a lyophile is not sufficient to predict all the acidity changes throughout the whole lyophilization process. The importance of well-controlled freezing and lyophilization conditions follows from the results of the research. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Application of Optical Coherence Tomography Freeze-Drying Microscopy for Designing Lyophilization Process and Its Impact on Process Efficiency and Product Quality.

    PubMed

    Korang-Yeboah, Maxwell; Srinivasan, Charudharshini; Siddiqui, Akhtar; Awotwe-Otoo, David; Cruz, Celia N; Muhammad, Ashraf

    2018-01-01

    Optical coherence tomography freeze-drying microscopy (OCT-FDM) is a novel technique that allows the three-dimensional imaging of a drug product during the entire lyophilization process. OCT-FDM consists of a single-vial freeze dryer (SVFD) affixed with an optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system. Unlike the conventional techniques, such as modulated differential scanning calorimetry (mDSC) and light transmission freeze-drying microscopy, used for predicting the product collapse temperature (Tc), the OCT-FDM approach seeks to mimic the actual product and process conditions during the lyophilization process. However, there is limited understanding on the application of this emerging technique to the design of the lyophilization process. In this study, we investigated the suitability of OCT-FDM technique in designing a lyophilization process. Moreover, we compared the product quality attributes of the resulting lyophilized product manufactured using Tc, a critical process control parameter, as determined by OCT-FDM versus as estimated by mDSC. OCT-FDM analysis revealed the absence of collapse even for the low protein concentration (5 mg/ml) and low solid content formulation (1%w/v) studied. This was confirmed by lab scale lyophilization. In addition, lyophilization cycles designed using Tc values obtained from OCT-FDM were more efficient with higher sublimation rate and mass flux than the conventional cycles, since drying was conducted at higher shelf temperature. Finally, the quality attributes of the products lyophilized using Tc determined by OCT-FDM and mDSC were similar, and product shrinkage and cracks were observed in all the batches of freeze-dried products irrespective of the technique employed in predicting Tc.

  12. Predictive models of lyophilization process for development, scale-up/tech transfer and manufacturing.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Tong; Moussa, Ehab M; Witting, Madeleine; Zhou, Deliang; Sinha, Kushal; Hirth, Mario; Gastens, Martin; Shang, Sherwin; Nere, Nandkishor; Somashekar, Shubha Chetan; Alexeenko, Alina; Jameel, Feroz

    2018-07-01

    Scale-up and technology transfer of lyophilization processes remains a challenge that requires thorough characterization of the laboratory and larger scale lyophilizers. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was employed to develop computer-based models of both laboratory and manufacturing scale lyophilizers in order to understand the differences in equipment performance arising from distinct designs. CFD coupled with steady state heat and mass transfer modeling of the vial were then utilized to study and predict independent variables such as shelf temperature and chamber pressure, and response variables such as product resistance, product temperature and primary drying time for a given formulation. The models were then verified experimentally for the different lyophilizers. Additionally, the models were applied to create and evaluate a design space for a lyophilized product in order to provide justification for the flexibility to operate within a certain range of process parameters without the need for validation. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  13. Effect of cyclophosphamide on the solid form of mannitol during lyophilization.

    PubMed

    Patel, Krupaliben; Munjal, Bhushan; Bansal, Arvind K

    2017-04-01

    Mannitol is a commonly used bulking agent in lyophilized formulations. It can crystallize into multiple solid forms during lyophilization thereby exhibiting phase heterogeneity and variability in product performance. In this manuscript, we studied the effect of cyclophosphamide (CPA), an anticancer drug, on the solid form of mannitol during lyophilization from aqueous solutions. Freeze-concentration studies were performed in the DSC while lyophilization was performed in a lab scale freeze dryer. DSC experiments revealed two-stage crystallization of mannitol (1.5% w/v) during freeze-concentration, evident as two distinct exothermic events (at -18.2°C and -30°C) in the cooling curve. This was complemented by two eutectic melting endotherms in the subsequent heating curve. Addition of CPA (4.0% w/v) completely inhibited the exotherm at -18.2°C, but enhanced the enthalpy of exotherm at -30°C by five folds. Likewise, only one eutectic melting endotherm was observed in the subsequent heating curve. Lyophilization of the solution containing only mannitol, yielded a mixture of β- (major) and δ- (minor) polymorphs of mannitol. However, in the presence of CPA, only δ-polymorph was observed in the lyophilized sample. This selective favoring of the metastable δ-polymorph over the stable β-polymorph, was explained by altered freezing kinetics of the solution in presence of CPA. The study provides mechanistic insights into solute crystallization behaviour during lyophilization of multi-component systems. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  14. Finite Element Method (FEM) Modeling of Freeze-drying: Monitoring Pharmaceutical Product Robustness During Lyophilization.

    PubMed

    Chen, Xiaodong; Sadineni, Vikram; Maity, Mita; Quan, Yong; Enterline, Matthew; Mantri, Rao V

    2015-12-01

    Lyophilization is an approach commonly undertaken to formulate drugs that are unstable to be commercialized as ready to use (RTU) solutions. One of the important aspects of commercializing a lyophilized product is to transfer the process parameters that are developed in lab scale lyophilizer to commercial scale without a loss in product quality. This process is often accomplished by costly engineering runs or through an iterative process at the commercial scale. Here, we are highlighting a combination of computational and experimental approach to predict commercial process parameters for the primary drying phase of lyophilization. Heat and mass transfer coefficients are determined experimentally either by manometric temperature measurement (MTM) or sublimation tests and used as inputs for the finite element model (FEM)-based software called PASSAGE, which computes various primary drying parameters such as primary drying time and product temperature. The heat and mass transfer coefficients will vary at different lyophilization scales; hence, we present an approach to use appropriate factors while scaling-up from lab scale to commercial scale. As a result, one can predict commercial scale primary drying time based on these parameters. Additionally, the model-based approach presented in this study provides a process to monitor pharmaceutical product robustness and accidental process deviations during Lyophilization to support commercial supply chain continuity. The approach presented here provides a robust lyophilization scale-up strategy; and because of the simple and minimalistic approach, it will also be less capital intensive path with minimal use of expensive drug substance/active material.

  15. Stability of Staphylococcus aureus phage ISP after freeze-drying (lyophilization).

    PubMed

    Merabishvili, Maia; Vervaet, Chris; Pirnay, Jean-Paul; De Vos, Daniel; Verbeken, Gilbert; Mast, Jan; Chanishvili, Nino; Vaneechoutte, Mario

    2013-01-01

    Staphylococcus aureus phage ISP was lyophilized, using an Amsco-Finn Aqua GT4 freeze dryer, in the presence of six different stabilizers at different concentrations. Stability of the lyophilized phage at 4 °C was monitored up to 37 months and compared to stability in Luria Bertani broth and physiological saline at 4 °C. Sucrose and trehalose were shown to be the best stabilizing additives, causing a decrease of only 1 log immediately after the lyophilization procedure and showing high stability during a 27 month storage period.

  16. Microwave-Assisted Resolution of α-Lipoic Acid Catalyzed by an Ionic Liquid Co-Lyophilized Lipase.

    PubMed

    Liu, Ning; Wang, Lei; Wang, Zhi; Jiang, Liyan; Wu, Zhuofu; Yue, Hong; Xie, Xiaona

    2015-05-29

    The combination of the ionic liquid co-lyophilized lipase and microwave irradiation was used to improve enzyme performance in enantioselective esterification of α-lipoic acid. Effects of various reaction conditions on enzyme activity and enantioselectivity were investigated. Under optimal condition, the highest enantioselectivity (E = 41.2) was observed with a high enzyme activity (178.1 μmol/h/mg) when using the ionic liquid co-lyophilized lipase with microwave assistance. Furthermore, the ionic liquid co-lyophilized lipase exhibited excellent reusability under low power microwave.

  17. Antigenic value of lyophilized phenolized antirabies vaccine.

    PubMed

    VEERARAGHAVAN, N; SUBRAHMANYAN, T P

    1961-01-01

    The authors present the results of experiments, carried out at the Pasteur Institute of Southern India, Coonoor, in which various preparations of lyophilized and liquid phenolized antirabies vaccines were assessed for antigenicity in relation to the NIH (United States National Institutes of Health) Reference Vaccine 164 (the proposed International Reference Preparation of Rabies Vaccine). The claim that phenolized antirabies vaccines can be lyophilized without loss of antigenicity was fully substantiated: the lyophilized vaccines were found to possess high antigenic values and to retain their antigenicity better than the liquid vaccines during storage under the same conditions.

  18. The growing impact of lyophilized cell-free protein expression systems

    PubMed Central

    Hunt, J. Porter; Yang, Seung Ook; Wilding, Kristen M.; Bundy, Bradley C.

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Recently reported shelf-stable, on-demand protein synthesis platforms are enabling new possibilities in biotherapeutics, biosensing, biocatalysis, and high throughput protein expression. Lyophilized cell-free protein expression systems not only overcome cold-storage limitations, but also enable stockpiling for on-demand synthesis and completely sterilize the protein synthesis platform. Recently reported high-yield synthesis of cytotoxic protein Onconase from lyophilized E. coli extract preparations demonstrates the utility of lyophilized cell-free protein expression and its potential for creating on-demand biotherapeutics, vaccines, biosensors, biocatalysts, and high throughput protein synthesis. PMID:27791452

  19. 500-Gray γ-Irradiation May Increase Adhesion Strength of Lyophilized Cadaveric Split-Thickness Skin Graft to Wound Bed.

    PubMed

    Wei, Lin-Gwei; Chen, Chieh-Feng; Wang, Chi-Hsien; Cheng, Ya-Chen; Li, Chun-Chang; Chiu, Wen-Kuan; Wang, Hsian-Jenn

    2017-03-01

    Human cadaveric skin grafts are considered as the "gold standard" for temporary wound coverage because they provide a more conductive environment for natural wound healing. Lyophilization, packing, and terminal sterilization with gamma-ray can facilitate the application of cadaveric split-thickness skin grafts, but may alter the adhesion properties of the grafts. In a pilot study, we found that 500 Gy γ-irradiation seemed not to reduce the adherence between the grafts and wound beds. We conducted this experiment to compare the adherences of lyophilized, 500-Gy γ-irradiated skin grafts to that of lyophilized, nonirradiated grafts. Pairs of wounds were created over the backs of Sprague- Dawley rats. Pairs of "lyophilized, 500-Gy γ-irradiated" and "lyophilized, nonirradiated" cadaveric split-thickness skin grafts were fixed to the wound beds. Adhesion strength between the grafts and the wound beds was measured and compared. On post-skin-graft day 7 and day 10, the adhesion strength of γ-irradiated grafts was greater than that of the nonirradiated grafts. Because lyophilized cadaveric skin grafts can be vascularized and the collagen of its dermal component can be remodeled after grafting, the superior adhesion strength of 500-Gy γ-irradiated grafts can be explained by the collagen changes from irradiation.

  20. Lyophilized silica lipid hybrid (SLH) carriers for poorly water-soluble drugs: physicochemical and in vitro pharmaceutical investigations.

    PubMed

    Yasmin, Rokhsana; Tan, Angel; Bremmell, Kristen E; Prestidge, Clive A

    2014-09-01

    Lyophilization was investigated to produce a powdery silica-lipid hybrid (SLH) carrier for oral delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs. The silica to lipid ratio, incorporation of cryoprotectant, and lipid loading level were investigated as performance indicators for lyophilized SLH carriers. Celecoxib, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was used as the model poorly soluble moiety to attain desirable physicochemical and in vitro drug solubilization properties. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal fluorescence imaging verified a nanoporous, homogenous internal matrix structures of the lyophilized SLH particles, prepared from submicron triglyceride emulsions and stabilized by porous silica nanoparticles (Aerosil 380), similar to spray-dried SLH. 20-50 wt % of silica in the formulation have shown to produce nonoily SLH agglomerates with complete lipid encapsulation. The incorporation of a cryoprotectant prevented irreversible aggregation of the silica-stabilized droplets during lyophilization, thereby readily redispersing in water to form micrometre-sized particles (<5 μm). The lyophilized SLH produced approximately 1.5-fold and fivefold increased drug solubilization than the pure drug under nondigesting and digesting conditions, respectively. The feasibility of lyophilization for producing nanostructured SLH formulations with desirable lipid loading and drug solubilization properties for enhanced oral delivery of poorly water-soluble therapeutics is confirmed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

  1. Optimization of Primary Drying in Lyophilization during Early Phase Drug Development using a Definitive Screening Design with Formulation and Process Factors.

    PubMed

    Goldman, Johnathan M; More, Haresh T; Yee, Olga; Borgeson, Elizabeth; Remy, Brenda; Rowe, Jasmine; Sadineni, Vikram

    2018-06-08

    Development of optimal drug product lyophilization cycles is typically accomplished via multiple engineering runs to determine appropriate process parameters. These runs require significant time and product investments, which are especially costly during early phase development when the drug product formulation and lyophilization process are often defined simultaneously. Even small changes in the formulation may require a new set of engineering runs to define lyophilization process parameters. In order to overcome these development difficulties, an eight factor definitive screening design (DSD), including both formulation and process parameters, was executed on a fully human monoclonal antibody (mAb) drug product. The DSD enables evaluation of several interdependent factors to define critical parameters that affect primary drying time and product temperature. From these parameters, a lyophilization development model is defined where near optimal process parameters can be derived for many different drug product formulations. This concept is demonstrated on a mAb drug product where statistically predicted cycle responses agree well with those measured experimentally. This design of experiments (DoE) approach for early phase lyophilization cycle development offers a workflow that significantly decreases the development time of clinically and potentially commercially viable lyophilization cycles for a platform formulation that still has variable range of compositions. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  2. Successful lyophilization by adopting a fast ramp rate during primary drying in protein formulations.

    PubMed

    Ohori, Ryo; Akita, Tomomi; Yamashita, Chikamasa

    2018-06-15

    In the lyophilization process for injections, the shelf temperature (T s ) and chamber pressure (P c ) have mainly been investigated to optimize the primary drying process. The objective of this study was to show that lyophilization of protein formulations can be achieved by adopting a fast ramp rate of T s in the beginning of the primary drying process. Bovine serum albumin was used as the model protein, and seven different lyophilized formulations obtained were stored at elevated temperature. We found that although acceptable cake appearance was confirmed by the fast ramp cycle, all formulations of lyophilized cakes obtained by the slow ramp cycle severely collapsed (macrocollapse). It is thought that the collapse in the slow ramp cycle occurred during the shelf ramp in the beginning of primary drying and that insufficient removal of water from the dried matrix caused viscous flow (product collapse). Regarding storage stability, moisture-induced degradation was confirmed in some of the formulations prepared by the slow ramp cycle, whereas all lyophilized BSA formulations prepared by the fast ramp cycle were stable. Thus, the results indicate that the ramp rate appears to be one of the critical operational parameters required to establish a successful lyophilization cycle. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  3. Antigenic value of lyophilized phenolized antirabies vaccine

    PubMed Central

    Veeraraghavan, N.; Subrahmanyan, T. P.

    1961-01-01

    The authors present the results of experiments, carried out at the Pasteur Institute of Southern India, Coonoor, in which various preparations of lyophilized and liquid phenolized antirabies vaccines were assessed for antigenicity in relation to the NIH (United States National Institutes of Health) Reference Vaccine 164 (the proposed International Reference Preparation of Rabies Vaccine). The claim that phenolized antirabies vaccines can be lyophilized without loss of antigenicity was fully substantiated: the lyophilized vaccines were found to possess high antigenic values and to retain their antigenicity better than the liquid vaccines during storage under the same conditions. PMID:13925168

  4. In vitro and in vivo gene delivery using chitosan/hyaluronic acid nanoparticles: Influences of molecular mass of hyaluronic acid and lyophilization on transfection efficiency.

    PubMed

    Sato, Toshinori; Nakata, Mitsuhiro; Yang, Zhihong; Torizuka, Yu; Kishimoto, Satoko; Ishihara, Masayuki

    2017-08-01

    Lyophilization is an effective method for preserving nonviral gene vectors. To improve the stability and transgene expression of lyophilized plasmid DNA (pDNA) complexes, we coated the surfaces of pDNA/chitosan complexes with hyaluronic acid (HA) of varying molecular masses. The transgene expression of pDNA/chitosan/HA ternary complexes was characterized in vitro and in vivo. pDNA complexes were lyophilized overnight and the resultant products with spongy, porous consistencies were stored at -30, 4 or 25°C for 2 weeks. Rehydrated complexes were characterized using gel retardation assays, aiming to confirm complex formation, measure particle size and evaluate zeta potential, as well as conduct luciferase gene reporter assays. The anti-tumor effects of pDNA ternary complexes were evaluated using suicide gene (pTK) coding thymidine kinase in Huh7-implanted mice. Transfection efficiencies of pDNA/chitosan/HA ternary complexes were dependent on the average molecular masses of HA. The coating of pDNA/chitosan complexes with HA maintained the cellular transfection efficiencies of lyophilized pDNA ternary complexes. Furthermore, intratumoral injection of lyophilized, rehydrated pDNA ternary complexes into tumor-bearing mice showed a significant suppression of tumor growth. The coating of pDNA/chitosan complexes with high-molecular-weight HA augmented the stability and cellular transfection ability of the complexes after lyophilization-rehydration. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  5. Particle Formation and Aggregation of a Therapeutic Protein in Nanobubble Suspensions

    PubMed Central

    Snell, Jared R.; Zhou, Chen; Carpenter, John F.; Randolph, Theodore W.

    2016-01-01

    The generation of nanobubbles following reconstitution of lyophilized trehalose formulations has recently been reported.1 Here, we characterize particle formation and aggregation of recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (rhIL-1ra) in reconstituted formulations of lyophilized trehalose. Particle characterization methods including resonant mass measurement and nanoparticle tracking analysis were used to count and size particles generated upon reconstitution of lyophilized trehalose formulations. In addition, accelerated degradation studies were conducted to monitor rhIL-1ra aggregation in solutions containing various concentrations of suspended nanobubbles. Reconstitution of lyophilized trehalose formulations with solutions containing rhIL-1ra reduced nanobubble concentrations and generated negatively buoyant particles attributed to aggregated rhIL-1ra. Furthermore, levels of rhIL-1ra aggregation following incubation in aqueous solution correlated with concentrations of suspended nanobubbles. The results of this study suggest nanobubbles may be a contributor to protein aggregation and particle formation in reconstituted, lyophilized therapeutic protein formulations. PMID:27488901

  6. Particle Formation and Aggregation of a Therapeutic Protein in Nanobubble Suspensions.

    PubMed

    Snell, Jared R; Zhou, Chen; Carpenter, John F; Randolph, Theodore W

    2016-10-01

    The generation of nanobubbles following reconstitution of lyophilized trehalose formulations has recently been reported. Here, we characterize particle formation and aggregation of recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (rhIL-1ra) in reconstituted formulations of lyophilized trehalose. Particle characterization methods including resonant mass measurement and nanoparticle tracking analysis were used to count and size particles generated upon reconstitution of lyophilized trehalose formulations. In addition, accelerated degradation studies were conducted to monitor rhIL-1ra aggregation in solutions containing various concentrations of suspended nanobubbles. Reconstitution of lyophilized trehalose formulations with solutions containing rhIL-1ra reduced nanobubble concentrations and generated negatively buoyant particles attributed to aggregated rhIL-1ra. Furthermore, levels of rhIL-1ra aggregation following incubation in aqueous solution correlated with concentrations of suspended nanobubbles. The results of this study suggest that nanobubbles may be a contributor to protein aggregation and particle formation in reconstituted, lyophilized therapeutic protein formulations. Copyright © 2016 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. [Possibility to use the lyophilization for the prolongation of the stability of biological compounds used in cosmetic production].

    PubMed

    Górska, Czesława; Mendrycka, Mariola

    2006-01-01

    The investigations were conducted with using aquatic hydrolysate of protein 5%, 10%, 20% and 50%. Starting product to prepare solutions with different concentrations, exposed on lyophilisation was pork gelatin (Polonaise, Belgium). The aim of investigations was to determine on effect of lyophilization process on the microbiological and physico-chemistral stability of protein hydrolisate. Physical parameters of lyophilization of protein hydrolysate solutions of different concentrations and physical properties of the lyophilized hydrolysates were determined. Microbiological analysis demonstrated that lyophilization protected the hydrolysates stored at 4 degrees C and 22 degrees C for 60 or 100 days against bacterial contamination. On the other hand, the inhibition of the bacterial multiplication in nonlyophilized hydrolysates was obtained only during storage at -20 degrees C. A proper structure and good dissolubility of the lyophilizated of preparation were obtained for 5%, 10% and 20% hydrolisate and for of the maximum kinematical viscosity 2923 mm2/s.

  8. Lyophilization decreases the formation of dialyzable iron by extraction and digestion of chicken breast muscle.

    PubMed

    Karava, Nilesh B; Mahoney, Raymond R

    2011-06-01

    We studied the effect of lyophilization of chicken breast muscle on the formation of dialyzable iron from ferric iron. Chicken breast muscle was used chilled, frozen or lyophilized and was analyzed for sulfhydryl and histidine content. It was then homogenized and mixed with ferric iron. The mixture was extracted with acid or digested with pepsin and pancreatin. The extracts and digests were analyzed for dialyzable ferrous and dialyzable total iron and also for protein. In the chilled muscle, similar amounts of dialyzable iron were formed after acid extraction and after proteolytic digestion; however, digestion led to more dialyzable ferrous iron. Freezing had no effect but lyophilization of the homogenized muscle caused large decreases in dialyzable iron and dialyzable ferrous iron for both extraction and digestion processes. Lyophilization also resulted in decreased extraction of peptides, decreased digestion of muscle proteins and reduced levels of sulfhydryl and histidine residues. Our results demonstrate that dialyzable iron is produced both by acid-soluble low molecular weight muscle component(s) and also by peptides resulting from digestion of muscle proteins: both of which reduce and chelate iron. Reduced formation of dialyzable iron by both mechanisms following lyophilization could be explained by sulfhydryl oxidation and impaired digestion due to protein crosslinking.

  9. Effects of Processing and Storage on Pediococcus pentosaceus SB83 in Vaginal Formulations: Lyophilized Powder and Tablets

    PubMed Central

    Borges, Sandra; Costa, Paulo; Silva, Joana; Teixeira, Paula

    2013-01-01

    Vaginal probiotics have an important role in preventing the colonization of the vagina by pathogens. This study aimed to investigate different formulations with Pediococcus pentosaceus SB83 (lyophilized powder and tablets with and without retarding polymer) in order to verify its stability and antilisterial activity after manufacture and during storage. The bacteriocinogenic activity of P. pentosaceus SB83 against Listeria monocytogenes was evaluated in simulated vaginal fluid. Suspension of Pediococcus pentosaceus SB83 reduced the pathogen only after 2 h and the lyophilized bacteria after 24 h of contact, and, in the tablets, P. pentosaceus SB83 lost the antimicrobial activity. The pH of simulated vaginal fluid decreased for all the tested conditions. As lyophilized powder demonstrated better results concerning antimicrobial activity, this formulation was selected to evaluate the antilisterial activity during the 12 months of storage. During storage at room temperature, lyophilized bacteria totally inhibited the pathogen only until one month of storage. At 4°C, P. pentosaceus SB83 showed antimicrobial activity during all the time of storage investigated. Therefore, the better formulation of P. pentosaceus SB83 is the lyophilized powder stored at 4°C, which may be administered intravaginally as a washing solution. PMID:23844367

  10. Acute and Subchronic Toxic Effects of the Fruits of Physalis peruviana L.

    PubMed

    Perk, Basak Ozlem; Ilgin, Sinem; Atli, Ozlem; Duymus, Hale Gamze; Sirmagul, Basar

    2013-01-01

    The fruit of Physalis peruviana L. (PPL) has been traditionally used as antispasmodic, diuretic, antiseptic, sedative, and analgesic all over the world. We aimed to perform qualitative content analysis of the fruits of PPL and to clarify the in vitro genotoxicity and in vivo acute and subchronic toxicity of the fruit. Lyophilized fruit juice does not induce genetic damage. In the acute toxicity studies, LD50 value of the fruit was found to be more than 5000 mg kg(-1) for both sexes. According to the subchronic toxicity studies, hepatic, renal, and hematological toxic effects were not induced in both sexes. Plasma troponin I (only in the group treated with 5000 mg kg(-1) of lyophilized fruit juice) and troponin T levels were significantly increased in male groups treated with lyophilized fruit juice compared to the control group. Furthermore, potassium level was significantly increased in the male group treated with 5000 mg kg(-1) of lyophilized fruit juice. These findings were considered to indicate the myocardial damage particularly in the male group treated with 5000 mg kg(-1) of lyophilized fruit juice. In conclusion, lyophilized fruit juice of PPL is shown to induce cardiac toxicity only at high doses and in male gender.

  11. Acute and Subchronic Toxic Effects of the Fruits of Physalis peruviana L.

    PubMed Central

    Perk, Basak Ozlem; Ilgin, Sinem; Atli, Ozlem; Duymus, Hale Gamze; Sirmagul, Basar

    2013-01-01

    The fruit of Physalis peruviana L. (PPL) has been traditionally used as antispasmodic, diuretic, antiseptic, sedative, and analgesic all over the world. We aimed to perform qualitative content analysis of the fruits of PPL and to clarify the in vitro genotoxicity and in vivo acute and subchronic toxicity of the fruit. Lyophilized fruit juice does not induce genetic damage. In the acute toxicity studies, LD50 value of the fruit was found to be more than 5000 mg kg−1 for both sexes. According to the subchronic toxicity studies, hepatic, renal, and hematological toxic effects were not induced in both sexes. Plasma troponin I (only in the group treated with 5000 mg kg−1 of lyophilized fruit juice) and troponin T levels were significantly increased in male groups treated with lyophilized fruit juice compared to the control group. Furthermore, potassium level was significantly increased in the male group treated with 5000 mg kg−1 of lyophilized fruit juice. These findings were considered to indicate the myocardial damage particularly in the male group treated with 5000 mg kg−1 of lyophilized fruit juice. In conclusion, lyophilized fruit juice of PPL is shown to induce cardiac toxicity only at high doses and in male gender. PMID:24369482

  12. Impact of Different Elastomer Formulations on Moisture Permeation through Stoppers Used for Lyophilized Products Stored under Humid Conditions.

    PubMed

    Sasaki, Hitoshi; Kikuchi, Jun; Maeda, Terutoshi; Kuboniwa, Hitoshi

    2010-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of moisture permeability of different elastomer formulation stoppers, which had different moisture absorption abilities, on the increase of moisture content inside lyophilized vials during long-term storage under humid conditions. Two different elastomer formulation stoppers (high-moisture and low-moisture uptake stoppers) were compared. The increased amount of moisture content inside lyophilized vials fitted with high-moisture stoppers was higher than those fitted with low-moisture stoppers during the early stage of storage. However, this trend was reversed during the later stage of storage. Our data show that the moisture increase inside the lyophilized vials at the early stage was caused by moisture transfer from the stoppers, whereas the later moisture increase was caused by external moisture permeation through the stoppers. Results indicate that the difference in the moisture uptake profile inside the lyophilized vials at each period of storage was caused by the moisture absorption ability and moisture permeation ability of the two elastomer formulation stoppers. In terms of long-term storage stability under humid conditions, our data indicate that external moisture permeating through the stopper into the lyophilized vial during the late stage was the more important factor. In addition, the increase in moisture content at the early stage was controlled by stopper drying time. Furthermore, stopper drying time did not have an effect on moisture permeation at the late stage. Moisture permeation during the storage period appears to be dependent on the different elastomer formulations of the stoppers. The moisture permeation of different elastomer stoppers was an important factor in terms of the increased moisture content inside the lyophilized vials during the late stage of long-term storage under humid conditions. For lyophilized products stored at room temperature, the moisture permeation ability of the stopper is one of the most important factors for long-term storage stability.

  13. Lyophilic matrix method for dissolution and release studies of nanoscale particles.

    PubMed

    Pessi, Jenni; Svanbäck, Sami; Lassila, Ilkka; Hæggström, Edward; Yliruusi, Jouko

    2017-10-25

    We introduce a system with a lyophilic matrix to aid dissolution studies of powders and particulate systems. This lyophilic matrix method (LM method) is based on the ability to discriminate between non-dissolved particles and the dissolved species. In the LM method the test substance is embedded in a thin lyophilic core-shell matrix. This permits rapid contact with the dissolution medium while minimizing dispersion of non-dissolved particles without presenting a substantial diffusion barrier. The method produces realistic dissolution and release results for particulate systems, especially those featuring nanoscale particles. By minimizing method-induced effects on the dissolution profile of nanopowders, the LM method overcomes shortcomings associated with current dissolution tests. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. [Development of the certified reference material of mercury in lyophilized human urine].

    PubMed

    Zhao, Wei; Zhang, Fu-gang; DU, Hui-fang; Pan, Ya-juan; Yan, Hui-fang

    2011-02-01

    To develop the certified reference material of mercury in lyophilized human urine. Human urine samples from normal level mercury districts were filtered, homogenized, dispensed, lyophilized and radio-sterilized. Homogeneity test, stability inspection and certification were conducted using a atom fluorescence spectrophotometric method. The physical and chemical stability of the certified reference material were assessed for 18 months. The certified values are based on analysis made by three independent laboratories. The certified values are as follows: low level was (35.6 ± 2.1) µg/L, high level was (50.5 ± 3.0) µg/L. The certified reference material of mercury in lyophilized human urine in this research reached the national certified reference material requirements and could be used for the quality control.

  15. Comparison of a Lyophilized Drug Product to Other Solid and Liquid Media for the Extraction of Elastomeric Oligomers from a Butyl Rubber Stopper.

    PubMed

    Zdravkovic, Steven A

    2017-01-01

    Lyophilization is commonly used to extend the shelf life of pharmaceutical products that are otherwise unstable when stored as a liquid formulation. However, the ability of a lyophilized drug, or other solid medium, to leach or extract substances from a pharmaceutical packaging material is not well characterized. To provide insight into this area of uncertainty, the extraction properties of a lyophilized drug product, the lyophilized drug product reconstituted in water, and several other solid and liquid media of varying polarity were determined using a glass vial with a butyl rubber stopper as a representative pharmaceutical packaging system. The results obtained in this study show that the extracting power of a medium, whether solid or liquid, was primarily a function of polarity. Thus, the amount of each extractable observed for the lyophilized and reconstituted drug product were in trend with the other solid and liquid media, respectively. Nevertheless, it was notable that the lyophilized drug product was able to leach substances from the stopper in quantifiable amounts, whereas the reconstituted drug product contained no detectable leachables. Using a mathematical relationship, it was determined that the extraction power of the lyophilized drug product was equivalent to a 50/50 isopropanol/water solution. LAY ABSTRACT: Freeze drying is commonly used to extend the shelf life of pharmaceutical products that are otherwise unstable when stored as a liquid formulation. However, the propensity for substances to migrate from a pharmaceutical packaging material and into a solid drug formulation is not well characterized. To provide insight into this area of uncertainty, the migration of substances from a glass vial with a butyl rubber stopper and into a lyophilized drug product, the drug product reconstituted with water, as well as several solid and liquid media of varying polarity were assessed. The results obtained in this study show that the extracting power of a medium, whether solid or liquid, was primarily a function of polarity and thus could be related to one another. Furthermore, the results for the freeze-dried and reconstituted drug products were in trend with the other solid and liquid media tested, respectively, and showed that the freeze-dried drug was able to leach substances from the stopper in measureable amounts, whereas the reconstituted drug product contained no substances that had originated from the stopper. © PDA, Inc. 2017.

  16. Efficacy and safety of subcutaneous administration of lyophilized powder of alfa-erythropoietin to maintain hemoglobin concentrations among hemodialysis patients.

    PubMed

    Satirapoj, Bancha; Dispan, Rattanawan; Supasyndh, Ouppatham

    2017-01-01

    Anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often requires treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO). This study investigated the therapeutic equivalence between lyophilized powder and standard liquid EPO alfa by subcutaneous (SC) administration in hemoglobin maintenance among patients on hemodialysis. This was a single-blinded, randomized, controlled, single-center, parallel-group study regarding the treatment of anemia among CKD patients on hemodialysis and being treated with stable doses of EPO alfa at least for 12 weeks. Anemic hemodialysis patients (n=63) received standard liquid or lyophilized powder EPO alfa for 24 weeks by SC administration. Achievement of the target hemoglobin concentration and safety and tolerability end points were documented. Baseline mean hemoglobin level was 11.1±0.7 g/dL using lyophilized powder EPO alfa and 11.2±0.9 g/dL using standard liquid EPO alfa. The baseline median dose of EPO alfa was 126.4 (interquartile range [IQR] 81.6-163.6) U/kg/week in the lyophilized powder EPO alfa group and 116.9 (IQR 76.5-144.1) U/kg/week in the standard liquid EPO alfa group. Treatment with SC lyophilized powder EPO alfa maintained mean hemoglobin and hematocrit concentrations after switching from standard liquid EPO alfa. No statistical significance between groups was reported for hemoglobin concentrations and weekly dose of EPO alfa during the study. No safety concerns were raised, including positive anti-EPO antibodies. In this study of anemia therapy among patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis therapy, the SC injection of lyophilized powder EPO alfa was well tolerated and effectively maintained hemoglobin levels. Future studies of larger size and longer duration will be required to assess safety profiles.

  17. Lyophilization for Water Recovery III, System Design

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Litwiller, Eric; Reinhard, Martin; Fisher, John; Flynn, Michael

    2005-01-01

    Mixed liquid/solid wastes, including feces, water processor effluents, and food waste, can be lyophilized (freeze-dried) to recover the water they contain and stabilize the solids that remain. Our previous research has demonstrated the potential benefits of using thermoelectric heat pumps to build a lyophilizer for processing waste in microgravity. These results were used to build a working prototype suitable for ground- based human testing. This paper describes the prototype design and presents results of functional and performance tests.

  18. The Pyrolytic Profile of Lyophilized and Deep-Frozen Compact Part of the Human Bone

    PubMed Central

    Lodowska, Jolanta; Wolny, Daniel; Kurkiewicz, Sławomir; Węglarz, Ludmiła

    2012-01-01

    Background. Bone grafts are used in the treatment of nonunion of fractures, bone tumors and in arthroplasty. Tissues preserved by lyophilization or deep freezing are used as implants nowadays. Lyophilized grafts are utilized in the therapy of birth defects and bone benign tumors, while deep-frozen ones are applied in orthopedics. The aim of the study was to compare the pyrolytic pattern, as an indirect means of the analysis of organic composition of deep-frozen and lyophilized compact part of the human bone. Methods. Samples of preserved bone tissue were subjected to thermolysis and tetrahydroammonium-hydroxide- (TMAH-) associated thermochemolysis coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Results. Derivatives of benzene, pyridine, pyrrole, phenol, sulfur compounds, nitriles, saturated and unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons, and fatty acids (C12–C20) were identified in the pyrolytic pattern. The pyrolyzates were the most abundant in derivatives of pyrrole and nitriles originated from proteins. The predominant product in pyrolytic pattern of the investigated bone was pyrrolo[1,2-α]piperazine-3,6-dione derived from collagen. The content of this compound significantly differentiated the lyophilized graft from the deep-frozen one. Oleic and palmitic acid were predominant among fatty acids of the investigated samples. The deep-frozen implants were characterized by higher percentage of long-chain fatty acids than lyophilized grafts. PMID:22619606

  19. [Improvement of epirubicin-induced phlebitis to switch from liquid preparation to lyophilized formulation].

    PubMed

    Suga, Yukio; Kumazaki, Masafumi; Nishigami, Jun; Takeda, Kazuyoshi; Kawagishi, Atsufumi; Ishizaki, Junko; Inokuchi, Masafumi; Miyamoto, Ken-Ichi; Arai, Kunizo

    2009-01-01

    Adjuvant chemotherapy containing epirubicin is commonly used to treat patients with pre- or post-operative breast cancer. It is known that the epirubicin(FarmorubicinRTU)preparation often caused phlebitis, whereas dexamethasone has been used to prevent that reaction. We examined whether the lyophilized formulation of epirubicin(Farmorubicin)can reduces the incidence of phlebitis compared with the preparation. All infusions were administered through a peripheral vein. Adverse drug reaction including phlebitis was evaluated after each infusion and at the subsequent visit to four or six cycles. Sixty-two patients were given the preparation and 35 the lyophilized formulation. Epirubicininduced phlebitis was observed in 45.7% of patients given the preparation and in 48.4% of those given the lyophilized formulation. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups(p=0.41). However, the incidence of severe phlebitis requiring treatment with steroid ointment was significantly increased among patients treated with the preparation(27.4% vs 9.7%, p<0.05, respectively). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse drug reactions other than severe phlebitis between the two groups. In this study, lyophilized formulations of epirubicin significantly reduced the incidence of severe phlebitis compared with that among patients receiving the preparation. Using lyophilized formulations of epirubicin should be considered to prevent a reduction in QOL with epirubicin-induced phlebitis in patients with breast cancer.

  20. Lyophilization, a practical way to store and transport tissues prior to protein extraction for 2DE analysis?

    PubMed

    Carpentier, Sebastien C; Dens, Koen; Van den houwe, Ines; Swennen, Rony; Panis, Bart

    2007-09-01

    To date, lyophilized samples are rarely utilized in proteomics experiments. This is most likely because researchers are concerned about inducing cross-linking of proteins via amide bonds, leading to artefactual charge modification and thus resulting in irreproducible results and bad gels. Indeed, it is known that lyophilization can cause crosslinking. The potential reaction is a reaction of free amino groups of a protein (N-terminal alpha-amino groups and epsilon-amino groups from lysine) with the reducing group of sugar molecules. The rate and extent of this reaction depends on the sugar content of the sample, the efficiency of lyophilization process, the residual water content of the material and the storage temperature. Lyophilization is a cheap, practical and safe alternative for the storage and transportation of samples prior to protein extraction, separation and quantification via 2DE, when care is taken (i) to dry the samples to the lowest practicable moisture content, (ii) to transport and store them under water- and airtight conditions and (iii) to avoid heating of the sample.

  1. The Lyophilization Process Maintains the Chemical and Biological Characteristics of Royal Jelly

    PubMed Central

    Moraes, Larissa Ariana Roveroni; Ferreira, Nathália Ursoli; Moreno, Gabriela de Padua; Uahib, Fernanda Grassi Mangolini; Barizon, Edna Aparecida

    2015-01-01

    The alternative use of natural products, like royal jelly (RJ), may be an important tool for the treatment of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. RJ presents a large number of bioactive substances, including antimicrobial compounds. In this study, we carried out the chemical characterization of fresh and lyophilized RJ and investigated their antibacterial effects with the purpose of evaluating if the lyophilization process maintains the chemical and antibacterial properties of RJ. Furthermore, we evaluated the antibacterial efficacy of the main fatty acid found in RJ, the 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10H2DA). Chromatographic profile of the RJ samples showed similar fingerprints and the presence of 10H2DA in both samples. Furthermore, fresh and lyophilized RJ were effective against all bacteria evaluated; that is, the lyophilization process maintains the antibacterial activity of RJ and the chemical field of 10H2DA. The fatty acid 10H2DA exhibited a good antibacterial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae. Therefore, it may be used as an alternative and complementary treatment for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant S. pneumoniae. PMID:26064175

  2. [Experiment to study some suspension media for the lyophilization of actinomycetes].

    PubMed

    Semenov, S M

    1975-09-01

    Viability and cultural properties of 59 actinomycetes and 17 bacteria lyophilized in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), sodium glutamate, their combinations and horse serum were studied after storage for 2 years at a temperature of 4-10 degrees. A 5 per cent solution of sodium glutamate had a high protective effect on viability of the above organisms. The solution containing 3 per cent of sodium glutamate and 3 per cent of PVP was somewhat less effective. The cultures lyophilized in 5 per cent solution of sodium glutamate had the same viability levels as those lyophilized in horse serum, while the latter had better growth rates on their plating out on nutrient media. A 5 per cent solution of PVP had no advantages over sodium glutamate or horse serum with respect to preservation of the organism viability. No significant differences in the cultural properties: colour of the aerial and substrate mycelium and pigment production were noted in the actinomycetes lyophilized in various protective media and the analogous control cultures maintained by means of passages on fresh nutrient media.

  3. Aluminum in erythropoietin formulations: lyophilized versus liquid forms.

    PubMed

    Veiga, Marlei; Bohrer, Denise; Noremberg, Simone; Mattiazzi, Patricia; do Nascimento, Paulo C; de Carvalho, Leandro M

    2013-01-01

    Erythropoietin (EPO) formulations may comprise aluminum (Al) as a contaminant. Due to the toxicity of Al in chronic kidney disease patients, possible sources of Al were investigated. Since EPO formulations are stored in container-closure systems made of glass and rubber, and both contain Al, formulation ingredients may enable its leaching into the solution during shelf-life. Individual solutions of formulation ingredients were stored in new glass vials and in contact with the rubber stopper and kept at 4 ± 2 °C. For 12 months, aliquots of each solution were collected for analysis. Fifteen commercial samples of EPO were analyzed for their Al content. Aluminum was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Glass and rubber are sources of Al for EPO formulations. Storage assay showed that citrate and phosphate (used as buffers) extracted high amounts of Al from the container/closure parts. The most important difference, however, was found when comparing liquid and lyophilized samples. While in liquid forms the Al level reached 943 μg/L, in lyophilized forms the level did not exceed 20 μg/L. The container system was also confirmed as a source of Al in reconstituted lyophilized samples. Al in reconstituted samples stored in their own vials increased 19-fold in 12 months. Lyophilized powders stored for 2 years in glass vials contained less Al than in 1 month after dissolution. The difference in the Al measured in liquid forms of EPO and in lyophilized powders suggests that the latter would be the best pharmaceutical form for CKD patients.

  4. Effect of stopper processing conditions on moisture content and ramifications for lyophilized products: comparison of "low" and "high" moisture uptake stoppers.

    PubMed

    Donovan, P D; Corvari, V; Burton, M D; Rajagopalan, N

    2007-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of processing and storage on the moisture content of two commercially available, 13-mm lyophilization stoppers designated as low moisture (LM) and high moisture (HM) uptake stoppers. The stopper moisture studies included the effect of steam sterilization time, drying time and temperature, equilibrium moisture content, lyophilization and moisture transfer from stopper to a model-lactose lyophilized cake. Results indicated that both stoppers absorbed significant amounts of moisture during sterilization and that the HM stopper absorbed significantly more water than the LM stopper. LM and HM stoppers required approximately 2 and 8 h drying at 105 degrees C, respectively, to achieve final moisture content of not more than 0.5 mg/stopper. Following drying, stopper moisture levels equilibrated rapidly to ambient storage conditions. The apparent equilibrium moisture level was approximately 7 times higher in the HM versus LM stopper. Freeze-drying had minimal effect on the moisture content of dried stoppers. Finally, moisture transfer from the stopper to the lyophilized product is dependent on the initial stopper water content and storage temperature. To better quantify the ramifications of stopper moisture, projections of moisture uptake over the shelf life of a drug product were calculated based on the product-contact surface area of stoppers. Attention to stopper storage conditions prior to use, in addition to processing steps, are necessary to minimize stability issues especially in low-fill, mass lyophilized products.

  5. [Construction of cTnC-linker-TnI (P) Genes, Expression of Fusion Protein and Preparation of Lyophilized Protein].

    PubMed

    Song, Xiaoli; Liu, Xiaoyun; Cai, Lei; Wu, Jianwei; Wang, Jihua

    2015-12-01

    In order to construct and express human cardiac troponin C-linker-troponin I(P) [ cTnC-linker-TnI(P)] fusion protein, detect its activity and prepare lyophilized protein, we searched the CDs of human cTnC and cTnI from GenBank, synthesized cTnC and cTnI(30-110aa) into cloning vector by a short DNA sequence coding for 15 neutral amino acid residues. pCold I-cTnC-linker-TnI(P) was constructed and transformed into E. coli BL21(DE3). Then, cTnC-linker-TnI(P) fusion protein was induced by isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). Soluable expression of cTnC-linker-TnI(P) in prokaryotic system was successfully obtained. The fusion protein was purified by Ni²⁺ Sepharose 6 Fast Flow affinity chromatography with over 95% purity and prepared into lyophilized protein. The activity of purified cTnC-linker-TnI(P) and its lyophilized protein were detected by Wondfo Finecare™ cTnI Test. Lyophilized protein of cTnC-linker-TnI(P) was stable for 10 or more days at 37 °C and 4 or more months at 25 °C and 4 °C. The expression system established in this research is feasible and efficient. Lyophilized protein is stable enough to be provided as biological raw materials for further research.

  6. Recombinant human G6PD for quality control and quality assurance of novel point-of-care diagnostics for G6PD deficiency.

    PubMed

    Kahn, Maria; LaRue, Nicole; Zhu, Changcheng; Pal, Sampa; Mo, Jack S; Barrett, Lynn K; Hewitt, Steve N; Dumais, Mitchell; Hemmington, Sandra; Walker, Adrian; Joynson, Jeff; Leader, Brandon T; Van Voorhis, Wesley C; Domingo, Gonzalo J

    2017-01-01

    A large gap for the support of point-of-care testing is the availability of reagents to support quality control (QC) of diagnostic assays along the supply chain from the manufacturer to the end user. While reagents and systems exist to support QC of laboratory screening tests for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, they are not configured appropriately to support point-of-care testing. The feasibility of using lyophilized recombinant human G6PD as a QC reagent in novel point-of-care tests for G6PD deficiency is demonstrated. Human recombinant G6PD (r-G6PD) was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. Aliquots were stored at -80°C. Prior to lyophilization, aliquots were thawed, and three concentrations of r-G6PD (representing normal, intermediate, and deficient clinical G6PD levels) were prepared and mixed with a protective formulation, which protects the enzyme activity against degradation from denaturation during the lyophilization process. Following lyophilization, individual single-use tubes of lyophilized r-G6PD were placed in individual packs with desiccants and stored at five temperatures for one year. An enzyme assay for G6PD activity was used to ascertain the stability of r-G6PD activity while stored at different temperatures. Lyophilized r-G6PD is stable and can be used as a control indicator. Results presented here show that G6PD activity is stable for at least 365 days when stored at -80°C, 4°C, 30°C, and 45°C. When stored at 55°C, enzyme activity was found to be stable only through day 28. Lyophilized r-G6PD enzyme is stable and can be used as a control for point-of-care tests for G6PD deficiency.

  7. Bioequivalence of a Liquid Formulation of Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor Compared with Prolastin®-C (Lyophilized Alpha1-PI) in Alpha1-Antitrypsin Deficiency.

    PubMed

    Barker, Alan F; Campos, Michael A; Brantly, Mark L; Stocks, James M; Sandhaus, Robert A; Lee, Douglas; Steinmann, Kimberly; Lin, Jiang; Sorrells, Susan

    2017-12-01

    This study evaluated the bioequivalence, safety, and immunogenicity of a new liquid formulation of human plasma-derived alpha 1 -proteinase inhibitor, Liquid Alpha 1 -PI, compared with the Lyophilized Alpha 1 -PI formulation (Prolastin®-C), for augmentation therapy in patients with alpha 1 -antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). In this double-blind, randomized, 20-week crossover study, 32 subjects with AATD were randomized to receive 8 weekly infusions of 60 mg/kg of Liquid Alpha 1 -PI or Lyophilized Alpha 1 -PI. Serial blood samples were drawn for 7 days after the last dose followed by 8 weeks of the alternative treatment. The primary endpoint was bioequivalence at steady state, as measured by area under the concentration versus time curve from 0 to 7 days (AUC 0-7 days ) postdose using an antigenic content assay. Bioequivalence was defined as 90% confidence interval (CI) for the ratio of the geometric least squares (LS) mean of AUC 0-7 days for both products within the limits of 0.80 and 1.25. Safety and immunogenicity were assessed. Mean alpha 1 -PI concentration versus time curves for both formulations were superimposable. Mean AUC 0-7 days was 20 320 versus 19 838 mg × h/dl for Liquid Alpha 1 -PI and Lyophilized Alpha 1 -PI, respectively. The LS mean ratio of AUC 0-7 days (90% CI) for Liquid Alpha 1 -PI versus Lyophilized Alpha 1 -PI was 1.05 (1.03-1.08), indicating bioequivalence. Liquid Alpha 1 -PI was well tolerated and adverse events were consistent with Lyophilized Alpha 1 -PI. Immunogenicity to either product was not detected. In conclusion, Liquid Alpha 1 -PI is bioequivalent to Lyophilized Alpha 1 -PI, with a similar safety profile. The liquid formulation would eliminate the need for reconstitution and shorten preparation time for patients receiving augmentation therapy for AATD.

  8. Long term storage of virus templated fluorescent materials for sensing applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Seetharam, Raviraja N.; Szuchmacher Blum, Amy; Soto, Carissa M.; Whitley, Jessica L.; Sapsford, Kim E.; Chatterji, Anju; Lin, Tianwei; Johnson, John E.; Guerra, Charles; Satir, Peter; Ratna, Banahalli R.

    2008-03-01

    Wild type, mutant, and chemically modified Cowpea mosaic viruses (CPMV) were studied for long term preservation in the presence and absence of cryoprotectants. Viral complexes were reconstituted and tested via fluorescence spectroscopy and a UV/vis-based RNase assay for structural integrity. When viruses lyophilized in the absence of cryoprotectant were rehydrated and RNase treated, UV absorption increased, indicating that the capsids were damaged. The addition of trehalose during lyophilization protected capsid integrity for at least 7 weeks. Measurements of the fluorescence peak maximum of CPMV lyophilized with trehalose and reconstituted also indicate that the virus remained intact. Microarray binding assays indicated that CPMV particles chemically modified for use as a fluorescent tracer were intact and retained binding specificity after lyophilization in the presence of trehalose. Thus, we demonstrate that functionalized CPMV nanostructures can be stored for the long term, enabling their use in practical sensing applications.

  9. Human milk bactericidal properties: effect of lyophilization and relation to maternal factors and milk components.

    PubMed

    Salcedo, Jaime; Gormaz, Maria; López-Mendoza, Maria C; Nogarotto, Elisabetta; Silvestre, Dolores

    2015-04-01

    Lyophilization appears to be a viable method for storing human milk, assuring no microbiological contamination and preserving its health benefits and antibacterial properties. The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the effects of different storage methods (lyophilization and freezing at -20°C and -80°C) and maternal factors (gestational length or time postpartum) upon the microbiological contents and bactericidal activity of human milk. The possible relation between bactericidal activity and the content of certain nutrients and functional components is also investigated. Microbiological content, bactericidal activity, sialic acid, and ganglioside contents, as well as protein, fat, and lactose concentrations were assessed in 125 human milk samples from 65 healthy donors in the Human Milk Bank of La Fe (Valencia, Spain). Lyophilization and storage at -80°C significantly reduced the content of mesophilic aerobic microorganisms and Staphylococcus epidermidis when compared with storage at -20°C. Bactericidal activity was not significantly modified by lyophilization when compared with freezing at either -20°C or -80°C. Bactericidal activity was not correlated with fat, protein, or lactose content, but was significantly correlated to ganglioside content. The bactericidal activity was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in mature milk and in milk from women with term delivery than in milk from early lactation (days 1-7 postpartum) and milk from women with preterm delivery, respectively. Lyophilization and storage at -80°C of human milk yields similar results and are superior to storage at -20C with regard to microbial and bactericidal capacities, being a feasible alternative for human milk banks.

  10. Design and Testing of a Lyophilizer for Water Recovery from Solid Waste

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Litwiller, Eric; Fisher, John; Flynn, Michael

    2005-01-01

    Mixed liquid/solid wastes, including feces, water processor effluents, and food waste, can be lyophilized (freeze-dried) to recover the water they contain and stabilize the solids remain. Previous research has demonstrated the potential benefits of using thermoelectric heat pumps to build a lyophilizer for processing waste in microgravity. These results were used to build a working prototype suitable for ground-based human testing. This paper describes the prototype design and presents the results of functional and performance tests. Equivalent system mass parameters are calculated, and practical issues such as sanitary waste handling in microgravity are addressed.

  11. Formulation of a dry powder influenza vaccine for nasal delivery.

    PubMed

    Garmise, Robert J; Mar, Kevin; Crowder, Timothy M; Hwang, C Robin; Ferriter, Matthew; Huang, Juan; Mikszta, John A; Sullivan, Vincent J; Hickey, Anthony J

    2006-03-10

    The purpose of this research was to prepare a dry powder vaccine formulation containing whole inactivated influenza virus (WIIV) and a mucoadhesive compound suitable for nasal delivery. Powders containing WIIV and either lactose or trehalose were produced by lyophilization. A micro-ball mill was used to reduce the lyophilized cake to sizes suitable for nasal delivery. Chitosan flakes were reduced in size using a cryo-milling technique. Milled powders were sieved between 45 and 125 microm aggregate sizes and characterized for particle size and distribution, morphology, and flow properties. Powders were blended in the micro-ball mill without the ball. Lyophilization followed by milling produced irregularly shaped, polydisperse particles with a median primary particle diameter of approximately 21 microm and a yield of approximately 37% of particles in the 45 to 125 microm particle size range. Flow properties of lactose and trehalose powders after lyophilization followed by milling and sieving were similar. Cryo-milling produced a small yield of particles in the desired size range (<10%). Lyophilization followed by milling and sieving produced particles suitable for nasal delivery with different physicochemical properties as a function of processing conditions and components of the formulation. Further optimization of particle size and morphology is required for these powders to be suitable for clinical evaluation.

  12. Effects of Chamber Pressure and Partial Pressure of Water Vapor on Secondary Drying in Lyophilization.

    PubMed

    Searles, James A; Aravapalli, Sridhar; Hodge, Cody

    2017-10-01

    Secondary drying is the final step of lyophilization before stoppering, during which water is desorbed from the product to yield the final moisture content. We studied how chamber pressure and partial pressure of water vapor during this step affected the time course of water content of aqueous solutions of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in glass vials. The total chamber pressure had no effect when the partial pressure of water vapor was very low. However, when the vapor phase contained a substantial fraction of water vapor, the PVP moisture content was much higher. We carried out dynamic vapor sorption experiments (DVS) to demonstrate that the higher PVP moisture content was a straightforward result of the higher water vapor content in the lyophilizer. The results highlight that the partial pressure of water vapor is extremely important during secondary drying in lyophilization, and that lower chamber pressure set points for secondary drying may sometimes be justified as a strategy for ensuring low partial pressure of water vapor, especially for lyophilizers that do not inject dry gas to control pressure. These findings have direct application for process transfers/scale ups from freeze-dryers that do not inject dry gas for pressure control to those that do, and vice versa.

  13. Lyophilized artificial diet for rearing the Neotropical Euschistus heros (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

    PubMed Central

    Mendoza, Agustín C.; da Rocha, Aline C. P.

    2016-01-01

    An artificial diet to mass-rear Euschistus heros (F. 1798) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) was developed in the laboratory. Biological studies were conducted under controlled conditions of temperature (25 ± 2°C), RH: 60 ± 10%, and photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D) h. Out of 13 diets tested, 2 diets (D9 and D11) were the most suitable. The artificial diets selected had the same composition (green beans, peanuts, sucrose, water, Nipagin, and sorbic acid) except for different antimicrobial agents (D11 has tetracycline, and D9 doesn’t). The 68% viability for the egg–adult period of insects reared on these lyophilized artificial diets (LAD) was almost twice as high as the 38% viability obtained with the natural diet. Although adults reared on LAD weighed 17% less than those reared on the natural diet, mean fecundity was higher than on the natural diet (282 eggs/female), reaching 430 eggs/female. The net reproductive rate (Ro) increased over the generations for the diets with lyophilized material and antimicrobial agents. The opposite occurred with the diet of lyophilized material without antimicrobial agents, showing that the insects either adapted or degenerated through generations. Lyophilized diets supported the production of E. heros through at least 10 generations, with no degeneration. PMID:27126964

  14. Dramatic enhancement of enzymatic activity in organic solvents by lyoprotectants

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Dabulis, K.; Klibanov, A.M.

    1993-03-05

    When seven different hydrolytic enzymes (four proteases and three lipases) were lyophilized from aqueous solution containing a ligand, N-Ac-L-Phe-NH[sub 2], their catalytic activity in anhydrous solvents was far greater (one to two orders of magnitude) than that of the enzymes lyophilized without the ligand. This ligand-induced activation was expressed regardless of whether the substrate employed in organic solvents structurally resembled the ligand. Furthermore, nonligand lyoprotectants [sorbitol, other sugars, and poly(ethylene glycol)] also dramatically enhanced enzymatic activity in anhydrous solvents when present in enzyme aqueous solution prior to lyophilization. The effects of the ligand and of the lyoprotectants were nonadditive, suggestingmore » the same mechanism of action. Excipient-activated and nonactivated enzymes exhibited identical activities in water. Also, addition of the excipients directly to suspensions of nonactivated enzymes in organic solvents had no appreciable effect on catalytic activity. These observations indicate that the mechanism of the excipient-induced activation is based on the ability of the excipients to alleviate reversible denaturation of enzymes upon lyophilization. Activity enhancement induced by the excipients is displayed even after their removal by washing enzymes with anhydrous solvents. Subtilisin Carlsberg, lyophilized with sorbitol, was found to be a much more efficient practical catalyst than its regular' counterpart.« less

  15. Ethanol production using immobilized Saccharomyces cerevisiae in lyophilized cellulose gel.

    PubMed

    Winkelhausen, Eleonora; Velickova, Elena; Amartey, Samuel A; Kuzmanova, Slobodanka

    2010-12-01

    A new lyophilization technique was used for immobilization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells in hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) gels. The suitability of the lyophilized HEC gels to serve as immobilization matrices for the yeast cells was assessed by calculating the immobilization efficiency and the cell retention in three consecutive batches, each in duration of 72 h. Throughout the repeated batch fermentation, the immobilization efficiency was almost constant with an average value of 0.92 (12-216 h). The maximum value of cell retention was 0.24 g immobilized cells/g gel. Both parameters indicated that lyophilized gels are stable and capable of retaining the immobilized yeast cells. Showing the yeast cells propagation within the polymeric matrix, the scanning electron microscope images also confirmed that the lyophilization technique for immobilization of S. cerevisiae cells in the HEC gels was successful. The activity of the immobilized yeast cells was demonstrated by their capacity to convert glucose to ethanol. Ethanol yield of 0.40, 0.43 and 0.30 g ethanol/g glucose corresponding to 79%, 84% and 60% of the theoretical yield was attained in the first, second and third batches, respectively. The cell leakage was less than 10% of the average concentration of the immobilized cells.

  16. Lyophilization, Reconstitution, and DBP Formation in Reverse-Osmosis Concentrated Natural Organic Matter

    EPA Science Inventory

    Drinking water treatment and disinfection byproduct (DBP) research can be complicated by natural organic matter (NOM) temporal variability. NOM preservation by lyophilization (freeze-drying) has been long practiced to address this issue; however, its applicability for drinking w...

  17. Development of hemoglobin typing control materials for laboratory investigation of thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies.

    PubMed

    Pornprasert, Sakorn; Tookjai, Monthathip; Punyamung, Manoo; Pongpunyayuen, Panida; Jaiping, Kanokwan

    2016-01-01

    To date, the hemoglobin (Hb) typing control materials for laboratory investigation of thalassemia with low (1.8%-3.2%) and high (4%-6%) levels of HbA2 are available but there are no Hb typing quality control materials for analysis of thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies which are highly prevalent in South-East Asian countries. The main aim of the present study was to develop the lyophilized Hb typing control materials for laboratory investigation of thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies that are commonly found in South-East Asia. Erythrocytes of blood samples containing Hb Bart's, HbH, HbE, HbF, Hb Constant Spring (CS), Hb Hope, and Hb Q-Thailand were washed and dialysed with 0.85% saline solution. The erythrocytes were then lysed in 5% sucrose solution. The lyophilized Hb typing control materials were prepared by using a freeze drying (lyophilization) method. The high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of lyophilized Hb was performed after the storage at -20 °C for 1 year and also after reconstitution and storage at 4 or -20 °C for 30 days. In addition, the Hb analysis was compared between the three different methods of HPLC, low pressure liquid chromatography (LPLC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE). Following a year of storage at -20 °C, the HPLC chromatograms of lyophilized Hb typing control materials showed similar patterns to the equivalent fresh whole blood. The stability of reconstituted Hb typing control materials was also observed through 30 days after reconstitution and storage at -20 °C. Moreover, the Hb typing control materials could be analyzed by three methods, HPLC, LPLC and CE. Even a degraded peak of HbCS was found on CE electropherogram. The lyophilized Hb typing control materials could be developed and used as control materials for investigation of thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies.

  18. A double-blind, placebo-controlled oral challenge study with lyophilized larvae and antigen of the fish parasite, Anisakis simplex.

    PubMed

    Sastre, J; Lluch-Bernal, M; Quirce, S; Arrieta, I; Lahoz, C; Del Amo, A; Fernández-Caldas, E; Marañón, F

    2000-06-01

    The third-stage larvae of Anisakis simplex may be a hidden source of allergens in fish. The objective was to determine whether the ingestion of lyophilized A. simplex larvae, or antigen, induces clinical symptoms in a group of A. simplex-sensitized patients. Double-blind, placebo-controlled oral challenges were conducted in 11 individuals who had experienced allergic reactions after eating fish. Another patient had chronic urticaria unrelated to the ingestion of fish. All patients had positive skin tests and specific IgE determinations for A. simplex and negative skin tests to a battery of fish species. Conjunctival tests with A. simplex extracts were conducted in all patients and in five controls. The 12 patients received capsules containing either lactose or one, five, or 25 lyophilized larvae of A. simplex at 2-h intervals in a double-blind fashion. The highest single dose was 100 larvae. ECP and tryptase levels in serum were measured before and after the last oral challenge. Lyophilized antigen was also given to five patients. None of the 12 patients experienced a positive reaction after the ingestion of the placebo, the lyophilized larvae, or the antigen. Tryptase and ECP levels before and after challenges did not change significantly. Conjunctival provocation tests were positive in 11 out of the 12 patients and in none of the controls. The ingestion of 100 lyophilized A. simplex larvae, or its equivalent in antigen, does not induce clinical symptoms in individuals with a clinical history and laboratory findings of hypersensitivity to A. simplex. The data suggest that only the ingestion of live larvae may be capable of inducing allergic manifestations.

  19. Effect of cryopreservation and lyophilization on viability and growth of strict anaerobic human gut microbes.

    PubMed

    Bircher, Lea; Geirnaert, Annelies; Hammes, Frederik; Lacroix, Christophe; Schwab, Clarissa

    2018-04-17

    Strict anaerobic gut microbes have been suggested as 'next-generation probiotics' for treating several intestinal disorders. The development of preservation techniques is of major importance for therapeutic application. This study investigated cryopreservation (-80°C) and lyophilization survival and storage stability (4°C for 3 months) of the strict anaerobic gut microbes Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia intestinalis, Anaerostipes caccae, Eubacterium hallii and Blautia obeum. To improve preservation survival, protectants sucrose and inulin (both 5% w/v) were added for lyophilization and were also combined with glycerol (15% v/v) for cryopreservation. Bacterial fitness, evaluated by maximum growth rate and lag phase, viability and membrane integrity were determined using a standardized growth assay and by flow cytometry as markers for preservation resistance. Lyophilization was more detrimental to viability and fitness than cryopreservation, but led to better storage stability. Adding sucrose and inulin enhanced viability and the proportion of intact cells during lyophilization of all strains. Viability of protectant-free B. thetaiotaomicron, A. caccae and F. prausnitzii was above 50% after cryopreservation and storage and increased to above 80% if protectants were present. The addition of glycerol, sucrose and inulin strongly enhanced the viability of B. obeum, E. hallii and R. intestinalis from 0.03-2% in protectant-free cultures to 11-37%. This is the first study that quantitatively compared the effect of cryopreservation and lyophilization and the addition of selected protectants on viability and fitness of six strict anaerobic gut microbes. Our results suggest that efficiency of protectants is process- and species-specific. © 2018 The Authors. Microbial Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Society for Applied Microbiology.

  20. Assessment of degree of disorder (amorphicity) of lyophilized formulations of growth hormone using isothermal microcalorimetry.

    PubMed

    Mosharraf, Mitra

    2004-05-01

    When determining the degree of disorder of a lyophilized cake of a protein, it is important to use an appropriate analytical technique. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) are the most commonly used thermoanalytical techniques for characterizing freeze-dried protein formulations. Unfortunately, these methods are unable to detect solid-state disorder at levels < 10%. Also, interpretation of DSC results for freeze-dried protein formulations can be difficult, as a result of the more complex thermal events occurring with this technique. For example, proteins can inhibit the thermally induced recrystallization of the lyophilized cake, resulting in potential misinterpretation of DSC degree of disorder results. The aim of this investigation was to study the use of isothermal microcalorimetry (IMC) in the assessment of degree of solid-state disorder (amorphicity) of lyophilized formulations of proteins. For this purpose, two formulations of growth hormone were prepared by lyophilization. These formulations consisted of the same amounts of protein, mannitol, glycine, and phosphate buffer, but differed in the freeze-drying procedure. After lyophilization, the recrystallization of the samples was studied using IMC at 25 degrees C under different relative humidities (58-75%). The effect of available surface area was studied by determining the heat of recrystallization (Q) of the samples before and after disintegration of the cakes. The results showed that, in contrast to DSC, IMC allowed detection of the recrystallization event in the formulations. Although both formulations were completely disordered and indistinguishable according to XRPD method, IMC revealed that formulation B had a different solid-sate structure than formulation A. This difference was the result of differences in the freeze-drying parameters, demonstrating the importance of choosing appropriate analytical methodology.

  1. An integrated process analytical technology (PAT) approach to monitoring the effect of supercooling on lyophilization product and process parameters of model monoclonal antibody formulations.

    PubMed

    Awotwe Otoo, David; Agarabi, Cyrus; Khan, Mansoor A

    2014-07-01

    The aim of the present study was to apply an integrated process analytical technology (PAT) approach to control and monitor the effect of the degree of supercooling on critical process and product parameters of a lyophilization cycle. Two concentrations of a mAb formulation were used as models for lyophilization. ControLyo™ technology was applied to control the onset of ice nucleation, whereas tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) was utilized as a noninvasive tool for the inline monitoring of the water vapor concentration and vapor flow velocity in the spool during primary drying. The instantaneous measurements were then used to determine the effect of the degree of supercooling on critical process and product parameters. Controlled nucleation resulted in uniform nucleation at lower degrees of supercooling for both formulations, higher sublimation rates, lower mass transfer resistance, lower product temperatures at the sublimation interface, and shorter primary drying times compared with the conventional shelf-ramped freezing. Controlled nucleation also resulted in lyophilized cakes with more elegant and porous structure with no visible collapse or shrinkage, lower specific surface area, and shorter reconstitution times compared with the uncontrolled nucleation. Uncontrolled nucleation however resulted in lyophilized cakes with relatively lower residual moisture contents compared with controlled nucleation. TDLAS proved to be an efficient tool to determine the endpoint of primary drying. There was good agreement between data obtained from TDLAS-based measurements and SMART™ technology. ControLyo™ technology and TDLAS showed great potential as PAT tools to achieve enhanced process monitoring and control during lyophilization cycles. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

  2. Effect of lyophilized powder made from enzymolyzed honeybee larvae on tinnitus-related symptoms, hearing levels, and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis-related hormones.

    PubMed

    Aoki, Mitsuhiro; Wakaoka, Yoshinori; Hayashi, Hisamitsu; Kuze, Bunya; Mizuta, Keisuke; Ito, Yatsuji

    2012-01-01

    Tinnitus interferes with sleep and concentration which is associated with depression; however, no drug has been effective in treating tinnitus. Our purpose is to evaluate our hypothesis that the treatment with lyophilized powder of enzymolyzed honeybee larvae as a complementary medicine may provide a therapeutic effect on tinnitus-related symptoms. Sixty tinnitus sufferers participated in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial using the lyophilized powder of enzymolyzed honeybee larvae or a placebo. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, a visual analog scale to rate the severity of tinnitus, hearing levels, and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis-related hormones drawn early in the morning were measured upon entry into the study and after 12 wk of follow-up. The lyophilized powder of enzymolyzed honeybee larvae was not superior to placebo with regard to the total score on the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and the visual analog scale. However, subjects in the honeybee larvae group showed significant improvements in some items about depression associated with tinnitus, whereas subjects in the placebo group showed no improvement in any items. The honeybee larvae group showed significant improvements in the hearing levels at 2 and 4 kHz in the audiogram of the better ear. The intervention of the lyophilized powder of enzymolyzed honeybee larvae was associated with lower serum cortisol levels, serum prolactin levels, and cortisol/dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate ratios. The ratios in the placebo group significantly were increased. Our results suggest that the lyophilized powder of enzymolyzed honeybee larvae represents an effective complementary medicine to alleviate depression associated with tinnitus by regulating the activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis.

  3. Live RB51 vaccine lyophilized hydrogel formulations with increased shelf life for practical ballistic delivery

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Ballistic delivery capability is essential to delivering vaccines and other therapeutics effectively to both livestock and wildlife in many global scenarios. Here, lyophilized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-glycolide dimethacrylate crosslinked but degradable hydrogels were assessed as payload vehicles ...

  4. Whole Lyophilized Olives as Sources of Unexpectedly High Amounts of Secoiridoids: The Case of Three Tuscan Cultivars.

    PubMed

    Cecchi, Lorenzo; Migliorini, Marzia; Cherubini, Chiara; Innocenti, Marzia; Mulinacci, Nadia

    2015-02-04

    The phenolic profiles of three typical Tuscan olive cultivars, Frantoio, Moraiolo, and Leccino, stored in different conditions (fresh, frozen, and whole lyophilized fruits), have been compared during the ripening period. Our main goals were to evaluate the phenolic content of whole freeze-dried fruits and to test the stability of the corresponding cake in oxidative-stress conditions. The comparison of fresh and whole freeze-dried fruits from the 2012 season gave unexpected results; e.g., oleuropein in lyophilized fruits was up to 20 times higher than in fresh olives with values up to 80.3 g/kg. Over time we noted that the olive pastes obtained from lyophilized olives contained highly stable phenolic compounds, even under strong oxidative stress conditions. Finally, it was also observed that the cake/powder obtained from unripe freeze-dried olives was very poor in oil content and therefore quite suitable for use in nutritional supplements rich in phenolic compounds, such as secoiridoids, which are not widely present in the human diet.

  5. Carbon-deuterium rotational-echo double-resonance NMR spectroscopy of lyophilized aspartame formulations.

    PubMed

    Luthra, Suman A; Utz, Marcel; Gorman, Eric M; Pikal, Michael J; Munson, Eric J; Lubach, Joseph W

    2012-01-01

    In this study, changes in the local conformation of aspartame were observed in annealed lyophilized glasses by monitoring changes in the distance between two labeled sites using C-(2)H rotational-echo double-resonance (REDOR) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Confirmation that the REDOR experiments were producing accurate distance measurement was ensured by measuring the (13)C-(15)N distance in glycine. The experiment was further verified by measuring the REDOR dephasing curve on (13)C-(2)H methionine. (13)C-(2)H REDOR dephasing curves were then measured on lyophilized aspartame-disaccharide formulations. In aspartame-sucrose formulation, the internuclear distances increased upon annealing, which correlated with decreased chemical reactivity. By contrast, annealing had only a minimal effect on the dephasing curve in aspartame-trehalose formulation. The results show that stability is a function of both mobility and local structure (conformation), even in a small molecule system such as lyophilized aspartame-sucrose. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  6. Development of a lyophilized parenteral pharmaceutical formulation of the investigational polypeptide marine anticancer agent kahalalide F.

    PubMed

    Nuijen, B; Bouma, M; Talsma, H; Manada, C; Jimeno, J M; Lopez-Lazaro, L; Bult, A; Beijnen, J H

    2001-09-01

    Kahalalide F is a novel antitumor agent isolated from the marine mollusk Elysia rufescens; it has shown highly selective in vitro activity against androgen-independent prostate tumors. The purpose of this study was to develop a stable parenteral formulation of kahalalide F to be used in early clinical trials. Solubility and stability of kahalalide F were studied as a function of polysorbate 80 (0.1%-0.5% w/v) and citric acid monohydrate (15-15 mM) concentrations using an experimental design approach. Stabilities of kahalalide F lyophilized products containing crystalline (mannitol) or amorphous (sucrose) bulking agents were studied at +5 degrees C and +30 degrees C +/- 60% relative humidity (RH) in the dark. Lyophilized products were characterized by infrared (IR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Recovery studies after reconstitution of kahalalide F lyophilized product and further dilution in infusion fluid were carried out to select an optimal reconstitution vehicle. It was found that a combination of polysorbate 80 and citric acid monohydrate is necessary to solubilize kahalalide F. Lyophilized products were considerably less stable with increasing polysorbate 80 and citric acid monohydrate concentrations, with polysorbate 80 being the major effector. A combination of 0.1% w/v polysorbate 80 and 5 mM citric acid monohydrate was selected for further investigation. Lyophilized products containing sucrose as a hulking agent were more stable compared to the products containing mannitol. The glass transition temperature of the sucrose-based product was determined to be + 46 degrees C. The amorphous state of the product was confirmed by IR analysis. A solution composed of Cremophor EL, ethanol, and water for injection (5%/5%/90% v/v/v CEW, kept kahalalide F in solution after reconstitution andfurther dilution with 0.9% w/v sodium chloride (normal saline) to 1.5 microg/m. A stable lyophilized formulation was presented containing 100 microg of kahalalide F, 100 mg sucrose, 2.1 mg citric acid monohydrate, and 2mg polysorbate 80 to be reconstituted with a vehicle composed of 5%/5%/90% v/v/v CEW and to be diluted further using normal saline.

  7. Disinfection Byproduct Formation in Reverse-Osmosis Concentrated and Lyophilized Natural Organic Matter from a Drinking Water Source

    EPA Science Inventory

    Drinking water treatment and disinfection byproduct (DBP) research can be complicated by natural organic matter (NOM) temporal variability. NOM preservation by lyophilization (freeze-drying) has been long practiced to address this issue; however, its applicability for drinking wa...

  8. Structure and physical stability of hydrates and thermotropic mesophase of calcium benzoate.

    PubMed

    Terakita, Akira; Byrn, Stephen R

    2006-05-01

    The aim of this study is to investigate the hydration and the dehydration processes of calcium benzoate hydrates (trihydrate and monohydrate), thermotropic mesophases (dehydrated mesophase and lyophilized mesophase) and amorphous state, and the influence of their molecular order on those processes. X-ray analysis revealed that trihydrate has a planar structure composed of two types of planes-one from benzoic acid, water, and calcium ion and another from benzoic acid and water-and that both planes are linked by three water molecules. It was found that calcium benzoate was able to exist as thermotropic mesophases by dehydration of trihydrate and lyophilization. These mesophases were characterized by polarizing-light microscopy (PLM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both mesophases prepared by two procedures showed some similar physical properties, but lyophilized mesophase seemed to have molecular structure with higher order than dehydrated mesophase. The mesophases exhibited different hydration behavior. The dehydrated mesophase showed a stepwise rehydration process where it became monohydrate first and then trihydrate. The lyophilized mesophase became trihydrate without appearance of monohydrate. An amorphous form could also be prepared and it rehydrated first to the monohydrate and then trihydrate. The results suggest that the more disordered dehydrated mesophase and amorphous state change to monohydrate whereas the more ordered lyophilized mesophase cannot change to monohydrate but only to trihydrate.

  9. Assessing the impact of lyophilization process in production of implants based on the bacterial cellulose using Raman spectroscopy method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Timchenko, E. V.; Timchenko, P. E.; Pisareva, E. V.; Vlasov, M. Yu; Revin, V. V.; Klenova, N. A.; Asadova, A. A.

    2017-01-01

    In this article we present the research results of lyophilization process influence on the composition of hybrid materials based on the bacterial cellulose (BC) using Raman spectroscopy method. As an object of research was used BC, as well as hybrids based on it, comprising the various combinations of hydroxyapatite (HAP) and collagen. Our studies showed that during the lyophilization process changes the ratio of the individual components. It was found that for samples hybrid based on BC with addition of HAP occurs increase of PO4 3- peak intensity in the region 956 cm-1 with decreasing width, which indicates a change in the degree of HAP crystallinity.

  10. PCR amplification of 16S rDNA from lyophilized cell cultures facilitates studies in molecular systematics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wisotzkey, J. D.; Jurtshuk, P. Jr; Fox, G. E.

    1990-01-01

    The sequence of the major portion of a Bacillus cycloheptanicus strain SCH(T) 16S rRNA gene is reported. This sequence suggests that B. cycloheptanicus is genetically quite distinct from traditional Bacillus strains (e.g., B. subtilis) and may be properly regarded as belonging to a different genus. The sequence was determined from DNA that was produced by direct amplification of ribosomal DNA from a lyophilized cell pellet with straightforward polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedures. By obviating the need to revive cell cultures from the lyophile pellet, this approach facilitates rapid 16S rDNA sequencing and thereby advances studies in molecular systematics.

  11. Long Shelf Life of a Lyophilized DNA Aptamer Beacon Assay.

    PubMed

    Bruno, John G

    2017-03-01

    An aptamer beacon previously developed to detect C-telopeptide (CTx) from human bone collagen breakdown was lyophilized and shown to give a "lights on" concentration-dependent spectral fluorescence response essentially identical to that of the fresh reagent despite storage in a dark dry environment for the past 5.5 years.

  12. Survival and symbiotic effectivity of lyophilized root nodule bacteria.

    PubMed

    Küçük, C; Kivanç, M

    2008-08-15

    The study has been carried out under the greenhouse and laboratory conditions, using the lyophilization technique to determine the preserving possibilities of 3 native strain isolated from bean root nodules that been widely cultivated in Turkey and was defined as Rhizobium bacteria. The strains been developed separately in the Petri dishes with YMA (Yeast Extract Mannitol Agar) sown into lyophilization tubes containing skim milk, frozen at -85 degrees C and dehydrated at -55 degrees C with vacuum. According to the cultural counting results continued for 35 months after lyophilization, while the living cells in R11 strains and R12 strains found as 41 x 10(9) and 35.5 x 10(9) cell mL(-1), respectively, the best result was determined in the R13 strain as 51.5 x 10(9) cell mL(-1). In the greenhouse trials, the dry weight of plant's green parts, the number of nodules and total nitrogen amounts were evaluated. The tested strains were inoculated with bean varieties peculiar to themselves and the lyophilizated cultures gave similar results with the main cultures kept in tubes with YMA.

  13. The use of spin desalting columns in DMSO-quenched H/D-exchange NMR experiments

    PubMed Central

    Chandak, Mahesh S; Nakamura, Takashi; Takenaka, Toshio; Chaudhuri, Tapan K; Yagi-Utsumi, Maho; Chen, Jin; Kato, Koichi; Kuwajima, Kunihiro

    2013-01-01

    Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)-quenched hydrogen/deuterium (H/D)-exchange is a powerful method to characterize the H/D-exchange behaviors of proteins and protein assemblies, and it is potentially useful for investigating non-protected fast-exchanging amide protons in the unfolded state. However, the method has not been used for studies on fully unfolded proteins in a concentrated denaturant or protein solutions at high salt concentrations. In all of the current DMSO-quenched H/D-exchange studies of proteins so far reported, lyophilization was used to remove D2O from the protein solution, and the lyophilized protein was dissolved in the DMSO solution to quench the H/D exchange reactions and to measure the amide proton signals by two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D NMR) spectra. The denaturants or salts remaining after lyophilization thus prevent the measurement of good NMR spectra. In this article, we report that the use of spin desalting columns is a very effective alternative to lyophilization for the medium exchange from the D2O buffer to the DMSO solution. We show that the medium exchange by a spin desalting column takes only about 10 min in contrast to an overnight length of time required for lyophilization, and that the use of spin desalting columns has made it possible to monitor the H/D-exchange behavior of a fully unfolded protein in a concentrated denaturant. We report the results of unfolded ubiquitin in 6.0M guanidinium chloride. PMID:23339068

  14. Effect of controlled ice nucleation on primary drying stage and protein recovery in vials cooled in a modified freeze-dryer.

