Searches / Recent Patents On Biotechnology[JOURNAL]

Recent Patents On Biotechnology[JOURNAL]

Sun 200 papers
RSS

The Use of Cannabis and Cannabinoid-based Products by Pregnant Women: A Patent Review.

de Albuquerque Britto DBL, das Chagas Angelo Mendes Tenorio F, Tenorio B … +2 more , Rolim L, Júnior VS

Recent Pat Biotechnol · 2021 · PMID 34825644 · Publisher ↗

Plants of the genus Cannabis have been gaining attention in medicine. The most outstanding treatments include antispasmodic, analgesic, antiemetic, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory actions. The aim of the study was... Plants of the genus Cannabis have been gaining attention in medicine. The most outstanding treatments include antispasmodic, analgesic, antiemetic, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory actions. The aim of the study was to describe patents associated with cannabis and cannabinoids as a treatment for pregnant women. A search was carried out on four patent bases: National Institute of Industrial Property, Latipat, Espacenet and Patentscope. The used search keys were "Cannabis", "Cannabidiol", "Cannabinoids", "CBD" and "THC" associated with "pregnant women". Patents in any language and year were considered. A total of 1,402 patents were found in all the used databases. After reading the title and abstract, patents were excluded if they did not meet the eligibility criteria and/or if they were duplicates, thus leaving 11 patents on the use of cannabis and/or cannabinoids as treatment in pregnant women. A critical analysis was carried out. All selected patents were from the Asian continent (China), focusing on traditional Chinese medicine for treating various possible changes during pregnancy and also for diseases prevention in the postpartum period. It was found that the main causes for the need of such treatments were related to spleen deficiencies, inability and/or moisture stagnation. Finally, the vast majority of treatments used Cannabis fruits associated with other plants. Given the above, patents related to cannabis and cannabinoids for the treatment of pregnant women in the peri and postnatal periods were found to be associated with traditional Chinese medicine.

Diagnostic Value of Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction in Detection of Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia from Sepsis in Pediatrics.

Galeb S, Zaki MES, Shrief R … +2 more , Hassan R, Rizk M

Recent Pat Biotechnol · 2021 · PMID 34825643 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: Proper identification of the causative organism in pediatric sepsis is crucial for early diagnosis and prevention of septic shock and organ failure. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate th... BACKGROUND: Proper identification of the causative organism in pediatric sepsis is crucial for early diagnosis and prevention of septic shock and organ failure. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia from positive blood cultures for these pathogens isolated from children with hospital- acquired sepsis compared to the conventional biochemical reactions for identification of these organisms. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional study performed on 100 isolates from pediatric blood cultures, including Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The study also included 100 isolates of Escherichia coli as a negative control. All isolates were identified by API 20NE and the multiplex PCR with primers specific to the 3 tested bacteria. RESULTS: Multiplex PCR was positive in 96% of isolates and 4 isolates had negative results. Falsepositive results were reported with three E. coli strains. Multiplex PCR identified all the isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii, 29 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 27 isolates of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The diagnostic value of the multiplex PCR compared to the biochemical identification revealed sensitivity 96.04%, specificity 96.9%, positive predictive value 97.00%, negative predictive value 96.00% and accuracy 96.50%. CONCLUSION: The present study highlights the diagnostic value of multiplex PCR to identify Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia from positive blood cultures. Multiplex PCR was sensitive, specific and accurate. The accuracy differs according to the organisms with 100% accuracy for Acinetobacter baumannii.

Evaluating Five Escherichia coli Derivative Strains as a Platform for Arginine Deiminase Overproduction.

Abdollahi S, Morowvat MH, Savardashtaki A … +3 more , Irajie C, Najafipour S, Ghasemi Y

Recent Pat Biotechnol · 2022 · PMID 34809551 · Publisher ↗

AIMS: This study attempted to evaluate the five host strains, including BL21 (DE3), Rosetta (DE3), DH5α, XL1-BLUE, and SHuffle, in terms of arginine deiminase (ADI) production and enzyme activity. BACKGROUND: Escherichia... AIMS: This study attempted to evaluate the five host strains, including BL21 (DE3), Rosetta (DE3), DH5α, XL1-BLUE, and SHuffle, in terms of arginine deiminase (ADI) production and enzyme activity. BACKGROUND: Escherichia coli is one of the most preferred host microorganisms for the production of recombinant proteins due to its well-characterized genome, availability of various expression vectors, and host strains. Choosing a proper host strain for the overproduction of a desired recombinant protein is very important because of the diversity of genetically modified expression strains. Various E. coli cells have been examined in different patent applications. METHODS: ADI was chosen as a bacterial enzyme that degrades L-arginine. It is effective in the treatment of some types of human cancers like melanoma and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which are arginine-auxotrophic. Five mentioned E. coli strains were cultivated. The pET-3a was used as the expression vector. The competent E. coli cells were obtained through the CaCl2 method. It was then transformed with the construct of pET3a-ADI using the heat shock strategy. The ADI production levels were examined by 10% SDS-PAGE analysis. The ability of host strains for the expression of the requested recombinant protein was compared. The enzymatic activity of the obtained recombinant ADI from each studied strain was assessed by a colorimetric 96-well microtiter plate assay. RESULTS: All the five strains exhibited a significant band at 46 kDa. BL21 (DE3) produced the highest amount of ADI protein, followed by Rosetta (DE3). The following activity assay showed that ADI from BL21 (DE3) and Rosetta (DE3) had the most activity. CONCLUSION: There are some genetic and metabolic differences among the various E. coli strains, leading to differences in the amount of recombinant protein production. The results of this study can be used for the efficacy evaluation of the five studied strains for the production of similar pharmaceutical enzymes. The strains also could be analyzed in terms of proteomics.

