Presence Of Proteases Research Articles

Mimusops elengi (Bakula) Gelatinolytic Protease and its Plasmin-like Action on the Blood Clot.

Mimusops elengi, popularly known as Bakula in Ayurvedic Medicine, is a member of the Sapotaceae family. Concerning the traditional and Ayurvedic medicinal use of Mimusops elengi leaves, especially in wound healing and oral care, the plausible presence of proteolytic activity in an aqueous Mimusops elengi leaf extract was investigated in our study. Mimusops elengi Gelatinolytic Protease was named after fractioning the extract. The Zymogram assay validated the gelatin specificity. The effect of MEGP on the wound healing process was investigated using a different assay. The presence of protease with gelatinolytic & caseinolytic activity at 62.53±1.43 U/h and 15.31±0.64 U/h, respectively. The aqueous enzyme fraction was named Mimusops elengi Gelatinolytic Protease (MEGP). The specificity of gelatin was confirmed by zymogram. Gelatinolytic activity of MEGP was also higher than that of trypsin at 27.96±0.38 U/h. MEGP was 49.14±1.61 % inhibited by PMSF, indicating the predominant presence of serine proteases. The optimal pH and temperature for MEGP were found to be 8 and 37°C, implying that it is an alkaline protease. MEGP dissolved the blood clot at a rate of 8.41±1.04 U/h, which is higher than the trypsin clot-dissolving rate of 1.027±0.04 U/h. The plasma clot hydrolytic capacity is confirmed when MEGP hydrolyzes alpha-polymer subunits in a dose-dependent manner. This investigation shows that MEGP has a plasmin-like activity that possesses a significant role in clot disintegration and other wound ailments, warranting its use in traditional Indian medicine.

A Cellular Assay for Spike/ACE2 Fusion: Quantification of Fusion-Inhibitory Antibodies after COVID-19 and Vaccination.

Not all antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 inhibit viral entry, and hence, infection. Neutralizing antibodies are more likely to reflect real immunity; however, certain tests investigate protein/protein interaction rather than the fusion event. Viral and pseudoviral entry assays detect functionally active antibodies but are limited by biosafety and standardization issues. We have developed a Spike/ACE2-dependent fusion assay, based on a split luciferase. Hela cells stably transduced with Spike and a large fragment of luciferase were co-cultured with Hela cells transduced with ACE2 and the complementary small fragment of luciferase. Cell fusion occurred rapidly allowing the measurement of luminescence. Light emission was abolished in the absence of Spike and reduced in the presence of proteases. Sera from COVID-19-negative, non-vaccinated individuals or from patients at the moment of first symptoms did not lead to a significant reduction of fusion. Sera from COVID-19-positive patients as well as from vaccinated individuals reduced the fusion. This assay was more correlated to pseudotyped-based entry assay rather than serology or competitive ELISA. In conclusion, we report a new method measuring fusion-inhibitory antibodies in serum, combining the advantage of a complete Spike/ACE2 interaction active on entry with a high degree of standardization, easily allowing automation in a standard bio-safety environment.

Tumor intracellular microenvironment-responsive nanoparticles for magnetically targeted chemotherapy

Nanoparticles (NPs) with responsive modalities in biological microenvironments and external stimuli have received great attention as highly efficient and precise cancer therapy agents. In this study, tumor intracellular microenvironment-responsive NPs co-assembled from poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(aspartic acid) [PEG-P(Asp)] copolymer, doxorubicin (DOX), and superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs (SPIONs), termed as PEG-P(Asp)/DOX/SPIONs, were prepared for tumor intracellular microenvironment (enzyme and pH)-responsive and magnetically targeted chemotherapy. The NPs exhibited not only enzyme-responsive degradation in the presence of protease, but also triggered release of DOX at pH 5, which is an acidity similar to endolysosomal microenvironments in tumor cells. Furthermore, the PEG-P(Asp)/DOX/SPIONs showed a contrast effect in magnetic resonance imaging. In vitro viability assays showed that PEG-P(Asp)/DOX/SPIONs could effectively augment the cytocompatibility of DOX compared to free DOX without a change in magnetic forces. Fluorescence microscopy images indicated that the fabricated NPs efficiently increased the targeted uptake and release of DOX within cells. Overall, this hybrid NP system could be a favorable biomedical agent for effective tumor-targeted anti-cancer therapy.