    PubMed

    Passot, Stéphanie; Tréléa, Ioan Cristian; Marin, Michèle; Galan, Miquel; Morris, G John; Fonseca, Fernanda

    2009-07-01

    The freezing step influences lyophilization efficiency and protein stability. The main objective of this work was to investigate the impact on the primary drying stage of an ultrasound controlled ice nucleation technology, compared with usual freezing protocols. Lyophilization cycles involving different freezing protocols (applying a constant shelf cooling rate of 1 degrees C/min or 0.2 degrees C/min, putting vials on a precooled shelf, and controlling nucleation by ultrasounds or by addition of a nucleating agent) were performed in a prototype freeze-dryer. Three protective media including sucrose or maltodextrin and differing by their thermal properties and their ability to preserve a model protein (catalase) were used. The visual aspect of the lyophilized cake, residual water content, and enzymatic activity recovery of catalase were assessed after each lyophilization cycle and after 1 month of storage of the lyophilized product at 4 degrees C and 25 degrees C. The freezing protocols allowing increasing nucleation temperature (precooled shelf and controlled nucleation by using ultrasounds or a nucleating agent) induced a faster sublimation step and higher sublimation rate homogeneity. Whatever the composition of the protective medium, applying the ultrasound technology made it possible to decrease the sublimation time by 14%, compared with the freezing method involving a constant shelf cooling rate of 1 degrees C/min. Concerning the enzyme activity recovery, the impact of the freezing protocol was observed only for the protective medium involving maltodextrin, a less effective protective agent than sucrose. Higher activity recovery results were obtained after storage when the ultrasound technology or the precooled shelf method was applied. Controlling ice nucleation during the freezing step of the lyophilization process improved the homogeneity of the sublimation rates, which will, in turn, reduce the intervial heterogeneity. The freeze-dryer prototype including the system of controlled nucleation by ultrasounds appears to be a promising tool in accelerating sublimation and improving intrabatch homogeneity.

  15. Moisture-induced aggregation of lyophilized DNA and its prevention.

    PubMed

    Sharma, Vikas K; Klibanov, Alexander M

    2007-01-01

    To investigate the moisture-induced aggregation (i.e., a loss of solubility in water) of DNA in a solid state and to develop rational strategies for its prevention. Lyophilized calf thymus DNA was exposed to relative humidity (RH) levels from 11% to 96% at 55 degrees C. Following a 24-h incubation under these stressed conditions, the solubility of DNA in different aqueous solutions and the water uptake of DNA were determined. The effects of solution pH and NaCl concentration and the presence of excipients (dextran and sucrose) on the subsequent moisture-induced aggregation of DNA were examined. The extent of this aggregation was compared with that of a supercoiled plasmid DNA. Upon a 24-h incubation at 55 degrees C, calf thymus DNA underwent a major moisture-induced aggregation reaching a maximum at a 60% RH; in contrast, the single-stranded DNA exhibited the maximal aggregation at a 96% RH. Moisture uptake and aqueous solubility studies revealed that the aggregation was primarily due to formation of inter-strand hydrogen bonds. Aggregation of DNA also proceeded at 37 degrees C, albeit at a slower rate. Solution pH and NaCl concentration affected DNA aggregation only at higher RH levels. This aggregation was markedly reduced by co-lyophilization with dextran or sucrose (but not with PEG). The aggregation pattern of a supercoiled plasmid DNA was similar to that of its linear calf thymus counterpart. The moisture-induced aggregation of lyophilized DNA is caused mainly by non-covalent cross-links between disordered, single-stranded regions of DNA. At high RH levels, renaturation and aggregation of DNA compete with each other. The aggregation is minimized at low RH levels, at optimal solution pH and salt concentration prior to lyophilization, and by co-lyophilizing with excipients capable of forming multiple hydrogen bonds, e.g., dextran and sucrose.

  16. Disposition of lypophilized (methylmethacrylate-14C, 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate, butylacrylate) nanoparticles in rats and their effect on zoxazolamine paralysis time.

    PubMed

    Kukan, M; Koprda, V; Bezek, S; Kálal, J; Labský, J; Trnovec, T

    1991-01-01

    The fate of lyophilized (methylmethacrylate-14C, 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate, butylacrylate) nanoparticles was studied in male Wistar rats after p.o. administration. It was found that at least 4% of the dose of 14C was absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after a single dose with these nanoparticles. Some radioactivity (less than 0.15% of dose) was found 7 d after administration in lung, spleen and liver. As expected excretion of the label was predominated via the feces. Ten d of p.o. treatment of rats with lyophilized nanoparticles (1 g/kg of body weight) was shown to prolong significantly zoxazolamine paralysis time. This result suggests that lyophilized nanoparticles decreased elimination of zoxazolamine.

  17. Effect of lyophilized water extracts of Melissa officinalis on the stability of algae and linseed oil-in-water emulsion to be used as a functional ingredient in meat products.

    PubMed

    de Ciriano, Mikel García-Iñiguez; Rehecho, Sheyla; Calvo, Maria Isabel; Cavero, Rita Yolanda; Navarro, Iñigo; Astiasarán, Iciar; Ansorena, Diana

    2010-06-01

    Previous work pointed out the possibility to enhance the nutritional value of meat products using long chain omega-3 PUFA enriched emulsions. Oil-in-water emulsions elaborated with a mixture of algae and linseed oils (15:10) in order to be used as functional ingredient were stabilized with BHA (butylhydroxyanisol) or with a lyophilized water extract of Melissa officinalis L. (Lemon balm). The lipid profile of the oil mixture showed a high amount of DHA (31.7%), oleic (25.4%) and alpha-linolenic acid (12.7%) resulting in a very low omega-6/omega-3 ratio (0.12). The lyophilized extract of M. officinalis showed a high antioxidant activity (being 62ppm of the lyophilized water extract of Melissa equivalent to 200ppm of BHA, using the DPPH assay as reference), and high total phenolic content. Studying the oxidation process in the emulsions during 15days at room temperature, it could be concluded that this extract was as efficient as BHA in order to control the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. The impact of hydration changes in fresh bio-tissue on THz spectroscopic measurements.

    PubMed

    Png, G M; Choi, J W; Ng, B W-H; Mickan, S P; Abbott, D; Zhang, X-C

    2008-07-07

    We present a study of how residual hydration in fresh rat tissue samples can vastly alter their extracted terahertz (THz) optical properties and influence their health assessment. Fresh (as opposed to preserved) tissue most closely mimics in vivo conditions, but high water content creates many challenges for tissue handling and THz measurement. Our THz measurements of fresh tissue over time highlight the effect of tissue hydration on tissue texture and dimension, the latter directly influencing the accuracy of calculated optical properties. We then introduce lyophilization (freeze drying) as a viable solution for overcoming hydration and freshness problems. Lyophilization removes large amounts of water while retaining sample freshness. In addition, lyophilized tissue samples are easy to handle and their textures and dimensions do not vary over time, allowing for consistent and stable THz measurements. A comparison of lyophilized and fresh tissue shows for the first time that freeze drying may be one way of overcoming tissue hydration issues while preserving tissue cellular structure. Finally, we compare THz measurements from fresh tissue against necrotic tissue to verify freshness over time. Indeed, THz measurements from fresh and necrotic tissues show marked differences.

  19. Optimized determination method for trans-10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid content in royal jelly by high-performance liquid chromatography with an internal standard.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Jinhui; Xue, Xiaofeng; Li, Yi; Zhang, Jinzhen; Zhao, Jing

    2007-01-01

    An optimized reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed to detect the trans-10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA) content in royal jelly cream and lyophilized powder. The sample was extracted using absolute ethanol. Chromatographic separation of 10-HDA and methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate as the internal standard was performed on a Nova-pak C18 column. The average recoveries were 95.0-99.2% (n = 5) with relative standard deviation (RSD) values of 1.3-2.1% for royal jelly cream and 98.0-100.0% (n = 5) with RSD values of 1.6-3.0% for lyophilized powder, respectively. The limits of detection and quantitation were 0.5 and 1.5 mg/kg, respectively, for both royal jelly cream and lyophilized powder. The method was validated for the determination of practical royal jelly products. The concentration of 10-HDA ranged from 1.26 to 2.21% for pure royal jelly cream samples and 3.01 to 6.19% for royal jelly lyophilized powder samples. For 30 royal jelly products, the 10-HDA content varied from not detectable to 0.98%.

  20. Effect of pH on fecal recovery of energy derived from volatile fatty acids.

    PubMed

    Kien, C L; Liechty, E A

    1987-01-01

    We assessed the effect of pH on volatilization of short-chain fatty acids during lyophilization. Acetic, propionic, valeric, and butyric acids were added to a fecal homogenate in amounts sufficient to raise the energy density by 18-27%. Fecal homogenate samples were either acidified (pH 2.8-3.2), alkalinized (pH 7.9-8.7), or left unchanged (4.0-4.8) prior to lyophilization and subsequent bomb calorimetry. Alkalinizing the fecal samples prevented the 20% loss of energy derived from each of these volatile fatty acids observed in samples either acidified or without pH adjustment. These data suggest that in energy balance studies involving subjects with active colonic fermentation, fecal samples should be alkalinized prior to lyophilization and bomb calorimetry.

  1. Influence of culture conditions and preconditioning on survival of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subspecies bulgaricus ND02 during lyophilization.

    PubMed

    Shao, Yuyu; Gao, Shuran; Guo, Huiling; Zhang, Heping

    2014-03-01

    The cryotolerance of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus is weak during vacuum freeze-drying. Many factors affect cryoresistance of these bacteria, such as cryoprotectant composition, the lyophilization technology used, and the intrinsic characteristics of the bacteria. In this research, we explored the fermentation technology and other preconditioning treatments of cells in improving the cryoresistance of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus strains during lyophilization. The addition of yeast extract in the propagation medium exerted a negative effect on the cryotolerance of these bacteria and decreased survival during lyophilization. The count of the freeze-dried cells from medium containing a high level (4%) of yeast extract was only 4.1 × 10(9) cfu/g, indicating a death rate as high as 88%, compared with the culture medium without yeast extract, with a lower death rate of 44.7%. When Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus ND02 was propagated in yeast extract-free de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe broth at a set pH value of 5.1, the cells showed unexpectedly higher survival after freeze-drying. Viable counts of the lyophilized cell of strain ND02 cultivated at pH 5.1 could reach 1.05 × 10(11)cfu/g and survival of the freeze-drying process was 68.3%, whereas at pH 5.7, survival was only 51.2%. We also examined the effects of pretreatment of cells on survival of the bacteria after vacuum freeze-drying. By analyzing the effect of pretreatment conditions on the expression of cold- and heat-shock genes, we established 2 pretreatments that improved survival of cells after lyophilization. Optimal fermentation conditions and pretreatment of the cell-cryoprotectant mixture at 10°C for 2h or 37°C for 30 min improved the cryoresistance of 4 strains of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus to varying degrees. Cells of IMAU20269 and IMAU20291 that were pretreated showed enhanced survival of 16.06 and 16.82%, respectively, after lyophilization. Expression of cold- and heat-shock genes for pretreated strains ND02, IMAU80423, IMAU20269, and IMAU20291 was analyzed by using quantitative PCR. From the expression of 2 cold shock-induced genes (cspA and cspB) and 6 heat shock-induced genes (groES, hsp, hsp20, hsp40, hsp60, and hsp70), strain ND02 showed a higher relative quantity of gene expression and displayed superior resistance to cold-induced stress during the freeze-drying process. Copyright © 2014 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Impact of critical process and formulation parameters affecting in-process stability of lactate dehydrogenase during the secondary drying stage of lyophilization: a mini freeze dryer study.

    PubMed

    Luthra, Sumit; Obert, Jean-Philippe; Kalonia, Devendra S; Pikal, Michael J

    2007-09-01

    The stresses during the secondary-drying stage of lyophilization were investigated using a controlled humidity mini-freeze-dryer [Luthra S, Obert J-P, Kalonia DS, Pikal MJ. 2007. Investigation of drying stresses on proteins during lyophilization: Differentiation between primary and secondary-drying stresses on lactate dehydrogenase using a humidity controlled mini freeze-dryer. J Pharm Sci 96: 61-70.]. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), was formulated in: (1) Tween 80, (2) citrate buffer, and (3) both Tween 80 and citrate buffer. Protein activity recovery was measured as a function of relative humidity (RH), product temperature, and drying duration. Studies were also conducted with different concentrations of sucrose, sorbitol, and poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP). LDH stability was affected to a small extent by RH and significantly by drying temperature and duration. Complete stabilization of LDH was observed when lyophilized with sucrose and PVP but only a partial stabilization was observed with sorbitol. The mini-freeze-dryer enabled studying the process parameters independently, unlike a conventional study where these effects are generally convoluted. The results suggest that the stability of the protein is a function of the dynamics of the system during lyophilization. The origin of the stabilization effect of sucrose, which could, in principle, be attributed both to direct interaction with the protein or vitrification of the protein was elucidated using lyoprotectants that can either hydrogen bond well with the protein (sorbitol) or form a good glass (PVP). It appears both effects are required for complete stabilization of the protein. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

  3. Predicting protein aggregation during storage in lyophilized solids using solid state amide hydrogen/deuterium exchange with mass spectrometric analysis (ssHDX-MS).

    PubMed

    Moorthy, Balakrishnan S; Schultz, Steven G; Kim, Sherry G; Topp, Elizabeth M

    2014-06-02

    Solid state amide hydrogen/deuterium exchange with mass spectrometric analysis (ssHDX-MS) was used to assess the conformation of myoglobin (Mb) in lyophilized formulations, and the results correlated with the extent of aggregation during storage. Mb was colyophilized with sucrose (1:1 or 1:8 w/w), mannitol (1:1 w/w), or NaCl (1:1 w/w) or in the absence of excipients. Immediately after lyophilization, samples of each formulation were analyzed by ssHDX-MS and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to assess Mb conformation, and by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) to determine the extent of aggregation. The remaining samples were then placed on stability at 25 °C and 60% RH or 40 °C and 75% RH for up to 1 year, withdrawn at intervals, and analyzed for aggregate content by SEC and DLS. In ssHDX-MS of samples immediately after lyophilization (t = 0), Mb was less deuterated in solids containing sucrose (1:1 and 1:8 w/w) than in those containing mannitol (1:1 w/w), NaCl (1:1 w/w), or Mb alone. Deuterium uptake kinetics and peptide mass envelopes also indicated greater Mb structural perturbation in mannitol, NaCl, or Mb-alone samples at t = 0. The extent of deuterium incorporation and kinetic parameters related to rapidly and slowly exchanging amide pools (Nfast, Nslow), measured at t = 0, were highly correlated with the extent of aggregation on storage as measured by SEC. In contrast, the extent of aggregation was weakly correlated with FTIR band intensity and peak position measured at t = 0. The results support the use of ssHDX-MS as a formulation screening tool in developing lyophilized protein drug products.

  4. The metabolite profiling of coastal coccolithophorid species Pleurochrysis carterae (Haptophyta)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhou, Chengxu; Luo, Jie; Ye, Yangfang; Yan, Xiaojun; Liu, Baoning; Wen, Xin

    2016-07-01

    Pleurochrysis carterae is a calcified coccolithophorid species that usually blooms in the coastal area and causes aquaculture losses. The cellular calcification, blooming and many other critical species specific eco-physiological processes are closely related to various metabolic pathways. The purpose of this study is to apply the unbiased and non-destructive method of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to detect the unknown holistic metabolite of P. carterae. The results show that NMR spectroscopic method is practical in the analysis of metabolites of phytoplankton. The metabolome of P. carterae was dominated by 26 metabolites involved in a number of different primary and secondary metabolic pathways. Organic acids and their derivatives, amino acids, sugars, nucleic aides were mainly detected. The abundant metabolites are that closely related to the process of cellular osmotic adjustment, which possibly reflect the active ability of P. carterae to adapt to the versatile coastal niche. DMSP (dimethylsulphoniopropionate) was the most dominant metabolite in P. carterae, up to 2.065±0.278 mg/g lyophilized cells, followed by glutamate and lactose, the contents were 0.349±0.035 and 0.301±0.073 mg/g lyophilized cells respectively. Other metabolites that had the content ranged between 0.1-0.2 mg/g lyophilized cells were alanine, isethionate and arabinose. Amino acid (valine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, tyrosine), organic acid salts (lactate, succinate), scyllitol and uracil had content ranged from 0.01 to below 0.1 mg/g lyophilized cells. Trigonelline, fumarate and formate were detected in very low content (only thousandths of 1 mg per gram of lyophilized cells or below). Our results of the holistic metabolites of P. carterae are the basic references for the further studies when multiple problems will be addressed to this notorious blooming calcifying species.

  5. A Freeze-Dried Kit for the Preparation of (188)Re-HEDP for Bone Pain Palliation: Preparation and Preliminary Clinical Evaluation.

    PubMed

    Mallia, Madhava B; Shinto, Ajit Sugunan; Kameswaran, Mythili; Kamaleshwaran, Koramadai Karuppusamy; Kalarikal, Radhakrishnan; Aswathy, K K; Banerjee, Sharmila

    2016-05-01

    (188)Re-HEDP is an established radiopharmaceutical used for pain palliation in patients with osseous metastasis. Considering commercial availability of (188)W/(188)Re generator, the accessibility to a lyophilized kit would make preparation of this radiopharmaceutical feasible at the hospital radiopharmacy having access to a generator. A protocol for the preparation of a single-vial lyophilized hydroxyethane 1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP) kit was developed and its consistency was checked by preparing six batches. Each sterile lyophilized kit prepared as per the protocol contained 9 mg of HEDP, 3 mg of gentisic acid, and 4 mg of SnCl2.2H2O. Randomly selected kits from all six batches were subjected to thorough quality control tests that were passed by all batches. (188)Re-HEDP could be prepared by addition of 1 mL of freshly eluted Na(188)ReO4 (up to 3700 MBq) containing 1 μmol of carrier ReO4(-) (perrhenate) and heating at 100°C for 15 minutes. (188)Re-HEDP with >95% radiochemical purity could be consistently prepared using the lyophilized kits. Sterile (188)Re-HEDP prepared using the lyophilized kit was evaluated in patients with osseous metastasis. Post-therapy images of the patient were compared with (99m)Tc-MDP bone scan and found to be satisfactory. The bone-to-background as well as tumor-to-normal bone uptake ratio was found to be significant. All patients who received therapy reported significant pain relief within a week to 10 days post-administration of (188)Re-HEDP.

  6. Role of atopy patch test for diagnosis of food allergy-related gastrointestinal symptoms in children.

    PubMed

    Boonyaviwat, Onsuree; Pacharn, Punchama; Jirapongsananuruk, Orathai; Vichyanond, Pakit; Visitsunthorn, Nualanong

    2015-12-01

    Double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge is the gold standard for diagnosing food allergy. However, it is a time-consuming procedure and requires onsite medical supervision and resuscitating medicines and devices on hand. The objective of this study was to compare the atopy patch test (APT) with the oral food challenge test (OFC) in children with suspected food allergy-related gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. A prospective self-controlled study enrolled children with a history of suspected food allergy-related GI symptoms. Skin prick test (SPT) and APT using lyophilized and commercial allergen extracts for cow's milk, egg, wheat, soy, and shrimp were evaluated, and OFC was performed. Thirty-nine patients (25 boys, median age 2.4 yrs) with 76 events of suspected food allergy-related GI symptoms were enrolled. SPT was positive in 11/76 events (14.5%). Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratio were calculated related to the food challenge outcome. Of 41 OFC, 30 (73.2%) were positive. APT using lyophilized allergen extracts yielded high sensitivity (80%) and high positive predictive value (85.7%). APT using commercial allergen extracts yielded low sensitivity (30%) but high specificity (90%). The negative predictive value of APT using lyophilized and commercial allergen extracts was 53.8% and 32.2%, respectively. All cases with positive APT using lyophilized allergen extracts together with positive SPT also had positive OFC. In contrast to commercial extracts, APT with lyophilized allergen extracts is reliable, safe, and maybe useful for the diagnosis of suspected food allergy-related GI symptoms in children. OFC is still needed in most of the cases. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  7. Toward low-cost affinity reagents: lyophilized yeast-scFv probes specific for pathogen antigens.

    PubMed

    Gray, Sean A; Weigel, Kris M; Ali, Ibne K M; Lakey, Annie A; Capalungan, Jeremy; Domingo, Gonzalo J; Cangelosi, Gerard A

    2012-01-01

    The generation of affinity reagents, usually monoclonal antibodies, remains a critical bottleneck in biomedical research and diagnostic test development. Recombinant antibody-like proteins such as scFv have yet to replace traditional monoclonal antibodies in antigen detection applications, in large part because of poor performance of scFv in solution. To address this limitation, we have developed assays that use whole yeast cells expressing scFv on their surfaces (yeast-scFv) in place of soluble purified scFv or traditional monoclonal antibodies. In this study, a nonimmune library of human scFv displayed on the surfaces of yeast cells was screened for clones that bind to recombinant cyst proteins of Entamoeba histolytica, an enteric pathogen of humans. Selected yeast-scFv clones were stabilized by lyophilization and used in detection assay formats in which the yeast-scFv served as solid support-bound monoclonal antibodies. Specific binding of antigen to the yeast-scFv was detected by staining with rabbit polyclonal antibodies. In flow cytometry-based assays, lyophilized yeast-scFv reagents retained full binding activity and specificity for their cognate antigens after 4 weeks of storage at room temperature in the absence of desiccants or stabilizers. Because flow cytometry is not available to all potential assay users, an immunofluorescence assay was also developed that detects antigen with similar sensitivity and specificity. Antigen-specific whole-cell yeast-scFv reagents can be selected from nonimmune libraries in 2-3 weeks, produced in vast quantities, and packaged in lyophilized form for extended shelf life. Lyophilized yeast-scFv show promise as low cost, renewable alternatives to monoclonal antibodies for diagnosis and research.

  8. "Product on Stopper" in a Lyophilized Drug Product: Cosmetic Defect or a Product Quality Concern?

    PubMed

    Mehta, Shyam B; Roy, Shouvik; Yang, Han-Chang Cathy

    2018-06-01

    During manufacturing of a lyophilized drug product, operator errors in product handling during loading of product filled vials onto the lyophilizer can lead to a seemingly cosmetic defect which can impact certain critical quality attributes of finished product. In this study, filling of a formulated monoclonal antibody in vials was performed using a peristaltic pump filling unit, and subsequently, the product was lyophilized. After lyophilization, upon visual inspection, around 40% of vials had cosmetic defect with residual product around stopper of the vial and were categorized as "product on stopper" vials, whereas remaining 60% vials with no cosmetic defect were called "acceptable vials." Both groups of vials from 1 single batch were tested for critical quality attributes including protein concentration (ultraviolet absorbance at 280), residual moisture (Karl Fischer), sterility (membrane filtration), and container closure integrity (CCI) (blue dye ingress). Analysis of protein quality attributes such as aggregation, protein concentration, residual moisture showed no significant difference between vials with "product on stopper" and "acceptable vials." However, CCI of the "product on stopper" vials was compromised due to the presence of product around stopper of the vial. The results from this case study demonstrate the following 2 important findings: (1) that a seemingly cosmetic defect may impact product quality, compromising the integrity of the product and (2) that CCI test method can be used as an orthogonal method to sterility testing to evaluate sterility assurance of the product. The corrective action proposed to mitigate this defect is use of a larger sized vial that can potentially minimize this defect that arises because of product handling errors. Copyright © 2018 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Modeling of Heat and Mass Transfer in a TEC-Driven Lyophilizer

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yuan, Zeng-Guang; Hegde, Uday; Litwiller, Eric; Flynn, Michael; Fisher, John

    2006-01-01

    Dewatering of wet waste during space exploration missions is important for crew safety as it stabilizes the waste. It may also be used to recover water and serve as a preconditioning step for waste compaction. A thermoelectric cooler (TEC)-driven lyophilizer is under development at NASA Ames Research Center for this purpose. It has three major components: (i) an evaporator section where water vapor sublimes from the frozen waste, (ii) a condenser section where this water vapor deposits as ice, and (iii) a TEC section which serves as a heat pump to transfer heat from the condenser to the evaporator. This paper analyses the heat and mass transfer processes in the lyophilizer in an effort to understand the ice formation behavior in the condenser. The analysis is supported by experimental observations of ice formation patterns in two different condenser units.

  10. Long-term preservation of anammox bacteria.

    PubMed

    Rothrock, Michael J; Vanotti, Matias B; Szögi, Ariel A; Gonzalez, Maria Cruz Garcia; Fujii, Takao

    2011-10-01

    Deposit of useful microorganisms in culture collections requires long-term preservation and successful reactivation techniques. The goal of this study was to develop a simple preservation protocol for the long-term storage and reactivation of the anammox biomass. To achieve this, anammox biomass was frozen or lyophilized at two different freezing temperatures (-60°C and in liquid nitrogen (-200°C)) in skim milk media (with and without glycerol), and the reactivation of anammox activity was monitored after a 4-month storage period. Of the different preservation treatments tested, only anammox biomass preserved via freezing in liquid nitrogen followed by lyophilization in skim milk media without glycerol achieved stoichiometric ratios for the anammox reaction similar to the biomass in both the parent bioreactor and in the freshly harvested control treatment. A freezing temperature of -60°C alone, or in conjunction with lyophilization, resulted in the partial recovery of the anammox bacteria, with an equal mixture of anammox and nitrifying bacteria in the reactivated biomass. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the successful reactivation of anammox biomass preserved via sub-zero freezing and/or lyophilization. The simple preservation protocol developed from this study could be beneficial to accelerate the integration of anammox-based processes into current treatment systems through a highly efficient starting anammox biomass.

  11. Combustion water purification techniques influence on OBT analysing using liquid scintillation counting method

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Varlam, C.; Vagner, I.; Faurescu, I.

    In order to determine organically bound tritium (OBT) from environmental samples, these must be converted into water, measurable by liquid scintillation counting (LSC). For this purpose we conducted some experiments to determine OBT level of a grass sample collected from an uncontaminated area. The studied grass sample was combusted in a Parr bomb. However usual interfering phenomena were identified: color or chemical quench, chemiluminescence, overlap over tritium spectrum because of other radionuclides presence as impurities ({sup 14}C from organically compounds, {sup 36}Cl as chloride and free chlorine, {sup 40}K as potassium cations) and emulsion separation. So the purification of themore » combustion water before scintillation counting appeared to be essential. 5 purification methods were tested: distillation with chemical treatment (Na{sub 2}O{sub 2} and KMnO{sub 4}), lyophilization, chemical treatment (Na{sub 2}O{sub 2} and KMnO{sub 4}) followed by lyophilization, azeotropic distillation with toluene and treatment with a volcanic tuff followed by lyophilization. After the purification step each sample was measured and the OBT measured concentration, together with physico-chemical analysis of the water analyzed, revealed that the most efficient method applied for purification of the combustion water was the method using chemical treatment followed by lyophilization.« less

  12. Influence of limited proteolysis, detergent treatment and lyophilization on the phenoloxidase activity of Rapana thomasiana hemocyanin.

    PubMed

    Idakieva, Krassimira; Siddiqui, Nurul Islam; Meersman, Filip; De Maeyer, Marc; Chakarska, Irena; Gielens, Constant

    2009-08-01

    The intrinsic and inducible phenoloxidase (PO) activity of Rapana thomasiana hemocyanin (RtH) and its substructures were studied. With catechol as substrate, a weak o-diPO activity was measured for the didecameric RtH and its subunits. Some activation of the o-diPO activity of RtH was achieved by limited treatment with subtilisin and by incubation of RtH with 2.9 mM sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), suggesting an enhanced substrate access to the active sites. The highest artificial induction of o-diPO activity in RtH, however, was obtained by lyophilization of the protein. This is ascribed to conformational changes during the lyophilization process of the didecameric RtH molecules, affecting the accessibility of the active sites. These conformational changes must be very small, since Fourier-transform infrared and circular dichroism spectroscopies did not reveal any changes in secondary structure of lyophilized RtH. The difference in accessibility of the copper containing active site for substrates between catechol oxidase and functional unit RtH2-e was demonstrated by molecular modeling and surface area accessibility calculations. The low level of intrinsic PO activity in the investigated hemocyanin is related to the inaccessibility of the binuclear copper active sites to the substrates.

  13. Targeting doxorubicin encapsulated in stealth liposomes to solid tumors by non thermal diode laser.

    PubMed

    Ghannam, Magdy M; El Gebaly, Reem; Fadel, Maha

    2016-04-05

    The use of liposomes as drug delivery systems is the most promising technique for targeting drug especially for anticancer therapy. In this study sterically stabilized liposomes was prepared from DPPC/Cholesterol/PEG-PE encapsulated doxorubicin. The effect of lyophilization on liposomal stability and hence expiration date were studied. Moreover, the effect of diode laser on the drug released from liposomesin vitro and in vivo in mice carrying implanted solid tumor were also studied. The results indicated that lyophilization of the prepared liposomes encapsulating doxorubicin led to marked stability when stored at 5 °C and it is possible to use the re-hydrated lyophilized liposomes within 12 days post reconstitution. Moreover, the use of low energy diode laser for targeting anticancer drug to the tumor cells is a promising method in cancer therapy. We can conclude that lyophilization of the liposomes encapsulating doxorubicin lead to marked stability for the liposomes when stored at 5 °C. Moreover, the use of low energy diode laser for targeting anticancer drug to the tumor cells through the use of photosensitive sterically stabilized liposomes loaded with doxorubicin is a promising method. It proved to be applicable and successful for treatment of Ehrlich solid tumors implanted in mice and eliminated toxic side effects of doxorubicin.

  14. The evidence for clinically significant bias in plasma glucose between liquid and lyophilized citrate buffer additive.

    PubMed

    Juricic, Gordana; Saracevic, Andrea; Kopcinovic, Lara Milevoj; Bakliza, Ana; Simundic, Ana-Maria

    2016-12-01

    Citrate buffer additive has been suggested to be of supreme performance in inhibiting glycolysis. However, there is little evidence in the literature regarding the comparability of glucose concentrations in liquid and lyophilized citrate buffer containing tubes. The aim of this study was to compare glucose concentrations in tubes containing liquid (Glucomedics) and lyophilized citrate buffer (Terumo VENOSAFE™ Glycemia) additive, measured immediately after centrifugation. Blood was collected from forty volunteers into both Glucomedics and Venosafe Glycemia tubes. Blood was centrifuged within 15min from venipuncture and glucose concentration was measured immediately after centrifugation, on the Abbott Architect analyzer. Differences between glucose concentrations in Glucomedics and Terumo tubes were tested using the paired t-test. Mean bias was calculated and compared to recommended quality specification for glucose (i.e. 2.2%). Glucose concentration in Terumo tubes was 3.4% lower than in Glucomedics tubes (P<0.001). The mean bias was clinically significant. There is a clinically significant difference between glucose concentrations in liquid and lyophilized citrate buffer additive tubes (Glucomedics vs. Terumo tubes) measured immediately after centrifugation. This difference may affect the patient outcome due to the misclassification of diabetes. Copyright © 2016 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Investigating factors leading to fogging of glass vials in lyophilized drug products.

    PubMed

    Abdul-Fattah, Ahmad M; Oeschger, Richard; Roehl, Holger; Bauer Dauphin, Isabelle; Worgull, Martin; Kallmeyer, Georg; Mahler, Hanns-Christian

    2013-10-01

    Vial "Fogging" is a phenomenon observed after lyophilization due to drug product creeping upwards along the inner vial surface. After the freeze-drying process, a haze of dried powder is visible inside the drug product vial, making it barely acceptable for commercial distribution from a cosmetic point of view. Development studies were performed to identify the root cause for fogging during manufacturing of a lyophilized monoclonal antibody drug product. The results of the studies indicate that drug product creeping occurs during the filling process, leading to vial fogging after lyophilization. Glass quality/inner surface, glass conversion/vial processing (vial "history") and formulation excipients, e.g., surfactants (three different surfactants were tested), all affect glass fogging to a certain degree. Results showed that the main factor to control fogging is primarily the inner vial surface hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity. While Duran vials were not capable of reliably improving the level of fogging, hydrophobic containers provided reliable means to improve the cosmetic appearance due to reduction in fogging. Varying vial depyrogenation treatment conditions did not lead to satisfying results in removal of the fogging effect. Processing conditions of the vial after filling with drug product had a strong impact on reducing but not eliminating fogging. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Lyophilization for Water Recovery From Solid Waste

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Flynn, Michael; Litwiller, Eric; Reinhard, Martin

    2003-01-01

    This abstract describes the development of a solid waste treatment system designed for a near term human exploration mission. The technology being developed is an energy- efficient lyophilization technique that recovers water from spacecraft solid waste. In the lyophilization process water in an aqueous waste is frozen and then sublimed, resulting in the separation of the waste into a dried solid material and liquid water. This technology is ideally suited to applications where water recovery rates approaching 100% are desirable but production of CO, is not. Water contained within solid wastes accounts for approximately 3% of the total water balance. If 100% closure of the water loop is desired the water contained within this waste would need to be recovered. To facilitate operation in microgravity thermoelectric heat pumps have be used in place of traditional fluid cycle heat pumps. A mathematical model of a thermoelectric lyophilizer has been developed and used to generate energy use and processing rate parameters. The results of laboratory investigations and discussions with ALS program management have been used to iteratively arrive at a prototype design. This design address operational limitations which were identified in the laboratory studies and handling and health concerns raised by ALS program management. The current prototype design is capable of integration into the ISS Waste Collection System.

  17. Degradation of lycopene and beta-carotene in model systems and in lyophilized guava during ambient storage: kinetics, structure, and matrix effects.

    PubMed

    Ferreira, J E M; Rodriguez-Amaya, D B

    2008-10-01

    Being highly unsaturated, carotenoids are susceptible to isomerization and oxidation during the processing and storage of food. In the present study, the degradation of acyclic lycopene and dicyclic beta-carotene in low-moisture and aqueous model systems, as well as in lyophilized guava, during storage at ambient temperature, in the absence or presence of light, was investigated. Both carotenoids followed first order kinetics under the various conditions investigated. Lycopene degraded much faster than beta-carotene in all the model systems. In a comparison of lycopene isolated from guava, tomato, and watermelon, greater losses were observed with lycopene from tomato. Since the model system was identical in the 3 cases, these results indicated that other compounds from the food sources, co-extracted with lycopene, might have influenced the oxidation. Light consistently and strongly promoted degradation under all conditions studied. The susceptibility of lycopene to degradation was much less in lyophilized guava than in the model systems, showing the marked protective influence of the food matrix. Loss of beta-carotene, found at a concentration of about 18 times lower than lycopene, was only slightly lower than that of lycopene in lyophilized guava, indicating that the effect of matrix and/or the initial concentration overshadowed the structural influence.

  18. Modeling of heat and mass transfer processes for the gap-lyophilization system using the mannitol-trehalose-NaCl formulation.

    PubMed

    Kuu, Wei Y; Doty, Mark J; Nisipeanu, Eugen; Rebbeck, Christine L; Cho, Yong K; Smit, Mark H

    2014-09-01

    Gap freezing (GF) is a new concept that was developed to reduce the primary drying time using an alternative freezing process. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the gap-tray heat transfer coefficient, Kgtr , and to investigate the effect of gap lyophilization on cycle reduction of a mannitol-trehalose-NaCl (MTN) formulation. The values of Kgtr were measured using the product temperature profiles in three different configurations: (1) shelf freezing followed by shelf drying (denoted as SF-SD), (2) GF followed by SD (denoted as GF-SD), and (3) GF followed by gap drying (denoted as GF-GD). For the lyophilization cycle using shelf drying (SF-SD), 80% of the heat transferred during primary drying was from the bottom shelf to the vial, versus 20% via radiation from the top shelf. For the lyophilization cycle using gap drying (GF-GD), only 37% of the heat transferred during primary drying was from the bottom shelf to the vial versus 63% via radiation from the top shelf. Furthermore, GF in conjunction with annealing significantly reduces the dry layer resistance of the MTN formulation, which is the opposite of what was observed with a conventional freezing cycle. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

  19. Development of a DNA-liposome complex for gene delivery applications.

    PubMed

    Rasoulianboroujeni, M; Kupgan, G; Moghadam, F; Tahriri, M; Boughdachi, A; Khoshkenar, P; Ambrose, J J; Kiaie, N; Vashaee, D; Ramsey, J D; Tayebi, L

    2017-06-01

    The association structures formed by cationic liposomes and DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)-liposome have been effectively utilized as gene carriers in transfection assays. In this research study, cationic liposomes were prepared using a modified lipid film hydration method consisting of a lyophilization step for gene delivery applications. The obtained results demonstrated that the mean particle size had no significant change while the polydispersity (PDI) increased after lyophilization. The mean particle size slightly reduced after lyophilization (520±12nm to 464±25nm) while the PDI increased after lyophilization (0.094±0.017 to 0.220±0.004). In addition. The mean particle size of vesicles increases when DNA is incorporated to the liposomes (673±27nm). According to the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, the spherical shape of liposomes confirmed their successful preservation and reconstitution from the powder. It was found that liposomal formulation has enhanced transfection considerably compared to the naked DNA as negative control. Finally, liposomal formulation in this research had a better function than Lipofectamine® 2000 as a commercialized product because the cellular activity (cellular protein) was higher in the prepared lipoplex than Lipofectamine® 2000. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Lyophilized Silk Sponges: A Versatile Biomaterial Platform for Soft Tissue Engineering

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    We present a silk biomaterial platform with highly tunable mechanical and degradation properties for engineering and regeneration of soft tissues such as, skin, adipose, and neural tissue, with elasticity properties in the kilopascal range. Lyophilized silk sponges were prepared under different process conditions and the effect of silk molecular weight, concentration and crystallinity on 3D scaffold formation, structural integrity, morphology, mechanical and degradation properties, and cell interactions in vitro and in vivo were studied. Tuning the molecular weight distribution (via degumming time) of silk allowed the formation of stable, highly porous, 3D scaffolds that held form with silk concentrations as low as 0.5% wt/v. Mechanical properties were a function of silk concentration and scaffold degradation was driven by beta-sheet content. Lyophilized silk sponges supported the adhesion of mesenchymal stem cells throughout 3D scaffolds, cell proliferation in vitro, and cell infiltration and scaffold remodeling when implanted subcutaneously in vivo. PMID:25984573

  1. On the action and mechanism of withaferin-A from Withania somnifera, a novel and potent melanin dispersing agent in frog melanophores.

    PubMed

    Ali, Sharique A; Meitei, Keisham V

    2011-10-01

    The present work was carried out to determine the effects of lyophilized root extracts of Withania somnifera along with pure withaferin-A, on the isolated skin melanophores of frog, Rana tigerina which are disguised type of smooth muscle cells and offer excellent in vitro opportunities for studying the effects of pharmacological and pharmaceutical agents. The lyophilized extract of W. somnifera and its active ingredient withaferin-A induced powerful dose-dependent physiologically significant melanin dispersal effects in the isolated skin melanophores of R. tigerina, which were completely blocked by atropine as well as hyoscine. The per se melanin dispersal effects of lyophilized extracts of W. somnifera and its active ingredient withaferin-A got highly potentiated by neostigmine. It appears that the melanin dispersal effects of the extracts of W. somnifera and withaferin-A is mediated by cholino-muscarinic like receptors having similar properties.

  2. [Analysis on preparation and characterization of asiaticoside-loaded flexible nanoliposomes].

    PubMed

    Ren, Yan; He, Xing-Dong; Shang, Bei-Cheng; Bao, Xiu-Kun; Wang, Yan-Fang; Ma, Ji-Sheng

    2013-10-01

    Asiaticoside is a compound extracted from traditional Chinese medicine Centella asiatica, and mainly used in wound healing and scar repair in clinical, with notable efficacy. However, its poor transdermal absorption and short action time restrict its wide application. In this experiment, the reserve-phase-extrusion-lyophilization method was conducted to prepare the lyophilized asiaticoside-loaded flexible nanoliposomes (LAFL). Its characteristics including electron microscope structure, particle size, Zeta potential, entrapment rate, drug-loading rate, stability and drug release were determined with the intelligent transdermal absorption instrument. LAFL were white spheroids, with pH, particle size and zeta potential of 7. 03, 70. 14 nm and - 36. 5 mV, respectively. The average entrapment rate of the 3 batch samples were 31. 43% , and the average asiaticoside content in 1 mg lyophilized simple was 0. 134 mg. The results indicated that LAFL have good physicochemical properties and pharmaceutical characteristics, with an improved transdermal performance.

  3. Genomic stability of lyophilized sheep somatic cells before and after nuclear transfer.

    PubMed

    Iuso, Domenico; Czernik, Marta; Di Egidio, Fiorella; Sampino, Silvestre; Zacchini, Federica; Bochenek, Michal; Smorag, Zdzislaw; Modlinski, Jacek A; Ptak, Grazyna; Loi, Pasqualino

    2013-01-01

    The unprecedented decline of biodiversity worldwide is urging scientists to collect and store biological material from seriously threatened animals, including large mammals. Lyophilization is being explored as a low-cost system for storage in bio-banks of cells that might be used to expand or restore endangered or extinct species through the procedure of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT). Here we report that the genome is intact in about 60% of lyophylized sheep lymphocytes, whereas DNA damage occurs randomly in the remaining 40%. Remarkably, lyophilized nuclei injected into enucleated oocytes are repaired by a robust DNA repairing activity of the oocytes, and show normal developmental competence. Cloned embryos derived from lyophylized cells exhibited chromosome and cellular composition comparable to those of embryos derived from fresh donor cells. These findings support the feasibility of lyophylization as a storage procedure of mammalian cells to be used for SCNT.

  4. Genomic Stability of Lyophilized Sheep Somatic Cells before and after Nuclear Transfer

    PubMed Central

    Iuso, Domenico; Czernik, Marta; Di Egidio, Fiorella; Sampino, Silvestre; Zacchini, Federica; Bochenek, Michal; Smorag, Zdzislaw; Modlinski, Jacek A.; Ptak, Grazyna; Loi, Pasqualino

    2013-01-01

    The unprecedented decline of biodiversity worldwide is urging scientists to collect and store biological material from seriously threatened animals, including large mammals. Lyophilization is being explored as a low-cost system for storage in bio-banks of cells that might be used to expand or restore endangered or extinct species through the procedure of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT). Here we report that the genome is intact in about 60% of lyophylized sheep lymphocytes, whereas DNA damage occurs randomly in the remaining 40%. Remarkably, lyophilized nuclei injected into enucleated oocytes are repaired by a robust DNA repairing activity of the oocytes, and show normal developmental competence. Cloned embryos derived from lyophylized cells exhibited chromosome and cellular composition comparable to those of embryos derived from fresh donor cells. These findings support the feasibility of lyophylization as a storage procedure of mammalian cells to be used for SCNT. PMID:23308098

  5. Quantifying CD4 receptor protein in two human CD4+ lymphocyte preparations for quantitative flow cytometry.

    PubMed

    Wang, Meiyao; Misakian, Martin; He, Hua-Jun; Bajcsy, Peter; Abbasi, Fatima; Davis, Jeffrey M; Cole, Kenneth D; Turko, Illarion V; Wang, Lili

    2014-01-01

    In our previous study that characterized different human CD4+ lymphocyte preparations, it was found that both commercially available cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and a commercially available lyophilized PBMC (Cyto-Trol™) preparation fulfilled a set of criteria for serving as biological calibrators for quantitative flow cytometry. However, the biomarker CD4 protein expression level measured for T helper cells from Cyto-Trol was about 16% lower than those for cryopreserved PBMC and fresh whole blood using flow cytometry and mass cytometry. A primary reason was hypothesized to be due to steric interference in anti- CD4 antibody binding to the smaller sized lyophilized control cells. Targeted multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry (MS) is used to quantify the copy number of CD4 receptor protein per CD4+ lymphocyte. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is utilized to assist searching the underlying reasons for the observed difference in CD4 receptor copy number per cell determined by MRM MS and CD4 expression measured previously by flow cytometry. The copy number of CD4 receptor proteins on the surface of the CD4+ lymphocyte in cryopreserved PBMCs and in lyophilized control cells is determined to be (1.45 ± 0.09) × 10(5) and (0.85 ± 0.11) × 10(5), respectively, averaged over four signature peptides using MRM MS. In comparison with cryopreserved PBMCs, there are more variations in the CD4 copy number in lyophilized control cells determined based on each signature peptide. SEM images of CD4+ lymphocytes from lyophilized control cells are very different when compared to the CD4+ T cells from whole blood and cryopreserved PBMC. Because of the lyophilization process applied to Cyto-Trol control cells, a lower CD4 density value, defined as the copy number of CD4 receptors per CD4+ lymphocyte, averaged over three different production lots is most likely explained by the loss of the CD4 receptors on damaged and/or broken microvilli where CD4 receptors reside. Steric hindrance of antibody binding and the association of CD4 receptors with other biomolecules likely contribute significantly to the nearly 50% lower CD4 receptor density value for cryopreserved PBMC determined from flow cytometry compared to the value obtained from MRM MS.

  6. An Internal Gelation Method for Forming Multilayer Microspheres and Product Thereof.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1995-12-26

    lyophilization bottle and 18 plunged into liquid nitrogen for 10 min before pumping down in the 19 freeze drying unit. For samples where trehalose was present...the 20 supernatant was replaced with a trehalose solution at a final 21 concentration of 50 mM. In cases where glycerol was used for 22...interesting to note that the addition of trehalose , a synthetic 24 sugar, to the supernatant prior to lyophilization has a protective 25 effect on

  7. Evaluation of Dried Storage of Platelets and RBC for Transfusion: Lyophilization and Other Dehydration Techniques

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-01-31

    that a short incubation of platelets with 0.1% (final conc.) KMnO4 seems optimal, but a protective agent such as trehalose , sucrose, or albumin must...yields were improved also by inclusion of albumin during platelet washing and trehalose during the lyophilization step (74% recovery under best... trehalose is advantageous in this protocol has yet to be decided. Vesiculation of platelet membranes is still evident by flow cytometry in the

  8. [Promising technologies of packed red blood cells production and storage].

    PubMed

    Maksimov, A G; Golota, A S; Krassiĭ, A B

    2013-10-01

    The current article is dedicated to promising technologies of packed red blood cells production and storage. The following new technical approaches are presented: (1) erythrocytes storage in strict anaerobic argon-hydrogen environment, (2) lyophilization of erythrocyte suspension by its atomization in nitrogen gas, (3) lyophilization of erythrocytes by directional freezing under the influence of radio frequency radiation, (4) automated pharming of antigen free packed red blood cells from progenitor cell directly at the battlefield.

  9. Solidification drug nanosuspensions into nanocrystals by freeze-drying: a case study with ursodeoxycholic acid.

    PubMed

    Ma, Yue-Qin; Zhang, Zeng-Zhu; Li, Gang; Zhang, Jing; Xiao, Han-Yang; Li, Xian-Fei

    2016-03-01

    To elucidate the effect of solidification processes on the redispersibility of drug nanocrystals (NC) during freeze-drying, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) nanosuspensions were transformed into UDCA-NC via different solidification process included freezing and lyophilization. The effect of different concentrations of stabilizers and cryoprotectants on redispersibility of UDCA-NC was investigated, respectively. The results showed that the redispersibility of UDCA-NC was RDI-20 °C < RDI-80 °C < RDI-196 °C during freezing, which indicated the redispersibility of UDCA-NC at the conventional temperature was better more than those at moderate and rigorous condition. Compared to the drying strengthen, the employed amount and type of stabilizers more dramatically affected the redispersibility of UDCA-NC during lyophilization. The hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and PVPK30 were effective to protect UDCA-NC from damage during lyophilization, which could homogeneously adsorb into the surface of NC to prevent from agglomerates. The sucrose and glucose achieved excellent performance that protected UDCA-NC from crystal growth during lyophilization, respectively. It was concluded that UDCA-NC was subjected to agglomeration during solidification transformation, and the degree of agglomeration suffered varied with the type and the amounts of stabilizers used, as well as different solidification conditions. The PVPK30-sucrose system was more effective to protect UDCA-NC from the damage during solidification process.

  10. Differential enumeration of subpopulations in concentrated frozen and lyophilized cultures of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus.

    PubMed

    Shao, Yuyu; Wang, Zhaoxia; Bao, Qiuhua; Zhang, Heping

    2017-11-01

    Differential enumeration of subpopulations in concentrated frozen and lyophilized cultures of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus ND02 derived from 2 propagation procedures was determined. The subpopulations consisted of 3 categories (physiological states): viable cells capable of forming colonies on agar plates (VC+), viable cells incapable of forming colonies on agar plates (VC-), widely referred to as viable but nonculturable (VBNC) cells, and nonviable or dead cells (NVC). Counts of VC+ were recorded using a conventional plate count procedure. A fluorescent vital staining procedure that discriminates between viable (VC+ and VC-) and NVC cells was used to determine the number of viable and nonviable cells. Both propagation procedures had 2 variables: in procedure (P)1, the propagation medium was rich in yeast extract (4.0%) and the pH was maintained at 5.7; in P2, the medium was devoid of yeast extract and the pH was maintained at 5.1. The results showed that post-propagation operations-concentration of cells by centrifugation and subsequent freezing or lyophilization of cell concentrate-induced different degrees of transience from VC+ to VC- states in cells derived from P1 and P2. Compared with cells derived from P2, cells from P1 were more labile to stress associated with centrifugation, freezing, and lyophilization, as revealed by differential counting. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Extremophile extracts and enhancement techniques show promise for the development of a live vaccine against Flavobacterium columnare

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Powell, D.B.; Palm, R.C.; MacKenzie, A.P.; Winton, J.R.

    2009-01-01

    The effects of temperature, ionic strength, and new cryopreservatives derived from polar ice bacteria were investigated to help accelerate the development of economical, live attenuated vaccines for aquaculture. Extracts of the extremophile Gelidibacter algens functioned very well as part of a lyophilization cryoprotectant formulation in a 15-week storage trial. The bacterial extract and trehalose additives resulted in significantly higher colony counts of columnaris bacteria (Flavobacterium columnare) compared to nonfat milk or physiological saline at all time points measured. The bacterial extract combined with trehalose appeared to enhance the relative efficiency of recovery and growth potential of columnaris in flask culture compared to saline, nonfat milk, or trehalose-only controls. Pre-lyophilization temperature treatments significantly affected F. columnare survival following rehydration. A 30-min exposure at 0 ??C resulted in a 10-fold increase in bacterial survival following rehydration compared to mid-range temperature treatments. The brief 30 and 35 ??C pre-lyophilization exposures appeared to be detrimental to the rehydration survival of the bacteria. The survival of F. columnare through the lyophilization process was also strongly affected by changes in ionic strength of the bacterial suspension. Changes in rehydration constituents were also found to be important in promoting increased survival and growth. As the sodium chloride concentration increased, the viability of rehydrated F. columnare decreased. ?? 2009 Elsevier Inc.

  12. Improving Heat Transfer at the Bottom of Vials for Consistent Freeze Drying with Unidirectional Structured Ice.

    PubMed

    Rosa, Mónica; Tiago, João M; Singh, Satish K; Geraldes, Vítor; Rodrigues, Miguel A

    2016-10-01

    The quality of lyophilized products is dependent of the ice structure formed during the freezing step. Herein, we evaluate the importance of the air gap at the bottom of lyophilization vials for consistent nucleation, ice structure, and cake appearance. The bottom of lyophilization vials was modified by attaching a rectified aluminum disc with an adhesive material. Freezing was studied for normal and converted vials, with different volumes of solution, varying initial solution temperature (from 5°C to 20°C) and shelf temperature (from -20°C to -40°C). The impact of the air gap on the overall heat transfer was interpreted with the assistance of a computational fluid dynamics model. Converted vials caused nucleation at the bottom and decreased the nucleation time up to one order of magnitude. The formation of ice crystals unidirectionally structured from bottom to top lead to a honeycomb-structured cake after lyophilization of a solution with 4% mannitol. The primary drying time was reduced by approximately 35%. Converted vials that were frozen radially instead of bottom-up showed similar improvements compared with normal vials but very poor cake quality. Overall, the curvature of the bottom of glass vials presents a considerable threat to consistency by delaying nucleation and causing radial ice growth. Rectifying the vials bottom with an adhesive material revealed to be a relatively simple alternative to overcome this inconsistency.

  13. Preparation, in vitro release, and pharmacokinetics in rabbits of lyophilized injection of sorafenib solid lipid nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Hong; Zhang, Fu-Ming; Yan, Shi-Jun

    2012-01-01

    Sorafenib solid lipid nanoparticles (S-SLN) were prepared by emulsion evaporation–solidification at low temperature. Morphology was examined by transmission electron microscope. Particle size and zeta potential were determined by laser granularity equipment. Encapsulation efficiency (EE) was detected by Sephadex gel chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The in vitro release profile of S-SLN was studied with dialysis technology. The lyophilized injection of S-SLN was prepared by freeze drying and analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry. The plasma concentration of sorafenib in blood was determined by HPLC. The solid lipid nanoparticles assumed a spherical shape with an even distribution of diameter and particle size 108.23 ± 7.01 nm (n = 3). The polydispersity index, zeta potential, and EE were determined to be 0.25 ± 0.02, −16.37 ± 0.65 mV, and 93.49% ± 1.87%, respectively (n = 3). The in vitro release accorded with the Weibull distribution model. An equal volume of 15% (w/v) mannitol performed better as the protective agent for a lyophilized injection of S-SLN with a new material phase formation. The pharmacokinetic processes of sorafenib solution and lyophilized injection of S-SLN in vivo were in accordance with the two-compartment and one-compartment models, respectively. S-SLN nanoparticles are thus considered a promising drug-delivery system. PMID:22787390

  14. Predicting Protein Aggregation during Storage in Lyophilized Solids Using Solid State Amide Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange with Mass Spectrometric Analysis (ssHDX-MS)

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    Solid state amide hydrogen/deuterium exchange with mass spectrometric analysis (ssHDX-MS) was used to assess the conformation of myoglobin (Mb) in lyophilized formulations, and the results correlated with the extent of aggregation during storage. Mb was colyophilized with sucrose (1:1 or 1:8 w/w), mannitol (1:1 w/w), or NaCl (1:1 w/w) or in the absence of excipients. Immediately after lyophilization, samples of each formulation were analyzed by ssHDX-MS and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to assess Mb conformation, and by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) to determine the extent of aggregation. The remaining samples were then placed on stability at 25 °C and 60% RH or 40 °C and 75% RH for up to 1 year, withdrawn at intervals, and analyzed for aggregate content by SEC and DLS. In ssHDX-MS of samples immediately after lyophilization (t = 0), Mb was less deuterated in solids containing sucrose (1:1 and 1:8 w/w) than in those containing mannitol (1:1 w/w), NaCl (1:1 w/w), or Mb alone. Deuterium uptake kinetics and peptide mass envelopes also indicated greater Mb structural perturbation in mannitol, NaCl, or Mb-alone samples at t = 0. The extent of deuterium incorporation and kinetic parameters related to rapidly and slowly exchanging amide pools (Nfast, Nslow), measured at t = 0, were highly correlated with the extent of aggregation on storage as measured by SEC. In contrast, the extent of aggregation was weakly correlated with FTIR band intensity and peak position measured at t = 0. The results support the use of ssHDX-MS as a formulation screening tool in developing lyophilized protein drug products. PMID:24816133

  15. The ice nucleation temperature determines the primary drying rate of lyophilization for samples frozen on a temperature-controlled shelf.

    PubMed

    Searles, J A; Carpenter, J F; Randolph, T W

    2001-07-01

    The objective of this study was to determine the influence of ice nucleation temperature on the primary drying rate during lyophilization for samples in vials that were frozen on a lyophilizer shelf. Aqueous solutions of 10% (w/v) hydroxyethyl starch were frozen in vials with externally mounted thermocouples and then partially lyophilized to determine the primary drying rate. Low- and high-particulate-containing samples, ice-nucleating additives silver iodide and Pseudomonas syringae, and other methods were used to obtain a wide range of nucleation temperatures. In cases where the supercooling exceeded 5 degrees C, freezing took place in the following three steps: (1) primary nucleation, (2) secondary nucleation encompassing the entire liquid volume, and (3) final solidification. The primary drying rate was dependent on the ice nucleation temperature, which is stochastic in nature but is affected by particulate content and the presence of ice nucleators. Sample cooling rates of 0.05 to 1 degrees C/min had no effect on nucleation temperatures and drying rate. We found that the ice nucleation temperature is the primary determinant of the primary drying rate. However, the nucleation temperature is not under direct control, and its stochastic nature and sensitivity to difficult-to-control parameters result in drying rate heterogeneity. Nucleation temperature heterogeneity may also result in variation in other morphology-related parameters such as surface area and secondary drying rate. Overall, these results document that factors such as particulate content and vial condition, which influence ice nucleation temperature, must be carefully controlled to avoid, for example, lot-to-lot variability during cGMP production. In addition, if these factors are not controlled and/or are inadvertently changed during process development and scaleup, a lyophilization cycle that was successful on the research scale may fail during large-scale production.

  16. Intravaginal immunization using the recombinant HIV-1 clade-C trimeric envelope glycoprotein CN54gp140 formulated within lyophilized solid dosage forms

    PubMed Central

    Donnelly, Louise; Curran, Rhonda M.; Tregoning, John S.; McKay, Paul F.; Cole, Tom; Morrow, Ryan J.; Kett, Vicky L.; Andrews, Gavin P.; Woolfson, A. David; Malcolm, R. Karl; Shattock, Robin J.

    2011-01-01

    Vaccine-mediated prevention of primary HIV-1 infection at the heterosexual mucosal portal of entry may be facilitated by highly optimised formulations or drug delivery devices for intravaginal (i.vag) immunization. Previously we described hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC)-based rheologically structured gel vehicles (RSVs) for vaginal immunization of an HIV-1 vaccine candidate, a soluble recombinant trimeric HIV-1 clade-C envelope glycoprotein designated CN54gp140. Here we investigated the efficacy of lyophilized solid dosage formulations (LSDFs) for prolonging antigen stability and as i.vag delivery modalities. LSDFs were designed and developed that upon i.vag administration they would reconstitute with the imbibing of vaginal fluid to mucoadhesive, site-retentive semi-solids. Mice were immunized with lyophilized equivalents of (i) RSVs, (ii) modified versions of the RSVs more suited to lyophilization (sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC)-based gels) and (iii) Carbopol® gel, all containing CN54gp140. NaCMC-based LSDFs provided significantly enhanced antigen stability compared to aqueous-based RSVs. Rheological analysis indicated the NaCMC-based LSDFs would offer enhanced vaginal retention in woman compared to more conventional vaginal gel formulations. All LSDFs were well tolerated in the mouse model. Following i.vag administration, all LSDFs boosted systemic CN54gp140-specific antibody responses in sub-cutaneously primed mice. Induction of CN54gp140-specific antibody responses in the female genital tract was evident. Of all the LSDFs the fastest releasing which was lyophilized Carbopol® gel elicited immune responses comparable to buffer instillation of antigen suggesting that rather than slower sustained release, initial high burst release from the LSDFs may suffice. The boosting of specific immune responses upon i.vag administration indicates that LSDFs are viable mucosal vaccine delivery modalities promoting antigen stability and facilitating intimate exposure of CN54gp140 to the mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue of the female genital tract. PMID:21514349

  17. Measuring water contents in animal organ tissues using terahertz spectroscopic imaging.

    PubMed

    Lee, Kyumin; Jeoung, Kiyong; Kim, Sang Hoon; Ji, Young-Bin; Son, Hyeyoung; Choi, Yuna; Huh, Young-Min; Suh, Jin-Suck; Oh, Seung Jae

    2018-04-01

    We investigated the water contents in several organ tissues such as the liver, spleen, kidney, and brain tissue of rats using the terahertz spectroscopic imaging technique. The water contents of the tissues were determined by using a simple equation containing the absorption coefficients of fresh and lyophilized tissues and water. We compared the measured water contents with the difference in mass of tissues before and after lyophilization. All results showed a good match except for the kidney, which has several Bowman's capsules.

  18. Lyophilized airborne Clostridium botulinum spores as inocula that intestinally colonize antimicrobially pretreated adult mice.

    PubMed Central

    Sugiyama, H; Prather, J L; Woller, M J

    1986-01-01

    Adult mice, made susceptible to Clostridium botulinum by feedings of metronidazole, were immobilized with an anesthetic and held for 30 min in isolators in which a fine powder of lyophilized pathogen spores was made airborne. Exposed mice were surface decontaminated before being kept for 2 days in holding isolators. Mice were intestinally colonized by the pathogen. Colonization rates were related to spore numbers (10(4) to 10(7) type A or B) seeded into isolators. PMID:3531017

  19. Radionuclide bone imaging in the evaluation of osseous allograft systems. Scientific report

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kelly, J.F.; Cagle, J.D.; Stevenson, J.S.

    1975-02-01

    Evaluation of the progress of osteogenic activity in mandibular bone grafts in dogs by a noninvasive, nondestructive radionuclide method is feasible. The method provides a meaningful sequential interpretation of osseous repair more sensitive than conventional radiography. It is presumed that accumulating hydroxyapatite is being labelled by the imaging agent technetium diphosphonate. The osseous allograft systems studied were comparable to or exceeded autografts in their repair activity in mandibular discontinuity defects as judged by radionuclide imaging. A lyophilized mandibular allograft segment augmented with autologous cancellous marrow was more active than autograft controls at 3 and 6 weeks and was the mostmore » active system studied. Allograft segments augmented with lyophilized crushed cortical allogeneic bone particles were equal to controls at 3 weeks and more active than controls at 6 weeks. Lyophilized crushed cortical allogeneic bone particles retained in a Millipore filter while not clinically stable at 6 weeks did show osteogenic activity equal to control autografts at this interval. (GRA)« less

  20. The effects of stopper drying on moisture levels of Haemophilus influenzae conjugate vaccine.

    PubMed

    Earle, J P; Bennett, P S; Larson, K A; Shaw, R

    1992-01-01

    The discovery and development of increasingly potent biological and pharmaceutical products have resulted in very small amounts of the active ingredient in final product formulations. Pediatric vaccines with sub-milliliter dose sizes pose unique problems for final formulation and lyophilization, especially when stabilizers used are present in small amounts or are hygroscopic. Lyophilized Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine (Meningococcal Protein Conjugate) (PedvaxHIB) has a plug weight of about 3 mg in its final formulation. Microgram amounts of water absorbed by the lyophilized plug can cause drastic changes in the moisture content of the product. In a small percentage of the final containers absorption of moisture by the vaccine may cause aesthetic defects (plug collapse) over time, or at elevated temperatures. This paper describes drying methods developed to control residual moisture levels in stoppers used as final container closures. Results on the moisture stability of the product capped with dried and non-dried stoppers are presented.

  1. Dose reduction of bone morphogenetic protein-2 for bone regeneration using a delivery system based on lyophilization with trehalose.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xiaochen; Yu, Quan; Wang, Yan-An; Zhao, Jun

    2018-01-01

    To induce sufficient new bone formation, high doses of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) are applied in regenerative medicine that often induce serious side effects. Therefore, improved treatment strategies are required. Here, we investigate whether the delivery of BMP-2 lyophilized in the presence of trehalose reduced the dose of BMP-2 required for bone regeneration. A new growth factor delivery system was fabricated using BMP-2-loaded TiO 2 nanotubes by lyophilization with trehalose (TiO 2 -Lyo-Tre-BMP-2). We measured BMP-2 release characteristics, bioactivity, and stability, and determined the effects on the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells in vitro. Additionally, we evaluated the ability of this formulation to regenerate new bone around implants in rat femur defects by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), sequential fluorescent labelling, and histological analysis. Compared with absorbed BMP-2-loaded TiO 2 nanotubes (TiO 2 -BMP-2), TiO 2 -Lyo-Tre-BMP-2 exhibited sustained release, consistent bioactivity, and higher stability of BMP-2, and resulted in greater osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Eight weeks post-operation, TiO 2 -Lyo-Tre-BMP-2 nanotubes, with various dosages of BMP-2, regenerated larger amounts of new bone than TiO 2 -BMP-2 nanotubes. Our findings indicate that delivery of BMP-2 lyophilized with trehalose may be a promising method to reduce the dose of BMP-2 and avoid the associated side effects.

  2. Stable thermosensitive in situ gel-forming systems based on the lyophilizate of chitosan/α,β-glycerophosphate salts.

    PubMed

    Wu, Guanghao; Yuan, Yuan; He, Jintian; Li, Ying; Dai, Xiaojing; Zhao, Baohua

    2016-09-10

    In the present study, lyophilization was attempted to improve the long-term storage of CS/GP thermogelling systems for biopharmaceutical applications. After lyophilization, CS/α,β-GP lyophilizate could not be dissolved in water, but some metal salts, such as NaCl, CaCl2, and MgCl2 surprisingly facilitated its dissolution. X-ray powder diffraction analysis suggested that calcium ions might preferentially form salts with α,β-GP, inhibit the transfer of protons from CS to α,β-GP, and then inhibit the aggregation of CS molecules during lyophilization. Comparison of the freshly prepared CS/α,β-GP/salt solutions and the reconstituted solutions from lyophilizates showed that lyophilization clearly influenced the properties of reconstituted CS/α,β-GP/salt solutions such as gelation time, viscosity, and pH. Furthermore, the reconstituted CS/α,β-GP/CaCl2 solutions maintained thermogelling properties and formed hydrogels at 37°C within approximately 5min, but did not form hydrogels at 20°C and 4°C over 2 weeks. The model protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) was further incorporated into the CS/α,β-GP/CaCl2 system. In vitro release experiments showed the sustained release of BSA from CS/α,β-GP/CaCl2 hydrogels in a pH-sensitive manner, demonstrating that CS/α,β-GP/CaCl2 may be useful as an in situ gel-forming system. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Vemurafenib skin phototoxicity is indirectly linked to ultraviolet A minimal erythema dose decrease.

    PubMed

    Brugière, C; Stefan, A; Morice, C; Cornet, E; Moreau, A; Allouche, S; Verneuil, L

    2014-12-01

    Vemurafenib, an anti-rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma kinase B (BRAF) molecule, improves survival among patients with metastatic BRAF-mutated melanoma. Photosensitivity, a frequent cutaneous adverse effect induced by vemurafenib, can lead to cessation of treatment. To investigate photosensitivity mechanisms in patients treated with vemurafenib for metastatic melanoma. In a prospective study of 12 patients, photobiological explorations with measurements of ultraviolet A (UVA) minimal erythema dose (MED) and polychromatic MED were performed over 3 days in all 12 patients. UVA MED and polychromatic MED were also assessed for four patients before treatment. We then performed spectrophotometric analyses of (i) serum and faeces in these four patients, before and after introduction of vemurafenib; (ii) the lyophilized form of vemurafenib without excipient added; and (iii) the lyophilized form of vemurafenib added to serum and faeces before treatment. Photosensitivity was present in 92% of the patients. UVA MED was normal before treatment and decreased after treatment, while polychromatic MED remained normal. The same three peaks (210, 260 and 310 nm) were identified in the spectrum for UVB and UVC but not for UVA on spectrophotometric analyses for each condition (lyophilized vemurafenib; serum and faeces after introduction of vemurafenib; and lyophilized vemurafenib added to serum and faeces before treatment). The peaks were different before treatment. Our study confirms that photosensitivity under vemurafenib treatment was a UVA phototoxicity reaction, and our results suggest that a metabolite of vemurafenib rather than the parent molecule is involved in this phototoxicity. © 2014 British Association of Dermatologists.

  4. Wetting kinetics of nanodroplets on lyophilic nanopillar-arrayed surfaces: A molecular dynamics study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zong, Diyuan; Yang, Zhen; Duan, Yuanyuan

    2017-10-01

    Wetting kinetics of water droplets on substrates with lyophilic nanopillars was investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. Early spreading of the droplet is hindered by the nanopillars because of the penetration of the liquid which induce an extra dissipation in the droplet. Droplet spreading is mainly controlled by liquid viscosity and surface tension and not dependent on solid wettability. Propagation of the fringe film is hindered by the enhanced solid wettability because of the energy barrier introduced by the interaction between water molecules and nanopillars which increase with solid wettability.

  5. Mandibular angle augmentation with the use of distraction and homologous lyophilized cartilage in a case of morphing to Michael Jackson surgery.

    PubMed

    Mommaerts, M Y; Abeloos, J S; Gropp, H

    2001-08-01

    Correction of an ill-defined mandibular angle is not an easy task, whether it is requested by the "congenital, orthognathic or cosmetic" patient. Deliberate over-correction has not been reported to our knowledge. This article presents a combination of distraction osteogenesis and lyophilized cartilage used to three-dimensionally over-augment the mandibular angle of a long-face prognathic patient who had the wish to be morphed to Michael Jackson or at least as far as current technique and his endogenic features allowed.

  6. Degradation of L-Ascorbic Acid in the Amorphous Solid State.

    PubMed

    Sanchez, Juan O; Ismail, Yahya; Christina, Belinda; Mauer, Lisa J

    2018-03-01

    Ascorbic acid degradation in amorphous solid dispersions was compared to its degradation in the crystalline state. Physical blends and lyophiles of ascorbic acid and polymers (pectins and polyvinylpyrrolidone [PVP]) were prepared initially at 50:50 (w/w), with further studies using the polymer that best inhibited ascorbic acid crystallization in the lyophiles in 14 vitamin : PVP ratios. Samples were stored in controlled environments (25 to 60 °C, 0% to 23% RH) for 1 mo and analyzed periodically to track the physical appearance, change in moisture content, physical state (powder x-ray diffraction and polarized light microscopy), and vitamin loss (high performance liquid chromatography) over time. The glass transition temperatures of select samples were determined using differential scanning calorimetry, and moisture sorption profiles were generated. Ascorbic acid in the amorphous form, even in the glassy amorphous state, was more labile than in the crystalline form in some formulations at the highest storage temperature. Lyophiles stored at 25 and 40 °C and those in which ascorbic acid had crystallized at 60 °C (≥70% ascorbic acid : PVP) had no significant difference in vitamin loss (P > 0.05) relative to physical blend controls, and the length of storage had little effect. At 60 °C, amorphous ascorbic acid lyophiles (≤60% ascorbic acid : PVP) lost significantly more vitamin (P < 0.05) relative to physical blend controls after 1 wk, and vitamin loss significantly increased over time. In these lyophiles, vitamin degradation also significantly increased (P < 0.05) at lower proportions of ascorbic acid, a scenario likely encountered in foods wherein vitamins are naturally present or added at low concentrations and production practices may promote amorphization of the vitamin. Vitamin C is one of the most unstable vitamins in foods. This study documents that amorphous ascorbic acid is less stable than crystalline ascorbic acid in some environments (for example, higher temperatures within 1 wk), especially when the vitamin is present at low concentrations in a product. These findings increase the understanding of how material science properties influence the stability of vitamin C. © 2018 Institute of Food Technologists®.

  7. Paclitaxel solubility in aqueous dispersions and mixed micellar solutions of lecithin.

    PubMed

    Sznitowska, Malgorzata; Klunder, Malgorzata; Placzek, Marcin

    2008-01-01

    The aim of this study was to find a biocompatible, lecithin-based carrier for paclitaxel (PTX) suitable for intravenous infusion and ensuring a soluble PTX concentration of 100 mg/100 ml or higher for at least 24 h. Aqueous dispersions of egg or soya lecithin (water-lecithin dispersions, WLD), mixed micellar (MM) solutions of egg lecithin and sodium deoxycholate, and formulations containing lecithin plus the co-surfactants and co-solvents poloxamer, polysorbate, Span, benzalkonium chloride, and macrogol were investigated. Amorphous PTX was prepared by lyophilization. PTX co-lyophilized with surfactants was also studied. Unlike crystalline PTX, the drug in an amorphous form is easily soluble in 1-5% (w/w) WLD or in MM. The highest solubility (up to 570 mg/100 ml) was achieved in 5% WLD. Dissolved PTX precipitated from all tested formulations over 24 h. Despite this, concentrations of dissolved PTX of 100 mg/100 ml or higher were observed after 24 h in 5% egg WLD, 1-5% soya WLD, and in 5% MM (lecithin : deoxycholate ratio 1 : 1 w/w). When four different batches of 5% egg WLD were prepared, containing PTX in clinically relevant concentration of 100 mg/100 ml, no precipitation of PTX was observed within 24 h and this formulation is the most promising candidate for further in vivo studies. Neither additional surfactants nor co-lyophilization increased PTX solubility in the lecithin-based carriers. The use of parenteral emulsions as solvents for the co-lyophilized PTX also failed to increase the solubility of the drug up to the target concentration.

  8. [A long-term follow-up of treatment of adult unicameral bone cysts with allograft of lyophilized cancellous bone].

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yonggang; Wang, Yan; Cheng, Jiying

    2005-08-01

    To investigate the long-term clinical results of treatment of adult unicameral bone cyst with cancellous allograft. From 1993 to 1998, 15 patients with unicameral bone cyst were treated by allograft with lyophilized cancellous bone. Among 15 patients, there were 5 males and 10 females, aging 19-41 years with an average of 27 years. The average follow-up time was 7.5 years (6-11 years). The X-ray films were taken and the CT scanning were carried out. The X-ray films showed that the allograft particles became vague 2-3 months after operation, that the allograft particles fused and began to form new bone and the bone density increased 5 months after operation, and that new bone formation completed after 7 months of operation. At the end of follow-up, remodelling in new bone occurred. Recurrence was not found in all patients. The symptom of pain disappeared or relieved obviously. Allograft of lyophilized cancellous bone is an effective treatment for adult unicameral bone cysts.

  9. Fungitoxicity of lyophilized and spray-dried garlic extracts.

    PubMed

    Tedeschi, Paola; Maietti, Annalisa; Boggian, Marisa; Vecchiati, Giorgio; Brandolini, Vincenzo

    2007-01-01

    Among the compounds discussed for anti-microbial and anti-fungal use allicin (allylthiosulfinate, diallyl disulfide-S-monoxide), an active ingredient of garlic, has attracted considerable attention. The objective of this study is to determine the antifungal activity of a local garlic ecotype (Voghiera) extracts against different pathogens. Primary screening was carried out by the agar plates technique using ethanol garlic extract at four final concentrations against the following organisms: Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus spp., Colletotrichum acutatum, Didymella bryoniae, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium avenaceum, Fusarium gramineareum, Gliocladium roseum 47, Pythium splendens, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsii, Stemphylium vesicarium, Trichoderma longibranchiatum, and Botrytis cinerea. Secondary screening was carried out using a lyophilized and a spray-dried preparation at different concentrations against the organisms selected for the high inhibition garlic effect in the primary screening and compared with the commercial fungicides mancozeb and iprodione. The best results were observed for the spray-dried garlic compound that showed a good fungicidal activity at the concentration of 1.5 g/10 mL while lyophilized garlic at the same concentration exhibited less inhibition activity against the four fungi analyzed in the second screening.

  10. Stability of collapse lyophilized influenza vaccine formulations.

    PubMed

    Anamur, Cihad; Winter, Gerhard; Engert, Julia

    2015-04-10

    A clear limitation of many liquid vaccines is the obligatory cold-chain distribution system. Therefore, distribution of a dried vaccine formulation may be beneficial in terms of vaccine stability, handling and transport. Collapse freeze-drying is a process which utilizes fairly aggressive but at the same time economic lyophilization cycles where the formulation is dried above its glass transition temperature. In this study, we used collapse freeze-drying for a thermosensitive model influenza vaccine (Pandemrix(®)). The dried lyophilizates were further cryo-milled to engineer powder particles in the size range of approximately 20-80 μm which is applicable for epidermal powder immunization. Vaccine potency and stability were neither affected by high temperature input during collapse lyophilization nor over a storage period of six months. Furthermore, cryo-milled vaccine lyophilizates showed good storage stability of up to three months at high storage temperature (40 °C). This technique can provide a powerful tool for the worldwide distribution of vaccine and for new application technologies such as engineered powder immunization. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Towards Preserving the Immunogenicity of Protein Antigens Carried by Nanoparticles While Avoiding the Cold Chain

    PubMed Central

    Sloat, Brian R.; Sandoval, Michael A.; Cui, Zhengrong

    2010-01-01

    Nanoparticles are an attractive vaccine carrier with potent adjuvant activity. Data from our previous studies showed that immunization of mice with lecithin/glyceryl monostearate-based nanoparticles with protein antigens conjugated onto their surface induced a strong, quick, and long-lasting antigen-specific immune response. In the present study, we evaluated the feasibility of preserving the immunogenicity of protein antigens carried by nanoparticles without refrigeration using these antigen-conjugated nanoparticles as a model. The nanoparticles were lyophilized, and the immunogenicity of the antigens was evaluated in a mouse model using bovine serum albumin or the Bacillus anthracis protective antigen protein as model antigens. With proper excipients, the nanoparticles can be lyophilized while maintaining the immunogenicity of the antigens. Moreover, the immunogenicity of the model antigen conjugated onto the nanoparticles was undamaged after a relatively extended period of storage at room temperature or under accelerated conditions (37°C) when the nanoparticles were lyophilized with 5% mannitol plus 1% polyvinylpyrrolidone. To our knowledge, the present study represents an early attempt to preserve the immunogenicity of the protein antigens carried by nanoparticles without refrigeration. PMID:20416366

  12. Development of formulation device for periodontal disease.

    PubMed

    Sato, Yasuhiko; Oba, Takuma; Watanabe, Norio; Danjo, Kazumi

    2012-01-01

    In addition to providing standard surgical treatment that removes the plaque and infected tissues, medications that can regenerate periodontal tissue are also required in the treatment of periodontal disease. As a form of regenerative medication, various growth factors are expected to be used while treating periodontal disease. A protein-like growth factor is often developed as a lyophilized product with dissolution liquid, considering its instability in the solution state. We have clarified that the formulation for periodontal disease needs to be viscous. When the lyophilized product was dissolved using a sticky solution, various problems were encountered, difficulty in dissolving and air bubbles, for example, and some efforts were needed to prepare the formulation. In this research, to identify the problem of preparing a viscous formulation, a lyophilized product (placebo) and sticky liquid were prepared by using vial and ampoule as the conventional containers. Based on these problems, a prototype administration device was developed, and its functionality was confirmed. As a result, it was suggested that the device with a useful mixing system that could shorten the preparation time was developed.

  13. Comparison of the effects of chronic intra-articular administration of tenoxicam, diclofenac, and methylprednisolone in healthy rats.

    PubMed

    Orak, Mehmet Müfit; Ak, Dursun; Midi, Ahmet; Laçin, Berna; Purisa, Sevim; Bulut, Güven

    2015-01-01

    Lyophilized drug manufacturing and intra-articular (IA) applications have increased to address gastrointestinal side effects resulting from chronic treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for degenerative joint disease. Accordingly, we histologically examined joint and stomach tissues from rats to determine and compare the effects of long-term treatment with an IA corticosteroid (methylprednisolone acetate), lyophilized NSAID (tenoxicam), and non-lyophilized NSAID (diclofenac) following application to the knee joint. One hundred Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups of 25 rats: control, methylprednisolone, tenoxicam, and diclofenac. Ten IA injections were administered at 1-week intervals. Rats were sacrificed at 48 h and 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the tenth injection. Histomorphologically, knee joint samples were examined for osteoarthritic changes and stomach tissue samples for gastric changes. Unlike methylprednisolone, diclofenac and tenoxicam caused increased fibrosis and fibroblast production; furthermore, chronic methylprednisolone use had no negative effects on the synovium or cartilage. Chronic tenoxicam and diclofenac use affects joints more negatively than chronic steroid treatment.

  14. A semi-automated multiplex high-throughput assay for measuring IgG antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) domains in small volumes of plasma.

    PubMed

    Cham, Gerald K K; Kurtis, Jonathan; Lusingu, John; Theander, Thor G; Jensen, Anja T R; Turner, Louise

    2008-06-12

    The level of antibodies against PfEMP1 is routinely quantified by the conventional microtitre enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). However, ELISA only measures one analyte at a time and requires a relatively large plasma volume if the complete antibody profile of the sample is to be obtained. Furthermore, assay-to-assay variation and the problem of storage of antigen can influence ELISA results. The bead-based assay described here uses the BioPlex100 (BioRad, Hercules, CA, USA) system which can quantify multiple antibodies simultaneously in a small plasma volume. A total of twenty nine PfEMP1 domains were PCR amplified from 3D7 genomic DNA, expressed in the Baculovirus system and purified by metal-affinity chromatography. The antibody reactivity level to the recombinant PfEMP1 proteins in human hyper-immune plasma was measured by ELISA. In parallel, these recombinant PfEMP1 proteins were covalently coupled onto beads each having its own unique detection signal and the human hyper-immune plasma reactivity was detected for each individual protein using a BioPlex100 system. Protein-coupled beads were analysed at two time points seven months apart, before and after lyophilization and the results compared to determine the effect of storage and lyophilization respectively on the beads. Multiplexed protein-coupled beads from twenty eight unique bead populations were evaluated on the BioPlex100 system against pooled human hyper-immune plasma before and after lyophilization. The bead-based assay was sensitive, accurate and reproducible. Four recombinant PfEMP1 proteins C17, D5, D9 and D12, selected on the basis that they showed a spread of median fluorescent intensity (MFI) values from low to high when analysed by the bead-based assay were analysed by ELISA and the results from both analyses were highly correlated. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (Rho) were > or = 0.86, (P < 0.0001) for all comparisons. Bead-based assays gave similar results regardless of whether they were performed on individual beads or on multiplexed beads; lyophilization had no impact on the assay performance. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (Rho) were > or = 0.97, (P < 0.0001) for all comparisons. Importantly, the reactivity of protein-coupled non-lyophilized beads decreased with long term storage at 4 degrees C in the dark. Using this lyophilized multiplex assay, antibody reactivity levels to twenty eight different recombinant PfEMP1 proteins were simultaneously measured using a single microliter of plasma. Thus, the assay reported here provides a useful tool for rapid and efficient quantification of antibody reactivity against PfEMP1 variants in human plasma.

