11^th World Congress on Biotechnology and Biotech Industries Meet July 28-29, 2016 Berlin, Germany

Biography:

Faiez Alani has obtained his PhD from University of Strathclyde. He is an Associate Professor and Chair of Biotechnology at McMaster University, Canada. He is serving as Editorial Board Member for The International Journal of Engineering Education (IJEE) and Member of the Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology. He has published more than 30 papers in world class journals.

Abstract:

Lipase catalyzes hydrolysis of lipids to diglycerides and monoglycerides, fatty acids and glycerol. Demand on lipase application in food, detergent, pharmaceutical and biodiesel industries was increased in last decade. We are reporting novel process for lipase production. Solid state bioprocess was used as production technique in packed bed bioreactor. Distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS); a co-product from ethanol industry was used as a substrate for lipase production in this process. Penicillium restrictium produced more lipase than Y. lipolytica or R. miehei. It was found that optimum conditions for lipase production were 70% moisture content, pH 4.5 and 8 days incubation time. Scale-up of lipase production by using packed bed bioreactor increased significantly lipase production.

Biography:

Maria Helena Gomes de Almeida Gonçalves Nadais has both MSc and a BSc in Chemical Engineering from Instituto Superior Tecnico of Lisbon University and has a PhD in Sciences Applied to the Environment from the University of Aveiro. She is an Assistant Professor in the Environment and Planning Department at the University of Aveiro. Her research interests are centered on biological processes for water treatment and for the treatment and material and energetic valorization of wastewaters and wastes. She is a full Member of the research center CESAM. Presently she supervises 3 PhD students on the development of new methods for physical-chemical and/or biological processes for water and wastewater treatment. She also supervises a PhD work in collaboration with CUF-Estarreja on the optimization of water use in the industry by means of process integration. She has done several works on consultancy and training in organizations and is presently working with two industrial companies for the implementation of quality and environmental management systems. With a total of over 65 communications she has 25 papers published in international scientific magazines with peer review, 4 international book chapters and 32 communications in Portuguese and international meetings with peer review.

Abstract:

Wood furniture industry is an important sector of the forest based industries in the EU. Only a few of these industrial plants have wastewater treatment systems despite the potential for energy recovery from this type of wastes through biological processes. The aims of this study were the evaluation of the anaerobic biodegradability of a wastewater from a wood furniture industry in Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactor and the establishment of values for operating parameters that lead to the optimization of energy recovery in the form of methane rich biogas. A wastewater from a paint and varnishing booth was used to test several experimental conditions such as organic loading, flow rate and temperature. The assays were performed in UASB reactors with effluent recirculation in a closed system and monitored for methane production and removal of organic matter. Microbial population shifts were also monitored by Fluorescence in situ Hybridization. The anaerobic biodegradability of the wastewater was 68%. The metanization efficiency of the removed Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) reached up to 80% when the optimal conditions were applied: Organic loading rate of 0.67 g COD total/L, flow rate of 0.25 L/h and temperature of 35 °C. This maximum methane production was accompanied by an increase of the relative abundance of Archaea microorganisms responsible for methane production and a relative decrease of the Bacteria microorganisms. A first order kinetic model was used to predict methane production resulting in correlation coefficients above 94% for all the tests performed. It was concluded that anaerobic treatment in UASB reactors is an interesting option for bioenergy recovery from this type of wastewater.

Biography:

Hanayuki Okura has completed her PhD degree from Osaka University, Graduate School of Medicine. She is the Deputy Director of Platform of Therapeutics for Rare Diseases, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Japan.

Abstract:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasing cause of chronic liver disease and broadly defined by the presence of steatosis with inflammation and progressive fibrosis. Recently, we have reported the therapeutic potential of adipose tissue-derived multi-lineage progenitor cells (ADMPCs) in liver fibrosis using CCl₄-induce chronic mice model. These findings lead us to plan next study, whose aim was to assess the effectiveness of ADMPCs in improving NAFLD. ADMPCs were isolated from inguinal adipose tissues of C57 BL/6 mice and expanded. NAFLD model was induced by a single subcutaneous injection of 200 μg STZ 2 day-after birth followed by feeding a high fat diet beginning at 4 weeks of age. After randomization of animals, the NAFLD mice received ADMPCs or placebo control via tail vein injection at an age of 6 weeks and were applied for histological and blood examination at an age of 9 weeks. NAFLD model mice with ADMPCs injection exhibited a significant reduction in liver fibrosis and inflammation areas as evidenced by Sirius red staining. Moreover, blood examination showed that plasma adiponectin levels in ADMPCs-treated NAFLD model mice were higher than those in placebo controls. In vitro production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, fibrinolytic enzymes and hepato-protective cytokines examined by ELISA were higher than those of and BM-MSCs, suggesting the mode of action of ADMPCs. These results showed the mode of action and proof of concept of systemic injection of ADMPCs in NAFLD, which is a promising therapeutic intervention for the treatment of patients with NAFLD.