Variations in active proteases of Blastocystis sp. obtained from water and animal isolates from the Philippines.

Blastocystis sp. is a commonly encountered gut protozoan with unclear pathogenicity. The presence of proteases in this organism may be related to its potential pathogenicity or other physiological differences. This study aimed to identify the various proteases that may be present in different subtypes (STs) of Blastocystis sp. using azocasein assay and gelatin zymography. In this study, cysteine, serine, aspartic protease, metalloproteases, and unknown proteases were identified in Blastocystis sp. cultures obtained from animal and water samples belonging to ST1-ST5 and ST7. Azocasein assay and gelatin zymography were conducted on different batches of protease extracts, which showed varying results. Cysteine protease was the most commonly encountered. Protease activity in general is not associated with ST or source (animal or water). However, the presence of cysteine protease alone was associated with animal samples, whereas the presence of more than two protease types was associated with water samples. Azocasein assay and gelatin zymography were conducted on different batches of protease extracts, which showed varying results. Protease activity and the types present may change over time. Blastocystis sp. shows high protease diversity, including possible novel types.

Designing Self-Assembling Chimeric Peptide Nanoparticles with High Stability for Combating Piglet Bacterial Infections.

As a novel type of antibiotic alternative, peptide‐based antibacterial drug shows potential application prospects attributable to their unique mechanism for lysing the membrane of pathogenic bacteria. However, peptide‐based antibacterial drugs suffer from a series of problems, most notably their immature stability, which seriously hinders their application. In this study, self‐assembling chimeric peptide nanoparticles (which offer excellent stability in the presence of proteases and salts) are constructed and applied to the treatment of bacterial infections. In vitro studies are used to demonstrate that peptide nanoparticles NPs1 and NPs2 offer broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity and desirable biocompatibility, and they retain their antibacterial ability in physiological salt environments. Peptide nanoparticles NPs1 and NPs2 can resist degradation under high concentrations of proteases. In vivo studies illustrate that the toxicity caused by peptide nanoparticles NPs1 and NPs2 is negligible, and these nanoparticles can alleviate systemic bacterial infections in mice and piglets. The membrane permeation mechanism and interference with the cell cycle differ from that of antibiotics and mean that the nanoparticles are at a lower risk of inducing drug resistance. Collectively, these advances may accelerate the development of peptide‐based antibacterial nanomaterials and can be applied to the construction of supramolecular nanomaterials.

Biodegradable Protein-Stabilized Inorganic Nanoassemblies for Photothermal Radiotherapy of Hepatoma Cells.

Inorganic nanomaterials require optimal engineering to retain their functionality yet can also biodegrade within physiological conditions to avoid chronic accumulation in their native form. In this work, we have developed gelatin-stabilized iron oxide nanoclusters having a primary crystallite size of ∼10 nm and surface-functionalized with indocyanine green (ICG)-bound albumin-stabilized gold nanoclusters (Prot-IONs). The Prot-IONs are designed to undergo disintegration in an acidic microenvironment of tumor in the presence of proteolytic enzymes within 72 h. These nanoassemblies demonstrate bio- and hemocompatibility and show significant photothermal efficiency due to strong near infrared absorption contributed by ICG. The surface gold nanoclusters could efficiently sensitize hepatoma cells to γ-irradiation with substantial cytoskeletal and nuclear damage. Sequential irradiation of Prot-ION-treated cancer cells with near infrared (NIR) laser (λ = 750 nm) and γ-irradiation could cause ∼90% cell death compared to single treatment groups at a lower dose of nanoparticles. The superparamagnetic nature of Prot-IONs imparted significant relaxivity (∼225 mM–1 s–1) for T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Additionally, they could also be engaged as photoacoustic and NIR imaging contrast agents. This work demonstrates bioeliminable inorganic nanoassemblies with significant theranostic potential.