  15. Formulation for a novel inhaled peptide therapeutic for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

    PubMed

    Hengsawas Surasarang, Soraya; Florova, Galina; Komissarov, Andrey A; Shetty, Sreerama; Idell, Steven; Williams, Robert O

    2018-02-01

    A caveolin-1 scaffolding domain, CSP7, is a newly developed peptide for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. To develop a CSP7 formulation for further use we have obtained, characterized and compared a number of lyophilized formulations of CSP7 trifluoroacetate with DPBS and in combination with excipients (mannitol and lactose at molar ratios 1:5, 70 and 140). CSP7 trifluoroacetate was stable (>95%) in solution at 5 and 25 °C for up to 48 h and tolerated at least 5 freeze/thaw cycles. Lyophilized cakes of CSP7 trifluoroacetate with excipients were stable (>96%) for up to 4 weeks at room temperature (RT), and retained more than 98% of the CSP7 trifluoroacetate in the solution at 8 h after reconstitution at RT. The lyophilized CSP7 formulations were stable for up to 10 months at 5 °C protected from moisture. Exposure of the lyophilized cakes of CSP7 to 75% relative humidity (RH) resulted in an increase in the absorbed moisture, promoted crystallization of the excipients and induced reversible formation of CSP7 aggregates. Increased molar ratio of mannitol slightly affected formation of the aggregates. In contrast, lactose significantly decreased (up to 20 times) aggregate formation with apparent saturation at the molar ratio of 1:70. The possible mechanisms of stabilization of CSP7 trifluoroacetate in solid state by lactose include physical state of the bulking agent and the interactions between lactose and CSP7 trifluoroacetate (e.g. formation of a Schiff base with the N-terminal amino group of CSP7). Finally, CSP7 trifluoroacetate exhibited excellent stability during nebulization of formulations containing mannitol or lactose.

  16. Comparison of hypotensive, diuretic and renal effects between cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica and furosemide.

    PubMed

    Bakour, Meryem; Al-Waili, Noori; El-Haskoury, Redouan; El-Menyiy, Nawal; Al-Waili, Thia; Al-Waili, Ali; Lyoussi, Badiaa

    2017-09-01

    To investigate the diuretic, hypotensive and renal effect of Opuntia ficus-indica in two different species in oral and intravenous administration. Diuretic activity was evaluated in rats with the plant cladode gel and aqueous extract administrated orally, and was evaluated in rabbits with plant extract administered intravenously. Single and repeated doses of cladode gel or aqueous extract of cladode were tested. Urine volume and blood and urine creatinine, sodium and potassium were measured, and creatinine clearance was calculated. The hypotensive effect of lyophilized extract of cladode was evaluated in rabbits. Two polyethylene PE50 catheters were used: one in the jugular vein for the infusion of the plant extract and the other in the carotid for the evaluation of the arterial pressure. The cladode gel or aqueous extract increased urine volume, creatinine clearance and urinary excretion of sodium and potassium without significant effect on serum creatinine or blood urea. Furosemide, gel and aqueous extract of cladode insignificantly lowered plasma potassium in rats. Intravenous administration of the lyophilized extract caused a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure in rabbits with a significant increase in urine volume and urine sodium and potassium; the effect was dose dependent. Intravenous administration of lyophilized extract did not affect plasma sodium or potassium. Gel and aqueous extract of Opuntia ficus-indica cladode have a significant diuretic effect on rats, and the lyophilized extract has a diuretic and hypotensive effect on normotensive rabbits without deterioration in renal function test. Additional studies on active ingredients are essential to pave the way for clinical studies on diuretic and hypotensive effect of the plant. Copyright © 2017 Hainan Medical University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Conformational and bioactivity analysis of insulin: freeze-drying TBA/water co-solvent system in the presence of surfactant and sugar.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yong; Deng, Yingjie; Wang, Xueli; Xu, Jinghua; Li, Zhengqiang

    2009-04-17

    Despite the extensive research into the freeze-drying of aqueous solutions of proteins, it remains unknown whether proteins can survive the lyophilization process in a water-organic co-solvent system and how the process and additives affect the structural stability and activity of the proteins. In the present study, a conformational analysis of insulin in the absence/presence of bile salt and trehalose was carried out, before and after freeze-drying of a tert-butyl alcohol (TBA)/water co-solvent system at volume ratios of TBA to water ranging from 50/50 to 0/100. The study involved the use of ultraviolet derivative and fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Also the bioactivity of insulin was evaluated in vivo using the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice as an animal model. Initial investigations indicate that the extent of the structural change of insulin depends significantly both on the TBA content and on the concentration of additives, such as sodium deoxycholate, prior to lyophilization. This could be accounted for by the phase behavior properties of the TBA/water co-solvent system, surface denaturation together with the selective and/or forced dispersion of insulin during phase separation. Lyophilized insulin in the presence of bile salt and trehalose retained more of its bioactivity and native-like structure in the solid state compared with that in the absence of additives at various TBA/water ratios, although in all cases there was a major and reversible rearrangement of secondary structure after rehydration, except for insulin at 50% TBA (v/v). Furthermore, both lyophilization in non-eutectic systems and less structural changes in the formulation process lead to more bioactivity.

  18. Collecting exhaled breath condensate (EBC) with two condensers in series: a promising technique for studying the mechanisms of EBC formation, and the volatility of selected biomarkers.

    PubMed

    Corradi, Massimo; Goldoni, Matteo; Caglieri, Andrea; Folesani, Giuseppina; Poli, Diana; Corti, Marina; Mutti, Antonio

    2008-03-01

    Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) consists mainly of water, but also contains semivolatile and nonvolatile compounds. The aim of this study was to develop a system in which two condensers are simultaneously used in series to clarify the mechanisms of EBC condensation. Two aliquots of EBC (EBC1 and EBC2) were collected from 20 asymptomatic smokers and 20 healthy young nonsmokers using a specifically designed device having two condensers in series in which total volume, hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), ammonium (NH(4)(+)), and conductivity before and after lyophilization were measured. Water, NH(4)(+) levels and conductivity before lyophilization were significantly lower in the EBC2 than in the EBC1 of smokers and nonsmokers; the contrary was true for H(2)O(2) levels. Almost all nonvolatile salts were collected in the first condenser, because more than 50% of postlyophilization conductivity was below the detection limit in EBC2. The recovery of volatile molecules and their derivatives (water and NH(4)(+)) was partial in the first condenser, but appreciable amounts of both were measured in the second; however, the condenser immediately in contact with exhaled air was more efficient in terms of water, NH(4)(+) and conductivity before lyophilization. On the contrary, nonvolatile ions (conductivity after lyophilization) were mainly collected in the first condenser. Finally, the behavior of H(2)O(2) cannot be explained on the basis of its chemical and physical properties, and the most probable explanation is that some was byproduced by a radical reaction in the gas phase or during the condensation process in water.

  19. Comparison of different culture media and storage temperatures for the long-term preservation of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the tropics.

    PubMed

    Siberry, G; Brahmadathan, K N; Pandian, R; Lalitha, M K; Steinhoff, M C; John, T J

    2001-01-01

    The preservation of Streptococcus pneumoniae by standard freezing methods for subsequent tests--such as serotyping and antibiotic susceptibility--is not possible or is difficult in many developing countries because of the high cost of equipment, inadequate equipment maintenance, and irregular power supply. We evaluated alternative low-cost methods, by comparing different culture media and storage temperatures. Clinical isolates of five capsular types (1, 5, 7, 19, and 23) of S. pneumoniae were preserved in rabbit blood, sheep blood, skimmed milk, or glycerol-chocolate broth, and stored at -20 degrees C or -70 degrees C. The cultures were also preserved by lyophilization or sand desiccation, followed by storage at room temperature and 4 degrees C. The viability of the preserved cultures was determined by making serial colony counts on day 0 and after 1 week, 4 weeks, 4 months and 16 months. The viability of cultures preserved by sand desiccation and storage at 4 degrees C was also determined every 6 months for up to 68 months. Irrespective of the media used, cultures maintained at -20 degrees C became nonviable by the fourth month, while those maintained at -70 degrees C were still viable at 16 months. Cultures preserved by lyophilization or sand desiccation lost their viability by the fourth month when maintained at local room temperature (30-42 degrees C), but remained viable when stored at 4 degrees C for up to 68 months. Our results confirm that freezing at -70 degrees C, or lyophilization and storage at 4 degrees C are the ideal methods for the preservation of S. pneumoniae. In laboratories where lyophilization is not feasible, sand desiccation and storage at 4 degrees C offers an alternative low-cost method for the long-term preservation of S. pneumoniae.

  20. The Development of Lyophilized Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification Reagents for the Detection of Coxiella burnetii.

    PubMed

    Chen, Hua-Wei; Ching, Wei-Mei

    2016-04-18

    Coxiella burnetii, the agent causing Q fever, is an obligate intracellular bacterium. PCR based diagnostic assays have been developed for detecting C. burnetii DNA in cell cultures and clinical samples. PCR requires specialized equipment and extensive end user training, and therefore, it is not suitable for routine work especially in a resource-constrained area. We have developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay to detect the presence of C. burnetii in patient samples. This method is performed at a single temperature around 60 °C in a water bath or heating block. The sensitivity of this LAMP assay is very similar to PCR with a detection limit of about 25 copies per reaction. This report describes the preparation of the reaction using lyophilized reagents and visualization of results using hydroxynaphthol blue (HNB) or a UV lamp with fluorescent intercalating dye in the reaction. The LAMP reagents were lyophilized and stored at room temperature (RT) for one month without loss of detection sensitivity. This LAMP assay is particularly robust because the reaction mixture preparation does not involve complex steps. This method is ideal for use in resource-limited settings where Q fever is endemic.

  1. Towards preserving the immunogenicity of protein antigens carried by nanoparticles while avoiding the cold chain.

    PubMed

    Sloat, Brian R; Sandoval, Michael A; Cui, Zhengrong

    2010-06-30

    Nanoparticles are an attractive vaccine carrier with potent adjuvant activity. Data from our previous studies showed that immunization of mice with lecithin/glyceryl monostearate-based nanoparticles with protein antigens conjugated onto their surface induced a strong, quick, and long-lasting antigen-specific immune response. In the present study, we evaluated the feasibility of preserving the immunogenicity of protein antigens carried by nanoparticles without refrigeration using these antigen-conjugated nanoparticles as a model. The nanoparticles were lyophilized, and the immunogenicity of the antigens was evaluated in a mouse model using bovine serum albumin or the Bacillus anthracis protective antigen protein as model antigens. With proper excipients, the nanoparticles can be lyophilized while maintaining the immunogenicity of the antigens. Moreover, the immunogenicity of the model antigen conjugated onto the nanoparticles was undamaged after a relatively extended period of storage at room temperature or under accelerated conditions (37 degrees C) when the nanoparticles were lyophilized with 5% mannitol plus 1% polyvinylpyrrolidone. To our knowledge, the present study represents an early attempt to preserve the immunogenicity of the protein antigens carried by nanoparticles without refrigeration. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Binding of glucosyltransferase and glucan synthesis by Streptococcus mutans and other bacteria.

    PubMed

    Hamada, S; Tai, S; Slade, H D

    1978-07-01

    Lyophilized and heat-treated cells from the seven serotypes of Streptococcus mutans were examined for their ability to bind added insoluble-product glucosyl-transferase (GTase) and to synthesize cell-associated glucan from [(14)C]sucrose. Lyophilized cells of serotypes a and g did not synthesize any more additional glucan than did the controls after exposure to GTase. These cells, however, synthesized four- to eightfold-greater quantities of glucan than did the cells of the remaining serotypes. Lyophilized cells of serotypes b, c, d, e, and f synthesized two- to threefold-greater quantities of glucan after exposure to GTase than did the controls without added enzyme. Lyophilized cells of serotypes a and g synthesized 6- to 10-fold-greater quantities of glucan than did heat-treated cells of the same strain after binding of GTase. Lyophilized cells of the remaining serotypes synthesized only 1.6- to 3.3-fold-greater quantities of glucan than did the heat-treated cells. These results demonstrate that heat treatment to inactivate cell-associated GTase does not create additional GTase binding sites in S. mutans and that serotypes a and g are considerably more active in cell-associated glucan synthesis than cells of the other five serotypes. Ten species of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria from five genera which do not produce in vitro plaque synthesized 10- to 100-fold-less glucan than did the S. mutans strains after exposure to GTase. Of these species, S. sanguis, Actinomyces viscosus, and A. naeslundii synthesized the largest quantities of glucan. Three mutant strains of S. mutans which possess a reduced ability for in vitro adherence but do agglutinate with glucan or dextran synthesized only one-third as much glucan after binding of GTase as the control. These results are discussed in relation to in vitro and in vivo plaque development and the agglutination of S. mutans. The results support earlier findings which indicate that the presence of bacterial species other than S. mutans in smooth-surface dental plaque is due in part to contact of the cells with glucan in the developing plaque and not to the binding of cell-free GTase and the in situ synthesis of glucan. The results obtained with these representative strains of the seven serotypes of S. mutans may not apply to the same extent to other strains within the serotypes.

  3. Lyophilized insulin nanoparticles prepared from quaternized N-aryl derivatives of chitosan as a new strategy for oral delivery of insulin: in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo characterizations.

    PubMed

    Mahjub, Reza; Radmehr, Moojan; Dorkoosh, Farid Abedin; Ostad, Seyed Naser; Rafiee-Tehrani, Morteza

    2014-12-01

    The purpose of this research was the development, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo characterization of lyophilized insulin nanoparticles prepared from quaternized N-aryl derivatives of chitosan. Insulin nanoparticles were prepared from methylated N-(4-N,N-dimethylaminobenzyl), methylated N-(4 pyridinyl) and methylated N-(benzyl). Insulin nanoparticles containing non-modified chitosan and also trimethyl chiotsan (TMC) were also prepared as control. The effects of the freeze-drying process on physico-chemical properties of nanoparticles were investigated. The release of insulin from the nanoparticles was studied in vitro. The mechanism of the release of insulin from different types of nanoparticles was determined using curve fitting. The secondary structure of the insulin released from the nanoparticles was analyzed using circular dichroism and the cell cytotoxicity of nanoparticles on a Caco-2 cell line was determined. Ex vivo studies were performed on excised rat jejunum using Frantz diffusion cells. In vivo studies were performed on diabetic male Wistar rats and blood glucose level and insulin serum concentration were determined. Optimized nanoparticles with proper physico-chemical properties were obtained. The lyophilization process was found to cause a decrease in zeta potential and an increase in PdI as well as and a decrease in entrapment efficiency (EE%) and loading efficiency (LE%) but conservation in size of nanoparticles. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images showed non-aggregated, stable and spherical to sub-spherical nanoparticles. The in vitro release study revealed higher release rates for lyophilized compared to non-lyophilized nanoparticles. Cytotoxicity studies on Caco-2 cells revealed no significant cytotoxicity for prepared nanoparticles after 3-h post-incubation but did show the concentration-dependent cytotoxicity after 24 h. The percentage of cumulative insulin determined from ex vivo studies was significantly higher in nanoparticles prepared from quaternized aromatic derivatives of chitosan. In vivo data showed significantly higher insulin intestinal absorption in nanoparticles prepared from methylated N-(4-N, N-dimethylaminobenzyl) chitosan nanoparticles compared to trimethyl chitosan. These data obtained demonstrated that as the result of optimized physico-chemical properties, drug release rate, cytotoxicity profile, ex vivo permeation enhancement and increased in vivo absorption, nanoparticles prepared from N-aryl derivatives of chitosan can be considered as valuable method for the oral delivery of insulin.

  4. Highly Stable Lyophilized Homogeneous Bead-Based Immunoassays for On-Site Detection of Bio Warfare Agents from Complex Matrices.

    PubMed

    Mechaly, Adva; Marx, Sharon; Levy, Orly; Yitzhaki, Shmuel; Fisher, Morly

    2016-06-21

    This study shows the development of dry, highly stable immunoassays for the detection of bio warfare agents in complex matrices. Thermal stability was achieved by the lyophilization of the complete, homogeneous, bead-based immunoassay in a special stabilizing buffer, resulting in a ready-to-use, simple assay, which exhibited long shelf and high-temperature endurance (up to 1 week at 100 °C). The developed methodology was successfully implemented for the preservation of time-resolved fluorescence, Alexa-fluorophores, and horse radish peroxidase-based bead assays, enabling multiplexed detection. The multiplexed assay was successfully implemented for the detection of Bacillus anthracis, botulinum B, and tularemia in complex matrices.

  5. Lyophilization -Solid Waste Treatment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Litwiller, Eric; Flynn, Michael; Fisher, John; Reinhard, Martin

    2004-01-01

    This paper discusses the development of a solid waste treatment system that has been designed for a Mars transit exploration mission. The technology described is an energy-efficient lyophilization technique that is designed to recover water from spacecraft solid wastes. Candidate wastes include feces, concentrated brines from water processors, and other solid wastes that contain free water. The system is designed to operate as a stand-alone process or to be integrated into the International Space Station Waste Collection System. In the lyophilization process, water in an aqueous waste is frozen and then sublimed, separating the waste into a dried solid material and liquid water. The sublimed water is then condensed in a solid ice phase and then melted to generate a liquid product. In the subject system the waste solids are contained within a 0.2 micron bio-guard bag and after drying are removed from the system and stored in a secondary container. This technology is ideally suited to applications such as the Mars Reference Mission, where water recovery rates approaching 100% are desirable but production of CO2 is not. The system is designed to minimize power consumption through the use of thermoelectric heat pumps. The results of preliminary testing of a prototype system and testing of the final configuration are provided. A mathematical model of the system is also described.

  6. Clinical application of decellularized and lyophilized human amnion/chorion membrane grafts for closing post‐laryngectomy pharyngocutaneous fistulas

    PubMed Central

    Mardaleishvili, Konstantine; Loladze, George; Javakhishvili, Ivane; Chakhunasvili, Konstantine; Karalashvili, Lika; Sukhitashvili, Natia; Chutkerashvili, Gocha; Kakabadze, Ann; Chakhunasvili, David

    2016-01-01

    Background and Objectives Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common pathological type among the cancers of the larynx. Standard treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx is the combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and laryngectomy. Pharyngocutaneous fistula is a common complication of laryngectomy. We hypothesized that decellularized and lyophilized human amnion/chorion membrane can be an effective, non‐invasive method of treating pharyngocutaneous fistula. Methods A total of 67 patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed after treatment in a prospective trial. After preoperative chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and total or extended laryngectomy, primary wound healing occurred in 42 (62.7%) patients. Pharyngocutaneous fistula developed in 8 (11.9%) patients. Decellularized and lyophilized human amnion/chorion membrane grafts were used to reconstruct the fistulas. Results The average time for the full healing of the wound in all patients after transplantation of these grafts was 18 days. Conclusion The advantages of using these grafts over other existing methods of pharyngocutaneous fistula treatment are that they are non‐invasive, prevent donor morbidity, and enable management of the wound without using classical wound gauze. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:538–543. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Surgical Oncology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. PMID:26791912

  7. Epidemiological trends for hospital admissions for acute rotavirus gastroenteritis in Belgium following the introduction of routine rotavirus vaccination and the subsequent switch from lyophilized to liquid formulation of Rotarix™.

    PubMed

    Raes, M; Strens, D; Kleintjens, J; Biundo, E; Morel, T; Vyse, A

    2016-10-01

    This study describes epidemiological trends for acute rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) in Belgium in children aged ⩽5 years during the period June 2007 to May 2014 after the introduction of routine rotavirus (RV) vaccination. This period encompassed the switch from lyophilized to the liquid formulation of Rotarix™ (GlaxoSmithKline, Belgium) in August 2011. Uptake of RV vaccine remained consistently high throughout the study period with Rotarix the brand most often used. RV was present in 9% (1139/12 511) of hospitalized cases with acute gastroenteritis included in the study. Epidemiological trends for hospital admissions for RVGE remained consistent throughout the study period, with no evidence of any change associated with the switch from lyophilized to liquid formulation of Rotarix. This suggests both formulations perform similarly, with the liquid formulation not inferior regarding ability to reduce hospital admissions for acute RVGE in children aged ⩽5 years. A strong seasonal effect was observed with most RVGE occurring in the winter months but with some variability in intensity, with highest incidence found in those aged 6-24 months. The main observation was the decreased number of hospital admissions for RVGE in Belgium that occurred during winter 2013/2014.

  8. Effects of Drying Process on an IgG1 Monoclonal Antibody Using Solid-State Hydrogen Deuterium Exchange with Mass Spectrometric Analysis (ssHDX-MS).

    PubMed

    Moussa, Ehab M; Wilson, Nathan E; Zhou, Qi Tony; Singh, Satish K; Nema, Sandeep; Topp, Elizabeth M

    2018-01-03

    Lyophilization and spray drying are widely used to manufacture solid forms of therapeutic proteins. Lyophilization is used to stabilize proteins vulnerable to degradation in solution, whereas spray drying is mainly used to prepare inhalation powders or as an alternative to freezing for storing bulk drug substance. Both processes impose stresses that may adversely affect protein structure, stability and bioactivity. Here, we compared lyophilization with and without controlled ice nucleation, and spray drying for their effects on the solid-state conformation and matrix interactions of a model IgG1 monoclonal antibody (mAb). Solid-state conformation and matrix interactions of the mAb were probed using solid-state hydrogen-deuterium exchange with mass spectrometric analysis (ssHDX-MS), and solid-state Fourier transform infrared (ssFTIR) and solid-state fluorescence spectroscopies. mAb conformation and/or matrix interactions were most perturbed in mannitol-containing samples and the distribution of states was more heterogeneous in sucrose and trehalose samples that were spray dried. The findings demonstrate the sensitivity of ssHDX-MS to changes weakly indicated by spectroscopic methods, and support the broader use of ssHDX-MS to probe formulation and process effects on proteins in solid samples.

  9. A combined bottom-up/top-down approach to prepare a sterile injectable nanosuspension.

    PubMed

    Hu, Xi; Chen, Xi; Zhang, Ling; Lin, Xia; Zhang, Yu; Tang, Xing; Wang, Yanjiao

    2014-09-10

    To prepare a uniform nanosuspension of strongly hydrophobic riboflavin laurate (RFL) allowing sterile filtration, physical modification (bottom-up) was combined with high-pressure homogenization (top-down) method. Unlike other bottom-up approaches, physical modification with surfactants (TPGS and PL-100) by lyophilization controlled crystallization and compensated for the poor wettability of RFL. On one hand, crystal growth and aggregation during freezing was restricted by a stabilizer-layer adsorbed on the drug surface by hydrophobic interaction. On the other hand, subsequent crystallization of drug in the sublimation process was limited to the interstitial spaces between solvent crystals. After lyophilization, modified drug with a smaller particle size and better wettability was obtained. When adding surfactant solution, water molecules passed between the hydrophilic groups of surface active molecules and activated the polymer chains allowing them to stretch into water. The coarse suspension was crushed into a nanosuspension (MP=162 nm) by high-pressure homogenization. For long term stability, lyophilization was applied again to solidify the nanosuspension (sorbitol as cryoprotectant). A slight crystal growth to about 600 nm was obtained to allow slow release for a sustained effect after muscular administration. Moreover, no paw-licking responses and very slight muscular inflammation demonstrated the excellent biocompatibility of this long-acting RFL injection. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Combined semi-empirical screening and design of experiments (DOE) approach to identify candidate formulations of a lyophilized live attenuated tetravalent viral vaccine candidate.

    PubMed

    Patel, Ashaben; Erb, Steven M; Strange, Linda; Shukla, Ravi S; Kumru, Ozan S; Smith, Lee; Nelson, Paul; Joshi, Sangeeta B; Livengood, Jill A; Volkin, David B

    2018-05-24

    A combination experimental approach, utilizing semi-empirical excipient screening followed by statistical modeling using design of experiments (DOE), was undertaken to identify stabilizing candidate formulations for a lyophilized live attenuated Flavivirus vaccine candidate. Various potential pharmaceutical compounds used in either marketed or investigative live attenuated viral vaccine formulations were first identified. The ability of additives from different categories of excipients, either alone or in combination, were then evaluated for their ability to stabilize virus against freeze-thaw, freeze-drying, and accelerated storage (25°C) stresses by measuring infectious virus titer. An exploratory data analysis and predictive DOE modeling approach was subsequently undertaken to gain a better understanding of the interplay between the key excipients and stability of virus as well as to determine which combinations were interacting to improve virus stability. The lead excipient combinations were identified and tested for stabilizing effects using a tetravalent mixture of viruses in accelerated and real time (2-8°C) stability studies. This work demonstrates the utility of combining semi-empirical excipient screening and DOE experimental design strategies in the formulation development of lyophilized live attenuated viral vaccine candidates. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Rubber closures for freeze-dried products.

    PubMed

    Hopkins, G H

    1976-10-01

    Once a biological product has been developed to perform its required medical or pharmaceutical function, it is essential that a container-closure system by chosen which will preserve the efficacy of the product up to the point of administration. The general requirements applicable to proper closure function will be reviewed and the suitability of natural and synthetic elastomers to perform these functions will be discussed. The specialized application of elastomeric materials as closures for freeze-dried products presents additional requirements which are superimposed upon those previously discussed. The first of these unique considerations relates to the proper physical design which will permit the outgassing of water vapor during the sublimation step in the lyophilizing chamber. During this outgassing the design must also permit the closure to remain affixed in the neck while only partially inserted. Since these preparations are lyophilized because they are unstable in aqueous solutions, the elastomer used must constitute an effective barrier to the transmission of moisture vapor through the closure. The MVT and gas transmission properties of elastomers will be discussed. Special consideration will be given to the extremely low temperatures used in the sublimation, stoppering, and storage before use of lyophilized products. The phenomenon of glass transition points with different elastomers will be explained as its relation to satisfactory performance of the closure function at low temperatures.

  12. Graphene oxide/alginate beads as adsorbents: Influence of the load and the drying method on their physicochemical-mechanical properties and adsorptive performance.

    PubMed

    Platero, Emiliano; Fernandez, Maria Emilia; Bonelli, Pablo Ricardo; Cukierman, Ana Lea

    2017-04-01

    Graphene oxide/alginate beads were prepared from lab-synthesized graphene oxide, varying its content within the beads (0.05, 0.125, and 0.25wt.%). Ethanol-drying and lyophilization were compared as drying methods to obtain suitable adsorbents which were later tested to the removal of a model organic molecule (methylene blue). The morphological and textural properties of all the beads were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and N 2 adsorption/desorption isotherms at -196°C, respectively. Limited porosity was obtained for all cases (S BET <60m 2 /g). Uniaxial compression tests were performed to assess the mechanical properties of the beads. Ethanol-dried ones exhibited higher Young's elasticity modulus (E=192kPa) than the lyophilized samples (twice at 0.25wt.% graphene oxide loading), which disclosed breakage points at lower deformation percentages. Adsorption experiments were conducted and dye adsorption isotherms were obtained for the beads with the best removal performance. The experimental data were better fitted by the Langmuir model. The highest maximum adsorption capacity (4.25mmol/g) was obtained for the lyophilized beads with the highest graphene oxide content. Mechanical properties were found to be affected also by the dye adsorption. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Novel freeze-dried DDA and TPGS liposomes are suitable for nasal delivery of vaccine.

    PubMed

    Yusuf, Helmy; Ali, Ahlam A; Orr, Natalie; Tunney, Michael M; McCarthy, Helen O; Kett, Vicky L

    2017-11-25

    There is a pressing need for effective needle-free vaccines that are stable enough for use in the developing world and stockpiling. The inclusion of the cationic lipid DDA and the PEG-containing moiety TPGS into liposomes has the potential to improve mucosal delivery. The aim of this study was to develop stable lyophilized cationic liposomes based on these materials suitable for nasal antigen delivery. Liposomes containing DDA and TPGS were developed. Size and zeta potential measurements, ex vivo, CLSM cell penetration study and cell viability investigations were made. Preliminary immunisation and stability studies using ovalbumin were performed. The liposomes exhibited suitable size and charge for permeation across nasal mucosa. DDA and TPGS increased tissue permeation in ex vivo studies and cell uptake with good cell viability. The liposomes improved immune response both locally and vaginally when compared to i.m administration or control liposomes delivered nasally. Additionally, the lyophilized products demonstrated good stability in terms of Tg, size and antigen retention. This study has shown that the novel liposomes have potential for development as a mucosal vaccine delivery system. Furthermore, the stability of the lyophilized liposomes offers potential additional benefits in terms of thermal stability over liquid formats. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Annealing to optimize the primary drying rate, reduce freezing-induced drying rate heterogeneity, and determine T(g)' in pharmaceutical lyophilization.

    PubMed

    Searles, J A; Carpenter, J F; Randolph, T W

    2001-07-01

    In a companion paper we show that the freezing of samples in vials by shelf-ramp freezing results in significant primary drying rate heterogeneity because of a dependence of the ice crystal size on the nucleation temperature during freezing.1 The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that post-freezing annealing, in which the product is held at a predetermined temperature for a specified duration, can reduce freezing-induced heterogeneity in sublimation rates. In addition, we test the impact of annealing on primary drying rates. Finally, we use the kinetics of relaxations during annealing to provide a simple measurement of T(g)', the glass transition temperature of the maximally freeze-concentrated amorphous phase, under conditions and time scales most appropriate for industrial lyophilization cycles. Aqueous solutions of hydroxyethyl starch (HES), sucrose, and HES:sucrose were either frozen by placement on a shelf while the temperature was reduced ("shelf-ramp frozen") or by immersion into liquid nitrogen. Samples were then annealed for various durations over a range of temperatures and partially lyophilized to determine the primary drying rate. The morphology of fully dried liquid nitrogen-frozen samples was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Annealing reduced primary drying rate heterogeneity for shelf-ramp frozen samples, and resulted in up to 3.5-fold increases in the primary drying rate. These effects were due to increased ice crystal sizes, simplified amorphous structures, and larger and more numerous holes on the cake surface of annealed samples. Annealed HES samples dissolved slightly faster than their unannealed counterparts. Annealing below T(g)' did not result in increased drying rates. We present a simple new annealing-lyophilization method of T(g)' determination that exploits this phenomenon. It can be carried out with a balance and a freeze-dryer, and has the additional advantage that a large number of candidate formulations can be evaluated simultaneously.

  15. Prefabricated bone flap: an experimental study comparing deep-frozen and lyophilized-demineralized allogenic bones and tissue expression of transforming growth factor β.

    PubMed

    Rodrigues, Leandro; dos Reis, Luciene Machado; Denadai, Rafael; Raposo-Amaral, Cassio Eduardo; Alonso, Nivaldo; Ferreira, Marcus Castro; Jorgetti, Vanda

    2013-11-01

    Extensive bone defects are still a challenge for reconstructive surgery. Allogenic bones can be an alternative with no donor area morbidity and unlimited amount of tissue. Better results can be achieved after allogenic bone preparation and adding a vascular supply, which can be done along with flap prefabrication. The purpose of this study was to evaluate demineralized/lyophilized and deep-frozen allogenic bones used for flap prefabrication and the tissue expression of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) in these bone fragments. Fifty-six Wistar rat bone diaphyses were prepared and distributed in 4 groups: demineralized/lyophilized (experimental group 1 and control group 2) and deep freezing (experimental group 3 and control group 4). Two bone segments (one of each group) were implanted in rats to prefabricate flaps using superficial epigastric vessels (experimental groups) or only transferred as grafts (control groups). These fragments remained in their respective inguinal regions until the death that occurred at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after the operation. Semiquantitative histologic (tetracycline marking, cortical resorption, number of giant cells, and vascularization) and histomorphometrical quantitative (osteoid thickness, cortical thickness, and fibrosis thickness) analyses were performed. Transforming growth factor β immunohistochemistry staining was also performed. Group 1 fragments presented an osteoid matrix on their external surface in all periods. Cartilage formation and mineralization areas were also noticed. These findings were not observed in group 3 fragments. Group 1 had more mineralization and double tetracycline marks, which were almost not seen in group 3. Cortical resorption and the number of giant cells were greater in group 3 in all periods. Vascularization and fibrosis thickness were similar in both experimental groups. Group 1 had more intense TGF-β staining within 2 weeks of study. Nevertheless, from 4 weeks onward, group 3 presented statistically significant stronger staining. Although there are some differences between the preparation methods of allogenic bone, it is possible to prefabricate flaps with demineralized/lyophilized and deep-frozen bones.

  16. Euterpe edulis effects on cardiac and renal tissues of Wistar rats fed with cafeteria diet.

    PubMed

    De Barrios Freitas, Rodrigo; Melato, Fernanda Araujo; Oliveira, Jerusa Maria de; Bastos, Daniel Silva Sena; Cardoso, Raisa Mirella; Leite, João Paulo Viana; Lima, Luciana Moreira

    2017-02-01

    This study's objective was to evaluate the antioxidant and toxic effects of E. edulison cardiac and renal tissues of Wistar rats fed with cafeteria diet. Catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in cardiac muscle and renal tissue of 60 animals, which were randomly assigned for 10 equal groups. Half of the rats were fed with cafeteria diet and the other half with commercial chow, combined or not to E. edulislyophilized extract, E. edulis deffated lyophilized extract or E. edulisoil. Data were evaluated using ANOVA, followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test. Data showed a significant increase of CAT activity in cardiac tissue of animals from the groups fed with cafeteria diet associated to E. edulis lyophilized extract at 5%, E. edulis lyophilized extract at 10% and E. edulis deffated lyophilized extract at 10%. In addition, the same result was found in animals from the groups fed with commercial chow and commercial chow combined with E. edulislyophilized extract at 10% in comparison to the group fed exclusively with cafeteria diet. GST and SOD enzyme activity showed significant increase in the heart tissue of animals nourished with commercial chow when compared to the groups fed with cafeteria diet. On the other hand, there were no significant differences enzymatic levels in renal tissues. The oil and the extract of E. edulishad an important role promoting an increase of antioxidant enzymes levels in cardiac muscle, which prevent the oxidative damage resulting from the cafeteria diet in Wistar rats. There were no evidenced signs of lipid peroxidation in renal or in cardiac tissue of the animals studied, indicating that the E. edulisuse did not promote any increase in malondialdehyde cytotoxic products formation. This show that both E. edulis oil and extracts evaluated in this study were well tolerated in the studied doses.

  17. Comparison of different culture media and storage temperatures for the long-term preservation of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the tropics.

    PubMed Central

    Siberry, G.; Brahmadathan, K. N.; Pandian, R.; Lalitha, M. K.; Steinhoff, M. C.; John, T. J.

    2001-01-01

    OBJECTIVE: The preservation of Streptococcus pneumoniae by standard freezing methods for subsequent tests--such as serotyping and antibiotic susceptibility--is not possible or is difficult in many developing countries because of the high cost of equipment, inadequate equipment maintenance, and irregular power supply. We evaluated alternative low-cost methods, by comparing different culture media and storage temperatures. METHODS: Clinical isolates of five capsular types (1, 5, 7, 19, and 23) of S. pneumoniae were preserved in rabbit blood, sheep blood, skimmed milk, or glycerol-chocolate broth, and stored at -20 degrees C or -70 degrees C. The cultures were also preserved by lyophilization or sand desiccation, followed by storage at room temperature and 4 degrees C. The viability of the preserved cultures was determined by making serial colony counts on day 0 and after 1 week, 4 weeks, 4 months and 16 months. The viability of cultures preserved by sand desiccation and storage at 4 degrees C was also determined every 6 months for up to 68 months. FINDINGS: Irrespective of the media used, cultures maintained at -20 degrees C became nonviable by the fourth month, while those maintained at -70 degrees C were still viable at 16 months. Cultures preserved by lyophilization or sand desiccation lost their viability by the fourth month when maintained at local room temperature (30-42 degrees C), but remained viable when stored at 4 degrees C for up to 68 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that freezing at -70 degrees C, or lyophilization and storage at 4 degrees C are the ideal methods for the preservation of S. pneumoniae. In laboratories where lyophilization is not feasible, sand desiccation and storage at 4 degrees C offers an alternative low-cost method for the long-term preservation of S. pneumoniae. PMID:11217666

  18. A study of the impact of freezing on the lyophilization of a concentrated formulation with a high fill depth.

    PubMed

    Liu, Jinsong; Viverette, Todd; Virgin, Marlin; Anderson, Mitch; Paresh, Dalal

    2005-01-01

    The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of freezing on the lyophilization of a concentrated formulation with a high fill depth. A model system consisting of a 15-mL fill of 15% (w/w) sulfobutylether 7-beta-cyclodextrin (SBECD) solution in a 30-mL vial was selected for this study. Various freezing methods including single-step freezing, two-step freezing with a super-cooling holding, annealing, vacuum-induced freezing, changing ice habit using tert-butyl-alcohol (TBA), ice nucleation with silver iodide (AgI), as well as combinations of some of the methods, were used in the lyophilization of this model system. This work demonstrated that the freezing process had a significant impact on primary drying rate and product quality of a concentrated formulation with a high fill depth. Annealing, vacuum-induced freezing, and addition of either TBA or an ice nucleating agent (AgI) to the formulation accelerated the subsequent ice sublimation process. Two-step freezing or addition of TBA improved the product quality by eliminating vertical heterogeneity within the cake. The combination of two-step freezing in conjunction with an annealing step was shown to be a method of choice for freezing in the lyophilization of a product with a high fill depth. In addition to being an effective method of freezing, it is most applicable for scaling up. An alternative approach is to add a certain amount of TBA to the formulation, if the TBA-formulation interaction or regulatory concerns can be demonstrated as not being an issue. An evaluation of vial size performed in this study showed that although utilizing large-diameter vials to reduce the fill depth can greatly shorten the cycle time of a single batch, it will substantially decrease the product throughput in a large-scale freeze-dryer.

  19. Variation in the Extraction Efficiency of Estradiol and Progesterone in Moist and Lyophilized Feces of the Black Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra): Alternative Methods

    PubMed Central

    Torres-Pelayo, Vianey del R.; Rovirosa-Hernández, M. J.; García-Orduña, F.; Chavira-Ramírez, R. D.; Boeck, L.; Canales-Espinosa, D.; Rodríguez-Landa, J. F.

    2011-01-01

    Several fecal steroid extraction techniques have been developed to measure the ovary function in different species of mammals. However, regardless of the method of extraction and the sample type chosen, it has been observed that they can yield results with different percentages of recuperation. The objective of this study was to determine whether the type of substratum, solvent and extraction method used have any influence on the extraction efficiency in the feces of Alouatta pigra (black howler monkey). For this purpose we used two methods: agitation and ebullition. With each method, we utilized moist and lyophilized feces. The validation of radioimmunoassay method was accurate and precise for quantify estradiol and progesterone in lyophilized feces of A. pigra. To both of which ethanol and methanol, absolute and at 80%, were added, besides the hormones 125I-Estradiol and 125I-Progesterone. The extraction efficiency for 125I-Estradiol was from 87.72 ± 3.97 to 41.24 ± 2.67%, and for 125I-Progesterone from 71.15 ± 4.24 to 42.30 ± 1.19% when we used the agitation method. Whereas with the ebullition method, the extraction efficiency for 125I-Estradiol ranged from 86.89 ± 2.66 to 71.68 ± 3.02% and for 125I-Progesterone from 98.31 ± 1.26 to 85.40 ± 1.98%. Due to the differences found in these assays, which depend on the method used, the type of feces employed and the type of solvent added to them, we recommend the ebullition method and the lyophilized feces of A. pigra for extracting the hormones, since in moist feces there may exist variables which might interfere in the quantification of 125I-Estradiol and 125I-Progesterone. PMID:22194723

  20. Temperature stability of Poly-[hemoglobin-superoxide dismutase-catalase-carbonic anhydrase] in the form of a solution or in the lyophilized form during storage at -80 °C, 4 °C, 25 °C and 37 °C or pasteurization at 70 °C.

    PubMed

    Bian, Y Z; Guo, C; Chang, T M S

    2016-01-01

    Polyhemoglobin-superoxide dismutase-catalase-carbonic anhydrase (Poly-[Hb-SOD-CAT-CA]) contains all three major functions of red blood cells (RBCs) at an enhanced level. It transports oxygen, removes oxygen radicals and transports carbon dioxide. Our previous studies in a 90-min 30 mm Hg Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) sustained hemorrhagic shock rat model shows that it is more effective than blood in the lowering of elevated intracellular pCO2, recovery of ST-elevation and histology of the heart and intestine. This paper is to analyze the storage and temperature stability. Allowable storage time for RBC is about 1 d at room temperature and 42 d at 4 °C. Also, RBC cannot be pasteurized to remove infective agents like HIV and Ebola. PolyHb can be heat sterilized and can be stored for 1 year even at room temperature. However, Poly-[Hb-SOD-CAT-CA] contains both Hb and enzymes and enzymes are particularly sensitive to storage and heat. We thus carried out studies to analyze its storage stability at different temperatures and heat pasteurization stability. Results of storage stability show that lyophilization extends the storage time to 1 year at 4 °C and 40 d at room temperature (compared to respectively, 42 d and 1 d for RBC). After the freeze-dry process, the enzyme activities of Poly-[SFHb-SOD-CAT-CA] was 100 ± 2% for CA, 100 ± 2% for SOD and 93 ± 3.5% for CAT. After heat pasteurization at 70 °C for 2 h, lyophilized Poly-[Hb-SOD-CAT-CA] retained good enzyme activities of CA 97 ± 4%, SOD 100 ± 2.5% and CAT 63.8 ± 4%. More CAT can be added during the crosslinking process to maintain the same enzyme ratio after heat pasteurization. Heat pasteurization is possible only for the lyophilized form of Poly-[Hb-SOD-CAT-CA] and not for the solution. It can be easily reconstituted by dissolving in suitable solutions that continues to have good storage stability though less than that for the lyophilized form. According to the P50 value, Poly-[SFHb-SOD-CAT-CA] retains its oxygen carrying ability before and after long-term storage.

  1. FTIR study of secondary structure of bovine serum albumin and ovalbumin

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abrosimova, K. V.; Shulenina, O. V.; Paston, S. V.

    2016-11-01

    Proteins structure is the critical factor for their functioning. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy provides a possibility to obtain information about secondary structure of proteins in different states and also in a whole biological samples. Infrared spectra of egg white from the untreated and hard-boiled hen's egg, and also of chicken ovalbumin and bovine serum albumin in lyophilic form and in aqueous solution were studied. Lyophilization of investigated globular proteins is accompanied by the decrease of a-helix structures and the increase in amount of intermolecular β-sheets. Analysis of infrared spectrum of egg white allowed to make an estimation of OVA secondary structure and to observe α-to-β structural transformation as a result of the heat denaturation.

  2. Stabilization of S-adenosyl-L-methionine promoted by trehalose.

    PubMed

    Morana, Alessandra; Stiuso, Paola; Colonna, Giovanni; Lamberti, Monica; Cartenì, Maria; De Rosa, Mario

    2002-11-14

    S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM), an important metabolic intermediate of mammals, is a well-known therapeutic agent. The molecule is chemically unstable, both in solution and in dry state, and forms different degradation products. Because the chemical instability represents a real problem during the preparation of therapeutic formulations, we investigated the capacity of some sugars to improve the SAM stability over time. In the present work, we demonstrated that the disaccharide trehalose exercises a protective effect towards the lyophilized SAM slackening its degradation (65% of SAM was detected after 50 days at 37 degrees C). A parallel study, performed to stabilize the SAM into lyophilized yeast cells enriched in the sulfonium compound, assessed the positive effect of trehalose also in whole cells, but in lesser measure.

  3. Freeze-drying process monitoring using a cold plasma ionization device.

    PubMed

    Mayeresse, Y; Veillon, R; Sibille, P H; Nomine, C

    2007-01-01

    A cold plasma ionization device has been designed to monitor freeze-drying processes in situ by monitoring lyophilization chamber moisture content. This plasma device, which consists of a probe that can be mounted directly on the lyophilization chamber, depends upon the ionization of nitrogen and water molecules using a radiofrequency generator and spectrometric signal collection. The study performed on this probe shows that it is steam sterilizable, simple to integrate, reproducible, and sensitive. The limitations include suitable positioning in the lyophilization chamber, calibration, and signal integration. Sensitivity was evaluated in relation to the quantity of vials and the probe positioning, and correlation with existing methods, such as microbalance, was established. These tests verified signal reproducibility through three freeze-drying cycles. Scaling-up studies demonstrated a similar product signature for the same product using pilot-scale and larger-scale equipment. On an industrial scale, the method efficiently monitored the freeze-drying cycle, but in a larger industrial freeze-dryer the signal was slightly modified. This was mainly due to the positioning of the plasma device, in relation to the vapor flow pathway, which is not necessarily homogeneous within the freeze-drying chamber. The plasma tool is a relevant method for monitoring freeze-drying processes and may in the future allow the verification of current thermodynamic freeze-drying models. This plasma technique may ultimately represent a process analytical technology (PAT) approach for the freeze-drying process.

  4. Lyophilization Cycle Design for Dual Chamber Cartridges and a Method for Online Process Control: The "DCC LyoMate" Procedure.

    PubMed

    Korpus, Christoph; Friess, Wolfgang

    2017-08-01

    Freeze-drying process design is a challenging task that necessitates a profound understanding of the complex interrelation among critical process parameters (e.g., shelf temperature and chamber pressure), heat transfer characteristics of the involved materials (e.g., product containers and holder devices), and critical quality attributes of the product (e.g., collapse temperatures). The Dual Chamber Cartridge "(DCC) LyoMate" (from lyophilization and automated) is a manometric temperature measurement-based process control strategy that was developed within this study to streamline this complicated task. It was successfully applied using 5% sucrose formulations with 0.5 and 1 mL fill volumes. The system was further challenged using 2, 20, and 100 mg/mL monoclonal antibody formulations. The DCC LyoMate method did not only produce pharmaceutically acceptable cakes but was also able to maintain the desired product temperature irrespective of formulation and protein content. It enabled successful process design even at high protein concentrations and aided the design and online control of the lyophilization process for drying in DCCs within a single development run. Thus, it helps to reduce development cost and the DCC LyoMate can also be easily installed on every freeze-dryer capable of performing a manometric temperature measurement, without the need for hardware modification. Copyright © 2017 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Effect of a counterion on the glass transition temperature (T(g)') during lyophilization of ganciclovir salt forms.

    PubMed

    Kumar, Lokesh; Baheti, Ankit; Bansal, Arvind K

    2011-02-07

    This manuscript deals with the effect of a counterion on the glass transition temperature for lyophilization of ganciclovir salts. Salt forms of ganciclovir, namely, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium salts, were prepared by an in situ technique and analyzed by modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) for the determination of the critical process parameter for lyophilization. Nonionized ganciclovir and its salt forms showed a glass transition (T(g)') in the reversing MDSC signal, confirming their amorphous nature. T(g)' of the nonionized ganciclovir and ganciclovir sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium salts followed the order: sodium salt (-34.94°C) > nonionized ganciclovir (-40.15°C) > potassium salt (-46.23°C) > rubidium salt (-49.95°C) > cesium salt (-53.62°C). The analysis of the freezable water content for ganciclovir and its salts showed the trend: pure water > nonionized ganciclovir > potassium salt ∼ sodium salt > rubidium salt > cesium salt. This showed that a majority of water in the salts is present as an unfrozen fraction, thus leading to a lowering of T(g)' because of the plasticizing effect of unfrozen water. Density functional theory (DFT) further suggested a positive contribution of the strength of intra- and intermolecular force of interactions to the T(g)' value, with a higher intramolecular and intermolecular force of interaction leading to a higher T(g)'.

  6. Lyophilized platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) promotes craniofacial bone regeneration through Runx2.

    PubMed

    Li, Qi; Reed, David A; Min, Liu; Gopinathan, Gokul; Li, Steve; Dangaria, Smit J; Li, Leo; Geng, Yajun; Galang, Maria-Therese; Gajendrareddy, Praveen; Zhou, Yanmin; Luan, Xianghong; Diekwisch, Thomas G H

    2014-05-14

    Freeze-drying is an effective means to control scaffold pore size and preserve its composition. The purpose of the present study was to determine the applicability of lyophilized Platelet-rich fibrin (LPRF) as a scaffold for craniofacial tissue regeneration and to compare its biological effects with commonly used fresh Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). LPRF caused a 4.8-fold±0.4-fold elevation in Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) expression in alveolar bone cells, compared to a 3.6-fold±0.2-fold increase when using fresh PRF, and a more than 10-fold rise of alkaline phosphatase levels and mineralization markers. LPRF-induced Runx2 expression only occurred in alveolar bone and not in periodontal or dental follicle cells. LPRF also caused a 1.6-fold increase in osteoblast proliferation (p<0.001) when compared to fresh PRF. When applied in a rat craniofacial defect model for six weeks, LPRF resulted in 97% bony coverage of the defect, compared to 84% for fresh PRF, 64% for fibrin, and 16% without scaffold. Moreover, LPRF thickened the trabecular diameter by 25% when compared to fresh PRF and fibrin, and only LPRF and fresh PRF resulted in the formation of interconnected trabeculae across the defect. Together, these studies support the application of lyophilized PRF as a biomimetic scaffold for craniofacial bone regeneration and mineralized tissue engineering.

  7. B-domain deleted recombinant factor VIII formulation and stability.

    PubMed

    Osterberg, T; Fatouros, A; Neidhardt, E; Warne, N; Mikaelsson, M

    2001-04-01

    B-domain deleted recombinant factor VIII (BDDrFVIII) is a deletion form of human coagulation factor VIII. A lyophilized formulation of highly purified BDDrFVIII has been developed that does not require the use of blood-derived products such as human serum albumin (HSA). By avoiding the use of blood-derived products, the BDDrFVIII formulation minimizes the risk of transmitting blood-borne pathogens that may be present in plasma-derived factor VIII or in other recombinant factor VIII products that contain HSA in their formulation. Upon reconstitution with saline (4 mL), the composition of the reconstituted product (62.5 to 250 IU/mL BDDrFVIII) is 18 mg/mL sodium chloride, 3.0 mg/mL sucrose, 1.5 mg/mL L-histidine, 0.25 mg/mL calcium chloride dihydrate, and 0.1 mg/mL polysorbate 80. The optimal combination of these excipients in the lyophilized BDDrFVIII formulation provides long-term stability, as measured by a variety of analytical methods. The formulation preserves factor VIII activity of lyophilized BDDrFVIII during storage for at least 24 months at 8 degrees C, and for up to 6 months at room temperature (25 degrees C). The reconstituted product retains its factor VIII potency for at least 100 hours at 25 degrees C, which would allow it to be continuously administered via an infusion pump, assuming the product is handled under aseptic conditions.

  8. Lack of carcinogenicity of lyophilized Agaricus blazei Murill in a F344 rat two year bioassay.

    PubMed

    Lee, I P; Kang, B H; Roh, J K; Kim, J R

    2008-01-01

    The Brazilian mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill has antimutagenic, antioxidant, immunostimulatory and antitumorigenic activities, and is increasingly consumed as a health food worldwide. We undertook the present study to evaluate the chronic toxicity and oncogenicity of A. blazei Murill in F344 rats. To establish a no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL), four treatment groups of 100 rats each (50 males and 50 females) were fed a powder diet containing lyophilized A. blazei aqueous extract at 0, 6250, 12,500, and 25,000 ppm for up to 2 years. During this period, there was no remarkable change in mean body weight, body weight gain, hematologic or serum chemistry parameters, or absolute or relative organ weights in control or treatment groups. Mortality in male treatment groups (26%, 16%, and 30%), however, was significantly lower than in controls (48%). Histopathological studies showed no increased incidence of tumors in any treatment group, and total tumor incidence across all groups was comparable to historical data. In conclusion, an A. blazei Murill lyophilized powder diet even at 25,000 ppm (1176 mg/kgb x w x /day for male rats and 1518 mg/kgb.w./day for female rats) resulted in no remarkable carcinogenic effects in F344 rats over a 2-year period. Therefore, the dietary NOAEL is 25,000 ppm.

  9. Enhanced osteogenic activity and anti-inflammatory properties of Lenti-BMP-2-loaded TiO2 nanotube layers fabricated by lyophilization following trehalose addition

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Xiaochen; Zhang, Zhiyuan; Shen, Gang; Zhao, Jun

    2016-01-01

    To enhance biocompatibility and osseointegration between titanium implants and surrounding bone tissue, numerous efforts have been made to modify the surface topography and composition of Ti implants. In this paper, Lenti-BMP-2-loaded TiO2 nanotube coatings were fabricated by lyophilization in the presence of trehalose to functionalize the surface. We characterized TiO2 nanotube layers in terms of the following: surface morphology; Lenti-BMP-2 and trehalose release; their ability to induce osteogenesis, proliferation, and anti-inflammation in vitro; and osseointegration in vivo. The anodized TiO2 nanotube surfaces exhibited an amorphous glassy matrix perpendicular to the Ti surface. Both Lenti-BMP-2 and trehalose showed sustained release over the course of 8 days. Results from real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction studies demonstrated that lyophilized Lenti-BMP-2/TiO2 nanotubes constructed with trehalose (Lyo-Tre-Lenti-BMP-2) significantly promoted osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells but not their proliferation. In addition, Lyo-Tre-Lenti-BMP-2 nanotubes effectively inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α production. In vivo, the formulation also promoted osseointegration. This study presents a promising new method for surface-modifying biomedical Ti-based implants to simultaneously enhance their osteogenic potential and anti-inflammatory properties, which can better satisfy clinical needs. PMID:26869786

  10. Global gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC/TOFMS)-based metabonomic profiling of lyophilized human feces.

    PubMed

    Phua, Lee Cheng; Koh, Poh Koon; Cheah, Peh Yean; Ho, Han Kiat; Chan, Eric Chun Yong

    2013-10-15

    Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS)-based fecal metabonomics represents a powerful systems biology approach for elucidating metabolic biomarkers of lower gastrointestinal tract (GIT) diseases. Unlike metabolic profiling of fecal water, the profiling of complete fecal material remains under-explored. Here, a gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC/TOFMS) method was developed and validated for the global metabonomic profiling of human feces. Fecal and fecal water metabotypes were also profiled and compared. Additionally, the unclear influence of blood in stool on the fecal metabotype was investigated unprecedentedly. Eighty milligram of lyophilized feces was ultrasonicated with 1mL of methanol:water (8:2) for 30min, followed by centrifugation, drying of supernatant, oximation and trimethylsilylation for 45min. Lyophilized feces demonstrated a more comprehensive metabolic coverage than fecal water, based on the number of chromatographic peaks. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated occult blood (1mgHb/g feces) exerted a negligible effect on the fecal metabotype. Conversely, a unique metabotype related to feces spiked with gross blood (100mgHb/g feces) was revealed (PCA, R(2)X=0.837, Q(2)=0.794), confirming the potential confounding effect of gross GIT bleeding on the fecal metabotype. This pertinent finding highlights the importance of prudent interpretation of fecal metabonomic data, particularly in GIT diseases where bleeding is prevalent. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Clove essential oil-in-cyclodextrin-in-liposomes in the aqueous and lyophilized states: From laboratory to large scale using a membrane contactor.

    PubMed

    Sebaaly, Carine; Charcosset, Catherine; Stainmesse, Serge; Fessi, Hatem; Greige-Gerges, Hélène

    2016-03-15

    This work is dedicated to prepare liposomal dry powder formulations of inclusion complexes of clove essential oil (CEO) and its main component eugenol (Eug). Ethanol injection method and membrane contactor were applied to prepare liposomes at laboratory and large scale, respectively. Various liposomal formulations were tested: (1) free hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin loaded liposomes; (2) drug in hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin in liposomes (DCL); (3) DCL2 obtained by double loading technique, where the drug is added in the organic phase and the inclusion complex in the aqueous phase. Liposomes were characterized for their particle size, polydispersity index, Zeta potential, morphology, encapsulation efficiency of CEO components and Eug loading rate. Reproducible results were obtained with both injection devices. Compared to Eug-loaded liposomes, DCL and DCL2 improved the loading rate of Eug and possessed smaller vesicles size. The DPPH(•) scavenging activity of Eug and CEO was maintained upon incorporation of Eug and CEO into DCL and DCL2. Contrary to DCL2, DCL formulations were stable after 1 month of storage at 4°C and upon reconstitution of the dried lyophilized cakes. Hence, DCL in aqueous and lyophilized forms, are considered as a promising carrier system to preserve volatile and hydrophobic drugs enlarging their application in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Enhanced osteogenic activity and anti-inflammatory properties of Lenti-BMP-2-loaded TiO₂ nanotube layers fabricated by lyophilization following trehalose addition.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xiaochen; Zhang, Zhiyuan; Shen, Gang; Zhao, Jun

    2016-01-01

    To enhance biocompatibility and osseointegration between titanium implants and surrounding bone tissue, numerous efforts have been made to modify the surface topography and composition of Ti implants. In this paper, Lenti-BMP-2-loaded TiO2 nanotube coatings were fabricated by lyophilization in the presence of trehalose to functionalize the surface. We characterized TiO2 nanotube layers in terms of the following: surface morphology; Lenti-BMP-2 and trehalose release; their ability to induce osteogenesis, proliferation, and anti-inflammation in vitro; and osseointegration in vivo. The anodized TiO2 nanotube surfaces exhibited an amorphous glassy matrix perpendicular to the Ti surface. Both Lenti-BMP-2 and trehalose showed sustained release over the course of 8 days. Results from real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction studies demonstrated that lyophilized Lenti-BMP-2/TiO2 nanotubes constructed with trehalose (Lyo-Tre-Lenti-BMP-2) significantly promoted osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells but not their proliferation. In addition, Lyo-Tre-Lenti-BMP-2 nanotubes effectively inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α production. In vivo, the formulation also promoted osseointegration. This study presents a promising new method for surface-modifying biomedical Ti-based implants to simultaneously enhance their osteogenic potential and anti-inflammatory properties, which can better satisfy clinical needs.

  13. A lyophilized and thermal two step synthesis of CoFe alloy nanoparticles embedded in N-doped carbon nanosheets/carbon nanotubes for highly-efficient oxygen evolution reaction.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yang; Li, Feng; Yang, Haidong; Li, Jing; Ma, Ping; Zhu, Yan; Ma, Jiantai

    2018-05-22

    There is a vital need to explore highly-efficient and stable nonprecious-metal catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) to reduce the overpotential and further improve the energy conversion efficiency. Herein, we report a unique and cost-effective lyophilized and thermal two step procedure to synthesize high-performance CoFe alloy nanoparticles embedded in N-doped carbon nanosheets interspersed with carbon nanotubes (CoFe-N-CN/CNTs) hybrid. The lyophilization step during catalysts preparation is beneficial to uniform the dispersion of carbon-like precursors and avoid the agglomeration of metal particles. Meanwhile, the inserted CNTs and doped N in this hybrid provide better electrical conductivity, more chemically active sites, improved mass transport capability and effective gas adsorption/release channels. And all these lead to a high specific surface area of 240.67 m2 g-1, favorable stability and remarkable OER activities with an overpotential of only 285 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm-2 and a Tafel slope of 51.09 mV dec-1 in 1.0 M KOH electrolyte, which is even superior to commercial IrO2 catalysts. The CoFe-N-CN/CNTs hybrid thus exhibits great potential as a highly efficient and earth-abundant anode OER electrocatalyst. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  14. Self-Nanoemulsifying Lyophilized Tablets for Flash Oral Transmucosal Delivery of Vitamin K: Development and Clinical Evaluation.

    PubMed

    El-Say, Khalid M; Ahmed, Tarek A; Ahmed, Osama A A; Hosny, Khaled M; Abd-Allah, Fathy I

    2017-09-01

    Owing to limited solubility, vitamin K undergoes low bioavailability with large inter-individual variability after oral administration. This article aimed to prepare self-nanoemulsifying lyophilized tablets (SNELTs) for the flash oral transmucosal delivery of vitamin K. Twenty-one formulae of vitamin K self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) were prepared using different concentrations of vitamin K, Labrasol, and Transcutol according to mixture design. The SNEDDS was loaded on porous carriers and formulated as lyophilized tablets. The release profile and the pharmacokinetic parameters of vitamin K SNELTs were evaluated in comparison with commercial tablets and ampoules on human volunteers. Results revealed that the optimized SNEDDS showed the smallest and most stable nanoemulsion globules. SNELTs were prepared successfully and showed substantial superiority drug release compared with the commercial tablets. Interestingly, SNELTs enhanced both rate and extent of vitamin K absorption as well as relative bioavailability (169.67%) in healthy subjects compared with the commercial tablets. SNELTs revealed promising no significant difference in the area under the curve compared with the commercial intramuscular injection. SNELTs enhanced dissolution and bioavailability that expected to have the strong impact on the efficiency of vitamin K in the prophylaxis and treatment of bleeding disorders in patients with hepatic dysfunction. Copyright © 2017 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Photoinduced oxygen dynamics in lyophilized hemoglobin

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nöllmann, M.; Etchegoin, P.

    2000-12-01

    Reversible laser induced deoxygenation in the lyophilized phase of hemoglobin is demonstrated by means of resonant Raman scattering, luminescence, and optical transmission. Specific Raman modes, which are both sensitive to the spin states of Fe(II) in the hemes and resonant in the visible, are monitored as a function of time to evaluate the effect of the illuminating laser. These modes act as in-situ markers of the oxygen content of the protein. The reversible photoinduced deoxygenation can be observed through both the Raman spin-markers and the optical transmission experiments. In the former, reversible changes in the intensities of specific Raman modes are observed, while in the latter, the oscillator strength of the two main absorptions of oxyhemoglobin in the visible are seen to vary accordingly. The luminescence in lyophilized hemoglobin is found to have at least two different contributions, (i) a resonant component with the Raman modes and; (ii) a nonresonant contribution, which increases at high input laser powers and eventually masks the Raman signals. The nonresonant contribution is the luminescence of the photoproduct achieved by thermal denaturation of the protein and remains standing as a permanent nonreversible damage in the illuminated spot. Semiempirical electronic calculations of the wavefunction and total energy of the iron porphyrin reveal the underlying physical origin of the laser induced deoxygenation process in the hemes and are also presented.

  16. Microcapsules loaded with the probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei BGP-1 produced by co-extrusion technology using alginate/shellac as wall material: Characterization and evaluation of drying processes.

    PubMed

    Silva, Marluci P; Tulini, Fabricio L; Ribas, Marcela M; Penning, Manfred; Fávaro-Trindade, Carmen S; Poncelet, Denis

    2016-11-01

    Microcapsules containing Lactobacillus paracasei BGP-1 were produced by co-extrusion technology using alginate and alginate-shellac blend as wall materials. Sunflower oil and coconut fat were used as vehicles to incorporate BGP-1 into the microcapsules. The microcapsules were evaluated with regard the particle size, morphology, water activity and survival of probiotics after 60days of storage at room temperature. Fluidized bed and lyophilization were used to dry the microcapsules and the effect of these processes on probiotic viability was also evaluated. Next, dried microcapsules were exposed to simulated gastrointestinal fluids to verify the survival of BGP-1. Microcapsules dried by fluidized bed had spherical shape and robust structures, whereas lyophilized microcapsules had porous and fragile structures. Dried microcapsules presented a medium size of 0.71-0.86mm and a w ranging from 0.14 to 0.36, depending on the drying process. When comparing the effects of drying processes on BGP-1 viability, the fluidized bed was less aggressive than lyophilization. The alginate-shellac blend combined with coconut fat as core effectively protected the encapsulated probiotic under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Thus, the production of microcapsules by co-extrusion followed by drying using the fluidized bed is a promising strategy for protection of probiotic cells. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Enhancement of propyl gallate yield in nonaqueous medium using novel cell-associated tannase of Bacillus massiliensis.

    PubMed

    Aithal, Mahesh; Belur, Prasanna D

    2013-01-01

    Enzymatic synthesis of propyl gallate in organic solvent was studied using cell-associated tannase (EC 3.1.1.20) of Bacillus massiliensis. Lyophilized biomass showing tannase activity was used as the biocatalyst. The effects of solvent, surfactant treatment, and bioimprinting on the propyl gallate synthesis were studied and subsequently optimized. Among various solvents, benzene followed by hexane was found to be the most favorable. Treatment of the biocatalyst with Triton X-100 at a lower concentration (0.2% w/v), before lyophilization, increased the propyl gallate yield by 24.5% compared to the untreated biocatalyst. The biocatalyst was imprinted with various concentrations of gallic acid and tannic acid. Biocatalyst imprinted with tannic acid showed 50% enhancement in the propyl gallate yield compared to the non-imprinted biocatalyst.

  18. Applications of Headspace Moisture Analysis for Investigating the Water Dynamics within a Sealed Vial Containing Freeze-dried Material.

    PubMed

    Cook, Isobel Ann; Ward, Kevin Richard

    2011-01-01

    We compare frequency modulation spectroscopy (FMS) as a method of headspace water analysis with the method of Karl Fischer coulometric titration (KF), which is widely used in the analysis of residual water in a freeze-dried material. Parameters relating to the type of formulation (amorphous, crystalline) and the freeze-drying cycle (temperature, pressure, time) were investigated in relation to the resulting headspace moisture (HSM) and total water. We describe the effect of stopper treatment and storage conditions on the HSM levels observed using FMS as a non-destructive method, which also allowed individual vials to be reanalyzed at a series of time points as part of a long-term monitoring exercise. The results of this study enabled a better understanding of the effect of stopper type and pre-lyophilization treatment on the HSM levels both immediately after freeze-drying and upon subsequent storage of the sealed vials of lyophilized material at different temperatures. A clear, linear relationship was observed between HSM and KF values for vials containing freeze-dried sucrose, implying a relatively straightforward interaction between water and the lyophilized cake for this material. Moisture mapping of all vials on one shelf of the freeze-dryer enabled further information to be obtained on the relationship of the formulation, vial, process conditions, equipment geometry, and performance on the intra-batch variability in HSM level and dynamics. It is believed that this could therefore represent a potentially useful technique for quality assurance and in the validation of lyophilization cycles, equipment, and scale-up. Lyophilization, also known as "freeze-drying," is a relatively old technique that has been used in its most basic form for thousands of years (e.g., preservation of fish and meat products). In its more advanced form it is used to preserve many medical products, for example, many vaccines are not stable in solution and therefore need to be dried to allow long-term storage. In order to produce a freeze-dried vaccine a complex understanding of the processes and critical temperatures is required. Once these have been understood the material is dried to give relatively low moisture content (e.g., 2% w/w). This low moisture content is critical for the long-term stability of the product, allowing doctors/chemists to store these goods on site for use when required. This research paper provides further information on a technique called frequency modulation spectroscopy (FMS) that could be used to further our knowledge of the water dynamics within a freeze-dried product, enabling us to increase our understanding of the role various materials and processing conditions play; this in turn could assist in improving quality assurance and ultimately the final product that reaches the consumer.

  19. Retention of Mercurial Preservatives in Desiccated Biological Products

    PubMed Central

    Pemberton, John R.

    1975-01-01

    A variety of bacterins, vaccines, and antisera retained greater than 90% of their original level of mercurial preservative after lyophilization, and this might influence certain uses of these products. PMID:1420

  20. Lyophilization closures for protein based drugs.

    PubMed

    DeGrazio, F; Flynn, K

    1992-01-01

    Rubber stopper formulations which are currently used as lyophilization stoppers vary widely in their capacities to absorb and release moisture. Release of moisture from the stopper over the shelf life of the product may result in drug degradation for extremely low cake weight products. The degree to which rubber formulations absorb water is dependent upon the components of these formulations. Independently, polymers and fillers absorb water during autoclave cycles to varying levels depending upon such factors as the solubility, structure, possibility of chemical reactions and impurity levels of these materials. Once combined into a stopper formulation, the raw materials can react to form species which further promote absorption. Data is presented comparing the absorption characteristics of low versus high absorbent rubber formulations. The release of moisture from these formulas when stoppered on vials containing dry product is also discussed.

  1. Optimization of the treatment of wheat samples for the determination of phytic acid by HPLC with refractive index detection.

    PubMed

    Amaro, Rosa; Murillo, Miguel; González, Zurima; Escalona, Andrés; Hernández, Luís

    2009-01-01

    The treatment of wheat samples was optimized before the determination of phytic acid by high-performance liquid chromatography with refractive index detection. Drying by lyophilization and oven drying were studied; drying by lyophilization gave better results, confirming that this step is critical in preventing significant loss of analyte. In the extraction step, washing of the residue and collection of this water before retention of the phytates in the NH2 Sep-Pak cartridge were important. The retention of phytates in the NH2 Sep-Pak cartridge and elimination of the HCI did not produce significant loss (P = 0.05) in the phytic acid content of the sample. Recoveries of phytic acid averaged 91%, which is a substantial improvement with respect to values reported by others using this methodology.

  2. [Optimization of lyophilization procedures for freeze-drying of human red blood cells].

    PubMed

    Chen, Lin-feng; Liu, Jing-han; Wang, De-qing; Ouyang, Xi-lin; Zhuang, Yuan; Che, Ji; Yu, Yang; Li, Hui

    2010-09-01

    To investigate the different parameters of the lyophilization procedures that affect the recovery of the rehydrated red blood cells (RBCs). Human RBCs loaded in tubes were cooled with 4 different modes and subjected to water bath at 25 degrees celsius;. The morphological changes of the RBCs were observed to assess the degree of vitrification, and the specimens were placed in the freeze-dryer with the temperature set up at 40, -50, -60, -70 and -80 degrees celsius;. The rates of temperature rise of the main and secondary drying in the lyophilization procedures were compared, and the water residue in the specimens was determined. The protectant did not show ice crystal in the course of freezing and thawing. No significant difference was found in the recovery rate of the rehydrated RBCs freeze-dried at the minimum temperature of -70 degrees celsius; and -80 degrees celsius; (P > 0.05). The E procedure resulted in the maximum recovery of the RBCs (83.14% ± 9.55%) and Hb (85.33% ± 11.42%), showing significant differences from the other groups(P < 0.01 or 0.05). The recovery of the RBCs showed a positive correlation to the water residue in the samples. Fast cooling in liquid nitrogen and shelf precooling at -70 degrees celsius; with a moderate rate of temperature rise in lyophylization and a start dry temperature close to the shelf equilibrium temperature produce optimal freeze-drying result of human RBCs.

  3. Lyophilized Silk Fibroin Hydrogels for the Sustained Local Delivery of Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies

    PubMed Central

    Guziewicz, Nicholas; Best, Annie; Perez-Ramirez, Bernardo; Kaplan, David L.

    2011-01-01

    The development of sustained delivery systems compatible with protein therapeutics continues to be a significant unmet need. A lyophilized silk fibroin hydrogel matrix (lyogel) for the sustained release of pharmaceutically relevant monoclonal antibodies is described. Sonication of silk fibroin prior to antibody incorporation avoids exposing the antibody to the sol-gel transition inducing shear stress. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis showed no change in silk structural composition between hydrogel and lyogel or with increasing silk fibroin concentration. Antibody release from hydrogels occurred rapidly over 10 days regardless of silk concentration. Upon lyophilization, sustained antibody release was observed over 38 days from lyogels containing 6.2% (w/w) silk fibroin and above. In 3.2% (w/w) silk lyogels, antibody release was comparable to hydrogels. Swelling properties of lyogels followed a similar threshold behavior. Lyogels at 3.2% (w/w) silk recovered approximately 90% of their fluid mass upon rehydration, while approximately 50% fluid recovery was observed at 6.2% (w/w) silk and above. Antibody release was primarily governed by hydrophobic/hydrophilic silk-antibody interactions and secondarily altered by the hydration resistance of the lyogel. Hydration resistance was controlled by altering β-sheet (crystalline) density of the matrix. The antibody released from lyogels maintained biological activity. Silk lyogels offer an advantage as a delivery matrix over other hydrogel materials for the slow release of the loaded protein, making lyogels suitable for long-term sustained release applications. PMID:21216004

  4. Survival or Revival: Long-Term Preservation Induces a Reversible Viable but Non-Culturable State in Methane-Oxidizing Bacteria

    PubMed Central

    Hoefman, Sven; Van Hoorde, Koenraad; Boon, Nico; Vandamme, Peter; De Vos, Paul; Heylen, Kim

    2012-01-01

    Knowledge on long-term preservation of micro-organisms is limited and research in the field is scarce despite its importance for microbial biodiversity and biotechnological innovation. Preservation of fastidious organisms such as methane-oxidizing bacteria (MOB) has proven difficult. Most MOB do not survive lyophilization and only some can be cryopreserved successfully for short periods. A large-scale study was designed for a diverse set of MOB applying fifteen cryopreservation or lyophilization conditions. After three, six and twelve months of preservation, the viability (via live-dead flow cytometry) and culturability (via most-probable number analysis and plating) of the cells were assessed. All strains could be cryopreserved without a significant loss in culturability using 1% trehalose in 10-fold diluted TSB (TT) as preservation medium and 5% DMSO as cryoprotectant. Several other cryopreservation and lyophilization conditions, all of which involved the use of TT medium, also allowed successful preservation but showed a considerable loss in culturability. We demonstrate here that most of these non-culturables survived preservation according to viability assessment indicating that preservation induces a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state in a significant fraction of cells. Since this state is reversible, these findings have major implications shifting the emphasis from survival to revival of cells in a preservation protocol. We showed that MOB cells could be significantly resuscitated from the VBNC state using the TT preservation medium. PMID:22539945

  5. Degradation of a lyophilized formulation of BMS-204352: identification of degradants and role of elastomeric closures.

    PubMed

    Nassar, Munir N; Nesarikar, Vishwas V; Lozano, Ruben; Huang, Yande; Palaniswamy, Venkatapuram

    2005-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to identify two degradation products formed in the parenteral lyophilized formulation of BMS-204352, investigate the possible role of elastomeric closures in their formation, and develop a strategy to minimize/control their formation. The first degradant was identified as the hydroxymethyl derivative (formaldehyde adduct, BMS-215842) of the drug substance formed by the reaction of BMS-204352 with formaldehyde. Structure confirmation was based on liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy (LC/MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and chromatographic comparison to an authentic sample of the hydroxymethyl degradation product, BMS-215842. To confirm the hypothesis that formaldehyde originated from the rubber closure, migrated into the product, and reacted with BMS-204352 drug substance to form the hydroxymethyl degradant, lyophilized drug product was manufactured, the vials were stoppered with two different rubber closure formulations, and its stability was monitored. The formaldehyde adduct degradant was observed only in the drug product vials stoppered with one of the rubber closures that was evaluated. Although formaldehyde has not been detected historically as leachable and is not an added ingredient in the rubber formulation, information obtained from the stopper manufacturer indicated that the reinforcing agent used in the stopper formulation may be a potential source of formaldehyde. The second degradant was identified as the desfluoro hydroxy analog (BMS-188929) based on LC/MS, NMR, and chromatographic comparison to an authentic sample of the desfluoro hydroxy degradation product.

  6. Enhanced rectal absorption of amphotericin B lyophilized with glycyrrhizinate in rabbits.

    PubMed

    Tanaka, M; Kuwahara, E; Takahashi, M; Koyama, O; Takahashi, N; Yotsuyanagi, T

    1998-08-01

    The influence of bases and additives in the formulation for rectal absorption of amphotericin B (AMB) lyophilized with dipotassium glycyrrhizinate (GLYK) was investigated using rabbits in relation to an in vitro release test. The release of AMB from the fatty base of Witepsol or a medium chain triglyceride (MCT) was markedly faster than that from the hydrophilic base of macrogol. The addition of polyoxyethylene (2) lauryl ether (POE(2)LE) into the fatty bases led to a marked increase in the release rate, whereas POE(9)LE or sodium lauryl sulfate resulted in a significantly lower release rate. Animals received rectally each of seven AMB formulations of Witepsol H-15, macrogol, MCT with surfactants and aqueous solution. The absorption of the AMB lyophilized mixture with GLYK at a 1:9 molar ratio from a MCT base was significantly superior to that from macrogol. The addition of POE(2)LE into the MCT base resulted in a marked increase in bioavailability, showing the highest bioavailability of 4.9%. High serum levels of over 100 ng/ml of serum were maintained for 24 h following administration. The lowest bioavailability was 0.32% for the macrogol suppository. There was a good correlation between the release rate of AMB from the formulations and bioavailability. These results suggest that an AMB rectal formulation may provide a promising therapeutic alternative to infusion, taking into account the serum level of AMB exceeding the minimal inhibitory concentration of the infecting organism.

  7. Degradation rate of lyophilized insulin, exhibiting an apparent Arrhenius behavior around glass transition temperature regardless of significant contribution of molecular mobility.

    PubMed

    Yoshioka, Sumie; Miyazaki, Tamaki; Aso, Yukio

    2006-12-01

    The relative influences of chemical activation energy and molecular mobility in determining chemical reactivity were evaluated for insulin lyophilized with alpha,beta-poly(N-hydroxyethyl)-L-aspartamide (PHEA), and compared with that for insulin lyophilized with trehalose, which had been found to have the ability to decrease the molecular mobility of insulin at low humidity. The ratio of the observed rate constant k(obs) to the chemical activation energy-controlled rate constant k(act) (k(obs)/k(act)) at glass transition temperature (T(g)) was estimated to be approximately 0.6 and 0.8 at 6% RH and 12% RH, respectively, indicating that the degradation rate is significantly affected by molecular mobility at lower humidity conditions. However, these k(obs)/k(act) values at T(g) were larger than those for the insulin-trehalose system, and changes in the temperature-dependent slope around T(g) were less obvious than those for the insulin-trehalose system. Thus, the contribution of molecular mobility to the degradation rate in the insulin-PHEA system appeared to be less intense than that in the insulin-trehalose system. The subtle change in the temperature-dependent slope around T(g) observed in the insulin-PHEA system brought about a significant bias in shelf-life estimation when the reaction rate was extrapolated from temperatures above T(g) according to the Arrhenius equation. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association

  8. Rapid Reconstitution Packages (RRPs) implemented by integration of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and 3D printed microfluidics.

    PubMed

    Chi, Albert; Curi, Sebastian; Clayton, Kevin; Luciano, David; Klauber, Kameron; Alexander-Katz, Alfredo; D'hers, Sebastian; Elman, Noel M

    2014-08-01

    Rapid Reconstitution Packages (RRPs) are portable platforms that integrate microfluidics for rapid reconstitution of lyophilized drugs. Rapid reconstitution of lyophilized drugs using standard vials and syringes is an error-prone process. RRPs were designed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques to optimize fluidic structures for rapid mixing and integrating physical properties of targeted drugs and diluents. Devices were manufactured using stereo lithography 3D printing for micrometer structural precision and rapid prototyping. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) was selected as the initial model drug to test the RRPs as it is unstable in solution. tPA is a thrombolytic drug, stored in lyophilized form, required in emergency settings for which rapid reconstitution is of critical importance. RRP performance and drug stability were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to characterize release kinetics. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were performed to test for drug activity after the RRPs were exposed to various controlled temperature conditions. Experimental results showed that RRPs provided effective reconstitution of tPA that strongly correlated with CFD results. Simulation and experimental results show that release kinetics can be adjusted by tuning the device structural dimensions and diluent drug physical parameters. The design of RRPs can be tailored for a number of applications by taking into account physical parameters of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, and diluents. RRPs are portable platforms that can be utilized for reconstitution of emergency drugs in time-critical therapies.

  9. Investigation of drying stresses on proteins during lyophilization: differentiation between primary and secondary-drying stresses on lactate dehydrogenase using a humidity controlled mini freeze-dryer.

    PubMed

    Luthra, Sumit; Obert, Jean-Philippe; Kalonia, Devendra S; Pikal, Michael J

    2007-01-01

    This article describes the design, performance testing, and application of a controlled humidity mini-freeze-dryer in studying the physical stability of lactate dehydrogenase during lyophilization. Performance evaluation of the mini-freeze-dryer was conducted with tests, namely water sublimation, radiation heat exchange, lowest achievable temperature, and leak testing. Protein stability studies were conducted by comparing protein activity at various stages of lyophilization with the initial activity. The shelf and condenser temperature were stable at <-40 degrees C, wall temperature was within 2 degrees C of the shelf temperature, and the leak rate was small. The chamber pressure was controlled by the ice on the condenser and the product temperature during sublimation was equal to the shelf temperature. Addition of Tween 80 prevented activity loss in solution and after freeze-thaw. No activity loss was observed after primary-drying even in absence of lyoprotectants and with collapse of cake structure. Five percent (w/w) sucrose concentration was required to achieve full stabilization. In conclusion, performance testing established that the mini-freeze-dryer was suitable for mechanistic freeze-drying studies. Secondary-drying was the critical step for protein stability. The concentration of sucrose required to stabilize the protein completely was several orders of magnitude higher than that required to satisfy the direct interaction requirement of the protein. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

  10. Stability of hepatitis C virus RNA and anti-HCV antibody in air-dried and freeze-dried human plasma samples.

    PubMed

    Poe, Amanda; Duong, Ngocvien Thi; Bedi, Kanwar; Kodani, Maja

    2018-03-01

    Diagnosis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is based on testing for antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV), hepatitis C core antigen (HCV cAg) and HCV RNA. To ensure quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA), proficiency panels are provided by reference laboratories and various international organizations, requiring costly dry ice shipments to maintain specimen integrity. Alternative methods of specimen preservation and transport can save on shipping and handling and help in improving diagnostics by facilitating QA/QC of various laboratories especially in resource limited countries. Plasma samples positive for anti-HCV and HCV RNA were either dried using dried tube specimens (DTS) method or lyophilization for varying durations of time and temperature. Preservation of samples using DTS method resulted in loss of anti-HCV reactivity for low-positive samples and did not generate enough volume for HCV RNA testing. Lyophilized samples tested positive for anti-HCV even after storage at 4 °C and 25 °C for 12 weeks. Further, HCV RNA was detectable in 5 of 5 (100%) samples over the course of 12 week storage at 4, 25, 37 and 45 °C. In conclusion, lyophilization of specimens maintains integrity of plasma samples for testing for markers of HCV infection and can be a potent mode of sharing proficiency samples without incurring huge shipping costs and avoids challenges with dry ice shipments between donor and recipient laboratories. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  11. Development and evaluation of a suppository formulation containing Lactobacillus and its application in vaginal diseases.

