Microbial transglutaminase (MTG) is an enzyme widely used in the food industry because it creates cross-links between proteins, enhancing the texture and stability of food products. Its unique properties make it a valuable tool for modifying the functional characteristics of proteins, significantly impacting the quality and innovation of food products. In this study, response surface methodology was employed to optimize the fermentation conditions for microbial transglutaminase production by the strain Streptoverticillium cinnamoneum KKP 1658. The effects of nitrogen dose, cultivation time, and initial pH on the activity of the produced transglutaminase were investigated. The significance of the examined factors was determined as follows: cultivation time > nitrogen dose > pH. The interaction between nitrogen dose and cultivation time was found to be crucial, having the second most significant impact on transglutaminase activity. Optimal conditions were identified as 48 h of cultivation with a 2% nitrogen source dose and an initial medium pH of approximately 6.0. Under these conditions, transglutaminase activity ranged from 4.5 to 5.5 U/mL. The results of this study demonstrated that response surface methodology is a promising approach for optimizing microbial transglutaminase production. Future applications of transglutaminase include the development of modern food products with improved texture and nutritional value, as well as its potential use in regenerative medicine for creating biomaterials and tissue scaffolds. This topic is particularly important and timely as it addresses the growing demand for innovative and sustainable solutions in the food and biomedical industries, contributing to an improved quality of life.
Poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) is a biocompatible, biodegradable, and highly mechanically resilient FDA-approved material (for specific biomedical applications, e.g. as drug delivery devices, in sutures, or as an adhesion barrier), rendering it a promising candidate to serve bone tissue engineering. However, in vivo monitoring of PCL-based implants, as well as biodegradable implants in general, and their degradation profiles pose a significant challenge, hindering further development in the tissue engineering field and subsequent clinical adoption. To address this, photo-cross-linkable mechanically resilient PCL networks are developed and functionalized with a radiopaque monomer, 5-acrylamido-2,4,6-triiodoisophthalic acid (AATIPA), to enable non-destructive in vivo monitoring of PCL-based implants. The covalent incorporation of AATIPA into the crosslinked PCL networks does not significantly affect their crosslinking kinetics, mechanical properties, or thermal properties, but it increases their hydrolysis rate and radiopacity. Complex and porous 3D designs of radiopaque PCL networks can be effectively monitored in vivo. This work paves the way toward non-invasive monitoring of in vivo degradation profiles and early detection of potential implant malfunctions.
- MeSH
- Biocompatible Materials chemistry MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Polyesters * chemistry MeSH
- Porosity MeSH
- Materials Testing MeSH
- Tissue Engineering methods MeSH
- Tissue Scaffolds * chemistry MeSH
- Absorbable Implants MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Mice MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
The alveolar-capillary interface is the key functional element of gas exchange in the human lung, and disruptions to this interface can lead to significant medical complications. However, it is currently challenging to adequately model this interface in vitro, as it requires not only the co-culture of human alveolar epithelial and endothelial cells but mainly the preparation of a biocompatible scaffold that mimics the basement membrane. This scaffold should support cell seeding from both sides, and maintain optimal cell adhesion, growth, and differentiation conditions. Our study investigates the use of polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers as a versatile substrate for such cell cultures, aiming to model the alveolar-capillary interface more accurately. We optimized nanofiber production parameters, utilized polyamide mesh UHELON as a mechanical support for scaffold handling, and created 3D-printed inserts for specialized co-cultures. Our findings confirm that PCL nanofibrous scaffolds are manageable and support the co-culture of diverse cell types, effectively enabling cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Our research establishes a proof-of-concept model for the alveolar-capillary interface, offering significant potential for enhancing cell-based testing and advancing tissue-engineering applications that require specific nanofibrous matrices.
Pancreas is a vital gland of gastrointestinal system with exocrine and endocrine secretory functions, interweaved into essential metabolic circuitries of the human body. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents one of the most lethal malignancies, with a 5-year survival rate of 11%. This poor prognosis is primarily attributed to the absence of early symptoms, rapid metastatic dissemination, and the limited efficacy of current therapeutic interventions. Despite recent advancements in understanding the etiopathogenesis and treatment of PDAC, there remains a pressing need for improved individualized models, identification of novel molecular targets, and development of unbiased predictors of disease progression. Here we aim to explore the concept of precision medicine utilizing 3-dimensional, patient-specific cellular models of pancreatic tumors and discuss their potential applications in uncovering novel druggable molecular targets and predicting clinical parameters for individual patients.