Accelerated production of reduced-salt sardine fish sauce under pressurized carbon dioxide, combining mild heating and proteolysis

Fish sauce is a liquid condiment prepared by fermenting fish at room temperature and high salt concentration (> 20%) for more than six months. We examined whether the application of pressurized CO2 (pCO2), mild heating, and acid protease (1%) would produce reduced-salt fish sauce in a short fermentation period. Optimal fermentation temperature and NaCl concentration were determined to be 45°C and 7%, respectively, at a fixed fermentation period (one week). Treatment with pCO2 (1 MPa), mild heating (45 °C), and acid protease (ORYENTASE AY) decreased biogenic amine content, increased free amino acid content, and enriched umami flavor. This treatment did not induce bacterial growth, and the changes in organic acid content and smell were minimal. In the presence of protease, browning was suppressed under pCO2 compared to atmospheric pressure. Thus, the application of pCO2 and protease with mild heating enabled reduced-salt fish sauce production in a short fermentation period.

Zeolite-based nanocomposite as a smart pH-sensitive nanovehicle for release of xylanase as poultry feed supplement

Xylanase improves poultry nutrition by degrading xylan in the cell walls of feed grains and release the entrapped nutrients. However, the application of xylanase as a feed supplement is restricted to its low stability in the environment and gastrointestinal (GI) tract of poultry. To overcome these obstacles, Zeozyme NPs as a smart pH-responsive nanosystem was designed based on xylanase immobilization on zeolitic nanoporous as the major cornerstone that was modified with L-lysine. The immobilized xylanase was followed by encapsulating with a cross-linked CMC-based polymer. Zeozyme NPs was structurally characterized using TEM, SEM, AFM, DLS, TGA and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms at liquid nitrogen temperature. The stability of Zeozyme NPs was evaluated at different temperatures, pH, and in the presence of proteases. Additionally, the release pattern of xylanase was investigated at a digestion model mimicking the GI tract. Xylanase was released selectively at the duodenum and ileum (pH 6–7.1) and remarkably preserved at pH ≤ 6 including proventriculus, gizzard, and crop (pH 1.6–5). The results confirmed that the zeolite equipped with the CMC matrix could enhance the xylanase thermal and pH stability and preserve its activity in the presence of proteases. Moreover, Zeozyme NPs exhibited a smart pH-dependent release of xylanase in an in vitro simulated GI tract.

In-vitro antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of lipopeptide against drug resistant Vibrio species

BackgroundThe unrestricted application of antibiotics increased antimicrobial resistance in bacteria through horizontal gene transfer of resistant genes from the pathogenic sources and the evolution of multi-drug resistance organisms. The application of antibiotics caused severe risk to human health because animals may transmit diseases to humans. Hence, the search of novel antimicrobial agents from microbial sources is an urgent need. MethodsA lipopeptide producing stain SU05 was isolated from the pond water by serial dilution method. The lipopeptide yield was improved after optimization method and the yield was analyzed using High Performance Liquid chromatography. The influence of wheat bran (0.5%–2.5%) and rice bran (0.5%–2.5%), pH (5.5–8.5), temperature (25–40 °C) were screened to improve the production of lipopeptides by stain SU05 in submerged fermentation. Antibacterial activity of crude lipopeptide was tested against Vibrio anguillarum, Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio salmonicida, Vibrio septicus, Vibrio fischeri, and Vibrio splendidus. The influence of lipopeptide on enzymes and antimicrobial property was analyzed. ResultsLipopeptide production was improved after nutrient supplements and optimization of physical factors. Lipopeptide showed potent activity against multi-drug resistant bacterial strains such as, V. anguillarum, V. harveyi, V. vulnificus, V. salmonicida, V. septicus, V. fischeri, and V. splendidus. Lipopeptide shows stability on various enzymes and this clearly revealed that the purified lipopeptide was highly stable in the presence of proteolytic enzymes. The findings suggest that lipopeptide SU05 characterized from the bacteria can survive at acidic environment in the intestine, and could be used to formulate fish feed. ConclusionsThe finding showed that the characterized lipopepties synthesized by B. amyloliquefaciens SU05 had a broad spectrum antibiotic potential against multidrug resistant Vibriosis causing bacterial pathogens. They were highly stable at broad temperature and pH ranges. These results demonstrated stability of lipopeptide at extreme conditions. The stability and activity of lipopeptide at extreme climatic condition is also useful for the application in pharmaceutical and food processing industries.