    PubMed

    Kale, Vinita V; Trivedi, Rashmi V; Wate, Sanjay P; Bhusari, Kishor P

    2005-11-01

    Lactobacillus has long been considered the protective flora in the vagina that displaces and kills vaginal pathogens. Lactic acid, H2O2, and antibacterial agents such as lactocin and bacitracin produced by Lactobacillus act against the vaginal pathogens. The first objective of this research was to develop a local application pharmaceutical formulation of a vaginal suppository containing lyophilized culture of Lactobacillus. The second objective was to establish its in vivo performance by developing in vitro methods of evaluation. Lyophilized culture of Lactobacillus sporogenes was selected for this study. Three formulations of the suppositories were prepared by the molding method. Formulations I, II, and III contained cocoa butter, glycerinated gelatin, and PEG 1000 base, respectively. The prepared suppositories were characterized for physical properties. Assembly to simulate the application site was designed. Methods to evaluate the viability, production of lactic acid, and H2O2 produced by the released Lactobacillus at the application site were developed and the antagonistic activity was demonstrated. From the physical characteristics of the suppository formulations, the glycerinated gelatin suppository (formulation II) containing lyophilized Lactobacillus was found to be satisfactory. The developed assembly was satisfactory in simulating the application site. The Lactobacillus released was viable and exhibited the production of lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and antagonistic activity against the uropathogen. The suppository formulation containing Lactobacillus and the methods of its evaluation were successfully developed in this research work and have several applications in the vaginal diseases of women.

  12. 2, 3-dimercaptosuccinic acid-modified iron oxide clusters for magnetic resonance imaging.

    PubMed

    Xiong, Fei; Yan, Caiyun; Tian, Jilai; Geng, Kunkun; Zhu, Ziyi; Song, Lina; Zhang, Yu; Mulvale, Matthew; Gu, Ning

    2014-12-01

    Over the last decade, various magnetic nanomaterials have been developed as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents; the greatest challenges encountered for clinical application have been insufficient stability. In this paper, a lyophilization method for 2, 3-dimercaptosuccinic acid-modified iron oxide (γ-Fe2 O3 @DMSA) nanoparticles was developed to simultaneously overcome two disadvantages; these include insufficient stability and low-magnetic response. After lyophilization, the clusters of γ-Fe2 O3 @DMSA with the size of 156.7 ± 15.3 nm were formed, and the stability of the lyophilized powder (γ-Fe2 O3 @DMSA-LP) increased up to over 3 years. It was also found that rehydrated γ-Fe2 O3 @DMSA-LP could be ingested by RAW264.7 cells in very large quantities. Results of pharmacokinetics and biodistribution studies in vivo indicated that γ-Fe2 O3 @DMSA-LP is a promising liver-targeted material. Furthermore, it also exhibited higher MRI efficiency and longer imaging time in the liver than the well-known product Feridex(®) . Moreover, results of vascular irritation and long-term toxicity experiments demonstrated γ-Fe2 O3 @DMSA-LP could be a nontoxic, biocompatible contrast agent in vivo. Therefore, the proposed γ-Fe2 O3 @DMSA-LP can be used as a potential MRI contrast agent in clinic for hepatic diseases. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

  13. Carbonic Anhydrase Catalysis: An Experiment on Enzyme Kinetics.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Spyridis, Greg T.; And Others

    1985-01-01

    Describes an undergraduate enzyme kinetics experiment which uses bovine erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase, a very stable enzyme commercially available in lyophilized form. Includes background information, reactions involved, procedures used, and the calculation of typical results obtained. (JN)

  14. Wound healing activity of an aqueous extract of the Lingzhi or Reishi medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (higher Basidiomycetes).

    PubMed

    Gupta, Asheesh; Kirar, Vandana; Keshri, Gaurav Kr; Gola, Shefali; Yadav, Anju; Negi, Prem Singh; Misra, Kshipra

    2014-01-01

    The Lingzhi or Reishi medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (higher Basidiomycetes) is popular because of its health-promoting properties. The effects of G. lucidum extract on cancer, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and hepatitis have been reported by many researchers. This investigation was undertaken to evaluate the healing efficacy of an aqueous lyophilized extract of G. lucidum from the Indian Himalayan region on dermal excision wound in experimental rats. The extract used in the study was found to be rich in total polyphenol and flavonoid contents. The healing efficacy was comparatively assessed with a reference povidone-iodine ointment. The G. lucidum extract showed significant enhanced healing activity, evidenced by an increase in wound contraction, collagen accumulation (hydroxyproline), hexosamine, and total protein contents. Histopathological findings further supported the biochemical indices. The results suggest that aqueous lyophilized extract of G. lucidum possesses significant wound-healing activity.

  15. Partial structure of the phylloxin gene from the giant monkey frog, Phyllomedusa bicolor: parallel cloning of precursor cDNA and genomic DNA from lyophilized skin secretion.

    PubMed

    Chen, Tianbao; Gagliardo, Ron; Walker, Brian; Zhou, Mei; Shaw, Chris

    2005-12-01

    Phylloxin is a novel prototype antimicrobial peptide from the skin of Phyllomedusa bicolor. Here, we describe parallel identification and sequencing of phylloxin precursor transcript (mRNA) and partial gene structure (genomic DNA) from the same sample of lyophilized skin secretion using our recently-described cloning technique. The open-reading frame of the phylloxin precursor was identical in nucleotide sequence to that previously reported and alignment with the nucleotide sequence derived from genomic DNA indicated the presence of a 175 bp intron located in a near identical position to that found in the dermaseptins. The highly-conserved structural organization of skin secretion peptide genes in P. bicolor can thus be extended to include that encoding phylloxin (plx). These data further reinforce our assertion that application of the described methodology can provide robust genomic/transcriptomic/peptidomic data without the need for specimen sacrifice.

  16. Physicochemical Characteristics and Antioxidant Capacity of Rice Cake (Sulgitteok) Supplemented with Lyophilized Sedum sarmentosum (Dolnamul) Powder

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Seung Mi; Lee, Myung Ho; Yang, Sun A; Choi, Young Sim; Jegal, Sung A; Sung, Chang Keun; Mo, Eun Kyoung

    2012-01-01

    This study was performed to increase the availability of Sedum sarmentosum (Dolnamul) and to improve the nutraceutical value of rice cakes (sulgitteok). The contents of crude protein, mineral, dietary fiber, water holding capacity, and hardness significantly and directly increased with lyophilized sedum powder (SP). Pore ratio and expansion rate decreased in samples containing more than 10% SP compared to the control. In a sensory evaluation, a positive correlation was detected between overall acceptability and taste (R2=0.99, p<0.01), and color (R2=0.72, p<0.05). Total polyphenol contents of the SP-treated groups were significantly elevated, accompanied by an increase in radical scavenging ability estimated by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Replacing 10% of the rice powder with SP efficiently improved the antioxidant and nutritional values of sulgitteok as well as its the sensory quality. PMID:24471077

  17. Comparative analysis of methods for concentrating venom from jellyfish Rhopilema esculentum Kishinouye

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Cuiping; Yu, Huahua; Feng, Jinhua; Chen, Xiaolin; Li, Pengcheng

    2009-02-01

    In this study, several methods were compared for the efficiency to concentrate venom from the tentacles of jellyfish Rhopilema esculentum Kishinouye. The results show that the methods using either freezing-dry or gel absorption to remove water to concentrate venom are not applicable due to the low concentration of the compounds dissolved. Although the recovery efficiency and the total venom obtained using the dialysis dehydration method are high, some proteins can be lost during the concentrating process. Comparing to the lyophilization method, ultrafiltration is a simple way to concentrate the compounds at high percentage but the hemolytic activities of the proteins obtained by ultrafiltration appear to be lower. Our results suggest that overall lyophilization is the best and recommended method to concentrate venom from the tentacles of jellyfish. It shows not only the high recovery efficiency for the venoms but high hemolytic activities as well.

  18. Comparative rates of freeze-drying for lactose and sucrose solutions as measured by photographic recording, product temperature, and heat flux transducer.

    PubMed

    Chen, Rongjun; Slater, Nigel K H; Gatlin, Larry A; Kramer, Tony; Shalaev, Evgenyi Y

    2008-01-01

    Sublimation from lactose and sucrose solutions has been monitored by temperature measurement, visual observation, heat flux sensing and manometric measurements. Estimates of energy transfer rates to the subliming mass made from visual observations and heat flux measurements are in broad agreement, demonstrating for the first time that heat flux sensors can be used to monitor the progress of lyophilization in individual vials with low sample volumes. Furthermore, it is shown that under identical lyophilization conditions the initial rate of drying for lactose solutions is low with little water sublimation for up to 150 minutes, which contrasts markedly with the much faster initial rate of drying for sucrose solutions. Measurement of the initial heat flux between shelf and vial indicated a lower flux to a 10% lactose solution than to a 10% sucrose solution.

  19. Freeze-drying of silica nanoparticles: redispersibility toward nanomedicine applications.

    PubMed

    Picco, Agustin S; Ferreira, Larissa F; Liberato, Michelle S; Mondo, Gabriela B; Cardoso, Mateus B

    2018-01-01

    To study freeze-drying of silica nanoparticles (SiO 2 NPs) in order to find suitable conditions to produce lyophilized powders with no aggregation after resuspension and storage. SiO 2 NPs were synthesized using a Stöber-based procedure, and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms. SiO 2 NPs hydrodynamic diameters were compared prior and after freeze-drying in the presence/absence of carbohydrate protectants. Glucose was found to be the most suitable protectant against the detrimental effects of lyophilization. The minimum concentration of carbohydrate required to effectively protect SiO 2 NPs from aggregation during freeze-drying is influenced by the nanoparticle's size and texture. Negligible aggregation was observed during storage. Carbohydrates can be used during SiO 2 NPs freeze-drying process to obtain redispersable solids that maintain original sizes without residual aggregation.

  20. Alpha-2-Macroglobulin Is Acutely Sensitive to Freezing and Lyophilization: Implications for Structural and Functional Studies

    PubMed Central

    Wyatt, Amy R.; Kumita, Janet R.; Farrawell, Natalie E.; Dobson, Christopher M.; Wilson, Mark R.

    2015-01-01

    Alpha-2-macroglobulin is an abundant secreted protein that is of particular interest because of its diverse ligand binding profile and multifunctional nature, which includes roles as a protease inhibitor and as a molecular chaperone. The activities of alpha-2-macroglobulin are typically dependent on whether its conformation is native or transformed (i.e. adopts a more compact conformation after interactions with proteases or small nucleophiles), and are also influenced by dissociation of the native alpha-2-macroglobulin tetramer into stable dimers. Alpha-2-macroglobulin is predominately present as the native tetramer in vivo; once purified from human blood plasma, however, alpha-2-macroglobulin can undergo a number of conformational changes during storage, including transformation, aggregation or dissociation. We demonstrate that, particularly in the presence of sodium chloride or amine containing compounds, freezing and/or lyophilization of alpha-2-macroglobulin induces conformational changes with functional consequences. These conformational changes in alpha-2-macroglobulin are not always detected by standard native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, but can be measured using bisANS fluorescence assays. Increased surface hydrophobicity of alpha-2-macroglobulin, as assessed by bisANS fluorescence measurements, is accompanied by (i) reduced trypsin binding activity, (ii) increased chaperone activity, and (iii) increased binding to the surfaces of SH-SY5Y neurons, in part, via lipoprotein receptors. We show that sucrose (but not glycine) effectively protects native alpha-2-macroglobulin from denaturation during freezing and/or lyophilization, thereby providing a reproducible method for the handling and long-term storage of this protein. PMID:26103636

  1. Dry Gel Containing Optimized Felodipine-Loaded Transferosomes: a Promising Transdermal Delivery System to Enhance Drug Bioavailability.

    PubMed

    Kassem, Mohammed Ali; Aboul-Einien, Mona Hassan; El Taweel, Mai Magdy

    2018-04-30

    Felodipine has a very low bioavailability due to first-pass metabolism. The aim of this study was to enhance its bioavailability by transdermal application. Felodipine-loaded transferosomes were prepared by thin-film hydration using different formulation variables. An optimized formula was designed using statistical experimental design. The independent variables were the used edge activator, its molar ratio to phosphatidylcholine, and presence or absence of cholesterol. The responses were entrapment efficiency of transferosomes, their size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and percent drug released after 8 h. The optimized formula was subjected to differential scanning calorimetry studies and its stability on storage at 4°C for 6 months was estimated. This formula was improved by incorporation of different permeation enhancers where ex vivo drug flux through mice skin was estimated and the best improved formula was formulated in a gel and lyophilized. The prepared gel was subjected to in vivo study using Plendil® tablets as a reference. According to the calculated desirability, the optimized transferosome formula was that containing sodium deoxycholate as edge activator at 5:1 M ratio to phosphatidylcholine and no cholesterol. The thermograms of this formula indicated the incorporation of felodipine inside the prepared vesicles. None of the tested parameters differed significantly on storage. The lyophilized gel of labrasol-containing formula was chosen for in vivo study. The relative bioavailability of felodipine from the designed gel was 1.7. In conclusion, topically applied lyophilized gel containing felodipine-loaded transferosomes is a promising transdermal delivery system to enhance its bioavailability.

  2. Preservation of Differentiation and Clonogenic Potential of Human Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells during Lyophilization and Ambient Storage

    PubMed Central

    Buchanan, Sandhya S.; Pyatt, David W.; Carpenter, John F.

    2010-01-01

    Progenitor cell therapies show great promise, but their potential for clinical applications requires improved storage and transportation. Desiccated cells stored at ambient temperature would provide economic and practical advantages over approaches employing cell freezing and subzero temperature storage. The objectives of this study were to assess a method for loading the stabilizing sugar, trehalose, into hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HPC) and to evaluate the effects of subsequent freeze-drying and storage at ambient temperature on differentiation and clonogenic potential. HPC were isolated from human umbilical cord blood and loaded with trehalose using an endogenous cell surface receptor, termed P2Z. Solution containing trehalose-loaded HPC was placed into vials, which were transferred to a tray freeze-dryer and removed during each step of the freeze-drying process to assess differentiation and clonogenic potential. Control groups for these experiments were freshly isolated HPC. Control cells formed 1450±230 CFU-GM, 430±140 BFU-E, and 50±40 CFU-GEMM per 50 µL. Compared to the values for the control cells, there was no statistical difference observed for cells removed at the end of the freezing step or at the end of primary drying. There was a gradual decrease in the number of CFU-GM and BFU-E for cells removed at different temperatures during secondary drying; however, there were no significant differences in the number of CFU-GEMM. To determine storage stability of lyophilized HPC, cells were stored for 4 weeks at 25°C in the dark. Cells reconstituted immediately after lyophilization produced 580±90 CFU-GM (∼40%, relative to unprocessed controls p<0.0001), 170±70 BFU-E (∼40%, p<0.0001), and 41±22 CFU-GEMM (∼82%, p = 0.4171), and cells reconstituted after 28 days at room temperature produced 513±170 CFU-GM (∼35%, relative to unprocessed controls, p<0.0001), 112±68 BFU-E (∼26%, p<0.0001), and 36±17 CFU-GEMM (∼82%, p = 0.2164) These studies are the first to document high level retention of CFU-GEMM following lyophilization and storage for 4 weeks at 25°C. This type of flexible storage stability would potentially permit the ability to ship and store HPC without the need for refrigeration. PMID:20824143

  3. Preservation of differentiation and clonogenic potential of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells during lyophilization and ambient storage.

    PubMed

    Buchanan, Sandhya S; Pyatt, David W; Carpenter, John F

    2010-09-01

    Progenitor cell therapies show great promise, but their potential for clinical applications requires improved storage and transportation. Desiccated cells stored at ambient temperature would provide economic and practical advantages over approaches employing cell freezing and subzero temperature storage. The objectives of this study were to assess a method for loading the stabilizing sugar, trehalose, into hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HPC) and to evaluate the effects of subsequent freeze-drying and storage at ambient temperature on differentiation and clonogenic potential. HPC were isolated from human umbilical cord blood and loaded with trehalose using an endogenous cell surface receptor, termed P2Z. Solution containing trehalose-loaded HPC was placed into vials, which were transferred to a tray freeze-dryer and removed during each step of the freeze-drying process to assess differentiation and clonogenic potential. Control groups for these experiments were freshly isolated HPC. Control cells formed 1450+/-230 CFU-GM, 430+/-140 BFU-E, and 50+/-40 CFU-GEMM per 50 microL. Compared to the values for the control cells, there was no statistical difference observed for cells removed at the end of the freezing step or at the end of primary drying. There was a gradual decrease in the number of CFU-GM and BFU-E for cells removed at different temperatures during secondary drying; however, there were no significant differences in the number of CFU-GEMM. To determine storage stability of lyophilized HPC, cells were stored for 4 weeks at 25 degrees C in the dark. Cells reconstituted immediately after lyophilization produced 580+/-90 CFU-GM ( approximately 40%, relative to unprocessed controls p<0.0001), 170+/-70 BFU-E (approximately 40%, p<0.0001), and 41+/-22 CFU-GEMM (approximately 82%, p = 0.4171), and cells reconstituted after 28 days at room temperature produced 513+/-170 CFU-GM (approximately 35%, relative to unprocessed controls, p<0.0001), 112+/-68 BFU-E (approximately 26%, p<0.0001), and 36+/-17 CFU-GEMM ( approximately 82%, p = 0.2164) These studies are the first to document high level retention of CFU-GEMM following lyophilization and storage for 4 weeks at 25 degrees C. This type of flexible storage stability would potentially permit the ability to ship and store HPC without the need for refrigeration.

  4. Preparation and radiolabeling of a lyophilized (kit) formulation of DOTA-rituximab with ⁹⁰Y and ¹¹¹In for domestic radioimmunotherapy and radioscintigraphy of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

    PubMed

    Gholipour, Nazila; Jalilian, Amir Reza; Khalaj, Ali; Johari-Daha, Fariba; Yavari, Kamal; Sabzevari, Omid; Khanchi, Ali Reza; Akhlaghi, Mehdi

    2014-07-29

    On the basis of results of our previous investigations on 90Y-DTPA-rituximab and in order to fulfil national demands to radioimmunoconjugates for radioscintigraphy and radioimmunotherapy of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), preparation and radiolabeling of a lyophilized formulation (kit) of DOTA-rituximab with 111In and 90Y was investigated. 111In and 90Y with high radiochemical and radionuclide purity were prepared by 112Cd (p,2n)111In nuclear reaction and a locally developed 90Sr/90Y generator, respectively. DOTA-rituximab immunoconjugates were prepared by the reaction of solutions of p-SCN-Bz-DOTA and rituximab in carbonate buffer (pH = 9.5) and the number of DOTA per molecule of conjugates were determined by transchelation reaction between DOTA and arsenaso yttrium(III) complex. DOTA-rituximab immunoconjugates were labeled with 111In and 90Y and radioimmunoconjugates were checked for radiochemical purity by chromatography methods and for immunoreactivity by cell-binding assay using Raji cell line. The stability of radiolabeled conjugate with the approximate number of 7 DOTA molecules per one rituximab molecule which was prepared in moderate yield and showed moderate immunoreactivity, compared to two other prepared radioimmunoconjugates, was determined at different time intervals and against EDTA and human serum by chromatography methods and reducing SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, respectively. The biodistribution of the selected radioimmunoconjugate in rats was determined by measurement of the radioactivity of different organs after sacrificing the animals by ether asphyxiation. The radioimmunoconjugate with approximate DOTA/rituximab molar ratio of 7 showed stability after 24 h at room temperature, after 96 h at 4°C, as the lyophilized formulation after six months storage and against EDTA and human serum. This radioimmunoconjugate had a biodistribution profile similar to that of 90Y-ibritumomab, which is approved by FDA for radioimmunotherapy of NHL, and showed low brain and lung uptakes and low yttrium deposition into bone. Findings of this study suggest that further investigations may result in a lyophilized (kit) formulation of DOTA-rituximab which could be easily radiolabeled with 90Y and 111In in order to be used for radioimmunotherapy and radioscintigraphy of B-cell lymphoma in Iran.

  5. Toward the development of a stable, freeze-dried formulation of Helicobacter pylori killed whole cell vaccine adjuvanted with a novel mutant of E. coli heat-labile toxin

    PubMed Central

    Summerton, Nancy A.; Welch, Richard W.; Bondoc, Laureano; Yang, Huei-Hsiung; Pleune, Brett; Ramachandran, Naryaswamy; Harris, Andrea M.; Bland, Desiree; Jackson, W. James; Park, Sukjoon; Clements, John D.; Nabors, Gary S.

    2009-01-01

    No vaccine exists for the prevention of infection with the ubiquitous gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori, and drug therapy for the infection is complicated by poor patient compliance, the high cost of treatment, and ineffectiveness against drug resistant strains. A new medical advancement is required to reduce the incidence of peptic ulcer disease and stomach cancer, two conditions caused by infection with H. pylori. Clinical trials have been performed with a formalin-inactivated Helicobacter pylori Whole Cell (HWC) vaccine, given orally in combination with the mucosal adjuvant mLT(R192G), a mutant of E. coli heat-labile toxin. Following the initial dose of this vaccine, some subjects experienced gastrointestinal side effects. To reduce side effects and potentially further increase the amount of adjuvant that can safely be administered with the HWC vaccine, experiments were performed with a form of LT that carried two mutations in the A subunit, a substitution of G for R at position 192, and A for L at position 211. The double-mutant LT (dmLT) adjuvant stimulated immune responses as effectively as the single mutant LT in mice. Additionally, following a challenge infection, the dmLT-adjuvanted vaccine was as effective as single mutant LT in reducing gastric urease levels (diagnostic for H. pylori infection), and H. pylori colonization in the stomach as assessed by quantitative analysis of stomach homogenates. A lyophilized formulation of HWC was developed to improve stability and to potentially reduce reliance on cold chain maintenance. It was observed that a dmLT-adjuvanted lyophilized vaccine was equally as protective in the mouse model as the liquid formulation as assessed by gastric urease analysis and analysis of stomach homogenates for viable H. pylori. No readily detectable effect of tonicity or moisture content was observed for the lyophilized vaccine within the formulation limits evaluated. In an accelerated stability study performed at 37°C the lyophilized vaccine remained equally as protective as vaccine stored at 2–8°C. The formulation selected for clinical development consisted of 2.5×1010 formalin-inactivated cells per ml in 6.5% trehalose, 0.5% mannitol, and 10 mM citrate buffer at pH 6.8. PMID:19897067

  6. Lipid extraction from isolated single nerve cells

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Krasnov, I. V.

    1977-01-01

    A method of extracting lipids from single neurons isolated from lyophilized tissue is described. The method permits the simultaneous extraction of lipids from 30-40 nerve cells and for each cell provides equal conditions of solvent removal at the conclusion of extraction.

  7. Optimization of Lyophilized Plasma for Use in Combat Casualties

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-01-01

    respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ failure in combat casualties. This model was developed at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and...during the controlled hemorrhage to induce acidosis and coagulopathy. This reflects current civilian pre-hospital resuscitative practices. Operative

  8. Assessing Dietary Exposure to Pyrethroid Insecticides by LCIMS/MS of Food Composites

    EPA Science Inventory

    Method Commercially-obtained vegetables, chips, cereal, meat, and other solid food products were homogenized together to create composited control matrices at 1%, 5%, and 100/0 fat content. Lyophilized homogenates were spiked with 7 pyrethroids, 6 degradation products, bisphen...

  9. Lyophilization and Reconstitution of Reverse Osmosis Concentrated Natural Organic Matter

    EPA Science Inventory

    Disinfection by-product (DBP) research can be complicated by difficulties in shipping large water quantities and changing natural organic matter (NOM) characteristics over time. To overcome these issues, it is advantageous to have a reliable method for concentrating and preservin...

  10. Canadian Libraries and Mass Deacidification.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pacey, Antony

    1992-01-01

    Considers the advantages and disadvantages of six mass deacidification processes that libraries can use to salvage printed materials: the Wei T'o process, the Diethyl Zinc (DEZ) process, the FMC (Lithco) process, the Book Preservation Associates (BPA) process, the "Bookkeeper" process, and the "Lyophilization" process. The…

  11. Characterizing Ohio River NOM Variability and Reconstituted-Lyophilized NOM as a Source Surrogate

    EPA Science Inventory

    Surface water contains natural organic matter (NOM) that reacts with disinfectants creating disinfection byproducts (DBPs), some of which are USEPA regulated contaminants. Characterizing NOM can provide insight with respect to DBP formation and water treatment process adaptation...

  12. Effect of a freeze-dried CMC/PLGA microsphere matrix of rhBMP-2 on bone healing.

    PubMed

    Schrier, J A; Fink, B F; Rodgers, J B; Vasconez, H C; DeLuca, P P

    2001-10-07

    The hypothesis of this research was that implants of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres loaded with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and distributed in a freeze-dried carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) matrix would produce more new bone than would matrix implants of non-protein-loaded microspheres or matrix implants of only CMC. To test this hypothesis it was necessary to fashion microsphere-loaded CMC implants that were simple to insert, fit precisely into a defect, and would not elicit swelling. Microspheres were produced via a water-in-oil-in-water double-emulsion system and were loaded with rhBMP-2 by soaking them in a buffered solution of the protein at a concentration of 5.4 mg protein per gram of PLGA. Following recovery of the loaded microspheres by lyophilization, matrices for implantation were prepared by lyophilizing a suspension of the microspheres in 2% CMC in flat-bottom tissue culture plates. Similar matrices were made with 2% CMC and with 2% CMC containing blank microspheres. A full-thickness calvarial defect model in New Zealand white rabbits was used to assess bone growth. Implants fit the defect well, allowing for direct application. Six weeks postsurgery, defects were collected and processed for undecalcified histology. In vitro, 60% of the loaded rhBMP-2 released from devices or microspheres in 5 to 7 days, with the unembedded microspheres releasing faster than those embedded in CMC. In vivo, the rhBMP-2 microspheres greatly enhanced bone healing, whereas nonloaded PLGA microspheres in the CMC implants had little effect. The results showed that a lyophilized device of rhBMP-2/PLGA microspheres in CMC was an effective implantable protein-delivery system for use in bone repair.

  13. Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of Betula pendula leaves extract and its effects on model foods.

    PubMed

    Azman, Nurul Aini Mohd; Skowyra, Monika; Muhammad, Kwestan; Gallego, María Gabriela; Almajano, Maria Pilar

    2017-12-01

    Betula pendula Roth (Betulaceae) exhibits many pharmacological activities in humans including anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. However, the antioxidant activity of BP towards lipid degradation has not been fully determined. The BP ethanol and methanol extracts were evaluated to determine antioxidant activity by an in vitro method and lyophilized extract of BP was added to beef patties to study oxidative stability. Antioxidant activities of extracts of BP were determined by measuring scavenging radical activity against methoxy radical generated by Fenton reaction 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (TEAC) radical cation, the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The lipid deterioration in beef patties containing 0.1% and 0.3% (w/w) of lyophilized extract of BP stored in 80:20 (v/v) O 2 :CO 2 modified atmosphere (MAP) at 4 °C for 10 days was determined using thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS), % metmyoglobin and colour value. The BP methanol extract revealed the presence of catechin, myricetin, quercetin, naringenin, and p-coumaric acid. The BP ethanol (50% w/w) extract showed scavenging activity in TEAC, ORAC and FRAP assays with values of 1.45, 2.81, 1.52 mmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/g DW, respectively. Reductions in lipid oxidation were found in samples treated with lyophilized BP extract (0.1% and 0.3% w/w) as manifested by the changes of colour and metmyoglobin concentration. A preliminary study film with BP showed retard degradation of lipid in muscle food. The present results indicated that the BP extracts can be used as natural food antioxidants.

  14. Development of highly stabilized curcumin nanoparticles by flash nanoprecipitation and lyophilization.

    PubMed

    Chow, Shing Fung; Wan, Ka Yee; Cheng, Kwok Kin; Wong, Ka Wai; Sun, Changquan Calvin; Baum, Larry; Chow, Albert Hee Lum

    2015-08-01

    The influence of critical operating parameters on the Flash Nanoprecipitation (FNP) and resulting material properties of curcumin (CUR) nanoparticles has been evaluated using a confined impinging jets-with-dilution mixer (CIJ-D-M). It has been shown that the mixing rate, molecular weight of polymeric stabilizer (i.e., polyethylene glycol-b-poly(dl-lactide) di-block copolymer; PEG-PLA) and drug-to-copolymer mass ratio all exert a significant impact on the particle size and stability of the generated nanosuspensions. The attainable mean particle size and span of the nanoparticles through optimization of these process parameters were approximately 70nm and 0.85 respectively. However, the optimized nanosuspension was only stable for about two hours after preparation. Co-formulation with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) substantially extended the product lifespan to 5days at ambient conditions and two weeks at 4°C. Results from zeta potential measurement and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) suggested that the enhanced stability is probably due to the formation of an additional protective barrier by PVP around the particle surface, thereby suppressing the dissociation of PEG-PLA from the particles and preventing CUR leakage from inside. Long-term storage stability (>1year) could be achieved by lyophilization of the optimized nanosuspension with Kleptose (hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin), which was shown to be the only effective lyoprotectant among all the ones tested for the CUR nanoparticles. At an optimal concentration of Kleptose (1.25% w/v), the redispersibility (Sf/Si; ratio of the final and initial particle sizes) and encapsulation efficiency of lyophilized CUR nanoparticles were about 1.22% and 94%, respectively. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Effect of lyophilized lactobacilli and 0.03 mg estriol (Gynoflor®) on vaginitis and vaginosis with disrupted vaginal microflora: a multicenter, randomized, single-blind, active-controlled pilot study.

    PubMed

    Donders, G G G; Van Bulck, B; Van de Walle, P; Kaiser, R R; Pohlig, G; Gonser, S; Graf, F

    2010-01-01

    To evaluate the efficacy of lyophilized lactobacilli in combination with 0.03 mg estriol when compared to metronidazole in the treatment of bacterial vaginal infections. Multicenter, randomized, single-blind, active-controlled pilot study in 3 independent gynecological practices in Belgium. Forty-six, 18- to 50-year-old premenopausal women with a disrupted vaginal flora due to a bacterial vaginal infection (bacterial vaginosis, aerobic vaginitis) were included, provided that fresh phase-contrast microscopy of the vaginal fluid showed lactobacillary flora grade 2B or 3. Patients were given a blinded box with either 12 vaginal tablets of Gynoflor® (study medication) or 6 vaginal suppositories containing 500 mg metronidazole (control medication). Eight efficacy variables were studied to assess the status of the vaginal flora at entry, 3-7 days (control 1), 4-6 (control 2) weeks and 4 months after the end of therapy. At control 1, the combined variables equally improved in the lactobacilli group as in the metronidazole group. At control 2, the lactobacillus preparation showed slightly inferior results when compared to metronidazole. At 4 months, this analysis could not be performed due to low numbers, but analysis of recurrence rate and extra medication needed was not different between both groups. Lyophilized lactobacilli in combination with low-dose estriol are equivalent to metronidazole in the short-term treatment of bacterial vaginal infections, but have less effect after 1 month. Further studies are required to evaluate the long-term efficacy of lactobacilli when applied repeatedly. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  16. Preparation and Characterization of Three Tilmicosin-loaded Lipid Nanoparticles: Physicochemical Properties and in-vitro Antibacterial Activities.

    PubMed

    Al-Qushawi, Alwan; Rassouli, Ali; Atyabi, Fatemeh; Peighambari, Seyed Mostafa; Esfandyari-Manesh, Mehdi; Shams, Gholam Reza; Yazdani, Azam

    2016-01-01

    Tilmicosin (TLM) is an important antibiotic in veterinary medicine with low bioavailability and safety. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate physicochemical properties, storage stability after lyophilization, and antibacterial activity of three TLM-loaded lipid nanoparticles (TLM-LNPs) including solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and lipid-core nanocapsules (LNCs). Physicochemical parameters such as particle size-mean diameter, polydispersity index, zeta potential, drug encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity, and morphology of the formulations were evaluated and the effects of various cryoprotectants during lyophilization and storage for 8 weeks were also studied. The profiles of TLM release and the antibacterial activities of these TLM-LNPs suspensions (against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus ) were tested in comparison with their corresponding powders. TLM-LNPs suspensions were in nano-scale range with mean diameters of 186.3 ± 1.5, 149.6 ± 3.0, and 85.0 ± 1.0nm, and also EE, 69.1, 86.3, and 94.3% for TLM- SLNs, TLM-NLCs, and TLM- LNCs respectively. TLM-LNCs gave the best results with significantly low particle size and high EE (p<0.05). Mannitol was the most effective cryoprotectant for lyophilization and storage of TLM-LNPs. The drug release profiles were biphasic and the release times were longer at pH 7.4 where TLM-NLCs and TLM-LNCs powders showed longer release times. In microbiological tests, S. aureus was about 4 times more sensitive than E. coli to TLM-LNPs with minimum inhibitory concentration ranges of 0.5-1.0 and 2-4 µg/mL respectively, and TLM-LNCs exhibited the best antibacterial activities. In conclusion, TLM-LNP formulations especially TLM-LNCs and TLM-NLCs are promising carriers for TLM with better drug encapsulation capacity, release behavior, and antibacterial activity.

  17. Toxicological evaluation by in vitro and in vivo assays of an aqueous extract prepared from Echinodorus macrophyllus leaves.

    PubMed

    da Costa Lopes, L; Albano, F; Augusto Travassos Laranja, G; Marques Alves, L; Fernando Martins e Silva, L; Poubel de Souza, G; de Magalhães Araujo, I; Firmino Nogueira-Neto, J; Felzenszwalb, I; Kovary, K

    2000-08-16

    Toxicity of an aqueous extract prepared from Echinodorus macrophyllus dried leaves, a plant used in folk medicine to treat inflammation and kidney malfunctions, was estimated by different bioassays. Mutagenicity of the aqueous extract was evaluated in the Salmonella/microsome assay (TA97a, TA98, TA100 and TA102 strains), with or without metabolic activation. No mutagenic activity (lyophilized extract tested up to 50 mg/plate) could be detected to any of the tester strain. Furthermore, no cytotoxic effect has been observed when a crude extract of E. macrophyllus (up to 7.5 mg/ml) was tested on the exponential growth of hepatoma and normal kidney epithelial cells in culture. Toxicity of E. macrophyllus was also evaluated in male Swiss mice after 6 weeks of continuous ingestion of the aqueous extract in drinking water. Average daily ingested doses were 3, 23 and 297 mg/kg for a lyophilized extract, and 2200 mg/kg for a crude extract, with dose two being equivalent to the daily dose recommended to humans. At the end of the treatment, all animals revealed a deficit in final body weight ranging from 5 to 47%. Biochemical analysis of the plasma revealed some minor alterations indicating subclinical hepatic toxicity. Genotoxic effect on liver, kidney and blood cells has been also evaluated by the comet assay, being negative to liver and blood cells. However, DNA analyses of the kidney cells detected some genotoxic activity for the highest dose tested of E. macrophyllus extract, either lyophilized or crude. On the other hand, exposure dose of 23 mg/kg, equivalent to the daily dose recommended to humans, did not revealed any genotoxic effect and hence this herb seems to be safe to human organism.

  18. Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of the stem of Musa sapientum Linn. in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

    PubMed

    Dikshit, Piyush; Shukla, Kirtikar; Tyagi, Mool Kumar; Garg, Piyush; Gambhir, Jasvindar K; Shukla, Rimi

    2012-12-01

    Musa sapientum Linn. is a herbaceous plant of the Musaceae family. It has been used in India for the treatment of gastric ulcer, hypertension, diarrhea, dysentery, and diabetes. The antidiabetic effect of the fruit, root, and flower has been demonstrated. The aim of the present study was to assess the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of the stem of M. sapientum Linn. Diabetes was induced in rats by streptozotocin injection (45 mg/kg, i.p.). Diabetic rats were treated for 2 weeks with different doses of lyophilized stem juice of M. sapientum Linn. (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) to select the most effective dose. The effects of 4 weeks treatment with this dose (50 mg/kg) on fasting and postprandial plasma glucose (FPG, PPG) levels, body weight, lipid profile, HbA1c, insulin, liver enzymes (i.e. glucokinase, glucose-6-phosphatase and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A [HMG-CoA] reductase) and muscle and liver glycogen were evaluated. The most effective dose of lyophilized stem juice of M. sapientum Linn. was 50 mg/kg. Four weeks treatment with this dose resulted in significant decreases in FPG and PPG (P < 0.05). Serum insulin increased (P < 0.05) whereas HbA1c decreased (P < 0.05). Diabetes-induced changes to the lipid profile, muscle and liver glycogen, and enzyme activity (i.e. glucokinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, and HMG-CoA reductase) were restored near to normal levels (P < 0.05). Diabetic rats responded favorably to treatment with lyophilized stem juice of M. sapientum Linn., which exhibits antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects. © 2012 Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

  19. Evaluation of Two Lyophilized Molecular Assays to Rapidly Detect Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Directly from Clinical Samples in Field Settings.

    PubMed

    Howson, E L A; Armson, B; Madi, M; Kasanga, C J; Kandusi, S; Sallu, R; Chepkwony, E; Siddle, A; Martin, P; Wood, J; Mioulet, V; King, D P; Lembo, T; Cleaveland, S; Fowler, V L

    2017-06-01

    Accurate, timely diagnosis is essential for the control, monitoring and eradication of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Clinical samples from suspect cases are normally tested at reference laboratories. However, transport of samples to these centralized facilities can be a lengthy process that can impose delays on critical decision making. These concerns have motivated work to evaluate simple-to-use technologies, including molecular-based diagnostic platforms, that can be deployed closer to suspect cases of FMD. In this context, FMD virus (FMDV)-specific reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) and real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) assays, compatible with simple sample preparation methods and in situ visualization, have been developed which share equivalent analytical sensitivity with laboratory-based rRT-PCR. However, the lack of robust 'ready-to-use kits' that utilize stabilized reagents limits the deployment of these tests into field settings. To address this gap, this study describes the performance of lyophilized rRT-PCR and RT-LAMP assays to detect FMDV. Both of these assays are compatible with the use of fluorescence to monitor amplification in real-time, and for the RT-LAMP assays end point detection could also be achieved using molecular lateral flow devices. Lyophilization of reagents did not adversely affect the performance of the assays. Importantly, when these assays were deployed into challenging laboratory and field settings within East Africa they proved to be reliable in their ability to detect FMDV in a range of clinical samples from acutely infected as well as convalescent cattle. These data support the use of highly sensitive molecular assays into field settings for simple and rapid detection of FMDV. © 2015 The Authors. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases Published by Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

  20. Viable, lyophilized lactobacilli do not increase iron absorption from a lactic acid-fermented meal in healthy young women, and no iron absorption occurs in the distal intestine.

    PubMed

    Bering, Stine; Sjøltov, Laila; Wrisberg, Seema S; Berggren, Anna; Alenfall, Jan; Jensen, Mikael; Højgaard, Liselotte; Tetens, Inge; Bukhave, Klaus

    2007-11-01

    Lactic acid-fermented foods have been shown to increase Fe absorption in human subjects, possibly by lowering pH, activation of phytases, production of organic acids, or by the viable lactic acid bacteria. In this study the effect of a heat-inactivated lactic acid-fermented oat gruel with and without added viable, lyophilized Lactobacillus plantarum 299v on non-haem Fe absorption was investigated. Furthermore, Fe absorption in the distal intestine was determined. In a randomized, double-blinded crossover trial eighteen healthy young women aged 22 (SD 3) years with low Fe status (serum ferritin < 30 microg/l) were served the two test gruels, extrinsically labelled with 59Fe and served with two enterocoated capsules (containing 55Fe(II) and 55Fe(III), respectively) designed to disintegrate in the ileum. The meals were consumed on two consecutive days, e.g. in the order AA followed by BB in a second period. Non-haem Fe absorption was determined from 59Fe whole-body retention and isotope activities in blood samples. The concentrations of Fe, lactate, phytate, and polyphenols, and the pH were similar in the heat-inactivated lactic acid-fermented oat gruels with and without added L. plantarum 299v, and no difference in Fe absorption was observed between the test gruels (1.4 and 1.3%, respectively). Furthermore, no absorption of Fe in the distal intestine was observed. In conclusion, addition of viable, lyophilized lactobacillus to a heat-inactivated lactic acid-fermented oat gruel does not affect Fe absorption, and no absorption seems to occur in the distal part of the intestine from low Fe bioavailability meals in these women.

  1. Novel synthesis strategies for natural polymer and composite biomaterials as potential scaffolds for tissue engineering

    PubMed Central

    Ko, Hsu-Feng; Sfeir, Charles; Kumta, Prashant N.

    2010-01-01

    Recent developments in tissue engineering approaches frequently revolve around the use of three-dimensional scaffolds to function as the template for cellular activities to repair, rebuild and regenerate damaged or lost tissues. While there are several biomaterials to select as three-dimensional scaffolds, it is generally agreed that a biomaterial to be used in tissue engineering needs to possess certain material characteristics such as biocompatibility, suitable surface chemistry, interconnected porosity, desired mechanical properties and biodegradability. The use of naturally derived polymers as three-dimensional scaffolds has been gaining widespread attention owing to their favourable attributes of biocompatibility, low cost and ease of processing. This paper discusses the synthesis of various polysaccharide-based, naturally derived polymers, and the potential of using these biomaterials to serve as tissue engineering three-dimensional scaffolds is also evaluated. In this study, naturally derived polymers, specifically cellulose, chitosan, alginate and agarose, and their composites, are examined. Single-component scaffolds of plain cellulose, plain chitosan and plain alginate as well as composite scaffolds of cellulose–alginate, cellulose–agarose, cellulose–chitosan, chitosan–alginate and chitosan–agarose are synthesized, and their suitability as tissue engineering scaffolds is assessed. It is shown that naturally derived polymers in the form of hydrogels can be synthesized, and the lyophilization technique is used to synthesize various composites comprising these natural polymers. The composite scaffolds appear to be sponge-like after lyophilization. Scanning electron microscopy is used to demonstrate the formation of an interconnected porous network within the polymeric scaffold following lyophilization. It is also established that HeLa cells attach and proliferate well on scaffolds of cellulose, chitosan or alginate. The synthesis protocols reported in this study can therefore be used to manufacture naturally derived polymer-based scaffolds as potential biomaterials for various tissue engineering applications. PMID:20308112

  2. Development of an Internal Positive Control for Rapid Diagnosis of Avian Influenza Virus Infections by Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR with Lyophilized Reagents

    PubMed Central

    Das, Amaresh; Spackman, Erica; Senne, Dennis; Pedersen, Jan; Suarez, David L.

    2006-01-01

    We developed an internal positive control (IPC) RNA to help ensure the accuracy of the detection of avian influenza virus (AIV) RNA by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and real-time RT-PCR (RRT-PCR). The IPC was designed to have the same binding sites for the forward and reverse primers of the AIV matrix gene as the target amplicon, but it had a unique internal sequence used for the probe site. The amplification of the viral RNA and the IPC by RRT-PCR were monitored with two different fluorescent probes in a multiplex format, one specific for the AIV matrix gene and the other for the IPC. The RRT-PCR test was further simplified with the use of lyophilized bead reagents for the detection of AIV RNA. The RRT-PCR with the bead reagents was more sensitive than the conventional wet reagents for the detection of AIV RNA. The IPC-based RRT-PCR detected inhibitors in blood, kidney, lungs, spleen, intestine, and cloacal swabs, but not allantoic fluid, serum, or tracheal swabs The accuracy of RRT-PCR test results with the lyophilized beads was tested on cloacal and tracheal swabs from experimental birds inoculated with AIV and compared with virus isolation (VI) on embryonating chicken eggs. There was 97 to 100% agreement of the RRT-PCR test results with VI for tracheal swabs and 81% agreement with VI for cloacal swabs, indicating a high level of accuracy of the RRT-PCR assay. The same IPC in the form of armored RNA was also used to monitor the extraction of viral RNA and subsequent detection by RRT-PCR. PMID:16954228

  3. Lyophilized allografts without pre-treatment with glutaraldehyde are more suitable than cryopreserved allografts for pulmonary artery reconstruction

    PubMed Central

    Olmos-Zúãiga, J.R.; Jasso-Victoria, R.; Díaz-Martínez, N.E.; Gaxiola-Gaxiola, M.O.; Sotres-Vega, A.; Heras-Romero, Y.; Baltazares-Lipp, M.; Baltazares-Lipp, M.E.; Santillán-Doherty, P.; Hernández-Jiménez, C.

    2015-01-01

    Various methods are available for preservation of vascular grafts for pulmonary artery (PA) replacement. Lyophilization and cryopreservation reduce antigenicity and prevent thrombosis and calcification in vascular grafts, so both methods can be used to obtain vascular bioprostheses. We evaluated the hemodynamic, gasometric, imaging, and macroscopic and microscopic findings produced by PA reconstruction with lyophilized (LyoPA) grafts and cryopreserved (CryoPA) grafts in dogs. Eighteen healthy crossbred adult dogs of both sexes weighing between 18 and 20 kg were used and divided into three groups of six: group I, PA section and reanastomosis; group II, PA resection and reconstruction with LyoPA allograft; group III, PA resection and reconstruction with CryoPA allograft. Dogs were evaluated 4 weeks after surgery, and the status of the graft and vascular anastomosis were examined macroscopically and microscopically. No clinical, radiologic, or blood-gas abnormalities were observed during the study. The mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) in group III increased significantly at the end of the study compared with baseline (P=0.02) and final [P=0.007, two-way repeat-measures analysis of variance (RM ANOVA)] values. Pulmonary vascular resistance of groups II and III increased immediately after reperfusion and also at the end of the study compared to baseline. The increase shown by group III vs group I was significant only if compared with after surgery and study end (P=0.016 and P=0.005, respectively, two-way RM ANOVA). Microscopically, permeability was reduced by ≤75% in group III. In conclusion, substitution of PAs with LyoPA grafts is technically feasible and clinically promising. PMID:26648092

  4. Preparation and evaluation of 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-[Lys 3]-bombesin for imaging gastrin-releasing peptide receptor-positive tumours.

    PubMed

    Ferro-Flores, Guillermina; Arteaga de Murphy, Consuelo; Rodriguez-Cortés, Jeanette; Pedraza-López, Martha; Ramírez-Iglesias, María Teresa

    2006-04-01

    Bombesin is a peptide that was initially isolated from frog skin and which belongs to a large group of neuropeptides with many biological functions. The human equivalent is gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), whose receptors are over-expressed in a variety of malignant tumours. To prepare a HYNIC-[Lys 3]-bombesin analogue that could be easily labelled with 99mTc from lyophilized kit formulations and to evaluate its potential as an imaging agent for GRP receptor-positive tumours. HYNIC was conjugated to the epsilon-amino group of Lys 3 residue at the N-terminal region of bombesin via succinimidyl-N-Boc-HYNIC at pH 9.0. 99mTc labelling was performed by addition of sodium pertechnetate solution and 0.2 M phosphate buffer pH 7.0 to a lyophilized formulation. Stability studies were carried out by reversed phase HPLC and ITLC-SG analyses in serum and cysteine solutions. In-vitro internalization was tested using human prostate cancer PC-3 cells with blocked and non-blocked receptors. Biodistribution and tumour uptake were determined in PC-3 tumour-bearing nude mice. 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-[Lys 3]-bombesin was obtained with radiochemical purities >93% and high specific activity ( approximately 0.1 GBq.nmol). Results of in-vitro studies demonstrated a high stability in serum and cysteine solutions, specific cell receptor binding and rapid internalization. Biodistribution data showed a rapid blood clearance, with predominantly renal excretion and specific binding towards GRP receptor-positive tissues such as pancreas and PC-3 tumours. 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-[Lys 3]-bombesin obtained from lyophilized kit formulations has promising characteristics for the diagnosis of malignant tumours that over-express the GRP receptor.

  5. Safer and healthier reduced nitrites turkey meat sausages using lyophilized Cystoseira barbata seaweed extract.

    PubMed

    Sellimi, Sabrine; Benslima, Abdelkarim; Ksouda, Ghada; Montero, Veronique Barragan; Hajji, Mohamed; Nasri, Moncef

    2017-10-21

    Background Nitrite salts are still common additives in the meat industry. The present study provides a first approach on the employment of the lyophilized aqueous extract (WE) of the Tunisian seaweed Cystoseira barbata for the quality enhancement of turkey meat sausage. Methods WE was supplemented as a natural antioxidant agent to investigate its effectiveness in delaying lipid oxidation turkey meat sausages containing reduced amounts of sodium nitrites. Results On storage day 5, all concentrations of WE (0.01-0.4 %) reduced the meat lipid oxidation by approximately 36 %, as compared to the negative control containing only 80 mg/kg of meat of sodium nitrites as antioxidant. It was noted that within 15 days of refrigerated storage, a meat system containing 80 mg/kg of meat of sodium nitrites and 0.02 % and 0.04 % of WE had similar Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) levels (19±1.32 and 17±1.12 µmol/kg of meat, respectively), which were comparable to the positive control containing sodium nitrites (150 mg/kg of meat) and 0.045 % vitamin C (18.46±1.27 µmol/kg of meat). In-depth, the metabolomic profiling using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography-quadripole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) analyses of the Tunisian seaweed C. barbata solvent extracts showed that the main active compounds were phenolic compounds, fatty acids and sterols. Conclusions Overall, the cold medium containing C. barbata lyophilized aqueous extrac, with strong antioxidant activity and antihypertensive properties, may open the way to the development of a natural quality enhancement strategy for new functional and ever healthier reduced nitrites meat sausages based on algae.

  6. Preclinical Investigation of Lyophilized Platelet Preparations

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1994-10-31

    Western blots of rehydrated platelet preparations. The AMAC antibody reacted strongly with a high molecular weight protein in the fresh platelet lysate , and...to a lesser degree with a protein of identical molecular weight in the rehydrated platelet lysate . The antibody to fibrinogen reacted strongly with

  7. Enhanced hydrogen peroxide release from macrophages stimulated with streptococcal preparation OK-432.

    PubMed Central

    Saito, H; Tomioka, H

    1979-01-01

    Wheat germ lectin was found to be a potent triggering agent for hydrogen peroxide release from mouse peritoneal macrophages. Macrophages stimulated by intraperitoneal injection of OK-432, a lyophilized attenuated streptococcal preparation, were highly responsive to wheat germ lectin. PMID:546795

  8. Dynamics of lipid saccharide nanoparticles by quasielastic neutron scattering

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Di Bari, M. T.; Gerelli, Y.; Sonvico, F.; Deriu, A.; Cavatorta, F.; Albanese, G.; Colombo, P.; Fernandez-Alonso, F.

    2008-04-01

    Nano- and microparticles composed of saccharide and lipid systems are extensively investigated for applications as highly biocompatible drug carriers. A detailed understanding of particle-solvent interactions is of key importance in order to tailor their characteristics for delivering drugs with specific chemical properties. Here we report results of a quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) investigation on lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles prepared by autoassembling the two components in an aqueous solution. The measurements were performed at room temperature on lyophilized and H 2O hydrated nanoparticles ( h = 0.47 w H 2O/w hydrated sample). In the latter, hydration water is mostly enclosed inside the nanoparticles; its dynamics is similar to that of bulk water but with a significant decrease in diffusivity. The scattering from the nanoparticles can be described by a simple model of confined diffusion. In the lyophilized state only hydrogens belonging to the polar heads are seen as mobile within the experimental time-window. In the hydrated sample the diffusive dynamics involves also a significant part of the hydrogens in the lipid tails.

  9. Protecting enzymatic function through directed packaging into bacterial outer membrane vesicles

    PubMed Central

    Alves, Nathan J.; Turner, Kendrick B.; Medintz, Igor L.; Walper, Scott A.

    2016-01-01

    Bacteria possess innate machinery to transport extracellular cargo between cells as well as package virulence factors to infect host cells by secreting outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) that contain small molecules, proteins, and genetic material. These robust proteoliposomes have evolved naturally to be resistant to degradation and provide a supportive environment to extend the activity of encapsulated cargo. In this study, we sought to exploit bacterial OMV formation to package and maintain the activity of an enzyme, phosphotriesterase (PTE), under challenging storage conditions encountered for real world applications. Here we show that OMV packaged PTE maintains activity over free PTE when subjected to elevated temperatures (>100-fold more activity after 14 days at 37 °C), iterative freeze-thaw cycles (3.4-fold post four-cycles), and lyophilization (43-fold). We also demonstrate how lyophilized OMV packaged PTE can be utilized as a cell free reagent for long term environmental remediation of pesticide/chemical warfare contaminated areas. PMID:27117743

  10. Dermatoxin and phylloxin from the waxy monkey frog, Phyllomedusa sauvagei: cloning of precursor cDNAs and structural characterization from lyophilized skin secretion.

    PubMed

    Chen, Tianbao; Walker, Brian; Zhou, Mei; Shaw, Chris

    2005-07-15

    Amphibian skin is a morphologically, biochemically and physiologically complex organ that performs the wide range of functions necessary for amphibian survival. Here we describe the primary structures of representatives of two novel classes of amphibian skin antimicrobials, dermatoxin and phylloxin, from the skin secretion of Phyllomedusa sauvagei, deduced from their respective precursor encoding cDNAs cloned from a lyophilized skin secretion library. A degenerate primer, designed to a highly conserved domain in the 5'-untranslated region of analogous peptide precursor cDNAs from Phyllomedusa bicolor, was employed in a 3'-RACE reaction. Peptides with molecular masses coincident with precursor-deduced mature toxin peptides were identified in LC/MS fractions of skin secretion and primary structures were confirmed by MS/MS fragmentation. This integrated experimental approach can thus rapidly expedite the primary structural characterization of amphibian skin peptides in a manner that circumvents specimen sacrifice whilst preserving robustness of scientific data.

  11. Standardization of glycohemoglobin results and reference values in whole blood studied in 103 laboratories using 20 methods.

    PubMed

    Weykamp, C W; Penders, T J; Miedema, K; Muskiet, F A; van der Slik, W

    1995-01-01

    We investigated the effect of calibration with lyophilized calibrators on whole-blood glycohemoglobin (glyHb) results. One hundred three laboratories, using 20 different methods, determined glyHb in two lyophilized calibrators and two whole-blood samples. For whole-blood samples with low (5%) and high (9%) glyHb percentages, respectively, calibration decreased overall interlaboratory variation (CV) from 16% to 9% and from 11% to 6% and decreased intermethod variation from 14% to 6% and from 12% to 5%. Forty-seven laboratories, using 14 different methods, determined mean glyHb percentages in self-selected groups of 10 nondiabetic volunteers each. With calibration their overall mean (2SD) was 5.0% (0.5%), very close to the 5.0% (0.3%) derived from the reference method used in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial. In both experiments the Abbott IMx and Vision showed deviating results. We conclude that, irrespective of the analytical method used, calibration enables standardization of glyHb results, reference values, and interpretation criteria.

  12. Navicula sp. Sulfated Polysaccharide Gels Induced by Fe(III): Rheology and Microstructure

    PubMed Central

    Fimbres-Olivarría, Diana; López-Elías, José Antonio; Carvajal-Millán, Elizabeth; Márquez-Escalante, Jorge Alberto; Martínez-Córdova, Luis Rafael; Miranda-Baeza, Anselmo; Enríquez-Ocaña, Fernando; Valdéz-Holguín, José Eduardo; Brown-Bojórquez, Francisco

    2016-01-01

    A sulfated polysaccharide extracted from Navicula sp. presented a yield of 4.4 (% w/w dry biomass basis). Analysis of the polysaccharide using gas chromatography showed that this polysaccharide contained glucose (29%), galactose (21%), rhamnose (10%), xylose (5%) and mannose (4%). This polysaccharide presented an average molecular weight of 107 kDa. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed that the lyophilized Navicula sp. polysaccharide is an amorphous solid with particles of irregular shapes and sharp angles. The polysaccharide at 1% (w/v) solution in water formed gels in the presence of 0.4% (w/v) FeCl3, showing elastic and viscous moduli of 1 and 0.7 Pa, respectively. SEM analysis performed on the lyophilized gel showed a compact pore structure, with a pore size of approximately 150 nm. Very few studies on the gelation of sulfated polysaccharides using trivalent ions exist in the literature, and, to the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to describe the gelation of sulfated polysaccharides extracted from Navicula sp. PMID:27483255

  13. Navicula sp. Sulfated Polysaccharide Gels Induced by Fe(III): Rheology and Microstructure.

    PubMed

    Fimbres-Olivarría, Diana; López-Elías, José Antonio; Carvajal-Millán, Elizabeth; Márquez-Escalante, Jorge Alberto; Martínez-Córdova, Luis Rafael; Miranda-Baeza, Anselmo; Enríquez-Ocaña, Fernando; Valdéz-Holguín, José Eduardo; Brown-Bojórquez, Francisco

    2016-07-30

    A sulfated polysaccharide extracted from Navicula sp. presented a yield of 4.4 (% w/w dry biomass basis). Analysis of the polysaccharide using gas chromatography showed that this polysaccharide contained glucose (29%), galactose (21%), rhamnose (10%), xylose (5%) and mannose (4%). This polysaccharide presented an average molecular weight of 107 kDa. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed that the lyophilized Navicula sp. polysaccharide is an amorphous solid with particles of irregular shapes and sharp angles. The polysaccharide at 1% (w/v) solution in water formed gels in the presence of 0.4% (w/v) FeCl₃, showing elastic and viscous moduli of 1 and 0.7 Pa, respectively. SEM analysis performed on the lyophilized gel showed a compact pore structure, with a pore size of approximately 150 nm. Very few studies on the gelation of sulfated polysaccharides using trivalent ions exist in the literature, and, to the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to describe the gelation of sulfated polysaccharides extracted from Navicula sp.

  14. In vitro evaluation of UV opacity potential of Aloe vera L. gel from different germplasms.

    PubMed

    Kumar, M Shyam; Datta, P K; Dutta Gupta, S

    2009-04-01

    In this study, lyophilized crude and methanolic extracts of aloe gel from different germplasms (S24, RM, TN, OR, and RJN) of Aloe vera L. were tested for their ultraviolet (UV) opacity potential. UV absorption profiles, sun protection factor (SPF), and percentage blocking of UVA and UVB were considered to test UV opacity potential. Both the extracts showed UV absorption and followed the same path in the wavelength range of 250-400 nm in all the germplasms. Methanolic extract showed a stronger absorptivity than the crude lyophilized extract. Among the tested germplasms, maximum UV opacity property with a SPF of 9.97% and 79.12% UVB blocking was obtained with RJN, whereas a poor response was evident in TN with a SPF of 1.37% and 28.5% UVB blocking at 4 mg/ml methanolic extract. To our knowledge the present work for the first time documents UV opacity properties of A. vera L. gel and opens up new vistas in Aloe gel characterization.

  15. Euterpe edulis Extract but Not Oil Enhances Antioxidant Defenses and Protects against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Induced by a High-Fat Diet in Rats.

    PubMed

    Freitas, Rodrigo Barros; Novaes, Rômulo Dias; Gonçalves, Reggiani Vilela; Mendonça, Bianca Gazolla; Santos, Eliziária Cardoso; Ribeiro, Andréia Queiroz; Lima, Luciana Moreira; Fietto, Luciano Gomes; Peluzio, Maria do Carmo Gouveia; Leite, João Paulo Viana

    2016-01-01

    We investigated the effects of E. edulis bioproducts (lyophilized pulp [LEE], defatted lyophilized pulp [LDEE], and oil [EO]) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in rats. All products were chemically analyzed. In vivo, 42 rats were equally randomized into seven groups receiving standard diet, HFD alone or combined with EO, LEE, or LDEE. After NAFLD induction, LEE, LDEE, or EO was added to the animals' diet for 4 weeks. LEE was rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. From LEE degreasing, LDEE presented higher levels of anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity in vitro. Dietary intake of LEE and especially LDEE, but not EO, attenuated diet-induced NAFLD, reducing inflammatory infiltrate, steatosis, and lipid peroxidation in liver tissue. Although both E. edulis bioproducts were not hepatotoxic, only LDEE presented sufficient benefits to treat NAFLD in rats, possibly by its low lipid content and high amount of phenols and anthocyanins.

  16. Euterpe edulis Extract but Not Oil Enhances Antioxidant Defenses and Protects against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Induced by a High-Fat Diet in Rats

    PubMed Central

    Freitas, Rodrigo Barros; Novaes, Rômulo Dias; Gonçalves, Reggiani Vilela; Mendonça, Bianca Gazolla; Santos, Eliziária Cardoso; Ribeiro, Andréia Queiroz; Lima, Luciana Moreira; Fietto, Luciano Gomes; Peluzio, Maria do Carmo Gouveia

    2016-01-01

    We investigated the effects of E. edulis bioproducts (lyophilized pulp [LEE], defatted lyophilized pulp [LDEE], and oil [EO]) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in rats. All products were chemically analyzed. In vivo, 42 rats were equally randomized into seven groups receiving standard diet, HFD alone or combined with EO, LEE, or LDEE. After NAFLD induction, LEE, LDEE, or EO was added to the animals' diet for 4 weeks. LEE was rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. From LEE degreasing, LDEE presented higher levels of anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity in vitro. Dietary intake of LEE and especially LDEE, but not EO, attenuated diet-induced NAFLD, reducing inflammatory infiltrate, steatosis, and lipid peroxidation in liver tissue. Although both E. edulis bioproducts were not hepatotoxic, only LDEE presented sufficient benefits to treat NAFLD in rats, possibly by its low lipid content and high amount of phenols and anthocyanins. PMID:27418954

  17. Pharmaceutical patent applications in freeze-drying.

    PubMed

    Ekenlebie, Edmond; Einfalt, Tomaž; Karytinos, Arianna Irò; Ingham, Andrew

    2016-09-01

    Injectable products are often the formulation of choice for new therapeutics; however, formulation in liquids often enhances degradation through hydrolysis. Thus, freeze-drying (lyophilization) is regularly used in pharmaceutical manufacture to reduce water activity. Here we examine its contribution to 'state of the art' and look at its future potential uses. A comprehensive search of patent databases was conducted to characterize the international patent landscape and trends in the use of freeze-drying. A total of 914 disclosures related to freeze-drying, lyophilization or drying of solid systems in pressures and temperatures equivalent to those of freeze-drying were considered over the period of 1992-2014. Current applications of sublimation technology were contrasted across two periods those with patents due to expire (1992-1993) and those currently filed. The number of freeze-drying technology patents has stabilized after initial activity across the biotechnology sector in 2011 and 2012. Alongside an increasing trend for patent submissions, freeze-drying submissions have slowed since 2002 and is indicative of a level of maturity.

  18. Biophysical characterization and immunization studies of dominant negative inhibitor (DNI), a candidate anthrax toxin subunit vaccine.

    PubMed

    Iyer, Vidyashankara; Hu, Lei; Schanté, Carole E; Vance, David; Chadwick, Chrystal; Jain, Nishant Kumar; Brey, Robert N; Joshi, Sangeeta B; Volkin, David B; Andra, Kiran K; Bann, James G; Mantis, Nicholas J; Middaugh, C Russell

    2013-11-01

    Dominant Negative Inhibitor (DNI) is a translocation-deficient homolog of recombinant protective antigen of Bacillus anthracis that is a candidate for a next generation anthrax vaccine. This study demonstrates that the biophysical characteristics of the DNI protein stored in lyophilized form at 4°C for 8 y were similar to recombinant Protective Antigen (rPA). To provide information on the accelerated stability of DNI, samples in the lyophilized form were subjected to thermal stress (40°C and 70°C for up to 4 weeks) and thoroughly evaluated using various biophysical and chemical characterization techniques. Results demonstrate preserved structural stability of the DNI protein under extreme conditions, suggesting long-term stability can be achieved for a vaccine that employs DNI, as desired for a biodefense countermeasure. Furthermore, the biological activity of the stressed DNI bound to the adjuvant Alhydrogel (®) was evaluated in mice and it was found that the immunogenicity DNI was not affected by thermal stress.

  19. Verification of presence of caprolactam in sprouted achenes of Fagopyrum esculentum Moench and its influence on plant phenolic compound content.

    PubMed

    Kalinová, Jana P; Tříska, Jan; Vrchotová, Naděžda; Moos, Martin

    2014-08-15

    The presence of caprolactam, a precursor of Nylon-6, among those synthetic polymers which are widely-spread throughout the environment, could be the reason for its being found in plants. The aim of this work was to confirm the previously described presence of caprolactam in dry and sprouted achenes, as well as in achene exudates of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench). When the lyophilized sprouted and dry buckwheat achenes, along with exudates from growth experiments, with caprolactam-free medium were analysed by HPLC, no caprolactam was found. After addition of caprolactam into the growth medium, we confirmed the uptake of caprolactam in the lyophilized sprouted buckwheat achenes. The uptake of caprolactam is also a function of light conditions during the growth experiments. Caprolactam also inhibits the content of phenolic compounds; especially rutin, vitexin, isovitexin, orientin, and homoorientin in buckwheat plants. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Therapeutic effect of lyophilized, Kefir-fermented milk on constipation among persons with mental and physical disabilities.

    PubMed

    Maki, Rumiko; Matsukawa, Mayumi; Matsuduka, Atsuko; Hashinaga, Masahiko; Anai, Hirofumi; Yamaoka, Yoshio; Hanada, Katsuhiro; Fujii, Chieko

    2017-11-06

    Constipation is a serious problem for persons with mental and physical disabilities in Japan. However, prophylaxis is extremely difficult because the major causes of constipation in these individuals are related to their mental and physical disabilities. Constipation can be successfully treated with glycerol enemas (GEs) and other aperients. As constipation is a lifetime issue for these persons, dietary regimens to prevent constipation can be important. This study evaluated the probiotic effects of kefir-fermented milk for preventing constipation in 42 persons with mental and physical disabilities. The participants were administered 2 g of lyophilized kefir with each meal for 12 weeks and their bowel movements, the administration of GE and other aperients, and stool shape were recorded. The intake of kefir significantly reduced constipation, compared with the baseline status. Some individuals showed complete relief of constipation, whereas others showed no effect. Despite individual variations, consuming kefir daily could prevent constipation. © 2017 Japan Academy of Nursing Science.

  1. Multifunctional Nanotherapeutic System for Advanced Prostate Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-10-01

    aqueous part was again dialyzed against fresh deionized water two times for 12 hours. After dialysis the whole content was lyophilized using Freeze ... dryer (VirTis).The conjugate was characterized using UV visible spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy and proton NMR. The results of the UV –Visible

  2. Genetic diversity of Talaromyces species isolated from maize in North America

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Talaromyces species isolated from maize in the U.S., primarily between 1970 and 2014 were grown up from lyophilized storage to identify potential seed endophytes. These isolates had been predominantly identified as Penicillium funiculosum following the taxonomic system of Raper & Thom (1949), althou...

  3. Development and Translation of a Tissue- Engineered Disc in a Preclinical Rodent Model

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-10-01

    samples were stored frozen, lyophilized, papain digested and assayed for collagen, GAG, and DNA content. Likewise, media in both shaken and static...construct dynamic and equilibrium properties. Total dsDNA, sulfated glycosaminoglycan (s-GAG), and collagen content was determined after papain

  4. Development and Translation of a Tissue-Engineered Disc in a Preclinical Rodent Model

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-10-01

    lyophilized, papain digested and assayed for collagen, GAG, and DNA content. Likewise, media in both shaken and static cultures were periodically reserved...equilibrium properties. Total dsDNA, sulfated glycosaminoglycan (s-GAG), and collagen content was determined after papain digestion. Paraffin embedded

  5. 9 CFR 121.17 - Records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ..., SERUMS, TOXINS, AND ANALOGOUS PRODUCTS; ORGANISMS AND VECTORS POSSESSION, USE, AND TRANSFER OF SELECT... ensure viability for future use, such as in a freezer or lyophilized materials), including: (i) The name... by whom and when returned to storage and by whom; (v) The select agent used and purpose of use; (vi...

  6. CHARACTERIZATION OF PB2+ UPTAKE AND SEQUESTRATION IN PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA CHL004

    EPA Science Inventory

    In laboratory studies, the soil isolate Pseudomonas aeruginosa CHL004 (Vesper et al 1996) has been found to concentrated Pb2+ in the cytoplasm by formation of particles that contain Pb2+ and phosphorus. Upon examination of the washed lyophilized cells grown in the presence of lea...

  7. Development of Enzyme-Containing Functional Nanoparticles

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-08-01

    thoroughly studied in the presence of a 50:1 mass ratio of a stabilizer, trehalose (as shown in Figure 5). After lyophilization the enzymes were assayed...studies of OPH encapsulated nanoparticles will begin in the upcoming weeks. Initial data shows that the stabilizer, trehalose , used at a 50:1 mass

  8. Evaluation of Disinfection Byproducts Formed from the Chlorination of Lyophilized and Reconstituted NOM Concentrate from a Drinking Water Source - Poster

    EPA Science Inventory

    Drinking water treatment and disinfection byproduct (DBP) research can be complicated by difficulties in shipping large water quantities and NOM geographical and temporal variability. Access to a drinking water representative, shelf-stable, concentrated NOM source would solve th...

  9. Evaluation of Disinfection Byproducts formed from the Chlorination of Lyophilized and Reconstituted NOM Concentrate from a Drinking Water Source

    EPA Science Inventory

    Drinking water treatment and disinfection byproduct (DBP) research can be complicated by difficulties in shipping large water quantities and NOM geographical and temporal variability. Access to a drinking water representative, shelf-stable, concentrated NOM source would solve th...

  10. Lyophilization and Reconstitution of Reverse-Osmosis Concentrated Natural Organic Matter from a Drinking Water Source

    EPA Science Inventory

    Disinfection by-product (DBP) research can be complicated by difficulties in shipping large water quantities and changing natural organic matter (NOM) characteristics over time. To overcome these issues, it is advantageous to have a reliable method for concentrating NOM with min...

  11. 49 CFR 173.196 - Category A infectious substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    .... Positive means of ensuring a leakproof seal must be provided, such as heat seal, skirted stopper, or metal..., paraffin sealing tape, or manufactured locking closure. Lyophilized substances may also be transported in primary receptacles that are flame-sealed with glass ampoules or rubber-stoppered glass vials fitted with...

  12. 49 CFR 173.196 - Category A infectious substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    .... Positive means of ensuring a leakproof seal must be provided, such as heat seal, skirted stopper, or metal..., paraffin sealing tape, or manufactured locking closure. Lyophilized substances may also be transported in primary receptacles that are flame-sealed with glass ampoules or rubber-stoppered glass vials fitted with...

  13. Mineral Composition of Food Rations for Testers of the Biological Life Support System,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    Mineral composition of a diurnal food ration made up predominantly of lyophilized products and of the same ration after replacement of its vegetable...final results prove that as concerns the phosphorus, magnesium, sulphur, potassium, sodium, and calcium levels the compositions of the ration under

  14. Influence of two cultivars of persimmon on atherosclerosis indices in rats fed cholesterol-containing diets: Investigation in vitro and in vivo.

    PubMed

    Gorinstein, Shela; Leontowicz, Hanna; Leontowicz, Maria; Jesion, Iwona; Namiesnik, Jacek; Drzewiecki, Jerzy; Park, Yong-Seo; Ham, Kyung-Sik; Giordani, Edgardo; Trakhtenberg, Simon

    2011-01-01

    To assess the influence of two persimmon cultivars on some atherosclerosis indices in rats fed cholesterol (Chol)-containing diets. Persimmon cultivars "Fuyu" and "Jiro" as supplementation to rats' diets were investigated in vitro to compare the contents of their bioactive compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols, tannins, carotenoids, and ascorbic acid) and antioxidant potentials. In the in vivo investigation, 36 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six diet groups, each with six rats: control, control/Fuyu, control/Jiro, Chol, Chol/Fuyu, and Chol/Jiro. During a period of 47 d (42 d of feeding and 5-d adaptation before the experiment) of the trial, rats in the control group were fed a basal diet and two additional control groups (control/Fuyu and control/Jiro) a basal diet plus 5% of lyophilized Fuyu and Jiro, respectively. The Chol, Chol/Fuyu, and Chol/Jiro rat groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 1% Chol (Chol group) and 1% Chol plus 5% lyophilized Fuyu (Chol/Fuyu group) and plus 5% lyophilized Jiro (Chol/Jiro group), respectively. After completion of the experiment, the rats were anesthetized using Narcotan (halothane) and sacrificed and the atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta were assessed. The obtained results of the investigation of all six groups were compared. Testing of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerols, total cholesterol in the liver, electrophoretic patterns of liver tissue, and three-dimensional fluorescence of serum protein fractions was performed. The polyphenols and tannins were significantly higher in the Fuyu cultivar (P<0.05). The antioxidant potential of persimmon Fuyu was higher than in the Jiro cultivar, but the difference was significant only according to the 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay (P<0.05). Supplementation of diets with 5% of the lyophilized Fuyu and Jiro hindered the increase in plasma lipids versus the Chol group (total cholesterol 19.4% and 9.5%, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 25.6% and 13.1%, respectively, P<0.05) and hindered the decrease in plasma antioxidant activity versus the Chol group by 40.0% and 16.8% and by 39.6% and 11.3% for the ABTS and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assays, respectively. The atherosclerotic lesions in the aortas of the Chol/Fuyu and Chol/Jiro groups were significantly less than in the Chol group (P<0.05). Electrophoresis of the proteins from rats' liver tissue showed changes in 14-kDa bands after persimmon supplementation. A shift in maximum wavelengths in three-dimensional fluorescence of serum protein fractions after persimmon supplementation was found in comparison with the control group and an increase in fluorescence intensity compared with the Chol groups. The contents of polyphenols and tannins were significantly higher in the Fuyu cultivar (P<0.05). The antioxidant potentials of Fuyu were higher than those of the Jiro cultivar, but the difference was significant only according to the ABTS assay (P<0.05). Supplementation of 5% lyophilized Fuyu and Jiro to diets of rats fed Chol-containing diets 1) hindered the increase in plasma lipids levels and the decrease in plasma antioxidant activity and 2) significantly decreased the atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta (P<0.05). Electrophoretic patterns of liver tissue and fluorescence spectra can be used as additional biomarkers for determination of atherosclerosis indices. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Intranasal inoculation of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) with lyophilized chronic wasting disease prion particulate complexed to montmorillonite clay

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is the transmissible spongiform encephalopathy or TSE of deer and elk, occurring primarily in North America. The TSEs are fatal neurodegenerative disorders associated with conversion of a normal cell protein to a pathogenic and potentially infectious agent by post trans...

  16. Developing and Validating a Rapid Small-Scale Column Test Procedure for GAC Selection using Reconstituted Lyophilized NOM

    EPA Science Inventory

    Cost effective design and operation of Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) facilities requires the selection of GAC that is optimal for a specific site. Rapid small-scale column tests (RSSCTs) are widely used for GAC assessment due to several advantages, including the ability to simu...

  17. Relative potencies of gypsy moth nucleopolyhedrovirus genotypes isolated from Gypchek

    Treesearch

    J.D. Podgwaite; R.T. Zerillo; J.M. Slavicek; N. Hayes-Plazolles

    2011-01-01

    Gypchek is a gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) - specific biopesticide whose primary use is for treating areas where environmental concerns outweigh the use of broad-spectrum pesticides for gypsy moth management. Gypchek is a lyophilized powder produced from larvae that have been infected with the gypsy moth nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV). The product...

  18. Carbon, nitrogen and pH regulate the production and activity of a polygalacturonase isozyme produced by Penicillium expansum

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The influence of carbon, nitrogen and pH on polygalacturonase activity produced by Penicillium expansum were investigated. P. expansum mycelial growth was greatest on lyophilized fruit tissue and the highest PG activity occurred in apple pectin medium. Nitrogen source influenced PG activity and was ...

  19. Preservation of hyphal-forming brown- and white-rot wood-inhabiting basidiomycetes

    Treesearch

    Suki C. Croan

    2001-01-01

    Lyophilization is an excellent technique for the long-term preservation of hyphal-forming brown-and white-rot wood-inhabiting basidiomycotina. However, vegetative mycelial isolates are not lyophilizable. In this study, 10 brown-rot and 10 white-rot basidiomycetous non-sporulating, non-chlamydosporulating, and non-bubillerferous basidiomycetes fungi were tested for...

  20. Analysis of the effect of diluent for rehydration of PoulVac MycoF on vaccination seroconversion results

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Direct eye drop vaccination of poultry using live Mycoplasma gallisepticum vaccines provides the most efficient route of vaccination. The research reported in this study examines the effect of diluent used to rehydrate lyophilized M. gallisepticum vaccines on its ability to induce a measurable humo...

  1. Selection Criteria and Prioritization of Resuscitation Fluid Adjuvants

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2005-12-01

    metabolism (e.g., ethyl pyruvate); favorably alter rheology and coagulation (e.g., lyophilized platelets); promote cardiovascular stability; and...include one or more of the following strategies: improve oxygen delivery (e.g., hemoglobin- based oxygen carriers); support metabolism (e.g., ethyl...distribution, half-life, metabolism , clearance/excretion): ADMINISTRATION (route, preparation, volume per unit dose): SAFETY DATA

  2. Developing and Validating a Rapid Small-Scale Column Test Procedure for GAC Selection using Reconstituted Lyophilized NOM - Portland, OR

    EPA Science Inventory

    Cost effective design and operation of Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) facilities requires the selection of GAC that is optimal for a specific site. Rapid small-scale column tests (RSSCTs) are widely used for GAC assessment due to several advantages, including the ability to simu...

  3. Silk scaffolds with tunable mechanical capability for cell differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Bai, Shumeng; Han, Hongyan; Huang, Xiaowei; Xu, Weian; Kaplan, David L.; Zhu, Hesun; Lu, Qiang

    2015-01-01

    Bombyx mori silk fibroin is a promising biomaterial for tissue regeneration and is usually considered an “inert” material with respect to actively regulating cell differentiation due to few specific cell signaling peptide domains in the primary sequence and the generally stiffer mechanical properties due to crystalline content formed in processing. In the present study, silk fibroin porous 3D scaffolds with nanostructures and tunable stiffness were generated via a silk fibroin nanofiber-assisted lyophilization process. The silk fibroin nanofibers with high β-sheet content were added into the silk fibroin solutions to modulate the self-assembly, and to directly induce water-insoluble scaffold formation after lyophilization. Unlike previously reported silk fibroin scaffold formation processes, these new scaffolds had lower overall β-sheet content and softer mechanical properties for improved cell compatibility. The scaffold stiffness could be further tuned to match soft tissue mechanical properties, which resulted in different differentiation outcomes with rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells towards myogenic and endothelial cells, respectively. Therefore, these silk fibroin scaffolds regulate cell differentiation outcomes due to their mechanical features. PMID:25858557

  4. Feasibility of Freeze-Drying Oil-in-Water Emulsion Adjuvants and Subunit Proteins to Enable Single-Vial Vaccine Drug Products.

