BMC Biotechnology最新文献

{"title":"Design and assessment of lipase-CuO nanoparticle conjugates for enhanced antimicrobial efficacy against clinical pathogens.","authors":"Eman M Handak, Dina H Amin, Mai M Elhateir","doi":"10.1186/s12896-025-00950-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12896-025-00950-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the battle against clinical infections particularly the resistant pathogens, the creation of new antimicrobial drugs is essential. This study focuses on synthesis and characterization of Lipase-CuO nanoparticle conjugates in order to investigate their antibacterial efficiency. Lipase enzyme and CuO nanoparticles were synthesized biologically by specific selected fungal strains. Statistical optimization of lipase enzyme was done using a Plackett-Burman design giving two enhancement models for lipase production with increasing in productivity up to 143.43% (2800 U/ml). Copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles were characterized using visual indication of greenish color formation, UV-vis spectrum analysis which revealed a strong peak at 300 nm. Also, CuO nanoparticles appeared as distinct, well-dispersed spherical particles with average size of 71.035 nm using TEM, while conjugate appears as large protein molecules linked to the nanoparticles. Also, using techniques like energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) the resultant conjugates formation was confirmed as the elemental analysis approved its formation. The antimicrobial activity of Lipase-CuO nanoparticles conjugates was tested against a range of clinical pathogens. The results demonstrated a significant increase in antimicrobial potency compared to both CuO nanoparticles and lipase alone particularly against E. coli strain NRC B-3703 with remarkable increase of 373.6% and 75% followed by S. aureus with increase of 50 and 42.8%compared to that of individual CuO nanoparticles and lipase enzyme, respectively. These findings suggest that Lipase-CuO nanoparticle conjugates hold great promise as a novel antimicrobial strategy, offering a potential solution to combat bacterial infections, especially those caused by multidrug-resistant strains. The study highlights the importance of nanotechnology in enhancing the efficacy of traditional antimicrobial agents and opens new avenues for targeted antimicrobial therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":8905,"journal":{"name":"BMC Biotechnology","volume":"25 1","pages":"16"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143370358","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antifungal activity and biocompatibility assessment with molecular docking and dynamic simulations of new pyrazole derivatives.","authors":"Basma T Abd-Elhalim, Ghada G El-Bana, Ahmed F El-Sayed, Ghada E Abdel-Ghani","doi":"10.1186/s12896-025-00948-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12896-025-00948-8","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Because of their many bioactivities, which include psychoanalytic, antifungal, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, pyrazoles and their derivatives are attracting interest in pharmacology and medicine, the pressing need for novel fungicides is increased for lessened by the growing microbiological resistance of illnesses to recognized antibiotics.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;The current work validates the results and pyrazole binding sites as potent antifungals by investigating many pyrazole derivatives as antifungal agents. The biocompatibility was assessed using an HFB4 normal human skin cell line.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;The biocompatibility was evaluated using an HFB4 normal human skin cell line and the findings of pyrazole binding sites were confirmed using molecular docking. The antifungal investigation was against 4 fungal pathogens: Aspergillus flavus ATCC 9643, A. niger ATCC 11414, Rhizopus oryzae ATCC 96382, and Penicillium chrysogenum ATCC 10106.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Among 20 different Pyrazole derivatives, Pyrazole 3b is the most effective compound against A. niger ATCC 11414 and A. flavus ATCC 9643 with IZDs and AIs of 32.0 mm (1.10) and 30.0 mm (1.0), respectively. Followed by compound 10b scored 28 and 20 mm for A. niger and P. chrysogenum ATCC 10106, respectively. While R. oryzae ATCC 96382 exhibited resistance with all pyrazole compounds. The study found that pyrazole 3b showed 100% antifungal activity between 1000 and 500 μg/ml, 50% at doses of 250 μg/ml, and no antifungal action at a dose of 125 μg/ml against the studied pathogenic fungal strains. The biocompatibility investigation showed that the 3b compound was completely safe with no IC&lt;sub&gt;50&lt;/sub&gt; dose obtained. The effectiveness of several pyrazole compounds against fungal targets was confirmed through molecular docking studies. The results highlighted that compounds 3b, 3g, 3h, 10b, 7, and 12 displayed strong binding energies, effectively engaging with the active sites of key proteins in various fungi such as FDC1 in A. niger, uridine diphosphate N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) in A. flavus, and Adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate