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The encapsulation of HIV-unrelated T helper peptides into liposomal vaccines presenting trimers of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) on the surface (T helper liposomes) may recruit heterologous T cells to provide help for Env-specific B cells. This mechanism called intrastructural help can modulate the HIV-specific humoral immune response. In this study, we used cationic T helper liposomes to induce intrastructural help effects in a small animal model. The liposomes were functionalized with Env trimers by a tag-free approach designed to enable a simplified GMP production. The pre-fusion conformation of the conjugated Env trimers was verified by immunogold electron microscopy (EM) imaging and flow cytometry. The liposomes induced strong activation of Env-specific B cells in vitro. In comparison to previously established anionic liposomes, cationic T helper liposomes were superior in CD4+ T cell activation after uptake by dendritic cells. Moreover, the T helper liposomes were able to target Env-specific B cells in secondary lymphoid organs after intramuscular injection. We also observed efficient T helper cell activation and proliferation in co-cultures with Env-specific B cells in the presence of cationic T helper liposomes. Mouse immunization experiments with cationic T helper liposomes further revealed a modulation of the Env-specific IgG subtype distribution and enhancement of the longevity of antibody responses by ovalbumin- and Hepatitis B (HBV)-specific T cell help. Thus, clinical evaluation of the concept of intrastructural help seems warranted., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Organic acid stress often represents a major hurdle in industrial bio-based microbial processes. Organic acids can be released from lignocellulosic feedstocks pretreatment and can also be desirable products obtained by microbial fermentation with applications in different industrial sectors. Yeasts are prominent cell factories. However, the presence of organic acids can compromise yeast metabolism, impairing fermentation performances and limiting the economic feasibility of the processes. Plasma membrane remodeling is deeply involved in yeast tolerance to organic acids, but the detailed mechanisms and potentials of this phenomenon remain largely to be studied and exploited. We investigated the impact of ergosterol on Saccharomyces cerevisiae tolerance against organic acid stress by coupling in vitro and in vivo assays. In the in vitro assay, synthetic lipid vesicles were prepared containing different concentrations of ergosterol. We observed changes in organic acids diffusion through the membrane as a function of ergosterol content. Then, we extended our approach in vivo, engineering S. cerevisiae with the aim of changing the ergosterol content of cells. We focused on ECM22, an important transcription factor, involved in the regulation of ergosterol biosynthesis. The overexpression of ECM22 was sufficient to increase ergosterol levels in S. cerevisiae, resulting in an enhanced tolerance toward lactic acid stress. In this work we propose an in vitro approach, using synthetic lipid vesicles, as a complementary method to be used when studying the impact of the plasma membrane lipid composition on the diffusion of organic acids., (© 2022 The Authors. Yeast published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Glycation on lysine side chains of recombinant monoclonal antibodies (mAb) is a well-known phenomenon in manufacturing processes of biopharmaceuticals that potentially alter the efficacy of the therapeutic protein. In the present study, we report kinetic studies of glycation formation of the model protein Adalimumab, relative to glucose and non-glycated protein in six Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) fed batch cultivations. We developed an in vivo model from glycation kinetic studies that is capable of estimating the reaction rate constant in static and dynamic bioprocesses, respectively. As anticipated, pseudo first order reactions with respect to present glucose concentration or non-glycated mAb were not sufficient to describe the glycation formation during the bioprocesses. However, second order reactions did not reveal linear relationship of glycated mAb to the product of glucose and non-glycated mAb either, suggesting that a reconsideration of the kinetic equation was necessary. With the introduction of a constraint using only the newly formed product (mAb Δt ), the second-order reaction was successfully implemented. In addition, it is shown that the process knowledge derived from dynamic can be transferred to static experiments and vice versa. Hence, intensified design of experiments (iDoE) can be an applicable and useful tool in product quality studies in cell culture processes., (© 2022 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.)

Functionalization of experimental HIV-1 virus-like particle vaccines with heterologous T helper epitopes (T helper VLPs) can modulate the humoral immune response via intrastructural help (ISH). Current advances in the conjugation of native-like HIV-1 envelope trimers (Env) onto liposomes and encapsulation of peptide epitopes into these nanoparticles renders this GMP-scalable liposomal platform a feasible alternative to VLP-based vaccines. In this study, we designed and analyzed customizable Env-conjugated T helper liposomes. First, we passively encapsulated T helper peptides into a well-characterized liposome formulation displaying a dense array of Env trimers on the surface. We confirmed the closed pre-fusion state of the coupled Env trimers by immunogold staining with conformation-specific antibodies. These peptide-loaded Env-liposome conjugates efficiently activated Env-specific B cells, which further induced proliferation of CD4+ T cells by presentation of liposome-derived peptides on MHC-II molecules. The peptide encapsulation process was then quantitatively improved by an electrostatically driven approach using an overall anionic lipid formulation. We demonstrated that peptides delivered by liposomes were presented by DCs in secondary lymphoid organs after intramuscular immunization of mice. UFO (uncleaved prefusion optimized) Env trimers were covalently coupled to peptide-loaded anionic liposomes by His-tag/NTA(Ni) interactions and EDC/Sulfo-NHS crosslinking. EM imaging revealed a moderately dense array of well-folded Env trimers on the liposomal surface. The conformation was verified by liposomal surface FACS. Furthermore, anionic Env-coupled T helper liposomes effectively induced Env-specific B cell activation and proliferation in a comparable range to T helper VLPs. Taken together, we demonstrated that T helper VLPs can be substituted with customizable and GMP-scalable liposomal nanoparticles as a perspective for future preclinical and clinical HIV vaccine applications. The functional nanoparticle characterization assays shown in this study can be applied to other systems of synthetic nanoparticles delivering antigens derived from various pathogens.

Post-translational, nonenzymatic glycation of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in the presence of reducing sugars (in bioprocesses) is a widely known phenomenon, which affects protein heterogeneity and potentially has an impact on quality, safety, and efficacy of the end product. Quantification of individual glycation levels is compulsory for each mAb therapeutically applied in humans. We therefore propose an analytical method for monitoring glycation levels of mAb products during the bioprocess. This is a useful tool for process-design considerations, especially concerning glucose-feed strategies and temperature as major driving factors of protein glycation. In this study, boronate affinity chromatography (BAC) was optimized for determination of the glycation level of mAbs in supernatants. In fact, the complex matrix found in supernatants is an underlying obstacle to use BAC, but with a simple clean-up step, we found that the elution profile could be significantly improved so that qualitative and quantitative determination could be reached. Complementary analytical methods confirmed the performance quality, including the correctness and specificity of the results. For quantitative determination of mAb glycation in supernatants, we established a calibration procedure for the retained mAb peak, identified as glycated antibody monomers. For this approach, an available fully characterized mAb standard, Humira®, was successfully applied, and continuous monitoring of mAbs across three repetitive fed-batch processes was finally performed. With this practical, novel approach, an insight was obtained into glycation levels during bioprocessing, in conjunction with glucose levels and product titer over time, facilitating efficient process development and batch-consistency monitoring., (© 2021 The Authors. Biotechnology Progress published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of American Institute of Chemical Engineers.)

