Security implications of synthetic biology

Bio- and nanotechnology are among the most powerful emerging technologies today. With the dawn and rapid progress of synthetic biology and nanobiotechnology, it is becoming increasingly possible to bioengineer microorganisms, biomolecular components and devices, as well as biotechnical hybrids that perform desired functions. All of these applications can be expected to yield great benefits for human health, environmental protection, and renewable energy sources. The aim behind advances in synthetic biology and nanobiotechnology is both ambitious and controversial: the transformation of biology from a natural science into an applied engineering discipline. Many observers believe that these intertwining technologies herald the next technology revolution. As with every new technology, however, predictable and unforeseeable risks for society are created, ranging from unintended consequences that are harmful for human health and the environment (biosafety) to the deliberate misuse to cause harm (biosecurity)

Microcapsules of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) for sustained protein release

The aim of investigation was to develop a system for protein sustained release based on the use of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) microcapsules loaded with bovine serum albumin (BSA). Materials and Methods. To develop microcapsule we used PHB obtained microbiologically by a strain-producer Azotobacter chroococcum 7B. Microcapsules loaded with model protein BSA were produced by double emulsion technique.“water/oil/water” Morphology of microcapsules was investigated by methods of confocal and scanning electron microscopy, when the loading and release of BSA was examined spectrophotometrically. In vivo biocompatibility of microcapsules was studied in accordance with intramuscular implantation and histology findings. Results. The study of BSA incorporation and its sustained release from microcapsules for more than 190 h demonstrated the efficacy of proposed system. The mechanism of protein release was found to occur due to the rupture of polymer walls. Moderate tissue response to the implantation of obtained microcapsules was demonstrated. Conclusion. Developed PHB microcapsules loaded with BSA are good model of long acting protein drugs. © 2015, Nizhny Novgorod State Medical Academy. All rights reserved

[Photobiological properties of 13,15-N-(carboxymethyl)- and 13,15-N-(2-carboxyethyl) cycloimide derivatives of chlorin p6] [article en russe]

Lipophilic derivatives of chlorin p6, 13,15-N-(carboxymethyl)cycloimide methyl ester (CIC1) and 13,15-N-(2-carboxyethyl)cycloimide methyl ester (CIC2), were shown to absorb light in 710 nm region and to be efficient IR photosensitizers. They exhibit similar phototoxicities on the cells of A549 human lung adenocarcinoma, which are 40- and 100-fold higher than those of chlorin p6 and the clinically used Photogem, respectively, and are not toxic in the absence of light irradiation. The confocal spectral imaging technique allowed us to demonstrate that the high phototoxicity of CIC1 and CIC2 is due to their ability to readily penetrate to cells and to be bound to the cell membranes and lipid-containing structures in the monomeric photoactive form. Under the irradiation, the membrane-bound CIC1 and CIC2 are characterized by high quantum yields of singlet oxygen generation (0.6 and 0.65, respectively) and the inability to produce hydroxyl radicals. A 1.5-microM content of CIC1 and CIC2 in the incubation medium provides for their average cytoplasmic concentrations of 21 and 16.5 microM, respectively. The incubation times to achieve 50% level of maximum accumulation for CIC1 and CIC2 in A549 cells are 30 +/- 6 and 24 +/- 12 min, and the times for 50% release of the dyes from the cells are 17 +/- 4 and 50 +/- 10 min, respectively. A diffuse distribution with the predominant accumulation in the membranes of the Golgi apparatus and mitochondria is characteristic of both CIC2 and CIC1, whereas, in addition, CIC1 is considerably accumulated in lipid droplets (cellular organelles responsible for the storage and metabolism of neutral lipids and steryl esters). Our results demonstrate that changes in the structure of the imide substituent could affect the intracellular localization and the rate of release of chlorin p6 cycloimide derivatives from cells while preserving their high photodynamic activity

Microcapsules of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) for sustained protein release

The aim of investigation was to develop a system for protein sustained release based on the use of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) microcapsules loaded with bovine serum albumin (BSA). Materials and Methods. To develop microcapsule we used PHB obtained microbiologically by a strain-producer Azotobacter chroococcum 7B. Microcapsules loaded with model protein BSA were produced by double emulsion technique.“water/oil/water” Morphology of microcapsules was investigated by methods of confocal and scanning electron microscopy, when the loading and release of BSA was examined spectrophotometrically. In vivo biocompatibility of microcapsules was studied in accordance with intramuscular implantation and histology findings. Results. The study of BSA incorporation and its sustained release from microcapsules for more than 190 h demonstrated the efficacy of proposed system. The mechanism of protein release was found to occur due to the rupture of polymer walls. Moderate tissue response to the implantation of obtained microcapsules was demonstrated. Conclusion. Developed PHB microcapsules loaded with BSA are good model of long acting protein drugs. © 2015, Nizhny Novgorod State Medical Academy. All rights reserved