kinase in P. chrysogenum. These interactions encompassed diverse molecular bonding types, suggesting these compounds' potential to hinder enzyme activity and demonstrate notable antifungal properties. Additionally, the computational ADMET \"Absorption-distribution-metabolism-excretion-toxicity\" analysis of these compounds revealed adherence to Lipinski's rules, indicating favorable physicochemical characteristics. The molecular dynamic simulations of Adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate kinase in P. chrysogenum, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine in A. flavus, and FDC1 in A. niger with 10b also demonstrated the formation of stable complexes with favorable values of Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD), Root Mean Square Fluctuation (RMSF), Solvent Accessible Surface Area (SASA), and Radius of Gy","PeriodicalId":8905,"journal":{"name":"BMC Biotechnology","volume":"25 1","pages":"15"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143363486","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transferability of bioprocessing modes for recombinant protease production: from fed-batch to continuous cultivation with Bacillus licheniformis.","authors":"Stefan Kittler, Fabian Müller, Mohamed Elshazly, Georg Benjamin Wandrey, Tobias Klein, Andreas Daub, Oliver Spadiut, Julian Kopp","doi":"10.1186/s12896-025-00947-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12896-025-00947-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Proteases are essential in various industries due to their unique substrate specificities and robustness in different operational conditions. Bacillus strains consist of a genotype favorable for rapid growth whilst secreting enzymes extracellularly, thereby simplifying recombinant protease production. Despite the widespread use of batch and fed-batch fermentations for their ease and robustness, these cultivation types are often marred by significant energy requirements and prolonged downtimes. The switch towards continuous cultivation methods promises reduced carbon footprints and improved equipment efficiency. Yet, research focusing on Bacillus strains is limited, therefore we aimed to establish a continuous cultivation as a competitive alternative to fed-batch.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential of chemostat cultivations for producing a protease from Bacillus licheniformis utilizing a derepressed induction system, and comparing specific productivities and space-time yields to fed-batch cultivations. The continuous cultivations were described in a hybrid model, considering the effect of productivity as function of the applied dilution rate as well as the generation time. The workflow of this study demonstrates that screenings in a fed-batch mode and chemostat cultivations conducted at the same growth rate, result in different specific productivities for derepressible systems.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results of this study highlight that the feeding rate's impact on specific productivity varies significantly between fed-batch and chemostat cultivations. These differences suggest that fed-batch screenings may not be adequate for developing a continuous process using a derepressed promoter system in B. licheniformis. Although the space-time yield of fed-batch cultivations has not been surpassed by stable continuous operations-achieving only a third of the highest space-time yield observed in fed-batch-valuable mechanistic insights have been gained. This knowledge could facilitate the transition towards a more sustainable mode of cultivation for industrial protease production.</p>","PeriodicalId":8905,"journal":{"name":"BMC Biotechnology","volume":"25 1","pages":"13"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11786521/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143073616","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correction: Targeting quorum sensing for manipulation of commensal microbiota.","authors":"Zachary Ziegert, Matthew Dietz, Max Hill, Marjais McBride, Elizabeth Painter, Mikael H Elias, Christopher Staley","doi":"10.1186/s12896-025-00949-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12896-025-00949-7","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8905,"journal":{"name":"BMC Biotechnology","volume":"25 1","pages":"14"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11786498/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143073612","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Early osteogenic differentiation of human dental stem cells by gelatin/calcium phosphate- Punica granatum nanocomposite scaffold.","authors":"Atefeh Abedi, Simin Sharifi, Mahsa Baghban Shaker, Maryam Jalili, Solmaz Maleki Dizaj, Elaheh Dalir Abdolahinia","doi":"10.1186/s12896-025-00946-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12896-025-00946-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Tissue engineering for bone regeneration aims to heal severe bone injuries. This study aimed to prepare and assess the early osteogenic differentiation effects of a gelatin/calcium phosphate- Punica granatum nanocomposite scaffold on stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous (SHED) and human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The electrospinning method was used to prepare a gelatin/calcium phosphate nanocomposite scaffold containing pomegranate (Punica granatum) extract. The physicochemical properties of the scaffold were evaluated. The effect of the scaffold on the selected cells was done by the cell viability evaluation. A special alkaline phosphatase (ALP) kit was utilized to investigate the early osteogenic differentiation effects of the prepared scaffold on HDPSCs and SHED.