The display of native-like human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope (HIV-1 Env) trimers on liposomes has gained wide attention over the last few years. Currently, available methods have enabled the preparation of Env-liposome conjugates of unprecedented quality. However, these protocols require the Env trimer to be tagged and/or to carry a specific functional group. For this reason, we have investigated N -(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)- N '-ethylcarbodiimide/ N -Hydroxysulfosuccinimide (EDC/Sulfo-NHS) chemistry for its potential to covalently conjugate tag-free, non-functionalized native-like Env trimers onto the surface of carboxyl-functionalized liposomes. The preservation of the liposome's physical integrity and the immunogen's conformation required a fine-tuned two-step approach based on the controlled use of β-mercaptoethanol. The display of Env trimers was strictly limited to activated liposomes of positive charge, i.e., liposomes with a positive zeta potential that carry amine-reactive Sulfo-NHS esters on their surface. In agreement with that, conjugation was found to be highly ionic strength- and pH-dependent. Overall, we have identified electrostatic pre-concentration (i.e., close proximity between negatively charged Env trimers and positively charged liposomes established through electrostatic attraction) to be crucial for conjugation reactions to proceed. The present study highlights the requirements and limitations of potentially scalable EDC/Sulfo-NHS-based approaches and represents a solid basis for further research into the controlled conjugation of tag-free, non-functionalized native-like Env trimers on the surface of liposomes, and other nanoparticles.

Since the first use of liposomes as carriers for antigens, much work has been done to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the encapsulation of vaccine-relevant biomolecules. However, only a few studies have specifically investigated the encapsulation of hydrophilic, non-conformational peptide epitopes. We performed comprehensive and systematic screening studies, in order to identify conditions that favor the electrostatic interaction of such peptides with lipid membranes. Moreover, we have explored bi-terminal sequence extension as an approach to modify the isoelectric point of peptides, in order to modulate their membrane binding behavior and eventually shift/expand the working range under which they can be efficiently encapsulated in an electrostatically driven manner. The findings of our membrane interaction studies were then applied to preparing peptide-loaded liposomes. Our results show that the magnitude of membrane binding observed in our exploratory in situ setup translates to corresponding levels of encapsulation efficiency in both of the two most commonly employed methods for the preparation of liposomes, i.e., thin-film hydration and microfluidic mixing. We believe that the methods and findings described in the present studies will be of use to a wide audience and can be applied to address the ongoing relevant issue of the efficient encapsulation of hydrophilic biomolecules.

Glycosylation, as the most prominent posttranslational modification, is recognized as an important quality attribute of monoclonal antibodies affected by various bioprocess parameters and cellular physiology. A method of lectin-based bio-layer interferometry (LBLI) to relatively rank galactosylation and fucosylation levels was developed. For this purpose, Fc-glycosylated immunoglobulin G (IgG) was recombinantly produced with varying bioprocess conditions in 15 L bioreactor and accumulated IgG was harvested. The reliability, the robustness and the applicability of LBLI to different samples has been proven. Data obtained from LC-MS analysis served as reference and were compared to the LBLI results. The introduced method is based on non-fluidic bio-layer interferometry (BLI), which becomes recently a standard tool for determining biomolecular interactions in a label-free, real-time and high-throughput manner. For the intended purpose, biotinylated lectins were immobilized on disposable optical fiber streptavidin (SA) biosensor tips. Aleuria aurantia lectin (AAL) was used to detect the core fucose and Ricinus communis agglutinin 120 (RCA120) to determine galactosylation levels. In our case study it could be shown that fucosylation was not affected by variations in glucose feed concentration and cultivation temperature. However, the galactosylation could be correlated with the ratio of mean specific productivity (q P ) and ammonium (q NH4+ ) but was unrelated to the ratio of mean q P and the specific glucose consumption (q gluc ). This presented method strengthens the applicability of the BLI platform, which already enables measurement of several product related characteristics, such as product quantity as well as kinetic rates (k d ,k on ) and affinity constants (k D ) analysis., (© 2019 The Authors. Biotechnology Progress published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Institute of Chemical Engineers.)

Recombinant monoclonal antibodies are predominantly produced in mammalian cell culture bioprocesses. Post-translational modifications affect the micro-heterogeneity of the product and thereby influence important quality attributes, such as stability, solubility, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. The analysis of the surface charge distribution of monoclonal antibodies provides aggregated information about these modifications. In this work, we established a direct injection pH gradient cation exchange chromatography method, which determines charge heterogeneity from cell culture supernatant without any purification steps. This tool was further applied to monitor processes that were performed under certain process conditions. Concretely, we were able to provide insights into charge variant formation during a fed-batch process of a Chinese hamster ovary cell culture, in turn producing a monoclonal antibody under varying temperatures and glucose feed strategies. Glucose concentration impacted the total emergence of acidic variants, whereas the variation of basic species was mainly dependent on process temperature. The formation rates of acidic species were described with a second-order reaction, where a temperature increase favored the conversion. This platform method will aid as a sophisticated optimization tool for mammalian cell culture processes. It provides a quality fingerprint for the produced mAb, which can be tested, compared to the desired target and confirmed early in the process chain.

