Dual-Functional Implant Based on Gellan-Xanthan Hydrogel with Diopside, BMP-2 and Lysostaphin for Bone Defect Repair and Control of Staphylococcal Infection.

A new dual-functional implant based on gellan-xanthan hydrogel with calcium-magnesium silicate ceramic diopside and recombinant lysostaphin and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2)-ray is developed. In this composite, BMP-2 is immobilized on microparticles of diopside while lysostaphin is mixed directly into the hydrogel, providing sustained release of BMP-2 to allow gradual bone formation and rapid release of lysostaphin to eliminate infection immediately after implantation. Introduction of diopside of up to 3% (w/v) has a negligible effect on the mechanical properties of the hydrogel but provides a high sorption capacity for BMP-2.

Recombinant Endopeptidases IdeS and IdeZ and Their Potential Application.

Endopeptidases IdeS and IdeZ (streptococcal virulence factors that specifically cleave IgG heavy chains) are of particular interest because of their potential use in biotechnology, medicine, and veterinary. Genes encoding these enzymes were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli heterologous expression system (ideS was cloned from a Streptococcus pyogenes collection strain; ideZ from Streptococcus zooepidemicus was synthesized). The 6His-tag was introduced into the amino acid sequence of each endopeptidase, and IdeS and IdeZ were purified by metal affinity chromatography to an apparent homogeneity (according to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis).

Hybrid Proteins with Short Conformational Epitopes of the Receptor-Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Promote Production of Virus-Neutralizing Antibodies When Used for Immunization.

Based on the previously developed approach, hybrid recombinant proteins containing short conformational epitopes (a.a. 144-153, 337-346, 414-425, 496-507) of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein (S protein) were synthesized in Escherichia coli cells as potential components of epitope vaccines.

Development of Optimized Strategies for Growth Factor Incorporation onto Electrospun Fibrous Scaffolds To Promote Prolonged Release.

Growth factor incorporation in biomedical constructs for their local delivery enables specific pharmacological effects such as the induction of cell growth and differentiation. This has enabled a promising way to improve the tissue regeneration process. However, it remains challenging to identify an appropriate approach that provides effective growth factor loading into biomedical constructs with their following release kinetics in a prolonged manner.