Chitosan Oligomer and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Treating Wastewaters: US20190134086 Patent Evaluation.

Valverde FG, Droppa-Almeida D, Padilha FF

Recent Pat Biotechnol · 2022 · PMID 34702159 · Publisher ↗

With the utilisation of algae, wastewater reuse is becoming a viable option for the energy industry, especially green energy. The growth of these algae in these wastewaters provides an alternative source for bioenergetic... With the utilisation of algae, wastewater reuse is becoming a viable option for the energy industry, especially green energy. The growth of these algae in these wastewaters provides an alternative source for bioenergetics, however, the growth of other microorganisms can directly affect the production of bioenergy, requiring the removal and reduction of contaminants in these waters, in addition to being a source of contamination for workers. Therefore, the use of nanoparticles in bioremediation has been an alternative to mitigate the contamination of these wastewaters that have microorganisms capable of reducing the algae growth capacity. The objective of this work was to verify in the United States Patent and Trademarker office database (USPTO) patents that used chitosan nanoparticles as a form of wastewater treatment and to carry out the analysis of patent US20190134086, which addresses the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles associated with chitosan that was developed and used to evaluate their antibacterial activity against resistant microorganisms and biofilm producers present in wastewater. Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, and/or Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the microorganisms involved in the evaluated invention, bacteria present in the gastrointestinal tract, of clinical and environmental importance. The synthesized nanoparticles are arranged as a pharmaceutically acceptable and toxic vehicle against resistant bacteria, thus being described as nanoremediators. Given the analyzed patent, it was possible to verify the importance of alternatives to reduce the impact that pollution, in general, has on the environment, in addition to the proposed technology serving to maintain the survival and development capacity of the algae that will be able to produce green energy, the nanoparticles with antibacterial potential can help indirectly reduce these pathogenic strains with resistance to several antibiotics in the environment.

Clinical Practice of Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells in Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine - Prodigious Promise for Imminent Times.

Ray SK, Mukherjee S

Recent Pat Biotechnol · 2022 · PMID 34702158 · Publisher ↗

The umbilical cord blood is usually disposed of as an unwanted material after parturition; however, today, it is viewed as a regenerative medication so as to create the organ tissues. This cord blood gathered from the um... The umbilical cord blood is usually disposed of as an unwanted material after parturition; however, today, it is viewed as a regenerative medication so as to create the organ tissues. This cord blood gathered from the umbilical cord is made up of mesenchymal stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and multipotent non-hematopoietic stem cells having many therapeutic effects as these stem cells are utilized to treat malignancies, hematological ailments, inborn metabolic problem, and immune deficiencies. Presently, numerous clinical applications for human umbilical cord blood inferred stem cells, as stem cell treatment initiate new research. These cells are showing such a boon to stem cell treatment; it is nevertheless characteristic that the prospect of conservation of umbilical cord blood is gaining impetus. Current research works have demonstrated that about 80 diseases, including cancer, can be treated or relieved utilizing umbilical cord blood stem cells, and every year, many transplants have been effectively done around the world. However, in terms of factors, including patient selection, cell preparation, dosing, and delivery process, the treatment procedure for therapy with minimally manipulated stem cells can be patented. It is also worth thinking about how this patent could affect cord blood banks. Meanwhile, the utilization of cord blood cells is controversial and adult-derived cells may not be as successful, so numerous clinicians have begun working with stem cells that are acquired from umbilical cord blood. This review epitomizes a change in outlook from what has been completed with umbilical cord blood cell research and cord blood banking on the grounds that cord blood cells do not require much in the method of handling for cryopreservation or for transplantation in regenerative medicine.

Knowledge Landscape of Starter Cultures: A Bibliometric and Patentometric Study.