Biography:

Ho Jeong Kwon has obtained his BSc from Seoul National University, Korea and has completed his MS and PhD from University of Tokyo, Japan and Postdoctoral studies from Harvard University, USA. He is a Professor of Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Korea and Director of Chemical Genomics Global Research Laboratory. He is serving as a Council Member of HUPO, the President of KHUPO and has been serving as a Council Member, Secretary General and Vice President of AOHUPO. He has published more than 170 papers in reputed journals and is an Editorial Board Member of repute journals.

Abstract:

Ubiquinol-cytochrome C reductase binding protein (UQCRB), one of subunits of mitochondrial complex III, is a specific cellular binding protein of anti-angiogenic natural small molecule, terpestacin. Mitochondrial Complex III (cytochrome bc₁ complex) has been reported as a crucial regulator in hypoxia-induced angiogenesis through mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved oxygen sensing. Here, cell permeable recombinant UQCRB protein is generated using protein transduction domain (PTD), a small peptide transferring its binding partner into the cell to uncover the biological role of UQCRB. Consequently, PTD-UQCRB transduction enhances generation of mitochondrial ROS and HIF-1α stability. Also, trans-membrane delivery of PTD-UQCRB induces vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and invasion of human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. Furthermore, PTD-UQCRB treatment enhances wound healing in vivo. These results imply new insights into the function of PTD-UQCRB in angiogenesis via mitochondria-mediated ROS generation and also open new basis on application of PTD-UQCRB as a pro-angiogenic agent via regulating mitochondrial function.

Biography:

Kristian M Muller is a Professor of Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology at Bielefeld University, Germany. He was an Assistant Professor and Group Leader at the University of Freiburg and the University of Potsdam. Prior to his independent career he has worked as a Postdoctoral Scientist at the University of California at Berkeley and received his PhD from the University of Zurich and Diploma in Biochemistry from the University of Hannover. Within the realm of protein engineering and synthetic biology he performs basic research and develops technology, which he utilizes to drive innovations such as cancer therapeutics.

Abstract:

Virus-based suicide gene therapy with enzymes also called virus-directed enzyme mediated prodrug therapy (VDEPT) delivers genes for prodrug-activating enzymes to tumor cells. This approach leverages modular design of various cellular and transcriptional targeting and detargeting approaches with established enzyme-prodrug combinations. We are testing EGF-receptor dependent gene delivery by fusing binding domains (DARPin, Affibody) to capsid proteins or by inserting computationally designed peptides into capsid loop structures. For prodrug activation, we utilize thymidine kinase or cytosine deaminase in combination with ganciclovir or 5-fluorouracil, respectively. At cellular level, we achieve tumor-marker specific binding, transduction and ultimately specific killing. The approach is facilitated by a modular vector design and the use of fluorescent proteins as genes of interest. Effects on target cells were analyzed by viability assays as well as microscopy and flow cytometry.

Biography:

Mawahib El Amin Mohamed El Nour has completed her PhD from University of Khartoum and Postdoctoral studies from University of Bayreuth, Germany. She is the Dean Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Al Neelain, Sudan. She has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals. She is an Associate Professor of Biotechnology. Her current research fields are phytochemical screening of medicinal plants for natural products, tissue culture of economically important plants, biotechnology (fermented food), production of secondary metabolites by cultured cells and tissue and stress physiology (drought, salinity and temperature).