- MeSH
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal * pathology genetics metabolism MeSH
- Precision Medicine * methods MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Pancreatic Neoplasms * pathology genetics MeSH
- Cell Culture Techniques, Three Dimensional methods MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
BACKGROUND/AIM: This study investigated the therapeutic potential of lipophosphonoxin (LPPO), an antibacterial agent, loaded into polycaprolactone nanofiber dressings (NANO-LPPO) for full-thickness wound healing. Using a porcine model, we aimed to assess the impact of areal weight of the dressing (10, 20 and 30 g/m2) on wound-healing outcomes and validate findings from previous murine studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Full-thickness wounds were created on porcine skin and treated with the NANO-LPPO dressings of differing thickness. Positive control (Aquacel Ag+) and standard control (Jelonet) groups were included for comparison. Wound-healing progression was evaluated macroscopically and on the histological level. RESULTS: Macroscopic observations indicated no signs of infection in any group, with wounds covered by scabs by day 14. Thicker dressings (areal weights of 30 and 20 g/m2) demonstrated superior performance in promoting the formation of granulation tissue and healing compared to the thinner version (areal weight of 10 g/m2). LPPO-loading enhanced scaffold wettability and biodegradability without impairing healing outcomes. Both control groups exhibited similar healing characteristics. CONCLUSION: The findings underscore the importance of optimizing dressing thickness for effective wound healing. NANO-LPPO dressings exhibit translational potential as a therapeutic option for full-thickness wounds, warranting further preclinical and regulatory evaluation to support clinical application.
- MeSH
- Anti-Bacterial Agents pharmacology administration & dosage chemistry MeSH
- Wound Healing * drug effects MeSH
- Skin drug effects pathology MeSH
- Lipoxins * chemistry pharmacology administration & dosage MeSH
- Disease Models, Animal MeSH
- Nanofibers * chemistry MeSH
- Bandages * MeSH
- Polyesters * chemistry MeSH
- Swine MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
BACKGROUND: Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD) is the most proximal manifestation of a syndrome involving Congenitally Shortened lower Limbs (CSL), which also affects the fibula and midline metatarsals. This pattern of congenital human long bone deficiencies corresponds, in a time dependent manner, to the failed ingrowth pathways of new blood vessels of the growing embryonic limb. The distal femoral condyles are, in contrast, served by an alternative vascular supply from around the knee joint, and so remain resistant to the CSL deficiency. AIM: We hypothesize that embryonic vascular dysgenesis causes PFFD, as well as the cardinal features of the Femoral, Fibular and midline Metatarsal deficiencies (FFM) syndrome. RESULTS: Arteriography of CSL with PFFD reveals diminution or failed formation of the Femoral Artery (FA), which corresponds to downstream skeletal reductions. It may also reveal preservation of the primitive Axial Artery (AA) of the embryonic limb. The combination of missing and retained primitive vessels inform the time, place, and nature of the etiologic vascular events. This suggests that PFFD is the visible expression of a normally prefigured cartilaginous scaffold of the femur, which develops in conformity with the available pattern of blood vessels present. The teratogen thalidomide, known to affect the forming embryonic vasculature, also produces PFFD indistinguishable from the naturally occurring entity. CONCLUSION: The entire spectrum of PFFD, including phocomelia, fibular, and metatarsal dystrophisms, should thus be regarded as downstream skeletal results of embryonic arterial dysgeneses.
- MeSH
- Femoral Artery * abnormalities embryology MeSH
- Femur * abnormalities blood supply embryology MeSH
- Fibula abnormalities blood supply MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Metatarsal Bones abnormalities MeSH
- Lower Extremity Deformities, Congenital * embryology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
Drug resistance is a growing problem for many pathogens, including mycobacteria. Small heterocyclic molecules are among the leading scaffolds for developing potential antimycobacterial agents. Therefore, based on the molecular hybridization approach, we have prepared an extensive series of N-substituted 5-(3,5-dinitrophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine derivatives. We also investigated their isosteres and acyclic synthetic precursors. The compounds were evaluated for their in vitro activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) H37Rv, a panel of multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant Mtb isolates and two nontuberculous mycobacterial strains (NTM; M. avium and M. kansasii). The ability to inhibit mycobacterial growth was quantified using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Many compounds achieved MIC values ≤ 0.03 μM for NTM and Mtb, regardless of their resistance profile. The highest activity was associated with oxadiazole and thiadiazole scaffolds with benzylamino or C5-C9 alkylamino substitution. The experimentally confirmed mechanism of action of these compounds consists of disruption of mycobacterial cell wall biosynthesis via inhibition of decaprenylphosphoryl-β-D-ribose 2'-epimerase (DprE1). In vitro toxicity evaluation was performed in a hepatocyte model (HepG2), while in vivo toxicity was evaluated using Danio rerio embryos. These findings identify a promising new chemotype with potent, broad-spectrum and selective antimycobacterial activity, including efficacy against resistant strains, and support its further development as a potential therapeutic candidate.
