Probing Baculovirus Vector Gene Essentiality for Foreign Gene Expression Using a CRISPR-Cas9 System.

The baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) has now found acceptance in both research laboratories and industry, which can be attributed to many of its key features including the limited host range of the vectors, their non-pathogenicity to humans, and the mammalian-like post-translational modification (PTMs) that can be achieved in insect cells. In fact, this system acts as a middle ground between prokaryotes and higher eukaryotes to produce complex biologics. Still, industrial use of the BEVS lags compared to other platforms.

A comparative analysis of the partitioning behaviour of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in liquid and solid fractions of wastewater.

As fragments of SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be quantified and measured temporally in wastewater, surveillance of concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater has become a vital resource for tracking the spread of COVID-19 in and among communities. However, the absence of standardized methods has affected the interpretation of data for public health efforts. In particular, analyzing either the liquid or solid fraction has implications for the interpretation of how viral RNA is quantified.

The impact of a rub and rinse regimen on removal of human coronaviruses from contemporary contact lens materials.

Purpose: To assess the influence of contemporary contact lens (CL) materials on human coronavirus attachment and the influence of a rub and rinse step to remove these viruses.

Methods: The binding rates of HCoV-229E and HCoV-OC43 to eight soft CL materials and four rigid gas permeable materials were analyzed. The impact of a rub and rinse step to remove these viruses from all materials was examined.

Antiviral Activity of Contemporary Contact Lens Care Solutions against Two Human Seasonal Coronavirus Strains.

Background: Given that reports have suggested SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted via conjunctiva, the ability of contact lens (CL) care products to reduce the infectiousness of two seasonal human coronavirus (HCoV) (HCoV-229E and HCoV-OC43) surrogates for SARS-CoV-2 was investigated. Methods: Biotrue and Boston Simplus (Bausch&Lomb), OPTI-FREE Puremoist and Clear Care (Alcon), and cleadew and cleadew GP (Ophtecs) were tested. Their ability to inactivate HCoV was evaluated using contact times of 4 and 6 h as well as 1% and 10% of virus inoculum.