Abstract:

The present study aimed to investigate antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of callus and rhizome extracts of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc). The solvents used for extraction were petroleum ether and methanol:chloroform (1:1). Shoot tip was used as explants for callus induction. They were cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations (0.00, 0.5, 1.00, 2.00 and 3.00 mg/l) of auxin 2,4-dichloro-phenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The highest mean of fresh weight of callus (p<0.05) was induced by 1.00 mg/l of 2,4-D (1.30±0.09) gm. Free radical scavenging activity was evaluated by DPPH method. The highest scavenging activity (p<0.05) was obtained from petroleum ether extract of rhizome (97.47±0.06%) followed by (methanol:chloroform) extract of rhizome (86.69±0.01%) and methanol:chloroform extract of callus (50.53±0.28%). Petroleum ether extract of callus demonstrated weak (p<0.05) antioxidant activity (41.23±0.01%). The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated by Folin-Ciocaltue and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods sequentially. Highest phenolic contents were observed in (methanol:chloroform) extract of rhizome (58.10±0.1 mg/l), compared to petroleum ether of rhizome (10.28±0.12 mg/l) and (methanol:chloroform) extract of callus (7.1±0.17 mg/l). The amounts of total phenolic compounds were calculated as mg/l gallic acid equivalent of phenols. Flavonoid contents were detected to rhizome extracts using solvents (methanol:chloroform) and petroleum ether. The results obtained were (6.512±0.29 mg/l) and (1.841±0.20 mg/l) respectively. The amounts were calculated as mg/l quercetin equivalent of flavonoids. A positive correlation coefficients (R²) values were observed between total phenol and flavonoid content versus percentage inhibition of DPPH radical (R²=0.548) and (R²=0.666) respectively.

Biography:

Professor Festus Chukwuemeka Onwuliri got his Ph.D at the age of 35years from University of Jos. He has previously had his B.Sc., M.Sc and AIML from   the University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Jos and Medical Laboratory College Vom, Nigeria respectively. He has acquired a wide range of administrative experience. He was the Head of Department of Plant Science and Technology, University of Jos and is the Director of Victory medical laboratory service, Jos Nigeria.  Professor F. C. Onwuliri has published about 65 papers in both national and international Journals. He has supervised 54 Post Graduate students both at Ph.D and M.Sc levels in the area of Microbiology and Biotechnology. He has also supervised over 150 undergraduate students. He has held several other positions and served in several committees, both ad-hoc and statutory, within the University of Jos and other Universities in Nigeria. He has several memberships including memberships Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Nigerian Society for Microbiology, Nigerian Mycological Society, Botanical Society of Nigeria, Nigerian Society for Parasitology, Biotechnology Society of Nigeria, International Biotechnology. Professor Onwuliri participated in the 4^th world congress on Biotechnology in  North Carolina, USA and the 5^th world congress on Biotechnology in Valencia, Spain. He has many Scholastic Honours and Awards. 

Abstract:

Faco’s medium is a novel, differential culture medium obtained from the mixture of extracts of Acha (Digitaria exilis and Digitaria iburua) and pooled human urine that is claimed to facilitate the isolation and presumptive identification of some clinical important bacterial isolates from clinical samples. The microbiological performance and efficacy of Faco’s medium was compared to that of blood and MacConkey agar for the isolation and presumptive identification of bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections. This study included consecutively collected midstream and/or catheter-catch urine samples obtained from patients. All urine samples were inoculated on Blood agar, MacConkey agar, and Faco’s medium medium and incubated overnight aerobically at 37⁰ C and examined. Of the 2700 urine samples tested, 71.3% produced significant growth on the test media and about 14 potentially significant organisms were recovered on at least one of the three media. 743(95.8%) were uni-microbial, 32(4.12%) were poly microbial. Faco’s medium medium succeeded in detecting all the urine pathogens that were detected by the reference media, including Gram-negative bacilli, Staphylococci, Streptococci, and Yeasts. Colony colour and morphology on Faco’s medium agar accurately differentiated Escherichia coli, Proteus species, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter spp. The result suggests that Faco’s medium agar media can be used as a single medium for the isolation of uropathogens. Presumptive identification of isolates is time consuming and requires a great deal of experience when using traditional media. On Faco’s medium it is easier and will improve the quality of urine culture by contributing to a more uniform interpretation of Uropathogens on culture media. The performance of Faco’s medium was also determined using bacterial growth curve and the result obtained showed that there was significant increase in the performance of Faco’s media compared to that of Nutrient Broth. The result obtained also showed that there was significant difference (PË‚0.05) between the growth of E. coli when grown in Faco’s media containing two different substrates. Growth in medium containing Nitrophenyl-B-D-galactoside was better than the growth of E. coli in the medium containing glucose. The activity of the enzyme B-galactosidase induced was then determined. The implications of the results are discussed.