Frequently measured mammalian cell culture process indicators include viability and total cell concentration (TCC). Cell lysis, an additional important process characteristic that substantially contributes to the overall product purity profiles, is often not addressed in detail. In the present study, an inexpensive and simple application of the Bradford assay is developed to determine the residual protein content (RPC) in cell culture supernatants. The reliability and reproducibility of the method are tested in a long-term study and compared with lysis quantification via the DNA measurement. The results show that its performance is more robust and accurate over time and the respective concentration range. Additionally, both methods are used for cell lysis process monitoring in a recombinant Chinese hamster ovary fed-batch process. In the presented process, by applying the established assay, the lysis rate k DL is determined to be constant over time at 4.6 × 10 -4 lysed cell concentration (LCC) per TCC and time (LCC/TCC/h). In contrast, DNA data did not confirm the constant lysis rate due to variations of the content per cell during cultivation. Thus, information on the RPC can facilitate the determination of the optimal harvest time point with respect to purity and in improving process characterization., (© 2019 The Authors. Biotechnology Journal Published by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Quantification of various proteins expressed in yeast can be performed by different methods. In this respect, classical as well as advanced techniques can be applied, where the analysis of crude supernatants is of special interest in screening but also manufacturing.The following chapter addresses the analytical background of the introduced methods followed by specific recommendations for the quantification of different products of industrial interest. The method portfolio includes electrophoresis, chromatography, and ELISA as classical techniques, but also biosensor-based, microfluidic and automated, miniaturized methods are introduced. Furthermore, individual strengths and perceived limitations are summarized.Although prominent examples are described, it should be noted that individual modifications are required according to host and cultivation mode.

The product quality of recombinant proteins is of major importance for their intended purpose. The initial characterization of both simple and complex products should be performed as soon as practical. However, to comply with this high standard, appropriate selection of complementary methods is required. Therefore, conventional and sophisticated techniques are available, providing diverse information about the product quality.In this chapter methods are presented, which enable the determination of the overall protein quality, their aggregation and peptide composition. Methods applied for the determination of posttranslational modifications such as glycan analysis are not described. In this regard, chromatographic, high-resolution technologies for the integrity of proteins as well as Western blot with specific detection methods are introduced, and individual strengths and perceived limitations are highlighted.

Biomarkers of cancer are often glycosylated membrane receptor proteins present on the cellular surface. In order to develop new antibodies for cancer diagnostics or treatment, it is a main pre-requisite that these target proteins are available in a native conformation. However, membrane receptor proteins are notoriously difficult to produce due to their hydrophobic nature and complex architecture. Here, we used the baculovirus-insect cell expression system to produce budded virus-like particles (VLPs) as the scaffold for the presentation of complex membrane proteins. Since the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is known to be overexpressed in a number of cancers it was chosen as model for a tumor antigen. VLPs displaying full-length HER2 on the surface were produced in Spodoptera frugiperda 9 (Sf9) insect cells and purified by sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation. The number of secreted particles was quantified by nanoparticle tracking analysis. To confirm the presence of HER2 protein on the surface, VLPs were labeled with gold-conjugated antibodies and analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Functionality of displayed HER2 was investigated by ELISA and a newly established biolayer interferometry based technique. Detection was accomplished using the specific monoclonal antibody Herceptin and filamentous phages displaying a single-chain variable fragment of an anti-HER2 antibody. Significant stronger binding of Herceptin and anti-HER2 phages to HER2-displaying VLPs as compared to control VLPs was demonstrated. Thus, we suggest that Sf9 insect cells are highly feasible for the fast and easy production of various budded VLPs that serve as a platform for full-length membrane receptor presentation., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Non-fluidic bio-layer interferometry (BLI) has rapidly become a standard tool for monitoring almost all biomolecular interactions in a label-free, real-time and high-throughput manner. High-efficiency screening methods which measure the kinetics of liposomes with a variety of compounds require the immobilization of liposomes. In this work, a method is described for immobilizing liposomes for interaction studies, based on the biophysical principles of this biosensor platform. The immobilization approach includes the loading of DSPE-PEG (2000) -biotin containing sterically stabilized micelles (SSMs) which are restructured in a buffer change step, resulting in an accessible substrate for liposome immobilization. Liposomes in a concentration of 5mM of varying composition and fluidity were immobilized on the sensor surface by inserting the hydrophobic residues of the former loaded SSMs. This proof of principle was carried out using Cytochrome C as a membrane-interacting model protein. The binding of Cytochrome C to the immobilized liposomes was demonstrated, and the derived kinetic and affinity constants were similar to values given in the literature. In order to obtain a detailed understanding of this surface, and to show the integrity of the liposomes, confocal fluorescence microscopy was used. Images of immobilized liposomes containing calcein in the aqueous core indicated intact vesicles. A combination of this simple liposome immobilization approach, the possibility of automation on BLI systems with high throughput within an acceptable timescale and excellent reproducibility makes this assay suitable for basic research as well as for industrial and regulatory applications., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris is widely used for production of recombinant proteins. Here we characterize a vitamin-sensitive regulatory sequence, which can be controlled independently of the main culture medium compounds such as carbon, nitrogen, or phosphor source. The THI11 promoter (P THI11 ) sequence derives from a gene involved in biosynthesis of thiamine. For characterization, a P. pastoris strain expressing recombinant human serum albumin under control of P THI11 was grown in the controlled environment of a bioreactor. The thiamine sensitivity of P THI11 was proven and specified in batch cultures containing different amounts of extracellular thiamine. Under non-repressing conditions P THI11 offers a constitutive expression pattern with growth rate dependent product formation. Furthermore, promoter activity and thus product formation can be repressed for a desired period of time by supplementing the culture with a pre-defined amount of exogenous thiamine. Once a threshold of biomass is reached, P THI11 driven expression starts autonomously without external intervention. Based on these findings a tailor-made process strategy was developed and experimentally verified. Additionally, we compared the THI11 promoter with the commonly used GAP promoter. In conclusion, the THI11 promoter is a versatile and easy to control regulatory sequence which enables the realization of novel protein production strategies. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 2633-2643. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Over the past few years, liposomal formulations as drug carrier systems have markedly advanced in pharmaceutical research and development. Therefore, analytical methods to characterize liposome-based formulations are required. One particular issue in liposome analysis is the imbalance of lipid ratios within the vesicle formulations and the detectability of degradation products such as lysophospholipids and fatty acids caused by hydrolysis, especially in low molar ranges. Here, a highly sensitive and selective reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (rp-HPLC) method is described by the combination of an organic solvent/trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) triggered gradient and the application of an evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD). Gain setting adjustments of the ELSD were applied to obtain an optimal detection profile of the analyzed substances. This optimization provides simultaneous separation and quantification of 16 components, including different phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylglycerols and their degradation products, as well as cholesterol. Parameters such as limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were determined for each of the components and had ranges from 0.25-1.00mg/mL (LOD) and 0.50-2.50μg/mL (LOQ), respectively. The intra-day precision for all analytes is less than 3% (RSD) and inter-day precision is about 8%. The applicability of the method was verified by analyzing two different liposome formulations consisting of DSPC:DPPC:DSPG:Chol (35:35:20:10) and DSPC:DPPC:DSPG (38:38:24). For degradation studies, both formulations were stored at 4°C and at ambient temperature. Additionally, forced degradation experiments were performed to determine hydrolysis mass balances. A total recovery of 96-102% for phospholipid compounds was found. Analytical data revealed that the sensitivity, selectivity, accuracy, and resolution are appropriate for the detection and quantification of phospholipids and their hydrolysis products. These results as well as additional preliminary analyses of other relevant components used in liposomal formulations indicate that the developed method is suitable for the development, characterization, and stability testing of liposomal based biopharmaceuticals., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO), a glycohormone, is one of the leading biopharmaceutical products. The production of rhEPO is currently restricted to mammalian cell expression systems because of rhEPO's highly complex glycosylation pattern, which is a major determinant for drug-efficacy. Here we evaluate the ability of plants to produce different glycoforms of rhEPO. cDNA constructs were delivered to Nicotiana benthamiana (N. benthamiana) and transiently expressed by a viral based expression system. Expression levels up to 85 mg rhEPO/kg fresh leaf material were achieved. Moreover, co-expression of rhEPO with six mammalian genes required for in planta protein sialylation resulted in the synthesis of rhEPO decorated mainly with bisialylated N-glycans (NaNa), the most abundant glycoform of circulating hEPO in patients with anemia. A newly established peptide tag (ELDKWA) fused to hEPO was particularly well-suited for purification of the recombinant hormone based on immunoaffinity. Subsequent lectin chromatography allowed enrichment of exclusively sialylated rhEPO. All plant-derived glycoforms exhibited high biological activity as determined by a cell-based receptor-binding assay. The generation of rhEPO carrying largely homogeneous glycosylation profiles (GnGnXF, GnGn, and NaNa) will facilitate further investigation of functionalities with potential implications for medical applications., (Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