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed that the scaffold had uniformly accumulated in the networked form. Besides, the prepared scaffold did not have beads (structural defects). No new interactions were observed in the spectroscopic spectra of the scaffold and these peaks showed the successful formation of the fibrous nanocomposite as well. Furthermore, cell viability percentage was significantly higher for the scaffold compared with the control group (cells without any material) for both HDPSCs and SHED. Early osteogenic differentiation results specified that the ALP activity was significantly higher for the scaffold compared with the control group (cells without any material) for both HDPSCs and SHED.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The appropriate physicochemical assay and cellular results (cell viability and early osteogenic differentiation) for the prepared fibrous nanocomposite showed that the use of this nanocomposite can be considered in the construction of various scaffolds in bone and dental tissue engineering.</p>","PeriodicalId":8905,"journal":{"name":"BMC Biotechnology","volume":"25 1","pages":"12"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11771023/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143051485","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"MiR-125b-5p ameliorates ox-LDL-induced vascular endothelial cell dysfunction by negatively regulating TNFSF4/TLR4/NF-κB signaling.","authors":"Wenshuai He, Limin Zhao, Pengfei Wang, Maojia Ren, Yunfei Han","doi":"10.1186/s12896-025-00944-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12896-025-00944-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced endothelial cell dysfunction plays a crucial role in the progression of atherosclerosis (AS). Although miR-125b-5p is known to be involved in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders, its function in ox-LDL-induced endothelial injury is still not well understood.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An in vitro AS cell model was established by exposing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to 100 µg/mL ox-LDL for 24 h. A series of functional assays, including CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, MDA and SOD kits, capillary-like network formation assay and ELISA assay were performed in vitro. TNFSF4/TLR4/NF-κB pathway-related protein expressions were measured by Western blot. Molecular mechanisms were elucidated through quantitative real-time PCR, western blot analysis, and luciferase reporter assays.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our investigation revealed that exposure to ox-LDL led to a downregulation in miR-125b-5p, while upregulating the expression of tumor necrosis factor (ligand) superfamily, member 4 (TNFSF4), TLR4, p-p65 and p-IkBa in HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner. We confirmed TNFSF4 as a direct target of miR-125b-5p. Ox-LDL exposure led to decreased cell viability and angiogenic capacity, along with increased apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in HUVECs. These effects were reversed by overexpressing miR-125b-5p or knocking down TNFSF4. Overexpression of TNFSF4 significantly reversed the effects brought about by miR-125b-5p in HUVECs exposed to ox-LDL. Moreover, miR-125b-5p inactivated the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway by negatively regulating TNFSF4.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In summary, our findings demonstrate that miR-125b-5p possessed an anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis against ox-LDL-induced HUVEC injury by regulating the TNFSF4/TLR4/NF-κB signaling, indicating that miR-125b-5p may have an important therapeutic function for AS.</p>","PeriodicalId":8905,"journal":{"name":"BMC Biotechnology","volume":"25 1","pages":"11"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11760099/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143036342","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimization of chemical transfection in airway epithelial cell lines.","authors":"Tony J F Guo, Wan Yi Liang, Gurpreet K Singhera, Jasmine Memar Vaghri, Janice M Leung, Del R Dorscheid","doi":"10.1186/s12896-025-00945-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12896-025-00945-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chemical transfection is a widely employed technique in airway epithelium research, enabling the study of gene expression changes and effects. Additionally, it has been explored for its potential application in delivering gene therapies. Here, we characterize the transfection efficiency of EX-EGFP-Lv105, an EGFP-expressing plasmid into three cell lines commonly used to model the airway epithelium (1HAEo-, 16HBE14o-, and NCI-H292).