Biography:

Georgios Skretas was graduated from the School of Chemical Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens, Greece in 1998 and received his PhD in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University, USA in 2006. He has then joined the University of Texas at Austin, USA to carry out Postdoctoral research training under the guidance of Professor George Georgiou. Since 2009, he has been the Principal Investigator of the Laboratory of Enzyme & Synthetic Biotechnology at the Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry & Biotechnology of the National Hellenic Research Foundation, Greece, where he currently holds the rank of Research Assistant Professor.

Abstract:

It has now been widely recognized that many incurable diseases with enormous socioeconomic impact such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, type-2 diabetes etc., are initiated by a common mechanism; the misfolding of specific proteins. Here, we describe the use of engineered bacterial cells as a platform for the discovery of potential therapeutics against such protein misfolding diseases (PMDs). The topic of the described research is the application of molecular evolution approaches for the discovery of compounds that rescue the misfolding of PMD associated proteins. To achieve this, Escherichia coli cells are first engineered to biosynthesize large libraries of test compounds with high structural diversity. Then, the same cells are modified further so that they allow the identification of the rare molecules that correct the folding of particular misfolding-prone and PMD associated proteins (MisPs) with the use of a genetic screen. Lead compounds identified by this initial screen, are then subjected to more detailed evaluation by biochemical and biophysical methods of protein analysis and their ability to inhibit MisP induced pathogenicity is tested using appropriate human cell assays or in vivo models of the disease of interest. The molecules capable of rescuing the misfolding of the target MisP and of antagonizing its associated pathogenicity become drug candidates against the specific disease. We will describe our efforts to identify such “pharmacological chaperones” against the misfolding of the amyloid β (Aβ) peptide and of certain carcinogenic misfolded variants of human p53, with the aim of developing potentially therapeutic compounds against Alzheimer’s disease and cancer, respectively.

Biography:

Thomas Prevenslik is a retired American living in Hong Kong and Berlin. Because classical physics does not work at the nanoscale, he has developed the theory of QED radiation based on quantum mechanics.

Abstract:

The causal link between GM foods and human health is proposed to be DNA damage by UV radiation produced in the gut from NPs in glyphosate residues. NPs stand for nanoparticles. But only DNA damage by UV radiation from the sun is known harmful by causing skin cancers. How do NPs in the gut shielded from the sun produce UV radiation? By classical physics, DNA damage is thought caused by chemical reaction upon contacting NPs. QM differs by NPs creating EM radiation. QM stands for quantum mechanics and EM for electromagnetic. Unlike classical physics, QM requires the atoms in NPs have vanishing heat capacity and therefore NPs cannot conserve heat from the gut by increasing temperature. Hence, NPs conserve heat by emitting EM radiation. Vanishing heat capacity of the atom by QM is not new, but the consequence of the Planck law formulated over a century ago. For heat capacity to vanish, however, the NP must be placed under high EM confinement. But this is inherent with NPs having high surface-to-volume ratios requiring absorbed heat to be confined to their surfaces. Under EM confinement, QED conserves surface heat by creating EM waves standing between diametrically opposite NP surfaces. Simply stated: Absent heat capacity, QED conserves heat supplied to a NP of diameter d by creating EM radiation having half-wavelength 𝜆/2=n d, where n is the NP refractive index, e.g., titanium dioxide NPs having diameter d=50 nm and n=2.5 emit UV-C radiation at about 254 nm, a lethal level for DNA damage that if not repaired by the immune system may cause cancer.

Biography:

Hoang Duc Nguyen has completed his PhD from University of Bayreuth in 2006 and Postdoctoral studies from Max Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology in 2011. He is appointed as an Associate Professor in 2015 and currently the Head of the Department of Microbiology and Director of Center for Bioscience and Biotechnology at VNUHCM-University of Science, Vietnam. He has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Bacillus subtilis possesses excellent properties to be considered as a host for protein production. These properties include GRAS status and available large scale production. Also, this endotoxin-free bacterium confers significant advantages to producing recombinant protein products for animal and human uses. The development of these products requires efficient optional expression systems for this bacterium. Here, we will present a topic on the development of pHT expression vectors based on the promoter Pgrac family to produce recombinant proteins in B. subtilis, which can use in an IPTG-inducible or non-inducible manners. First, we introduced a new synthetic promoter Pgrac derived from B. subtilis groESL promoter and E. coli lac operator, which can be induced by addition of IPTG. This promoter is 50 times stronger than Pspac, the most popular IPTG-inducible promoter used for B.subtilis. Second, by changing the core promoter elements and the mRNA stabilizing elements to make an 84-promoter library, we showed that the second generation of Pgrac promoters could enhance production levels more than 30% of total cellular proteins in B. subtilis. Third, we generated potent expression vectors containing a second generation promoter of Pgrac family, which could be used to produce efficiently intracellular or extracellular recombinant proteins in B. subtilis. Finally, we will update recent development of novel non-inducible vectors using the IPTG-Pgrac promoter, which allowed production of recombinant proteins without the addition of IPTG. The use of IPTG-inducible and non-inducible expression vectors harboring Pgrac promoter will promise to bring enormous benefits to industrial applications.