The development of biosensor technologies for the investigation of biomolecular interactions has markedly advanced over the last years. One promising biosensor platform, the Bio-Layer Interferometry (BLI), was developed by ForteBio with the main focus to qualify and quantify protein/protein interactions in research and routine applications. Here, a method to characterize protein/liposome binding interactions based on the biophysical principles of this platform is described. Three different liposome formulations and the protein hormone, recombinant human erythropoietin (rh-Epo) were used as models in the test system. Rh-Epo was immobilized on disposable optical fiber streptavidin (SA) biosensor tips and binding of different liposome formulations under certain conditions was measured. The assay performance was evaluated, followed by calculating the kinetic rate and affinity constants. The results showed that all liposome formulations formed extremely stable complexes with the immobilized protein. Nevertheless, liposome specific differences in binding affinities were determined. Furthermore, a liposome concentration dependent binding pattern was demonstrated. The combination of simple sample preparation, the opportunity of automation with high throughput in an acceptable time range and excellent reproducibility, makes this assay suitable for basic research as well as for drug discovery and drug screening to estimate drug/membrane interactions., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Hyperglycosylated proteins are more stable, show increased serum half-life and less sensitivity to proteolysis compared to non-sialylated forms. This applies particularly to recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO). Recent progress in N-glycoengineering of non-mammalian expression hosts resulted in in vivo protein sialylation at great homogeneity. However the synthesis of multi-sialylated N-glycans is so far restricted to mammalian cells. Here we used a plant based expression system to accomplish multi-antennary protein sialylation. A human erythropoietin fusion protein (EPOFc) was transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana ΔXTFT, a glycosylation mutant that lacks plant specific N-glycan residues. cDNA of the hormone was co-delivered into plants with the necessary genes for (i) branching (ii) β1,4-galactosylation as well as for the (iii) synthesis, transport and transfer of sialic acid. This resulted in the production of recombinant EPOFc carrying bi- tri- and tetra-sialylated complex N-glycans. The formation of this highly complex oligosaccharide structure required the coordinated expression of 11 human proteins acting in different subcellular compartments at different stages of the glycosylation pathway. In vitro receptor binding assays demonstrate the generation of biologically active molecules. We demonstrate the in planta synthesis of one of the most complex mammalian glycoforms pointing to an outstanding high degree of tolerance to changes in the glycosylation pathway in plants.

Objective: Oxidative stress plays an important role in human disease, but antioxidant therapies are limited. Under physiological conditions superoxide is controlled by the enzyme superoxide dismutase. A recombinant human Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (rhSOD) might open new therapeutic possibilities., Methods: Safety profile and pharmacokinetics in plasma and urine were assessed in an open label phase I study with dose-escalation. 18 healthy male volunteers received a single intravenous 10-minute infusion of 150, 300, or 600 mg rhSOD, respectively (n = 6 per dose group)., Results: rhSOD was well tolerated. Peak plasma concentrations (cmax; mean ± SD) were reached at the end of infusion, with 32.96 ± 10.31, 51.60 ± 8.23, and 103.90 ± 19.02 μg/ ml, respectively. Non-compartmental halflife was 1.06 ± 0.37, 1.59 ± 0.64, and 1.63 ± 0.28 hours. Urinary excretion (10 h) showed dose-dependent relative increases with 11.28 ± 6.46 (7.5%), 54.93 ± 15.25 (18.3%), and 191.81 ± 104.60 mg (32.0%)., Conclusions: Our results show a good safety profile and predictable pharmacokinetics of rhSOD, suggesting that therapeutic exploratory studies might be safely conducted in humans.

Stable cell lines of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are the predominant source of commercial -biopharmaceutical proteins. Because making suitable CHO cell lines is time-consuming and costly, -preliminary experiments with transient expression are usually performed to optimize as many protein -production parameters as possible. Here, we describe protocols for optimizing expression in transient expression experiments and isolating stable CHO cell lines using two types of self-made reagents, namely, lipoplexes and polyplexes.

