Analysis of Biologics Molecular Descriptors towards Predictive Modelling for Protein Drug Development Using Time-Gated Raman Spectroscopy.

Pharmaceutical proteins, compared to small molecular weight drugs, are relatively fragile molecules, thus necessitating monitoring protein unfolding and aggregation during production and post-marketing. Currently, many analytical techniques take offline measurements, which cannot directly assess protein folding during production and unfolding during processing and storage. In addition, several orthogonal techniques are needed during production and market surveillance.

Assessment of recombinant protein production in E. coli with Time-Gated Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (TG-SERS).

Time-Gated Surface-Enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TG-SERS) was utilized to assess recombinant protein production in Escherichia coli. TG-SERS suppressed the fluorescence signal from the biomolecules in the bacteria and the culture media. Characteristic protein signatures at different time points of the cell cultivation were observed and compared to conventional continuous wave (CW)-Raman with SERS.

Electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and degradation properties of hyaluronic acid decorated microparticles.

The purpose of this study was to produce poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) - based microparticles (MPs), externally decorated with hyaluronic acid (HA). The MPs are intended for intravitreal injections in the treatment of posterior eye segment and have been designed to prolong the release of growth factors into the vitreous body, therefore aiming to increase the time interval between two consecutive injections. The MPs, prepared by a modified double emulsion-solvent evaporation technique and loaded with bovine serum albumins (BSA) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), were spherical, with a diameter around 70 μm and a >90% encapsulation efficiency.

Accelerated pharmaceutical protein development with integrated cell free expression, purification, and bioconjugation.

The use of living cells for the synthesis of pharmaceutical proteins, though state-of-the-art, is hindered by its lengthy process comprising of many steps that may affect the protein's stability and activity. We aimed to integrate protein expression, purification, and bioconjugation in small volumes coupled with cell free protein synthesis for the target protein, ciliary neurotrophic factor. Split-intein mediated capture by use of capture peptides onto a solid surface was efficient at 89-93%.

Pharmacokinetic aspects of retinal drug delivery.

Drug delivery to the posterior eye segment is an important challenge in ophthalmology, because many diseases affect the retina and choroid leading to impaired vision or blindness. Currently, intravitreal injections are the method of choice to administer drugs to the retina, but this approach is applicable only in selected cases (e.g.

Codon optimization and factorial screening for enhanced soluble expression of human ciliary neurotrophic factor in Escherichia coli.

Background: Neurotrophic factors influence survival, differentiation, proliferation and death of neuronal cells within the central nervous system. Human ciliary neurotrophic factor (hCNTF) has neuroprotective properties and is also known to influence energy balance. Consequently, hCNTF has potential therapeutic applications in neurodegenerative, obesity and diabetes related disorders.