Biography:

Li Yu-Jung is currently a Lecturer at St. Mary’s Medicine, Nursing and Management College. He has completed his training program of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan during 2002-2006. He is also a Doctoral candidate majored in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from National Taipei University of Technology. He has received his MS degree of Clinical Dental Science from Institute of Clinical Dentistry, National Yang-Ming University. He has also received MS degrees of Chemistry and Biophysics from Graduate Institute of Biophysics, National Central University and Institute of Chemistry, Tamkang University during 2006-2010 and Bachelor’s degree of Dentistry from Department of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University in 2002.

Abstract:

Traditionally the tooth sensations are mainly from its inside pulp structure and outside periodontal ligament (PDL). However, both of them will be taken off while dental implant replacement and the fact may allow us to design the drug delivery and bio-sensing modules above it to reach the inside bone marrow and the surrounding blood pool. Such device may provide the application for long-term, painless and continuous drug delivery and bio-sensing. The drug delivery module is composed by the piezoelectric micro-pump, the drug container and the power supply battery. While the bio-sensor has integrated circuit (IC), Bluetooth 4.0 module and the power supply inside. The device may improve the life quality toward those patients with chronic and critical diseases suffering from frequently invasive procedures. For example, patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) may need four invasive blood sugar detection and subcutaneous injections of insulin to control blood sugar levels each day in the later stage traditionally. With such device, they may avoid such frequently invasive procedures. Currently the in vitro experiments, simulations and the preliminary canine study provide the positive results and such pathway is proven efficiency in medical and dental practice. However, the development of this device is just beginning and further improvements are needed to overcome the technical challenges including safety concern, module size minimizing and power supply prolong. Standard protocol establishment in dental and medical practice is also important. With proper improvement and technology support, the intra-oral device may provide further medical applications.

Biography:

Abstract:

A recyclable catalyst of sliver nanoparticles well dispersed in mesoporous silica was successfully synthesized via a straight-forward strategy combining electrospinning technique with post-calcination. The resulted mats containing silver nanoparticles of 10±4 nm size well dispersed in mesoporous silica fibers of 380±80 nm diameter presented surface plasma resonance of silver nanoparticles at 420 nm. The catalytic behavior of the nanofiber on the reduction of methylene blue by NaBH₄ was tracked and showed that the silver nanoparticles immobilized on silica nanofibers matrix possessed excellent catalytic properties, which may hold great promise in effective and eco-friendly waste water treatment.

Biography:

Edith Adanna Onwuliri holds BPharm degree in Pharmacy and MSc degree in Applied Microbiology from the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. She has obtained her PhD in Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology from the University of Nigeria, Nigeria. She is a Lecturer in the Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria. She is interested in therapeutic investigation of local plants for their antimicrobial effects and their formulation into suitable dosage forms. She has 19 publications in various journals.

Abstract:

The skin is one organ which when traumatized (would/disease) can be noticed by all without asking, so people with wounds are very disturbed by their complaint in comparison with other medical conditions because the wounds tend to make the victims have a leper like complex. It is a challenge to treat wound patients because they believe as most wounds are on the surface, it should be easy to treat. This study investigated the anti-microbial and wound healing properties of acetone leaf extract and ointment formulation of Spermacoce verticillata Linn (Family Rubiaceae). Acceleration Gradient Chromatography was used to fractionate the extract into two, fractions A and B. the Cup Plate Agar Diffusion method was used to assess the antimicrobial activities of the fraction at 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/ml in comparison with 40 ug/ml gentamycin control. Fraction B had a better antimicrobial property than fraction A and this was then formulated into ointments of 0.1, 0.2, 1, 2 and 5% w/w concentrations and used for assessing wound healing on wounds inflicted on albino rats. The wounds were first infected with the Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus respectively and dressed daily with the ointment. Fraction B had better antimicrobial property than fraction A. The relationship between types of microorganisms, concentrations of ointment and wound healing time showed that wounds dressed with 2% w/w fraction B ointment healed on the 7^th day for E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus infected wounds, 10 days for B. subtilis while wounds dressed with other concentrations of the formulated ointment and gentamycin ointment healed by the 10^th day. Acetone leaf extract of Spermacoce verticillata possesses antimicrobial property and its fraction B promotes wound healing especially at a concentration of 2% w/v.