Changes in the Molecular Characteristics of Bovine and Marine Collagen in the Presence of Proteolytic Enzymes as a Stage Used in Scaffold Formation.

Biopolymers, in particular collagen and fibrinogen, are the leading materials for use in tissue engineering. When developing technology for scaffold formation, it is important to understand the properties of the source materials as well as the mechanisms that determine the formation of the scaffold structures. Both factors influence the properties of scaffolds to a great extent. Our present work aimed to identify the features of the molecular characteristics of collagens of different species origin and the changes they undergo during the enzymatic hydrolysis used for the process of scaffold formation. For this study, we used the methods of gel-penetrating chromatography, dynamic light scattering, reading IR spectra, and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that cod collagen (CC) and bovine collagen (BC) have different initial molecular weight parameters, and that, during hydrolysis, the majority of either type of protein is hydrolyzed by the proteolytic enzymes within the first minute. The differently sourced collagen samples were also hydrolyzed with the formation of two low molecular fractions: Mw ~ 10 kDa and ~20 kDa. In the case of CC, the microstructure of the final scaffolds contained denser, closely spaced fibrillar areas, while the BC-sourced scaffolds had narrow, short fibrils composed of unbound fibers of hydrolyzed collagen in their structure.

Protein extract of Bromelia karatas L. rich in cysteine proteases (ananain- and bromelain-like) has antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium.

Bromelia karatas L. is a plant species from the Americas. The presence of proteases in fruits of B. karatas has been reported but scarcely studied in detail. Proteolytic enzymes from Ananas comosus have displayed antifungal and antibacterial activity. Thus, novel proteases present in B. karatas may be useful as a source of compounds against microorganisms in medicine and food production. In this work, the protein extract from the fruits of B. karatas was characterized and its antibacterial activity against Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes was determined for the first time. Proteins highly similar to ananain and the fruit bromelain from A. comosus were identified as the main proteases in B. karatas fruits using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The soluble protein extract (SPE) at a concentration of 2.0mg/mL displayed up to 80% of antibacterial activity against S. Typhimurium. Complete inhibition of L. monocytogenes was reached with up to 1.65mg/mL of SPE. Plant protease extract containing ananain-like enzyme inhibited up to 90% against S. Typhimurium and up to 85% against L. monocytogenes using only 10μg/mL of the partial-purified enzyme.

Differential Diagnosis for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Using Nanoparticles Expressing Chemiluminescence.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus is a causative agent of systemic disease in poultry, characterized by high mortality. Rapid diagnosis is crucial for the control of HPAI. In this study, we aimed to develop a differential diagnostic method that can distinguish HPAI from low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses using dual split proteins (DSPs). DSPs are chimeras of an enzymatic split, Renilla luciferase (RL), and a non-enzymatic split green fluorescent protein (GFP). Nanoparticles expressing DSPs, sialic acid, and/or transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) were generated, and RL activity was determined in the presence of HPAI or LPAI pseudotyped viruses. The RL activity of nanoparticles containing both DSPs was approximately 2 × 106 RLU, indicating that DSPs can be successfully incorporated into nanoparticles. The RL activity of nanoparticles containing half of the DSPs was around 5 × 101 RLU. When nanoparticles containing half of the DSPs were incubated with HPAI pseudotyped viruses at low pH, RL activity was increased up to 1 × 103 RLU. However, LPAI pseudotyped viruses produced RL activity only in the presence of proteases (trypsin or TMPRSS2), and the average RL activity was around 7 × 102 RLU. We confirmed that nanoparticle fusion assay also diagnoses authentic viruses with specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 91.67%. The data indicated that the developed method distinguished HPAI and LPAI, and suggested that the diagnosis using DSPs could be used for the development of differential diagnostic kits for HPAI after further optimization.