    PubMed

    Iyer, Vidyashankara; Cayatte, Corinne; Marshall, Jason D; Sun, Jenny; Schneider-Ohrum, Kirsten; Maynard, Sean K; Rajani, Gaurav Manohar; Bennett, Angie Snell; Remmele, Richard L; Bishop, Steve M; McCarthy, Michael P; Muralidhara, Bilikallahalli K

    2017-06-01

    To generate potent vaccine responses, subunit protein antigens typically require coformulation with an adjuvant. Oil-in-water emulsions are among the most widely investigated adjuvants, based on their demonstrated ability to elicit robust antibody and cellular immune responses in the clinic. However, most emulsions cannot be readily frozen or lyophilized, on account of the risk of phase separation, and may have a deleterious effect on protein antigen stability when stored long term as a liquid coformulation. To circumvent this, current emulsion-formulated vaccines generally require a complex multivial presentation with obvious drawbacks, making a single-vial presentation for such products highly desirable. We describe the development of a stable, lyophilized squalene emulsion adjuvant through innovative formulation and process development approaches. On reconstitution, freeze-dried emulsion preparations were found to have a minimal increase in particle size of ∼20 nm and conferred immunogenicity in BALB/c mice similar in potency to freshly prepared emulsion coformulations in liquid form. Copyright © 2017 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Evaluation of the Illumigene Malaria LAMP: A Robust Molecular Diagnostic Tool for Malaria Parasites

    PubMed Central

    Lucchi, Naomi W.; Gaye, Marie; Diallo, Mammadou Alpha; Goldman, Ira F.; Ljolje, Dragan; Deme, Awa Bineta; Badiane, Aida; Ndiaye, Yaye Die; Barnwell, John W.; Udhayakumar, Venkatachalam; Ndiaye, Daouda

    2016-01-01

    Isothermal nucleic acid amplification assays such as the loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), are well suited for field use as they do not require thermal cyclers to amplify the DNA. To further facilitate the use of LAMP assays in remote settings, simpler sample preparation methods and lyophilized reagents are required. The performance of a commercial malaria LAMP assay (Illumigene Malaria LAMP) was evaluated using two sample preparation workflows (simple filtration prep (SFP)) and gravity-driven filtration prep (GFP)) and pre-dispensed lyophilized reagents. Laboratory and clinical samples were tested in a field laboratory in Senegal and the results independently confirmed in a reference laboratory in the U.S.A. The Illumigene Malaria LAMP assay was easily implemented in the clinical laboratory and gave similar results to a real-time PCR reference test with limits of detection of ≤2.0 parasites/μl depending on the sample preparation method used. This assay reliably detected Plasmodium sp. parasites in a simple low-tech format, providing a much needed alternative to the more complex molecular tests for malaria diagnosis. PMID:27827432

  6. Mediation of cholino-piperine like receptors by extracts of Piper nigrum induces melanin dispersion in Rana tigerina tadpole melanophores.

    PubMed

    Sajid, Mohammed; Ali, Sharique A

    2011-08-01

    The present study was carried out to determine the effects of lyophilized dried fruit extracts of Piper nigrum and pure piperine on the tadpole melanophores of frog Rana tigerina which offer excellent in vitro opportunities for studying the effects of pharmacological and pharmaceutical agents. The nature of specific cellular receptors present on the neuro-melanophore junction and their involvement in pigmentary responses has been explored. Effects of lyophilized extracts of P. nigrum and pure piperine were studied on the isolated tail melanophores of tadpoles of the frog R. tigerina as per the modified method. The extract of P. nigrum and its active ingredient piperine caused significant melanin dispersal responses leading to darkening of the tail melanophores, which were completely antagonized by atropine and hyoscine. These per se melanin dispersal effects were also found to be markedly potentiated by neostigmine an anticholinesterase agent. It appears that the melanin dispersal effects of the extracts of P. nigrum and pure piperine leading to skin darkening are mediated by cholinergic muscarinic or piperine-like receptors having similar properties.

  7. Evaluation of the thermal stability of a novel strain of live-attenuated mumps vaccine (RS-12 strain) lyophilized in different stabilizers.

    PubMed

    Jamil, Razieh Kamali; Taqavian, Mohammad; Sadigh, Zohreh-Azita; Shahkarami, Mohammad-Kazem; Esna-Ashari, Fatemeh; Hamkar, Rasool; Hosseini, Seyedeh-Marzieh; Hatami, Alireza

    2014-04-01

    The stability of live-attenuated viral vaccines is important for immunization efficacy. Here, the thermostabilities of lyophilized live-attenuated mumps vaccine formulations in two different stabilizers, a trehalose dihydrate-based stabilizer and a stabilizer containing sucrose, human serum albumin and sorbitol were investigated using accelerated stability tests at 4°C, 25°C and 37°C at time points between 4h (every 4h for the first 24h) and 1 week. Even under the harshest storage conditions of 37°C for 1 week, the 50% cell culture infective dose (CCID50) determined from titrations in Vero cells dropped by less than 10-fold using each stabilizer formulation and thus complied with the World Health Organization's requirements for the potency of live-attenuated mumps vaccines. However, as the half-life of the RS-12 strain mumps virus infectivity was lengthened substantially at elevated temperatures using the trehalose dihydrate (TD)-based stabilizer, this stabilizer is recommended for vaccine use. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Comparison of isozyme patterns between Spirometra erinacei and Spirometra mansonoides by isoelectric focusing.

    PubMed

    Fukumoto, S; Tsuboi, T; Hirai, K; Phares, C K

    1992-08-01

    No differences were observed in the isozyme patterns of 4 enzymes examined between fresh samples stored at -80 C and samples stored at room temperature for 10 days after lyophilization, which supports the validity of comparing lyophilized samples to fresh frozen tissue. Mature proglottids as well as plerocercoids of Spirometra erinacei from Japan and Australia were indistinguishable by comparison of isozyme patterns after isoelectric focusing. The isozyme patterns of acid phosphatase, glucosephosphate isomerase (GPI), and mannosephosphate isomerase from plerocercoids of Spirometra mansonoides were distinctly different from those of plerocercoids of S. erinacei. The adenylate kinase isozyme patterns of the mature proglottids of S. mansonoides were also distinctly different from those of the mature proglottids and the plerocercoids of S. erinacei. The GPI isozyme pattern of the mature proglottids of S. mansonoides was also distinguishable from the GPI patterns of those of S. erinacei. These electrophoretic data suggest that the S. erinacei from Japan and Australia are closely related, if not identical, but that S. mansonoides is genetically distinct from S. erinacei.

  9. Chemical and organoleptic characteristics of tomato purée enriched with lyophilized tomato pomace.

    PubMed

    Previtera, Lucio; Fucci, Gabriella; De Marco, Anna; Romanucci, Valeria; Di Fabio, Giovanni; Zarrelli, Armando

    2016-04-01

    Epidemiological studies have proved that tomato consumption is associated with a lower risk of developing several diseases (for example, certain types of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, macular degeneration, age-related eye disease). Many micronutrients and bioactive compounds are mainly present in peel and seeds and are lost during the processing into sauce, purée, paste and juice. The addition of lyophilized and powdered tomato pomace enhances the properties of purée. In this paper we report the chemical and physicochemical characterization of a purée enriched with 2% dry pomace. Comparison of the analytical data of starting purée with the enriched purée showed a significant increase of all micronutrients, without the taste and appearance being compromised or altered negatively. The product obtained is an example of a functional food rich in health-promoting phytochemicals, with the significant aspect of recovering a waste fraction of the tomato processing that would normally be disposed of in landfill, with associated costs and environmental impact. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

  10. Influence of lyophilization factors and gelatin concentration on pore structures of atelocollagen/gelatin sponge biomaterial.

    PubMed

    Yang, Longqiang; Tanabe, Koji; Miura, Tadashi; Yoshinari, Masao; Takemoto, Shinji; Shintani, Seikou; Kasahara, Masataka

    2017-07-26

    This study aimed to investigate influences of lyophilization factors and gelatin concentration on pore structures of ACG sponge. ACG sponges of different freezing temperatures (-30, -80 and -196 o C), freezing times (1, 2 and 24 h), gelatin concentrations (0.6%AC+0.15%G, 0.6%AC+0.6%G and 0.6%AC+2.4%G), and with 500 μM fluvastatin were fabricated. Pore structures including porosity and pore size were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and ImageJ. The cytotoxic effects of ACG sponges were evaluated in vitro. Freezing temperature did not affect porosity while high freezing temperature (-30 o C) increased pore size. The high gelatin concentration group (0.6%AC+2.4%G) had decreased porosity and pore size. Freezing time and 500 μM fluvastatin did not affect pore structures. The cytotoxicity and cell proliferation assays revealed that ACG sponges had no cytotoxic effects on human mesenchymal stromal cell growth and proliferation. These results indicate that ACG sponge may be a good biomaterial scaffold for bone regeneration.

  11. pH-dependent association of SN-38 with lipid bilayers of a novel liposomal formulation.

    PubMed

    Peikov, Viktor; Ugwu, Sydney; Parmar, Manjeet; Zhang, Allen; Ahmad, Imran

    2005-08-11

    The aim of this study was to determine the location of SN-38 molecules in a liposomal formulation as a function of pH. Steady-state fluorescence polarization anisotropy and gel filtration studies of blank (placebo) liposomes, liposomes containing SN-38 and SN-38 solutions (in some cases suspensions) were conducted before lyophilization and after re-hydration at different pH conditions. SN-38, l-(4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-6-phenyl-l,3,5-hexatriene p-toluenesulfonate (TMA-DPH), N-((4-(6-phenyl-l,3,5-hexatrienyl)phenyl)propyl)trimethylammonium p-toluenesulfonate (TMAP-DPH) and l,6-diphenyl-l,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) were used as fluoroprobes in the polarization anisotropy measurements. The localization of SN-38 was governed by the degree of hydrophobicity of the drug molecules. At high pH, SN-38 is in its inactive, hydrophilic form and partitioned into the water phase of the liposome suspensions. In lyophilized LE-SN38 liposomes re-hydrated with low pH buffer, SN-38 was found at the water-lipid interface of the bilayer.

  12. Functional, textural and sensory properties of dry pasta supplemented with lyophilized tomato matrix or with durum wheat bran extracts produced by supercritical carbon dioxide or ultrasound.

    PubMed

    Pasqualone, Antonella; Gambacorta, Giuseppe; Summo, Carmine; Caponio, Francesco; Di Miceli, Giuseppe; Flagella, Zina; Marrese, Pier Paolo; Piro, Gabriella; Perrotta, Carla; De Bellis, Luigi; Lenucci, Marcello Salvatore

    2016-12-15

    A study was carried out to produce functional pasta by adding bran aqueous extract (BW) and bran oleoresin (BO) obtained using ultrasound and supercritical CO2, respectively, or a powdery lyophilized tomato matrix (LT). The bioactive compounds, hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activity (HAA and LAA) in vitro, were evaluated. BW supplementation did not improve antioxidant activity, whilst LT pasta showed unconventional taste and odor. BO pasta had good levels of tocochromanols (2551μg/100g pasta f.w.) and carotenoids (40.2μg/100g pasta f.w.), and the highest HAA and LAA. The oleoresin altered starch swelling and gluten network, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy, therefore BO pasta had structural characteristics poor compared with the control (4.8% vs. 3.2% cooking loss), although this difference did not affect significantly overall sensory judgment (74 vs. 79 for BO and control, respectively). BO supplementation was most effective for increasing antioxidant activity without jeopardizing pasta quality. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Lyophilized sustained release mucoadhesive chitosan sponges for buccal buspirone hydrochloride delivery: formulation and in vitro evaluation.

    PubMed

    Kassem, Mohamed A A; ElMeshad, Aliaa N; Fares, Ahmed R

    2015-06-01

    This work aims to prepare sustained release buccal mucoadhesive lyophilized chitosan sponges of buspirone hydrochloride (BH) to improve its systemic bioavailability. Chitosan sponges were prepared using simple casting/freeze-drying technique according to 3(2) factorial design where chitosan grade was set at three levels (low, medium, and high molecular weight), and concentration of chitosan solution at three levels (0.5, 1, and 2%). Mucoadhesion force, ex vivo mucoadhesion time, percent BH released after 8 h (Q8h), and time for release of 50% BH (T50%) were chosen as dependent variables. Additional BH cup and core buccal chitosan sponge were prepared to achieve uni-directional BH release toward the buccal mucosa. Sponges were evaluated in terms of drug content, surface pH, scanning electron microscopy, swelling index, mucoadhesion strength, ex vivo mucoadhesion time, and in vitro drug release. Cup and core sponge (HCH 0.5E) were able to adhere to the buccal mucosa for 8 h. It showed Q8h of 68.89% and exhibited a uni-directional drug release profile following Higuchi diffusion model.

  14. Storage stability of biodegradable polyethylene glycol microspheres

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jain, Era; Sheth, Saahil; Polito, Kristen; Sell, Scott A.; Zustiak, Silviya P.

    2017-10-01

    Degradable hydrogel microspheres are popular choices for multiple biomedical applications, including drug, protein, or cell carriers for minimally invasive delivery. Clinical transitioning of such new, sensitive pharmaceutical preparations requires investigation of storage methods that retain key properties for extended time. In this study, we sought to determine the influence of seven common storage conditions on the physical and mechanical properties of degradable polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel microspheres: 25 °C, 4 °C, -80 °C, lyophilization/-20 °C, dimethyl sulfoxide/-80 °C, dimethyl sulfoxide/lyophilization/-20 °C, vacuum/-20 °C. We have outlined the storage conditions in detail and explained their effect on swelling ratio, stiffness and degradation rate post-storage. Additionally, we have implemented protein-loaded hydrogels to evaluate the effect of storage conditions on diffusivity as well as protein stability post-storage. We found that hydrogels could be stored short-term (1-4 d) under moist conditions (i.e. storage without drying) without a substantial loss of properties. For extended storage (7-28 d), they could be stored either at  -80 °C (moist condition) or vacuum drying (dry condition).

  15. A new bioseed for determination of wastewater biodegradability: analysis of the experimental procedure.

    PubMed

    Ballesteros Martín, M M; Esteban García, B; Ortega-Gómez, E; Sánchez Pérez, J A

    2014-01-01

    A new bioassay proposed in the patent P201300029 was applied to a pre-treated wastewater containing a mixture of commercial pesticides to simulate a recalcitrant industrial wastewater in order to determine its biodegradability. The test uses a mixture of standardized inoculum of the lyophilized bacteria Pseudomonas putida with the proper proportion of salts and minerals. The results highlight that biodegradation efficiency can be calculated using a gross parameter (chemical oxygen demand (COD)) which facilitates the biodegradability determination for routine water biodegradability analysis. The same trend was observed throughout the assay with the dehydrated and fresh inoculums, and only a difference of 5% in biodegradation efficiency (E f) was observed. The obtained results showed that the P. putida biodegradability assay can be used as a commercial test with a lyophilized inoculum in order to monitor the ready biodegradability of an organic pollutant or a WWTP influent. Moreover, a combination of the BOD5/COD ratio and the P. putida biodegradability test is an attractive alternative in order to evaluate the biodegradability enhancement in water pre-treated with advanced oxidation processes (AOPs).

  16. Autoantibodies against Leydig cells in patients after spermatic cord torsion.

    PubMed Central

    Zanchetta, R; Mastrogiacomo, I; Graziotti, P; Foresta, C; Betterle, C

    1984-01-01

    This study is aimed at searching for the presence of circulating antibodies against frozen sections of human testis, ovary and trophoblast in patients that had spermatic cord torsion. Sixty-eight sera samples were studied. Nine patients (13.2%) were positive for organ specific anti-testis autoantibodies. Six patients were positive for antibodies against Leydig cells: five were positive only with the indirect immunofluorescence technique of complement fixing (ITT/CF), the sixth patient was positive only with the indirect immunofluorescence technique (ITT). The other three patients were positive for antibodies against germ line cells: two patients were positive with both techniques, the third was positive only with indirect immunofluorescence technique. Eight of these patients were negative for antibodies against adrenal cortex while only one case was positive with indirect immunofluorescence technique both on adrenal cortex and Leydig cells. Human lyophilized testis absorbed the reactive antibodies against Leydig cells and germ line cells, while adrenal cortex and lyophilized testosterone were ineffective. This study shows the identification of a specific antibody against Leydig cells and germ line cells in patients after spermatic cord torsion. PMID:6362937

  17. BOVINE LYOPHILIZED GRAFT (BLG): HISTOLOGICAL ANALYSIS ON BEHAVIOR IN HUMANS AFTER 49 MONTHS

    PubMed Central

    Galia, Carlos Roberto; De Luca, Giuseppe; Ávila, Luiz Müller; Rosito, Ricardo; Macedo, Carlos Alberto Souza

    2015-01-01

    Objective: To analyze the histological behavior of bovine lyophilized grafts (BLG) produced according to a protocol developed by the first author, in humans over a 49-month period by measuring the graft/bone neoformation ratio in relation to the total mineralized area. Methods: This was a case series involving 12 patients: eight females (66%) and four males (34%), totaling 13 biopsies. BLG was used, and surgical reintervention was subsequently required during the period 2000 to 2011. The slides produced were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE), were analyzed by a pathologist and were digitized for the proposed evaluation. Results: The mean age was 57 years and the mean follow-up was 49 months (range: 6-115). The average proportion of BLG was 42% (range: 13-85) and neoformed bone, 58% (range: 15-87) in relation to the total area mineralized. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the BLG used presented osteoconductive characteristics and biocompatibility. BLG is a therapeutic option that can be used in orthopedic surgery in which bone defects need to be filled. PMID:27047899

  18. The effect of different solvents and number of extraction steps on the polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity of basil leaves (Ocimum basilicum L.) extracts.

    PubMed

    Złotek, Urszula; Mikulska, Sylwia; Nagajek, Małgorzata; Świeca, Michał

    2016-09-01

    The objectives of this study were to determine best conditions for the extraction of phenolic compounds from fresh, frozen and lyophilized basil leaves. The acetone mixtures with the highest addition of acetic acid extracted most of the phenolic compounds when fresh and freeze-dried material have been used. The three times procedure was more effective than once shaking procedure in most of the extracts obtained from fresh basil leaves - unlike the extracts derived from frozen material. Surprisingly, there were not any significant differences in the content of phenolics between the two used procedures in the case of lyophilized basil leaves used for extraction. Additionally, the positive correlation between the phenolic compounds content and antioxidant activity of the studied extracts has been noted. It is concluded that the acetone mixtures were more effective than the methanol ones for polyphenol extraction. The number of extraction steps in most of the cases was also a statistically significant factor affecting the yield of phenolic extraction as well as antioxidant potential of basil leaf extracts.

  19. EPR study of free radicals in non- and gamma-irradiated nutritive supplements containing anthocyanins concentrate from lyophilized red wine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mladenova, Ralitsa B.; Firzov, Cyril; Yordanov, Nicola D.

    2010-09-01

    Nutritive supplements Enoviton, Enoviton C and Enoviton CE containing standardized anthocyanins from lyophilized red wine, vitamins (some of them) and excipients were investigated by EPR spectrometry before and after gamma-irradiation. Non-irradiated samples exhibit one singlet line with g=2.0039±0.0002, most probably due to free radicals from anthocyanins. After irradiation with 10 kGy gamma-rays, tablets of Еnoviton, Еnoviton С and Еnoviton СЕ, all exhibit complex EPR signals centered at a g-value of g=2.0034. The EPR spectrum of irradiated Enoviton is different from that of Еnoviton С or Еnoviton СЕ due to the overlap of the spectra of microcrystalline cellulose and the background singlet spectrum present in all tablets with the EPR resonance due to irradiated ascorbic acid (in Еnoviton С and Еnoviton СЕ). Gamma-induced free radicals exhibit long time stability—for a six months period the intensity of central peak decrease with 30-40%.

  20. Freeze drying formulation using microscale and design of experiment approaches: a case study using granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.

    PubMed

    Grant, Yitzchak; Matejtschuk, Paul; Bird, Christopher; Wadhwa, Meenu; Dalby, Paul A

    2012-04-01

    The lyophilization of proteins in microplates, to assess and optimise formulations rapidly, has been applied for the first time to a therapeutic protein and, in particular, one that requires a cell-based biological assay, in order to demonstrate the broader usefulness of the approach. Factorial design of experiment methods were combined with lyophilization in microplates to identify optimum formulations that stabilised granulocyte colony-stimulating factor during freeze drying. An initial screen rapidly identified key excipients and potential interactions, which was then followed by a central composite face designed optimisation experiment. Human serum albumin and Tween 20 had significant effects on maintaining protein stability. As previously, the optimum formulation was then freeze-dried in stoppered vials to verify that the microscale data is relevant to pilot scales. However, to validate the approach further, the selected formulation was also assessed for solid-state shelf-life through the use of accelerated stability studies. This approach allows for a high-throughput assessment of excipient options early on in product development, while also reducing costs in terms of time and quantity of materials required.

  1. Trehalose-Based Block Copolycations Promote Polyplex Stabilization for Lyophilization and in Vivo pDNA Delivery

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    The development and thorough characterization of nonviral delivery agents for nucleic acid and genome editing therapies are of high interest to the field of nanomedicine. Indeed, this vehicle class offers the ability to tune chemical architecture/biological activity and readily package nucleic acids of various sizes and morphologies for a variety of applications. Herein, we present the synthesis and characterization of a class of trehalose-based block copolycations designed to stabilize polyplex formulations for lyophilization and in vivo administration. A 6-methacrylamido-6-deoxy trehalose (MAT) monomer was synthesized from trehalose and polymerized via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization to yield pMAT43. The pMAT43 macro-chain transfer agent was then chain-extended with aminoethylmethacrylamide (AEMA) to yield three different pMAT-b-AEMA cationic-block copolymers, pMAT-b-AEMA-1 (21 AEMA repeats), -2 (44 AEMA repeats), and -3 (57 AEMA repeats). These polymers along with a series of controls were used to form polyplexes with plasmids encoding firefly luciferase behind a strong ubiquitous promoter. The trehalose-coated polyplexes were characterized in detail and found to be resistant to colloidal aggregation in culture media containing salt and serum. The trehalose-polyplexes also retained colloidal stability and promoted high gene expression following lyophilization and reconstitution. Cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and transfection ability were assessed in vitro using both human glioblastoma (U87) and human liver carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines wherein pMAT-b-AEMA-2 was found to have the optimal combination of high gene expression and low toxicity. pMAT-b-AEMA-2 polyplexes were evaluated in mice via slow tail vein infusion. The vehicle displayed minimal toxicity and discouraged nonspecific internalization in the liver, kidney, spleen, and lungs as determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and fluorescence imaging experiments. Hydrodynamic infusion of the polyplexes, however, led to very specific localization of the polyplexes to the mouse liver and promoted excellent gene expression in vivo. PMID:26807438

  2. Preparation and Characterization of Three Tilmicosin-loaded Lipid Nanoparticles: Physicochemical Properties and in-vitro Antibacterial Activities

    PubMed Central

    Al-Qushawi, Alwan; Rassouli, Ali; Atyabi, Fatemeh; Peighambari, Seyed Mostafa; Esfandyari-Manesh, Mehdi; Shams, Gholam Reza; Yazdani, Azam

    2016-01-01

    Tilmicosin (TLM) is an important antibiotic in veterinary medicine with low bioavailability and safety. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate physicochemical properties, storage stability after lyophilization, and antibacterial activity of three TLM-loaded lipid nanoparticles (TLM-LNPs) including solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and lipid-core nanocapsules (LNCs). Physicochemical parameters such as particle size-mean diameter, polydispersity index, zeta potential, drug encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity, and morphology of the formulations were evaluated and the effects of various cryoprotectants during lyophilization and storage for 8 weeks were also studied. The profiles of TLM release and the antibacterial activities of these TLM-LNPs suspensions (against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) were tested in comparison with their corresponding powders. TLM-LNPs suspensions were in nano-scale range with mean diameters of 186.3 ± 1.5, 149.6 ± 3.0, and 85.0 ± 1.0nm, and also EE, 69.1, 86.3, and 94.3% for TLM- SLNs, TLM-NLCs, and TLM- LNCs respectively. TLM-LNCs gave the best results with significantly low particle size and high EE (p<0.05). Mannitol was the most effective cryoprotectant for lyophilization and storage of TLM-LNPs. The drug release profiles were biphasic and the release times were longer at pH 7.4 where TLM-NLCs and TLM-LNCs powders showed longer release times. In microbiological tests, S. aureus was about 4 times more sensitive than E. coli to TLM-LNPs with minimum inhibitory concentration ranges of 0.5-1.0 and 2-4 µg/mL respectively, and TLM-LNCs exhibited the best antibacterial activities. In conclusion, TLM-LNP formulations especially TLM-LNCs and TLM-NLCs are promising carriers for TLM with better drug encapsulation capacity, release behavior, and antibacterial activity. PMID:28261309

  3. Temporal growth factor release from platelet-rich plasma, trehalose lyophilized platelets, and bone marrow aspirate and their effect on tendon and ligament gene expression.

    PubMed

    McCarrel, Taralyn; Fortier, Lisa

    2009-08-01

    Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has generated substantial interest for tendon and ligament regeneration because of the high concentrations of growth factors in platelet alpha-granules. This study compared the temporal release of growth factors from bone marrow aspirate (BMA), PRP, and lyophilized platelet product (PP), and measured their effects on tendon and ligament gene expression. Blood and BMA were collected and processed to yield PRP and plasma. Flexor digitorum superficialis tendon (FDS) and suspensory ligament (SL) explants were cultured in 10% plasma in DMEM (control), BMA, PRP, or PP. TGF-beta1 and PDGF-BB concentrations were determined at 0, 24, and 96 h of culture using ELISA. Quantitative RT-PCR for collagen types I and III (COL1A1, COL3A1), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), decorin, and matrix metalloproteinases-3 and 13 (MMP-3, MMP-13) was performed. TGF-beta1 and PDGF-BB concentrations were highest in PRP and PP. Growth factor quantity was unchanged in BMA, increased in PRP, and decreased in PP over 4 days. TGF-beta1 and platelet concentrations were positively correlated. Lyophilized PP and PRP resulted in increased COL1A1:COL3A1 ratio, increased COMP, and decreased MMP-13 expression. BMA resulted in decreased COMP and increased MMP-3 and MMP-13 gene expression. Platelet concentration was positively correlated with COL1A1, ratio of COL1A1:COL3A1, and COMP, and negatively correlated with COL3A1, MMP-13, and MMP-3. White blood cell concentration was positively correlated with COL3A1, MMP3, and MMP13, and negatively correlated with a ratio of COL1A1:COL3A1, COMP, and decorin. These findings support further in vivo investigation of PRP and PP for treatment of tendonitis and desmitis. Copyright 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  4. Composition of herba pogostemonis water extract and protection of infected mice against salmonella typhimurium-induced liver damage and mortality by stimulation of innate immune cells

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    We investigated the composition and antibacterial effects of a lyophilized hot water extract of the medicinal herb Herba Pogostemonis (HP) against murine salmonellosis. The extract contained 31 compounds characterized by GC/MS. Although the extract showed significant inhibitory activity on Salmonell...

  5. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effect of Calea urticifolia lyophilized aqueous extract on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Ethnopharmacological relevance: Calea urticifolia leaves are traditionally used as a remedy to treat gastric ulcers, diabetes, and inflammation by the Xi’uy ancient native community of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Aim of the study: The aim was to assess the effects of the aqueous extract of the Mexican...

  6. A new method for long-term storage of titred microbial standard solutions suitable for microbiologic quality control activities of pharmaceutical companies.

    PubMed

    Chiellini, Carolina; Mocali, Stefano; Fani, Renato; Ferro, Iolanda; Bruschi, Serenella; Pinzani, Alessandro

    2016-08-01

    Commercially available lyophilized microbial standards are expensive and subject to reduction in cell viability due to freeze-drying stress. Here we introduce an inexpensive and straightforward method for in-house microbial standard preparation and cryoconservation that preserves constant cell titre and cell viability over 14 months.

  7. Extracellular nonmitogenic angiogenesis factor and method of isolation thereof from wound fluid

    DOEpatents

    Banda, Michael J.; Werb, Zena; Knighton, David R.; Hunt, Thomas K.

    1985-01-01

    A nonmitogenic angiogenesis factor is isolated from wound fluid by dialysis to include materials in the molecular size range of 2,000 to 14,000, lyophilization, and chromatography. The nonmitogenic angiogenesis factor is identified by activity by corneal implant assay and by cell migration assay. The angiogenesis factor is also characterized by inactivity by mitogenesis assay.

  8. Extracellular nonmitogenic angiogenesis factor and method of isolation thereof from wound fluid

    DOEpatents

    Banda, M.J.; Werb, Z.; Knighton, D.R.; Hunt, T.K.

    1985-03-05

    A nonmitogenic angiogenesis factor is isolated from wound fluid by dialysis to include materials in the molecular size range of 2,000 to 14,000, lyophilization, and chromatography. The nonmitogenic angiogenesis factor is identified by activity by corneal implant assay and by cell migration assay. The angiogenesis factor is also characterized by inactivity by mitogenesis assay. 3 figs.

  9. Optimization of calcium phosphate fine ceramic powders preparation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sezanova, K.; Tepavitcharova, S.; Rabadjieva, D.; Gergulova, R.; Ilieva, R.

    2013-12-01

    The effect of biomimetic synthesis method, reaction medium and further precursor treatments on the chemical and phase composition, crystal size and morphology of calcium phosphates was examined. Nanosized calcium phosphate precursors were biomimetically precipitated by the method of continuous precipitation in three types of reaction media at pH 8: (i) SBF as an inorganic electrolyte system; (ii) organic (glycerine) modified SBF (volume ratio of 1:1); (iii) polymer (10 g/l xanthan gum or 10 g/l guar gum) modified SBF (volume ratio of 1:1). After maturation (24 h) the samples were lyophilized, calcinated at 300°C for 3 hours, and washed with water, followed by new gelation, lyophilization and step-wise (200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000°C, each for 3 hours) sintering. The reaction medium influenced the chemical composition and particle size but not the morphology of the calcium phosphate powders. In all studied cases bi-phase calcium phosphate fine powders with well-shaped spherical grains, consisting of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and hydroxyapatite (HA) with a Ca/P ratio of 1.3 - 1.6 were obtained. The SBF modifiers decreased the particle size of the product in the sequence guar gum ˜ xanthan gum < glycerin < SBF medium.

  10. Dual Agent Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles Enhanced Antitumor Activity in a Multidrug-Resistant Breast Tumor Eenograft Model

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Yan; Zheng, Xue-Lian; Fang, Dai-Long; Yang, Yang; Zhang, Jin-Kun; Li, Hui-Li; Xu, Bei; Lei, Yi; Ren, Ke; Song, Xiang-Rong

    2014-01-01

    Multidrug-resistant breast cancers have limited and ineffective clinical treatment options. This study aimed to develop PLGA nanoparticles containing a synergistic combination of vincristine and verapamil to achieve less toxicity and enhanced efficacy on multidrug-resistant breast cancers. The 1:250 molar ratio of VCR/VRP showed strong synergism with the reversal index of approximately 130 in the multidrug-resistant MCF-7/ADR cells compared to drug-sensitive MCF-7 cells. The lyophilized nanoparticles could get dispersed quickly with the similar size distribution, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency to the pre-lyophilized nanoparticles suspension, and maintain the synergistic in vitro release ratio of drugs. The co-encapsulated nanoparticle formulation had lower toxicity than free vincristine/verapamil combinations according to the acute-toxicity test. Furthermore, the most effective tumor growth inhibition in the MCF-7/ADR human breast tumor xenograft was observed in the co-delivery nanoparticle formulation group in comparison with saline control, free vincristine, free vincristine/verapamil combinations and single-drug nanoparticle combinations. All the data demonstrated that PLGANPs simultaneously loaded with chemotherapeutic drug and chemosensitizer might be one of the most potential formulations in the treatment of multidrug-resistant breast cancer in clinic. PMID:24552875

  11. The External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS): Experiences of a medium sized accredited laboratory.

    PubMed

    Bhat, Vivek; Chavan, Preeti; Naresh, Chital; Poladia, Pratik

    2015-06-15

    We put forth our experiences of EQAS, analyzed the result discrepancies, reviewed the corrective actions and also put forth strategies for risk identification and prevention of potential errors in a medical laboratory. For hematology, EQAS samples - blood, peripheral and reticulocyte smears - were received quarterly every year. All the blood samples were processed on HMX hematology analyzer by Beckman-Coulter. For clinical chemistry, lyophilized samples were received and were processed on Siemens Dimension Xpand and RXL analyzers. For microbiology, EQAS samples were received quarterly every year as lyophilized strains along with smears and serological samples. In hematology no outliers were noted for reticulocyte and peripheral smear examination. Only one outlier was noted for CBC. In clinical chemistry outliers (SDI ≥ 2) were noted in 7 samples (23 parameters) out of total 36 samples (756 parameters) processed. Thirteen of these parameters were analyzed as random errors, 3 as transcriptional errors and seven instances of systemic error were noted. In microbiology, one discrepancy was noted in isolate identification and in the grading of smears for AFB by Ziehl Neelsen stain. EQAS along with IQC is a very important tool for maintaining optimal quality of services. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Removal of arsenic from groundwater by using a native isolated arsenite-oxidizing bacterium.

    PubMed

    Kao, An-Chieh; Chu, Yu-Ju; Hsu, Fu-Lan; Liao, Vivian Hsiu-Chuan

    2013-12-01

    Arsenic (As) contamination of groundwater is a significant public health concern. In this study, the removal of arsenic from groundwater using biological processes was investigated. The efficiency of arsenite (As(III)) bacterial oxidation and subsequent arsenate (As(V)) removal from contaminated groundwater using bacterial biomass was examined. A novel As(III)-oxidizing bacterium (As7325) was isolated from the aquifer in the blackfoot disease (BFD) endemic area in Taiwan. As7325 oxidized 2300μg/l As(III) using in situ As(III)-contaminated groundwater under aerobic conditions within 1d. After the oxidation of As(III) to As(V), As(V) removal was further examined using As7325 cell pellets. The results showed that As(V) could be adsorbed efficiently by lyophilized As7325 cell pellets, the efficiency of which was related to lyophilized cell pellet concentration. Our study conducted the examination of an alternative technology for the removal of As(III) and As(V) from groundwater, indicating that the oxidation of As(III)-contaminated groundwater by native isolated bacterium, followed by As(V) removal using bacterial biomass is a potentially effective technology for the treatment of As(III)-contaminated groundwater. © 2013.

  13. The Structural Properties and Stability of Monoclonal Antibodies at Freezing Conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Perevozchikova, Tatiana; Zarraga, Isidro; Scherer, Thomas; Wagner, Norman; Liu, Yun

    2013-03-01

    Monoclonal Antibodies (MAb) have become a crucial therapeutic agent in a number of anti-cancer treatments. Due to the inherent unstable nature of proteins in an aqueous formulation, a freeze-drying method has been developed to maintain long-term stability of biotherapeutics. The microstructural changes in Mabs during freezing, however, remain not fully described, and it was proposed that the formed morphology of freeze drying samples could affect the final product quality after reconstitution. Furthermore, it is well known that proteins tend to aggregate during the freezing process if a careful processing procedure is not formulated. Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) is a powerful tool to investigate the structural properties and interactions of Mabs during various stages of lyophilization in situ. Here we present the SANS results of freeze-thaw studies on two MAbs at several different freezing temperatures. While the chosen proteins share a significant sequence homology, their freezing properties are found to be strikingly distinctive. We also show the effect of excipients, concentration and quenching speed on the final morphology of the frozen samples. These findings provide critical information for more effective lyophilization schemes for therapeutic proteins, as well as increase our understanding on structural properties of proteins under cryogenic conditions.

  14. Preparation of redispersible liposomal dry powder using an ultrasonic spray freeze-drying technique for transdermal delivery of human epithelial growth factor

    PubMed Central

    Yin, Fei; Guo, Shiyan; Gan, Yong; Zhang, Xinxin

    2014-01-01

    In this work, an ultrasonic spray freeze-drying (USFD) technique was used to prepare a stable liposomal dry powder for transdermal delivery of recombinant human epithelial growth factor (rhEGF). Morphology, particle size, entrapment efficiency, in vitro release, and skin permeability were systematically compared between rhEGF liposomal dry powder prepared using USFD and that prepared using a conventional lyophilization process. Porous and spherical particles with high specific area were produced under USFD conditions. USFD effectively avoided formation of ice crystals, disruption of the bilayer structure, and drug leakage during the liposome drying process, and maintained the stability of the rhEGF liposomal formulation during storage. The reconstituted rhEGF liposomes prepared from USFD powder did not show significant changes in morphology, particle size, entrapment efficiency, or in vitro release characteristics compared with those of rhEGF liposomes before drying. Moreover, the rhEGF liposomal powder prepared with USFD exhibited excellent enhanced penetration in ex vivo mouse skin compared with that for powder prepared via conventional lyophilization. The results suggest that ultrasonic USFD is a promising technique for the production of stable protein-loaded liposomal dry powder for application to the skin. PMID:24729702

  15. Preparation of redispersible liposomal dry powder using an ultrasonic spray freeze-drying technique for transdermal delivery of human epithelial growth factor.

    PubMed

    Yin, Fei; Guo, Shiyan; Gan, Yong; Zhang, Xinxin

    2014-01-01

    In this work, an ultrasonic spray freeze-drying (USFD) technique was used to prepare a stable liposomal dry powder for transdermal delivery of recombinant human epithelial growth factor (rhEGF). Morphology, particle size, entrapment efficiency, in vitro release, and skin permeability were systematically compared between rhEGF liposomal dry powder prepared using USFD and that prepared using a conventional lyophilization process. Porous and spherical particles with high specific area were produced under USFD conditions. USFD effectively avoided formation of ice crystals, disruption of the bilayer structure, and drug leakage during the liposome drying process, and maintained the stability of the rhEGF liposomal formulation during storage. The reconstituted rhEGF liposomes prepared from USFD powder did not show significant changes in morphology, particle size, entrapment efficiency, or in vitro release characteristics compared with those of rhEGF liposomes before drying. Moreover, the rhEGF liposomal powder prepared with USFD exhibited excellent enhanced penetration in ex vivo mouse skin compared with that for powder prepared via conventional lyophilization. The results suggest that ultrasonic USFD is a promising technique for the production of stable protein-loaded liposomal dry powder for application to the skin.

  16. On the use of mathematical models to build the design space for the primary drying phase of a pharmaceutical lyophilization process.

    PubMed

    Giordano, Anna; Barresi, Antonello A; Fissore, Davide

    2011-01-01

    The aim of this article is to show a procedure to build the design space for the primary drying of a pharmaceuticals lyophilization process. Mathematical simulation of the process is used to identify the operating conditions that allow preserving product quality and meeting operating constraints posed by the equipment. In fact, product temperature has to be maintained below a limit value throughout the operation, and the sublimation flux has to be lower than the maximum value allowed by the capacity of the condenser, besides avoiding choking flow in the duct connecting the drying chamber to the condenser. Few experimental runs are required to get the values of the parameters of the model: the dynamic parameters estimation algorithm, an advanced tool based on the pressure rise test, is used to this purpose. A simple procedure is proposed to take into account parameters uncertainty and, thus, it is possible to find the recipes that allow fulfilling the process constraints within the required uncertainty range. The same approach can be effective to take into account the heterogeneity of the batch when designing the freeze-drying recipe. Copyright © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association

  17. Single-Use, Electricity-Free Amplification Device for Detection of HIV-1

    PubMed Central

    Curtis, Kelly A.; Rudolph, Donna L.; Morrison, Daphne; Guelig, Dylan; Diesburg, Steven; McAdams, David; Burton, Robert A.; LaBarre, Paul; Owen, Michele

    2016-01-01

    Early and accurate diagnosis of HIV is key for the reduction of transmission and initiation of patient care. The availability of a rapid nucleic acid test (NAT) for use at the point-of-care (POC) will fill a gap in HIV diagnostics, improving the diagnosis of acute infection and HIV in infants born to infected mothers. In this study, we evaluated the performance of non-instrumented nucleic acid amplification, single-use disposable (NINA-SUD) devices for the detection of HIV-1 in whole blood using reverse-transcription, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) with lyophilized reagents. The NINA-SUD heating device harnesses the heat from an exothermic chemical reaction initiated by the addition of saline to magnesium iron powder. Reproducibility was demonstrated between NINA-SUD units and comparable, if not superior, performance for detecting clinical specimens was observed as compared to the thermal cycler. The stability of the lyophilized HIV-1 RT-LAMP reagents was also demonstrated following storage at −20, 4, 25, and 30°C for up to one month. The single-use, disposable NAT minimizes hands-on time and has the potential to facilitate HIV-1 testing in resource-limited settings or at the POC. PMID:27616198

  18. The role of myelin lipids in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. Part 1. Influence on disease production by non-encephalitogenic doses of myelin basic protein.

    PubMed

    Hosein, Z Z; Gilbert, J J; Strejan, G H

    1984-12-01

    Hartley guinea pig central nervous system (CNS) myelin has been purified and fractionated into its protein and lipid components. Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced in juvenile strain 13 guinea pigs with both lyophilized and fresh 'wet' myelin. However, a larger dose of lyophilized myelin was required to induce chronic EAE. Total myelin lipids, galactocerebrosides, gangliosides, phospholipids or proteolipids were combined with a non-encephalitogenic dose of myelin basic protein (MBP) and injected in juvenile Hartley guinea pigs. No clinical or histological manifestations of disease were observed. Parameters of immune functions indicated that the total myelin lipids augmented cell-mediated immune responses as measured by in vitro lymphocyte transformation and by a significant decrease in the percentage of peripheral early T cells. Only the proteolipids elicited delayed hypersensitivity reactions. Animals that received the phospholipid-MBP combination showed no changes when compared to animals injected with MBP alone. The results suggest that although the myelin lipids did not act synergistically with a non-encephalitogenic dose of MBP to induce EAE, they induced immunological changes and potentiated the immune response to MBP.

  19. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis for a child with severe allergic reaction to rabies vaccine.

    PubMed

    Fang, Yuan; Liu, Man-Qing; Chen, Li; Zhu, Zheng-Gang; Zhu, Ze-Rong; Hu, Quan

    2016-07-02

    Most adverse events (AEs) during the immunization of rabies vaccine were slight, there was little information about the allergic reaction induced by rabies vaccines and had to stop or change the immunization program. Here, we reported a case that a 4-year-old boy had category II exposure to rabies and showed severe allergic reaction after being immunized with lyophilized purified vero cell rabies vaccine (PVRV). After the anti-allergy therapy with hormone, allergy testing indicated medium allergy to egg and milk, and implied the allergic reaction most likely associated with animal-sourced gelatin in lyophilized PVRV. Therefore, a new immunization program with liquid PVRV without stabilizers under the Zegrab regimen (2-1-1) was enrolled at day 7 post-exposure. Although lower than the levels of normal <5 -year population at day 14 and 45, the neutralizing antibody (RVNA) titers of this boy showed adequate protective antibody (≥ 0.5 IU/ml), even after 365 d post-immunization. This study not only highlighted the importance of several types of rabies vaccines co-existing in the market, but also implied the necessary for doctors to fully understand the allergies history of patients prior to immunize rabies vaccine.

  20. Atmospheric dry deposition in the vicinity of the Salton Sea, California - II: Measurement and effects of an enhanced evaporation system

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Alonso, R.; Bytnerowicz, A.; Yee, J.L.; Boarman, W.I.

    2005-01-01

    A study was conducted to determine the effects of salt spray drift from pilot technologies employed by the US Bureau of Reclamation on deposition rates of various air-born ions. An enhanced evaporation system (EES) was tested in the field at the Salton Sea, California. Dry deposition of NO3-, NH4+, SO42-, Cl-, Ca2+, Na+, K+ and Se was assessed by using nylon filters and branches of natural vegetation exposed for one-week long periods. The simultaneous exposure of both lyophilized branches and branches of live plants offered important information highlighting the dynamics of deposited ions on vegetation. The EES significantly increased the deposition rates of Cl-, SO42- and Na+ in an area of about 639-1062 m surrounding the sprayers. Similarly, higher deposition of Ca 2+ and K+ caused by the EES was detected only when deposition was assessed using nylon filters or lyophilized branches. Deposition fluxes of NO3-, NH4+ and Se were not affected by the spraying system. Techniques for measuring dry deposition and calculating landscape-level depositional loads in non-forested systems need further development. ?? 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Effect of production conditions on the stability of a human bifidobacterial species Bifidobacterium longum in yogurt.

    PubMed

    Abe, F; Tomita, S; Yaeshima, T; Iwatsuki, K

    2009-12-01

    Human bifidobacteria are more sensitive to external environmental factors than animal bifidobacteria, and it is difficult to ensure their stable survival in yogurt. The purpose of this investigation was to observe the survival of human bifidobacteria in yogurts produced under various production conditions. Frozen or lyophilized bifidobacteria starters containing Bifidobacterium longum BB536 originally isolated from an infant, and commercial lyophilized yogurt starters were used for yogurt preparation. After producing yogurts under various conditions, the survival of bifidobacteria in these yogurts over various storage periods was observed. Although there were some differences in bifidobacterial survival in yogurt between various production conditions, more than 1.0 x 10(7) CFU g(-1) of Bif. longum survived in yogurt after 35 days' storage at 5 degrees C. Lower fermentation temperature (37 degrees C) and inclusion of Lactococcus lactis in the starter significantly (P < 0.05) improved survival of Bif. longum in the yogurt. In this investigation, the human bifidobacterial strain Bif. longum survived adequately in yogurt, although the fermentation temperature and starter composition affect bifidobacterial survival. This investigation indicates that stable probiotic yogurt using human bifidobacteria can be produced by choosing optimal production conditions.

  2. Gap-freezing approach for shortening the lyophilization cycle time of pharmaceutical formulations-demonstration of the concept.

    PubMed

    Kuu, Wei Y; Doty, Mark J; Rebbeck, Christine L; Hurst, William S; Cho, Yong K

    2013-08-01

    During gap freezing, vials are placed on a metal tray, which is separated from the shelf surface with a small air gap that eliminates significant conductive heat transfer from the shelf to the bottom of the vial. The purpose of this freezing approach is to reduce the lyophilization cycle time of various amorphous formulations by nearly isothermal freezing. Such isothermal freezing promotes the formation of large ice crystals, and thus large pores throughout the cake, which subsequently accelerates the primary drying rate. The nucleation temperature using gap freezing, for the experimental conditions tested, was in the range of -1°C to -6°C, much higher than the range of -10°C to -14°C found using conventional shelf freezing. Isothermal freezing becomes effective when the gap is greater than 3 mm. The pore sizes and cake resistance during primary drying for various formulations were determined using the pore diffusion model developed by Kuu et al. (Pharm Dev Technol, 2011, 16(4): 343-357). Reductions in primary drying time were 42% (for 10% sucrose), 45% (for 10% trehalose), and 33% (for 5% sucrose). Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  3. Optimization of Lyophilized Plasma for Use in Combat Casualties

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-01-21

    SD. (Fib: fibrinogen, FII: Factor II, FV: Factor V, FVII : Factor VII, FVIII: Factor VIII, FIX: Factor IX, FX: Factor X, FXI: Factor XI, FXII...coagulation factor activity. Twenty swine were anesthetized and subjected to a validated model of polytrauma and hemorrhagic shock. They were...to assess inflammatory markers. Major Findings: 50%LP had higher electrolyte concentrations, osmolarity, and increased coagulation factor activity

  4. Method to directly radiolabel antibodies for diagnostic imaging and therapy

    DOEpatents

    Thakur, Mathew L.

    1994-01-01

    The invention is a novel method and kit for directly radiolabeling proteins such as antibodies or antibody fragments for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The method comprises incubating a protein-containing solution with a solution of sodium ascorbate; adding a required quantity of reduced radionuclide to the incubated protein. A kit is also provided wherein the protein and/or reducing agents may be in lyophilized form.

  5. Method to directly radiolabel antibodies for diagnostic imaging and therapy

    DOEpatents

    Thakur, Mathew L.

    1991-01-01

    The invention is a novel method and kit for directly radiolabeling proteins such as antibodies or antibody fragments for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The method comprises incubating a protein-containing solution with a solution of sodium ascorbate; adding a required quantity of reduced radionuclide to the incubated protein. A kit is also provided wherein the protein and/or reducing agents may be in lyophilized form.

  6. RADIATION PRESERVATION OF FRESH STRAWBERRIES AND GRAPES. Report No. 3 (Final), March 5, 1959-March 5, 1961

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Romani, R.J.; Maxie, E.C.; Robinson, B.J.

    1962-10-31

    A study was nmade of the effects of radiation processing on the keeping qualities of pears. Both gamma and beta exposure prolonged the ripening process in the fruit. Data are included on the effects of radiation on respiration of the fruit. Methods are described for preparing enzyme extracts and lyophilized material for biochemical studies. (C.H.)

  7. Bridged Bicyclic Oximes as Acetylcholinesterase Reactivators

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-04-03

    with acetylcholine as substrate, is based on coupling away the choline produced from the esterase reaction with choline kinase, which catalyzes the...transfer of the y-phosphate from ATP to choline , producing ADP, and then removed with the pyruvate kinase-lactate dehydrogenase couple, and disappearance...nitrobenzoic acid absorbs strongly at 412 nm. Choline kinase and acetylcholinesterase were purchased from Sigma as the lyophilized powders. Each enzyme

  8. Determination of Poly-β-Hydroxybutyrate and Poly-β-Hydroxyvalerate in Activated Sludge by Gas-Liquid Chromatography

    PubMed Central

    Comeau, Yves; Hall, Kenneth J.; Oldham, William K.

    1988-01-01

    A convenient gas-liquid chromatography procedure to quantify poly-β-hydroxybutyrate and poly-β-hydroxyvalerate in activated sludge was developed by combining lyophilization of the samples, purification of the chloroform phase by water reextraction, and the use of capillary columns. With a flame ionization detector the sensitivity was estimated at 10−5 g/liter. PMID:16347745

  9. Treatment of gun-shot defect of the foot with bovine collagen matrix application.

    PubMed

    Coban, Yusuf Kenan; Kalender, Ali Murat

    2009-12-01

    Nonoperative therapy might be chosen for patients with small wounds or defects around the foot and ankle region. Lyophilized bovine collagen matrix is one of ideal biological dressings used in wound treatment. We present an example of type 1 bovine collagen (Gelfix, Euroresearch, Inc., Milano, Italy) usage in a complex gun-shot wound of the foot and relevant literature is discussed.

  10. Vaccine wastage in Nigeria: An assessment of wastage rates and related vaccinator knowledge, attitudes and practices.

    PubMed

    Wallace, Aaron S; Willis, Fred; Nwaze, Eric; Dieng, Boubacar; Sipilanyambe, Naawa; Daniels, Danni; Abanida, Emmanuel; Gasasira, Alex; Mahmud, Mustapha; Ryman, Tove K

    2017-12-04

    The introduction of new vaccines highlights concerns about high vaccine wastage, knowledge of wastage policies and quality of stock management. However, an emphasis on minimizing wastage rates may cause confusion when recommendations are also being made to reduce missed opportunities to routinely vaccinate children. This concern is most relevant for lyophilized vaccines without preservatives [e.g. measles-containing vaccine (MCV)], which can be used for a limited time once reconstituted. We sampled 54 health facilities within 11 local government areas (LGAs) in Nigeria and surveyed health sector personnel regarding routine vaccine usage and wastage-related knowledge and practices, conducted facility exit interviews with caregivers of children about missed opportunities for routine vaccination, and abstracted vaccine stock records and vaccination session data over a 6-month period to calculate wastage rates and vaccine vial usage patterns. Nearly half of facilities had incomplete vaccine stock data for calculating wastage rates. Among facilities with sufficient data, mean monthly facility-level wastage rates were between 18 and 35% across all reviewed vaccines, with little difference between lyophilized and liquid vaccines. Most (98%) vaccinators believed high wastage led to recent vaccine stockouts, yet only 55% were familiar with the multi-dose vial policy for minimizing wastage. On average, vaccinators reported that a minimum of six children must be present prior to opening a 10-dose MCV vial. Third dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine (DTP3) was administered in 84% of sessions and MCV in 63%; however, the number of MCV and DTP3 doses administered were similar indicating the number of children vaccinated with DTP3 and MCV were similar despite less frequent MCV vaccination opportunities. Among caregivers, 30% reported being turned away for vaccination at least once; 53% of these children had not yet received the missed dose. Our findings show inadequate implementation of vaccine management guidelines, missed opportunities to vaccinate, and lyophilized vaccine wastage rates below expected rates. Missed opportunities for vaccination may occur due to how the health system's contradicting policies may force health workers to prioritize reduced wastage rates over vaccine administration, particularly for multi-dose vials. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  11. Preparation and in vitro evaluation of hydrophilic fenretinide nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Ledet, Grace A; Graves, Richard A; Glotser, Elena Y; Mandal, Tarun K; Bostanian, Levon A

    2015-02-20

    Fenretinide is an effective anti-cancer drug with high in vitro cytotoxicity and low in vivo systemic toxicity. In clinical trials, fenretinide has shown poor therapeutic efficacy following oral administration - attributed to its low bioavailability and solubility. The long term goal of this project is to develop a formulation for the oral delivery of fenretinide. The purpose of this part of the study was to prepare and characterize hydrophilic nanoparticle formulations of fenretinide. Three different ratios of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) to fenretinide were used, namely, 3:1, 4:1, and 5:1. Both drug and polymer were dissolved in a mixture of methanol and dichloromethane (2:23 v/v). Rotary evaporation was used to remove the solvents, and, following reconstitution with water, a high pressure homogenizer was used to form nanoparticles. The particle size and polydispersity index were measured before and after lyophilization. The formulations were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). The effectiveness of the formulations was assessed by release studies and Caco-2 cell permeability assays. As the PVP content increased, the recovered particle size following lyophilization became more consistent with the pre-lyophilization particle size, especially for those formulations with less lactose. The DSC scans of the formulations did not show any fenretinide melting endotherms, indicating that the drug was either present in an amorphous form in the formulation or that a solid solution of the drug in PVP had formed. For the release studies, the highest drug release among the formulations was 249.2±35.5ng/mL for the formulation with 4:1 polymer-to-drug. When the permeability of the formulations was evaluated in a Caco-2 cell model, the mean normalized flux for each treatment group was significantly higher (p<0.05) from the fenretinide control. The formulation containing 4:1 polymer-to-drug ratio and 6:5 lactose-to-formulation ratio emerged as the optimal choice for further evaluation as a potential oral delivery formulation for fenretinide. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Human Support Technology Research to Enable Exploration

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Joshi, Jitendra

    2003-01-01

    Contents include the following: Advanced life support. System integration, modeling, and analysis. Progressive capabilities. Water processing. Air revitalization systems. Why advanced CO2 removal technology? Solid waste resource recovery systems: lyophilization. ISRU technologies for Mars life support. Atmospheric resources of Mars. N2 consumable/make-up for Mars life. Integrated test beds. Monitoring and controlling the environment. Ground-based commercial technology. Optimizing size vs capability. Water recovery systems. Flight verification topics.

  13. Atmospheric ions and germination of uredospores of Puccinia striiformis

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Sharp, E.L.

    1967-06-09

    Atmospheric ions, identified by mobility characteristics, were associated with germination of lyophilized uredospores of Puccinia striiformis West. at Bozeman, Montana. Ions of intermediate size were highest in concentration, and percentage germination of spores was lowest during periods conducive to air pollution. In duplicate experiments at an isolated site near Barrow, Alaska, essentially all atmospheric ions were small ions and the fungus spores were consistently germinated near maximum.

  14. Dietary supplementation with the polyphenol-rich açaí pulps (Euterpe oleracea Mart. and Euterpe precatoria Mart.) improves cognition in aged rats and attenuates inflammatory signaling in BV-2 microglial cells

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Objectives: The present study was carried out to determine if lyophilized acai fruit pulp (genus, Euterpe), rich in polyphenolics and other bioactive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, is efficacious in reversing age-related cognitive deficits in aged rats. Methods: The diets of 19-mo...

  15. Controlling the physical form of mannitol in freeze-dried systems.

    PubMed

    Mehta, Mehak; Bhardwaj, Sunny P; Suryanarayanan, Raj

    2013-10-01

    A potential drawback with the use of mannitol as a bulking agent is its existence as mannitol hemihydrate (MHH; C₆H₁₄O₆·0.5H₂O) in the lyophile. Once formed during freeze-drying, MHH dehydration may require secondary drying under aggressive conditions which can be detrimental to the stability of thermolabile components. If MHH is retained in the lyophile, the water released by MHH dehydration during storage has the potential to cause product instability. We systematically identified the conditions under which anhydrous mannitol and MHH crystallized in frozen systems with the goal of preventing MHH formation during freeze-drying. When mannitol solutions were cooled, the temperature of solute crystallization was the determinant of the physical form of mannitol. Based on low temperature X-ray diffractometry (using both laboratory and synchrotron sources), MHH formation was observed when solute crystallization occurred at temperatures ≤ -20 °C, while anhydrous mannitol crystallized at temperatures ≤ -10 °C. The transition temperature (anhydrate - MHH) appears to be ∼-15 °C. The use of a freeze-dryer with controlled ice nucleation technology enabled anhydrous mannitol crystallization at ∼-5 °C. Thus, ice crystallization followed by annealing at temperatures ≤ -10 °C can be an effective strategy to prevent MHH formation. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Metabolic profiling and biological capacity of Pieris brassicae fed with kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala).

    PubMed

    Ferreres, Federico; Fernandes, Fátima; Oliveira, Jorge M A; Valentão, Patrícia; Pereira, José A; Andrade, Paula B

    2009-06-01

    Phenolic and organic acid profiles of aqueous extracts from Pieris brassicae material and the host kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) leaves were determined by HPLC/UV-DAD/MS(n)-ESI and HPLC-UV, respectively. The identified phenolics included acylated and nonacylated flavonoid glycosides, hydroxycinnamic acyl gentiobiosides, and sulphate phenolics. Kale exhibited the highest content (11g/kg lyophilized extract), while no phenolics were identified in the butterflies or exuviae. Nine different organic acids were characterized in the materials, with kale showing the highest amount (112g/kg lyophilized extract). With the exception of the exuviae extract, the rest were screened for bioactivity. Using spectrophotometric microassays, all exhibited antiradical capacity against DPPH and NO in a concentration-dependent way, whereas only kale and excrement extracts were active against superoxide. All displayed activity on intestinal smooth muscle, albeit with distinct relaxation-contraction profiles. Larvae and butterfly extracts were more efficacious for intestinal relaxation than was kale extract, whereas excrement extract evoked only contractions, thus evidencing their different compositions. Collectively, these results show that P. brassicae sequesters and metabolizes kale's phenolic compounds. Moreover, the extract's bioactivities suggest that they may constitute an interesting source of bioactive compounds whose complex chemical structures preclude either synthesis or isolation.

  17. Anti-Toxoplasma activity and impact evaluation of lyophilization, hot molding process, and gamma-irradiation techniques on CLH-PLGA intravitreal implants.

    PubMed

    Fernandes-Cunha, Gabriella M; Rezende, Cíntia M F; Mussel, Wagner N; da Silva, Gisele R; de L Gomes, Elionai C; Yoshida, Maria I; Fialho, Sílvia L; Goes, Alfredo M; Gomes, Dawison A; de Almeida Vitor, Ricardo W; Silva-Cunha, Armando

    2016-01-01

    Intraocular delivery systems have been developed to treat many eye diseases, especially those affecting the posterior segment of the eye. However, ocular toxoplasmosis, the leading cause of infectious posterior uveitis in the world, still lacks an effective treatment. Therefore, our group developed an intravitreal polymeric implant to release clindamycin, a potent anti-Toxoplasma antibiotic. In this work, we used different techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to investigate drug/polymer properties while manufacturing the delivery system. We showed that the lyophilization, hot molding process, and sterilization by gamma irradiation did not change drug/polymer physical-chemistry properties. The drug was found to be homogeneously dispersed into the poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) chains and the profile release was characterized by an initial burst followed by prolonged release. The drug profile release was not modified after gamma irradiation and non-covalent interaction was found between the drug and the PLGA. We also observed the preservation of the drug activity by showing the potent anti-Toxoplasma effect of the implant, after 24-72 h in contact with cells infected by the parasite, which highlights this system as an alternative to treat toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis.

  18. Chemoprevention of oral cancer by lyophilized strawberries.

    PubMed

    Casto, Bruce C; Knobloch, Thomas J; Galioto, Rebecca L; Yu, Zhangsheng; Accurso, Brent T; Warner, Blake M

    2013-11-01

    Oral cancer represents approximately 2.5% of all cancers in the United States, with five- and 10-year survival rates of 62% and 51%. In the present study, lyophilized strawberries (LS) were evaluated for their potential to inhibit tumorigenesis in the hamster cheek pouch (HCP) model of oral cancer and for their ability to modify expression of several genes relevant to oral cancer development. HCPs were painted three times a week for six weeks with 0.2% 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). Hamsters were given 5% or 10% LS in their diet prior to, during, and after, or only after carcinogen treatment. Animals were sacrificed 12 weeks from the beginning of DMBA treatment and the number of total lesions and tumors was determined. A significant difference (p<0.01-0.04) in the number of tumors was found between the LS-treated groups and the carcinogen controls. Histological examination of HCPs revealed a significant reduction in mild and severe dysplasia following 12 weeks of treatment with LS. Molecular analysis revealed that genes related to tumor development were modulated by LS. These experiments support previous studies in HCP that demonstrated a chemopreventive activity by black raspberries and show, to our knowledge for the first time, that strawberries can inhibit tumor formation in an animal model of oral cancer.

  19. Strawberry Phytochemicals Inhibit Azoxymethane/Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colorectal Carcinogenesis in Crj: CD-1 Mice

    PubMed Central

    Shi, Ni; Clinton, Steven K.; Liu, Zhihua; Wang, Yongquan; Riedl, Kenneth M.; Schwartz, Steven J.; Zhang, Xiaoli; Pan, Zui; Chen, Tong

    2015-01-01

    Human and experimental colon carcinogenesis are enhanced by a pro-inflammatory microenvironment. Pharmacologically driven chemopreventive agents and dietary variables are hypothesized to have future roles in the prevention of colon cancer by targeting these processes. The current study was designed to determine the ability of dietary lyophilized strawberries to inhibit inflammation-promoted colon carcinogenesis in a preclinical animal model. Mice were given a single i.p. injection of azoxymethane (10 mg kg−1 body weight). One week after injection, mice were administered 2% (w/v) dextran sodium sulfate in drinking water for seven days and then an experimental diet containing chemically characterized lyophilized strawberries for the duration of the bioassay. Mice fed control diet, or experimental diet containing 2.5%, 5.0% or 10.0% strawberries displayed tumor incidence of 100%, 64%, 75% and 44%, respectively (p < 0.05). The mechanistic studies demonstrate that strawberries reduced expression of proinflammatory mediators, suppressed nitrosative stress and decreased phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase and nuclear factor kappa B. In conclusion, strawberries target proinflammatory mediators and oncogenic signaling for the preventive efficacies against colon carcinogenesis in mice. This works supports future development of fully characterized and precisely controlled functional foods for testing in human clinical trials for this disease. PMID:25763529

  20. Commentary on Reconstituting Fibrinogen Concentrate to Maintain Blinding in a Double-blind, Randomized Trial in an Emergency Setting.

    PubMed

    Bruynseels, Daniel; Solomon, Cristina; Hallam, Angela; Collins, Peter W; Collis, Rachel E; Hamlyn, Vincent; Hall, Judith E

    2016-01-01

    The gold standard of trial design is the double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Intravenous medication, which needs reconstitution by the attending clinician in an emergency situation, can be challenging to incorporate into a suitably blinded study. We have developed a method of blindly reconstituting and administering fibrinogen concentrate (presented as a lyophilized powder), where the placebo is normal saline. Fibrinogen concentrate is increasingly being used early in the treatment of major hemorrhage. Our methodology was designed for a multicenter study investigating the role of fibrinogen concentrate in the treatment of the coagulopathy associated with major obstetric hemorrhage. The method has been verified by a stand-alone pharmaceutical manufacturing unit with an investigational medicinal products license, and to date has successfully been applied 45 times in four study centers. There have been no difficulties in reconstitution and no related adverse events reported. We feel our method is simple to perform and maintains blinding throughout, making it potentially suitable for use in other trials conducted in psychologically high-pressure environments. Although fibrinogen concentrate was the focus of our study, it is likely that the method is applicable to other lyophilized medication with limited shelf life (e.g., antibiotics). Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Amnion allografts prepared in the Central Tissue Bank in Warsaw.

    PubMed

    Tyszkiewicz, J T; Uhrynowska-Tyszkiewicz, I A; Kaminski, A; Dziedzic-Goclawska, A

    1999-01-01

    Applications of allogenic amnion grafts range from wound dressing of severe burns, dermabrasions and lower extremity ulcer treatments to plastic surgery, laryngology and ophthalmology. The aim of the present study was to elaborate the method of processing, preservation and sterilization of human amnion allografts prepared as wound dressing used mainly for burned patients. During the amniotic sac processing (after separation of chorion) special attention was paid to ensure that the epithelial side of amnion is placed directly on polyester net used as a support. After application on the wound, the epithelial side with the basement membrane is facing outwards; this will promote migration, attachment and spreading of the host cells encouraging epithelialization. Human amnion allografts were preserved by lyophilization or deep-freezing and subsequently radiation-sterilized with a dose of 35 kGy. It has been observed, however, that lyophilized irradiated allografts are resorbed within a few days, while frozen irradiated ones better adhere to wound and persist even 3 weeks after grafting, therefore, it has been decided to preserve amnion by deep-freezing. Since the beginning of 1998 over 400 preserved radiation-sterilized amnion allografts (with a total surface area over 40,000 cm2) have been prepared at the Central Tissue Bank in Warsaw and distributed to clinics and hospitals throughout the country.

  2. Glassy-State Stabilization of a Dominant Negative Inhibitor Anthrax Vaccine Containing Aluminum Hydroxide and Glycopyranoside Lipid A Adjuvants

    PubMed Central

    Hassett, Kimberly J.; Vance, David J.; Jain, Nishant K.; Sahni, Neha; Rabia, Lilia A.; Cousins, Megan C.; Joshi, Sangeeta; Volkin, David B.; Middaugh, Russell; Mantis, Nicholas J.; Carpenter, John F.; Randolph, Theodore W.

    2014-01-01

    During transport and storage, vaccines may be exposed to temperatures outside of the range recommended for storage, potentially causing efficacy losses. To better understand and prevent such losses, Dominant Negative Inhibitor (DNI), a recombinant protein antigen for a candidate vaccine against anthrax, was formulated as a liquid and as a glassy lyophilized powder with the adjuvants aluminum hydroxide and glycopyranoside lipid A (GLA). Freeze-thawing of the liquid vaccine caused the adjuvants to aggregate and decreased its immunogenicity in mice. Immunogenicity of liquid vaccines also decreased when stored at 40 °C for 8 weeks, as measured by decreases in neutralizing antibody titers in vaccinated mice. Concomitant with efficacy losses at elevated temperatures, changes in DNI structure were detected by fluorescence spectroscopy and increased deamidation was observed by capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF) after only 1 week of storage of the liquid formulation at 40 °C. In contrast, upon lyophilization, no additional deamidation after 4 weeks at 40 °C and no detectable changes in DNI structure or reduction in immunogenicity after 16 weeks at 40 °C was observed. Vaccines containing aluminum hydroxide and GLA elicited higher immune responses than vaccines adjuvanted with only aluminum hydroxide, with more mice responding to a single dose. PMID:25581103

  3. Comparison of Lyophilized Glutaraldehyde-Preserved Bovine Pericardium with Different Vascular Prostheses for Use as Vocal Cords Implants: Experimental Study

    PubMed Central

    Olmos-Zuñiga, J. Raúl; Jasso-Victoria, Rogelio; Gaxiola-Gaxiola, Miguel; Sotres-Vega, Avelina; Hernández-Jiménez, Claudia; Baltazares-Lipp, Matilde; Arredondo del Bosque, Fernando; Santillan-Doherty, Patricio

    2015-01-01

    This study compared the use of lyophilized glutaraldehyde-preserved bovine pericardium (LGPBP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and Teflon felt (TF) as implants for vocal cords (VC) medialization and aimed to assess the endoscopic, macroscopic, and microscopic VC changes after medialization in a canine model. In 18 mongrel dogs, the right VC were medialized with LGPBP and the left were implanted as follows: Group I (n = 6): LGPBP and PTFE; Group II (n = 6): LGPBP and PET; Group III (n = 6): LGPBP and TF. Surgical handling of the implants was compared. Three months after surgery, macroscopic and microscopic changes of VC and implants were evaluated. LGPBP offered the best surgical handling (p = 0.005, Kruskal-Wallis). TF implants showed extrusion (p = 0.005, Kruskal-Wallis) and severe inflammation. All VC formed fibrous capsules around the implants; the ones developed by LGPBP implants were thinner (p = 0.001, ANOVA, Tukey). VC implanted with synthetic materials showed eosinophilic infiltration (p = 0.01, Kruskal-Wallis). We concluded that the LGPBP could be used as an implant for VC medialization because it is biocompatible, easy to handle and remove during surgical procedures, and nonabsorbable or extrudable and produces an inflammatory reaction similar to PTFE and PET. PMID:26075232

  4. Diets Containing Sea Cucumber (Isostichopus badionotus) Meals Are Hypocholesterolemic in Young Rats

    PubMed Central

    Olivera-Castillo, Leticia; Davalos, Alberto; Grant, George; Valadez-Gonzalez, Nina; Montero, Jorge; Barrera-Perez, Hirian Alonso Moshe; Chim-Chi, Yasser; Olvera-Novoa, Miguel Angel; Ceja-Moreno, Víctor; Acereto-Escoffie, Pablo; Rubio-Piña, Jorge; Rodriguez-Canul, Rossanna

    2013-01-01

    Sea cucumber is widely consumed as a putative functional food. It contains many biologically-active substances, but only limited research on its properties in vivo has been done. The effects of different meals containing Isostichopus badionotus, a sea cucumber from southeast Mexico, on growth performance and body lipid profile in young rats were analyzed. Sea cucumber body wall was either lyophilized, cooked (100 °C, 1 h in water) and lyophilized, or oven-dried (70 °C for 12 h). It was then ground and incorporated into cholesterol-containing diets. I. badionotus meals supported growth and improved lipid profile in rats. In particular, serum cholesterol, low density lipoproteins, triglycerides concentration and atherogenic index values were greatly reduced by some I. badionotus containing diets. Liver total lipids, triglycerides and cholesterol were also reduced. Cooking or heat-treatment of the meals lowered but did not abolish their hypolipidemic potency. Gene expression analysis of several key genes involved in cholesterol and lipid metabolism in liver showed that diets containing I. badionotus repressed the induction of key genes associated with dyslipidemia exerted by cholesterol supplementation. Consumption of I. badionotus from the Yucatan Peninsula is beneficial for dyslipidemia, although biological effect is clearly dependent on preparation method. PMID:24260223

  5. [Effect of Capsicum annum L (pucunucho, ají mono) in gastric ulcer experimentally induced in rats].

    PubMed

    Delgado Montero, Rocío; Flores Cortez, Daisy; Villalobos Pacheco, Eduardo

    2015-01-01

    To examine the effects of the Capsicum annum L lyophilized fruit extract in experimentally-induced gastric ulcer in rats. We used the model of indomethacin gastric ulcer-induced and the gastric ulcer model induced by pylorus ligation in rats. The rats were divided in five treatment groups as follow: G1: Distilled water 1 ml/Kg; G2: Ranitidine 50 mg/kg, G3: Capsicum 10mg/kg, G4: Capsicum 100 mg/kg, G5: Capsicum 1000 mg/kg. The results of the first model showed an ulcer inhibition of 60,4% and 66,7% using the doses of Capsicum at 10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, respectively. The results of the second model showed that neither the pH nor the volume of the gastric content were modified by the administered extract (p >0.05); however, by using the doses of Capsicum at 100 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg, there was clearly an ulcer inhibition of 75.59% and 81.63% respectively, which were even greater than the inhibition obtained by ranitidine (75.51%). Therefore, in this experiment we demonstrated that the Capsicum annum L lyophilized fruit extract has a gastroprotective effect in experimentally-induced gastric ulcer in rats.

  6. A Preliminary Evaluation of Lyophilized Gelatin Sponges, Enhanced with Platelet-Rich Plasma, Hydroxyapatite and Chitin Whiskers for Bone Regeneration

    PubMed Central

    Rodriguez, Isaac A.; Sell, Scott A.; McCool, Jennifer M.; Saxena, Gunjan; Spence, Andrew J.; Bowlin, Gary L.

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to perform a number of preliminary in vitro evaluations on an array of modified gelatin gel sponge scaffolds for use in a bone graft application. The gelatin gels were modified through the addition of a number of components which each possess unique properties conducive to the creation and regeneration of bone: a preparation rich in growth factors (PRGF, a bioactive, lyophilized form of platelet-rich plasma), hydroxyapatite, and chitin whiskers. Platelet-rich plasma therapy is an emerging practice that has proven effective in a number of clinical applications, including enhancing bone repair through improved deposition of new bony matrix and angiogenesis. As such, the inclusion of PRGF in our gelatin scaffolds was intended to significantly enhance scaffold bioactivity, while the addition of hydroxyapatite and chitin whiskers were anticipated to increase scaffold strength. Additionally, the gelatin sponges, which readily dissolve in aqueous solutions, were subjected to 1-Ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl]carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) cross-linking, either during or post-gelation, to control their rate of degradation. Scaffolds were evaluated in vitro with respect to compressive strength, mass loss/degradation, protein release, and cellular interaction, with results demonstrating the potential of the gelatin gel sponge scaffold for use in the regeneration of bone. PMID:24709699

  7. Nimodipine nanocrystals for oral bioavailability improvement: preparation, characterization and pharmacokinetic studies.

    PubMed

    Fu, Qiang; Sun, Jin; Zhang, Dong; Li, Mo; Wang, Yongjun; Ling, Guixia; Liu, Xiaohong; Sun, Yinghua; Sui, Xiaofan; Luo, Cong; Sun, Le; Han, Xiaopeng; Lian, He; Zhu, Meng; Wang, Siling; He, Zhonggui

    2013-09-01

    This study intended to develop nimodipine (NMD) nanocrystals with different sizes for oral administration and to investigate the relationship between dissolution and pharmacokinetics for NMD nanocrystals and Nimotop(®). NMD nanocrystals were prepared by combination of microprecipitation and high pressure homogenization and were further lyophilized. The particle size, morphology and aqueous solubility of the NMD nanocrystals were determined. With Nimotop(®) as the control, the dissolution rate was evaluated and the pharmacokinetic study was undertaken in beagle dogs. NMD nanocrystals with mean diameters of about 159.0, 503.0 and 833.3 nm were prepared, respectively. The lyophilization didn't affect the particle sizes of the redispersed nanocrystals. The aqueous solubility was significantly improved and displayed a size-dependent manner. The nanocrystals exhibited lower dissolution patterns than Nimotop(®) under non-sink condition, but bioavailability of the two nanocrystals (159.0 and 833.3 nm) was equivalent, about 2.6-fold higher than Nimotop(®). In conclusion, oral nanocrystal drug delivery system was a promising strategy in improving the oral bioavailability of poorly soluble or insoluble drugs. But we could not establish a favorable in vitro in vivo correlation for NMD nanocrystals and Nimotop(®) and thus the oral absorption mechanism of the NMD nanocrystals required further study. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Ensuring the Safety and Security of Frozen Lung Cancer Tissue Collections through the Encapsulation of Dried DNA.

    PubMed

    Washetine, Kevin; Kara-Borni, Mehdi; Heeke, Simon; Bonnetaud, Christelle; Félix, Jean-Marc; Ribeyre, Lydia; Bence, Coraline; Ilié, Marius; Bordone, Olivier; Pedro, Marine; Maitre, Priscilla; Tanga, Virginie; Gormally, Emmanuelle; Mossuz, Pascal; Lorimier, Philippe; Marquette, Charles Hugo; Mouroux, Jérôme; Cohen, Charlotte; Lassalle, Sandra; Long-Mira, Elodie; Clément, Bruno; Dagher, Georges; Hofman, Véronique; Hofman, Paul

    2018-06-11

    Collected specimens for research purposes may or may not be made available depending on their scarcity and/or on the project needs. Their protection against degradation or in the event of an incident is pivotal. Duplication and storage on a different site is the best way to assure their sustainability. The conservation of samples at room temperature (RT) by duplication can facilitate their protection. We describe a security system for the collection of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) stored in the biobank of the Nice Hospital Center, France, by duplication and conservation of lyophilized (dried), encapsulated DNA kept at RT. Therefore, three frozen tissue collections from non-smoking, early stage and sarcomatoid carcinoma NSCLC patients were selected for this study. DNA was extracted, lyophilized and encapsulated at RT under anoxic conditions using the DNAshell technology. In total, 1974 samples from 987 patients were encapsulated. Six and two capsules from each sample were stored in the biobanks of the Nice and Grenoble (France) Hospitals, respectively. In conclusion, DNA maintained at RT allows for the conservation, duplication and durability of collections of interest stored in biobanks. This is a low-cost and safe technology that requires a limited amount of space and has a low environmental impact.

  9. X-ray scattering signatures of β-thalassemia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Desouky, Omar S.; Elshemey, Wael M.; Selim, Nabila S.

    2009-08-01

    X-ray scattering from lyophilized proteins or protein-rich samples is characterized by the presence of two characteristic broad peaks at scattering angles equivalent to momentum transfer values of 0.27 and 0.6 nm -1, respectively. These peaks arise from the interference of coherently scattered photons. Once the conformation of a protein is changed, these two peaks reflect such change with considerable sensitivity. The present work examines the possibility of characterizing the most common cause of hemolytic anaemia in Egypt and many Mediterranean countries; β-thalassemia, from its X-ray scattering profile. This disease emerges from a genetic defect causing reduced rate in the synthesis of one of the globin chains that make up hemoglobin. As a result, structurally abnormal hemoglobin molecules are formed. In order to detect such molecular disorder, hemoglobin samples of β-thalassemia patients are collected, lyophilized and measured using a conventional X-ray diffractometer. Results show significant differences in the X-ray scattering profiles of most of the diseased samples compared to control. The shape of the first scattering peak at 0.27 nm -1, in addition to the relative intensity of the first to the second scattering peaks, provides the most reliable signs of abnormality in diseased samples. The results are interpreted and confirmed with the aid of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of normal and thalassemia samples.

  10. The Actions of Lyophilized Apple Peel on the Electrical Activity and Organization of the Ventricular Syncytium of the Hearts of Diabetic Rats

    PubMed Central

    Martínez-Ladrón de Guevara, Elideth; Pérez-Hernández, Nury; Villalobos-López, Miguel Ángel; Pérez-Ishiwara, David Guillermo; Salas-Benito, Juan Santiago; Martínez Martínez, Alejandro; Hernández-García, Vicente

    2016-01-01

    This study was designed to examine the effects of lyophilized red delicious apple peel (RDP) on the action potentials (APs) and the input resistance-threshold current relationship. The experiments were performed on isolated papillary heart muscles from healthy male rats, healthy male rats treated with RDP, diabetic male rats, and diabetic male rats treated with RDP. The preparation was superfused with oxygenated Tyrode's solution at 37°C. The stimulation and the recording of the APs, the input resistance, and the threshold current were made using conventional electrophysiological methods. The RDP presented no significant effect in normal rats. Equivalent doses in diabetic rats reduced the APD and ARP. The relationship between input resistance and threshold current established an inverse correlation. The results indicate the following: (1) The functional structure of the cardiac ventricular syncytium in healthy rats is heterogeneous, in terms of input resistance and threshold current. Diabetes further accentuates the heterogeneity. (2) As a consequence, conduction block occurs and increases the possibility of reentrant arrhythmias. (3) These modifications in the ventricular syncytium, coupled with the increase in the ARP, are the adequate substrate so that, with diabetes, the heart becomes more arrhythmogenic. (4) RDP decreases the APD, the ARP, and most syncytium irregularity caused by diabetes. PMID:26839897

  11. Comparison of lyophilized glutaraldehyde-preserved bovine pericardium with different vascular prostheses for use as vocal cords implants: experimental study.

    PubMed

    Olmos-Zuñiga, J Raúl; Jasso-Victoria, Rogelio; Gaxiola-Gaxiola, Miguel; Sotres-Vega, Avelina; Hernández-Jiménez, Claudia; Baltazares-Lipp, Matilde; Arredondo del Bosque, Fernando; Santillan-Doherty, Patricio

    2015-01-01

    This study compared the use of lyophilized glutaraldehyde-preserved bovine pericardium (LGPBP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and Teflon felt (TF) as implants for vocal cords (VC) medialization and aimed to assess the endoscopic, macroscopic, and microscopic VC changes after medialization in a canine model. In 18 mongrel dogs, the right VC were medialized with LGPBP and the left were implanted as follows: Group I (n = 6): LGPBP and PTFE; Group II (n = 6): LGPBP and PET; Group III (n = 6): LGPBP and TF. Surgical handling of the implants was compared. Three months after surgery, macroscopic and microscopic changes of VC and implants were evaluated. LGPBP offered the best surgical handling (p = 0.005, Kruskal-Wallis). TF implants showed extrusion (p = 0.005, Kruskal-Wallis) and severe inflammation. All VC formed fibrous capsules around the implants; the ones developed by LGPBP implants were thinner (p = 0.001, ANOVA, Tukey). VC implanted with synthetic materials showed eosinophilic infiltration (p = 0.01, Kruskal-Wallis). We concluded that the LGPBP could be used as an implant for VC medialization because it is biocompatible, easy to handle and remove during surgical procedures, and nonabsorbable or extrudable and produces an inflammatory reaction similar to PTFE and PET.