Although liposomes have many outstanding features such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity and structural diversity, and are successfully applied in many areas of chemistry and biotechnology, a lack of characterization standards and quality control tools are still inhibiting the translation of liposome technology into clinical routine. The greatest obstacle to clinical scale commercialization is the inability to ensure liposome formulation stability because small size variations or altered surface chemistries can significantly influence in vivo distribution and excretion kinetics that could in turn lead to unpredictable therapy outcomes. To enhance the product development process we have developed a microfluidic biochip containing embedded dielectric microsensors capable of providing quantitative results on formulation composition and stability based on the monitoring of the unique electric properties of liposomes. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations confirmed that microfluidics offer reproducible and well-defined measurement conditions where a moving liposome suspension within a microchannel behaves like a bulk material. Results of this study demonstrate the ability of microfluidics, in combination with dielectric spectroscopy and multivariate data analysis methods, to identify nine different liposomes. We also show that various liposome modifications such as membrane-bound surface proteins, lipid bilayer soluble drugs, as well as protein and dye encapsulations, can be detected in the absence of any labels or indicators. Since shelf-life stability of a liposome formulation is regarded of prime importance for regulatory approval and clinical application, we further provide a possible practical application of the developed liposome analysis platform as a high-throughput tool for industrial quality insurance purposes., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011)

Liposomes, spherical vesicles consisting of one or more phospholipid bilayers, were first described in the mid 60s by Bangham and coworkers. Since then, liposomes have made their way to the market. Today, numerous lab scale but only a few large-scale techniques are available. However, a lot of these methods have serious limitations in terms of entrapment of sensitive molecules due to their exposure to mechanical and/or chemical stress. This paper summarizes exclusively scalable techniques and focuses on strengths, respectively, limitations in respect to industrial applicability. An additional point of view was taken to regulatory requirements concerning liposomal drug formulations based on FDA and EMEA documents.

A new electrophoretic technique for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of IgM isoforms and fragments has been developed. IgMs which are more complex than many other recombinantly expressed immunoglobulins are characterized by their high molecular weighted active forms and many additional isoforms and fragments in the molecular range between 25 and 1200kDa. To analyze the multimers, isoforms and fragments simultaneously a high-resolution method, which enables sufficient migration and separation is required. Furthermore, this method should be appropriate to analyze IgMs in crude culture supernatants as well as purified samples. Simple sample preparation avoiding unspecific protein loss has been established. Currently no standard method to analyze all of them accordingly is available. The IgM-SDS-PAGE investigated for this purpose includes all these aspects. The combination of simple sample preparation and the application of precast gels make this electrophoretic method suitable for research but also quality control. The selective quantification of the multimers and the relative isoform distribution were performed by sensitive Sypro Ruby staining obtaining reliable and reproducible data in clone screening and process development which has been demonstrated by recombinantly expressed IgMs with significantly different isoform pattern., (2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The broadly neutralizing anti-HIV-1 2F5 monoclonal antibody recognizes a gp41 epitope proximal to the viral membrane. Potential phospholipid autoreactivity at cell surfaces has raised concerns about the use of this antibody for development of vaccines or immunotherapy. In this study, confocal microscopy of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) was used to assess 2F5 reactivity with phospholipids assembled into bilayers with surface charge and curvature stress approximating those of the eukaryotic plasma membranes. Antibody partitioning into lipid bilayers required the specific recognition of membrane-inserted epitope, indicating that 2F5 was unable to directly react with GUV phospholipids, even under fluid phase segregation conditions. Our results thus support the feasibility of raising 2F5-like neutralizing responses through vaccination, and the medical safety of mAb infusions., (Copyright 2010 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rh-Epo) is well accepted as a hematopoietic drug, but many other pleiotropic properties are currently under investigation. Rh-Epo-induced receptor-mediated signal transductions are accompanied with membrane dynamic processes, which facilitate the activation of individual pathways. However, its direct effect on membrane dynamics is still unknown. In the present study, we have proven the capability of rh-Epo to associate to and transform artificial lipid membranes. Association studies using neutral, negatively, and positively charged liposomes with the native as well as modified rh-Epo were performed and analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. By these studies, we demonstrated that rh-Epo has the capability to transform negatively charged unilamellar vesicles into so-called disc-like micelles. Rh-Epo association to the negatively charged head groups via lysine and arginine initiates this transformation. At physiological temperatures, conformational changes within the rh-Epo structure expose a defined amino-acid sequence, which is able to induce the formation of discoid membrane structures. Enzymatic digestion, analysis, and isolation of related peptides by rp-HPLC and characterization by MS/MS enabled the identification of the membrane-affecting domain of rh-Epo (MAD-E) that represents the exposed helix B of rh-Epo. Finally, association studies performed with these peptides confirmed that the MAD-E is responsible for the formation of disc-like micelles. Since this helix B of rh-Epo has recently been supposed to be involved in the activation of neuroprotective pathways, we believe that the membrane-transforming capacity of rh-Epo participates in the proliferative activity of rh-Epo.

A CHO cell line, previously genetically modified by the introduction of rat alpha2,6-sialyltransferase cDNA, generated for the first time a human-like sialylated recombinant hTSH (hlsr-hTSH) more similar to the native hormone, with 61% of alpha2,3- and 39% of alpha2,6-linked sialic acid residues. The best clone, when submitted to gene amplification with up to 8 microM methotrexate, presented a secretion level of approximately 2 microg hTSH/10(6)cells/day, useful for product purification and characterization. The relative molecular masses (M(r)) of the heterodimer and of the alpha- and beta-subunits of purified hlsr-hTSH, determined by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and the relative hydrophobicities, determined by RP-HPLC, were not remarkably different from those presented by two r-hTSH preparations secreted by normal CHO cells. Some differences were observed, though, in N-glycan composition, with more tri- and much more tetra-sialylated structures in hlsr-hTSH. When analyzed via an in vivo bioassay based on hTSH-induced T(4) release in mice, hlsr-hTSH was shown to be equipotent (p>0.05) with the commercial preparation of r-hTSH (Thyrogen), and 1.6-fold more potent than native hTSH (p<0.001).