Aspartic protease-pepstatin A interactions: Structural insights on the thermal inactivation mechanism

Aspartic proteases are the targets for structure-based drug design for their role in physiological processes and pharmaceutical applications. Structural insights into the thermal inactivation mechanism of an aspartic protease in presence and absence of bound pepstatin A have been obtained by kinetics of thermal inactivation, CD, fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular dynamic simulations. The irreversible thermal inactivation of the aspartic protease comprised of loss of tertiary and secondary structures succeeded by the loss of activity, autolysis and aggregation The enthalpy and entropy of thermal inactivation of the enzyme in presence of pepstatin A increased from 81.2 to 148.5 kcal mol−1, and from 179 to 359 kcal mol−1 K−1 respectively. Pepstatin A shifted the mid-point of thermal inactivation of the protease from 58 °C to 77 °C. The association constant (K) for pepstatin A with aspartic protease was 2.5 ± 0.3 × 10 5 M−1 and ΔGo value was −8.3 kcal mol−1. Molecular dynamic simulation studies were able to delineate the role of pepstatin A in stabilizing backbone conformation and side chain interactions. In the Cα-backbone, the short helical segments and the conserved glycines were part of the most unstable segments of the protein. Understanding the mechanism of thermal inactivation has the potential to develop re-engineered thermostable proteases.

VACCINE DEVELOPMENT & MODERN APPROACHES FOR COVID 19

Most of the infectious diseases due to pathogens are caused by the mucosal tract penetration. Hence, vaccines delivered directly to the mucosal tissues can defend pathogenic infections and provide protection at the first site of infection. Thus, mucosal, specifically, oral delivery is becoming the most ideal mode of vaccination. However, oral vaccines have to overcome numerous barriers such as the extremely low pH of the stomach, the presence of proteolytic enzymes and bile salts as well as low permeability in the intestine. Several formulations based on nanoparticles like liposomes, solid solutions, emulsions, VLPs are currently being used to prepare stable oral vaccine formulations. In current days different companies are trying to develop oral vaccine for COVID 19 also. This review briefly discusses several vaccine development criteria their mechanisms and various aspects of oral nanoparticles-based vaccine design that should be considered for improved mucosal and systemic immune responses. 
 Keywords: Vaccine development, nanoparticles, liposome, VLP, COVID 19, mucosal immunity.

Engineering Cytochrome C with Quantum Dots and Ionic Liquids: A Win-Win Strategy for Protein Packaging against Multiple Stresses

Enhancing the structural stability and catalytic activity of Cytochorme c (Cyt C) against harsh process conditions would boost its use in biocatalysis. Herein, a new protein engineering strategy with improved efficacy is demonstrated through judicious task-specific functionalization of Cyt C with quantum dots (QDs) and ionic liquids (ILs). Mn2+ doped ZnS QD and ILs ([Cho][Ac]; [Cho][Dhp]) were concomitantly used to decorate Cyt C, which was characterized using various analytical tools. The peroxidase activity at room temperature of engineered Cyt C (Cyt C-QD-IL) increased markedly (1.2 to 3.5-fold) as compared to that for bare Cyt C, Cyt C with QD, and Cyt C with ILs. Further, Cyt C-QD-IL showed better catalytic activity under various stresses such as high temperature (110 °C), presence of a chemical denaturant (6 M GuHCl), high oxidative stress (30 min H2O2), and presence of proteases. Molecular docking results indicate that QD interacted with the active site of Cyt C and IL interacted with side chain amino acids via electrostatic and H-bonding interactions. Such favorable allosteric interactions might be behind the improved activity of Cyt C-QD-IL. The observed catalytic activity is in harmony with the structural stability of the protein as confirmed by UV–vis, ATR-IR, and CD analysis. Thus, the unveiled strategy represents an innovative dimension of protein packaging foreseeing the development of more robust biocatalysts that can be used at high temperatures.