Biography:

Naizhen Zhou has received her Master’s degree from the School of Life Science of Anhui Normal University majoring in Cytobiology. She is currently a PhD candidate of Biomedical Engineering of Southeast University, China. She has authored 3 research articles in reputed national and international journals. She is mainly working to prepare the controllable and biocompatible biomaterials as the three-dimensional cell culture scaffold, such as the poly (methyl ether vinyl-co-maleic acid)-based smart hydrogels. Her current research focus is on the influence of the three-dimensional microenvironment on the expression of cancer stem cells.

Abstract:

Ovarian cancer, the most lethal gynecologic malignancy in the world, is associated with an overall five-year survival rate of 30%. Although significant progress has been made in surgical resection and chemotherapy, the majority of patients suffer recurrence after surgery. Increasing evidence indicates cancer stem cells (CSCs) as the non-negligible reason for relapse of ovarian cancer, is becoming a target for anti-cancer therapies. It is considered that three-dimensional (3D) matrix replicate the in vivo tumor microenvironment more closely than the standard method, which uses two-dimensional plates. Recent evidence suggests that the components and physical properties of the microenvironment may be potential factors in the regulation of CSCs. Some strategies used the chemical and biological modification of materials to mimic the stem cell niche in order to create microenvironments that control stem cell response. Poly (methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic anhydride) (PMVE-co-MA) is an FDA approved polymer with advantage of the excellent biocompatibility and non-immunogenicity. Here we report expansion of ovarian cancer stem cell through culturing ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 in poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) cross-linked PMVE-co-MA hydrogels with different elastic modulus. The culturing in hydrogels can remarkably promote expression of CSCs markers, which was assayed by immunofluorescence and western blot analysis. The stiffness of the hydrogel plays a crucial role in promoting expression of CSCs markers. The hydrogel with lower elastic modulus is more beneficial to enrich CSCs in vitro. The stemness characters of SKOV3 cells cultured in the hydrogels were further confirmed through doxorubicin resistance assay, thus it might provide a valuable platform for CSCs research and anti-cancer therapeutics.

Biography:

Ozlem Ertekin is currently working as a Senior Research Scientist at The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK), Marmara Research Center, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Institute, Laboratory of Diagnostic Technologies, Turkey. She has worked at several projects related with environmental and food safety as either Research Scientist or Work Package Leader. She has received her PhD at Gebze Technical University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics.

Abstract:

Aflatoxins (AFs) are toxic metabolites produced by a variety of fungi from Aspergillus spp. AF analysis is conducted with a liquid extract of the food sample to be analyzed. During the extraction process, several metabolites of the sample are co-extracted with the AF. The sample clean-up step comprises affinity based purification techniques, particularly IACs in order to concentrate AFs and purify them from complex extract matrix. In an active mycotoxin analysis laboratory, hundreds of IACs are used for sample analysis every day and IACs comprise the major cost of AF analysis. Reducing the production costs for IAC development will significantly affect AF analytical costs and increase the availability of the tests, especially in developing countries. Immunoaffinity chromatography utilizes the specificity and reversibility of antibody-antigen interactions where antibodies are immobilized to a solid support in order to create a stationary phase for chromatographic separation. So there are two main components of IACs where cost reduction studies can be focused: Antibody costs and the cost of solid support. In this study, we will present our study for the reduction of antibody cost up to 95% by changing the purification approach where we used semi-purified antibodies for IAC production. This approach not only significantly reduced costs related with consumables and personnel; it also prevented antibody losses during purification process and related activity decrease. We will evaluate the reduced antibody costs in relation with the resin costs and discuss the methods of cost reduction for chromatographic resins that comprise the solid support.