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We used six common and/or commercially available reagents with varying chemical compositions: Lipofectamine 3000 (L3000), FuGENE HD, ViaFect, jetOPTIMUS, EndoFectin, and calcium phosphate. Using L3000, 1HAEo- exhibited the highest transfection efficiency compared to 16HBE14o- and NCI-H292 (1HAEo-: 76.1 ± 3.2%, 16HBE14o-: 35.5 ± 1.2%, NCI-H292: 28.9 ± 2.23%). L3000 yielded the greatest transfection efficiency with the lowest impact on cellular viability, normalized to control, with a 11.3 ± 0.16% reduction in 1HAEo-, 16.3 ± 0.08% reduction in 16HBE14o-, and 17.5 ± 0.09% reduction in NCI-H292 at 48-hour post-transfection. However, jetOPTIMUS had a similar transfection efficiency in 1HAEo- (90.7 ± 4.2%, p = 0.94), but had significantly reduced cellular viability of 37.4 ± 0.11% (p < 0.0001) compared to L3000. In 16HBE14o-, jetOPTIMUS yielded a significantly higher transfection efficiency compared to L3000 (64.6 ± 3.2%, p < 0.0001) but significantly reduced viability of 33.4 ± 0.09% (p < 0.0001) compared to L3000. In NCI-H292, jetOPTIMUS yielded a lower transfection efficiency (22.6 ± 1.2%) with a significant reduction in viability (28.3 ± 0.9%, p < 0.0001). Other reagents varied significantly in their efficiency and impact on cellular viability in other cell lines. Changing the transfection mixture-containing medium at 6-hour post-transfection did not improve transfection efficiency or viability. However, pre-treatment of cell cultures with two rinses of 0.25% trypsin-EDTA improved transfection efficiency in 1HAEo- (85.2 ± 1.1% vs. 71.3 ± 1.0%, p = 0.004) and 16HBE14o- (62.6 ± 4.3 vs. 35.5 ± 1.2, p = 0.003).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Transfection efficiencies can differ based on airway epithelial cell line, reagents, and optimization techniques used. Consideration and optimization of cell line and transfection conditions may be useful for improving nonviral genetic techniques in vitro.</p>","PeriodicalId":8905,"journal":{"name":"BMC Biotechnology","volume":"25 1","pages":"10"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11761256/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143027763","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative evaluation of various DNA extraction methods and analysis of DNA degradation levels in commercially marketed Chestnut rose juices and beverages.","authors":"Yongchao Ren, Yunlong Ma, Yanqi Li, Yun Song, WeiWei Zhao, Xuncai Huang, Danmin Yu, Jian Li, Zuogang Xu, Wenjun Zhao","doi":"10.1186/s12896-024-00933-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12896-024-00933-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Food safety is a significant global study subject that is strongly intertwined with human life and well-being. The utilization of DNA-based methods for species identification is a valuable instrument in the field of food inspection and regulation. It is particularly significant for traceability purposes, as it enables the monitoring of a specific item at every level of the food chain regulation. However, obtaining amplifiable genomic DNA in this process is a significant obstacle in gene studies. To date, there is a lack of literature on DNA extraction from processed juice or beverages, and no data exist on simultaneous comparisons of various extraction processes. This study aimed to optimize and compare four DNA extraction methods for Chestnut rose juices and beverages. Furthermore, we also conducted a comparison and analysis of the extent of DNA degradation in Chestnut rose juice or beverage by utilizing the amplicon size.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The quantity and quality of the extracted DNA were assessed using NanoDrop One spectrophotometer, gel electrophoresis, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR or qPCR) assays. An assessment was conducted on the processing time, labor intensity, and cost associated with each approach. The degree of DNA degradation in Chestnut rose juice or beverage was also assessed using TaqMan real-time PCR methods.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The non-commercial modified CTAB-based approach yielded a high DNA concentration. However, spectrophotometric results and real-time PCR analysis showed poor DNA quality. The combination approach showed the greatest performance among the extraction methods, while being comparatively time-consuming and costly in contrast to the other methods. Additionally, the analytical findings of DNA degradation suggested that the integrity of sample DNA could be influenced by the intricacy of processing methods used by various manufacturers.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>To achieve precise DNA quantification, selecting suitable extraction strategies for the given matrix is necessary. The combination approach was identified as the most effective DNA extraction technique and is suggested for extracting DNA from Chestnut rose juices and beverages. This comparative assessment can be particularly valuable for extracting and identifying processed Juices and Beverages in a diverse range of food compositions.