Cruz-O'Byrne R, Casallas-Useche C, Piraneque-Gambasica N … +1 more , Aguirre-Forero S

Recent Pat Biotechnol · 2021 · PMID 34602043 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: Starter cultures are essential in food industry biotechnology, consisting of microorganism preparations inoculated to produce safe fermented foods with desirable sensory characteristics. OBJECTIVE: This study... BACKGROUND: Starter cultures are essential in food industry biotechnology, consisting of microorganism preparations inoculated to produce safe fermented foods with desirable sensory characteristics. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify and analyze the growth and flow of knowledge regarding starter cultures by creating scientific and technological profiles using patentometric and bibliometric indicators. METHODS: A search for patents and scientific articles was conducted in December 2020 following a proposed 10-step methodology using the Scopus® and Patentinspiration databases. The search strategy was based on the keywords "starter culture" and "fermentation" considering publications up to 2020. RESULTS: A total of 3035 articles and 719 patents were published until 2020, presenting a more significant number in the last ten (10) years due to the development of biological sciences and molecular biology involving enzymes and microorganisms. Italy leads the scientific production while China leads the technological. It was also possible to determine the most productive author and inventors, the most influential articles and inventions, and the main scientific journals and patent offices. CONCLUSION: Scientific and technological activities have an exponential behavior showing that the knowledge about starter cultures continues to grow, becoming a field of interest for optimizing industrial processes related to food fermentation, thus achieving diversification of products that can satisfy the demand for food in an increasingly competitive global market.

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (Hgps) and Application of Gene Therapy Based Crispr/Cas Technology as A Promising Innovative Treatment Approach.

Rajeev M, Ratan C, Krishnan K … +1 more , Vijayan M

Recent Pat Biotechnol · 2021 · PMID 34602042 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), also known as progeria of childhood or progeria is a rare, rapid, autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by premature aging which occurs shortly after b... BACKGROUND: Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), also known as progeria of childhood or progeria is a rare, rapid, autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by premature aging which occurs shortly after birth. HGPS occurs as a result of de novo point mutation in the gene recognized as LMNA gene that encodes two proteins, Lamin A protein and Lamin C protein which are the structural components of the nuclear envelope. Mutations in the gene trigger abnormal splicing and induce internal deletion of 50 amino acids leading to the development of a truncated form of Lamin A protein known as Progerin. Progerin generation can be considered the crucial step in HGPS since the protein is highly toxic to human cells, permanently farnesylated, and exhibits variation in several biochemical and structural properties within the individual. HGPS also produces complications such as skin alterations, growth failure, atherosclerosis, hair and fat loss, and bone and joint diseases. We have also revised all relevant patents relating to Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome and its therapy in the current article. METHODS: The goal of the present review article is to provide information about Hutchinson- Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) and the use of CRISPR/Cas technology as a promising treatment approach in the treatment of the disease. The review also discusses about different pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods of treatment currently used for HGPS. RESULTS: The main limitation associated with progeria is the lack of a definitive cure. The existing treatment modality provides only symptomatic relief. Therefore, it is high time to develop a therapeutic method that hastens premature aging in such patients. CONCLUSION: CRISPR/Cas technology is a novel gene-editing tool that allows genome editing at specific loci and is found to be a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of genetic disorders such as HGPS where dominant-negative mutations take place.

Finding Appropriate Signal Peptides for Secretory Production of Recombinant Glucarpidase: An In SilicoMethod.

Vakili O, Khatami SH, Maleksabet A … +8 more , Movahedpour A, Fana SE, Sadegh R, Salmanzadeh AH, Razeghifam H, Nourdideh S, Tehrani SS, Taheri-Anganeh M

Recent Pat Biotechnol · 2021 · PMID 34547999 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: Methotrexate (MTX) is a general chemotherapeutic agent utilized to treat a variety of malignancies, woefully, its high doses can cause nephrotoxicity and subsequent defect in the process of MTX excretion. The... BACKGROUND: Methotrexate (MTX) is a general chemotherapeutic agent utilized to treat a variety of malignancies, woefully, its high doses can cause nephrotoxicity and subsequent defect in the process of MTX excretion. The recombinant form of glucarpidase is produced by engineered E. coli and is a confirmed choice to overcoming this problem. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, in silico analyses were performed to select suitable SPs for the secretion of recombinant glucarpidase in E. coli. METHODS: The signal peptide website and UniProt database were employed to collect the SPs and protein sequences. In the next step, SignalP-5.0 helped us to predict the SPs and the position of cleavage sites. Moreover, physicochemical properties and solubility were evaluated using Prot- Param and Protein-sol online software, and finally, ProtCompB was used to predict the final subcellular localization. RESULTS: Luckily, all SPs could form soluble fusion proteins. At last, it was found that PPB and TIBA could translocate the glucarpidase into the extracellular compartment. CONCLUSION: This study showed that there are only 2 applicable SPs for the extracellular translocation of glucarpidase. Although the findings were remarkable with high degrees of accuracy and precision based on the utilization of bioinformatics analyses, additional experimental assessments are required to confirm and validate it. Recent patents revealed several inventions related to the clinical aspects of vaccine peptides against human disorders.