  12. Freeze-drying of nanosuspensions, part 3: investigation of factors compromising storage stability of highly concentrated drug nanosuspensions.

    PubMed

    Beirowski, Jakob; Inghelbrecht, Sabine; Arien, Albertina; Gieseler, Henning

    2012-01-01

    On the basis of a previously developed formulation and process guideline for lyophilized, highly concentrated drug nanosuspensions for parenteral use, it was the purpose of this study to demonstrate that the original nanoparticle size distribution can be preserved over a minimum period of 3 months, even if aggressive primary drying conditions are used. Critical factors were evaluated that were originally believed to affect storage stability of freeze-dried drug nanoparticles. It was found that the nature and concentration of the steric stabilizer, such as Poloxamer 338 and Cremophor EL, are the most important factors for long-term stability of such formulations, independent of the used drug compound. The rational choice of an adequate steric stabilizer, namely Poloxamer 338, in combination with various lyoprotectants seems crucial to prevent physical instabilities of the lyophilized drug nanoparticles during short-term stability experiments at ambient and accelerated conditions. A 200 mg/mL concentration of nanoparticles could successfully be stabilized over the investigated time interval. In the course of the present experiments, polyvinylpyrrolidone, type K15 was found superior to trehalose or sucrose in preserving the original particle size distribution, presumably based on its surface-active properties. Lastly, it was demonstrated that lower water contents are generally beneficial to stabilize such systems. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  13. Preparation and characterization of silver chloride nanoparticles as an antibacterial agent

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Duong Trinh, Ngoc; Thanh Binh Nguyen, Thi; Hai Nguyen, Thanh

    2015-12-01

    Silver chloride nanoparticles were prepared by the precipitation reaction between silver nitrate and sodium chloride in an aqueous solution containing poly(vinyl alcohol) as a stabilizing agent. Different characteristics of the nanoparticles in suspension and in lyophilized powder such as size, morphology, chemical nature, interaction with stabilizing agent and photo-stability were investigated. Biological tests showed that the obtained silver chloride nanoparticles displayed antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

  14. Vaccine Development for Biothreat Alpha Viruses

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-09-25

    gaviridae, are causative agents of debilitative, acute, and sometimes fatal encephalitis in North, Central, and South America [1]. These viruses are...and can be lyophilized. VEEV was tested as a biowarfare agent during the U.S. offensive program in the 1950’s and 1960’s, and may have been...MD 21702, USA Abstract The majority of alpha virus is non-pathogenic to humans. However, select alpha viruses can cause severe disease in humans

  15. Immunomodulation with bacterial extracts in respiratory diseases.

    PubMed

    Palma-Carlos, A G; Palma-Carlos, M L

    1990-01-01

    A lyophilized bacterial extract (Broncho-Vaxom) has been studied in a large number of models and found to induce specific and nonspecific responses by oral administration. It stimulates the systemic and local immune response. It activates the macrophages that play a key part in the immune system, modulates the immunoglobulin level, and potentiates the lymphocyte response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and other mitogens. The effect of this bacterial extract on T-lymphocyte subpopulations is currently under study.

  16. Stabilizing Protein Effects on the Pressure Sensitivity of Fluorescent Gold Nanoclusters

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-01-13

    excess Au salt. The purified sample was lyophilized and resuspended at a concentration of 10 mg/mL in ultrapure water . BSA ( PDB :3v03) 100 % α...effect of scaffold protein secondary structure on the pressure response of protein-stabilized gold nanoclusters (P:NCs). These studies were...demonstrate that the pressure response of P:NCs is indeed dependent on the secondary structure of the protein. Proteins with high beta sheet content

  17. Optimization of Lyophilized Plasma for Use in Combat Casualties

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-03-01

    during which a baseline MAP was recorded and pre-weighed laparotomy sponges were placed in both paracolic gutters and in the pelvis for blood...period, the liver was packed tightly with laparotomy sponges . Swine were randomized to receive either LP reconstituted to 50% (50%LP, n=10) or 100...continuously recorded throughout the study. Blood loss following liver injury was carefully recorded with the use of pre-weighed laparotomy sponges and

  18. Living Membranes as Environmental Detectors

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-02-19

    followed. Initial studies were conducted for 30 days of storage at room temperature and 4⁰C. Results indicate that the living membrane is stable...4⁰C or room temperature in wet or lyophilized form. Freeze-dried mat Wet pellicle 4oC RT 4oC RT Figure 13: Stability of RFP Living Membrane...physically robust format able to withstand extremes of temperature , humidity, and other environmental variables The living membrane systems under

  19. Freeze-Dried Human Red Blood Cells.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-07-15

    conducted with the approval of the appropriate Institutional Review Board. The design and dosage of these studies parallels what would be used in any...components by standard blood bank procedures. The red blood cells were mixed with standard lyophilization buffers at a standard blood to buffer ratio. Samples...3% -1% - Yeas I Year 2 i Final poduct sterility (at Inluslon stage). Not done O "emonstrated Year I Year 2 Shell Life: Refrlgerated storage. vt10

  20. Development, Characterization and Evaluation of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles as a potential Anticancer Drug Delivery System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Patel, Meghavi

    Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) consist of spherical solid lipid particles in the nanometer size range, which are dispersed in water or in an aqueous surfactant solution. SLN technology represents a promising new approach to deliver hydrophilic as well as lipophilic drugs. The commercialization of SLN technology remains limited despite numerous efforts from researchers. The purpose of this research was to advance SLN preparation methodology by investigating the feasibility of preparing glyceryl monostearate (GMS) nanoparticles by using three preparation methods namely microemulsion technique, magnetic stirring technique and temperature modulated solidification technique of which the latter two were developed in our laboratory. An anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil was incorporated in the SLNs prepared via the temperature modulated solidification process. Optimization of the magnetic stirring process was performed to evaluate how the physicochemical properties of the SLN was influenced by systematically varying process parameters including concentration of the lipid, concentration of the surfactant, type of surfactant, time of stirring and temperature of storage. The results demonstrated 1:2 GMS to tween 80 ratio, 150 ml dispersion medium and 45 min stirring at 4000 RPM speed provided an optimum formulation via the temperature modulated solidification process. SLN dispersions were lyophilized to stabilize the solid lipid nanoparticles and the lyophilizates exhibited good redispersibility. The SLNs were characterized by particle size analysis via dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), drug encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release studies. Particle size of SLN dispersion prepared via the three preparation techniques was approximately 66 nm and that of redispersed lyophilizates was below 500 nm. TEM images showed spherical to oval particles that were less dense in the core with a well-defined shell and the particle size was in agreement with the particle size analysis data obtained by DLS. DSC thermograms of the lyophilized SLNs indicate a reduction in the crystallinity order of GMS particles. The drug encapsulation efficiency was found to be approximately 30%. In vitro drug release studies from redispersed lyophilized SLNs showed that 17 % of the encapsulated drug was released within 2 h. The SLNs prepared in our lab demonstrated characteristics that can potentially be utilized in an anticancer drug delivery system. Future in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal model studies will delineate compatibility and utility of these formulations in biological systems.

  1. Formulation and evaluation of mixed polymeric micelles of quercetin for treatment of breast, ovarian, and multidrug resistant cancers.

    PubMed

    Patra, Arjun; Satpathy, Swaha; Shenoy, Anitha K; Bush, Jason A; Kazi, Mohsin; Hussain, Muhammad Delwar

    2018-01-01

    Quercetin (QCT), a naturally occurring flavonoid has a wide array of pharmacological properties such as anticancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. QCT has low solubility in water and poor bioavailability, which limited its use as a therapeutic molecule. Polymeric micelles (PMs) is a novel drug delivery system having characteristics like smaller particle size, higher drug loading, sustained drug release, high stability, increased cellular uptake and improved therapeutic potential. In the present study, we have formulated and characterized mixed PMs (MPMs) containing QCT for increasing its anticancer potential. The MPMs were prepared by thin film hydration method, and their physicochemical properties were characterized. The in vitro anticancer activity of the MPMs were tested in breast (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, epithelial and metastatic cancer cell lines, respectively), and ovarian (SKOV-3 and NCI/ADR, epithelial and multi-drug resistant cell lines, respectively) cancer. The optimal MPM formulations were obtained from Pluronic polymers, P123 and P407 with molar ratio of 7:3 (A16); and P123, P407 and TPGS in the molar ratio of 7:2:1 (A22). The size of the particles before lyophilization (24.83±0.44 nm) and after lyophilisation (37.10±4.23 nm), drug loading (8.75±0.41%), and encapsulation efficiency (87.48±4.15%) for formulation A16 were determined. For formulation A22, the particle size before lyophilization, after lyophilization, drug loading and encapsulation efficiency were 26.37±2.19 nm, 45.88±13.80 nm, 9.01±0.11% and 90.07±1.09%, respectively. The MPMs exhibited sustained release of QCT compared to free QCT as demonstrated from in vitro release experiments. The solubility of QCT was markedly improved compared to pure QCT. The MPMs were highly stable in aqueous media as demonstrated by their low critical micelle concentration. The concentration which inhibited 50% growth (IC 50 ) values of both micellar preparations in all the cancer cell lines were significantly less compared to free QCT. Both the MPMs containing QCT could be used for effective delivery to different type of cancer and may be considered for further development.

  2. Immunogenicity of a human rotavirus vaccine (RIX4414) after storage at 37 °C for seven days.

    PubMed

    Kerdpanich, Angkool; Chokephaibulkit, Kulkanya; Watanaveeradej, Veerachai; Vanprapar, Nirun; Simasathien, Sriluck; Phavichitr, Nopaorn; Bock, Hans Ludwig; Damaso, Silvia; Hutagalung, Yanee; Han, Htay-Htay

    2011-01-01

    The lyophilized formulation of the human rotavirus vaccine, RIX4414 (RotarixTM), is recommended to be stored at 2°C-8°C for optimal immunogenicity. In some settings with inadequate infrastructure for vaccine storage, unforeseen circumstances may cause cold chain breakage, resulting in the vaccine to be left at ambient temperatures. This study evaluated the heat stability of lyophilized RIX4414 vaccine in terms of immunogenicity when stored at tropical room temperature (37 °C) for 7 days before reconstitution. There was no statistically significant difference detected between RIX4414 vaccine stored at 2 °C-8 °C (Group RIX4414_control, n = 171) and that stored at 37 °C for 7 days (Group RIX4414_37 °C, n = 47) in terms of seroconversion rate and vaccine take. The anti-rotavirus IgA seroconversion rate 2 months post-Dose 2 was 84.7% (95% CI: 78.1%-90%) and 87.8% (95% CI: 73.8%-95.9%) in Groups RIX4414_control and RIX4414_37 °C, respectively. None of the 25 infants in placebo group seroconverted. The vaccine take in the respective vaccine groups were 88% (95% CI: 82.1%-92.5%) and 93.5% (95% CI: 82.1%-98.6%) and Geometric Mean Concentrations (GMCs) were 134.4 U/mL (95% CI: 104.5-172.9) and 163.7 U/mL (95% CI: 98.9-271.1). Healthy infants aged 6-12 weeks, received two oral doses of either the RIX4414 vaccine stored at 2 °C-8 °C, RIX4414 vaccine stored at 37 °C for 7 days or placebo, according to a 0, 2 month schedule. Seroconversion rates in terms of anti-rotavirus IgA antibody levels (cut off: ≥ 20 U/mL by ELISA), anti-rotavirus IgA antibody GMCs and vaccine take were calculated 2 months post-Dose 2. Lyophilized RIX4414 vaccine stored at 37°C for 7 days before reconstitution has similar immunogenicity as the vaccine stored at 2 °C-8 °C. These results supported the use of RIX4414 in settings where the vaccine might be exposed to higher than the recommended storage temperatures.

  3. Field Trials of Attenuated Salmonella Typhi Live Oral Vaccine TY21A in Liquid and Enteric-Coated Capsule Formulations in Santiago, Chile

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-06-01

    inactive piacebo, children in the control group received viable Lactobacillus acidophilus because some experimental data suggest that L. acidophilus may...was the enteric-coating used to make the capsules acid-resistant. Such capsules, each containing 1-3 x 109 viable vaccine (or Lactobacillus ) organisms...formulation of vaccine (or of the Lactobacillus control preparation) consisted of two aluminum foil packets, one containing lyophilized vaccine (or

  4. The Evolving Role of Lyophilized Plasma in Remote Damage Control Resuscitation in the French Armed Forces Health Service

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-01-01

    severely bleeding combat casualties with the following interventions: tourniquets applied immediately in the field, hemo- static dressings, tranexamic ... acid within the first 3 hours, transfusion of FLYP and RBCs in a 1:1 ratio, fresh whole blood (FWB) use, correction of acidosis with bicarbonate...products: hemoglobin, ABO-Rh-Kell grouping, HIV 1 and 2 antibodies and nucleic acid testing (NAT), HCV antibodies and NAT, hepatitis B virus antigen and

  5. Detection of Collapse and Crystallization of Saccharide, Protein, and Mannitol Formulations by Optical Fibers in Lyophilization

    PubMed Central

    Horn, Jacqueline; Friess, Wolfgang

    2018-01-01

    The collapse temperature (Tc) and the glass transition temperature of freeze-concentrated solutions (Tg') as well as the crystallization behavior of excipients are important physicochemical characteristics which guide the cycle development in freeze-drying. The most frequently used methods to determine these values are differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and freeze-drying microscopy (FDM). The objective of this study was to evaluate the optical fiber system (OFS) unit as alternative tool for the analysis of Tc, Tg' and crystallization events. The OFS unit was also tested as a potential online monitoring tool during freeze-drying. Freeze/thawing and freeze-drying experiments of sucrose, trehalose, stachyose, mannitol, and highly concentrated IgG1 and lysozyme solutions were carried out and monitored by the OFS. Comparative analyses were performed by DSC and FDM. OFS and FDM results correlated well. The crystallization behavior of mannitol could be monitored by the OFS during freeze/thawing as it can be done by DSC. Online monitoring of freeze-drying runs detected collapse of amorphous saccharide matrices. The OFS unit enabled the analysis of both Tc and crystallization processes, which is usually carried out by FDM and DSC. The OFS can hence be used as novel measuring device. Additionally, detection of these events during lyophilization facilitates online-monitoring. Thus the OFS is a new beneficial tool for the development and monitoring of freeze-drying processes. PMID:29435445

  6. A comparison of the extraction procedures and quantification methods for the chromatographic determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in charcoal grilled meat and fish.

    PubMed

    Viegas, O; Novo, P; Pinho, O; Ferreira, I M P L V O

    2012-01-15

    A method for analysis of 15 PAHs in charcoal-grilled meat/fish was established by high performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection. Gradient elution was performed with methanol/water/ethyl acetate. Maxima excitation and emission wavelengths were selected for each PAH. Retention times were very stable with coefficients of variation below 0.24% within analytical day and below 0.60% across analytical days. Two different methods of cleanup and pre-concentration steps were compared. Solvent extraction assisted by sonication carried out with n-hexane on 2g of lyophilized meat or 1g of lyophilized fish allowed to obtain high sensitivity, reproducibility and better extraction efficiency. Limits of quantification (LOQs, s/n=10) were lower than 0.01ng/g of meat wet weight and lower than 0.02ng/g of fish wet weight for all PAHs (except for Na, Fl and IP that were lower than 0.1ng/g). Two different quantification methods were compared. Standard addition method compensated PAHs losses due to incomplete extraction and it is recommended for analyses of grilled meat and fish samples that usually contain very low amounts of the eight high molecular weight PAHs (BaA, Ch, BbF, BkF, BaP, IP, BgP, DhA). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Biological assessment of self-assembled polymeric micelles for pulmonary administration of insulin.

    PubMed

    Andrade, Fernanda; das Neves, José; Gener, Petra; Schwartz, Simó; Ferreira, Domingos; Oliva, Mireia; Sarmento, Bruno

    2015-10-01

    Pulmonary delivery of drugs for both local and systemic action has gained new attention over the last decades. In this work, different amphiphilic polymers (Soluplus®, Pluronic® F68, Pluronic® F108 and Pluronic® F127) were used to produce lyophilized formulations for inhalation of insulin. Development of stimuli-responsive, namely glucose-sensitive, formulations was also attempted with the addition of phenylboronic acid (PBA). Despite influencing the in vitro release of insulin from micelles, PBA did not confer glucose-sensitive properties to formulations. Lyophilized powders with aerodynamic diameter (<6 μm) compatible with good deposition in the lungs did not present significant in vitro toxicity for respiratory cell lines. Additionally, some formulations, in particular Pluronic® F127-based formulations, enhanced the permeation of insulin through pulmonary epithelial models and underwent minimal internalization by macrophages in vitro. Overall, formulations based on polymeric micelles presenting promising characteristics were developed for the delivery of insulin by inhalation. The ability to deliver other systemic drugs via inhalation has received renewed interests in the clinical setting. This is especially true for drugs which usually require injections for delivery, like insulin. In this article, the authors investigated their previously developed amphiphilic polymers for inhalation of insulin in an in vitro model. The results should provide basis for future in vivo studies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Continuous improvement of medical test reliability using reference methods and matrix-corrected target values in proficiency testing schemes: application to glucose assay.

    PubMed

    Delatour, Vincent; Lalere, Beatrice; Saint-Albin, Karène; Peignaux, Maryline; Hattchouel, Jean-Marc; Dumont, Gilles; De Graeve, Jacques; Vaslin-Reimann, Sophie; Gillery, Philippe

    2012-11-20

    The reliability of biological tests is a major issue for patient care in terms of public health that involves high economic stakes. Reference methods, as well as regular external quality assessment schemes (EQAS), are needed to monitor the analytical performance of field methods. However, control material commutability is a major concern to assess method accuracy. To overcome material non-commutability, we investigated the possibility of using lyophilized serum samples together with a limited number of frozen serum samples to assign matrix-corrected target values, taking the example of glucose assays. Trueness of the current glucose assays was first measured against a primary reference method by using human frozen sera. Methods using hexokinase and glucose oxidase with spectroreflectometric detection proved very accurate, with bias ranging between -2.2% and +2.3%. Bias of methods using glucose oxidase with spectrophotometric detection was +4.5%. Matrix-related bias of the lyophilized materials was then determined and ranged from +2.5% to -14.4%. Matrix-corrected target values were assigned and used to assess trueness of 22 sub-peer groups. We demonstrated that matrix-corrected target values can be a valuable tool to assess field method accuracy in large scale surveys where commutable materials are not available in sufficient amount with acceptable costs. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Chemoprevention of Oral Cancer by Lyophilized Strawberries

    PubMed Central

    Casto, Bruce C.; Knobloch, Thomas J.; Galioto, Rebecca L.; Yu, Zhangsheng; Accurso, Brent T.; Warner, Blake M.

    2014-01-01

    Background/Aim Oral cancer represents approximately 2.5% of all cancer in the United States, with five- and 10-year survival rates of 62% and 51%. In the present study, lyophilized strawberries (LS) were evaluated for their potential to inhibit tumorigenesis in the hamster cheek pouch (HCP) model of oral cancer and for their ability to modify expression of several genes relevant to oral cancer development. Materials and Methods HCPs were painted three times a week for six weeks with 0.2% 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). Hamsters were given 5% LS or 10% LS in their diet prior to, during, and after, or only after carcinogen treatment. Animals were sacrificed 12 weeks from the beginning of DMBA treatment and the number of total lesions and tumors determined. Results A significant difference (p-value <0.01–0.04) in the number of tumors was found between the LS-treated groups and the carcinogen controls. Histological examination of HCPs revealed a significant reduction in mild and severe dysplasia following 12 weeks of treatment with LS. Molecular analysis revealed that genes related to tumor development were modulated by LS. Conclusions These experiments support previous studies in HCPs that demonstrated a chemopreventive activity by black raspberries and show, to our knowledge for the first time, that strawberries can inhibit tumor formation in an animal model of oral cancer. PMID:24222110

  10. The Development of a Parenteral Pharmaceutical Formulation of a New Class of Compounds of Nitrosourea.

    PubMed

    Nikolaeva, Ludmila; Oborotova, Natalia; Bunyatyan, Natalia; Zhang, Xi; Sanarova, Ekaterina; Lantsova, Anna; Orlova, Olga; Polozkova, Alevtina

    2016-11-01

    Despite the rapid development of medical technologies, chemotherapy treatment still occupies an important place in clinical oncology. In this regard, the current research in this area focuses on the synthesis of new highly effective antitumor substances that have minimal side effects and the development of stable pharmaceutical formulations (PF) on their basis. In order to solve this problem, the I. Ya. Postovsky Institute of Organic Synthesis of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences actively sought for original substances, namely, nitrosourea (NU) derivatives, one of the most promising classes of anticancer drugs. As a result of this research, a novel NU derivative was synthesized, namely ormustine, which showed high antitumor activity in preliminary preclinical trials. It is now crucial to develop an ormustine pharmaceutical formulation. Conducted technological studies showed that the most suitable solvent for the drug substance is 0.1 M hydrochloric acid, which ensures its rapid dissolution by ultrasonic treatment. A significant reduction in the concentration of the active ingredient during the storage of the solution required the development of a technique of its lyophilization and the selection of a shaper such as a Kollidon 17 PF. Upon completion of the development of a pharmaceutical formulation of ormustine, its stability after lyophilization was demonstrated, and a sufficient amount of the drug has been acquired for preclinical research.

  11. Potential of Near-Infrared Chemical Imaging as Process Analytical Technology Tool for Continuous Freeze-Drying.

    PubMed

    Brouckaert, Davinia; De Meyer, Laurens; Vanbillemont, Brecht; Van Bockstal, Pieter-Jan; Lammens, Joris; Mortier, Séverine; Corver, Jos; Vervaet, Chris; Nopens, Ingmar; De Beer, Thomas

    2018-04-03

    Near-infrared chemical imaging (NIR-CI) is an emerging tool for process monitoring because it combines the chemical selectivity of vibrational spectroscopy with spatial information. Whereas traditional near-infrared spectroscopy is an attractive technique for water content determination and solid-state investigation of lyophilized products, chemical imaging opens up possibilities for assessing the homogeneity of these critical quality attributes (CQAs) throughout the entire product. In this contribution, we aim to evaluate NIR-CI as a process analytical technology (PAT) tool for at-line inspection of continuously freeze-dried pharmaceutical unit doses based on spin freezing. The chemical images of freeze-dried mannitol samples were resolved via multivariate curve resolution, allowing us to visualize the distribution of mannitol solid forms throughout the entire cake. Second, a mannitol-sucrose formulation was lyophilized with variable drying times for inducing changes in water content. Analyzing the corresponding chemical images via principal component analysis, vial-to-vial variations as well as within-vial inhomogeneity in water content could be detected. Furthermore, a partial least-squares regression model was constructed for quantifying the water content in each pixel of the chemical images. It was hence concluded that NIR-CI is inherently a most promising PAT tool for continuously monitoring freeze-dried samples. Although some practicalities are still to be solved, this analytical technique could be applied in-line for CQA evaluation and for detecting the drying end point.

  12. Freeze-dried spermatozoa: An alternative biobanking option for endangered species.

    PubMed

    Anzalone, Debora Agata; Palazzese, Luca; Iuso, Domenico; Martino, Giuseppe; Loi, Pasqualino

    2018-03-01

    In addition to the iconic wild species, such as the pandas and Siberian tigers, an ever-increasing number of domestic species are also threatened with extinction. Biobanking of spermatozoa could preserve genetic heritages of extinct species, and maintain biodiversity of existing species. Because lyophilized spermatozoa retain fertilizing capacity, the aim was to assess whether freeze-dried spermatozoa are an alternative option to save endangered sheep breeds. To achieve this objective, semen was collected from an Italian endangered sheep breed (Pagliarola), and a biobank of cryopreserved and freeze-dried spermatozoa was established, and evaluated using IVF (for frozen spermatozoa) and ICSI procedures (for frozen and freeze-dried spermatozoa). As expected, the fertilizing capacity of cryopreserved Pagliarola's spermatozoa was comparable to commercial semen stocks. To evaluate the activating capability of freeze-dried spermatozoa, 108 MII sheep oocytes were subjected to ICSI, and allocated to two groups: 56 oocytes were activated by incubation with ionomycin (ICSI-FDSa) and 52 were not activated (ICSI-FDSna). Pronuclear formation (2PN) was investigated at 14-16 h after ICSI in fixed presumptive zygotes. Only artificially activated oocytes developed into blastocysts after ICSI. In the present study, freeze-dried ram spermatozoa induced blastocyst development following ICSI at a relatively high proportion, providing evidence that sperm lyophilization is an alternative, low cost storage option for biodiversity preservation of domestic species. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Glassy-state stabilization of a dominant negative inhibitor anthrax vaccine containing aluminum hydroxide and glycopyranoside lipid A adjuvants.

    PubMed

    Hassett, Kimberly J; Vance, David J; Jain, Nishant K; Sahni, Neha; Rabia, Lilia A; Cousins, Megan C; Joshi, Sangeeta; Volkin, David B; Middaugh, C Russell; Mantis, Nicholas J; Carpenter, John F; Randolph, Theodore W

    2015-02-01

    During transport and storage, vaccines may be exposed to temperatures outside of the range recommended for storage, potentially causing efficacy losses. To better understand and prevent such losses, dominant negative inhibitor (DNI), a recombinant protein antigen for a candidate vaccine against anthrax, was formulated as a liquid and as a glassy lyophilized powder with the adjuvants aluminum hydroxide and glycopyranoside lipid A (GLA). Freeze-thawing of the liquid vaccine caused the adjuvants to aggregate and decreased its immunogenicity in mice. Immunogenicity of liquid vaccines also decreased when stored at 40°C for 8 weeks, as measured by decreases in neutralizing antibody titers in vaccinated mice. Concomitant with efficacy losses at elevated temperatures, changes in DNI structure were detected by fluorescence spectroscopy and increased deamidation was observed by capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF) after only 1 week of storage of the liquid formulation at 40°C. In contrast, upon lyophilization, no additional deamidation after 4 weeks at 40°C and no detectable changes in DNI structure or reduction in immunogenicity after 16 weeks at 40°C were observed. Vaccines containing aluminum hydroxide and GLA elicited higher immune responses than vaccines adjuvanted with only aluminum hydroxide, with more mice responding to a single dose. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

  14. Protocol to obtain targeted transcript sequence data from snake venom samples collected in the Colombian field.

    PubMed

    Fonseca, Alejandra; Renjifo-Ibáñez, Camila; Renjifo, Juan Manuel; Cabrera, Rodrigo

    2018-03-21

    Snake venoms are a mixture of different molecules that can be used in the design of drugs for various diseases. The study of these venoms has relied on strategies that use complete venom extracted from animals in captivity or from venom glands that require the sacrifice of the animals. Colombia, a country with political and geographical conflicts has difficult access to certain regions. A strategy that can prevent the sacrifice of animals and could allow the study of samples collected in the field is necessary. We report the use of lyophilized venom from Crotalus durissus cumanensis as a model to test, for the first time, a protocol for the amplification of complete toxins from Colombian venom samples collected in the field. In this protocol, primers were designed from conserved region from Crotalus sp. mRNA and EST regions to maximize the likelihood of coding sequence amplification. We obtained the sequences of Metalloproteinases II, Disintegrins, Disintegrin-Like, Phospholipases A 2, C-type Lectins and Serine proteinases from Crotalus durissus cumanensis and compared them to different Crotalus sp sequences available on databases obtaining concordance between the toxins amplified and those reported. Our strategy allows the use of lyophilized venom to obtain complete toxin sequences from samples collected in the field and the study of poorly characterized venoms in challenging environments. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Detection of Collapse and Crystallization of Saccharide, Protein and Mannitol Formulations by Optical Fibers in Lyophilization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Horn, Jacqueline; Friess, Wolfgang

    2018-01-01

    The collapse temperature (Tc) and the glass transition temperature of freeze-concentrated solutions (Tg’) as well as the crystallization behavior of excipients are important physicochemical characteristics which guide the cycle development in freeze-drying. The most frequently used methods to determine these values are differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and freeze-drying microscopy (FDM). The objective of this study was to evaluate the optical fiber system (OFS) unit as alternative tool for the analysis of Tc, Tg’ and crystallization events. The OFS unit was also tested as a potential online monitoring tool during freeze-drying. Freeze/thawing and freeze-drying experiments of sucrose, trehalose, stachyose, mannitol and highly concentrated IgG1 and lysozyme solutions were carried out and monitored by the OFS. Comparative analyses were performed by DSC and FDM. OFS and FDM results correlated well. The crystallization behavior of mannitol could be monitored by the OFS during freeze/thawing as it can be done by DSC. Online monitoring of freeze-drying runs detected collapse of amorphous saccharide matrices. The OFS unit enabled the analysis of both Tc and crystallization processes, which is usually carried out by FDM and DSC. The OFS can hence be used as novel measuring device. Additionally, detection of these events during lyophilization facilitate online-monitoring. Thus the OFS is a new beneficial tool for the development and monitoring of freeze-drying processes.

  16. Pulmonary delivery of a GLP-1 receptor agonist, BMS-686117.

    PubMed

    Qian, Feng; Mathias, Neil; Moench, Paul; Chi, Cecilia; Desikan, Sridhar; Hussain, Munir; Smith, Ronald L

    2009-01-21

    Alternate delivery route of therapeutic peptides is an attractive non-invasive option to patients who must chronically self-administer their medication through injections. In recent years, much attention has centered on pulmonary peptide delivery of peptide drugs such as insulin and GLP-1 mimetic peptides in the treatment of type II diabetes. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of delivering BMS-686117, an 11-mer GLP-1 receptor peptide agonist, to the lung in rats via intratracheal administration. The pharmacokinetic profiles of three spray-dried, prototype inhaled powder formulations, 80/20 BMS-686117/trehalose (I), 100% BMS-686117 (II), and 20/80 BMS-686117/mannitol (III), as well as a lyophilized BMS-686117 powder, were compared with intravenously and subcutaneously administered peptide. The spray-dried formulations were mostly spherical particles with narrow particle size distribution between 2 to 10 microm, which are better suited for inhalation delivery than the lyophilized, irregular shape powder with a wide particle size distribution between 2 to 100 microm. Prototype III exhibited the best physical characteristics and in vivo performance, with bioavailability of 45% relative to subcutaneous administration. The T(max) for lung delivered peptide formulations were almost twice as fast as subcutaneous injection, suggesting potential for rapid absorption and onset of action. This study demonstrated that pulmonary delivery is a promising, non-invasive route for the administration of BMS-686117.

  17. Optimization of long circulating mixed polymeric micelles containing vinpocetine using simple lattice mixture design, in vitro and in vivo characterization.

    PubMed

    El-Dahmy, Rania Moataz; Elsayed, Ibrahim; Elshafeey, Ahmed Hassen; Gawad, Nabaweya Abdelaziz Abd El; El-Gazayerly, Omaima Naim

    2014-12-30

    The aim of this study was to increase the in vivo mean residence time of vinpocetine after IV injection utilizing long circulating mixed micellar systems. Mixed micelles were prepared using Pluronics L121, P123 and F127. The systems were characterized by testing their entrapment efficiency, particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy and in vitro drug release. Simple lattice mixture design was planned for the optimization using Design-Expert(®) software. The optimized formula was lyophilized, sterilized and imaged by scanning electron microscope. Moreover, the in vivo behavior of the optimized formula was evaluated after IV injection in rabbits. The optimized formula, containing 68% w/w Pluronic L121 and 32% w/w Pluronic F127, had the highest desirability value (0.621). Entrapment efficiency, particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential of the optimized formula were 50.74 ± 3.26%, 161.50 ± 7.39 nm, 0.21 ± 0.03 and -22.42 ± 1.72 mV, respectively. Lyophilization and sterilization did not affect the characteristics of the optimized formula. Upon in vivo investigation in rabbits, the optimized formula showed a significantly higher elimination half-life and mean residence time than the market product. Finally, mixed micelles could be considered as a promising long circulating nanocarrier for lipophilic drugs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. In vitro efficacy of latex and purified papain from Carica papaya against Strongyloides venezuelensis eggs and larvae.

    PubMed

    Moraes, Dayane; Levenhagen, Marcelo Arantes; Costa-Cruz, Julia Maria; Costa, Antônio Paulino da; Rodrigues, Rosângela Maria

    2017-04-03

    Latex from Carica papaya is rich in bioactive compounds, especially papain, which may help to control parasitic diseases. This study evaluated the efficacy of latex from C. papaya and purified papain against Strongyloides venezuelensis. The Egg Hatching Test (EHT) and the Larval Motility Test (LMT) using fresh and frozen latex (250mg/mL), lyophilized latex (34mg/mL), and purified papain (2.8 mg/mL) were performed. Albendazole (0.025 mg/mL) and ivermectin (316 ppm) were used as positive controls. EHT and LMT were carried out through the incubation of each solution with S. venezuelensis eggs or larvae (± 100 specimens), and results were analyzed after 48h (EHT) or 24, 48, and 72h (LMT). EHT showed that latex preparations at higher concentrations (1:10 to 1:100) resulted in partial or complete destruction of eggs and larvae inside the eggs. The result from the 1:1,000 dilution was similar to the positive control. LMT showed effectiveness in all the tested dilutions compared to negative controls. Purified papain showed a dose-dependent response in the EHT. Purified papain (2.8 mg/ mL) showed similar results to lyophilized latex at 1:1,000 in the EHT. Latex and purified papain from C. papaya were effective against S. venezuelensis eggs and larvae in vitro, suggesting their potential use as an alternative treatment for strongyloidiasis.

  19. Potential therapeutic effect of the secretome from human uterine cervical stem cells against both cancer and stromal cells compared with adipose tissue stem cells.

    PubMed

    Eiró, Noemí; Sendon-Lago, Juan; Seoane, Samuel; Bermúdez, María A; Lamelas, Maria Luz; Garcia-Caballero, Tomás; Schneider, José; Perez-Fernandez, Roman; Vizoso, Francisco J

    2014-11-15

    Evidences indicate that tumor development and progression towards a malignant phenotype depend not only on cancer cells themselves, but are also deeply influenced by tumor stroma reactivity. The present study uses mesenchymal stem cells from normal human uterine cervix (hUCESCs), isolated by the minimally invasive method of routine Pap cervical smear, to study their effect on the three main cell types in a tumor: cancer cells, fibroblasts and macrophages. Administration of hUCESCs-conditioned medium (CM) to a highly invasive breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell line and to human breast tumors with high cell proliferation rates had the effect of reducing cell proliferation, modifying the cell cycle, inducing apoptosis, and decreasing invasion. In a xenograft mouse tumor model, hUCESCs-CM reduced tumor growth and increased overall survival. In cancer-associated fibroblasts, administration of hUCESCs-CM resulted in reduced cell proliferation, greater apoptosis and decreased invasion. In addition, hUCESCs-CM inhibited and reverted macrophage differentiation. The analysis of hUCESCs-CM (fresh and lyophilized) suggests that a complex paracrine signaling network could be implicated in the anti-tumor potential of hUCESCs. In light of their anti-tumor potential, the easy cell isolation method, and the fact that lyophilization of their CM conserves original properties make hUCESCs good candidates for experimental or clinical applications in anticancer therapy.

  20. Evaluation of Drying Process on the Composition of Black Pepper Ethanolic Extract by High Performance Liquid Chromatography With Diode Array Detector

    PubMed Central

    Namjoyan, Foroogh; Hejazi, Hoda; Ramezani, Zahra

    2012-01-01

    Background Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is one of the well-known spices extensively used worldwide especially in India, and Southeast Asia. The presence of alkaloids in the pepper, namely, piperine and its three stereoisomers, isopiperine, chavicine and isochavicine are well noticed. Objectives The current study evaluated the effect of lyophilization and oven drying on the stability and decomposition of constituents of black pepper ethanolic extract. Materials and Methods In the current study ethanolic extract of black pepper obtained by maceration method was dried using two methods. The effect of freeze and oven drying on the chemical composition of the extract especially piperine and its three isomers were evaluated by HPLC analysis of the ethanolic extract before and after drying processes using diode array detector. The UV Vis spectra of the peaks at piperine retention time before and after each drying methods indicated maximum absorbance at 341.2 nm corresponding to standard piperine. Results The results indicated a decrease in intensity of the chromatogram peaks at approximately all retention times after freeze drying, indicating a few percent loss of piperine and its isomers upon lyophilization. Two impurity peaks were completely removed from the extract. Conclusions In oven dried samples two of the piperine stereoisomers were completely removed from the extract and the intensity of piperine peak was increased. PMID:24624176

  1. Field detection of avian influenza virus in wild birds: evaluation of a portable rRT-PCR system and freeze-dried reagents

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Takekawa, John Y.; Iverson, Samuel A.; Schultz, Annie K.; Hill, Nichola J.; Cardona, Carol J.; Boyce, Walter M.; Dudley, Joseph P.

    2010-01-01

    Wild birds have been implicated in the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAIV) of the H5N1 subtype, prompting surveillance along migratory flyways. Sampling of wild birds is often conducted in remote regions, but results are often delayed because of limited local analytical capabilities, difficulties with sample transportation and permitting, or problems keeping samples cold in the field. In response to these challenges, the performance of a portable real-time, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) unit (RAPID(Registered), Idaho Technologies, Salt Lake City, UT) that employed lyophilized reagents (Influenza A Target 1 Taqman; ASAY-ASY-0109, Idaho Technologies) was compared to virus isolation combined with real-time RT-PCR conducted in a laboratory. This study included both field and experimental-based sampling. Field samples were collected from migratory shorebirds captured in northern California, while experimental samples were prepared by spiking fecal material with an H6N2 AIV isolate. Results indicated that the portable rRT-PCR unit had equivalent specificity to virus isolation with no false positives, but sensitivity was compromised at low viral titers. Use of portable rRT-PCR with lyophilized reagents may expedite surveillance results, paving the way to a better understanding of wild bird involvement in HPAIV H5N1 transmission.

  2. The Twenty-Year Story of a Plant-Based Vaccine Against Hepatitis B: Stagnation or Promising Prospects?

    PubMed Central

    Pniewski, Tomasz

    2013-01-01

    Hepatitis B persists as a common human disease despite effective vaccines having been employed for almost 30 years. Plants were considered as alternative sources of vaccines, to be mainly orally administered. Despite 20-year attempts, no real anti-HBV plant-based vaccine has been developed. Immunization trials, based on ingestion of raw plant tissue and conjugated with injection or exclusively oral administration of lyophilized tissue, were either impractical or insufficient due to oral tolerance acquisition. Plant-produced purified HBV antigens were highly immunogenic when injected, but their yields were initially insufficient for practical purposes. However, knowledge and technology have progressed, hence new plant-derived anti-HBV vaccines can be proposed today. All HBV antigens can be efficiently produced in stable or transient expression systems. Processing of injection vaccines has been developed and needs only to be successfully completed. Purified antigens can be used for injection in an equivalent manner to the present commercial vaccines. Although oral vaccines require improvement, plant tissue, lyophilized or extracted and converted into tablets, etc., may serve as a boosting vaccine. Preliminary data indicate also that both vaccines can be combined in an effective parenteral-oral immunization procedure. A partial substitution of injection vaccines with oral formulations still offers good prospects for economically viable and efficacious anti-HBV plant-based vaccines. PMID:23337199

  3. A proposed rationale and test methodology for establishment of acceptance criteria for vacuum integrity testing of pharmaceutical freeze dryers.

    PubMed

    Hardwick, Lisa M; Nail, Steven L; Jarman, James; Hasler, Kai; Hense, Thomas

    2013-10-01

    A scientific rationale is proposed for the establishment of acceptance criteria for leak rates in pharmaceutical freeze dryers. A method was developed to determine the quantity of air that could leak into any lyophilizer from the outside while still maintaining Class 100/Grade A microbial conditions. A lyophilizing product is assumed most vulnerable to microbial contamination during secondary drying, when mass transfer of water vapor from product to condenser is minimal. Using the void volume of the dryer, calculated from change in internal pressure when a known volume of air is introduced, and the potential maximum bioburden of the leaked air (based on measured values), calculations can determine the allowable leaked volume of air, the flow rate required to admit that volume in a given time frame, and the pressure rise that would result from the leak over a given testing period. For the dryers in this study, using worst-case air quality conditions, it was determined that a leak resulting in a pressure rise of 0.027 mbar over a 30 min period would allow the dryers to remain in secondary drying conditions for 62 h before the established action level of one colony forming unit for each cubic meter of air space would be reached. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Extensive Diminution of Particle Size and Amorphization of a Crystalline Drug Attained by Eminent Technology of Solid Dispersion: A Comparative Study.

    PubMed

    Singh, Gurjeet; Sharma, Shailesh; Gupta, Ghanshyam Das

    2017-07-01

    The present study emphasized on the use of solid dispersion technology to triumph over the drawbacks associated with the highly effective antihypertensive drug telmisartan using different polymers (poloxamer 188 and locust bean gum) and methods (modified solvent evaporation and lyophilization). It is based on the comparison between selected polymers and methods for enhancing solubility through particle size reduction. The results showed different profiles for particle size, solubility, and dissolution of formulated amorphous systems depicting the great influence of polymer/method used. The resulting amorphous solid dispersions were characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and particle size analysis. The optimized solid dispersion (TEL 19) prepared with modified locust bean gum using lyophilization technique showed reduced particle size of 184.5 ± 3.7 nm and utmost solubility of 702 ± 5.47 μg/mL in water, which is quite high as compared to the pure drug (≤1 μg/mL). This study showed that the appropriate selection of carrier may lead to the development of solid dispersion formulation with desired solubility and dissolution profiles. The optimized dispersion was later formulated into fast-dissolving tablets, and further optimization was done to obtain the tablets with desired properties.

  5. The Influence of Formulation and Manufacturing Process Parameters on the Characteristics of Lyophilized Orally Disintegrating Tablets

    PubMed Central

    Jones, Rhys J.; Rajabi-Siahboomi, Ali; Levina, Marina; Perrie, Yvonne; Mohammed, Afzal R.

    2011-01-01

    Gelatin is a principal excipient used as a binder in the formulation of lyophilized orally disintegrating tablets. The current study focuses on exploiting the physicochemical properties of gelatin by varying formulation parameters to determine their influence on orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) characteristics. Process parameters, namely pH and ionic strength of the formulations, and ball milling were investigated to observe their effects on excipient characteristics and tablet formation. The properties and characteristics of the formulations and tablets which were investigated included: glass transition temperature, wettability, porosity, mechanical properties, disintegration time, morphology of the internal structure of the freeze-dried tablets, and drug dissolution. The results from the pH study revealed that adjusting the pH of the formulation away from the isoelectric point of gelatin, resulted in an improvement in tablet disintegration time possibly due to increase in gelatin swelling resulting in greater tablet porosity. The results from the ionic strength study revealed that the inclusion of sodium chloride influenced tablet porosity, tablet morphology and the glass transition temperature of the formulations. Data from the milling study showed that milling the excipients influenced formulation characteristics, namely wettability and powder porosity. The study concludes that alterations of simple parameters such as pH and salt concentration have a significant influence on formulation of ODT. PMID:24310589

  6. Solid-state mAbs and ADCs subjected to heat-stress stability conditions can be covalently modified with buffer and excipient molecules.

    PubMed

    Valliere-Douglass, John F; Lewis, Patsy; Salas-Solano, Oscar; Jiang, Shan

    2015-02-01

    We report that a unique type of chemical modification occurs on lyophilized proteins. Freeze-dried mAbs and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) can be covalently modified with buffer and excipient molecules on the side chains of Glu, Asp, Thr, and Ser amino acids when subjected to temperature stress. The reaction occurs primarily via condensation of common buffers and excipients such as histidine, tris, trehalose and sucrose, with Glu and Asp carboxylates in the primary sequence of proteins. The reaction was also found to proceed through condensation of carboxylate containing buffers such as citrate, with Thr and Ser hydroxyls in the primary sequence of proteins. Based on the mass of the covalent adducts observed on mAbs and ADCs, it is apparent that the reaction produces water as a product and is thus favored in a low moisture environments such as a lyophilized protein cake. Herein, we present the evidence for the covalent modification of proteins drawn from case studies of in-depth characterization of heat-stressed mAbs and ADCs in the solid state. We also demonstrate how common charge variant assays such as imaged capillary isoelectric focusing and mass spectrometry can be used to monitor this specific class of protein modification. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

  7. Albumin-coated structural lyophilized bone allografts: a clinical report of 10 cases.

    PubMed

    Klára, Tamás; Csönge, Lajos; Janositz, Gábor; Csernátony, Zoltán; Lacza, Zsombor

    2014-03-01

    Bone replacement and the use of bone supplementary biological substances have become widespread in clinical practice. Although autografts have excellent properties, their limited availability, difficulties with shaping and donor site morbidity have made allografts a viable and increasingly preferred alternative. The main drawback of allografts is that the preparation destroys osteogenic cells and results in denaturation of osteoinductive proteins. Serum albumin is a well-known constituent of stem cell culture media and we found that lyophilizing albumin onto bone allografts markedly improves stem-cell attachment and bone healing in animal models thus replacing some of the osteoinductive potential. As a first step in the clinical introduction of albumin coated grafts, we aimed to test surgical handling and early incorporation in aseptic revision arthroplasty in humans. We selected patients who needed large structural allografts and the current operation was the last attempt at preserving a moving joint. In a series of 10 cases of hip and knee revision surgery we did not experience any drawbacks of the albumin-coated grafts during handling and implantation. Twelve months radiographic and SPECT-CT follow-up showed that the graft was well received by the host and active remodelling was observed. The lack of graft-related complications and the good 1-year results indicate that controlled trials may be initiated in more common bone grafting indications where long-term effectiveness can be evaluated.

  8. Studies on the muscle-paralyzing components of the juice of the banana plant.

    PubMed

    Singh, Y N; Inman, W D; Johnson, A; Linnell, E J

    1993-01-01

    The stem juice of the banana plant (Musa species) has been used as an arrow poison by African tribesmen. Lyophilized, partially purified extracts of the juice augment and then block both directly and indirectly evoked contractions of the mouse diaphragm. We have isolated, purified and determined the chemical composition of the active ingredients, and characterized their pharmacological activity. The lyophilized sample was extracted with a methanol-water (MeOH-H2O) (50/50) mixture and vacuum filtered. The filtrate was rotary evaporated and crystallized in a MeOH-H2O mixture to yield potassium nitrate crystals (melting point 332-334 degrees C). The filtrate was concentrated and chromatographed over Sephadex LH-20 gel using MeOH-H2O (40/60) as the eluent. The active component was found to be magnesium nitrate crystals (melting point 87-89 degrees C). In the mouse isolated phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparation, the pharmacological profile of the first component was similar to that for authentic potassium nitrate which augments in low concentrations, and in higher concentrations augments, and then blocks both directly evoked muscle contraction the neuromuscular transmission. The second component had a profile of activity similar to that for authentic magnesium nitrate which only blocks neuromuscular transmission. It can be concluded that the two major active principles in the banana stem juice are potassium nitrate and magnesium nitrate.

  9. Enzymatic Removal of Diacetyl from Beer 1

    PubMed Central

    Thompson, Janet W.; Shovers, J.; Sandine, W. E.; Elliker, P. R.

    1970-01-01

    Use of diacetyl reductase, a reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-requiring enzyme, to eliminate diacetyl off-flavor in beer was studied. The crude enzyme was extracted from Aerobacter aerogenes and partially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation or Sephadex chromatography. In the semipure state, the enzyme was inactivated by lyophilization; in a crude state, the lyophilized extract remained stable for at least 4 months at — 20 C. A 50% reduction in specific activity within 5 min was observed when crude diacetyl reductase was suspended (5 mg of protein/ml) in phosphate buffer at pH 5.5 or below; a similar inactivation rate was observed when the crude enzyme was dissolved in a 5% aqueous ethyl alcohol solution. Effective crude enzyme activity in beer at a natural pH of 4.1 required protection of the enzyme in 10% gelatin. Incorporation of yeast cells with the gel-protected enzyme provided regeneration of NADH. Combinations of yeast, enzyme, and gelatin were tested to obtain data analyzed by regression analysis to determine the optimal concentration of each component of the system required to reduce the level of diacetyl in spiked (0.5 ppm) beer to less than 0.12 ppm within 48 hr at 5 C. The protected enzyme system was also effective in removing diacetyl from orange juice (pH 3.8) and some distilled liquors. PMID:4318450

  10. PD-PK evaluation of freeze-dried atorvastatin calcium-loaded poly-ε-caprolactone nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Ahmed, Iman S; El-Hosary, Rania; Shalaby, Samia; Abd-Rabo, Marwa M; Elkhateeb, Dalia G; Nour, Samia

    2016-05-17

    In this work lyophilized poly-ε-caprolactone nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with atorvastatin calcium (AC) were developed in an attempt to improve the in-vivo performance of AC following oral administration. The individual and combined effects of several formulation variables were previously investigated using step-wise full factorial designs in order to produce optimized AC-NPs with predetermined characteristics including particle size, drug loading capacity, drug release profile and physical stability. Four optimized formulations were further subjected in this work to lyophilization to promote their long-term physical stability and were fully characterized. The pharmacodynamics (PD)/pharmacokinetics (PK) properties of two optimized freeze-dried AC-NPs formulations showing acceptable long-term stability were determined and compared to a marketed AC immediate release tablet (Lipitor(®)) in albino rats. PD results revealed that the two tested formulations were equally effective in reducing low density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglycerides (TG) levels when given in reduced doses compared to Lipitor(®) and showed no adverse effects. PK results, on the other hand, revealed that the two freeze-dried AC-NPs formulations were of significantly lower bioavailability compared to Lipitor(®). Taken together the PD and PK results demonstrate that the improved efficacy obtained at reduced doses from the freeze-dried AC-NPs could be due to increased concentration of AC in the liver rather than in the plasma. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Multifrequency EPR study on freeze-dried fruits before and after X-ray irradiation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yordanov, N. D.; Aleksieva, K.; Dimitrova, A.; Georgieva, L.; Tzvetkova, E.

    2006-09-01

    X-, K- and Q-band EPR studies on lyophilized whole pulp parts of blue plum, apricot, peach, melon as well as achens and pulp separately of strawberry before and after X-ray irradiation are reported. Before irradiation all samples show in X band a weak singlet EPR line with g=2.0030±0.0005, except melon, which is EPR silent. Immediately after irradiation all samples exhibit complex fruit-depending spectra, which decay with time and change to give, in ca. 50 days, an asymmetric singlet EPR line with g=2.0041±0.0005. Only apricot pulp gave a typical "sugar-like" EPR spectrum. Singlet EPR lines recorded after irradiation in X -band are K- and Q-band resolved as typical anisotropic EPR spectra with g=2.0023±0.0003 and g⊥=2.0041±0.0005. In addition, K- and Q-band EPR spectra of all samples show a superposition with the six EPR lines of Mn 2+ naturally present in the fruits. The saturation behavior of the EPR spectra of achens of lyophilized and fresh strawberry is also studied. The differences in g factors of samples before and after X-ray irradiation might be used for the identification of radiation processing of fruits in the case of pulp and the differences in the EPR saturation behavior might be used for the achens of strawberry.

  12. Practical Considerations for Determination of Glass Transition Temperature of a Maximally Freeze Concentrated Solution.

    PubMed

    Pansare, Swapnil K; Patel, Sajal Manubhai

    2016-08-01

    Glass transition temperature is a unique thermal characteristic of amorphous systems and is associated with changes in physical properties such as heat capacity, viscosity, electrical resistance, and molecular mobility. Glass transition temperature for amorphous solids is referred as (T g), whereas for maximally freeze concentrated solution, the notation is (T g'). This article is focused on the factors affecting determination of T g' for application to lyophilization process design and frozen storage stability. Also, this review provides a perspective on use of various types of solutes in protein formulation and their effect on T g'. Although various analytical techniques are used for determination of T g' based on the changes in physical properties associated with glass transition, the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is the most commonly used technique. In this article, an overview of DSC technique is provided along with brief discussion on the alternate analytical techniques for T g' determination. Additionally, challenges associated with T g' determination, using DSC for protein formulations, are discussed. The purpose of this review is to provide a practical industry perspective on determination of T g' for protein formulations as it relates to design and development of lyophilization process and/or for frozen storage; however, a comprehensive review of glass transition temperature (T g, T g'), in general, is outside the scope of this work.

  13. Preclinical Evaluation of Antiurolithiatic Activity of Viburnum opulus L. on Sodium Oxalate-Induced Urolithiasis Rat Model

    PubMed Central

    İlhan, Mert; Ergene, Burçin; Süntar, Ipek; Özbilgin, Serkan; Saltan Çitoğlu, Gülçin; Demirel, M. Ayşe; Keleş, Hikmet; Altun, Levent; Küpeli Akkol, Esra

    2014-01-01

    The aim of the present research is to evaluate the antiurolithiatic effect of the various extracts prepared from the fruits of Viburnum opulus L., in regard to its ethnobotanical record. To induce urolithiasis, 70 mg/kg sodium oxalate was injected to the rats which were housed individually in metabolic cages. The test materials were applied during 7 days. Biochemical (urine and serum parameters), histopathological and antioxidant (TBARs, TSH and GSH) assays were conducted. The urine samples were examined by light microscope for the determination of the calcium oxalate crystals. Lyophilized juice of V. opulus (LJVO) and lyophilized commercial juice of V. opulus (LCJVO) exerted potential antiurolithiatic activity which was attributed to its diuretic effect along with the inhibitory action on the oxalate levels and free radical production. We also determined the chlorogenic acid content of the LJVO by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Chlorogenic acid was determined by using Supelcosil LC-18 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) column and acetonitrile: water: 0.2% o-phosphoric acid as a mobile phase. The chlorogenic acid content of V. opulus was found to be 0.3227 mg/mL in fruit juice. The results obtained in this study have provided a scientific evidence for the traditional usage of V. opulus on passing kidney stones in Turkish folk medicine. PMID:25165481

  14. Metalloproteomics Approach to Analyze Mercury in Breast Milk and Hair Samples of Lactating Women in Communities of the Amazon Basin, Brazil.

    PubMed

    Cerbino, M R; Vieira, José Cavalcante Souza; Braga, C P; Oliveira, G; Padilha, I F; Silva, T M; Zara, L F; Silva, N J; Padilha, P M

    2018-02-01

    Mercury is a potentially toxic element that is present in the environment of the Brazilian Amazon and is responsible for adverse health effects in humans. This study sought to assess possible protein biomarkers of mercury exposure in breast milk samples from lactating women in the Madeira and Negro Rivers in the Brazilian Amazon. The mercury content of hair samples of lactating women was determined, and the proteome of breast milk samples was obtained using two-dimensional electrophoresis after protein precipitation with acetone. Mercury measurements of protein spots obtained via protein fractionation were performed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS), and it was observed that mercury is linked to proteins with molecular masses in the range of 14-26 kDa. The total mercury concentration was also determined by GFAAS in unprocessed milk, lyophilized milk, and protein pellets, with the purpose of determining the mercury mass balance in relation to the concentration of this element in milk and pellets. Approximately 85 to 97% of mercury present in the lyophilized milk from samples of lactating women of the Madeira River is bound in the protein fraction. From lactating women of the Negro River, approximately 49% of the total mercury is bound in the protein fraction, and a difference of 51% is bound in the lipid fraction.

  15. The importance of using the optimal plastic and glassware in studies involving peptides

    PubMed Central

    Goebel-Stengel, Miriam; Stengel, Andreas; Taché, Yvette; Reeve, Joseph R.

    2011-01-01

    Background The unpredictable nature of peptide binding to surfaces requires optimization of experimental containers to be utilized. Objective To demonstrate the variable recoveries of peptides from multiple surfaces commonly employed in peptide research by testing the recovery of radiolabeled 125I-endocrine peptides under different conditions and provide guidelines for determining the surfaces to use for other peptides. Methods 125I-labeled peptides (ghrelin, sulfated cholecystokinin-8, corticotropin releasing factor, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), insulin, leptin, nesfatin-1, peptide YY) representing a wide spectrum in net charge, size, end groups and modifications were incubated for 48h in glass and plastic tubes untreated or coated with siliconizing fluid. Best surfaces were chosen and peptides incubated with bovine serum albumin (BSA, 1%) with or without subsequent lyophilization. Recovery of 125I-peptides was determined by γ-counting. Results Important differences in 125I-peptide binding capacities to various types of surfaces exist. Siliconization decreased while addition of BSA improved recovery from surfaces tested. Lyophilizing solutions containing 125I-peptides and BSA in the tubes best suited for individual peptides rendered >89% recovery for all peptides. Ghrelin specifically displaced 125I-ghrelin from borosilicate glass while GLP-1 and Fmoc-arginine did not. Conclusion Choosing the appropriate experimental container avoids unpredictable peptide loss resulting in inaccurate measurements and false conclusions. PMID:21315060

  16. Low cost industrial production of coagulation factor IX bioencapsulated in lettuce cells for oral tolerance induction in hemophilia B

    PubMed Central

    Su, Jin; Zhu, Liqing; Sherman, Alexandra; Wang, Xiaomei; Lin, Shina; Kamesh, Aditya; Norikane, Joey H.; Streatfield, Stephen J.; Herzog, Roland W.; Daniell, Henry

    2015-01-01

    Antibodies (inhibitors) developed by hemophilia B patients against coagulation factor IX (FIX) are challenging to eliminate because of anaphylaxis or nephrotic syndrome after continued infusion. To address this urgent unmet medical need, FIX fused with a transmucosal carrier (CTB) was produced in a commercial lettuce (Simpson Elite) cultivar using species specific chloroplast vectors regulated by endogenous psbA sequences. CTB-FIX (~1mg/g) in lyophilized cells was stable with proper folding, disulfide bonds and pentamer assembly when stored ~2 years at ambient temperature. Feeding lettuce cells to hemophilia B mice delivered CTB-FIX efficiently to the gut immune system, induced LAP+ regulatory T cells and suppressed inhibitor/IgE formation and anaphylaxis against FIX. Lyophilized cells enabled 10-fold dose escalation studies and successful induction of oral tolerance was observed in all tested doses. Induction of tolerance in such a broad dose range should enable oral delivery to patients of different age groups and diverse genetic background. Using Fraunhofer cGMP hydroponic system, ~870 kg fresh or 43.5 kg dry weight can be harvested per 1000 ft2 per annum yielding 24,000–36,000 doses for 20-kg pediatric patients, enabling first commercial development of an oral drug, addressing prohibitively expensive purification, cold storage/transportation and short shelf life of current protein drugs. PMID:26302233

  17. Development and Evaluation of Amphotericin B Loaded Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Targeted Drug Delivery to Systemic Fungal Infections

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Balabathula, Pavan

    A targeted nanotheronostic drug delivery system to diagnose and treat life threatening invasive fungal infections (IFIs) such as cryptococcal meningitis was designed, developed, characterized, and evaluated. To address the development processes, first, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) (34-40 nm) coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA), loaded and targeted with amphotericin B (AMB) (AMB-IONP) was formulated by applying a layer by layer approach. Several designs (A, B, C, D, & E) of AMB-IONP were developed and their physicochemical properties such as drug loading with HPLC method, particle size, poly dispersity index (PDI), and zeta-potential using dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique, morphology with transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), and in vitro drug release profile with dialysis method were evaluated. Second, uptake (with fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry) and killing efficacy (with susceptibility testing) of AMB-IONP in fungal clinical isolates of Candida species were evaluated and compared with standard drug AMB deoxycholate (AMB-D) data. Third, the cellular uptake mechanisms with endocytosis inhibitors and intracellular trafficking using TEM for design D were evaluated in selected isolates. Fourth, a stable lyophilized AMB-IONP formulation was developed and was suitable for clinical trials. A validated isocratic HPLC method was developed and validated for the quantitative determination of AMB. Design D was determined to be the lead formulation with drug loading of 13.6+/-6.9 of AMB/mg of IONP. The size, zeta-potential, and PDI for all formulation designs were found to be in an optimum range for a nanomedicine with ≤36 nm, ˜ -20 mV, and ≤0.2, respectively. The TEM images confirmed that the nanoparticles were monodispersed and spherical in shape. The drug release profile indicated a burst release up to 3 hours for designs A and B, followed by a sustained drug release profile up to 72 hours. Designs C and D (with and without glutaraldehyde) also had a sustained drug release profile up to 72 hours. The major mechanisms of drug release from these formulations were determined to be Fickian and non-Fickian diffusion with first order and Higuchi kinetic models as best fit. The cellular uptake profile for design D exhibited a time dependent uptake with maximum uptake at 0.5 and 4 hours for C. albicans and C. glabrata, respectively. All designs exhibited improved efficacy over AMB-D in the susceptibility testing conducted on clinical isolates of Candida. Design D was found to have an enhanced killing ability and was 16-25 fold more efficacious than AMB-D. An in vitro cellular association study found the uptake mechanism was energy dependent. An endocytosis inhibitor evaluation determined the major particle uptake pathway for C. albicans was lipid-raft mediated endocytosis, whereas for C. glabrata, it was clathrin-, caveolar-, and lipid-raft-mediated endocytosis. TEM and confocal images provided evidence the AMB-IONP were localized at or near the cell wall and membrane wall and inside the cytoplasm, nucleus and endolysosomal vesicles for tested isolates. The lyophilized formulation of AMB-IONP was successfully prepared using an appropriate amount (1:16 to the weight of IONP) of the lyoprotectant, sucrose. A short term stability study of both formulations (lyophilized and aqueous dispersion) at 5°C and 25°C for up to two months showed the lyophilized form was stable. In conclusion, a targeted nanotheronostic drug delivery system (AMB-IONP) was successfully designed, developed, characterized and evaluated as a potential drug product for IFIs treatment.

  18. Lyophilization process design space.

    PubMed

    Patel, Sajal Manubhai; Pikal, Michael J

    2013-11-01

    The application of key elements of quality by design (QbD), such as risk assessment, process analytical technology, and design space, is discussed widely as it relates to freeze-drying process design and development. However, this commentary focuses on constructing the Design and Control Space, particularly for the primary drying step of the freeze-drying process. Also, practical applications and considerations of claiming a process Design Space under the QbD paradigm have been discussed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

  19. A simple field kit for the determination of drug susceptibility in Plasmodium falciparum.

    PubMed

    Nguyen-Dinh, P; Magloire, R; Chin, W

    1983-05-01

    A field kit has been developed which greatly simplifies the performance of the 48-hour in vitro test for drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum. The kit uses an easily reconstituted lyophilized culture medium, and requires only a fingerprick blood sample. In parallel tests with 13 isolates of P. falciparum in Haiti, the new technique had a success rate equal to that of the previously described method, with comparable results in terms of parasite susceptibility in vitro to chloroquine and pyrimethamine.

  20. Evaluation of Dried Storage of Platelets and RBC for Transfusion: Lyophilization and other Dehydration Techniques.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-11-02

    linking agents. Water replacement molecules, such as trehalose or sucrose at concentrations up to 1 M, did not suffice to stabilize platelets for...concentration of albumin (5% w/v) or trehalose (250 mM - I M) is required in the final suspension prior to freeze-drying to ensure platelet yield and...structurally or functionally intact platelets post- rehydration; the presence of albumin or trehalose raises this yield to 90-100%. Lvophilization and Storage

  1. Two-Component Direct Fluorescent-Antibody Assay for Rapid Identification of Bacillus Anthracis

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2002-10-01

    inhalational anthrax during the 2001 bioterrorism-associated anthrax out- break in the United States (6,17). Materials and Methods Bacterial Isolates B...n=6), pleural fluids (n=4), lung tissues (n=3), and lymph nodes (n=2), were collected from seven patients with laboratory-confirmed inhalational ...FITC) conjugates were lyophilized in HEPES buffer (0.05 M HEPES, pH 7.0, 0.10% glycine, 0.01 M d-sorbitol, 0.15 M KCl, and 5% d- trehalose ) containing

  2. Fluorescence Spectra of Individual Flowing Airborne Biological Particles Measured in Real Time

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2001-02-01

    and fungal spores ( Aspergillus versicolor, ATCC 9577). B. subtilis var. niger (lyophilized cells) and E. herbicola were grown by streak- ing onto...Excitation Figure 7 shows fluorescence spectra of B. subtilis var. niger vegetative cells and fungal spores ( Aspergillus versicolor), both 5 µm in diameter...µm-diam clusters of B. subtilis var. niger spores, and B. subtilis var. niger vegetative cells ……………………………………… 10 5. Fluorescence spectra of starved

  3. Development of a Multifaceted Ovarian Cancer Imaging Agent

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-04-01

    8217’’-tetraacetic acid ( DOTA ), a heterobifunctional crosslinker that can be attached to Lys residues in proteins. To create a VN DOTA conjugate DOTA is first...DOTA:EDC:SNHS = 10:5:4. The DOTA -succinimide reaction mixture (15 µmol, calculated on the basis of SNHS) was cooled to 4°C and added to VN (3:1 molar... DOTA -coupled VN was purified by semipreparative HPLC. The peak (detection at 220nm) containing the conjugate was collected, lyophilized, and dissolved

  4. Wetting properties of molecularly rough surfaces

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Svoboda, Martin; Lísal, Martin, E-mail: lisal@icpf.cas.cz; Department of Physics, Institute of Science, J. E. Purkinje University, 400 96 Ústí n. Lab.

    2015-09-14

    We employ molecular dynamics simulations to study the wettability of nanoscale rough surfaces in systems governed by Lennard-Jones (LJ) interactions. We consider both smooth and molecularly rough planar surfaces. Solid substrates are modeled as a static collection of LJ particles arranged in a face-centered cubic lattice with the (100) surface exposed to the LJ fluid. Molecularly rough solid surfaces are prepared by removing several strips of LJ atoms from the external layers of the substrate, i.e., forming parallel nanogrooves on the surface. We vary the solid-fluid interactions to investigate strongly and weakly wettable surfaces. We determine the wetting properties bymore » measuring the equilibrium droplet profiles that are in turn used to evaluate the contact angles. Macroscopic arguments, such as those leading to Wenzel’s law, suggest that surface roughness always amplifies the wetting properties of a lyophilic surface. However, our results indicate the opposite effect from roughness for microscopically corrugated surfaces, i.e., surface roughness deteriorates the substrate wettability. Adding the roughness to a strongly wettable surface shrinks the surface area wet with the liquid, and it either increases or only marginally affects the contact angle, depending on the degree of liquid adsorption into the nanogrooves. For a weakly wettable surface, the roughness changes the surface character from lyophilic to lyophobic due to a weakening of the solid-fluid interactions by the presence of the nanogrooves and the weaker adsorption of the liquid into the nanogrooves.« less

  5. Effects of thermal treatments on donkey milk nutritional characteristics.

    PubMed

    Polidori, Paolo; Vincenzetti, Silvia

    2013-12-01

    Human breast milk is the best nutritional support to ensure right development and influence immune status of the newborn infant. However, when it is not possible to breast feed it may be necessary to use commercial infant formulas that mimic, where possible, the levels and types of nutrients present in human milk. Despite this, some formula-fed infants develop allergy and/or atopic disease compared to breast-fed infants. Most infants with cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) develop symptoms before 1 month of age, often within 1 week after introduction of cow's milk-based formula. Donkey milk may be considered a good substitute for cow's milk in feeding children with CMPA since its composition is very similar to human milk. An in-depth analysis of the donkey milk protein profile has been performed in this study. The interest was focused on the milk proteins considered safe for the prevention and treatment of various disorders in human. Since donkey milk supply is related to its seasonal availability during the year, in this study were evaluated the effects of different thermal treatments on the protein fractions of donkey milk. The results obtained in fresh, frozen, powdered and lyophilized donkey milk showed different values in total proteins, caseins, whey proteins and lysozyme content. This study demonstrated the possibility of using lyophilization in order to maintain the nutritional characteristics of donkey milk. The article presents some promising patents on the effects of thermal treatments on donkey milk nutritional characteristics.

  6. The influence of excipients commonly used in freeze drying on whole blood coagulation dynamics assessed by rotational thromboelastometry.

    PubMed

    Erber, Matthias; Lee, Geoffrey

    2015-09-01

    Lyophilized reagents are used on a daily basis in coagulation diagnostics. They often contain a number of excipients in addition to the active compound. Some of these excipients may, however, influence coagulation dynamics. Besides from plasmatic coagulation bulking agents may influence platelet properties. We therefore studied the influence of a variety of bulking agents (glycine, mannitol, sucrose and trehalose) as well as a surfactant (Tween® 80) on whole blood coagulation using thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) and platelet function analysis (ROTEM® platelet). Both disaccharides as well as Tween® 80 did not influence whole blood coagulation in the concentration range investigated. The addition of glycine and mannitol solutions to the ROTEM® measurement leads to an impaired clot formation as well as overall clot strength while clotting initiation remained barely influenced. Hypertonic glycine and mannitol solutions exhibit different clot formation impairment when correlated to their osmolar concentration and compared to equally osmolar NaCl-solutions. The effect of glycine was assigned to fibrin formation impairment identified with the FIBTEM assay. Platelet function analysis revealed that hypertonic glycine solutions do not alter platelet function but hypertonic mannitol and NaCl solutions do. While the influence observed for glycine may be due to fibrinogen precipitation, the mechanism of mannitol appears to be more complex as platelet function as well as fibrin-based clot formation are influenced. This study therefore demonstrates the necessity to check for coagulation impairment due to compounds contained in lyophilized reagents.

  7. Development of New Lipid-Based Paclitaxel Nanoparticles Using Sequential Simplex Optimization

    PubMed Central

    Dong, Xiaowei; Mattingly, Cynthia A.; Tseng, Michael; Cho, Moo; Adams, Val R.; Mumper, Russell J.

    2008-01-01

    The objective of these studies was to develop Cremophor-free lipid-based paclitaxel (PX) nanoparticle formulations prepared from warm microemulsion precursors. To identify and optimize new nanoparticles, experimental design was performed combining Taguchi array and sequential simplex optimization. The combination of Taguchi array and sequential simplex optimization efficiently directed the design of paclitaxel nanoparticles. Two optimized paclitaxel nanoparticles (NPs) were obtained: G78 NPs composed of glyceryl tridodecanoate (GT) and polyoxyethylene 20-stearyl ether (Brij 78), and BTM NPs composed of Miglyol 812, Brij 78 and D-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS). Both nanoparticles successfully entrapped paclitaxel at a final concentration of 150 μg/ml (over 6% drug loading) with particle sizes less than 200 nm and over 85% of entrapment efficiency. These novel paclitaxel nanoparticles were stable at 4°C over three months and in PBS at 37°C over 102 hours as measured by physical stability. Release of paclitaxel was slow and sustained without initial burst release. Cytotoxicity studies in MDA-MB-231 cancer cells showed that both nanoparticles have similar anticancer activities compared to Taxol®. Interestingly, PX BTM nanocapsules could be lyophilized without cryoprotectants. The lyophilized powder comprised only of PX BTM NPs in water could be rapidly rehydrated with complete retention of original physicochemical properties, in-vitro release properties, and cytotoxicity profile. Sequential Simplex Optimization has been utilized to identify promising new lipid-based paclitaxel nanoparticles having useful attributes. PMID:19111929

  8. In vitro efficacy of latex and purified papain from Carica papaya against Strongyloides venezuelensis eggs and larvae

    PubMed Central

    Moraes, Dayane; Levenhagen, Marcelo Arantes; Costa-Cruz, Julia Maria; da Costa, Antônio Paulino; Rodrigues, Rosângela Maria

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Latex from Carica papaya is rich in bioactive compounds, especially papain, which may help to control parasitic diseases. This study evaluated the efficacy of latex from C. papaya and purified papain against Strongyloides venezuelensis. The Egg Hatching Test (EHT) and the Larval Motility Test (LMT) using fresh and frozen latex (250mg/mL), lyophilized latex (34mg/mL), and purified papain (2.8 mg/mL) were performed. Albendazole (0.025 mg/mL) and ivermectin (316 ppm) were used as positive controls. EHT and LMT were carried out through the incubation of each solution with S. venezuelensis eggs or larvae (± 100 specimens), and results were analyzed after 48h (EHT) or 24, 48, and 72h (LMT). EHT showed that latex preparations at higher concentrations (1:10 to 1:100) resulted in partial or complete destruction of eggs and larvae inside the eggs. The result from the 1:1,000 dilution was similar to the positive control. LMT showed effectiveness in all the tested dilutions compared to negative controls. Purified papain showed a dose-dependent response in the EHT. Purified papain (2.8 mg/ mL) showed similar results to lyophilized latex at 1:1,000 in the EHT. Latex and purified papain from C. papaya were effective against S. venezuelensis eggs and larvae in vitro, suggesting their potential use as an alternative treatment for strongyloidiasis. PMID:28380118

  9. Potential therapeutic effect of the secretome from human uterine cervical stem cells against both cancer and stromal cells compared with adipose tissue stem cells

    PubMed Central

    Seoane, Samuel; Bermúdez, María A.; Lamelas, Maria Luz; Garcia-Caballero, Tomás; Schneider, José; Perez-Fernandez, Roman; Vizoso, Francisco J.

    2014-01-01

    Evidences indicate that tumor development and progression towards a malignant phenotype depend not only on cancer cells themselves, but are also deeply influenced by tumor stroma reactivity. The present study uses mesenchymal stem cells from normal human uterine cervix (hUCESCs), isolated by the minimally invasive method of routine Pap cervical smear, to study their effect on the three main cell types in a tumor: cancer cells, fibroblasts and macrophages. Administration of hUCESCs-conditioned medium (CM) to a highly invasive breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell line and to human breast tumors with high cell proliferation rates had the effect of reducing cell proliferation, modifying the cell cycle, inducing apoptosis, and decreasing invasion. In a xenograft mouse tumor model, hUCESCs-CM reduced tumor growth and increased overall survival. In cancer-associated fibroblasts, administration of hUCESCs-CM resulted in reduced cell proliferation, greater apoptosis and decreased invasion. In addition, hUCESCs-CM inhibited and reverted macrophage differentiation. The analysis of hUCESCs-CM (fresh and lyophilized) suggests that a complex paracrine signaling network could be implicated in the anti-tumor potential of hUCESCs. In light of their anti-tumor potential, the easy cell isolation method, and the fact that lyophilization of their CM conserves original properties make hUCESCs good candidates for experimental or clinical applications in anticancer therapy. PMID:25296979

  10. New multifunctional pharmaceutical excipient in tablet formulation based on citric acid-cyclodextrin polymer.

    PubMed

    Garcia-Fernandez, Maria José; Tabary, Nicolas; Chai, Feng; Cazaux, Frédéric; Blanchemain, Nicolas; Flament, Marie-Pierre; Martel, Bernard

    2016-09-25

    A β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) polymer obtained by crosslinking β-CD with citric acid in its water-insoluble (PCD-I) and soluble (PCD-S) forms was used as a multifunctional direct compression excipient for tablet designing. PCD-I powder was obtained after grinding the solid fraction through a 200μm grid. PCD-S powder was recovered after lyophilization or spray drying of the PCD-S aqueous solutions, eventually followed by a wet granulation step. Both PCD-I and PCD-S powders were characterized, separately and mixed in variable ratios, based on dynamic water vapor sorption, SEM, particle size distribution, tapped density, compressibility, and flowability. PCD-I and spray dried and lyophilized/wet granulated PCD-S, as well as the mixture PCD-I/PCD-S=90/10, presented optimal free flowing characteristics. Then, PCD-I or PCD-S powders - separately or mixed in variable ratios - were used for tablets preparation by direct compression without adding any other excipient (e.g. binder, lubricant, disintegrant etc). As PCD-I decreased, tablets resistance to crushing and disintegration time increased from 15s to 15min (against 30min for β-CD), showing the improved disintegrant functionality of PCD-I, that rapidly swelled once in contact with water. Finally, PCD was force-fed to Sprague-Dawley rats (2g/kg) which were then observed during 14days for any clinical signs of toxicity. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  11. Dietary supplementation with the polyphenol-rich açaí pulps (Euterpe oleracea Mart. and Euterpe precatoria Mart.) improves cognition in aged rats and attenuates inflammatory signaling in BV-2 microglial cells.

    PubMed

    Carey, Amanda N; Miller, Marshall G; Fisher, Derek R; Bielinski, Donna F; Gilman, Casey K; Poulose, Shibu M; Shukitt-Hale, Barbara

    2017-05-01

    The present study was carried out to determine if lyophilized açaí fruit pulp (genus, Euterpe), rich in polyphenols and other bioactive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, is efficacious in reversing age-related cognitive deficits in aged rats. The diets of 19-month-old Fischer 344 rats were supplemented for 8 weeks with 2% Euterpe oleracea (EO), Euterpe precatoria (EP), or a control diet. Rats were tested in the Morris water maze and then blood serum from the rats was used to assess inflammatory responses of BV-2 microglial cells. After 8 weeks of dietary supplementation with 2% EO or EP, rats demonstrated improved working memory in the Morris water maze, relative to controls; however, only the EO diet improved reference memory. BV-2 microglial cells treated with blood serum collected from EO-fed rats produced less nitric oxide (NO) than control-fed rats. Serum from both EO- and EP-fed rats reduced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). There is a relationship between performance in the water maze and the production of NO and TNF-α by serum-treated BV-2 cells, such that serum from rats with better performance was more protective against inflammatory signaling. Protection of memory during aging by supplementation of lyophilized açaí fruit pulp added to the diet may result from its ability to influence antioxidant and anti-inflammatory signaling.

  12. Low cost industrial production of coagulation factor IX bioencapsulated in lettuce cells for oral tolerance induction in hemophilia B.

    PubMed

    Su, Jin; Zhu, Liqing; Sherman, Alexandra; Wang, Xiaomei; Lin, Shina; Kamesh, Aditya; Norikane, Joey H; Streatfield, Stephen J; Herzog, Roland W; Daniell, Henry

    2015-11-01

    Antibodies (inhibitors) developed by hemophilia B patients against coagulation factor IX (FIX) are challenging to eliminate because of anaphylaxis or nephrotic syndrome after continued infusion. To address this urgent unmet medical need, FIX fused with a transmucosal carrier (CTB) was produced in a commercial lettuce (Simpson Elite) cultivar using species specific chloroplast vectors regulated by endogenous psbA sequences. CTB-FIX (∼1 mg/g) in lyophilized cells was stable with proper folding, disulfide bonds and pentamer assembly when stored ∼2 years at ambient temperature. Feeding lettuce cells to hemophilia B mice delivered CTB-FIX efficiently to the gut immune system, induced LAP(+) regulatory T cells and suppressed inhibitor/IgE formation and anaphylaxis against FIX. Lyophilized cells enabled 10-fold dose escalation studies and successful induction of oral tolerance was observed in all tested doses. Induction of tolerance in such a broad dose range should enable oral delivery to patients of different age groups and diverse genetic background. Using Fraunhofer cGMP hydroponic system, ∼870 kg fresh or 43.5 kg dry weight can be harvested per 1000 ft(2) per annum yielding 24,000-36,000 doses for 20-kg pediatric patients, enabling first commercial development of an oral drug, addressing prohibitively expensive purification, cold storage/transportation and short shelf life of current protein drugs. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  13. Precipitation-lyophilization-homogenization (PLH) for preparation of clarithromycin nanocrystals: influencing factors on physicochemical properties and stability.

    PubMed

    Morakul, Boontida; Suksiriworapong, Jiraphong; Leanpolchareanchai, Jiraporn; Junyaprasert, Varaporn Buraphacheep

    2013-11-30

    Nanocrystals is one of effective technologies used to improve solubility and dissolution behavior of poorly soluble drugs. Clarithromycin is classified in BCS class II having low bioavailability due to very low dissolution behavior. The main purpose of this study was to investigate an efficiency of clarithromycin nanocrystals preparation by precipitation-lyophilization-homogenization (PLH) combination method in comparison with high pressure homogenization (HPH) method. The factors influencing particle size reduction and physical stability were assessed. The results showed that the PLH technique provided an effective and rapid reduction of particle size of nanocrystals to 460 ± 10 nm with homogeneity size distribution after only the fifth cycle of homogenization, whereas the same size was attained after 30 cycles by the HPH method. The smallest nanocrystals were achieved by using the combination of poloxamer 407 (2%, w/v) and SLS (0.1%, w/v) as stabilizers. This combination could prevent the particle aggregation over 3-month storage at 4 °C. The results from SEM showed that the clarithromycin nanocrystals were in cubic-shaped similar to its initial particle morphology. The DSC thermogram and X-ray diffraction pattern of nanocrystals were not different from the original drug except for intensity of peaks which indicated the presenting of nanocrystals in the crystalline state and/or partial amorphous form. In addition, the dissolution of the clarithromycin nanocrystals was dramatically increased as compared to the coarse clarithromycin. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Protective effect of sugars on storage stability of microwave freeze-dried and freeze-dried Lactobacillus paracasei F19.