Protein-free media are gaining more and more interest in mammalian cell culture technology. However, the range of commercially available protein-free media is wide, but lack of serum causes the lack of various substances (Keenan et al. in Cytotechnology, 50(1-3):49-56, 2006) which must be substituted case by case. Details on the composition of protein-free media are often unavailable or inaccessible in some cases, and as a consequence, there is an obvious need for testing procedures in order to evaluate the various commercialised products for their performance. Additionally, negative effects of tryptic meat digests on product quality have been reported in the literature (Gu et al. in Biotech Bioeng 56 (4):353-341, 1997). In the present studies of comparing various protein-free media for their suitability in propagation of recombinant CHO cells expressing human growth hormone (hGH), we have found somatotropin to be an excellent candidate for detection of protease activity. Somatotropin contains protease recognition sites for numerous proteases located around amino-acid residues 134-150. In this study, we demonstrate highly specific cleavage of recombinant hGH during batch cultivation. Analysis of the digested molecule was then performed by convergent methods like SDS-PAGE, HPLC and mass spectroscopy, and the results indicate hGH to be an ideal candidate for media and component screening in mammalian cell culture.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are dangerous intermediates of cellular oxygen metabolisms, and are involved in pathogenesis of a wide range of diseases. Superoxide Dismutases (SODs) are an important part of antioxidant defense systems in mammalian cells capable of reducing the harmful effect of ROS on human tissues. Unfortunately, intravenously administered SOD shows a biological half-life of a few minutes, and enteral administration fails due to biodegradation of the enzyme in the gastrointestinal system. The aim of our study was to improve biological half-life of recombinant human Cu/Zn SOD (rhSOD) within systemic circulation by liposomal encapsulation and aerosolization into the lungs. We studied the feasibility of a "needle-free" route of drug administration via the lungs combined with the sustained release effect of liposomes in an experimental pig model. We studied 14 anesthetized pigs separated into three groups. The first group (n = 5) received 15 mg aerosolized liposomal rhSOD. The second group (n = 4) received 15 mg intravenously injected liposomal rhSOD. The third group (n = 5) served as an untreated control. We determined rhSOD concentration as well as activity within the lungs by the use of bronchoalveolar lavages (BALs). RhSOD plasma concentrations were determined by blood sampling. In animals treated with aerosolized liposomal rhSOD plasma concentration of the enzyme increased and formed a plateau ranging from 19 to 21 ng/mL over the whole observational period (5 h). At the end of the experiment 5 h after completion of aerosol administration 95.2% of peak plasma concentration was found in this group. Three and 5 h after completion of aerosolization leucocytes (p = 0.54, 0.40) in BALs as well as PaO2 (p = 0.44, 0.35), PaCO(2) (p = 0.83, 0.75), and pH (p = 0.07, 0.07) in arterial blood remained unchanged compared to baseline. In animals treated with intravenously injected liposomal rhSOD, plasma concentration of the enzyme substantially increased to 3987 ng/mL but rapidly decreased over the observational period (5 h). At the end of the experiment 14.1% of peak plasma concentration was found in this group. Aerosolization of liposomal rhSOD leads to long-term and uniform uptake into systemic circulation without acute deleterious effects on respiratory tract. Compared to intravenously administered liposomal rhSOD, biologic half-life within systemic circulation was substantially prolonged in aerosol-treated animals. It could be a feasible strategy for administration of radical scavenging enzymes for treatment of systemic diseases.

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells exhibit large variabilities regarding growth, recombinant protein production and post-translational processing during cell line development and clone selection. To accelerate the development of stable high quality cell factories, new efficient strategies for cell screening and clone selection are required. In our work, we combined phenotypic characterisation of recombinant CHO clones during early cell line development with transcription profile analysis using cross-species microarrays. The objective was to identify genes or gene patterns that correlate with clone specific alterations in terms of productivity, sialylation capacity and stress resistance. In all high producer clones transcriptional profiling revealed a common enrichment of gene ontology categories related to protein metabolism, transcription, nucleus and nucleolus, whereas no common genes were differentially regulated in clones showing higher sialylation capacities. Furthermore, we identified predictive stress-related marker genes that were up-regulated in one clone without showing the corresponding phenotype at an early stage of development. Thus, we successfully applied gene expression profiling to allocate transcriptomal differences to specific phenotypes that changed during cell line development. These promising results will further increase our efforts to develop CHO specific microarrays that deliver information about the suitability of a clone candidate for industrial production.

A consistent increase of approximately 60% in the secretion yield of CHO-derived hTSH was observed by changing cell culture CO2 conditions from 5% CO2 to an air environment. The overall quality of the products obtained under both conditions was evaluated in comparison with a well-known biopharmaceutical (Thyrogen). The N-glycans identified were of the complex type, presenting di-, tri- and tetra-antennary structures, sometimes fucosylated, 86-88% of the identified structures being sialylated at variable levels. The three most abundant structures were monosialylated glycans, representing approximately 69% of all identified forms in the three preparations. The main difference was found in terms of antennarity, with 8-10% more di-antennary structures obtained in the absence of CO2 and 7-9% more tri-antennary structures in its presence. No remarkable difference in charge isomers was observed between the three preparations, the isoelectric focusing profiles showing six distinct bands in the 5.39-7.35 pI range. A considerably different distribution, with more forms in the acidic region, was observed, however, for two native pituitary preparations. All recombinant preparations showed a higher in vivo bioactivity when compared to native hTSH. Different production processes apparently do not greatly affect N-glycan structures, charge isomer distribution or bioactivity of CHO-derived hTSH.

At present, a number of transfection techniques are available to introduce foreign DNA into cells, but still minimal intrusion or interference with normal cell physiology, low toxicity, reproducibility, cost efficiency and successful creation of stable transfectants are highly desirable properties for improved transfection techniques.For all previous transfection experiments done in our labs, using serum-free cultivated host cell lines, an efficiency value of approximately 0.1% for selection of stable cell lines has not been exceeded, consequently we developed and improved a transfection system based on defined liposomes, so-called large unilamellar vesicles, consisting of different lipid compositions to facilitate clone selection and increase the probability for creation of recombinant high-production clones. DNA and DOTAP/DOPE or CHEMS/DOPE interact by electrostatic means forming so-called lipoplexes (Even-Chen and Barenholz 2000) and the lipofection efficiency of those lipoplexes has been determined via confocal microscopy.In addition, the expression of the EGFP was determined by FACS to investigate transient as well as stable transfection and the transfection efficiency of a selection of different commercially available transfection reagents and kits has been compared to our tailor-made liposomes.

For biotechnological research, development, and production various analytical methods are required to determine the quality of the target product. In this context, the determination of isoforms is state-of-the-art; however, the majority of applied techniques are more qualitative than quantitative. To address this fact, we evaluated different post- and pre-electrophoretic staining dyes for their applicability on linear IPG gels using recombinant human erythropoietin as a model protein. Each evaluated dyes was able to detect all isoforms reproducibly, but CyDyes were found to be the most promising. Using CyDyes, up to three samples can be focused on the same lane under identical electrophoretic conditions, thus, a fast, reproducible, sensitive and quantitative isoform determination can be performed. To illustrate the practical relevance, quantitative CyDye technique was used for the characterization of our model protein, recombinant human Epo-Fc. This method makes it possible to determine the isoform pattern of nonpurified supernatants as well as purified proteins. We conclude that quantitative pre-electrophoretic staining IEF using CyDyes is a fast, simple, accurate method to determine isoforms, which can be used in research, development, and manufacturing for product quality analysis, e.g., clone screening, process optimization, and purification monitoring.