Fortification of a Desert Using Nanoencapsulated Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extract of Small Cardamom Seeds: A Nutraceutical Custard with Antioxidant Synergy.

Paul K, Tamili D, Bhattacharjee P

Recent Pat Biotechnol · 2021 · PMID 34517793 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: 1,8 cineole-rich supercritical CO extract of small cardamom seeds of Alleppey green variety exhibiting prominent antioxidant property was microencapsulated and utilized in formulating an antioxidant-rich cust... BACKGROUND: 1,8 cineole-rich supercritical CO extract of small cardamom seeds of Alleppey green variety exhibiting prominent antioxidant property was microencapsulated and utilized in formulating an antioxidant-rich custard. However, the antioxidant potency of the prepared custard was not appreciable. To redress the phytochemical loss during custard preparation, custard using nanoliposomes was formulated. Patents related to 1,8 cineole-rich food products have been revised thoroughly. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the current study is to examine whether nanoencapsulationmediated entrapment of antioxidants is more effective in fortifying a dessert, namely custard, vis-à-vis microencapsulated (spray dried)-mediated enhancement of antioxidative potency in the same. METHODS: Our previous investigations have established that nanoliposome of 1,8 cineole- rich supercritical CO extract of small cardamom seeds effectively redresses type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. In the current investigation, this pre-characterized nanoliposome which exhibited appreciable in vitro and in vivo antioxidant efficacy has been utilized at varying concentrations for fortification of a custard. The designer custard samples have been characterized for their sensory and physicochemical properties, identification of the cardamom antioxidants therein and determination of the synergistic efficacy value of the identified antioxidants. RESULTS: The custard formulated with 0.3% nanoliposomes exhibited appreciable antioxidant potency in terms of DPPH radical scavenging activity (304.58±1.09 mg/ml) and reducing power (0.020±0.001 mg BHT/g custard), conferred by its total phenolic content (0.049±0.004 mg GAE/g custard). It also had relatively more stable textural attributes vis-à-vis the control sample (formulated with the non-encapsulated native extract). GCMS analysis of the nanoliposome-fortified custard confirmed retention of the spice antioxidants, namely1,8- cineole, α-terpinyl acetate, α-terpineol and linalool and its synergistic efficacy value being greater than unity, attested to the synergistic presence of the said antioxidants therein. The newly formulated custard retained more than 4.5 times of 1,8-cineole (5.05 mg/g custard) vis-à-vis the custard sample (1.12 mg/g custard) prepared with a microencapsulated (spray-dried) formulation of the extract. Additionally, the absence of heavy metals in the formulated custard confirmed it to be safe for human consumption. CONCLUSION: This is the first study on the application of nanoliposomes of spiceuticals in the formulation of a dessert, and more emphatically on use of a 'green' supercritical CO extract of spice antioxidants in fortification of a dessert to achieve antioxidant synergy.

Computational Elucidation of Phylogenetic, Functional and Structural Features of Methioninase from Pseudomonas, Escherichia, Clostridium and Citrobacter Strains.

Irajie C, Mohkam M, Vakili B … +1 more , Nezafat N

Recent Pat Biotechnol · 2021 · PMID 34515017 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: L-Methioninase (EC 4.4.1.11; MGL) is a pyridoxal phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme that is produced by a variety of bacteria, fungi, and plants. L-methioninase, especially from Pseudomonas and Citrobacter sp.,... BACKGROUND: L-Methioninase (EC 4.4.1.11; MGL) is a pyridoxal phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme that is produced by a variety of bacteria, fungi, and plants. L-methioninase, especially from Pseudomonas and Citrobacter sp., is considered as the efficient therapeutic enzyme, particularly in cancers such as glioblastomas, medulloblastoma, and neuroblastoma that are more sensitive to methionine starvation. OBJECTIVE: The low stability is one of the main drawbacks of the enzyme; in this regard, in the current study, different features of the enzyme, including phylogenetic, functional, and structural from Pseudomonas, Escherichia, Clostridium, and Citrobacter strains were evaluated to find the best bacterial L-Methioninase. METHODS: After the initial screening of L-Methioninase sequences from the above-mentioned bacterial strains, the three-dimensional structures of enzymes from Escherichia fergusonii, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Clostridium homopropionicum were determined through homology modeling via GalaxyTBM server and refined by GalaxyRefine server. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Afterwards, PROCHECK, verify 3D, and ERRAT servers were used for verification of the obtained models. Moreover, antigenicity, allergenicity, and physico-chemical analysis of enzymes were also carried out. In order to get insight into the interaction of the enzyme with other proteins, the STRING server was used. The secondary structure of the enzyme is mainly composed of random coils and alpha-helices. However, these outcomes should further be validated by wet-lab investigations.

In Vivo Treatment Efficacy of Essential Oil Isolated from Seeds of Momordica charantia in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Mellitus.