Multirresistência antimicrobiana de Staphylococcus aureus formadores de biofilme

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the main agents isolated from bovine mastitis cases, characterized by lower cure rates compared to other pathogens causing this disease. This phenomenon is mainly explained by the multiresistance acquisition to antimicrobials and the ability of S. aureus to form biofilms on biotic and abiotic surfaces. In this work 15 samples of S. aureus isolated from the automated milking facility were analyzed regarding the resistance profile to antimicrobials, virulence factors (capsule production, hemolysin, and protease) and adhesion capacity under different temperatures (42±1°C, 36±1°C, 25±1°C, 9±1°C, and 3±1°C). All isolates showed methicillin-resistant (MRSA) characteristics and multidrug resistance profile to the antimicrobials tested (penicillin G, chloramphenicol, oxacillin, cephalexin, tetracycline, amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, sulfa + trimetropim, gentamicin, doxycycline, ceftiofur, neomycin, and vancomycin) with an IRMA index between 0.5 and 1.0. Five isolates were resistant to vancomycin (VRSA), two were resistant to all active principles, and the others to at least six of these drugs. Adhesion capacity and biofilm formation were found in 3 of the 5 evaluated temperatures, including the cooling conditions. Regarding the virulence factors, 86.7% of the isolates formed capsules, 60% revealed the presence of protease, 26.7% expressed the α-hemolysin factor, and 13.3% of them presented β-hemolysin. The fact that all isolates presented MRSA characteristics represents a potential risk to those exposed to this agent, and the formation of biofilm in liners even after the use of detergents and sanitization highlights the urgency of searching for alternatives for dispersion of the biofilm by S. aureusin the automated milking facility.

Matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy

Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is characterized by a progressive loss of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) and an abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix in Descemet's membrane leading to increased thickness and formation of excrescences called guttae. Extracellular matrix homeostasis is modulated by an equilibrium between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). This study aimed to investigate MMPs and TIMPs profile in FECD, taking into account cell morphology. Populations of FECD and healthy CECs were cultured and their conditioned media collected for analysis. The presence of proteases in the conditioned media was studied using a semi-quantitative proteome profiler array, and MMPs levels were assessed using quantitative assays (ELISA and quantitative antibody array). MMP activity was determined by zymography and fluorometry. The expression pattern of the membrane type 1-MMP (MT1-MMP, also known as MMP-14) was examined by immunofluorescence on ex vivo FECD and healthy explants of CECs attached to Descemet's membrane. Finally, MMPs and TIMPs protein expression was compared to gene expression obtained from previously collected data. FECD and healthy CEC populations generated cultures of endothelial, intermediate, and fibroblastic-like morphology. Various MMPs (MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, -8, -9, -10, and -12) and TIMPs (TIMP-1 to -4) were detected in both FECD and healthy CECs culture supernatants. Quantitative assays revealed a decrease in MMP-2 and MMP-10 among FECD samples. Both these MMPs can degrade the main extracellular matrix components forming guttae (fibronectin, laminin, collagen IV). Moreover, MMPs/TIMPs ratio was also decreased among FECD cell populations. Activity assays showed greater MMPs/Pro-MMPs proportions for MMP-2 and MMP-10 in FECD cell populations, although overall activities were similar. Moreover, the analysis according to cell morphology revealed among healthy CECs, both increased (MMP-3 and -13) and decreased (MMP-1, -9, -10, and -12) MMPs proteins along with increased MMPs activity (MMP-2, -3, -9, and -10) in the fibroblastic-like subgroup when compared to the endothelial subgroup. However, FECD CECs did not show similar behaviors between the different morphology subgroups. Immunostaining of MT1-MMP on ex vivo FECD and healthy explants revealed a redistribution of MT1-MMP around guttae in FECD explants. At the transcriptional level, no statistically significant differences were detected, but cultured FECD cells had a 12.2-fold increase in MMP1 and a 4.7-fold increase in TIMP3. These results collectively indicate different, and perhaps pathological, MMPs and TIMPs profile in FECD CECs compared to healthy CECs. This is an important finding suggesting the implication of MMPs and TIMPs in FECD pathophysiology.