- MeSH
- Antitubercular Agents * pharmacology chemical synthesis chemistry toxicity MeSH
- Zebrafish MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Microbial Sensitivity Tests MeSH
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug effects MeSH
- Oxadiazoles * pharmacology chemical synthesis chemistry MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Integral membrane proteins carry out essential functions in the cell, and their activities are often modulated by specific protein-lipid interactions in the membrane. Here, we elucidate the intricate role of cardiolipin (CDL), a regulatory lipid, as a stabilizer of membrane proteins and their complexes. Using the in silico-designed model protein TMHC4_R (ROCKET) as a scaffold, we employ a combination of molecular dynamics simulations and native mass spectrometry to explore the protein features that facilitate preferential lipid interactions and mediate stabilization. We find that the spatial arrangement of positively charged residues as well as local conformational flexibility are factors that distinguish stabilizing from non-stabilizing CDL interactions. However, we also find that even in this controlled, artificial system, a clear-cut distinction between binding and stabilization is difficult to attain, revealing that overlapping lipid contacts can partially compensate for the effects of binding site mutations. Extending our insights to naturally occurring proteins, we identify a stabilizing CDL site within the E. coli rhomboid intramembrane protease GlpG and uncover its regulatory influence on enzyme substrate preference. In this work, we establish a framework for engineering functional lipid interactions, paving the way for the design of proteins with membrane-specific properties or functions.
- MeSH
- DNA-Binding Proteins MeSH
- Endopeptidases metabolism chemistry genetics MeSH
- Escherichia coli metabolism genetics MeSH
- Cardiolipins * metabolism chemistry MeSH
- Membrane Proteins * metabolism chemistry genetics MeSH
- Protein Engineering * MeSH
- Escherichia coli Proteins * metabolism chemistry genetics MeSH
- Molecular Dynamics Simulation MeSH
- Protein Binding MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Macrocyclic inhibitors have emerged as a privileged scaffold in medicinal chemistry, offering enhanced selectivity, stability, and pharmacokinetic profiles compared to their linear counterparts. Here, we describe a novel, on-resin macrocyclization strategy for the synthesis of potent inhibitors targeting the secreted protease Major Aspartyl Peptidase 1 in Cryptococcus neoformans, a pathogen responsible for life-threatening fungal infections. By employing diverse aliphatic linkers and statine-based transition-state mimics, we constructed a focused library of 624 macrocyclic compounds. Screening identified several subnanomolar inhibitors with desirable pharmacokinetic and antifungal properties. Lead compound 25 exhibited a Ki of 180 pM, significant selectivity against host proteases, and potent antifungal activity in culture. The streamlined synthetic approach not only yielded drug-like macrocycles with potential in antifungal therapy but also provided insights into structure-activity relationships that can inform broader applications of macrocyclization in drug discovery.
- MeSH
- Antifungal Agents * pharmacology chemistry chemical synthesis pharmacokinetics MeSH
- Cryptococcus neoformans * drug effects enzymology MeSH
- Protease Inhibitors * pharmacology chemistry chemical synthesis pharmacokinetics MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Macrocyclic Compounds * pharmacology chemistry chemical synthesis pharmacokinetics MeSH
- Microbial Sensitivity Tests MeSH
- Structure-Activity Relationship MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
... Stenty a biokompatibilní uhlíkové nanomateriály v ortopedii, kardiológii a stomatologii 33 -- 1.5 Scaffoldy ...
Vydání první 239 stran : ilustrace ; 23 cm
Publikace se zaměřuje na biomedicínské využití uhlíkových nanomateriálů a jejich toxicitu a zdravotní rizika. Určeno odborné veřejnosti.; Kniha se zabývá biomedicínským využitím uhlíkových nanomateriálů (CNM) a hodnocením jejich potenciálního zdravotního rizika.Je rozdělena na část teoretickou, ve které byly sumarizovány dostupné informace o biomedicínském využití uhlíkových nanomateriálů, jejich toxikokinetice, biologických interakcích a potenciální nebezpečnosti (toxicitě), a na část praktickou, kterou tvoří výsledky autorského kolektivu z oblasti testování nebezpečnosti nanočástic.
- MeSH
- Nanostructures MeSH
- Nanotechnology MeSH
- Noxae MeSH
- Poisoning MeSH
- Toxicity Tests MeSH
- Carbon MeSH
- Environmental Exposure MeSH
- Conspectus
- Nauka o materiálu
- NML Fields
- technika
- biomedicínské inženýrství
- toxikologie
- NML Publication type
- kolektivní monografie