Mariammal BGV, Devarajan DW, Jerrin R … +3 more , Viswanathan S, Siddikuzzaman, Gopal R

Recent Pat Biotechnol · 2021 · PMID 34515016 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: All parts of Momordica charantia L. have potential hypoglycemic properties in reversing the metabolic disorder of diabetes mellitus. However, there exists a need for preparing an effective and safer formulati... BACKGROUND: All parts of Momordica charantia L. have potential hypoglycemic properties in reversing the metabolic disorder of diabetes mellitus. However, there exists a need for preparing an effective and safer formulation of active phytochemicals. We have also reviewed and analyzed certain patents on such preparatory methods for Momordica charantia L. formulations. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to isolate essential oil from the seeds of Momordica charantia L., analyze its phytochemicals, and study their anti-diabetic effects. METHODS: The essential oil was isolated by the hydrodistillation method and analyzed for phytochemicals by GC-MS. Furthermore, its acute toxicity was tested in rats. Anti-diabetic effects were evaluated in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with 17.5 and 55 mg/kg b.wt of essential oil by evaluating blood glucose, serum lipid profile, liver glycogen, protein, and other serum markers such as ALT, AST, ALP, urea, and creatinine. The histologic changes in the liver, pancreas, and kidney were evaluated using Haematoxylin and Eosin staining. RESULTS: The phytochemicals having hypoglycaemic and insulin induction potency were identified in the GC-MS analysis. A highly significant (p≤0.01; p≤0.001) reduction in blood glucose was observed from 17.5 mg/kg and 55 mg/kg essential oil treatments, respectively. Diabetes-associated metabolic alterations (p≤0.001) observed in diabetic control rats such as lipid profile, enzymes, glycogen, protein, urea, and creatinine were normalized upon treatment with essential oil. Moreover, the histologic changes in vital organs reversed in treated rats. CONCLUSION: The essential oil of Momordica charantia L. seed has promising potency to normalize the metabolic changes of type II diabetes mellitus.

LED Colour Trap for Aedes aegypti Control.

Salles T, Corrêa I, Guimarães-Ribeiro V … +2 more , Carvalho E, Moreira M

Recent Pat Biotechnol · 2021 · PMID 34465281 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes transmit dengue, zika, and chikungunya viruses, neglected diseases that are considered global health challenges. Due to the lack of antiviral drugs and vaccines for these illnesses, v... BACKGROUND: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes transmit dengue, zika, and chikungunya viruses, neglected diseases that are considered global health challenges. Due to the lack of antiviral drugs and vaccines for these illnesses, vector control with chemical insecticides is the principal strategy for preventing their spread. However, vector populations are becoming increasingly resistant to insecticides, and the development of other control measures is, therefore, imperative. METHODS: A new insect trap (IT) was used to control Aedes aegypti. A specific light-emitting diode (LED) served as the attractant based on specific wavelength ranges (450-495, 500-550 and 570-600 nm). The IT utilized insect-attracting and killing mechanisms that included a black capture box, a suction-producing mechanism, an electric shock device and a nylon cloth device that held surviving mosquitoes, which died due to starvation. Capture assays of twenty non-feeding females inside a cage were performed in triplicate using different LED intensities. A commercial trap (ultraviolet lamp attractant and suction system) was used as a positive control. RESULTS: Capture assays of A. aegypti with different intensities and LED combinations showed that the tricolored trap captured 100% of the females, followed by the Green LED 8 set, which captured 91%; in comparison, commercial traps captured approximately 25% of the insects. Although there were no significant differences between the experimental groups, the tricolored trap probably will capture more mosquito females considering the vision variation in individual females. CONCLUSION: We herein present a green technology-based IT that is effective, safe and successful for reducing mosquito populations, thereby preventing mosquito-borne disease spread.

Technological Prospecting: Mapping Patents on L-asparaginases from Extremophilic Microorganisms.

de Oliveira Lima IG, Bispo JRS, da Silva MB … +9 more , de Oliveira Feitosa A, Dos Santos ACM, Moreira MSA, Passarini MRZ, Saraiva Câmara PEA, Rosa LH, Oliveira VM, de Queiroz AC, Duarte AWF