In order to improve the current techniques of cell cultivation in the absence of serum, we have developed a protein-free transfection protocol for CHO cells, based on the Nucleofector technology. After starting with a heterogeneous pool of primary transfectants which express the fusion protein EpoFc, we isolated single clones and compared them with parallel clones generated by lipofection in serum-dependent cultivation. Our intensive characterization program was based on determination of specific productivity (q(p)) and analysis of genetic parameters. In two nucleofection experiments, transfection with 5 microg of DNA resulted in best productivities of the primary cell pools. After subcloning, the q(p) could be raised up to 27 pg x cells(-1) x day(-1). While the serum-dependent transfectants exhibited specific productivities up to 57 pg x cells(-1) x day(-1) in serum-dependent cultivation, a significant decrease that resulted in the range of q(p) of the protein-free transfectants was observed after switching to protein-free conditions. Investigation of genetic parameters revealed higher mRNA levels and gene copy numbers (GCN) for the protein-free adapted serum-dependent transfectants. Therefore, we assume that problems during protein-free adaptation (PFA) lead to a less efficient translation machinery after serum deprivation. We describe the generation of stable-producing recombinant CHO clones by protein-free transfection of a protein-free adapted host cell line, which reduces the risk of adverse clonal changes after PFA. The main advantage of this approach is the earlier predictability of clone behavior, which makes the generation of production clones by protein-free transfection, a viable and highly efficient strategy for recombinant cell line development., ((c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

We have generated a recombinant CHO cell line expressing the fusion protein EpoFc. After selection and screening, protein expression, gene and mRNA copy numbers were analysed in order to gain more information on the influence of genetic parameters on the productivity and stability of production cells. Results from semi-quantitative blot methods were compared to quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyses, whose advantage mainly lies in their higher sensitivity, and the cheaper and faster methodology. We developed stable and high producing clones with low gene copy numbers, in contrast to other cell lines where multiple steps of methotrexate amplification have lead to hundreds of copies of inserts with the risk of karyotypic instabilities and decreased growth rates that overcome the benefits of increased productivities. When comparing genetic parameters to productivity, a good correlation of mRNA levels with specific productivity was observed, whereas high gene copy numbers were not always accompanied by high protein expressions. Based on our data derived from a typical example of a cell line development process, genetic parameters are useful tools for the selection of scalable production clones. Nevertheless, a wider range of cell lines has to be investigated in order to implement genetic analyses into a screening process.

Liposomes can been used as potential immunoadjuvants, because they have the ability to elicit both a cellular mediated immune response and a humoral immune response. Studies have shown liposomes to be effective immunopotentiators in hepatitis A and influenza vaccines. For all these purposes, liposomes can be prepared by different methods. After disperging suitable membrane lipids in an aqueous phase and spontaneous formation of multilamellar large vesicles (MLV), mechanical procedures such as ultrasonication, homogenization by a French press or by other high pressure devices and, or extrusion through polycarbonate membranes with defined pore sizes lead to a reduction in size and number of lamellae of the vesicles. A second group of preparation procedures uses suitable detergents, e.g., bile salts or alkylglycosides. A third group of procedures starts with dissolving the lipids in an organic solvent and mixing it with an aqueous phase. The concentration of the organic solvent is then reduced by suitable procedures. Here we present a new technique for the preparation of liposomes with associated membrane proteins, where lipid vesicles are formed immediately after injection into a micellar protein solution. The model membrane protein used for these studies is a truncated recombinant gp41 produced in E. coli. This viral membrane antigen is a possible candidate protein for the establishment of HIV-vaccines. The data presented here, show an efficient and reproducible one step membrane protein encapsulation procedure into liposomes in a closed and sterile containment. We examined encapsulation efficiency, membrane protein conformation and immunogenicity of this possible liposomal vaccine candidate, which can be produced in GMP-compliant quality with the described technique.

One challenge in biotechnology industry is to produce recombinant proteins with prolonged serum half-life. One strategy for enhancing the serum half-life of proteins includes increasing the molecular weight of the protein of interest by fusion to the Fc part of an antibody. In this context, we have expressed a homodimer fusion protein in CHO cells which consists of two identical polypeptide chains, in which our target protein, recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEpo), is N-terminally linked with the Fc part of a human IgG(1) molecule. In the present study, culture supernatant of a stable clone was collected and purified by affinity chromatography prior characterization. We emphasized product quality aspects regarding the fusion protein itself and in addition, post-translational characterization of the subunits in comparison to human antibodies and rhEpo. However, overproduction of recombinant proteins in mammalian cells is well established, analysis of product quality of complex products for different purposes, such as product specification, purification issues, batch to batch consistency and therapeutical consequences, is required. Besides product quantification by ELISA, N-acetylneuraminic acid quantification in microtiterplates, quantitative isoform pattern and entire glycan profiling was performed. By using these techniques for the characterization of the recombinant human Epo-Fc (rhEpo-Fc) molecule itself and furthermore, for the separate characterization of both subunits, we could clearly show that no significant differences in the core glycan structures compared to rhEpo and human antibody N-glycans were found. The direct comparison with other rhEpo-Fc fusion proteins failed, because no appropriate data were found in the literature.

Currently, one of the most used techniques for the determination of isoform pattern analysis is isoelectric focusing. Routinely, this is performed by immunoblotting. Blotting of proteins after isoelectric focusing on IPG gels may cause several problems, such as protein loss by the blotting itself and band broadening, in some cases the immunostaining with antibodies might be problematic. In the present study, an alternative isoform prestaining method with CyDye fluors is presented. For this approach, a highly glycosylated fusion protein, Epo-Fc, was used consisting of two recombinant human erythropoietin attached to the Fc part of a human IgG(1) molecule. By using CyDye fluors, up to three samples can be focused on the same lane under identical electrophoretic conditions. A fundamental benefit of this technique is the ability to perform quantitative isoform pattern analysis directly from serum-free culture supernatant.

