Fibrinogen, riboflavin, and UVA to immobilize a corneal flap - molecular mechanisms

Purpose. Tissue glue containing fibrinogen (FIB) and riboflavin (RF), upon exposure to long wavelength ultraviolet light (UVA, 365 nM) has been proposed potentially to solve long-standing problems presented by corneal wound and epithelial ingrowth side-effects from laser-assisted in situ keratomileuis (LASIK). Data presented in a previous study demonstrated an ability of FIB + RF + UVA to adhere two stromal surfaces; however, to our knowledge no molecular mechanisms have been proposed to account for interactions occurring between corneal extracellular matrix (ECM) and tissue glue molecules. Here, we document several covalent and noncovalent interactions between these classes of macromolecules. Methods. SDS-PAGE and Western blot techniques were used to identify covalent interactions between tissue glue molecules and corneal ECM molecules in either the presence or absence of RF and UVA, in vitro and ex vivo. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was used to characterize noncovalent interactions, and obtain ka, kd, and KD binding affinity values. Results. SDS-PAGE and Western blot analyses indicated that covalent interactions occurred between neighboring FIB molecules, as well as between FIB and collagen type I (Coll-I) proteins (in vitro and ex vivo). These interactions occurred only in the presence of RF and UVA. SPR data demonstrated the ability of FIB to bind noncovalently to corneal stroma molecules, Coll-I, decorin, dermatan sulfate, and corneal basement membrane molecules, laminin and heparan sulfate – only in the presence of Zn2+. Conclusions. Covalent and (zinc-mediated) noncovalent mechanisms involving FIB and stromal ECM molecules contribute to the adhesion created by FIB + RF + UVA

Coccolithophores: Functional Biodiversity, Enzymes and Bioprospecting

Emiliania huxleyi is a single celled, marine phytoplankton with global distribution. As a key species for global biogeochemical cycling, a variety of strains have been amassed in various culture collections. Using a library consisting of 52 strains of E. huxleyi and an ‘in house’ enzyme screening program, we have assessed the functional biodiversity within this species of fundamental importance to global biogeochemical cycling, whilst at the same time determining their potential for exploitation in biocatalytic applications. Here, we describe the screening of E. huxleyi strains, as well as a coccolithovirus infected strain, for commercially relevant biocatalytic enzymes such as acid/alkali phosphodiesterase, acid/alkali phosphomonoesterase, EC1.1.1-type dehydrogenase, EC1.3.1-type dehydrogenase and carboxylesterase

A history of high-power laser research and development in the United Kingdom

The first demonstration of laser action in ruby was made in 1960 by T. H. Maiman of Hughes Research Laboratories, USA. Many laboratories worldwide began the search for lasers using different materials, operating at different wavelengths. In the UK, academia, industry and the central laboratories took up the challenge from the earliest days to develop these systems for a broad range of applications. This historical review looks at the contribution the UK has made to the advancement of the technology, the development of systems and components and their exploitation over the last 60 years

Transketolase catalysed upgrading of l-arabinose: the one-step stereoselective synthesis of l-gluco-heptulose

Conversion of biomass using biocatalysis is likely to become a technology that contributes significantly to the future production of chemical building blocks, materials and transport fuels. Here the synthesis of a value-added chemical from L-arabinose, a major component of the carbohydrates in sugar beet pulp (SBP), in a concise and sustainable manner has been investigated. Biocatalytic conversions using transketolase variants have been developed for the efficient, scalable synthesis of a rare naturally occurring ketoheptose, L-gluco-heptulose, from L-arabinose. New active E. coli TK mutants that readily accept L-arabinose were identified using a versatile colorimetric screening assay and the reaction was performed on a preparative scale

Fibrinogen, Riboflavin, and UVA to Immobilize a Corneal Flap – Molecular Mechanisms

Purpose. Tissue glue containing fibrinogen (FIB) and riboflavin (RF), upon exposure to long wavelength ultraviolet light (UVA, 365 nM) has been proposed potentially to solve long-standing problems presented by corneal wound and epithelial ingrowth side-effects from laser-assisted in situ keratomileuis (LASIK). Data presented in a previous study demonstrated an ability of FIB + RF + UVA to adhere two stromal surfaces; however, to our knowledge no molecular mechanisms have been proposed to account for interactions occurring between corneal extracellular matrix (ECM) and tissue glue molecules. Here, we document several covalent and noncovalent interactions between these classes of macromolecules. Methods. SDS-PAGE and Western blot techniques were used to identify covalent interactions between tissue glue molecules and corneal ECM molecules in either the presence or absence of RF and UVA, in vitro and ex vivo. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was used to characterize noncovalent interactions, and obtain ka, kd, and KD binding affinity values. Results. SDS-PAGE and Western blot analyses indicated that covalent interactions occurred between neighboring FIB molecules, as well as between FIB and collagen type I (Coll-I) proteins (in vitro and ex vivo). These interactions occurred only in the presence of RF and UVA. SPR data demonstrated the ability of FIB to bind noncovalently to corneal stroma molecules, Coll-I, decorin, dermatan sulfate, and corneal basement membrane molecules, laminin and heparan sulfate – only in the presence of Zn2+. Conclusions. Covalent and (zinc-mediated) noncovalent mechanisms involving FIB and stromal ECM molecules contribute to the adhesion created by FIB + RF + UVA