Recent Pat Biotechnol · 2021 · PMID 34353277 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: L-asparaginase (L-ASNase, L-asparagine amidohydrolase, E.C.3.5.1.1) is an enzyme with wide therapeutic applicability. Currently, the commercialized L-ASNase comes from mesophilic organisms, presenting low spe... BACKGROUND: L-asparaginase (L-ASNase, L-asparagine amidohydrolase, E.C.3.5.1.1) is an enzyme with wide therapeutic applicability. Currently, the commercialized L-ASNase comes from mesophilic organisms, presenting low specificity to the substrate and limitations regarding thermostability and active pH range. Such factors prevent the maximum performance of the enzyme in different applications. Therefore, extremophilic organisms may represent important candidates for obtaining amidohydrolases with particular characteristics desired by the biotechnological market. OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to carry out a technological prospecting of patents related to the L-asparaginases derived from extremophilic organisms, contributing to pave the way for further rational investigation and application of such enzymes. METHODS: This patent literature review used six patents databases: The LENS, WIPO, EPO, USPTO, Patent Inspiration, and INPI. RESULTS: It was analyzed 2860 patents, and 14 were selected according to combinations of descriptors and study criteria. Approximately 57.14% of the patents refer to enzymes obtained from archaea, especially from the speciesPyrococcus yayanosii (35.71% of the totality). CONCLUSION: The present prospective study has singular relevance since there are no recent patent reviews for L-asparaginases, especially produced by extremophilic microorganisms. Although such enzymes have well-defined applications, corroborated by the patents compiled in this review, the most recent studies allude to new uses, such as the treatment of infections. The characterization of the catalytic profiles allows us to infer that there are potential sources still unexplored. Hence, the search for new L-ASNases with different characteristics will continue to grow in the coming years and, possibly, ramifications of the technological routes will be witnessed.

Fibrinolytic Enzymes From Extremophilic Microorganisms in the Development of New Thrombolytic Therapies: Technological Prospecting.

Soares Bispo JR, de Oliveira Lima IG, da Silva MB … +9 more , de Oliveira Feitosa A, Dos Santos ACM, Alexandre Moreira MS, Zambrano Passarini MR, Saraiva Câmara PEA, Rosa LH, Oliveira VM, de Queiroz AC, Fernandes Duarte AW

Recent Pat Biotechnol · 2021 · PMID 34353276 · Publisher ↗

Extremophilic microorganisms from a wide variety of extreme natural environments have been researched, and many biotechnological applications have been carried out, due to their capacity to produce biomolecules resistant... Extremophilic microorganisms from a wide variety of extreme natural environments have been researched, and many biotechnological applications have been carried out, due to their capacity to produce biomolecules resistant to extreme conditions, such as fibrinolytic proteases. The search for new fibrinolytic enzymes is important in the development of new therapies against cardiovascular diseases. This article aimed to evaluate the patents filed about protease with fibrinolytic activity produced by extremophilic microorganisms whose use is aimed at the development of new drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The prospecting was carried out using data on deposits and patent concessions made available on the technological bases: European Patent Office (EPO), United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Instituto Nacional de Propriedade Industrial - Brazil (INPI), The LENS and Patent Inspiration. The International Patent Classification and subclasses and groups for each document were also evaluated. Although 382 patents were selected using terms related to extreme environments, such as "thermophile" and "acidophiles", few were related to clinical use and were mainly performed using Bacillus subtilis and Streptomyces megasporus strains. A highlight of nattokinase was produced by Bacillus subtilis GDN and actinokinase by Streptomyces megasporus SD5. The low number of patents on enzymes with this profile (extreme environments) revealed a little-explored field, promising in the development of new microbial thrombolytic drugs, such as fibrinolytic enzymes with less adverse effects.

Insights into Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Current Understanding, Research, and Therapeutic Updates.

Sushma DS, Jaiswal V, Kumar A … +2 more , Asha S, Pal T

Recent Pat Biotechnol · 2022 · PMID 34353275 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: Humans can be infected with various coronaviruses that can cause serious illness and death. One such pandemic strain of coronavirus was recently identified in December 2019, and it led to a devastating outbre... BACKGROUND: Humans can be infected with various coronaviruses that can cause serious illness and death. One such pandemic strain of coronavirus was recently identified in December 2019, and it led to a devastating outbreak in Wuhan city of China. It is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS- CoV-2). It is highly contagious and causes symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to highlight the current understanding, research, and therapeutic updates of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: A thorough literature search was conducted for research papers and patents in the context of COVID-19. All the related articles were extracted from various public repositories such as Google Scholar, Pubmed, ScienceDirect (Elsevier), Springer, Web of Science, etc. Results: The present analysis revealed that the key areas of the inventions were vaccines and diagnostic kits apart from developing the treatment of CoV. It was also observed that no specific vaccine treatments were available for the treatment of 2019-nCov; therefore, developing novel chemical or biological drugs and kits for early diagnosis, prevention, and disease management is the primary governing topic among the patented inventions. The present study also indicates potential research opportunities for the future, particularly to combat 2019-nCoV. The current focus of the researches has turned towards developing four potential treatments, including the development of candidate vaccines, development of novel potential drugs, repurposing of existing drugs, and development of convalescent plasma therapy. The PCR based diagnosis is the gold standard for the COVID-19 testing, but it requires resource time, expertise, and high associated cost; hence researchers are also developing different diagnostic methods for the COVID-19. Although vaccines are being developed by various companies and have passed the pre-clinical stages but there still exists no guarantee for these to come into effect. The current treatments that are being used for COVID-19 patients are not well established and have shown limited success. CONCLUSION: The pandemic has challenged the medical, economic, and public health infrastructure across the globe. There is an urgent need to explore all available and possible methods/ approaches to study this disease for drug and vaccine development at the earliest.