    PubMed

    Ambros, S; Hofer, F; Kulozik, U

    2018-05-31

    Microwave freeze drying in comparison to conventional freeze drying allows for intensification of the preservation process of lactic acid bacteria without imposing additional processing stress. Viability as a function of storage time of microwave freeze-dried Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei F19 was investigated in comparison to conventionally lyophilized bacteria of the same strain. Further, the impact of the protectants, sorbitol, trehalose and maltodextrin, on shelf life was analyzed. The highest inactivation rates of 0.035 and 0.045 d -1 , respectively, were found for cultures without protectants. Thus, all additives were found to exhibit a protective effect during storage with inactivation rates between 0.015 and 0.040 d -1 . Although trehalose and maltodextrin samples were in the glassy state during storage, in contrast to samples containing sorbitol as protectant, the best protective effect could be found for sorbitol with the lowest inactivation rate of 0.015 d -1 . Due to its low molecular weight, it might protect cells owing to better adsorption to the cytoplasma membrane. Sorbitol additionally shows antioxidative properties. Storage behavior of microwave freeze-dried cultures follows the typical behavior of a product dried by conventional lyophilization. No significant influence of the drying technique on storage behavior was detected. General findings concerning storage behavior in freeze drying are likely to be applicable in microwave freeze drying with only slight adjustments. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  15. Citropin 1.1 Trifluoroacetate to Chloride Counter-Ion Exchange in HCl-Saturated Organic Solutions: An Alternative Approach.

    PubMed

    Sikora, Karol; Neubauer, Damian; Jaśkiewicz, Maciej; Kamysz, Wojciech

    2018-01-01

    In view of the increasing interest in peptides in various market sectors, a stronger emphasis on topics related to their production has been seen. Fmoc-based solid phase peptide synthesis, although being fast and efficient, provides final products with significant amounts of trifluoroacetate ions in the form of either a counter-ion or an unbound impurity. Because of the proven toxicity towards cells and peptide activity inhibition, ion exchange to more biocompatible one is purposeful. Additionally, as most of the currently used counter-ion exchange techniques are time-consuming and burdened by peptide yield reduction risk, development of a new approach is still a sensible solution. In this study, we examined the potential of peptide counter-ion exchange using non-aqueous organic solvents saturated with HCl. Counter-ion exchange of a model peptide, citropin 1.1 (GLFDVIKKVASVIGGL-NH 2 ), for each solvent was conducted through incubation with subsequent evaporation under reduced pressure, dissolution in water and lyophilization. Each exchange was performed four times and compared to a reference method-lyophilization of the peptide from an 0.1 M HCl solution. The results showed superior counter-ion exchange efficiency for most of the organic solutions in relation to the reference method. Moreover, HCl-saturated acetonitrile and tert -butanol provided a satisfying exchange level after just one repetition. Thus, those two organic solvents can be potentially introduced into routine peptide counter-ion exchange.

  16. A Design of Experiment approach to predict product and process parameters for a spray dried influenza vaccine.

    PubMed

    Kanojia, Gaurav; Willems, Geert-Jan; Frijlink, Henderik W; Kersten, Gideon F A; Soema, Peter C; Amorij, Jean-Pierre

    2016-09-25

    Spray dried vaccine formulations might be an alternative to traditional lyophilized vaccines. Compared to lyophilization, spray drying is a fast and cheap process extensively used for drying biologicals. The current study provides an approach that utilizes Design of Experiments for spray drying process to stabilize whole inactivated influenza virus (WIV) vaccine. The approach included systematically screening and optimizing the spray drying process variables, determining the desired process parameters and predicting product quality parameters. The process parameters inlet air temperature, nozzle gas flow rate and feed flow rate and their effect on WIV vaccine powder characteristics such as particle size, residual moisture content (RMC) and powder yield were investigated. Vaccine powders with a broad range of physical characteristics (RMC 1.2-4.9%, particle size 2.4-8.5μm and powder yield 42-82%) were obtained. WIV showed no significant loss in antigenicity as revealed by hemagglutination test. Furthermore, descriptive models generated by DoE software could be used to determine and select (set) spray drying process parameter. This was used to generate a dried WIV powder with predefined (predicted) characteristics. Moreover, the spray dried vaccine powders retained their antigenic stability even after storage for 3 months at 60°C. The approach used here enabled the generation of a thermostable, antigenic WIV vaccine powder with desired physical characteristics that could be potentially used for pulmonary administration. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Serum phenylalanine in preterm newborns fed different diets of human milk.

    PubMed

    Thomaz, Débora M; Serafin, Paula O; Palhares, Durval B; Tavares, Luciana V M; Grance, Thayana R S

    2014-01-01

    To evaluate phenylalanine plasma profile in preterm newborns fed different human milk diets. Twenty-four very-low weight preterm newborns were distributed randomly in three groups with different feeding types: Group I: banked human milk plus 5% commercial fortifier with bovine protein, Group II: banked human milk plus evaporated fortifier derived from modified human milk, Group III: banked human milk plus lyophilized fortifier derived from modified human milk. The newborns received the group diet when full diet was attained at 15 ± 2 days. Plasma amino acid analysis was performedon the first and last day of feeding. Comparison among groups was performed by statistical tests: one way ANOVA with Tukey's post-test using SPSS software, version 20.0 (IBM Corp, NY, USA), considering a significance level of 5%. Phenylalanine levels in the first and second analysis were, respectively, in Group I: 11.9 ± 1.22 and 29.72 ± 0.73; in Group II: 11.72 ± 1.04 and 13.44 ± 0.61; and in Group III: 11.3 ± 1.18 and 15.42 ± 0.83 μmol/L. The observed results demonstrated that human milk with fortifiers derived from human milk acted as a good substratum for preterm infant feeding both in the evaporated or the lyophilized form, without significant increases in plasma phenylalanine levels in comparison to human milk with commercial fortifier. Copyright © 2014 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

  18. Vacuum decay container closure integrity leak test method development and validation for a lyophilized product-package system.

    PubMed

    Patel, Jayshree; Mulhall, Brian; Wolf, Heinz; Klohr, Steven; Guazzo, Dana Morton

    2011-01-01

    A leak test performed according to ASTM F2338-09 Standard Test Method for Nondestructive Detection of Leaks in Packages by Vacuum Decay Method was developed and validated for container-closure integrity verification of a lyophilized product in a parenteral vial package system. This nondestructive leak test method is intended for use in manufacturing as an in-process package integrity check, and for testing product stored on stability in lieu of sterility tests. Method development and optimization challenge studies incorporated artificially defective packages representing a range of glass vial wall and sealing surface defects, as well as various elastomeric stopper defects. Method validation required 3 days of random-order replicate testing of a test sample population of negative-control, no-defect packages and positive-control, with-defect packages. Positive-control packages were prepared using vials each with a single hole laser-drilled through the glass vial wall. Hole creation and hole size certification was performed by Lenox Laser. Validation study results successfully demonstrated the vacuum decay leak test method's ability to accurately and reliably detect those packages with laser-drilled holes greater than or equal to approximately 5 μm in nominal diameter. All development and validation studies were performed at Whitehouse Analytical Laboratories in Whitehouse, NJ, under the direction of consultant Dana Guazzo of RxPax, LLC, using a VeriPac 455 Micro Leak Test System by Packaging Technologies & Inspection (Tuckahoe, NY). Bristol Myers Squibb (New Brunswick, NJ) fully subsidized all work. A leak test performed according to ASTM F2338-09 Standard Test Method for Nondestructive Detection of Leaks in Packages by Vacuum Decay Method was developed and validated to detect defects in stoppered vial packages containing lyophilized product for injection. This nondestructive leak test method is intended for use in manufacturing as an in-process package integrity check, and for testing product stored on stability in lieu of sterility tests. Test method validation study results proved the method capable of detecting holes laser-drilled through the glass vial wall greater than or equal to 5 μm in nominal diameter. Total test time is less than 1 min per package. All method development and validation studies were performed at Whitehouse Analytical Laboratories in Whitehouse, NJ, under the direction of consultant Dana Guazzo of RxPax, LLC, using a VeriPac 455 Micro Leak Test System by Packaging Technologies & Inspection (Tuckahoe, NY). Bristol Myers Squibb (New Brunswick, NJ) fully subsidized all work.

  19. Development of a Rapidly Dissolvable Oral Pediatric Formulation for Mefloquine Using Liposomes.

    PubMed

    Tang, Wei-Lun; Tang, Wei-Hsin; Chen, Weihsu Claire; Diako, Charles; Ross, Carolyn F; Li, Shyh-Dar

    2017-06-05

    Mefloquine (Mef), a poorly soluble and highly bitter drug, has been used for malaria prophylaxis and treatment. The dosage form for Mef is mostly available as adult tablets, and thus children under the age of 5 suffer from poor medication adherence. We have developed a stable, rapidly dissolvable, and palatable pediatric formulation for Mef using liposomes composed of 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC) and cholesterol with a mean diameter of ∼110 nm. Mef was actively loaded into the liposomes via an ammonium sulfate gradient using the solvent-assisted loading technology (SALT) developed in our lab. Complete loading of Mef inside the liposomal core was achieved at a high drug-to-lipid ratio (D/L) of 0.1-0.2 (w/w), and the final drug content in the formulation was ∼8 mg/mL, well above the solubility of Mef (<0.6 mg/mL in simulated fluids). The strong bitterness of Mef was masked by the liposomal encapsulation as measured by an electronic tongue. Incubating the Mef-liposomes (Mef-Lipo) in the simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) and the simulated intestinal fluid containing 3 mM sodium taurocholate (pH 6.8) induced changes in liposome size and the polydispersity, resulting in drug release (∼40% in 2 h). However, no drug release from the Mef-Lipo was measured in the bile salt-free intestinal fluid or simulated saliva (0% in 3 h). These data suggest that drug release from the Mef-Lipo was mediated by a low pH and the presence of a surfactant. Pancreatic lipase did not degrade DSPC in the Mef-Lipo after 8 h of incubation nor induce Mef release from the liposomes, indicating that lipid digestion played a minor role for drug release from the Mef-Lipo. In order to improve long-term room temperature storage, the Mef-Lipo was lyophilized to obtain a solid formulation, which was completely dissolvable in water in 10 s and displayed similar in vitro profiles of release as the liquid form. The lyophilized Mef-Lipo was stable at room temperature for >3 months. In mice, orally delivered liquid and lyophilized Mef-Lipo displayed comparable absorption with bioavailability (BA) of 81-86%, while the absorption of the standard Mef suspension was significantly lower with BA of 70% and 20% decreased maximal plasma concentration and area under the curve. Our data suggest that the Mef-Lipo was a stable, palatable, and bioavailable formulation that might be suitable for pediatric use.

  20. Radiation inactivation method provides evidence that membrane-bound mitochondrial creatine kinase is an oligomer

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Quemeneur, E.; Eichenberger, D.; Goldschmidt, D.

    1988-06-30

    Lyophilized suspensions of rabbit heart mitochondria have been irradiated with varying doses of gamma rays. Mitochondrial creatine kinase activity was inactivated exponentially with a radiation inactivation size of 352 or 377 kDa depending upon the initial medium. These values are in good agreement with the molecular mass previously deduced from by permeation experiments: 357 kDa. This is the first direct evidence showing that the native form of mitochondrial creatine kinase is associated to the inner membrane as an oligomer, very likely an octamer.

  1. Formation of ectopic osteogenesis in weightlessness

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1977-01-01

    An ectopic osteogenesis experiment aboard the Cosmos-936 biosatellite is described. Decalcified, lyophilized femur and tibia were implanted under the fascia or in the anterior wall of the abdomen in rats. Bone formation before and after the tests is described and illustrated. The extent of formation of ectopic bone in weightlessness did not differ significantly from that in the ground controls, but the bone marrow of the ectopic bone of the flight rats consisted exclusively of fat cells. The deficit of support-muscle loading was considered to cause the disturbance in skeletal bone tissue development.

  2. Evaluation of lyophility of carbon materials for electrodes of supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kompan, M. E.; Agafonov, D. V.; Bursian, A. E.; Dmitriev, D. S.; Mikryukova, M. A.

    2016-12-01

    The heats of wetting have been measured experimentally for some of the solvents used for the preparation of electrolytes of supercapacitors. For the first time, the heat of wetting has been measured for a new promising solvent—tributyl phosphate. Using acetonitrile as an example, the possible orientation of the molecule at the adsorbing surface has been investigated by the technique of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) (effect of giant enhancement of the scattering by a conducting surface). The calculated estimates have been obtained for the quantities found in the experiment.

  3. Sperm immobilization by dental focus microorganisms.

    PubMed

    Linossier, A; Thumann, A; Bustos-Obregon, E

    1982-01-01

    Focal infections and their ability to produce alterations in different tissues have been in dispute for long time. The purpose of this work was to observe "in vitro" the effect of an Escherichia coli filtrate obtained from open pulpar necrosis on human sperm motility. It was observed that the E. coli filtrate produced a loss in sperm motility. The immobilizating factor was studied and characterized as a heat-stable, resistant to lyophilization and non-dializable substance, which could via blood stream reach the male reproductive system and affect sperm motility.

  4. Technology, Applications, and Process Challenges of Dual Chamber Systems.

    PubMed

    Werk, Tobias; Ludwig, Imke S; Luemkemann, Joerg; Mahler, Hanns-Christian; Huwyler, Joerg; Hafner, Mathias

    2016-01-01

    Dual-chamber systems provide an option as a drug and device combination product, when home care and emergency lyophilized products are intended. Nevertheless, until today, there are only a few products on the market, due to the challenges and limitations in manufacturability, product formulation, and product stability in a dual-chamber configuration, as well as economic considerations. This review serves to describe currently available dual-chamber systems and to discuss factors to be considered for appropriate selection and establishing fill-finish processes. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  5. Silybin Against Liver Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: Something Old, Something New….

    PubMed

    Oltean, Mihai

    2017-09-13

    Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is a life threatening condition that may develop after elective liver surgery or liver transplantation. Numerous surgical and pharmacological approaches have shown varying degrees of protection against liver IRI. A group of protective compounds are the flavonoids but their intestinal absorbtion and bioavailability are low and impredictible. In this issue Tsaroucha et al. reports significantly decreased hepatocellular injury, Fas/FasL expression and inhibited HMGB1 release in rats receiving a hydrosoluble, lyophilized complex of SLB and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (SLB-HP-β-CD) intravenously.

  6. A highly stable blood meal alternative for rearing Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes.

    PubMed

    Baughman, Ted; Peterson, Chelsea; Ortega, Corrie; Preston, Sarah R; Paton, Christopher; Williams, Jessica; Guy, Amy; Omodei, Gavin; Johnson, Brian; Williams, Helen; O'Neill, Scott L; Ritchie, Scott A; Dobson, Stephen L; Madan, Damian

    2017-12-01

    We investigated alternatives to whole blood for blood feeding of mosquitoes with a focus on improved stability and compatibility with mass rearing programs. In contrast to whole blood, an artificial blood diet of ATP-supplemented plasma was effective in maintaining mosquito populations and was compatible with storage for extended periods refrigerated, frozen, and as a lyophilized powder. The plasma ATP diet supported rearing of both Anopheles and Aedes mosquitoes. It was also effective in rearing Wolbachia-infected Aedes mosquitoes, suggesting compatibility with vector control efforts.

  7. Mechanism of lethal action of 2,450-MHz radiation on microorganisms.

    PubMed Central

    Vela, G R; Wu, J F

    1979-01-01

    Various bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, and bacteriophages were exposed to microwaves of 2,450 +/- 20 MHz in the presence and in the absence of water. It was found that microorganisms were inactivated only when in the presence of water and that dry or lyophilized organisms were not affected even by extended exposures. The data presented here prove that microorganisms are killed by "thermal effect" only and that, most likely, there is no "nonthermal effect"; cell constituents other than water do not absorb sufficient energy to kill microbial cells. PMID:453828

  8. Lyophilized plasma attenuates vascular permeability, inflammation and lung injury in hemorrhagic shock.

    PubMed

    Pati, Shibani; Peng, Zhanglong; Wataha, Katherine; Miyazawa, Byron; Potter, Daniel R; Kozar, Rosemary A

    2018-01-01

    In severe trauma and hemorrhage the early and empiric use of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is associated with decreased morbidity and mortality. However, utilization of FFP comes with the significant burden of shipping and storage of frozen blood products. Dried or lyophilized plasma (LP) can be stored at room temperature, transported easily, reconstituted rapidly with ready availability in remote and austere environments. We have previously demonstrated that FFP mitigates the endothelial injury that ensues after hemorrhagic shock (HS). In the current study, we sought to determine whether LP has similar properties to FFP in its ability to modulate endothelial dysfunction in vitro and in vivo. Single donor LP was compared to single donor FFP using the following measures of endothelial cell (EC) function in vitro: permeability and transendothelial monolayer resistance; adherens junction preservation; and leukocyte-EC adhesion. In vivo, using a model of murine HS, LP and FFP were compared in measures of HS- induced pulmonary vascular inflammation and edema. Both in vitro and in vivo in all measures of EC function, LP demonstrated similar effects to FFP. Both FFP and LP similarly reduced EC permeability, increased transendothelial resistance, decreased leukocyte-EC binding and persevered adherens junctions. In vivo, LP and FFP both comparably reduced pulmonary injury, inflammation and vascular leak. Both FFP and LP have similar potent protective effects on the vascular endothelium in vitro and in lung function in vivo following hemorrhagic shock. These data support the further development of LP as an effective plasma product for human use after trauma and hemorrhagic shock.

  9. Optical enhanced luminescent measurements and sequential reagent mixing on a centrifugal microfluidic device for multi-analyte point-of-care applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bartholomeusz, Daniel A.; Davies, Rupert H.; Andrade, Joseph D.

    2006-02-01

    A centrifugal-based microfluidic device1 was built with lyophilized bioluminescent reagents for measuring multiple metabolites from a sample of less than 15 μL. Microfluidic channels, reaction wells, and valves were cut in adhesive vinyl film using a knife plotter with features down to 30 μm and transferred to metalized polycarbonate compact disks (CDs). The fabrication method was simple enough to test over 100 prototypes within a few months. It also allowed enzymes to be packaged in microchannels without exposure to heat or chemicals. The valves were rendered hydrophobic using liquid phase deposition. Microchannels were patterned using soft lithography to make them hydrophilic. Reagents and calibration standards were deposited and lyophilized in different wells before being covered with another adhesive film. Sample delivery was controlled by a modified CD ROM. The CD was capable of distributing 200 nL sample aliquots to 36 channels, each with a different set of reagents that mixed with the sample before initiating the luminescent reactions. Reflection of light from the metalized layer and lens configuration allowed for 20% of the available light to be collected from each channel. ATP was detected down to 0.1 μM. Creatinine, glucose, and galactose were also measured in micro and milliMolar ranges. Other optical-based analytical assays can easily be incorporated into the device design. The minimal sample size needed and expandability of the device make it easier to simultaneously measure a variety of clinically relevant analytes in point-of-care settings.

  10. Chemical approach to solvent removal during nanoencapsulation: its application to preparation of PLGA nanoparticles with non-halogenated solvent

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Youngme; Sah, Eric; Sah, Hongkee

    2015-11-01

    The objective of this study was to develop a new oil-in-water emulsion-based nanoencapsulation method for the preparation of PLGA nanoparticles using a non-halogenated solvent. PLGA (60-150 mg) was dissolved in 3 ml of methyl propionate, which was vortexed with 4 ml of a 0.5-4 % polyvinyl alcohol solution. This premix was sonicated for 2 min, added into 30 ml of the aqueous polyvinyl alcohol solution, and reacted with 3 ml of 10 N NaOH. Solvent removal was achieved by the alkaline hydrolysis of methyl propionate dissolved in an aqueous phase into water-soluble methanol and sodium propionate. It was a simple but effective technique to quickly harden nanoemulsion droplets into nanoparticles. The appearing PLGA nanoparticles were recovered by ultracentrifugation and/or dialysis, lyophilized with trehalose, and redispersed by water. This nanoencapsulation technique permitted a control of their mean diameters over 151.7 ± 3.8 to 440.2 ± 22.2 nm at mild processing conditions. When the aqueous polyvinyl alcohol concentration was set at ≥1 %, nanoparticles showed uniform distributions with polydispersity indices below 0.1. There were no significant changes in their mean diameters and size distribution patterns before and after lyophilization. When mestranol was encapsulated into nanoparticles, the drug was completely nanoencapsulated: depending on experimental conditions, their encapsulation efficiencies were determined to be 99.4 ± 7.2 to 105.8 ± 6.3 %. This simple, facile nanoencapsulation technique might have versatile applications for the preparation of polymeric nanoparticulate dosage forms.

  11. Ebola Preparedness: Diagnosis Improvement Using Rapid Approaches for Proficiency Testing

    PubMed Central

    Lau, Katherine A.; Theis, Torsten; Gray, Joanna

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT The unprecedented 2015 Ebolavirus (EBOV) outbreak in West Africa was declared a public health emergency, making diagnosis and quality of testing a global issue. The accuracy of laboratory diagnostic capacity for EBOV was assessed in 2014 to 2016 using a proficiency testing (PT) strategy developed by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Programs (RCPAQAP) in Biosecurity. Following a literature search, EBOV-specific gene targets were ranked according to the frequency of their use in published methods. The most commonly used gene regions (nucleoprotein [NP], glycoprotein [GP], and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase [L]) were selected for the design of in vitro RNA transcripts to be included in the simulated EBOV specimens used for EBOV detection with PCR-based assays. Specimens were tested for stability and found to be stable on long-term storage (1 year) at −80°C and on shorter-term storage in lyophilized form (1 week at ambient temperature and a subsequent week at −80°C). These specimens were used in three EBOV PTs offered from April 2014 to March 2016. In the first and third PTs, all laboratories (3/3 and 9/9, respectively) correctly identified specimens containing EBOV RNA transcripts, while in the second PT, all but one laboratory (5/6) correctly confirmed the presence of EBOV. The EBOV PT panel was useful for ensuring the competency of laboratories in detecting EBOV in the absence of readily available clinical samples. The simulated EBOV specimen was safe, stable, and reliable and can be used in lyophilized form for future EBOV PT programs, allowing simplicity of transport. PMID:27974537

  12. Microbiological contamination of dried and lyophilized garlic as a potential source of food spoilage.

    PubMed

    Kłębukowska, Lucyna; Zadernowska, Anna; Chajęcka-Wierzchowska, Wioleta

    2015-03-01

    Garlic is valued more for its flavoring and used in a wide variety of foods. In food technology, fresh garlic is not used, but instead its processed forms, most often dried and lyophilized, are utilized. The quality and safety of the final product largely depends on their microbiological quality. This research has provided information about effect of garlic fixation methods and provided information about effect of microbiological contamination of garlic used as a spice for quality of garlic mayonnaise sauce. The authors decided to undertake studies following a report from one of the manufacturers of garlic sauces on product defects which originated in dried garlic used in the production process. Samples of garlic (n = 26) were examinated using standard cultural methods (counts of fungi, lactic acid bacteria-LAB, spore-producing Bacillus sp. and the presence of anaerobic saccharolytic and proteolytic clostridia), automated system TEMPO (total viable count, Enterobacteriaceae), immunoenzymatic method using VIDAS tests (occurrence of Salmonella sp. and Listeria monocytogenes). The number of total viable count was ranged from 3.51 to 6.85 log CFU/g. Enterobacteriaceae were detected only in one sample. Comparably low values were recorded for fungi (1.30 to 3.47 log CFU/g). The number of LAB was ranged from 2.34 to 5.49 log CFU/g. Clostridium sp. were detected in 22 samples. Salmonella sp. and Listeria monocytogenes were not detected. It was found that garlic, regardless of th preservation procedure, might be a source of contamination of garlic mayonnaise sauce especially with lactic acid bacteria and Clostridium sp. spores.

  13. High-Throughput Quantitation of Neonicotinoids in Lyophilized Surface Water by LC-APCI-MS/MS.

    PubMed

    Morrison, Lucas M; Renaud, Justin B; Sabourin, Lyne; Sumarah, Mark W; Yeung, Ken K C; Lapen, David R

    2018-05-21

    Background : Neonicotinoids are among the most widely used insecticides. Recently, there has been concern associated with unintended adverse effects on honeybees and aquatic invertebrates at low parts-per-trillion levels. Objective : There is a need for LC-MS/MS methods that are capable of high-throughput measurements of the most widely used neonicotinoids at environmentally relevant concentrations in surface water. Methods : This method allows for quantitation of acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid, dinotefuran, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam in surface water. Deuterated internal standards are added to 20 mL environmental samples, which are concentrated by lyophilisation and reconstituted with methanol followed by acetonitrile. Results : A large variation of mean recovery efficiencies across five different surface water sampling sites within this study was observed, ranging from 45 to 74%. This demonstrated the need for labelled internal standards to compensate for these differences. Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) performed better than electrospray ionization (ESI) with limited matrix suppression, achieving 71-110% of the laboratory fortified blank signal. Neonicotinoids were resolved on a C18 column using a 5 min LC method, in which MQL ranged between 0.93 and 4.88 ng/L. Conclusions : This method enables cost effective, accurate, and reproducible monitoring of these pesticides in the aquatic environment. Highlights : Lyophilization is used for high throughput concentration of neonicotinoids in surface water. Variations in matrix effects between samples was greatly reduced by using APCI compared with ESI. Clothianidin and thiamethoxam were detected in all samples with levels ranging from below method quantitation limit to 65 ng/L.

  14. Heat and mass transfer scale-up issues during freeze-drying, III: control and characterization of dryer differences via operational qualification tests.

    PubMed

    Rambhatla, S; Tchessalov, S; Pikal, Michael J

    2006-04-21

    The objective of this research was to estimate differences in heat and mass transfer between freeze dryers due to inherent design characteristics using data obtained from sublimation tests. This study also aimed to provide guidelines for convenient scale-up of the freeze-drying process. Data obtained from sublimation tests performed on laboratory-scale, pilot, and production freeze dryers were used to evaluate various heat and mass transfer parameters: nonuniformity in shelf surface temperatures, resistance of pipe, refrigeration system, and condenser. Emissivity measurements of relevant surfaces such as the chamber wall and the freeze dryer door were taken to evaluate the impact of atypical radiation heat transfer during scale-up. "Hot" and "cold" spots were identified on the shelf surface of different freeze dryers, and the impact of variation in shelf surface temperatures on the primary drying time and the product temperature during primary drying was studied. Calculations performed using emissivity measurements on different freeze dryers suggest that a front vial in the laboratory lyophilizer received 1.8 times more heat than a front vial in a manufacturing freeze dryer operating at a shelf temperature of -25 degrees C and a chamber pressure of 150 mTorr during primary drying. Therefore, front vials in the laboratory are much more atypical than front vials in manufacturing. Steady-state heat and mass transfer equations were used to study a combination of different scale-up issues pertinent during lyophilization cycles commonly used for the freeze-drying of pharmaceuticals.

  15. Efficient method of protein extraction from Theobroma cacao L. roots for two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry analyses.

    PubMed

    Bertolde, F Z; Almeida, A-A F; Silva, F A C; Oliveira, T M; Pirovani, C P

    2014-07-04

    Theobroma cacao is a woody and recalcitrant plant with a very high level of interfering compounds. Standard protocols for protein extraction were proposed for various types of samples, but the presence of interfering compounds in many samples prevented the isolation of proteins suitable for two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). An efficient method to extract root proteins for 2-DE was established to overcome these problems. The main features of this protocol are: i) precipitation with trichloroacetic acid/acetone overnight to prepare the acetone dry powder (ADP), ii) several additional steps of sonication in the ADP preparation and extractions with dense sodium dodecyl sulfate and phenol, and iii) adding two stages of phenol extractions. Proteins were extracted from roots using this new protocol (Method B) and a protocol described in the literature for T. cacao leaves and meristems (Method A). Using these methods, we obtained a protein yield of about 0.7 and 2.5 mg per 1.0 g lyophilized root, and a total of 60 and 400 spots could be separated, respectively. Through Method B, it was possible to isolate high-quality protein and a high yield of roots from T. cacao for high-quality 2-DE gels. To demonstrate the quality of the extracted proteins from roots of T. cacao using Method B, several protein spots were cut from the 2-DE gels, analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry, and identified. Method B was further tested on Citrus roots, with a protein yield of about 2.7 mg per 1.0 g lyophilized root and 800 detected spots.

  16. Effects of Chloride and Sulfate Salts on the Inhibition or Promotion of Sucrose Crystallization in Initially Amorphous Sucrose-Salt Blends.

    PubMed

    Thorat, Alpana A; Forny, Laurent; Meunier, Vincent; Taylor, Lynne S; Mauer, Lisa J

    2017-12-27

    The effects of salts on the stability of amorphous sucrose and its crystallization in different environments were investigated. Chloride (LiCl, NaCl, KCl, MgCl 2 , CaCl 2 , CuCl 2 , FeCl 2 , FeCl 3 , and AlCl 3 ) and sulfate salts with the same cations (Na 2 SO 4 , K 2 SO 4 , MgSO 4 , CuSO 4 , Fe(II)SO 4 , and Fe(III)SO 4 ) were studied. Samples (sucrose controls and sucrose:salt 1:0.1 molar ratios) were lyophilized, stored in controlled temperature and relative humidity (RH) conditions, and monitored for one month using X-ray diffraction. Samples were also analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry, microscopy, and moisture sorption techniques. All lyophiles were initially amorphous, but during storage the presence of a salt had a variable impact on sucrose crystallization. While all samples remained amorphous when stored at 11 and 23% RH at 25 °C, increasing the RH to 33 and 40% RH resulted in variations in crystallization onset times. The recrystallization time generally followed the order monovalent cations < sucrose < divalent cations < trivalent cations. The presence of a salt typically increased water sorption as compared to sucrose alone when stored at the same RH; however, anticrystallization effects were observed for sucrose combined with salts containing di- and trivalent cations in spite of the increased water content. The cation valency and hydration number played a major role in dictating the impact of the added salt on sucrose crystallization.

  17. Formation and composition of adsorbates on hydrophobic carbon surfaces from aqueous laccase-maltodextrin mixture suspension

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Corrales Ureña, Yendry Regina; Lisboa-Filho, Paulo Noronha; Szardenings, Michael; Gätjen, Linda; Noeske, Paul-Ludwig Michael; Rischka, Klaus

    2016-11-01

    A robust procedure for the surface bio-functionalization of carbon surfaces was developed. It consists on the modification of carbon materials in contact with an aqueous suspension of the enzyme laccase from Trametes versicolor and the lyophilization agent maltodextrin, with the pH value adjusted close to the isoelectric point of the enzyme. We report in-situ investigations applying Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D) for carbon-coated sensor surfaces and, moreover, ex-situ measurements with static contact angle measurements, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Scanning Force Microscopy (SFM) for smooth Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite (HOPG) substrates, for contact times between the enzyme formulation and the carbon material surface ranging from 20 s to 24 h. QCM-D studies reveals the formation of rigid layer of biomaterial, a few nanometers thin, which shows a strongly improved wettability of the substrate surface upon contact angle measurements. Following spectroscopic characterization, these layers are composed of mixtures of laccase and maltodextrin. The formation of these adsorbates is attributed to attractive interactions between laccase, the maltodextrin-based lyophilization agent and the hydrophobic carbon surfaces; a short-term contact between the aqueous laccase mixture suspension and HOPG surfaces is shown to merely result in de-wetting patterns influencing the results of contact angle measurements. The new enzyme-based surface modification of carbon-based materials is suggested to be applicable for the improvement of not only the wettability of low energy substrate surfaces with fluid formulations like coatings or adhesives, but also their adhesion in contact with hardened polymers.

  18. Multifunctional fluorescent iron quantum clusters for non-invasive radiofrequency ablationof cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Jose, Akhila; Surendran, Mrudula; Fazal, Sajid; Prasanth, Bindhu-Paul; Menon, Deepthy

    2018-05-01

    This work reports the potential of iron quantum clusters (FeQCs) as a hyperthermia agent for cancer, by testing its in-vitro response to shortwave (MHz range), radiofrequency (RF) waves non-invasively. Stable, fluorescent FeQCs of size ∼1 nm prepared by facile aqueous chemistry from endogenous protein haemoglobin were found to give a high thermal response, with a ΔT ∼50 °C at concentrationsas low as165 μg/mL. The as-prepared nanoclusters purified by lyophilization as well as dialysis showed a concentration, power and time-dependent RF response, with the lyophilized FeQCs exhibiting pronounced heating effects. FeQCs were found to be cytocompatible to NIH-3T3 fibroblast and 4T1 cancer cells treated at concentrations upto 1000 μg/mL for 24 h. Upon incubation with FeQCs and exposure to RF waves, significant cancer cell death was observed which proves its therapeutic ability. The fluorescent ability of the clusters could additionally be utilized for imaging cancer cells upon excitation at ∼450 nm. Further, to demonstrate the feasibility of imparting additional functionality such as drug/biomolecule/dye loading to FeQCs, they were self assembled with cationic polymers to form nanoparticles. Self assembly did not alter the RF heating potential of FeQCs and additionally enhanced its fluorescence. The multifunctional fluorescent FeQCs therefore show good promise as a novel therapeutic agent for RF hyperthermia and drug loading. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. [Optimization on trehalose loading technique as protective conditioning for lyophilization of human platelets].

    PubMed

    Liu, Jing-Han; Zhou, Jun; Ouyang, Xi-Lin; Li, Xi-Jin; Lu, Fa-Qiang

    2005-08-01

    This study was aimed to further optimize trehalose loading technique including loading temperature, loading time, loading solution and loading concentration of trehalose, based on the established parameters. Loading efficiency in plasma was compared with that in buffer at 37 degrees C; the curves of intracellular trehalose concentration versus loading time at 37 degrees C and 16 degrees C were measured; curves of mean platelet volume (MPV) versus loading time and loading concentration were investigated and compared. According to results obtained, the loaing time, loading temperature, loading solution and trehalose concentration were ascertained for high loading efficiency of trehalose into human platelet. The results showed that the loading efficiency in plasma was markedly higher than that in buffer at 37 degrees C, the loading efficiency in plasma at 37 degrees C was significantly higher than that at 16 degrees C and reached 19.51% after loading for 4 hours, but 6.16% at 16 degrees C. MPV at 16 degrees C was increased by 43.2% than that at 37 degrees C, but had no distinct changes with loading time and loading concentration. In loading at 37 degrees C, MPV increased with loading time and loading concentration positively. Loading time and loading concentration displayed synergetic effect on MPV. MPV increased with loading time and concentration while trehalose loading concentration was above 50 mmol/L. It is concluded that the optimization parameters of trehalose loading technique are 37 degrees C (temperature), 4 hours (leading time), plasma (loading solution), 50 mmol/L (feasible trehalose concentration). The trehalose concentration can be adjusted to meet the requirement of lyophilization.

  20. Sempervivum davisii: phytochemical composition, antioxidant and lipase-inhibitory activities.

    PubMed

    Uzun, Yusuf; Dalar, Abdullah; Konczak, Izabela

    2017-12-01

    Sempervivum davisii Muirhead (Crassulaceae) is a traditional medicinal herb from Eastern Anatolia. To date the composition of phytochemicals and physiological properties of this herb were not subjected to any research. This study identifies compounds in S. davisii hydrophilic extracts and evaluates their potential biological properties. Ethanol-based lyophilized extracts were obtained from aerial parts of plant (10 g of ground dry plant material in 200 mL of acidified aqueous ethanol, shaken for 2 h at 22 °C with supernatant collected and freeze-dried under vacuum). Phytochemical composition was investigated by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS, phenolics) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS, volatiles). Phenolic compounds were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Subsequently, antioxidant capacity [ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays] and enzyme inhibitory properties (isolated porcine pancreatic lipase) of the extracts were determined. Polyphenolic compounds were the main constituents of lyophilized extracts, among which kaempferol glycosides and quercetin hexoside dominated. The extracts exhibited potent antioxidant (FRAP values of 1925.2-5973.3 μM Fe 2+ /g DW; ORAC values of 1858.5-4208.7 μM Trolox Eq./g DW) and moderate lipase inhibitory (IC 50 : 11.6-2.96 mg/mL) activities. Volatile compounds (nonanal, dehydroxylinalool oxide isomers, 2-decenal, 2-undecenal, 2,6-di-tetr-butylphenol) were also found. Phenolic compounds with the dominating kaempferol and quercetin derivatives are the sources of potent antioxidant properties of S. davisii hydrophilic extracts. The extracts exhibit moderate inhibitory properties towards isolated pancreatic lipase.

  1. Analysis of the toxic potential of Palicourea corymbifera (Müll. Arg.) Standl. in laboratory animals.

    PubMed

    Ribeiro de Assis, J C S; Suffredini, I B; Moreno, P R H; Young, M C; Varella, A D; Younes, R N; Bernardi, M M

    2006-04-01

    Palicourea species may produce bovine toxicity. Palicourea corymbifera grows in terra firme forests within the Amazon rain forest and in Tropical America, particularly in spots that gave place to gazing areas. The lyophilized extract done with the aerial organs of P. corymbifera were analyzed in male and female mice. Results revealed a significant toxicity: LD50 was 1.10 (1.04-1.15)g/kg for male mice, and 1.05 (1.00-1.10)g/kg for female mice. Locomotion was affected as well as there were reflexes linked to environmental stimuli in addition to changes in posture. Progressive central nervous system stimulus signs such as trembling and convulsions were detected, the latter followed by the animal's death. Macroscopic histopathological exams performed on the liver, kidneys and lungs of mice submitted to necropsy did not indicate the existence of lesions. General activity of animals, measured in an open field, was reduced as a result of the administration of the extract. Duration of locomotion and rearing frequency were reduced, in opposition to an increase in the duration of immobility. Thin layer chromatography analysis showed that monofluoroacetic acid is present in the lyophilized extract, but other qualitative techniques as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and 19F nuclear magnetic resonance showed that the MFAA was not present in the extract, and that the toxicity is related to other compound, although the toxic profile is very similar to that of MFAA. P. corymbifera was shown to be significantly toxic to laboratory animals and investigation of the possible toxic substance shall be done.

  2. The effects of the decaffeination of coffee samples on platelet aggregation in hyperlipidemic rats.

    PubMed

    Silvério, Alessandra dos Santos Danziger; Pereira, Rosemary Gualberto Fonseca Alvarenga; Lima, Adriene Ribeiro; Paula, Fernanda Borges de Araújo; Rodrigues, Maria Rita; Baldissera, Lineu; Duarte, Stella Maris da Silveira

    2013-09-01

    The effect of coffee on cardiovascular diseases is still controversial. It is known that the process of decaffeination may influence the chemical constitution and, therefore, the biological effects of coffee. This study thus evaluated the effects of decaffeination on the levels of total phenols and chlorogenic acids in Coffea arabica L. samples, as well as the effects of ingesting both integral and decaffeinated coffee on the lipid profile and hemostatic and hematological parameters in normal and hyperlipidemic rats. Samples of integral and decaffeinated lyophilized coffee (Coffea arabica L., planted in Brazil) were used for chemical analysis (total phenols, chlorogenic acid and caffeine contents). For the bioassays, coffee beverages were prepared with non-lyophilized samples (10% w/v) and were filtered and administered to animals by gavage (7.2 mL/kg/day) over 30 days. On the 31st day after beginning the treatment with coffee beverages, hyperlipidemia was induced to the animals by administering Triton WR-1339 (300 mg/kg body weight). On day 32, blood was taken to determine the lipid profile, platelet aggregation, prothrombin time, partially activated thromboplastin time and hemogram. The contents of both phenolic compounds and chlorogenic acid in the integral coffee beverage were significantly lower than those in the decaffeinated coffee beverage. The animals treated with Triton WR-1339 presented a mixed hyperlipidemia. Although the decaffeination process caused a relative increase in total phenols and chlorogenic acids, the coffee drinks were unable to change the lipid profile or the hemostatic and hematological parameters in the studied animals.

  3. Direct radiolabeling of antibody against stage specific embryonic antigen for diagnostic imaging

    DOEpatents

    Rhodes, Buck A.

    1994-01-01

    Antibody against stage specific embryonic antigen-1 is radiolabeled by direct means with a radionuclide for use in detection of occult abscess and inflammation. Radiolabeling is accomplished by partial reduction of the disulfide bonds of the antibody using Sn(II), or using other reducing agents followed by the addition of Sn(II), removal of excess reducing agent and reduction by-products, and addition of a specified amount of radionuclide reducing agent, such as stannous tartrate. The resulting product may be store frozen or lyophilized, with radiolabeling accomplished by the addition of the radionuclide.

  4. Methods of amorphization and investigation of the amorphous state.

    PubMed

    Einfal, Tomaž; Planinšek, Odon; Hrovat, Klemen

    2013-09-01

    The amorphous form of pharmaceutical materials represents the most energetic solid state of a material. It provides advantages in terms of dissolution rate and bioavailability. This review presents the methods of solid- -state amorphization described in literature (supercooling of liquids, milling, lyophilization, spray drying, dehydration of crystalline hydrates), with the emphasis on milling. Furthermore, we describe how amorphous state of pharmaceuticals differ depending on the method of preparation and how these differences can be screened by a variety of spectroscopic (X-ray powder diffraction, solid state nuclear magnetic resonance, atomic pairwise distribution, infrared spectroscopy, terahertz spectroscopy) and calorimetry methods.

  5. Direct radiolabeling of antibody against stage specific embryonic antigen for diagnostic imaging

    DOEpatents

    Rhodes, B.A.

    1994-09-13

    Antibodies against stage specific embryonic antigen-1 is radiolabeled by direct means with a radionuclide for use in detection of occult abscess and inflammation. Radiolabeling is accomplished by partial reduction of the disulfide bonds of the antibody using Sn(II), or using other reducing agents followed by the addition of Sn(II), removal of excess reducing agent and reduction by-products, and addition of a specified amount of radionuclide reducing agent, such as stannous tartrate. The resulting product may be stored frozen or lyophilized, with radiolabeling accomplished by the addition of the radionuclide. No Drawings

  6. Rapid, portable detection of endocrine disrupting chemicals through ligand-nuclear hormone receptor interactions.

    PubMed

    Hunt, J Porter; Schinn, Song-Min; Jones, Matthew D; Bundy, Bradley C

    2017-12-04

    Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) are structurally diverse compounds that can interact with nuclear hormone receptors, posing significant risk to human and ecological health. Unfortunately, many conventional biosensors have been too structure-specific, labor-intensive or laboratory-oriented to detect broad ranges of EDC effectively. Recently, several technological advances are providing more rapid, portable, and affordable detection of endocrine-disrupting activity through ligand-nuclear hormone receptor interactions. Here, we overview these recent advances applied to EDC biosensors - including cell lyophilization, cell immobilization, cell-free systems, smartphone-based signal detection, and improved competitive binding assays.

  7. Some comments on the effectiveness of the therapy for Β-thalassemia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiang, K.; Ma, W. Y.; Ortalli, I.; Pedrazzi, G.; Zhang, X.; Izzi, G. C.

    1994-12-01

    In the present study, twenty-five samples of red blood cells (RBCs) and two samples of lyophilized serum, drawn from thirteen patients with Β-thanassemia major, have been examined by Mössbauer spectroscopy. All these patients undergo long-term therapy by regular blood transfusion and deferoxamine. The samples were obtained at the end of one cycle of treatments, before the successive blood transfusion. The results show, within the experimental errors, that the ferritin-like iron appears to be absent in the RBCs of the patients but it is still present in the serum.

  8. [Oral disintegrating tablets. A new, modern, solid dosage form].

    PubMed

    Popa, Graţiela; Gafiţanu, Eliza

    2003-01-01

    The pharmaceutical market shows lately an increasing interest in orally disintegrating tablets, due to their good acceptability among certain age categories (ex. elderly, children), and other patients with difficulties in swallowing classic solid dosage forms. Some of the methods of preparing such tablets have gained industrial applicability: molding, lyophilization, direct compression with highly soluble excipients, super disintegrants and/or effervescent systems. Some of the patients have had a good impact on the pharmaceutical market and more improvements are expected in the next few years, with new drugs to be formulated as fast dissolving dosage formulations.

  9. Human serum butyrylcholinesterase: in vitro and in vivo stability, pharmacokinetics, and safety in mice.

    PubMed

    Saxena, Ashima; Sun, Wei; Luo, Chunyuan; Doctor, Bhupendra P

    2005-12-15

    The use of exogenously administered cholinesterases (ChEs) as bioscavengers of highly toxic organophosphate (OP) nerve agents is now sufficiently well documented to make them a highly viable prophylactic treatment against this potential threat. Of the ChEs evaluated so far, human serum butyrylcholinesterase (HuBChE) is most suitable for human use. A dose of 200 mg (3 mg/kg) of HuBChE is envisioned as a prophylactic treatment in humans that can protect from an exposure of up to 2 x LD50 of soman. In addition to its use as a prophylactic for a variety of wartime scenarios, including covert actions, it also has potential use for first responders (civilians) reacting to terrorist nerve gas release. We recently, developed a procedure for the large-scale purification of HuBChE, which yielded approximately 6 g of highly purified enzyme from 120 kg of Cohn fraction IV-4. The enzyme had a specific activity of 700-750 U/mg and migrated as a single band on SDS-PAGE. To provide data for initiating an investigational new drug (IND) application for the use of this enzyme as a bioscavenger in humans, we established its pharmacokinetic properties, examined its safety in mice, and evaluated its shelf life at various temperatures. In mice administered various doses up to 90 mg/kg, enzyme activity reached peak levels in circulation at 10 and 24 h following i.p. and i.m. injections, respectively. The enzyme displayed a mean residence time (MRT) of 40-50 h, regardless of the route of administration or dose of injected enzyme. Mice were euthanized 2 weeks following enzyme administration and tissues were examined grossly or microscopically for possible toxic effects. Results suggest that HuBChE does not exhibit any toxicity in mice as measured by general observation, serum chemistry, hematology, gross or histologic tissue changes. The shelf life of this enzyme stored at 4, 25, 37, and 45 degrees C was determined in lyophilized form. The enzyme was found to be stable when stored in lyophilized form at -20, 4, 25, or 37 degrees C to date (2 years), as measured by specific activity and SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The effect of storage on circulatory stability was determined by measuring MRT in mice; there was no change in the MRT of lyophilized enzyme stored at -20 degrees C to date (2 years). These results provide convincing data that HuBChE is a safe bioscavenger that can provide protection against all OP nerve agents. Efforts are now underway to prepare the required documentation for submission of an IND application to the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA).

  10. Resuscitation with Lyophilized Plasma Is Safe and Improves Neurological Recovery in a Long-Term Survival Model of Swine Subjected to Traumatic Brain Injury, Hemorrhagic Shock, and Polytrauma.

    PubMed

    Georgoff, Patrick E; Nikolian, Vahagn C; Halaweish, Ihab; Chtraklin, Kiril; Bruhn, Peter J; Eidy, Hassan; Rasmussen, Monica; Li, Yongqing; Srinivasan, Ashok; Alam, Hasan B

    2017-07-01

    We have shown previously that fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and lyophilized plasma (LP) decrease brain lesion size and improve neurological recovery in a swine model of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and hemorrhagic shock (HS). In this study, we examine whether these findings can be validated in a clinically relevant model of severe TBI, HS, and polytrauma. Female Yorkshire swine were subjected to TBI (controlled cortical impact), hemorrhage (40% volume), grade III liver and splenic injuries, rib fracture, and rectus abdominis crush. The animals were maintained in a state of shock (mean arterial pressure 30-35 mm Hg) for 2 h, and then randomized to resuscitation with normal saline (NS), FFP, or LP (n = 5 swine/group). Animals were recovered and monitored for 30 d, during which time neurological recovery was assessed. Brain lesion sizes were measured via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on post-injury days (PID) three and 10. Animals were euthanized on PID 30. The severity of shock and response to resuscitation was similar in all groups. When compared with NS-treated animals, plasma-treated animals (FFP and LP) had significantly lower neurologic severity scores (PID 1-7) and a faster return to baseline neurological function. There was no significant difference in brain lesion sizes between groups. LP treatment was well tolerated and similar to FFP. In this clinically relevant large animal model of severe TBI, HS, and polytrauma, we have shown that plasma-based resuscitation strategies are safe and result in neurocognitive recovery that is faster than recovery after NS-based resuscitation.

  11. Ebola Preparedness: Diagnosis Improvement Using Rapid Approaches for Proficiency Testing.

    PubMed

    Lau, Katherine A; Theis, Torsten; Gray, Joanna; Rawlinson, William D

    2017-03-01

    The unprecedented 2015 Ebolavirus (EBOV) outbreak in West Africa was declared a public health emergency, making diagnosis and quality of testing a global issue. The accuracy of laboratory diagnostic capacity for EBOV was assessed in 2014 to 2016 using a proficiency testing (PT) strategy developed by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Programs (RCPAQAP) in Biosecurity. Following a literature search, EBOV-specific gene targets were ranked according to the frequency of their use in published methods. The most commonly used gene regions (nucleoprotein [NP], glycoprotein [GP], and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase [L]) were selected for the design of in vitro RNA transcripts to be included in the simulated EBOV specimens used for EBOV detection with PCR-based assays. Specimens were tested for stability and found to be stable on long-term storage (1 year) at -80°C and on shorter-term storage in lyophilized form (1 week at ambient temperature and a subsequent week at -80°C). These specimens were used in three EBOV PTs offered from April 2014 to March 2016. In the first and third PTs, all laboratories (3/3 and 9/9, respectively) correctly identified specimens containing EBOV RNA transcripts, while in the second PT, all but one laboratory (5/6) correctly confirmed the presence of EBOV. The EBOV PT panel was useful for ensuring the competency of laboratories in detecting EBOV in the absence of readily available clinical samples. The simulated EBOV specimen was safe, stable, and reliable and can be used in lyophilized form for future EBOV PT programs, allowing simplicity of transport. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

  12. The effect of different desolvating agents on BSA nanoparticle properties and encapsulation of curcumin

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sadeghi, R.; Moosavi-Movahedi, A. A.; Emam-jomeh, Z.; Kalbasi, A.; Razavi, S. H.; Karimi, M.; Kokini, J.

    2014-09-01

    The desolvation method was successfully used to prepare nanoparticles from bovine serum albumin (BSA) using ethanol, acetone, and their mixtures (70:30 and 50:50, respectively). Ethanol and mixtures of ethanol and acetone led to the most spherical nanoparticles, while using pure acetone resulted in a mixture of spherical and rod shape nanoparticle. Acetone was the solvent with higher encapsulation efficiency equal to 99.2 ± 0.36 %. The polydispersity values of BSA NPs in this study were 0.045 ± 0.007, 0.065 ± 0.013, 0.091 ± 0.012, and 0.120 ± 0.016 for ethanol (100) 4×, Et:Ac (70:30) 4×, Et:Ac (50:50) 4×, and acetone (100) 3×, respectively. Encapsulation efficiencies of curcumin inside BSA NPs were 19.4 ± 2.2 and 19.8 ± 1.6 % for 1.0 and 1.5 molar ratios of curcumin to BSA, respectively. Crosslinking using glutaraldehyde improved the stability of BSA NPs and curcumin-loaded BSA NPs and both groups of nanoparticles were stable for 1 month; the lyophilized curcumin-loaded BSA NPs were able to redisperse in water. The particle size and polydispersity index of redispersed NPs were higher than the original NPs before lyophilization. The size distribution study shows that after 10 s of sonication most nanoparticles were well dispersed; however, a small but significant fraction formed aggregates. Sonication for 10 s decreased the effective diameter and polydispersity of the redispersed nanoparticles, while increasing the sonication time to 20 s did not show significant changes. In vitro release study of curcumin from BSA NPs showed that these biocompatible nanoparticles have the ability to be used as a carrier to improve controlled release of curcumin.

  13. Rapid and sensitive detection of Feline immunodeficiency virus using an insulated isothermal PCR-based assay with a point-of-need PCR detection platform.

    PubMed

    Wilkes, Rebecca Penrose; Kania, Stephen A; Tsai, Yun-Long; Lee, Pei-Yu Alison; Chang, Hsiu-Hui; Ma, Li-Juan; Chang, Hsiao-Fen Grace; Wang, Hwa-Tang Thomas

    2015-07-01

    Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is an important infectious agent of cats. Clinical syndromes resulting from FIV infection include immunodeficiency, opportunistic infections, and neoplasia. In our study, a 5' long terminal repeat/gag region-based reverse transcription insulated isothermal polymerase chain reaction (RT-iiPCR) was developed to amplify all known FIV strains to facilitate point-of-need FIV diagnosis. The RT-iiPCR method was applied in a point-of-need PCR detection platform--a field-deployable device capable of generating automatically interpreted RT-iiPCR results from nucleic acids within 1 hr. Limit of detection 95% of FIV RT-iiPCR was calculated to be 95 copies standard in vitro transcription RNA per reaction. Endpoint dilution studies with serial dilutions of an ATCC FIV type strain showed that the sensitivity of lyophilized FIV RT-iiPCR reagent was comparable to that of a reference nested PCR. The established reaction did not amplify any nontargeted feline pathogens, including Felid herpesvirus 1, feline coronavirus, Feline calicivirus, Feline leukemia virus, Mycoplasma haemofelis, and Chlamydophila felis. Based on analysis of 76 clinical samples (including blood and bone marrow) with the FIV RT-iiPCR, test sensitivity was 97.78% (44/45), specificity was 100.00% (31/31), and agreement was 98.65% (75/76), determined against a reference nested-PCR assay. A kappa value of 0.97 indicated excellent correlation between these 2 methods. The lyophilized FIV RT-iiPCR reagent, deployed on a user-friendly portable device, has potential utility for rapid and easy point-of-need detection of FIV in cats. © 2015 The Author(s).

  14. Chemical stability of amorphous materials: specific and general media effects in the role of water in the degradation of freeze-dried zoniporide.

    PubMed

    Luthra, Suman A; Shalaev, Evgenyi Y; Medek, Ales; Hong, Jinyang; Pikal, Michael J

    2012-09-01

    The objective of the present work was to determine whether hydrolysis in a model lyophile was influenced by general media effects with water-changing properties of the medium or via a specific mechanism of water as a reactant. Four formulations of zoniporide and sucrose (1:10) were prepared with variable amounts of sorbitol [0%-25% (w/v) of total solids). These formulations were then equilibrated at 6% and 11% relative humidity using saturated salt solutions. The lyophile cakes were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetery (DSC), (isothermal microcalorimetry (IMC), solid- state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance (DFR) spectroscopy. DSC and IMC were used to assess the global molecular mobility. ssNMR relaxation times were measured to access local mobility. The DFR was used to determine the solid-state acidity expressed as the Hammett acidity function. Stability of samples was evaluated at 40°C by monitoring potency and purity by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results were interpreted in terms of the various roles of water: media effect, plasticization, polarity, and reactant. The kinetics of hydrolysis was observed to be correlated with either/both specific "chemical" effects, that is, water reactant as well as media effect, specifically global molecular mobility of the matrix. Increase in reaction rate with increase in water content is not linear and is a weaker dependence than in some hydrolytic reactions in organic solvents. A moderate amount of an inert plasticizer, sorbitol, conferred additional stabilization, possibly by restricting the amplitude and frequency of fast motions that are on a small length scale. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  15. Adaptogenic Activity of Lyophilized Hydroethanol Extract of Pandanus odoratissimus in Swiss Albino Mice

    PubMed Central

    Jadhav, Pranita P.; Ambavade, Shirishkumar D.; Shelke, Tushar

    2014-01-01

    Background. The leaves of Pandanus odoratissimus Linn have been widely used in Ayurveda to treat a variety of common and stress related disorders. In the present investigation, hydroethanol extract of leaves of Pandanus odoratissimus Linn (LEPO) were evaluated for antistress activity in normal and stress induced mice. Furthermore, the extract was studied for nootropic (adaptogenic) activity in mice and in vitro antioxidant potential to correlate with its adaptogenic and antistress activity. LEPO (100 and 200 mg/kg p.o) was evaluated against forced swimming endurance stress test, anoxia stress tolerance and immobilization stress and chronic cold resistant stress tests, and biomarkers (serum glucose, Corticosterone, WBC, RBC, and DLC count) to assess the antistress activity in mice. Withania somnifera (WS) (100 mg/kg p.o) was selected as reference standard. The parameters like anoxia stress tolerance time were recorded in anoxia stress and estimation of biochemical marker levels and determination of organs weight were carried out in immobilization stress models. Results. Concomitant treatment with LEPO 200 mg/kg significantly increased in anoxia stress tolerance time. Dose dependent significant reduction in serum glucose, corticosterone, and WBC, RBC, and DLC was observed in immobilisation stress model as compared to stressed group. LEOP 200 mg/kg and WS 100 mg/kg significantly reversed/inhibited the stress induced changes in these parameters. The results from the present study indicate that these values also express that dose dependent significant adaptogenic activity in stressed animals. Conclusion. The present study provides scientific support for the antistress (adaptogenic) and nootropic activities of lyophilized hydroethanol extract of Pandanus odoratissimus Linn and substantiate the traditional claims for the usage of Pandanus in stress induced disorders. PMID:27379263

  16. Characterization and Multicentric Validation of a Common Standard for Toxoplasma gondii Detection Using Nucleic Acid Amplification Assays

    PubMed Central

    Varlet-Marie, Emmanuelle; Sterkers, Yvon; Brenier-Pinchart, Marie-Pierre; Cassaing, Sophie; Dalle, Frédéric; Delhaes, Laurence; Filisetti, Denis; Pelloux, Hervé; Touafek, Fériel; Yera, Hélène

    2014-01-01

    The molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis essentially relies upon laboratory-developed methods and suffers from lack of standardization, hence the large diversity of performances between laboratories. Moreover, quantifications of parasitic loads differ among centers, a fact which prevents the possible prediction of the severity of this disease as a function of parasitic loads. The objectives of this multicentric study performed in eight proficient laboratories of the Molecular Biology Pole of the French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis (NRC-T) were (i) to assess the suitability of a lyophilized preparation of Toxoplasma gondii as a common standard for use in this PCR-based molecular diagnosis and (ii) to make this standard available to the community. High-quality written procedures were used for the production and qualification of this standard. Three independent batches of this standard, containing concentrations ranging from 104 to 0.01 T. gondii genome equivalents per PCR, were first assessed: the linear dynamic range was ≥6 log, the intra-assay coefficients of variation (CV) from a sample containing 10 T. gondii organisms per PCR were 0.3% to 0.42%, and the interassay CV over a 2-week period was 0.76% to 1.47%. A further assessment in eight diagnostic centers showed that the standard is stable, robust, and reliable. These lyophilized standards can easily be produced at a larger scale when needed and can be made widely available at the national level. To our knowledge, this is the first quality control assessment of a common standard which is usable both for self-evaluation in laboratories and for accurate quantification of parasitic loads in T. gondii prenatal infections. PMID:25187637

  17. Characterization and multicentric validation of a common standard for Toxoplasma gondii detection using nucleic acid amplification assays.

    PubMed

    Varlet-Marie, Emmanuelle; Sterkers, Yvon; Brenier-Pinchart, Marie-Pierre; Cassaing, Sophie; Dalle, Frédéric; Delhaes, Laurence; Filisetti, Denis; Pelloux, Hervé; Touafek, Fériel; Yera, Hélène; Bastien, Patrick

    2014-11-01

    The molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis essentially relies upon laboratory-developed methods and suffers from lack of standardization, hence the large diversity of performances between laboratories. Moreover, quantifications of parasitic loads differ among centers, a fact which prevents the possible prediction of the severity of this disease as a function of parasitic loads. The objectives of this multicentric study performed in eight proficient laboratories of the Molecular Biology Pole of the French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis (NRC-T) were (i) to assess the suitability of a lyophilized preparation of Toxoplasma gondii as a common standard for use in this PCR-based molecular diagnosis and (ii) to make this standard available to the community. High-quality written procedures were used for the production and qualification of this standard. Three independent batches of this standard, containing concentrations ranging from 10(4) to 0.01 T. gondii genome equivalents per PCR, were first assessed: the linear dynamic range was ≥ 6 log, the intra-assay coefficients of variation (CV) from a sample containing 10 T. gondii organisms per PCR were 0.3% to 0.42%, and the interassay CV over a 2-week period was 0.76% to 1.47%. A further assessment in eight diagnostic centers showed that the standard is stable, robust, and reliable. These lyophilized standards can easily be produced at a larger scale when needed and can be made widely available at the national level. To our knowledge, this is the first quality control assessment of a common standard which is usable both for self-evaluation in laboratories and for accurate quantification of parasitic loads in T. gondii prenatal infections. Copyright © 2014, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

  18. Improving the permeability of lyophilized collagen-hydroxyapatite scaffolds for cell-based bone regeneration with a gelatin porogen.

    PubMed

    Villa, Max M; Wang, Liping; Huang, Jianping; Rowe, David W; Wei, Mei

    2016-11-01

    Bone tissue engineering using biomaterial scaffolds and culture-expanded osteoprogenitor cells has been demonstrated in several studies; however, it is not yet a clinical reality. One challenge is the optimal design of scaffolds for cell delivery and the identification of scaffold parameters that can delineate success and failure in vivo. Motivated by a previous experiment in which a batch of lyophilized collagen-hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds displayed modest bone formation in vivo, despite having large pores and high porosity, we began to investigate the effect of scaffold permeability on bone formation. Herein, we fabricated scaffolds with a permeability of 2.17 ± 1.63 × 10 -9 m 4 /(N s) and fourfold higher using a sacrificial gelatin porogen. Scaffolds were seeded with mouse bone marrow stromal cells carrying a fluorescent reporter for osteoblast differentiation and implanted into critical-size calvarial defects in immunodeficient mice. The porogen scaffold group containing a 1:1 ratio of solids to beads was significantly more radiopaque than the scaffold group without the bead porogen 3 weeks after implantation. Quantitative histomorphometry uncovered the same trend between the 1:1 group and scaffolds without porogen found in the radiographic data; however, this was not statistically significant here. Taken together, the X-ray and histology suggest that the 1:1 ratio of porogen to scaffold solids, resulting in a fourfold increase in permeability, may enhance bone formation when compared to scaffolds without porogen. Scaffold permeability can be a useful quality control measure before implantation and this practice should improve the consistency and efficacy of cell-based bone tissue engineering. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1580-1590, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  19. Biomimetic super-lyophobic and super-lyophilic materials applied for oil/water separation: a new strategy beyond nature.

    PubMed

    Wang, Ben; Liang, Weixin; Guo, Zhiguang; Liu, Weimin

    2015-01-07

    Oil spills and industrial organic pollutants have induced severe water pollution and threatened every species in the ecological system. To deal with oily water, special wettability stimulated materials have been developed over the past decade to separate oil-and-water mixtures. Basically, synergy between the surface chemical composition and surface topography are commonly known as the key factors to realize the opposite wettability to oils and water and dominate the selective wetting or absorption of oils/water. In this review, we mainly focus on the development of materials with either super-lyophobicity or super-lyophilicity properties in oil/water separation applications where they can be classified into four kinds as follows (in terms of the surface wettability of water and oils): (i) superhydrophobic and superoleophilic materials, (ii) superhydrophilic and under water superoleophobic materials, (iii) superhydrophilic and superoleophobic materials, and (iv) smart oil/water separation materials with switchable wettability. These materials have already been applied to the separation of oil-and-water mixtures: from simple oil/water layered mixtures to oil/water emulsions (including oil-in-water emulsions and water-in-oil emulsions), and from non-intelligent materials to intelligent materials. Moreover, they also exhibit high absorption capacity or separation efficiency and selectivity, simple and fast separation/absorption ability, excellent recyclability, economical efficiency and outstanding durability under harsh conditions. Then, related theories are proposed to understand the physical mechanisms that occur during the oil/water separation process. Finally, some challenges and promising breakthroughs in this field are also discussed. It is expected that special wettability stimulated oil/water separation materials can achieve industrial scale production and be put into use for oil spills and industrial oily wastewater treatment in the near future.

  20. Subcutaneous administration of a 10-fold-lower dose of a commercial human tuberculosis vaccine, Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin Danish, induced levels of protection against bovine tuberculosis and responses in the tuberculin intradermal test similar to those induced by a standard cattle dose.

    PubMed

    Buddle, Bryce M; Hewinson, R Glyn; Vordermeier, H Martin; Wedlock, D Neil

    2013-10-01

    Vaccination of cattle with a commercial human tuberculosis (TB) vaccine, Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Danish, at a dose equivalent to 5 human doses of BCG has protected these animals against TB in field and experimental trials. There is interest in determining whether a 10-fold-lower dose could still protect cattle but not induce a tuberculin intradermal test response. Two groups of calves (n = 9/group) were vaccinated subcutaneously with a lyophilized BCG Danish vaccine containing either 0.5 (1 × 10(5) to 4 × 10(5) CFU) or 5 (1 × 10(6) to 4 × 10(6) CFU) human doses of BCG Danish, with an additional group of 10 calves serving as nonvaccinated controls. Fifteen weeks after vaccination, these animals were challenged intratracheally with 5 × 10(3) CFU of virulent M. bovis and another 15 weeks later were slaughtered and examined for the presence of tuberculous lesions. Vaccination of the calves with either 0.5 or 5 equivalent human doses of BCG Danish induced similar levels of protection against challenge with M. bovis, with both groups showing significant reductions in the pathological and microbiological parameters compared to those for the the control group (P < 0.05). Vaccination with either of the two BCG doses induced similar numbers of animals responding to the tuberculin intradermal test at 11 weeks postvaccination. Vaccination with a 0.5 equivalent human dose of a commercial lyophilized BCG vaccine can protect cattle against challenge with M. bovis.

  1. Expression and immunogenicity of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin B subunit in transgenic rice callus.

    PubMed

    Kim, Tae-Geum; Kim, Bang-Geul; Kim, Mi-Young; Choi, Jae-Kwon; Jung, Eun-Sun; Yang, Moon-Sik

    2010-01-01

    Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli is one of the leading causes of diarrhea in developing countries, and the disease may be fatal in the absence of treatment. Enterotoxigenic E. coli heat-labile toxin B subunit (LTB) can be used as an adjuvant, as a carrier of fused antigens, or as an antigen itself. The synthetic LTB (sLTB) gene, optimized for plant codon usage, has been introduced into rice cells by particle bombardment-mediated transformation. The integration and expression of the sLTB gene were observed via genomic DNA PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. The binding activity of LTB protein expressed in transgenic rice callus to G(M1)-ganglioside, a receptor for biologically active LTB, was confirmed by G(M1)-ELISA. Oral inoculation of mice with lyophilized transgenic rice calli containing LTB generated significant IgG antibody titers against bacterial LTB, and the sera of immunized mice inhibited the binding of bacterial LTB to G(M1)-ganglioside. Mice orally immunized with non-transgenic rice calli failed to generate detectable anti-LTB IgG antibody titers. Mice immunized with plant-produced LTB generated higher IgG1 antibody titers than IgG2a, indicating a Th2-type immune response. Mice orally immunized with lyophilized transgenic rice calli containing LTB elicited higher fecal IgA antibody titers than mice immunized with non-transgenic rice calli. These experimental results demonstrate that LTB proteins produced in transgenic rice callus and given to mice by oral administration induce humoral and secreted antibody immune responses. We suggest that transgenic rice callus may be suitable as a plant-based edible vaccine to provide effective protection against enterotoxigenic E. coli heat-labile toxin.

  2. A lyophilized etoposide submicron emulsion with a high drug loading for intravenous injection: preparation, evaluation, and pharmacokinetics in rats.

    PubMed

    Chen, Hao; Shi, Shuai; Zhao, Mingming; Zhang, Ling; He, Haibing; Tang, Xing

    2010-12-01

    To develop a submicron emulsion for etoposide with a high drug loading capacity using a drug-phospholipid complex combined with drug freeze-drying techniques. An etoposide-phospholipid complex (EPC) was prepared and its structure was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. A freeze-drying technique was used to produce lyophilized etoposide emulsions (LEPE), and LEPE was investigated with regard to their appearance, particle size, and zeta potential. The pharmacokinetic study in vivo was determined by the UPLC/MS/MS system. It showed that EPC significantly improved the liposolubility of etoposide, indicating a high drug loading intravenous emulsion could be easily prepared by EPC. Moreover, the obtained loading of etoposide in the submicron emulsion was 3.0 mg/mL, which was three times higher than that of the previous liquid emulsions. The optimum cryoprotectant was trehalose (15%) in freeze-drying test. The median diameter, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of the optimum formulation of LEPE were 226.1 ± 5.1 nm, 0.107 ± 0.011, and -36.20 ± 1.13 mV, respectively. In addition, these parameters had no significant change during 6 months storage at 4 ± 2°C. The main pharmacokinetic parameters exhibited no significant differences between LEPE and etoposide commercial solution except for area under the concentration-time curve and clearance. The stable etoposide emulsion with a high drug loading was successfully prepared, indicating the amount of excipients such as the oil phase and emulsifiers significantly decreased following administration of the same dose of drug, effectively reducing the metabolism by patients while increasing their compliance. Therefore, LEPE has a great potential for clinical applications.

  3. Application of propidium monoazide quantitative real-time PCR to quantify the viability of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus.

    PubMed

    Shao, Yuyu; Wang, Zhaoxia; Bao, Qiuhua; Zhang, Heping

    2016-12-01

    In this study, a combination of propidium monoazide (PMA) and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to develop a method to determine the viability of cells of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus ND02 (L. bulgaricus) that may have entered into a viable but nonculturable state. This can happen due to its susceptibility to cold shock during lyophilization and storage. Propidium monoazide concentration, PMA incubation time, and light exposure time were optimized to fully exploit the PMA-qPCR approach to accurately assess the total number of living L. bulgaricus ND02. Although PMA has little influence on living cells, when concentrations of PMA were higher than 30μg/mL the number of PCR-positive living bacteria decreased from 10 6 to 10 5 cfu/mL in comparison with qPCR enumeration. Mixtures of living and dead cells were used as method verification samples for enumeration by PMA-qPCR, demonstrating that this method was feasible and effective for distinguishing living cells of L. bulgaricus when mixed with a known number of dead cells. We suggest that several conditions need to be studied further before PMA-qPCR methods can be accurately used to distinguish living from dead cells for enumeration under more realistic sampling situations. However, this research provides a rapid way to enumerate living cells of L. bulgaricus and could be used to optimize selection of cryoprotectants in the lyophilization process and develop technologies for high cell density cultivation and optimal freeze-drying processes. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. The evaluation of lyophilized polymer matrices for administering recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2.

    PubMed

    Duggirala, S S; Rodgers, J B; DeLuca, P P

    1996-07-01

    Novel unitary devices, prepared by lyophilization of viscous solutions of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and methylcellulose (MC), were evaluated as sustained-release delivery systems for recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2). In vitro characterization of the unitary devices, which contained rhBMP-2-loaded poly (d,l lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) bioerodible particles (BEPs), was conducted over a 2-month period. Determinations included buffer uptake, mass and molecular weight loss and rhBMP-2 release from the unitary devices. CMC devices imbibed approximately 16 times their weight of buffer, while with MC, equilibrium uptake was approximately 6 times the dry weight of the devices. Overall mass loss percentages were approximately 55 and 35%, respectively, for CMC and MC devices. rhBMP-2 release from the devices was essentially a triphasic process: an initial phase during which "free" protein (rhBMP-2 present on the surface and within the pores of the PLGA BEPs) was released, a lag period during which no release was discerned, and then release of "bound" rhBMP-2 (protein adsorbed to the BEPs). The release of bound protein correlated with the mass loss of the polymer which began after 3 weeks. Release from the unitary devices was lower than that from the BEPs alone, due to a retardation effect of the gelled CMC/MC polymers. In rabbits in which full-thickness cranial bone defects were created, the implants were well tolerated and induced significant new bone growth during an 8-week evaluation period. The CMC devices appear to have induced bone earlier (at 2 weeks), but this did not affect eventual 8-week results. CMC devices without rhBMP-2 appeared to provide some bone conduction, in contrast to the blank MC devices.

  5. Successful Resolution of Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection using Freeze-Dried, Encapsulated Fecal Microbiota; Pragmatic Cohort Study

    PubMed Central

    Staley, Christopher; Hamilton, Matthew J.; Vaughn, Byron P.; Graiziger, Carolyn T.; Newman, Krista M.; Kabage, Amanda J.; Sadowsky, Michael J.; Khoruts, Alexander

    2017-01-01

    OBJECTIVES Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is increasingly being used for treatment of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (R-CDI) that cannot be cured with antibiotics alone. In addition, FMT is being investigated for a variety of indications where restoration or restructuring of the gut microbial community is hypothesized to be beneficial. We sought to develop a stable, freeze-dried encapsulated preparation of standardized fecal microbiota that can be used for FMT with ease and convenience in clinical practice and research. METHODS We systematically developed a lyophilization protocol that preserved the viability of bacteria across the taxonomic spectrum found in fecal microbiota and yielded physicochemical properties that enabled consistent encapsulation. We also treated a cohort of R-CDI patients with a range of doses of encapsulated microbiota and analyzed the associated changes in the fecal microbiome of the recipients. RESULTS The optimized lyophilized preparation satisfied all our preset goals for physicochemical properties, encapsulation ease, stability at different temperatures, and microbiota viability in vitro and in vivo (germ-free mice). The capsule treatment was administered to 49 patients. Overall, 43/49 (88%) of patients achieved a clinical success, defined as no recurrence of CDI over 2 months. Analysis of the fecal microbiome demonstrated near normalization of the fecal microbial community by 1 month following FMT treatment. The simplest protocol using the lowest dose (2.1–2.5×1011 bacteria in 2–3 capsules) without any colon purgative performed equally well in terms of clinical outcomes and microbiota engraftment. CONCLUSIONS A single administration of encapsulated, freeze-dried fecal microbiota from a healthy donor was highly successful in treating antibiotic-refractory R-CDI syndrome. PMID:28195180

  6. Antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of lyophilized beer extracts on HL-60 cell line.

    PubMed

    Tedesco, Idolo; Nappo, Annunziata; Petitto, Fabio; Iacomino, Giuseppe; Nazzaro, Filomena; Palumbo, Rosanna; Russo, Gian Luigi

    2005-01-01

    An impressive number of studies have suggested that red wine can be considered the protective beverage of choice against chronic and degenerative pathologies. Only few and controversial data are available on a potential, similar role for beer, which represents a more cost-effective, safe, and widely available beverage. Starting from the evidence that many antioxidant compounds present in red wine are also present at similar or even higher concentrations in beers, we first screened 48 commercially available beers and selected one (Mrt-HP) with very high polyphenol concentration and antioxidant activity estimated by ferric reducing antioxidant power. We demonstrated that a lyophilized preparation of Mrt-HP beer was cytotoxic with respect to a beer with low polyphenolic content (Trt-LP) when assayed on HL-60 human leukemia cell line. We measured a 60% decrease in cell viability at a polyphenol concentration of 250 microM quercetin equivalents. We also demonstrated that Mrt-HP cytotoxicity was not an artifact due to cell growth conditions because addition of Mrt-HP extracts to cell medium generated peroxide levels indistinguishable from controls. By means of cytofluorimetric analysis of pre-G1 population and caspase 3 activation, we demonstrated that Mrt-HP extracts activated apoptosis in HL-60 cell line. Finally, we found that the concentration of quercetin, resveratrol, and gallic acid in Mrt-HP was 10, 4.6, and 4.6-fold higher, respectively, than in Trt-LP, suggesting that the presence of these molecules might be responsible for the observed cytotoxicity. These data, together with the low in vivo beer toxicity reported in the literature, suggest a possible chemopreventive role for this beverage that requires further studies in animal models.

  7. Optimization and preliminary characterization of venom isolated from 3 medically important jellyfish: the box (Chironex fleckeri), Irukandji (Carukia barnesi), and blubber (Catostylus mosaicus) jellyfish.

    PubMed

    Wiltshire, C J; Sutherland, S K; Fenner, P J; Young, A R

    2000-01-01

    To optimize venom extraction and to undertake preliminary biochemical studies of venom from the box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri), the Irukandji jellyfish (Carukia barnesi), and the blubber jellyfish (Catostylus mosaicus). Lyophilized crude venoms from box jellyfish tentacles and whole Irukandji jellyfish were prepared in water by homogenization, sonication, and rapid freeze thawing. A second technique, consisting of grinding samples with a glass mortar and pestle and using phosphate-buffered saline, was used to prepare crude venom from isolated nematocysts of the box jellyfish, the bells of Irukandji jellyfish, and the oral lobes of blubber jellyfish. Venoms were compared by use of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot test. Toxicity of some venoms was determined by intravenous median lethal dose assay in mice. Different venom extraction techniques produced significantly different crude venoms for both box and Irukandji jellyfish. Irukandji and blubber venom SDS-PAGE protein profiles were established for the first time. Analysis of Western blot tests revealed that box jellyfish antivenin reacted specifically with the venom of each jellyfish. Toxicity was found in Irukandji jellyfish venom derived by use of the mortar-and-pestle method, but not in the lyophilized venom. Glass mortar-and-pestle grinding and use of an appropriate buffer was found to be a simple and suitable method for the preparation of venom from each jellyfish species studied. This study contributes to biochemical investigations of jellyfish venoms, particularly the venom of the Irukandji jellyfish, for which there are, to our knowledge, no published studies. It also highlights the importance of optimizing venom extraction as the first step toward understanding the complex biological effects of jellyfish venoms.

  8. Mechanism of acetaldehyde-induced deactivation of microbial lipases

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Microbial lipases represent the most important class of biocatalysts used for a wealth of applications in organic synthesis. An often applied reaction is the lipase-catalyzed transesterification of vinyl esters and alcohols resulting in the formation of acetaldehyde which is known to deactivate microbial lipases, presumably by structural changes caused by initial Schiff-base formation at solvent accessible lysine residues. Previous studies showed that several lipases were sensitive toward acetaldehyde deactivation whereas others were insensitive; however, a general explanation of the acetaldehyde-induced inactivation mechanism is missing. Results Based on five microbial lipases from Candida rugosa, Rhizopus oryzae, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis we demonstrate that the protonation state of lysine ε-amino groups is decisive for their sensitivity toward acetaldehyde. Analysis of the diverse modification products of Bacillus subtilis lipases in the presence of acetaldehyde revealed several stable products such as α,β-unsaturated polyenals, which result from base and/or amino acid catalyzed aldol condensation of acetaldehyde. Our studies indicate that these products induce the formation of stable Michael-adducts at solvent-accessible amino acids and thus lead to enzyme deactivation. Further, our results indicate Schiff-base formation with acetaldehyde to be involved in crosslinking of lipase molecules. Conclusions Differences in stability observed with various commercially available microbial lipases most probably result from different purification procedures carried out by the respective manufacturers. We observed that the pH of the buffer used prior to lyophilization of the enzyme sample is of utmost importance. The mechanism of acetaldehyde-induced deactivation of microbial lipases involves the generation of α,β-unsaturated polyenals from acetaldehyde which subsequently form stable Michael-adducts with the enzymes. Lyophilization of the enzymes from buffer at pH 6.0 can provide an easy and effective way to stabilize lipases toward inactivation by acetaldehyde. PMID:21342514

  9. Dietary administration of microalgae Navicula sp. affects immune status and gene expression of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata).

    PubMed

    Reyes-Becerril, Martha; Guardiola, Francisco; Rojas, Maurilia; Ascencio-Valle, Felipe; Esteban, María Ángeles

    2013-09-01

    Effects of silage microalgae enriched with a probiotic and lyophilized microalgae were evaluated on main immune parameters and different gene expression of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.). A total of 60 seabream were grouped into 3 treatment diets which were a control diet (commercial diet) without microalgae (C), commercial diet supplemented with silage microalgae Navicula sp. plus Lactobacillus sakei 5-4 (10(6) CFU g(-1)) (SM), and commercial diet supplemented with lyophilized microalgae (LM) for 4 weeks. Generally, the results showed a significant increase in the immune parameters, principally in leucocyte peroxidase, phagocytosis and complement activities in fish fed with SM diet compared to control group. About the gene expression in head-kidney, transcript levels (Interleukin-8, Interleukin-1β and β-defensin) were upregulated in fish fed with SM after 4 weeks of treatments. However, the gene expression was upregulated in intestine from fish fed with LM with significant difference in transferrin and cyclooxygenase 2 gene at 2 weeks, and in occludin, transferrin, interleukin-8 and interleukin-1β at 4 weeks. Finally, about the digestive enzymes, LM diet caused an upregulated of α-amylase and alkaline phosphatase genes at 2 weeks; however SM diet caused an upregulated trypsin gene at 4 weeks. SM diet a higher enhancing effect on gilthead seabream immune parameters than that observed when using LM. Furthermore, dietary administration of microalgae Navicula sp. provokes upregulation of several genes in the gut that correlates with slight inflammation. Further studies are needed to know if this diatom could be useful for administering as diet supplement for farmed fish. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Oral delivery of bioencapsulated exendin-4 expressed in chloroplasts lowers blood glucose level in mice and stimulates insulin secretion in beta-TC6 cells

    PubMed Central

    Kwon, Kwang-Chul; Nityanandam, Ramya; New, James Stewart; Daniell, Henry

    2012-01-01

    Summary Glucagon like peptide (GLP-1) increases insulin secretion but is rapidly degraded (half-life: 2 min in circulation). GLP-1 analog, Exenatide (Byetta) has a longer half life (3.3–4 hrs) with potent insulinotropic effects but requires cold storage, daily abdominal injections with short shelf life. Because diabetic patients take >60,000 injections in their life time, alternative delivery methods are highly desired. Exenatide is ideal for oral delivery because insulinotropism is glucose dependent, with reduced risk of hypoglycemia even at higher doses. Therefore, exendin-4 (EX4) was expressed as a cholera toxin B subunit (CTB)-fusion protein in tobacco chloroplasts to facilitate bioencapsulation within plant cells and transmucosal delivery in the gut via GM1 receptors present in the intestinal epithelium. The transgene integration was confirmed by PCR and Southern blot analysis. Expression level of CTB-EX4 reached up to 14.3% of total leaf protein (TLP). Lyophilization of leaf material increased therapeutic protein concentration by 12–24 fold, extended their shelf life up to 15 months when stored at room temperature and eliminated microbes present in fresh leaves. The pentameric structure, disulfide bonds and functionality of CTB-EX4 were well preserved in lyophilized materials. Chloroplast derived CTB-EX4 showed increased insulin secretion similar to the commercial EX4 in beta-TC6, a mouse pancreatic cell line. Even when 5,000-fold excess dose of CTB-EX4 was orally delivered, it stimulated insulin secretion similar to the intraperitoneal injection of commercial EX4 but didn’t cause hypoglycemia in mice. Oral delivery of the bioencapsulated EX4 should eliminate injections, increase patient compliance/convenience and significantly lower their cost. PMID:23078126

  11. Population pharmacokinetics of lyophilized recombinant glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (recombinant exendin-4, rE-4) in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
.