The impact of process environment changes on process performance is one of the most crucial process safety issues when cultivating mammalian cells in a bioreactor. In contrast, directed shifting of process parameters can also be used as an optimization tool providing higher cell and product yields. Compared to other strategies that also aim on the regulation of cell growth and protein expression process parameter shifts can be easily performed without reagent addition or even genetic modification of the host cell line. However, a successful application of changing process conditions implies a profound understanding of the provoked physiological changes within the cells. In a systematic approach we varied the dissolved oxygen tension (DOT), pH, and temperature of CHO cultures in controlled bioreactors and investigated the impact on growth, productivity, metabolism, product quality and cell cycle distribution using a recombinant CHO cell line expressing the highly glycosylated fusion protein Epo-Fc. We found the reduction of cultivation temperature and the reduction of (external) pH to exert the most significant effects on process performance by mainly reducing cell growth and metabolism. With respect to the cell line used we identified a set of parameters capable of affecting cell proliferation in favor of an increased specific productivity and total product yield. The well directed alteration of the process environment has emerged as a tool adequate for further process optimization applying a biphasic cultivation strategy., (Copyright 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Regulation of cell growth and protein expression potentially results in a sustainable enhancement of the volumetric productivity in a fermentation process. Following a biphasic cultivation strategy the process initially passes through a cell proliferation phase to generate a sufficiently high viable cell mass. In the subsequent production phase cells are maintained viable and productive without significant cell proliferation leading to increased viable cell days and product yields. In a previous work we have shown that the well directed alteration of the process environment based on process parameter shifting is a promising tool to regulate cell growth and protein expression. In continuation of this work we investigated process parameters which have been identified to affect cell proliferation in favor of an increased specific productivity and total product yield in a series of biphasic batch cultivation experiments. In most of these processes the integral of viable cells and the specific productivity were increased leading to a significant improvement of both final product concentration and volumetric productivity. In addition, combined parameter shifts (pH 6.90/30 degrees C and pH 6.90/33 degrees C) exerted a synergistic effect on product quality. The loss of product sialylation which occurred at reduced temperatures was prevented by simultaneously reducing the external pH. In conclusion, biphasic cultivation based on combined shifting of process parameters is a suitable tool for controlling cell proliferation and protein expression of mammalian cells in a batch bioreactor leading to enhanced volumetric productivities and therefore offers an enormous potential for bioprocess optimization., (Copyright 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Recombinant CHO cell lines have integrated the expression vectors in various parts of the genome leading to different levels of gene amplification, productivity and stability of protein expression. Identification of insertion sites where gene amplification is possible and the transcription rate is high may lead to systems of site-directed integration and will significantly reduce the process for the generation of stably and highly expressing recombinant cell lines. We have investigated a broad range of recombinant cell lines by FISH analysis and Giemsa-Trypsin banding and analysed their integration loci with regard to the extent of methotrexate pressure, transfection methods, promoters and protein productivities. To summarise, we found that the majority of our high producing recombinant CHO cell lines had integrated the expression construct on a larger chromosome of the genome. Furthermore, except from two cell lines, the exogene was integrated at a single site. The dhfr selection marker was co-localised to the target gene.

A computer-based technique using a 2((5-2)) fractional factorial design was applied for screening the factors affecting the penetration effectiveness of liposomal recombinant human-Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase. Unilamellar liposomes, containing recombinant rh-Cu/Zn-SOD in the aqueous core, are aimed at enhancing the penetration of the drug applied topically. Factors that mainly influence the chemical and physical characteristics of liposomes such as charge, molar content of cholesterol, size, surfactant and lipid were evaluated at two levels. In vitro skin penetration studies with pigskin were carried out in Franz-type diffusion cells over a period of 4 and 8h. The response variables, namely the amounts of rh-Cu/Zn-SOD penetrated into the different skin layers, were analyzed by ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay). Analysis of variance showed that the size and the cholesterol content of liposomes as well as the duration of the penetration studies have a statistically significant influence on the amount of protein found in deeper skin layers.

Sensitive and accurate testing for trace amounts of biotechnology-derived DNA from plant material is the prerequisite for detection of 1% or 0.5% genetically modified ingredients in food products or raw materials thereof. Compared to ELISA detection of expressed proteins, real-time PCR (RT-PCR) amplification has easier sample preparation and detection limits are lower. Of the different methods of DNA preparation CTAB method with high flexibility in starting material and generation of sufficient DNA with relevant quality was chosen. Previous RT-PCR data generated with the SYBR green detection method showed that the method is highly sensitive to sample matrices and genomic DNA content influencing the interpretation of results. Therefore, this paper describes a real-time DNA quantification based on the TaqMan probe method, indicating high accuracy and sensitivity with detection limits of lower than 18 copies per sample applicable and comparable to highly purified plasmid standards as well as complex matrices of genomic DNA samples. The results were evaluated with ValiData for homology of variance, linearity, accuracy of the standard curve, and standard deviation.

A new scalable liposome production system is presented, which is based on the ethanol injection technique. The system permits liposome manufacture regardless of production scale, as scale is determined only by free disposable vessel volumes. Once the parameters are defined, an easy scale up can be performed by just changing the process vessels. These vessels are fully sterilizeable and all raw materials are transferred into the sanitized and sterilized system via 0.2 microm filters to guarantee an aseptic production. Liposome size can be controlled by the local lipid concentration at the injection point depending on process parameters like injection pressure, lipid concentration and injection rate. These defined process parameters are furthermore responsible for highly reproducible results with respect to vesicle diameters and encapsulation rates Compared to other technologies like the film method which is normally followed by size reduction through high pressure homogenization, ultrasonication or extrusion, no mechanical forces are needed to generate homogeneous and narrow distributed liposomes. Another important advantage of this method is the suitability for the entrapment of many different drug substances such as large hydrophilic proteins by passive encapsulation, small amphiphilic drugs by a one step remote loading technique or membrane association of antigens for vaccination approaches.

Liposomes are potential drug carriers for pulmonary drug delivery: They can be prepared from phospholipids, which are endogenous to the respiratory tract as a component of pulmonary surfactant, and at an appropriate dose liposomes do not pose a toxicological risk to this organ. Among the various categories of drug that benefit from liposomal entrapment is the anti-inflammatory enzyme superoxide dismutase, thus prolonging its biological half-life. The delivery of liposomes by nebulization is hampered by stability problems, like physical and chemical changes that may lead to chemical degradation and leakage of the encapsulated drug. Here we present data of liposomes aerosolized with a novel electronic nebulizer based on a vibrating membrane technology (PARI eFlow), which amends drawbacks like liposomes degradation and product release. The data acquisition included aerosol properties such as aerodynamic particle size, nebulization efficiency, and liposome leakage upon nebulization. In conclusion, this study shows the ability of the PARI eFlow to nebulize high amounts of liposomal recombinant human superoxide dismutase with reduced vesicle disruption tested in an enclosing experimental protocol.