Bioinformatics Analysis and Identification of Phytoene Synthase Gene in Microalgae.

Shaker S, Morowvat MH, Ghasemi Y

Recent Pat Biotechnol · 2021 · PMID 34254932 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: Carotenoids are known as lipophilic secondary metabolites with important biological activities, which are mostly used in the food and pharmaceutical industry. They contribute to the colours of many fruits and... BACKGROUND: Carotenoids are known as lipophilic secondary metabolites with important biological activities, which are mostly used in the food and pharmaceutical industry. They contribute to the colours of many fruits and flowers. Studies on the biosynthetic pathways of isoprenoids and carotenoids are still scarce, especially in microalgae and are limited to specic groups. Dunaliella spp. in Chlorophyta taxon of algae, the 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate/ 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate (DOXP/MEP) is the synthesis pathway of sterols and carotenoids. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we used 12 Psy gene sequences in Dunaliella sp., also Scenedesmus acutus and Diospyros kaki to investigate a genome-wide search. The results are useful for better identification of carotenoids metabolisms, and increasing the production rate of beta-carotene in pharmaceutical, food and industrial processes. METHODS: Phytoene synthase (Psy) from Dunaliella spp. was selected as the rst regulatory point in the carotenoids pathway that catalysis the formation of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate in isoprenoid biosynthesis. Structural, evolutionary and physics-chemical characteristics were investigated, using various bioinformatics tools and computer techniques. Moreover, some recently published patents were also regarded. RESULTS: The maximum length of the conserved motif was 5167 bp for Dunaliella. sp. (DQ463306.1) and the smallest length of the conserved motif was 416 bp belonging to D. salina (JQ762451.1). The average molecular weight of species was 41820.53 Da. The theoretical pI of species varied from 4.87 to 9.65, indicating vernation in the acidic nature. Two strains of D. bardawil (U91900.1 and EU328287.1) showed just a long-distance relationship with all other Dunaliella strains. Whilst, D. parva displayed the furthest vicinity with all the studied strains. CONCLUSION: Our study highlighted the Psy regulatory mechanism, as a key factor in the carotenoids pathway, to facilitate genetic and metabolic engineering studies. The obtained tree-dimensional arrangement of the amino acids revealed the regional structures and folding of the diverse segments of helices, sheets and turns. This information is a key point to unveil the protein's operation mechanism. Besides, we confirmed the suitability of bioinformatic approaches for analysing the gene structures and identifying the new Psy genes in unstudied microalgal strains.

Probiotics/Prebiotics in Viral Respiratory Infections: Implication for Emerging Pathogens.

Heidari Z, Tajbakhsh A, Gheibihayat SM … +5 more , Moattari A, Razban V, Berenjian A, Savardashtaki A, Negahdaripour M

Recent Pat Biotechnol · 2021 Oct · PMID 33874878 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: Viral respiratory infections could result in perturbation of the gut microbiota due to a probable cross-talk between lungs and gut microbiota. This can affect pulmonary health and the gastrointestinal system.... BACKGROUND: Viral respiratory infections could result in perturbation of the gut microbiota due to a probable cross-talk between lungs and gut microbiota. This can affect pulmonary health and the gastrointestinal system. OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to discuss the impact of probiotics/prebiotics and supplements on the prevention and treatment of respiratory infections, especially emerging pathogens. METHODS: The data were searched in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Google Patents, and The Lens-Patent using keywords of probiotics and viral respiratory infections in the title, abstract, and keywords. RESULTS: Probiotics consumption could decrease the susceptibility to viral respiratory infections, such as COVID-19 and simultaneously enhance vaccine efficiency in infectious disease prevention through the immune system enhancement. Probiotics improve the gut microbiota and the immune system via regulating the innate system response and production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, treatment with probiotics contributes to intestinal homeostasis restitution under antibiotic pressure and decreasing the risk of secondary infections due to viral respiratory infections. Probiotics present varied performances in different conditions; thus, promoting their efficacy through combining with supplements (prebiotics, postbiotics, nutraceuticals, berberine, curcumin, lactoferrin, minerals, and vitamins) is important. Several supplements reported to enhance the probiotics' efficacy and their mechanisms as well as probiotics- related patents are summarized in this review. Using nanotechnology and microencapsulation techniques can also improve probiotics' efficiency. CONCLUSION: Given the global challenge of COVID-19, probiotic/prebiotic and following nutritional guidelines should be regarded seriously. Additionally, their role as an adjuvant in vaccination for immune response augmentation needs attention.

CRISPeering: Bioengineering the Host Cells through CRISPRCas9 Genome Editing System as the Next-generation of Cell Factories.