</p>","PeriodicalId":8905,"journal":{"name":"BMC Biotechnology","volume":"25 1","pages":"9"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11748555/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142999529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) for Hepatitis C Virus genotype 4: a novel approach for vaccine development in Egypt.","authors":"Ahmed A Ali, Rasha A M Azouz, Nahla A Hussein, Reem El-Shenawy, Naiera M Helmy, Yasmine S El-Abd, Ashraf A Tabll","doi":"10.1186/s12896-024-00935-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12896-024-00935-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Egypt has the highest global prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection, particularly of genotype 4. The development of a prophylactic vaccine remains crucial for HCV eradication, yet no such vaccine currently exists due to the vaccine development challenges. The ability of Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) to mimic the native virus and incorporate neutralizing and conformational epitopes, while effectively engaging both humoral and cellular immune responses, makes them a promising approach to addressing the challenges in HCV vaccine development.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Lentiviral-based vectors were constructed and employed to integrate the full-length sequence of Core, E1, E2, and P7 genes of HCV genotype 4 into the genome of Human Embryonic Kidney cells (HEK293T). Upon the expression, HCV structural proteins can oligomerize and self-assemble into VLPs mimicking the structure of HCV native virus. VLPs were purified and characterized for the development of a potential VLPs-based vaccine.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In this study, mammalian cells were successfully engineered to stably express HCV structural proteins and generate non-infectious VLPs for HCV genotype 4. The expression of HCV-integrated genes resulted in a successful production of HCV structural proteins, which oligomerized and self-assembled into two layers enveloped VLPs. Electron microscopy analysis of purified VLPs revealed spherical particles with an average diameter of 60-65 nm, closely resembling mature HCV virions. These results highlighted the potential of these VLPs as a vaccine candidate for HCV genotype 4.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>HCV genotype 4 remains an underexplored target in vaccine development, despite its significant public health burden, especially in Egypt. The successful generation of VLPs for this genotype represents a promising avenue for further vaccine development. The established system provides a robust platform for the production and study of VLP-based vaccines targeting HCV genotype 4.</p>","PeriodicalId":8905,"journal":{"name":"BMC Biotechnology","volume":"25 1","pages":"8"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11742997/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142997841","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Potentially probiotic NPL 1334 strain of Enterococcus durans benefits rats with diet-induced hypercholesterolemia.","authors":"Hannan Rashid, Haseeb Anwar, Fakhir Mehmood Baig, Imran Mukhtar, Tariq Muhammad, Arsalan Zaidi","doi":"10.1186/s12896-024-00943-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12896-024-00943-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To study the potential of a candidate probiotic strain belonging to the Enterococcus durans species in alleviating hypercholesterolemia and improving the microbial milieu of rat gut.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A previously isolated and characterized E. durans strain NPL 1334 was further screened in vitro for its bile salt hydrolyzation and cholesterol assimilation ability. An in vivo trial using diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats was conducted to evaluate the effects of the administered test probiotic strain on the animal's blood biochemical parameters such as total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipopolysaccharides (HDL), low-density lipopolysaccharides (LDL), triglycerides (TG), on body weight, oxidative stress markers, and its impact on intestinal and fecal microbiota as well as a histopathological examination of the test animal's livers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>E. durans strain showed good bile salt hydrolyzing ability and ample cholesterol assimilation in vitro. Probiotic-fed hypercholesterolemic rats showed significantly lowered cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL levels. The body weight of probiotic-fed rats was reduced as compared to the control. E. durans also stimulated the growth of beneficial LAB in the intestine of experimental rats and did not harm the liver of the experimental rats.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>E. durans can be a natural therapeutic alternative to manage diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and may eventually enhance anti-cholesterolemic therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":8905,"journal":{"name":"BMC Biotechnology","volume":"25 1","pages":"7"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11740586/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142998011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}