Development of an M cell targeted nanocomposite system for effective oral protein delivery: preparation, in vitro and in vivo characterization

BackgroundThere is a strong need for non-invasive and patient-friendly delivery systems of protein drugs for long-term therapy. However, oral delivery of protein drugs is a big challenge due to many barriers including instability in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and low permeability. To overcome the absorption barriers in GI tract and improve the patient compliance, this study aimed to develop an M cell targeted-nanocomposite delivery system of protein drugs.ResultsAn aminoclay-protein core complex (AC-Ins) was prepared by using insulin as a model protein and then sequentially coated with Ulex europaeus agglutinin 1 (UEA-1) for M-cell targeting and the pH sensitive polymer, Eudragit® L100 (EUAC-Ins). All nanoparticles were obtained with a high entrapment efficiency (> 90%) and their structural characteristics were confirmed by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and circular dichroism. Among the developed nanoparticles, EUAC-Ins effectively suppressed drug release at pH 1.2, while rapidly released drugs at pH 6.8 due to dissolution of the outer coating layer. The conformational stability of insulin entrapped in EUAC-Ins was well maintained in the presence of proteolytic enzymes. Compared to free insulin, EUAC-Ins increased the membrane transport of insulin by 4.4-fold in M cells. In parallel, oral administration of EUAC-Ins in mice enhanced insulin uptake by 4.1-fold in the intestinal Peyer’s patches and 2.6-fold in intestinal epithelium tissues with normal villi, compared to free insulin. Orally administered EUAC-Ins decreased significantly the blood glucose level in diabetic mice, while the effect of oral insulin solution was negligible.ConclusionAn M cell targeted-ternary nanocomposite system obtained by dual coating of the aminoclay-protein core complex with UEA-1 and a pH dependent polymer is promising as an effective oral protein delivery carrier.

Engineering exosome polymer hybrids by atom transfer radical polymerization

Exosomes are emerging as ideal drug delivery vehicles due to their biological origin and ability to transfer cargo between cells. However, rapid clearance of exogenous exosomes from the circulation as well as aggregation of exosomes and shedding of surface proteins during storage limit their clinical translation. Here, we demonstrate highly controlled and reversible functionalization of exosome surfaces with well-defined polymers that modulate the exosome's physiochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. Using cholesterol-modified DNA tethers and complementary DNA block copolymers, exosome surfaces were engineered with different biocompatible polymers. Additionally, polymers were directly grafted from the exosome surface using biocompatible photo-mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). These exosome polymer hybrids (EPHs) exhibited enhanced stability under various storage conditions and in the presence of proteolytic enzymes. Tuning of the polymer length and surface loading allowed precise control over exosome surface interactions, cellular uptake, and preserved bioactivity. EPHs show fourfold higher blood circulation time without altering tissue distribution profiles. Our results highlight the potential of precise nanoengineering of exosomes toward developing advanced drug and therapeutic delivery systems using modern ATRP methods.

Isolation, screening, characterization of proteolytic bacteria and production of protease with its potential applications

The purpose of this study was production of protease enzyme by isolated bacteria and evaluation of their potential for various industrial applications. Two strains AN16 and AN13 exhibiting maximum proteolytic activity were used for further studies. The activity of crude enzymes was completely inhibited by phenyl-methyl-sulphobnyl fluoride (PMSF) and ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) had no such negative effect on activity. Enzymes were relatively stable in presence of surface active agents such as Triton X-100, Tween-80, Tween-20 and oxidizing agent H₂O₂. The enzymes exhibited maximum activity within pH range of 7-9. The optimum temperature was recorded to be 37⁰C. The relative activity of isolate AN13 protease in presence of metal ions Ca2+, Fe2+, Mn2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Hg2+, Na+ was as follow: 107%, 99%, 156%, 100%, 105%, 97%, 90%, 104% and102%, 101%, 145%, 80%, 98%, 90%, 98%, 96% for AN16 protease, respectively. The degradation percentage of chicken feathers by crude protease was recorded to be 55.50% for AN16 followed by AN13 (39.79%). Study of dehairing activity of protease resulted in complete removal of hairs from hide. De-staining studies showed excellent proteinaceous stain removal efficiency. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of synthesized Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) used against E. coli (25mm), Salmonella typhus (18mm) and fungal strain Malassezia (17mm) were also recorded. Removal of gelatin from waste x-ray films by enzyme extract showed a weight loss of about 6% (AN16) and 5% (AN13). Different low cost media were also tested to support the growth of these proteolytic bacteria exhibiting positive results. Keywords: AgNP; Dehairing; Detergents additives; Feather degradation; Protease; Silver Recovery http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2020.90240