Morowvat MH

Recent Pat Biotechnol · 2021 Oct · PMID 33874877 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing system has become a popular bioengineering-based tool for various applications. Owing to its high-target specificity, efficiency, versatility, and simplicity, it has g... BACKGROUND: Nowadays, the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing system has become a popular bioengineering-based tool for various applications. Owing to its high-target specificity, efficiency, versatility, and simplicity, it has gained attention as a robust tool for molecular biology research, which unveils the biological functions of unexplored genes and engineers the metabolic pathways. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and Escherichia coli are regarded as the most commonly used expression platforms for industrial- scale production of recombinant proteins. The emergence of the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing system promotes the current status of expression hosts towards controllable and predictable strains. OBJECTIVE: This paper presents the current status of expression hosts for biopharmaceutical production. Some major accomplishments in the utilization of the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing tool in the different prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems are discussed, and more importantly, the future directions of this newly arrived technology to make the next-generation cell factories with improved or novel properties are suggested. Moreover, the challenges faced in recent patents in this field are also discussed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing tool has been adopted to be utilized in some major expression platforms. CRISPeering has been successfully employed for genome editing in different prokaryotic and eukaryotic host cells. The emergence of systems metabolic engineering, systems biology, and synthetic biology fortify the current situation of the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing system.

Information Disclosed in Patent Documents being the Source to Address Emergencies: A Strategy to Achieve Technological Developments Addressing COVID-19.

Martins TD, Cordeiro DS

Recent Pat Biotechnol · 2021 Oct · PMID 33797389 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: Face COVID-19 pandemic, a need for accurate information on SARS-CoV-2 virus is urgent and scientific reports have been published on a daily basis to enable effective technologies to fight the disease progress... BACKGROUND: Face COVID-19 pandemic, a need for accurate information on SARS-CoV-2 virus is urgent and scientific reports have been published on a daily basis to enable effective technologies to fight the disease progression. However, at the initial occurrence of Pandemic, no information on the matter was known and technologies to fight the Pandemic were not readily available. However, searches in patent databases, if strategically designed, can offer quick responses to new pandemics. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is aiming to provide existing information in patent documents useful for the developmentof technologies addressing COVID-19. Considering the emergency situation the world was facing and the knowledge of COVID-19 available until April, 2020, this work presents an analysis of the main characteristics of the technological information in patent documents worldwide, related to coronaviruses and the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). METHODS: Regions of concentration of such technologies, the number of available documents and their technological fields are disclosed in three approaches: 1) a wide search, retrieving technologies on SARS or coronaviruses; 2) a targeted search, retrieving documents additionally referring to Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE2), which is used by SARS- CoV-2 to enter a cell and 3) a punctual search, which retrieved patents disclosing aspects related to SARS- CoV-2 available at that time. RESULTS: Results show the high-level technology involved in these developments and a monopoly tendency of such technologies, also evidencing that it is possible to find answers to new problems in patent documents. CONCLUSION: This work, then, aims to contribute to scientific and technological development by raising the awareness of what should be considered when searching for technologies developed for other matters that could provide solutions for a new problem.

Technological Maturity and Systematic Review of Medicinal Plants with Pharmacological Activity in the Central Nervous System.

Bastos EMS, da Silva VDA, Costa SL … +1 more , Hanna SA

Recent Pat Biotechnol · 2021 Oct · PMID 33726659 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: Medicinal plants present activities against neurodegenerative diseases with potential for the pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the current panorama of paten... BACKGROUND: Medicinal plants present activities against neurodegenerative diseases with potential for the pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the current panorama of patents and articles of Brazilian medicinal plants with pharmacological activities in the Central Nervous System (CNS), regarding such aspects as the number of patents by countries, areas of knowledge, and technological maturity. METHODS: We carry out a technological exploration on the Questel Orbit® platform with the descriptors: Agave sisalana P., Amburana cearenses A., Dimorphandra mollis B., Jatropha curcas L., Poincianella pyramidalis T. and Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. with pharmacological activity and scientific exploration in PubMed and Science Direct associated with the CNS in the title, abstract, and methodology. RESULTS: A total of 642 patents were identified between the years 1999-2019. India, China, and Brazil are highlighted, 6th place, out of a total of 48 countries. Of these, 30 patents were not in the National Institute of Industrial Property, and 10% are Brazilian in biotechnology and pharmaceutical products. Eleven articles were used in PubMed and Science Direct with scientific domains (anticancer, neuroprotection and anti-inflammatory). The Federal University of Bahia is highlighted, showing Technology Readiness Levels (TRL4), basic skills of pre-clinical research. CONCLUSION: Brazilian public universities have a significant role in the scientific, technological and innovative development of therapeutic assets for CNS.
← Prev Page 8 of 10 Next →

About

Frequency
Sun
Papers found
200
RSS feed
Subscribe