    PubMed

    Zang, Yan-Nan; Zhang, Min-Jie; Wang, Yi-Tong; Wang, Chen; Wang, Qian; Zheng, Qing-Shan; Ji, Li-Nong; Guo, Wei; Fang, Yi

    2017-08-01

    To investigate the population pharmacokinetics of lyophilized recombinant glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (rE-4) in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) for plasma concentration estimation and individualized treatment. Twelve patients with T2DM were enrolled to receive subcutaneous injections of rE-4 at 5 µg twice daily for 84 days. Administration dosage was adjusted from 5 µg to 10 µg twice daily at day 29 in case of glycated albumin (GA) ≥ 17%. The population pharmacokinetic model was developed in the nonlinear mixed-effects modeling software NONMEM. The data were best described by a two-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination. The outcome parameters were as follows: apparent clearance (CL/F) 6.67 L/h, apparent distribution volume of central compartment (Vc/F) 19.4 L, absorption rate constant (Ka) 1.39 h-1, apparent distribution volume of peripheral compartment (Vp/F) 22.6 L, intercompartmental clearance (Q/F) 1.28 L/h. The interindividual variabilities for CL/F, Vc/F, Ka, and Q/F were 64.4%, 57.7%, 45.5%, and 153.3%, respectively. The intra-individual variability of proportional error model was 41.7%. No covariate was screened out that showed significant influence on the model parameters. The established two-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination successfully described the pharmacokinetic characteristics of rE-4 in Chinese patients with T2DM.
.

  12. Comparative study of DNA encapsulation into PLGA microparticles using modified double emulsion methods and spray drying techniques.

    PubMed

    Oster, C G; Kissel, T

    2005-05-01

    Recently, several research groups have shown the potential of microencapsulated DNA as adjuvant for DNA immunization and in tissue engineering approaches. Among techniques generally used for microencapsulation of hydrophilic drug substances into hydrophobic polymers, modified WOW double emulsion method and spray drying of water-in-oil dispersions take a prominent position. The key parameters for optimized microspheres are particle size, encapsulation efficiency, continuous DNA release and stabilization of DNA against enzymatic and mechanical degradation. This study investigates the possibility to encapsulate DNA avoiding shear forces which readily degrade DNA during this microencapsulation. DNA microparticles were prepared with polyethylenimine (PEI) as a complexation agent for DNA. Polycations are capable of stabilizing DNA against enzymatic, as well as mechanical degradation. Further, complexation was hypothesized to facilitate the encapsulation by reducing the size of the macromolecule. This study additionally evaluated the possibility of encapsulating lyophilized DNA and lyophilized DNA/PEI complexes. For this purpose, the spray drying and double emulsion techniques were compared. The size of the microparticles was characterized by laser diffractometry and the particles were visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). DNA encapsulation efficiencies were investigated photometrically after complete hydrolysis of the particles. Finally, the DNA release characteristics from the particles were studied. Particles with a size of <10 microm which represent the threshold for phagocytic uptake could be prepared with these techniques. The encapsulation efficiency ranged from 100-35% for low theoretical DNA loadings. DNA complexation with PEI 25?kDa prior to the encapsulation process reduced the initial burst release of DNA for all techniques used. Spray-dried particles without PEI exhibited high burst releases, whereas double emulsion techniques showed continuous release rates.

  13. Lyophilized mucoadhesive-dendrimer enclosed matrix tablet for extended oral delivery of albendazole.

    PubMed

    Mansuri, Shakir; Kesharwani, Prashant; Tekade, Rakesh Kumar; Jain, Narendra Kumar

    2016-05-01

    Dendrimers are multifunctional carriers widely employed for delivering drugs in a variety of disease conditions including HIV/AIDS and cancer. Albendazole (ABZ) is a commonly used anthelmintic drug in human as well as veterinary medicine. In this investigation, ABZ was formulated as a "muco-dendrimer" based sustained released tablet. The mucoadhesive complex was synthesized by anchoring chitosan to fifth generation PPI dendrimer (Muco-PPI) and characterized by UV, FTIR, (1)H NMR spectroscopy and electron microscopy. ABZ was entrapped inside Muco-PPI followed by lyophilization and tableting as matrix tablet. A half-life (t1/2) of 8.06±0.15, 8.17±0.47, 11.04±0.73, 11.49±0.92, 12.52±1.04 and 16.9±1.18h was noted for ABZ (free drug), conventional ABZ tablet (F1), conventional ABZ matrix tablet (F2), PPI-ABZ complex, PPI-ABZ matrix tablet (F3) and Muco-PPI-ABZ matrix tablet (F4), respectively. Thus the novel mucoadhesive-PPI based formulation of ABZ (F4) increased the t1/2 of ABZ significantly by almost twofold as compared to the administration of free drug. The in vivo drug release data showed that the Muco-PPI based formulations have a significantly higher Cmax (2.40±0.02μg/mL) compared with orally administered free ABZ (0.19±0.07μg/mL) as well as conventional tablet (0.20±0.05μg/mL). In addition, the Muco-PPI-ABZ matrix tablet displayed increased mean residence time (MRT) and is therefore a potential candidate to appreciably improve the pharmacokinetic profile of ABZ. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Formation and hydrolysis of amide bonds by lipase A from Candida antarctica; exceptional features.

    PubMed

    Liljeblad, Arto; Kallio, Pauli; Vainio, Marita; Niemi, Jarmo; Kanerva, Liisa T

    2010-02-21

    Various commercial lyophilized and immobilized preparations of lipase A from Candida antarctica (CAL-A) were studied for their ability to catalyze the hydrolysis of amide bonds in N-acylated alpha-amino acids, 3-butanamidobutanoic acid (beta-amino acid) and its ethyl ester. The activity toward amide bonds is highly untypical of lipases, despite the close mechanistic analogy to amidases which normally catalyze the corresponding reactions. Most CAL-A preparations cleaved amide bonds of various substrates with high enantioselectivity, although high variations in substrate selectivity and catalytic rates were detected. The possible role of contaminant protein species on the hydrolytic activity toward these bonds was studied by fractionation and analysis of the commercial lyophilized preparation of CAL-A (Cat#ICR-112, Codexis). In addition to minor impurities, two equally abundant proteins were detected, migrating on SDS-PAGE a few kDa apart around the calculated size of CAL-A. Based on peptide fragment analysis and sequence comparison both bands shared substantial sequence coverage with CAL-A. However, peptides at the C-terminal end constituting a motile domain described as an active-site flap were not identified in the smaller fragment. Separated gel filtration fractions of the two forms of CAL-A both catalyzed the amide bond hydrolysis of ethyl 3-butanamidobutanoate as well as the N-acylation of methyl pipecolinate. Hydrolytic activity towards N-acetylmethionine was, however, solely confined to the fractions containing the truncated form of CAL-A. These fractions were also found to contain a trace enzyme impurity identified in sequence analysis as a serine carboxypeptidase. The possible role of catalytic impurities versus the function of CAL-A in amide bond hydrolysis is further discussed in the paper.

  15. Biokinetics and dosimetry in patients of 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-Tyr3-octreotide prepared from lyophilized kits.

    PubMed

    González-Vázquez, Armando; Ferro-Flores, Guillermina; Arteaga de Murphy, Consuelo; Gutiérrez-García, Zohar

    2006-07-01

    99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-Tyr3-octreotide (99mTc-HYNIC-TOC) has shown high in vitro and in vivo stability, rapid background clearance and rapid detection of somatostatin receptor-positive tumors. The aim of this study was to establish a biokinetic model for 99mTc-HYNIC-TOC prepared from lyophilized kits, and to evaluate its dosimetry as a tumor imaging agent in patients with histologically confirmed neuroendocrine tumors. Whole-body images from eight patients were acquired at 5, 60, 90, 180 min and 24 h after 99mTc-HYNIC-TOC administration obtained from instant freeze-dried kit formulations with radiochemical purities >95%. Regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn around source organs on each time frame. The same set of ROIs was used for all eight scans and the count per minute (cpm) of each ROI was converted to activity using the conjugate view counting method. The image sequence was used to extrapolate 99mTc-HYNIC-TOC time-activity curves in each organ, to adjust a biokinetic model using the SAAM software, and to calculate the total number of disintegrations (N) that occurred in the source regions. N data were the input for the OLINDA/EXM code to calculate internal radiation dose estimates. Images showed an average tumor/blood (heart) ratio of 4.3+/-0.7 in receptor-positive tumors at 1 h. The mean radiation absorbed dose calculated for a study using 740 MBq was 24, 21.5, 5.5 and 1.0 mSv for spleen, kidneys, liver and bone marrow respectively and the effective dose was 4.4 mSv.

  16. Electrolyte induced rheological modulation of graphene oxide suspensions and its applications in adsorption

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ojha, Abhijeet; Thareja, Prachi

    2018-03-01

    In this study, we report the microstructure, rheology and adsorption characteristics of aqueous suspensions of Graphene Oxide (GO) at a volume fraction (ϕGO) = 0.018, which can be transformed into gels by cation induced charge shielding and cross-linking between GO nanosheets. GO nanosheets of average thickness ∼1.5 nm and a lateral dimension of ∼750 nm are synthesized by Hummer's process. At ϕGO= 0.018, cations of varying size and valence are systematically introduced with electrolytes NH4Cl, LiCl, NaCl, KCl, MgCl2 and FeCl3 at concentrations ranging from 10-5-10-1 M to investigate their effect on the rheology of GO suspensions. Our results suggest that depending on the electrolyte concentration, size and the valence of the cation: low viscosity suspensions, fragile gels and solid-like GO-electrolyte gels are formed. The storage modulus (G') of all GO-electrolyte gels increases with the increase in electrolyte concentration and G' follows the order GO-FeCl3 > GO-MgCl2> GO-KCl > GO-NaCl > GO-LiCl > GO-NH4Cl. FESEM analysis shows that lyophilized GO-electrolyte gels with 10-1 M electrolytes have a porous morphology resulting from the aggregation of GO nanosheets. The GO-electrolyte gels are shown to adsorb high quantities of oils, with GO-FeCl3 gels showing a higher adsorption capacity. The GO-NaCl and GO-FeCl3 lyophilized gels are also shown to adsorb methylene blue dye and follow the pseudo-second-order kinetics of adsorption. Along with higher oil and dye adsorption efficiency, GO-electrolyte gels are easy to recollect after the adsorption, thus avoiding the potential toxicity for bio-organisms in water caused by GO nanosheets.

  17. Physicochemical and in vitro biological evaluations of furazolidone-based β-cyclodextrin complexes in Leishmania amazonensis.

    PubMed

    Carvalho, Suzana Gonçalves; Siqueira, Larissa Ataíde; Zanini, Marcos Santos; Dos Santos Matos, Ana Paula; Quaresma, Carla Holandino; da Silva, Luisa Mota; de Andrade, Sérgio Faloni; Severi, Juliana Aparecida; Villanova, Janaina Cecília Oliveira

    2018-06-15

    Recently, there have been numerous cases of leishmaniasis reported in different Brazilian states. The use of furazolidone (FZD) to treat leishmaniasis has been previously described; however, the drug is associated with adverse effects such as anorexia, weight loss, incoordination, and fatigue in dogs. Thus, in the present study, we prepared and evaluated inclusion complexes between FZD and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) to guarantee increased drug solubility and reduce the toxicity associated with high doses. The FZD:β-CD complexes were prepared by two different techniques (kneading and lyophilization) prior to incorporation in an oral pharmaceutical dosage form. Formation of the complexes was confirmed using appropriate physicochemical methods. Antileishmanial activity against L. amazonensis was tested in vitro via a microplate assay using resazurin dye and cytotoxicity was determined using the fibroblast L929 lineage. Solubility studies showed the formation of complexes with complexation efficiencies lower than 100%. Physicochemical analysis revealed that FZD was inserted into the β-CD cavity after complexation by both methods. Biological in vitro evaluations demonstrated that free FZD and the FZD:β-CD complexes presented significant leishmanicidal activity against L. amazonensis with IC 50 values of 6.16 μg/mL and 1.83 μg/mL for the complexes prepared by kneading and lyophilization, respectively. The data showed that these complexes reduced the survival of promastigotes and presented no toxicity for tested cells. Our results indicate that the new compounds could be a cost-effective alternative for use in the pharmacotherapy of leishmaniasis in dogs infected with L. amazonensis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Resistance Risk Assessment of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) to Vip3Aa20 Insecticidal Protein Expressed in Corn.

    PubMed

    Bernardi, Oderlei; Bernardi, Daniel; Amado, Douglas; Sousa, Renan S; Fatoretto, Julio; Medeiros, Fernanda C L; Conville, Jared; Burd, Tony; Omoto, Celso

    2015-12-01

    Transgenic Agrisure Viptera 3 corn that expresses Cry1Ab, Vip3Aa20, and EPSPS proteins and Agrisure Viptera expressing Vip3Aa20 are used for control of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) and Diatraea saccharalis (F.) in Brazil. To support a resistance management program, resistance risk assessment studies were conducted to characterize the dose expression of Vip3Aa20 protein and level of control against these species. The Vip3Aa20 expression in Agrisure Viptera 3 and Agrisure Viptera decreased from V6 to V10 stage of growth. However, Vip3Aa20 expression in Agrisure Viptera 3 at V6 and V10 stages was 13- and 16-fold greater than Cry1Ab, respectively. The Vip3Aa20 expression in lyophilized tissue of Agrisure Viptera 3 and Agrisure Viptera diluted 25-fold in an artificial diet caused complete larval mortality of S. frugiperda and D. saccharalis. In contrast, lyophilized tissue of Bt11 at the same dilution does not provide complete mortality of these species. Agrisure Viptera 3 and Agrisure Viptera also caused a high level of mortality against S. frugiperda and D. saccharalis. Moreover, 100% mortality was observed for S. frugiperda larvae (neonates through fifth-instar larvae) when fed in corn with the Vip trait technology. Viptera corn achieves a high level of control against S. frugiperda and D. saccharalis providing a high dose, which is an important determination to support the refuge strategy for an effective resistance management program. © The Authors 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  19. Reversal of fluconazole resistance induced by a synergistic effect with Acca sellowiana in Candida glabrata strains.

    PubMed

    R M Machado, Gabriella da; Pippi, Bruna; Dalla Lana, Daiane Flores; Amaral, Ana Paula S; Teixeira, Mário Lettieri; Souza, Kellen C B de; Fuentefria, Alexandre M

    2016-11-01

    The increased incidence of non-albicans Candida (NAC) resistant to fluconazole (FLZ) makes it necessary to use new therapeutic alternatives. Acca sellowiana (O.berg) Burret (Myrtaceae) is a guava with several proven biological activities. The interaction with fluconazole can be a feasible alternative to overcome this resistance. This study evaluates the in vitro antifungal activity of fractions obtained from the lyophilized aqueous extract of the leaves of A. sellowiana against resistant strains of NAC. The antifungal activity of the fractions was evaluated at 500 μg/mL by microdilution method. Checkerboard assay was performed to determine the effect of the combination of the F2 fraction and antifungal at concentrations: MIC/4, MIC/2, MIC, MIC × 2 and MIC × 4. Candida glabrata showed the lowest MIC values (500-3.90 μg/mL) and the F2 active fraction was the most effective. The association of F2 with FLZ showed a strong synergistic effect (FICI ≤ 0.5) against 100% of C. glabrata resistant isolates. Moreover, the F2 active fraction has demonstrated that probably acts in the cell wall of these yeasts. There was no observed acute dermal toxicity of lyophilized aqueous extract of leaves of A. sellowiana on pig ear skin cells. The interaction between substances present in the F2 active fraction is possibly responsible for the antifungal activity presented by this fraction. This study is unprecedented and suggests that the combination of F2 active fraction and FLZ might be used as an alternative treatment for mucocutaneus infections caused by C. glabrata resistant.

  20. Development of olmesartan medoxomil optimized nanosuspension using the Box-Behnken design to improve oral bioavailability.

    PubMed

    Nagaraj, K; Narendar, D; Kishan, V

    2017-07-01

    The aim of the present investigation was to enhance the oral bioavailability of olmesartan medoxomil by improving its solubility and dissolution rate by preparing nanosuspension (OM-NS), using the Box-Behnken design. In this, four factors were evaluated at three levels. Independent variables include: concentration of drug (X 1 ), concentration of surfactant (X 2 ), concentration of polymer (X 3 ) and number of homogenization cycles (X 4 ). Based on preliminary studies, the size (Y 1 ), zeta potential (ZP) (Y 2 ) and % drug release at 5 min (Y 3 ) were chosen as dependent responses. OM-NS was prepared by high pressure homogenization method. The size, PDI, ZP, assay, in vitro release and morphology of OM-NS were characterized. Further, the pharmacokinetic (PK) behavior of OM-NS was evaluated in male wistar rats. Statistically optimized OM-NS formulation exhibited mean particle size of 492 nm, ZP of -27.9 mV and 99.29% release in 5 min. OM-NS showed more than four times increase in its solubility than pure OM. DSC and XRD analyses indicated that the drug incorporated into OM-NS was in amorphous form. The morphology of OM-NS was found to be nearly spherical with high dispersity by scanning electron microscopic studies. The PK results showed that OM lyophilized nanosuspension (NS) exhibited improved PK properties compared to coarse powder suspension and marketed tablet powder suspension (TS). Oral bioavailability of lyophilized NS was increased by 2.45 and 2.25 folds when compared to marketed TS and coarse powder suspension, respectively. Results of this study lead to conclusion that NS approach was effective in preparing OM formulations with enhanced dissolution and improved oral bioavailability.

  1. Development of novel bioadhesive granisetron hydrochloride spanlastic gel and insert for brain targeting and study their effects on rats.

    PubMed

    Abdelmonem, Rehab; El Nabarawi, Mohamed; Attia, Alshaimaa

    2018-11-01

    The aim of this study was to formulate granisetron hydrochloride (GH) spanlastic in mucoadhesive gels and lyophilized inserts for intranasal administration to improve GH bioavailability and brain targeting. Carpapol 934 and HPMC were incorporated in GH spanlastic in nasal gels (GHSpNGs). Gelatin and HPMC as matrix former, glycine as a collapse protecting and mannitol as an insert filler and sweeting agent were used to prepare GH spanlastic loaded in lyophilized inserts (GHSpNIs). The prepared GHSpNGs were characterized for pH measurement, drug content, rheology, and in vitro drug release. The prepared GHSpNIs were characterized for drug content, surface pH, GH release, and mucoadhesion. Biological investigations including pharmacokinetics studies and brain drug targeting efficiency dimensions were performed on rats (LC-MS/MS). The results showed thixotropic pseudoplastic gels and white insert with pH values in a physiological range, drug content (89.9-98.6%), (82.4-98.38%) for gel and insert, respectively and rapid release rate of GH. Biological studies showed that C max and AUC 0-6 h in brain and plasma after intranasal administration of gel and insert were higher compared to IV administration of GH solution. A high brain targeting efficiency (199.3%, 230%) for gel and insert, respectively and a direct nose to brain transport (49.8%, 56.95%) for gel and insert, respectively confirmed that there is a direct nose to brain transport of GH following nasal administration of GH spanlastic loaded in nasal gel and insert. GHSpNIs can be considered as potential novel drug delivery system intended for brain targeting via the nasal rout of administration than GHSpNGs.

  2. Results of space experiment program "Interferon". II. Influence of spaceflight conditions on the activity of interferon preparations and interferon inducers ("Interferon II").

    PubMed

    Tálas, M; Bátkai, L; Stöger, I; Nagy, K; Hiros, L; Konstantinova, I; Kozharinov, V

    1983-01-01

    The influence of spaceflight conditions on the biological activity of HuIFN-alpha preparations (lyophilized, in solution and in ointment) and interferon inducers was studied. In antiviral activity no difference was observed between the samples kept aboard the spaceship and the controls kept under ground conditions. The interferon inducers poly I:C, poly G:C and gossipol placed in the space laboratory for 7 days maintained their interferon-inducing capacity. The circulating interferon level in mice was the same irrespective of the induction being performed with flight or ground-control samples of inducers.

  3. Pharmacological assay of Cordia verbenacea. III: Oral and topical antiinflammatory activity and gastrotoxicity of a crude leaf extract.

    PubMed

    Sertié, J A; Basile, A C; Panizza, S; Oshiro, T T; Azzolini, C P; Penna, S C

    1991-02-01

    The antiinflammatory effects and gastrotoxicity of a lyophilized 70% ethanol extract of the leaves of Cordia verbenacea were investigated through experimental models in rats and mice. The oral administration of 1.24 mg/kg of the extract significantly inhibited nystatin-induced oedema. Topical application of the extract at a dose of 0.09 mg/ear in mice was clearly more effective than 1.0 mg/ear of naproxen in the reduction of the ear oedema induced by corton oil. At antiinflammatory doses, the extract showed an important protective effect on the gastric mucosa, reducing significantly the number of gastric lesions.

  4. KB425796-A, a novel antifungal antibiotic produced by Paenibacillus sp. 530603.

    PubMed

    Kai, Hirohito; Yamashita, Midori; Takase, Shigehiro; Hashimoto, Michizane; Muramatsu, Hideyuki; Nakamura, Ikuko; Yoshikawa, Koji; Ezaki, Masami; Nitta, Kumiko; Watanabe, Masato; Inamura, Noriaki; Fujie, Akihiko

    2013-08-01

    The novel antifungal macrocyclic lipopeptidolactone, KB425796-A (1), was isolated from the fermentation broth of bacterial strain 530603, which was identified as a new Paenibacillus species based on morphological and physiological characteristics, and 16S rRNA sequences. KB425796-A (1) was isolated as white powder by solvent extraction, HP-20 and ODS-B column chromatography, and lyophilization, and was determined to have the molecular formula C79H115N19O18. KB425796-A (1) showed antifungal activities against Aspergillus fumigatus and the micafungin-resistant infectious fungi Trichosporon asahii, Rhizopus oryzae, Pseudallescheria boydii and Cryptococcus neoformans.

  5. [Unsuccessful treatment with OK-432 picibanil for orbital lymphangioma].

    PubMed

    Lanuza García, A; Bañón Navarro, R; Llorca Cardeñosa, A; Delgado Navarro, C

    2012-01-01

    Lymphangioma is a malformation of the lymphatic system. The classic approach is surgery. We report a case of orbital lymphangioma in a girl who was given OK-432 to avoid surgery and its complications. OK-432 is a lyophilized mixture of group A Streptococcus pyogenes which produces a fibrosis limited to the lesion with a high cure rate. The main advantages are the easy intra-lesional application. with no scars and or damage of closed areas. Its main disadvantage is a significant local inflammatory reaction. Copyright © 2011 Sociedad Española de Oftalmología. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

  6. Headspace Moisture Mapping and the Information That Can Be Gained about Freeze-Dried Materials and Processes.

    PubMed

    Cook, Isobel A; Ward, Kevin R

    2011-01-01

    Regulatory authorities require proof that lyophilization (freeze drying) cycles have been developed logically and demonstrate uniformity. One measure of uniformity can be consistency of residual water content throughout a batch. In primary drying, heat transfer is effected by gaseous convection and conduction as well as the degree of shelf contact and evenness of heat applied; therefore residual water can be affected by container location, degree of container/tray/shelf contact, radiative heating, packing density, product formulation, and the cycle conditions themselves. In this study we have used frequency modulation spectroscopy (FMS) to create a map of headspace moisture (HSM) for 100% of vials within a number of freeze-dried batches. Karl Fischer (KF)/HSM correlations were investigated in parallel with the moisture mapping studies. A clear, linear relationship was observed between HSM and KF values for vials containing freeze-dried sucrose, implying a relatively straightforward interaction between water and the lyophilized cake for this material. Mannitol demonstrated a more complex correlation, with the interaction of different crystalline forms giving important information on the uniformity of the material produced. It was observed that annealing had a significant impact on the importance of heat transfer by conduction for vials in direct and non-direct contact with the shelf. Moisture mapping of all vials within the freeze dryer enabled further information to be obtained on the relationship of the formulation, process conditions, and equipment geometry on the intra-batch variability in HSM level. The ability of FMS to allow 100% inspection could mean that this method could play an important part in process validation and quality assurance. Lyophilization, also known as freeze drying, is a relatively old technique that has been used in its most basic form for thousands of years (e.g., preservation of fish and meat products). In its more advanced form it is used to preserve many medical products; for example, many vaccines are not stable in solution and therefore need to be dried to allow long-term storage. In order to produce a freeze-dried vaccine, a complex understanding of the processes and critical temperatures is required. Once these have been understood, the material is dried to give relatively low moisture content (e.g., 2% w/w.) This low moisture content is critical for the long-term stability of the product, allowing doctors/chemists to store these goods on site for use when required. This research paper provides further information on a technique called frequency modulation spectroscopy (FMS) that has been used to map the moisture variation across samples within a freeze dryer, enabling us to increase our understanding of the role various processing conditions play on the relationship between the product and water. It has demonstrated its potential application for 100% batch monitoring and the validation of a system or assessment of changes made. This method could assist in improving quality assurance and ultimately the final product that reaches the consumer.

  7. Kit preparation and biokinetics in women of 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-E-[c(RGDfK)]2 for breast cancer imaging.

    PubMed

    Ortiz-Arzate, Zareth; Santos-Cuevas, Clara L; Ocampo-García, Blanca E; Ferro-Flores, Guillermina; García-Becerra, Rocío; Estrada, Gisela; Gómez-Argumosa, Edgar; Izquierdo-Sánchez, Vanessa

    2014-04-01

    In breast cancer, α(ν)β(3) and/or α(ν)β(5) integrins are overexpressed in both endothelial and tumour cells. Radiolabelled peptides based on the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence are radiopharmaceuticals with high affinity and selectivity for these integrins. The RGD-dimer peptide (E-[c(RGDfK)]2) radiolabelled with (99m)Tc has been reported as a radiopharmaceutical with a 10-fold higher affinity for the α(ν)β(3) integrin compared with the RGD-monomer. Ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid (EDDA) is a hydrophilic molecule that may favour renal excretion when used as coligand in the (99m)Tc labelling of hydrazinonicotinamide (HYNIC) peptides and can easily be formulated in a lyophilized kit. The aim of this study was to establish a biokinetic model for (99m)Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-E-[c(RGDfK)]2 prepared from lyophilized kits and evaluate its dosimetry as a tumour-imaging agent in seven healthy women and three breast cancer patients. (99m)Tc labelling was performed by adding sodium pertechnetate solution and 0.2 mol/l phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) to a lyophilized formulation containing E-[c(RGDfK)]2, EDDA, tricine, mannitol and stannous chloride. The radiochemical purity was evaluated using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and instant thin-layer chromatography on silica gel analyses. Stability studies in human serum were carried out using size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography. In-vitro cell uptake was tested using breast cancer cells (MCF7, T47D and MDA-MB-231) with blocked and nonblocked receptors. Biodistribution and tumour uptake were determined in MCF7 tumour-bearing nude mice with blocked and nonblocked receptors, and images were obtained using a micro-SPECT/PET/CT. Whole-body images from seven healthy women were acquired at 0.5, 1, 3, 6 and 24 h after (99m)Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-E-[c(RGDfK)]2 administration with radiochemical purities greater than 94%. Regions of interest were drawn around the source organs at each time frame. Each region of interest was converted to activity using the conjugate view counting method. The image sequence was used to extrapolate the (99m)Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-E-[c(RGDfK)]2 time-activity curves of each organ to adjust the biokinetic model and calculate the total number of disintegrations (N) that occurred in the source regions. N data were the input for the OLINDA/EXM code to calculate internal radiation dose estimates. In three breast cancer patients with histologically confirmed cancer, static images were obtained at 1 h in the supine position with hands placed behind the head. (99m)Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-E-[c(RGDfK)]2 obtained from lyophilized kits demonstrated high stability in human serum and specific cell receptor binding. The biodistribution data from mice showed rapid blood clearance, with both renal and hepatobiliary excretion, and specific binding towards α(ν)β(3) integrins in the MCF7 tumours. In women, the blood activity showed a half-life value of 1.60 min for the fast component (T1/2α = ln2/26.01) and half-life values of 1.0 h for the first slow component (T1/2β = ln2/0.69) and 4.03 h for the second slow component (T1/2γ = ln2/0.16). Images from patients showed an average tumour/heart (blood) ratio of 3.61 ± 0.62 at 1 h. The average equivalent doses calculated for a study using 740 MBq were 4.9, 6.2, 20.7, 34.5 and 57.0 mSv for the liver, intestines, spleen, kidneys and thyroid, respectively, and the effective dose was 6.1 mSv. All absorbed doses were comparable to those known from most of the (99m)Tc studies. (99m)Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-E-[c(RGDfK)]2 obtained from kit formulations showed high tumour uptake in patients with malignant lesions, making it a promising imaging radiopharmaceutical for targeting site-specific breast cancer. The results obtained in this study warrant further clinical studies to determine the specificity and sensitivity of (99m)Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-E-[c(RGDfK)]2.

  8. Guided bone regeneration using nonexpanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes in preparation for dental implant placements--a report of 420 cases.

    PubMed

    Barboza, Eliane Porto; Stutz, Bianca; Ferreira, Vinícius Farias; Carvalho, Waldimir

    2010-02-01

    The biologic principle of guided bone regeneration has been successfully used to prevent bone loss in extraction sites. This study comprises 420 cases of alveolar ridge maintenance in preparation for dental implant placements. Nonexpanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes were positioned over all extraction sites and left intentionally exposed. Lyophilized mineralized bone allografts were used to prevent membrane collapse when buccal bone walls were lost. Membranes were removed at week 4. At the time of implant placements, all sites presented soft tissue compatibility with keratinized gingiva. The mucogingival junction position seemed to be preserved. Exposed nonexpanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes associated, or not, with bone graft provide tissue formation suitable for implant placement.

  9. One-step formation and sterilization of gellan and hyaluronan nanohydrogels using autoclave.

    PubMed

    Montanari, Elita; De Rugeriis, Maria Cristina; Di Meo, Chiara; Censi, Roberta; Coviello, Tommasina; Alhaique, Franco; Matricardi, Pietro

    2015-01-01

    The sterilization of nanoparticles for biomedical applications is one of the challenges that must be faced in the development of nanoparticulate systems. Usually, autoclave sterilization cannot be applied because of stability concerns when polymeric nanoparticles are involved. This paper describes an innovative method which allows to obtain, using a single step autoclave procedure, the preparation and, at the same time, the sterilization of self-assembling nanohydrogels (NHs) obtained with cholesterol-derivatized gellan and hyaluronic acid. Moreover, by using this approach, NHs, while formed in the autoclave, can be easily loaded with drugs. The obtained NHs dispersion can be lyophilized in the presence of a cryoprotectant, leading to the original NHs after re-dispersion in water.

  10. Particle Size Distribution of Serratia marcescens Aerosols Created During Common Laboratory Procedures and Simulated Laboratory Accidents

    PubMed Central

    Kenny, Michael T.; Sabel, Fred L.

    1968-01-01

    Andersen air samplers were used to determine the particle size distribution of Serratia marcescens aerosols created during several common laboratory procedures and simulated laboratory accidents. Over 1,600 viable particles per cubic foot of air sampled were aerosolized during blending operations. More than 98% of these particles were less than 5 μ in size. In contrast, 80% of the viable particles aerosolized by handling lyophilized cultures were larger than 5 μ. Harvesting infected eggs, sonic treatment, centrifugation, mixing cultures, and dropping infectious material produced aerosols composed primarily of particles in the 1.0- to 7.5-μ size range. Images Fig. 1 PMID:4877498

  11. ESR study of free radicals in mango

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kikuchi, Masahiro; Hussain, Mohammad S.; Morishita, Norio; Ukai, Mitsuko; Kobayashi, Yasuhiko; Shimoyama, Yuhei

    2010-01-01

    An electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopic study of radicals induced in irradiated fresh mangoes was performed. Mangoes in the fresh state were irradiated with γ-rays, lyophilized and then crushed into a powder. The ESR spectrum of the powder showed a strong main peak at g = 2.004 and a pair of peaks centered at the main peak. The main peak was detected from both flesh and skin specimens. This peak height gradually decreased during storage following irradiation. On the other hand, the side peaks showed a well-defined dose-response relationship even at 9 days post-irradiation. The side peaks therefore provide a useful means to define the irradiation of fresh mangoes.

  12. Synthesis and characterization of a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) core + poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) shell nanoparticle system

    PubMed Central

    Kosinski, Aaron M.; Brugnano, Jamie L.; Seal, Brandon L.; Knight, Frances C.; Panitch, Alyssa

    2012-01-01

    Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a popular material used to prepare nanoparticles for drug delivery. However, PLGA nanoparticles lack desirable attributes including active targeting abilities, resistance to aggregation during lyophilization, and the ability to respond to dynamic environmental stimuli. To overcome these issues, we fabricated a nanoparticle consisting of a PLGA core encapsulated within a shell of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide). Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscope imaging were used to characterize the nanoparticles, while an MTT assay and ELISA suggested biocompatibility in THP1 cells. Finally, a collagen type II binding assay showed successful modification of these nanoparticles with an active targeting moiety. PMID:23507885

  13. In vitro and in vivo assessment of anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant effects of Oak leaves (Quercus convallata and Quercus arizonica) infusions and fermented beverages.

    PubMed

    Gamboa-Gómez, Claudia I; Simental-Mendía, Luis E; González-Laredo, Rubén F; Alcantar-Orozco, Esteban J; Monserrat-Juarez, Victor H; Ramírez-España, Julio C; Gallegos-Infante, Jose Alberto; Moreno-Jiménez, Martha R; Rocha-Guzmán, Nuria E

    2017-12-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant effects of oak leaves infusions and fermented beverages from Quercus convallata and Q. arizonica in vitro and in vivo. Female C57BL/6 mice fed with high saturated fat and fructose diet-induced obesity were treated with oak leaves beverages (200 μL/per day equivalent to 15mg of lyophilized sample/Kg of body weight for infusions and 31mg of lyophilized sample/Kg of body weight for fermented beverages) for 3months and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. Blood plasma was obtained for determination of glucose, lipid profile, and oxidative stress markers (ABTS, nitric oxide, and ORAC assays). Insulin resistance was estimated using the product of triglycerides and glucose (TyG). Oak leaves infusions and fermented beverages exhibited exerted inhibition of α-amylase (8-15% and 5-9%, respectively) and α-glucosidase (98% and 99%, respectively) enzymes. After OGTT, the groups treated with either oak leaves infusions or fermented beverages showed lower glucose levels compared with the obesity control group (18%) and a similar glucose tolerance to healthy control group. On long-term evaluation, intervention groups showed a significant reduction in fasting glucose concentrations (41-50% for oak leaves infusions and 52-66% for fermented beverages) and TyG index (4.2-4.6% for oak leaves infusions and 5.9-7.5% for fermented beverages) compared with the obese control group. Oak leaves infusions and fermented beverages had antioxidant potential in vitro and scavenging activity for radicals such as peroxyl and peroxynitrite anions. Our results suggest anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant effects of beverages prepared with leaves of Quercus species in vitro and in vivo. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Development of Storage Methods for Saccharomyces Strains to be Utilized for In situ Nutrient Production in Long-Duration Space Missions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ball, Natalie; Kagawa, Hiromi; Hindupur, Aditya; Hogan, John

    2017-01-01

    Long-duration space missions will benefit from closed-loop life support technologies that minimize mass, volume, and power as well as decrease reliance on Earth-based resupply. A system for In situ production of essential vitamins and nutrients can address the documented problem of degradation of stored food and supplements. Research has shown that the edible yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be used as an on-demand system for the production of various compounds that are beneficial to human health. A critical objective in the development of this approach for long-duration space missions is the effective storage of the selected microorganisms. This research investigates the effects of different storage methods on survival rates of the non-sporulating probiotic S. boulardii, and S. cerevisiae spores and vegetative cells. Dehydration has been shown to increase long-term yeast viability, which also allows increased shelf-life and reduction in mass and volume. The process of dehydration causes detrimental effects on vegetative cells, including oxidative damage and membrane disruption. To maximize cell viability, various dehydration methods are tested here, including lyophilization (freeze-drying), air drying, and dehydration by vacuum. As a potential solution to damage caused by lyophilization, the efficacy of various cryoprotectants was tested. Furthermore, in an attempt to maintain higher survival rates, the effect of temperature during long-term storage was investigated. Data show spores of the wild-type strain to be more resilient to dehydration-related stressors than vegetative cells of either strain, and maintain high viability rates even after one year at room temperature. In the event that engineering the organism to produce targeted nutrient compounds interferes with effective sporulation of S. cerevisiae, a more robust method for improving vegetative cell storage is being sought. Therefore, anhydrobiotic engineering of S. cerevisiae and S. boulardii is being conducted

  15. Randomized Phase II Trial of Lyophilized Strawberries in Patients with Dysplastic Precancerous Lesions of the Esophagus

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Tong; Yan, Fei; Qian, Jiaming; Guo, Mingzhou; Zhang, Hongbing; Tang, Xiaofei; Chen, Fang; Stoner, Gary D.; Wang, Xiaomin

    2016-01-01

    Dysplasia is a histologic precursor of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We previously showed that dietary freeze-dried, or lyophilized, strawberry powder inhibits N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine-induced SCC in the rat esophagus. On the basis of this observation, we conducted a randomized (noncomparative) phase II trial in China to investigate the effects of two doses of freeze-dried strawberries in patients with esophageal dysplastic lesions in a high-risk area for esophageal cancer. We randomly assigned 75 patients identified by endoscopy to have dysplastic esophageal premalignant lesions to receive freeze-dried strawberry powder at either 30 g/d (37 patients) or 60 g/d (38 patients) for six months; the powder was mixed with water and drunk. After six months, we assessed the changes in histologic grade of these lesions (primary endpoint) in a blinded fashion. The dose of 30 g/d, did not significantly affect histology or any other measured parameter. The dose of 60 g/d, however, reduced the histologic grade of dysplastic premalignant lesions in 29 (80.6%) of the 36 patients at this dose who were evaluated for histology (P < 0.0001). The strawberry powder was well tolerated, with no toxic effects or serious adverse events. Strawberries (60 g/d) also reduced protein expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by 79.5% (P < 0.001), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) by 62.9% (P < 0.001), phospho-nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB)-p65 (pNFκB-p65) by 62.6% (P < 0.001), and phospho-S6 (pS6) by 73.2% (P < 0.001). Freeze-dried strawberries (60 g/d) also significantly inhibited the Ki-67 labeling index by 37.9% (P = 0.023). Our present results indicate the potential of freeze-dried strawberry powder for preventing human esophageal cancer, supporting further clinical testing of this natural agent in this setting. PMID:22135048

  16. Direct detection and characterization of foot-and-mouth disease virus in East Africa using a field-ready real-time PCR platform.

    PubMed

    Howson, E L A; Armson, B; Lyons, N A; Chepkwony, E; Kasanga, C J; Kandusi, S; Ndusilo, N; Yamazaki, W; Gizaw, D; Cleaveland, S; Lembo, T; Rauh, R; Nelson, W M; Wood, B A; Mioulet, V; King, D P; Fowler, V L

    2018-02-01

    Effective control and monitoring of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) relies upon rapid and accurate disease confirmation. Currently, clinical samples are usually tested in reference laboratories using standardized assays recommended by The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). However, the requirements for prompt and serotype-specific diagnosis during FMD outbreaks, and the need to establish robust laboratory testing capacity in FMD-endemic countries have motivated the development of simple diagnostic platforms to support local decision-making. Using a portable thermocycler, the T-COR™ 8, this study describes the laboratory and field evaluation of a commercially available, lyophilized pan-serotype-specific real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) assay and a newly available FMD virus (FMDV) typing assay (East Africa-specific for serotypes: O, A, Southern African Territories [SAT] 1 and 2). Analytical sensitivity, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the pan-serotype-specific lyophilized assay were comparable to that of an OIE-recommended laboratory-based rRT-PCR (determined using a panel of 57 FMDV-positive samples and six non-FMDV vesicular disease samples for differential diagnosis). The FMDV-typing assay was able to correctly identify the serotype of 33/36 FMDV-positive samples (no cross-reactivity between serotypes was evident). Furthermore, the assays were able to accurately detect and type FMDV RNA in multiple sample types, including epithelial tissue suspensions, serum, oesophageal-pharyngeal (OP) fluid and oral swabs, both with and without the use of nucleic acid extraction. When deployed in laboratory and field settings in Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia, both assays reliably detected and serotyped FMDV RNA in samples (n = 144) collected from pre-clinical, clinical and clinically recovered cattle. These data support the use of field-ready rRT-PCR platforms in endemic settings for simple, highly sensitive and rapid detection and/or characterization of FMDV. © 2017 The Authors. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases Published by Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

  17. Implementation of a process analytical technology system in a freeze-drying process using Raman spectroscopy for in-line process monitoring.

    PubMed

    De Beer, T R M; Allesø, M; Goethals, F; Coppens, A; Heyden, Y Vander; De Diego, H Lopez; Rantanen, J; Verpoort, F; Vervaet, C; Remon, J P; Baeyens, W R G

    2007-11-01

    The aim of the present study was to propose a strategy for the implementation of a Process Analytical Technology system in freeze-drying processes. Mannitol solutions, some of them supplied with NaCl, were used as models to freeze-dry. Noninvasive and in-line Raman measurements were continuously performed during lyophilization of the solutions to monitor real time the mannitol solid state, the end points of the different process steps (freezing, primary drying, secondary drying), and physical phenomena occurring during the process. At-line near-infrared (NIR) and X-ray powder diffractometry (XRPD) measurements were done to confirm the Raman conclusions and to find out additional information. The collected spectra during the processes were analyzed using principal component analysis and multivariate curve resolution. A two-level full factorial design was used to study the significant influence of process (freezing rate) and formulation variables (concentration of mannitol, concentration of NaCl, volume of freeze-dried sample) upon freeze-drying. Raman spectroscopy was able to monitor (i) the mannitol solid state (amorphous, alpha, beta, delta, and hemihydrate), (ii) several process step end points (end of mannitol crystallization during freezing, primary drying), and (iii) physical phenomena occurring during freeze-drying (onset of ice nucleation, onset of mannitol crystallization during the freezing step, onset of ice sublimation). NIR proved to be a more sensitive tool to monitor sublimation than Raman spectroscopy, while XRPD helped to unravel the mannitol hemihydrate in the samples. The experimental design results showed that several process and formulation variables significantly influence different aspects of lyophilization and that both are interrelated. Raman spectroscopy (in-line) and NIR spectroscopy and XRPD (at-line) not only allowed the real-time monitoring of mannitol freeze-drying processes but also helped (in combination with experimental design) us to understand the process.

  18. Validation of Modifications to the ANSR(®) Listeria Method for Improved Ease of Use and Performance.

    PubMed

    Caballero, Oscar; Alles, Susan; Le, Quynh-Nhi; Gray, R Lucas; Hosking, Edan; Pinkava, Lisa; Norton, Paul; Tolan, Jerry; Mozola, Mark; Rice, Jennifer; Chen, Yi; Odumeru, Joseph; Ryser, Elliot

    2016-01-01

    A study was conducted to validate minor reagent formulation, enrichment, and procedural changes to the ANSR(®) Listeria method, Performance-Tested Method(SM) 101202. In order to improve ease of use and diminish risk of amplicon contamination, the lyophilized reagent components were reformulated for increased solubility, thus eliminating the need to mix by pipetting. In the alternative procedure, an aliquot of the lysate is added to lyophilized ANSR reagents, immediately capped, and briefly mixed by vortexing. When three foods (hot dogs, Mexican-style cheese, and cantaloupe) and sponge samples taken from a stainless steel surface were tested, significant differences in performance between the ANSR and U.S. Food and Drug Administration Bacteriological Analytical Manual or U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook reference culture procedures were seen with hot dogs and Mexican-style cheese after 16 h enrichment, with the reference methods producing more positive results. After 24 h enrichment, however, there were no significant differences in method performance for any of the four matrixes tested. Robustness testing was also conducted, with variations to lysis buffer volume, lysis time, and sample volume having no demonstrable effect on assay results. Accelerated stability testing was carried out over a 10-week period and showed no diminishment in assay performance. A second phase of the study examined performance of the ANSR assay following enrichment in a new medium, LESS Plus broth, designed for use with all food and environmental sample types. With the alternative LESS Plus broth, there were no significant differences in performance between the ANSR method and the reference culture procedures for any of the matrixes tested after either 16 or 24 h enrichment, although 24 h enrichment is recommended for hot dogs due to higher sensitivity. Results of inclusivity and exclusivity testing using LESS Plus broth showed that the ANSR assay is highly specific, with 100% expected results for target and nontarget bacteria.

  19. Calorimetric and Diffractometric Evidence for the Sequential Crystallization of Buffer Components and the Consequential pH Swing in Frozen Solutions

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Sundaramurthi, Prakash; Shalaev, Evgenyi; Suryanarayanan, Raj

    2010-06-22

    Sequential crystallization of succinate buffer components in the frozen solution has been studied by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffractometry (both laboratory and synchrotron sources). The consequential pH shifts were monitored using a low-temperature electrode. When a solution buffered to pH < pK{sub a2} was cooled from room temperature (RT), the freeze-concentrate pH first increased and then decreased. This was attributed to the sequential crystallization of succinic acid, monosodium succinate, and finally disodium succinate. When buffered to pH > pK{sub a2}, the freeze-concentrate pH first decreased and then increased due to the sequential crystallization of the basic (disodium succinate) followedmore » by the acidic (monosodium succinate and succinic acid) buffer components. XRD provided direct evidence of the crystallization events in the frozen buffer solutions, including the formation of disodium succinate hexahydrate [Na{sub 2}(CH{sub 2}COO){sub 2} {center_dot} 6H{sub 2}O]. When the frozen solution was warmed in a differential scanning calorimeter, multiple endotherms attributable to the melting of buffer components and ice were observed. When the frozen solutions were dried under reduced pressure, ice sublimation was followed by dehydration of the crystalline hexahydrate to a poorly crystalline anhydrate. However, crystalline succinic acid and monosodium succinate were retained in the final lyophiles. The pH and the buffer salt concentration of the prelyo solution influenced the crystalline salt content in the final lyophile. The direction and magnitude of the pH shift in the frozen solution depended on both the initial pH and the buffer concentration. In light of the pH-sensitive nature of a significant fraction of pharmaceuticals (especially proteins), extreme care is needed in both the buffer selection and its concentration.« less

  20. Rapid Recovery of Clofazimine-Loaded Nanoparticles with Long-Term Storage Stability as Anti-Cryptosporidium Therapy.

    PubMed

    Feng, Jie; Zhang, Yingyue; McManus, Simon A; Ristroph, Kurt D; Lu, Hoang D; Gong, Kai; White, Claire E; Prud'homme, Robert K

    2018-05-25

    While the formulation of nanoparticle (NP) suspensions has been widely applied in materials and life science, the recovery of NPs from such a suspension into a solid state is practically important to confer long-term storage stability. However, solidification, while preserving the original nanoscale properties, remains a formidable challenge in the pharmaceutical and biomedical applications of NPs. Herein we combined flash nanoprecipitation (FNP) and spray-drying as a nanofabrication platform for NP formulation and recovery without compromising the dissolution kinetics of the active ingredient. Clofazimine was chosen to be the representative drug, which has been recently repurposed as a potential treatment for cryptosporidiosis. Clofazimine was encapsulated in NPs with low-cost surface coatings, hypromellose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) and lecithin, which were required by the ultimate application to global health. Spray-drying and lyophilization were utilized to produce dried powders with good long-term storage stability for application in hot and humid climatic zones. The particle morphology, yield efficiency, drug loading, and clofazimine crystallinity in the spray-dried powders were characterized. The in vitro release kinetics of spray-dried NP powders were compared to analogous dissolution profiles from standard lyophilized NP samples, crystalline clofazimine powder, and the commercially available formulation Lamprene. The spray-dried powders showed a supersaturation level of up to 60 times the equilibrium solubility and remarkably improved dissolution rates. In addition, the spray-dried powders with both surface coatings showed excellent stability during aging studies with elevated temperature and humidity, in view of the dissolution and release in vitro. Considering oral delivery for pediatric administration, the spray-dried powders show less staining effects with simulated skin than crystalline clofazimine and may be made into minitablets without additional excipients. These results highlight the potential of combining FNP and spray-drying as a feasible and versatile platform to design and rapidly recover amorphous NPs in a solid dosage form, with the advantages of satisfactory long-term storage stability, low cost, and easy scalability.

  1. A Method of Lyophilizing Vaccines Containing Aluminum Salts into a Dry Powder Without Causing Particle Aggregation or Decreasing the Immunogenicity Following Reconstitution

    PubMed Central

    Li, Xinran; Thakkar, Sachin G.; Ruwona, Tinashe B.; Williams, Robert O.; Cui, Zhengrong

    2015-01-01

    Many currently licensed and commercially available human vaccines contain aluminum salts as vaccine adjuvants. A major limitation with these vaccines is that they must not be exposed to freezing temperatures during transport or storage such that the liquid vaccine freezes, because freezing causes irreversible coagulation that damages the vaccines (e.g., loss of efficacy). Therefore, vaccines that contain aluminum salts as adjuvants are formulated as liquid suspensions and are required to be kept in cold chain (2–8°C) during transport and storage. Formulating vaccines adjuvanted with aluminum salts into dry powder that can be readily reconstituted before injection may address the limitation. Spray freeze-drying of vaccines with low concentrations of aluminum salts and high concentrations of trehalose alone, or a mixture of sugars and amino acids, as excipients can convert vaccines containing aluminum salts into dry powder, but fails to preserve the particle size and/or immunogenicity of the vaccines. In the present study, using ovalbumin as a model antigen adsorbed onto aluminum hydroxide or aluminum phosphate, a commercially available tetanus toxoid vaccine adjuvanted with potassium alum, a human hepatitis B vaccine adjuvanted with aluminum hydroxide, and a human papillomavirus vaccine adjuvanted with aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate, it was shown that vaccines containing a relatively high concentration of aluminum salts (i.e., up to ~1%, w/v, of aluminum hydroxide) can be converted into a dry powder by thin-film freezing followed by removal of the frozen solvent by lyophilization while using low levels of trehalose (i.e., as low as 2% w/v) as an excipient. Importantly, the thin-film freeze-drying process did not cause particle aggregation, nor decreased the immunogenicity of the vaccines. Moreover, repeated freezing-and-thawing of the dry vaccine powder did not cause aggregation. Thin-film freeze-drying is a viable platform technology to produce dry powders of vaccines that contain aluminum salts. PMID:25735896

  2. Treatment of wheat straw using tannase and white-rot fungus to improve feed utilization by ruminants.

    PubMed

    Raghuwanshi, Shailendra; Misra, Swati; Saxena, Rajendra Kumar

    2014-02-20

    Current research to enrich cattle feed has primarily focused on treatment using white rot fungi, while there are scarce reports using the enzyme tannase, which is discussed only in reviews or in the form of a hypothesis. In this context, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of tannase on wheat straw (WS) and also the effect of lyophilized tannase at concentrations of 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% (w/w) on WS followed by fermentation with Ganoderma sp. for 10 d and compared in relation to biochemical parameters, crude protein (CP) content, and nutritional value by calculating the C/N ratio in order to improve the nutritional value of cattle feed. Penicillium charlesii, a tannase-producing microorganism, produced 61.4 IU/mL of tannase in 54 h when 2% (w/v) tannic acid (TA) was initially used as a substrate in medium containing (% w/v) sucrose (1.0), NaNO3 (1.0), and MgSO4 (0.08 pH, 5.0) in a 300-L fermentor (working volume 220 L), and concomitantly fed with 1.0% (w/v) TA after 24 h. The yield of partially purified and lyophilized tannase was 5.8 IU/mg. The tannin-free myco-straw at 0.1% (w/w) tannase showed 37.8% (w/w) lignin degradation with only a 20.4% (w/w) decrease in cellulose content and the in vitro feed digestibility was 32.2%. An increase in CP content (up to 1.28-fold) along with a lower C/N ratio of 25.0%, as compared to myco-straw, was obtained. The use of tannin-free myco-straw has potential to improve the nutritional content of cattle feed. This biological treatment process was safe, eco-friendly, easy to perform, and was less expensive as compared to other treatment methods.

  3. Treatment of wheat straw using tannase and white-rot fungus to improve feed utilization by ruminants

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background Current research to enrich cattle feed has primarily focused on treatment using white rot fungi, while there are scarce reports using the enzyme tannase, which is discussed only in reviews or in the form of a hypothesis. In this context, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of tannase on wheat straw (WS) and also the effect of lyophilized tannase at concentrations of 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% (w/w) on WS followed by fermentation with Ganoderma sp. for 10 d and compared in relation to biochemical parameters, crude protein (CP) content, and nutritional value by calculating the C/N ratio in order to improve the nutritional value of cattle feed. Results Penicillium charlesii, a tannase-producing microorganism, produced 61.4 IU/mL of tannase in 54 h when 2% (w/v) tannic acid (TA) was initially used as a substrate in medium containing (% w/v) sucrose (1.0), NaNO3 (1.0), and MgSO4 (0.08 pH, 5.0) in a 300-L fermentor (working volume 220 L), and concomitantly fed with 1.0% (w/v) TA after 24 h. The yield of partially purified and lyophilized tannase was 5.8 IU/mg. The tannin-free myco-straw at 0.1% (w/w) tannase showed 37.8% (w/w) lignin degradation with only a 20.4% (w/w) decrease in cellulose content and the in vitro feed digestibility was 32.2%. An increase in CP content (up to 1.28-fold) along with a lower C/N ratio of 25.0%, as compared to myco-straw, was obtained. Conclusions The use of tannin-free myco-straw has potential to improve the nutritional content of cattle feed. This biological treatment process was safe, eco-friendly, easy to perform, and was less expensive as compared to other treatment methods. PMID:24555694

  4. Evaluation of Fetal Intestinal Cell Growth and Antimicrobial Biofunctionalities of Donor Human Milk After Preparative Processes.

    PubMed

    Kanaprach, Pasinee; Pongsakul, Nutkridta; Apiwattanakul, Nopporn; Muanprasat, Chatchai; Supapannachart, Sarayut; Nuntnarumit, Pracha; Chutipongtanate, Somchai

    2018-04-01

    Donor human milk is considered the next best nutrition following mother's own milk to prevent neonatal infection and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants who are admitted at neonatal intensive care unit. However, donor milk biofunctionalities after preparative processes have rarely been documented. To evaluate biofunctionalities preserved in donor milk after preparative processes by cell-based assays. Ten pools of donor milk were produced from 40 independent specimens. After preparative processes, including bacterial elimination methods (holder pasteurization and cold-sterilization microfiltration) and storage conditions (-20°C freezing storage and lyophilization) with varied duration of storage (0, 3, and 6, months), donor milk biofunctionalities were examined by fetal intestinal cell growth and antimicrobial assays. At baseline, raw donor milk exhibited 193.1% ± 12.3% of fetal intestinal cell growth and 42.4% ± 11.8% of antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli. After bacteria eliminating processes, growth promoting activity was better preserved in pasteurized donor milk than microfiltrated donor milk (169.5% ± 14.3% versus 146.0% ± 11.8%, respectively; p < 0.005), whereas antimicrobial activity showed no difference between groups (38.3% ± 14.1% versus 53.7% ± 17.3%, respectively; p = 0.499). The pasteurized donor milk was further examined for the effects of storage conditions at 3 and 6 months. Freezing storage, but not lyophilization, could preserve higher growth-promoting activity during 6 months of storage (163.0% ± 9.4% versus 72.8% ± 6.2%, respectively; p < 0.005). Nonetheless, antimicrobial activity was lost at 6 months, regardless of the storage methods. This study revealed that fetal intestinal cell growth and antimicrobial assays could be applied to measure donor milk biofunctionalities and support the utilization of donor milk within 3 months after preparative processes.

  5. Endobiotic bacteria and their pathogenic potential in cnidarian tentacles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schuett, Christian; Doepke, Hilke

    2010-09-01

    Endobiotic bacteria colonize the tentacles of cnidaria. This paper provides first insight into the bacterial spectrum and its potential of pathogenic activities inside four cnidarian species. Sample material originating from Scottish waters comprises the jellyfish species Cyanea capillata and C. lamarckii, hydrozoa Tubularia indivisa and sea anemone Sagartia elegans. Mixed cultures of endobiotic bacteria, pure cultures selected on basis of haemolysis, but also lyophilized samples were prepared from tentacles and used for DGGE-profiling with subsequent phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA fragments. Bacteria were detected in each of the cnidarian species tested. Twenty-one bacterial species including four groups of closely related organisms were found in culture material. The species within these groups could not be differentiated from each other (one group of Pseudoalteromonas spp., two groups of Shewanella spp., one group of Vibrio spp.). Each of the hosts exhibits a specific endobacterial spectrum. Solely Cyanea lamarckii harboured Moritella viscosa. Only in Cyanea capillata, members of the Shewanella group #2 and the species Pseudoalteromonas arctica, Shewanella violacea, Sulfitobacter pontiacus and Arcobacter butzleri were detected. Hydrozoa Tubularia indivisa provided an amazingly wide spectrum of nine bacterial species. Exclusively, in the sea anemone Sagartia elegans, the bacterial species P. aliena was found. Overall eleven bacterial species detected were described recently as novel species. Four 16S rDNA fragments generated from lyophilized material displayed extremely low relationship to their next neighbours. These organisms are regarded as members of the endobiotic “terra incognita”. Since the origin of cnidarian toxins is unclear, the possible pathogenic activity of endobiotic bacteria has to be taken into account. Literature data show that their next neighbours display an interesting diversity of haemolytic, septicaemic and necrotic actions including the production of cytotoxins, tetrodotoxin and R-toxin. Findings of haemolysis tests support the literature data. The potential producers are Endozoicimonas elysicola, Moritella viscosa, Photobacterium profundum, P. aliena, P. tetraodonis, Shewanella waksmanii, Vibrio splendidus, V. aestuarius, Arcobacter butzleri.

  6. Quantification of Cells with Specific Phenotypes I: Determination of CD4+ Cell Count Per Microliter in Reconstituted Lyophilized Human PBMC Prelabeled with Anti-CD4 FITC Antibody

    PubMed Central

    Stebbings, Richard; Wang, Lili; Sutherland, Janet; Kammel, Martin; Gaigalas, Adolfas K; John, Manuela; Roemer, Bodo; Kuhne, Maren; Schneider, Rudolf J; Braun, Michael; Engel, Andrea; Dikshit, Dinesh K; Abbasi, Fatima; Marti, Gerald E; Paola Sassi, Maria; Revel, Laura; Kim, Sook-Kyung; Baradez, Marc-Olivier; Lekishvili, Tamara; Marshall, Damian; Whitby, Liam; Jing, Wang; Ost, Volker; Vonsky, Maxim; Neukammer, Jörg

    2015-01-01

    A surface-labeled lyophilized lymphocyte (sLL) preparation has been developed using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells prelabeled with a fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugated anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody. The sLL preparation is intended to be used as a reference material for CD4+ cell counting including the development of higher order reference measurement procedures and has been evaluated in the pilot study CCQM-P102. This study was conducted across 16 laboratories from eight countries to assess the ability of participants to quantify the CD4+ cell count of this reference material and to document cross-laboratory variability plus associated measurement uncertainties. Twelve different flow cytometer platforms were evaluated using a standard protocol that included calibration beads used to obtain quantitative measurements of CD4+ T cell counts. There was good overall cross-platform and counting method agreement with a grand mean of the laboratory calculated means of (301.7 ± 4.9) μL−1 CD4+ cells. Excluding outliers, greater than 90% of participant data agreed within ±15%. A major contribution to variation of sLL CD4+ cell counts was tube to tube variation of the calibration beads, amounting to an uncertainty of 3.6%. Variation due to preparative steps equated to an uncertainty of 2.6%. There was no reduction in variability when data files were centrally reanalyzed. Remaining variation was attributed to instrument specific differences. CD4+ cell counts obtained in CCQM-P102 are in excellent agreement and show the robustness of both the measurements and the data analysis and hence the suitability of sLL as a reference material for interlaboratory comparisons and external quality assessment. © 2015 The Authors. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. PMID:25655255

  7. Lack of species-specific difference in pulmonary function when using mouse versus human plasma in a mouse model of hemorrhagic shock.

    PubMed

    Peng, Zhanglong; Pati, Shibani; Fontaine, Magali J; Hall, Kelly; Herrera, Anthony V; Kozar, Rosemary A

    2016-11-01

    Clinical studies have demonstrated that the early and empiric use of plasma improves survival after hemorrhagic shock. We have demonstrated in rodent models of hemorrhagic shock that resuscitation with plasma is protective to the lungs compared with lactated Ringer's solution. As our long-term objective is to determine the molecular mechanisms that modulate plasma's protective effects in injured bleeding patients, we have used human plasma in a mouse model of hemorrhagic shock. The goal of the current experiments is to determine if there are significant adverse effects on lung injury when using human versus mouse plasma in an established murine model of hemorrhagic shock and laparotomy. Mice underwent laparotomy and 90 minutes of hemorrhagic shock to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 35 ± 5 mm Hg followed by resuscitation at 1× shed blood using either mouse fresh frozen plasma (FFP), human FFP, or human lyophilized plasma. Mean arterial pressure was recorded during shock and for the first 30 minutes of resuscitation. After 3 hours, animals were killed, and lungs collected for analysis. There was a significant increase in early MAP when mouse FFP was used to resuscitate animals compared with human FFP or human lyophilized plasma. However, despite these differences, analysis of the mouse lungs revealed no significant differences in pulmonary histopathology, lung permeability, or lung edema between all three plasma groups. Analysis of neutrophil infiltration in the lungs revealed that mouse FFP decreased neutrophil influx as measured by neutrophil staining; however, myeloperoxidase immunostaining revealed no significant differences in between groups. The study of human plasma in a mouse model of hemorrhagic shock is feasible but does reveal some differences compared with mouse plasma-based resuscitation in physiologic measures such as MAP postresuscitation. Measures of end organ function such as lung injury appear to be comparable in this acute model of hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation.

  8. High-linearity piezoresistive response of mechanically strong graphene-based elastomer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yuanzheng, Luo; Buyin, Li; Xiaoqi

    2017-05-01

    Traditional additive-free graphene bulk materials based on mono- three dimensional(3D) graphene networks type are fragile in most cases, which is unfavorable for their potential applications. Here we present compressible graphene foams (CGF) with superior properties endowed by the hierarchical porous structure, which taking graphene sheets as an inorganic embedding material and polyurethane sponge (PUS) as a polymer open-framework. The preparation process utilized a dip-coating method associated with directional freezing followed by lyophilization. The as-synthesized CGF not only possess a combination of ultralow density and excellent electrical conductivity, but it also can withstand large strains (>99%) without permanent deformation or fracture. We believe that these sponge/graphene embeddable multifunctional nanocomposites will expand practical applications of graphene monolith in the future.

  9. Preparation of Self-Assembled Chitin Nanofiber-Natural Rubber Composite Sheets and Porous Materials

    PubMed Central

    Kawano, Akito; Yamamoto, Kazuya

    2017-01-01

    We previously reported the preparation of a self-assembled chitin nanofiber (CNF) film via regeneration from an ion gel with an ionic liquid, followed by sonication and filtration. Based on the finding that CNFs were redispersed in a mixture of the film with ammonia aqueous solution (aq.), in this study, CNF-natural rubber (NR) composite sheets were fabricated by mixing redispersed CNF with NR latex stabilized by ammonia, followed by drying under reduced pressure. Tensile testing of the sheets indicated the reinforcing effect of CNFs. Further, CNF-NR composite porous materials were fabricated by evaporating ammonia from the CNF-NR dispersion, followed by lyophilization. The mechanism for the formation of porous structures was evaluated. PMID:28671578

  10. Isolation, structure elucidation and DFT study on two novel oligosaccharides from yak milk

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Singh, Meenakshi; Kumar, Alok; Srivastava, Gaurav; Deepak, Desh; Singh, M. P. V. V.

    2016-08-01

    Two novel oligosaccharides were isolated from yak milk. The milk was processed by the method of Kobata and Ginsberg involving deproteination, centrifugation and lyophilization followed by gel filtrate chromatography acetylation and silica gel column chromatography of derivatized oligosaccharides while their homogeneity was confirmed by HPLC. The structures of these isolated oligosaccharides were elucidated by chemical transformation, chemical degradation, 1H, 13C NMR, 2D NMR (COSY, TOCSY and HSQC) and mass spectrometry. The geometry of compound A (Bosiose) and B (Bovisose) have been optimized at B3LYP method and 6-311 + G(d,p) basis set. The difference between the energies of A and B is 1.269 a.u. or 796.309 kcal/mol.

  11. Fabrication of cationic chitin nanofiber/alginate composite materials.

    PubMed

    Sato, Koki; Tanaka, Kohei; Takata, Yusei; Yamamoto, Kazuya; Kadokawa, Jun-Ichi

    2016-10-01

    We have already found that an amidinated chitin, which was prepared by the reaction of a partially deacetylated chitin with N,N-dimethylacetamide dimethyl acetal, was converted into an amidinium chitin bicarbonate with nanofiber morphology by CO2 gas bubbling and ultrasonic treatments in water. In this study, we performed the fabrication of composite materials of such cationic chitin nanofibers with an anionic polysaccharide, sodium alginate, by ion exchange. When the amidinium chitin bicarbonate nanofiber aqueous dispersion was added to an aqueous solution of sodium alginate, the composite material was agglomerated, which was isolated by centrifugation, filtration, and lyophilization, to form a manipulatable sheet. The morphology of the resulting sheet at nano-scale was evaluated by SEM measurement. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Analysis of macromolecules, ligands and macromolecule-ligand complexes

    DOEpatents

    Von Dreele, Robert B [Los Alamos, NM

    2008-12-23

    A method for determining atomic level structures of macromolecule-ligand complexes through high-resolution powder diffraction analysis and a method for providing suitable microcrystalline powder for diffraction analysis are provided. In one embodiment, powder diffraction data is collected from samples of polycrystalline macromolecule and macromolecule-ligand complex and the refined structure of the macromolecule is used as an approximate model for a combined Rietveld and stereochemical restraint refinement of the macromolecule-ligand complex. A difference Fourier map is calculated and the ligand position and points of interaction between the atoms of the macromolecule and the atoms of the ligand can be deduced and visualized. A suitable polycrystalline sample of macromolecule-ligand complex can be produced by physically agitating a mixture of lyophilized macromolecule, ligand and a solvent.

  13. Production of zinc oxide nanowires power with precisely defined morphology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mičová, Júlia; Remeš, Zdeněk; Chan, Yu-Ying

    2017-12-01

    The interest about zinc oxide is increasing thanks to its unique chemical and physical properties. Our attention has focused on preparation powder of 1D nanostructures of ZnO nanowires with precisely defined morphology include characterization size (length and diameter) and shape controlled in the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We have compared results of SEM with dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique. We have found out that SEM method gives more accurate results. We have proposed transformation process from ZnO nanowires on substrates to ZnO nanowires powder by ultrasound peeling to colloid followed by lyophilization. This method of the mass production of the ZnO nanowires powder has some advantages: simplicity, cost effective, large-scale and environment friendly.

  14. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wu, Xiangmei; Mort, Andrew

    A comore » mmercial apple pectin was sequentially digested with the cloned enzymes endopolygalacturonase, galactanase, arabinofuranosidase, xylogalacturonase, and rhamnogalacturonan hydrolase. The rhamnogalacturonan hydrolase-generated oligosaccharides were separated by ultrafiltration, anion exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography. Fractions from the ion exchange chromatography were pooled, lyophilized, and screened by MALDI-TOF MS. An oligosaccharide (RGP14P3) was identified and its structure, α -D-Gal p A- ( 1 → 2 ) - α -L-Rha p - ( 1 → 4 ) - α -D-Gal p A- ( 1 → 2 ) - α -L-Rha p - ( 1 → 4 ) - α -D-Gal p A, determined by 1D and 2D NMR spectrometry. This oligosaccharide probably represents a direct connection between homogalacturonan and rhamnogalacturonan in pectin. Alternatively, it could indicate that the nonreducing end of rhamnogalacturonan starts with a galacturonic acid residue.« less

  15. Design and evaluation of liposomal formulation of pilocarpine nitrate.

    PubMed

    Rathod, S; Deshpande, S G

    2010-03-01

    Prolonged release drug delivery system of pilocarpine nitrate was made by optimizing thin layer film hydration method. Egg phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol were used to make multilamellar vesicles. Effects of charges over the vesicles were studied by incorporating dicetylphosphate and stearylamine. Various factors, which may affect the size, shape, encapsulation efficiency and release rate, were studied. Liposomes in the size range 0.2 to 1 µm were obtained by optimizing the process. Encapsulation efficiency of neutral, positive and negatively charged liposomes were found to be 32.5, 35.4 and 34.2 percent, respectively. In vitro drug release rate was studied on specially designed model. Biological response in terms of reduction in intraocular pressure was observed on rabbit eyes. Pilocarpine nitrate liposomes were lyophilized and stability studies were conducted.

  16. Carbon nanotube scaffolds with controlled porosity as electromagnetic absorbing materials in the gigahertz range

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    González, M.; Crespo, M.; Baselga, J.; Pozuelo, J.

    2016-05-01

    Control of the microscopic structure of CNT nanocomposites allows modulation of the electromagnetic shielding in the gigahertz range. The porosity of CNT scaffolds has been controlled by two freezing protocols and a subsequent lyophilization step: fast freezing in liquid nitrogen and slow freezing at -20 °C. Mercury porosimetry shows that slowly frozen specimens present a more open pore size (100-150 μm) with a narrow distribution whereas specimens frozen rapidly show a smaller pore size and a heterogeneous distribution. 3D-scaffolds containing 3, 4, 6 and 7% CNT were infiltrated with epoxy and specimens with 2, 5 and 8 mm thicknesses were characterized in the GHz range. Samples with the highest pore size and porosity presented the lowest reflected power (about 30%) and the highest absorbed power (about 70%), which allows considering them as electromagnetic radiation absorbing materials.Control of the microscopic structure of CNT nanocomposites allows modulation of the electromagnetic shielding in the gigahertz range. The porosity of CNT scaffolds has been controlled by two freezing protocols and a subsequent lyophilization step: fast freezing in liquid nitrogen and slow freezing at -20 °C. Mercury porosimetry shows that slowly frozen specimens present a more open pore size (100-150 μm) with a narrow distribution whereas specimens frozen rapidly show a smaller pore size and a heterogeneous distribution. 3D-scaffolds containing 3, 4, 6 and 7% CNT were infiltrated with epoxy and specimens with 2, 5 and 8 mm thicknesses were characterized in the GHz range. Samples with the highest pore size and porosity presented the lowest reflected power (about 30%) and the highest absorbed power (about 70%), which allows considering them as electromagnetic radiation absorbing materials. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Scheme of hydrogenated derivative of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (HDGEBA) and m-xylylenediamine; X-ray diffractograms of pristine CNT and oxidized CNT; glass transition temperatures of composites; electromagnetic shielding analysis in the 1-18 GHz frequency range. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr02133f

  17. Large-scale production and properties of human plasma-derived activated Factor VII concentrate.

    PubMed

    Tomokiyo, K; Yano, H; Imamura, M; Nakano, Y; Nakagaki, T; Ogata, Y; Terano, T; Miyamoto, S; Funatsu, A

    2003-01-01

    An activated Factor VII (FVIIa) concentrate, prepared from human plasma on a large scale, has to date not been available for clinical use for haemophiliacs with antibodies against FVIII and FIX. In the present study, we attempted to establish a large-scale manufacturing process to obtain plasma-derived FVIIa concentrate with high recovery and safety, and to characterize its biochemical and biological properties. FVII was purified from human cryoprecipitate-poor plasma, by a combination of anion exchange and immunoaffinity chromatography, using Ca2+-dependent anti-FVII monoclonal antibody. To activate FVII, a FVII preparation that was nanofiltered using a Bemberg Microporous Membrane-15 nm was partially converted to FVIIa by autoactivation on an anion-exchange resin. The residual FVII in the FVII and FVIIa mixture was completely activated by further incubating the mixture in the presence of Ca2+ for 18 h at 10 degrees C, without any additional activators. For preparation of the FVIIa concentrate, after dialysis of FVIIa against 20 mm citrate, pH 6.9, containing 13 mm glycine and 240 mm NaCl, the FVIIa preparation was supplemented with 2.5% human albumin (which was first pasteurized at 60 degrees C for 10 h) and lyophilized in vials. To inactivate viruses contaminating the FVIIa concentrate, the lyophilized product was further heated at 65 degrees C for 96 h in a water bath. Total recovery of FVII from 15 000 l of plasma was approximately 40%, and the FVII preparation was fully converted to FVIIa with trace amounts of degraded products (FVIIabeta and FVIIagamma). The specific activity of the FVIIa was approximately 40 U/ micro g. Furthermore, virus-spiking tests demonstrated that immunoaffinity chromatography, nanofiltration and dry-heating effectively removed and inactivated the spiked viruses in the FVIIa. These results indicated that the FVIIa concentrate had both high specific activity and safety. We established a large-scale manufacturing process of human plasma-derived FVIIa concentrate with a high yield, making it possible to provide sufficient FVIIa concentrate for use in haemophiliacs with inhibitory antibodies.

  18. The supplementation of Korean mistletoe water extracts reduces hot flushes, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and muscle loss in ovariectomized rats.

    PubMed

    Kim, Min Jung; Park, Jong-Heum; Kwon, Dae Young; Yang, Hye Jeong; Kim, Da Sol; Kang, Suna; Shin, Bae Keun; Moon, Na Rang; Song, Beom-Seok; Kim, Jae-Hun; Park, Sunmin

    2015-04-01

    Since Korean mistletoe (Viscum album) has been used for alleviating metabolic diseases, it may also prevent the impairment of energy, glucose, lipid, and bone metabolisms in an estrogen-deficient animal model. We determined that long-term consumption of Korean mistletoe water extract (KME) can alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flush, increased abdominal fat mass, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and decreased bone mineral density in ovariectomized (OVX) rats fed a high-fat diet, and explored the mechanisms of the effects. OVX rats were divided into four groups and fed high-fat diets supplemented with either 0.6% dextrin (control), 0.2% lyophilized KME + 0.4% dextrin (KME-L), or 0.6% lyophilized KME (KME-H). Sham rats were fed with the high-fat diets with 0.6% dextrin as a normal-control without estrogen deficiency. After eight weeks, OVX rats exhibited impaired energy, glucose and lipid metabolism, and decreased uterine and bone masses. KME-L did not alleviate energy dysfunction. However, KME-H lowered serum levels of total-, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides and elevated serum HDL-cholesterol levels in OVX rats with dyslipidemia, to similar levels as normal-control rats. Furthermore, KME-H improved HOMA-IR, an indicator of insulin resistance, in OVX rats. Surprisingly, KME-H fed rats had greater lean mass in the abdomen and leg without differences in fat mass but neither dosage of KME altered bone mineral density in the lumbar spine and femur. The increased lean mass was related to greater phosphorylation of mTOR and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) in the quadriceps muscles. Hepatic triglyceride contents were lowered with KME-H in OVX rats by increasing carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1) expression and decreasing fatty acid synthase (FAS) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) expression. In conclusion, KME may be useful for preventing some menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and loss of muscle mass in post-menopausal women. © 2014 by the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine.

  19. A magnetic bead-based method for concentrating DNA from human urine for downstream detection.

    PubMed

    Bordelon, Hali; Russ, Patricia K; Wright, David W; Haselton, Frederick R

    2013-01-01

    Due to the presence of PCR inhibitors, PCR cannot be used directly on most clinical samples, including human urine, without pre-treatment. A magnetic bead-based strategy is one potential method to collect biomarkers from urine samples and separate the biomarkers from PCR inhibitors. In this report, a 1 mL urine sample was mixed within the bulb of a transfer pipette containing lyophilized nucleic acid-silica adsorption buffer and silica-coated magnetic beads. After mixing, the sample was transferred from the pipette bulb to a small diameter tube, and captured biomarkers were concentrated using magnetic entrainment of beads through pre-arrayed wash solutions separated by small air gaps. Feasibility was tested using synthetic segments of the 140 bp tuberculosis IS6110 DNA sequence spiked into pooled human urine samples. DNA recovery was evaluated by qPCR. Despite the presence of spiked DNA, no DNA was detectable in unextracted urine samples, presumably due to the presence of PCR inhibitors. However, following extraction with the magnetic bead-based method, we found that ∼50% of spiked TB DNA was recovered from human urine containing roughly 5×10(3) to 5×10(8) copies of IS6110 DNA. In addition, the DNA was concentrated approximately ten-fold into water. The final concentration of DNA in the eluate was 5×10(6), 14×10(6), and 8×10(6) copies/µL for 1, 3, and 5 mL urine samples, respectively. Lyophilized and freshly prepared reagents within the transfer pipette produced similar results, suggesting that long-term storage without refrigeration is possible. DNA recovery increased with the length of the spiked DNA segments from 10±0.9% for a 75 bp DNA sequence to 42±4% for a 100 bp segment and 58±9% for a 140 bp segment. The estimated LOD was 77 copies of DNA/µL of urine. The strategy presented here provides a simple means to achieve high nucleic acid recovery from easily obtained urine samples, which does not contain inhibitors of PCR.

  20. A Magnetic Bead-Based Method for Concentrating DNA from Human Urine for Downstream Detection

    PubMed Central

    Bordelon, Hali; Russ, Patricia K.; Wright, David W.; Haselton, Frederick R.

    2013-01-01

    Due to the presence of PCR inhibitors, PCR cannot be used directly on most clinical samples, including human urine, without pre-treatment. A magnetic bead-based strategy is one potential method to collect biomarkers from urine samples and separate the biomarkers from PCR inhibitors. In this report, a 1 mL urine sample was mixed within the bulb of a transfer pipette containing lyophilized nucleic acid-silica adsorption buffer and silica-coated magnetic beads. After mixing, the sample was transferred from the pipette bulb to a small diameter tube, and captured biomarkers were concentrated using magnetic entrainment of beads through pre-arrayed wash solutions separated by small air gaps. Feasibility was tested using synthetic segments of the 140 bp tuberculosis IS6110 DNA sequence spiked into pooled human urine samples. DNA recovery was evaluated by qPCR. Despite the presence of spiked DNA, no DNA was detectable in unextracted urine samples, presumably due to the presence of PCR inhibitors. However, following extraction with the magnetic bead-based method, we found that ∼50% of spiked TB DNA was recovered from human urine containing roughly 5×103 to 5×108 copies of IS6110 DNA. In addition, the DNA was concentrated approximately ten-fold into water. The final concentration of DNA in the eluate was 5×106, 14×106, and 8×106 copies/µL for 1, 3, and 5 mL urine samples, respectively. Lyophilized and freshly prepared reagents within the transfer pipette produced similar results, suggesting that long-term storage without refrigeration is possible. DNA recovery increased with the length of the spiked DNA segments from 10±0.9% for a 75 bp DNA sequence to 42±4% for a 100 bp segment and 58±9% for a 140 bp segment. The estimated LOD was 77 copies of DNA/µL of urine. The strategy presented here provides a simple means to achieve high nucleic acid recovery from easily obtained urine samples, which does not contain inhibitors of PCR. PMID:23861895

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