1
|
Budde L, Hentschel J, Ihler S, Seel T. Achieving near-zero particle generation by simplicity of design-A compliant-mechanism-based gripper for clean-room environments. SLAS Technol 2024:100148. [PMID: 38801858 DOI: 10.1016/j.slast.2024.100148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Lab Automation facilitates high-throughput processes and improves reproducibility and efficiency while removing human action, primary source of contaminating particles. Handling poses a risk of contamination due to close contact with the objects. We propose a novel gripper (CrocoGrip) relying on compliant mechanisms to reduce the amount of contaminating particles generated by the gripper rather than preventing their emission, the latter being the common approach in current grippers. Our novel gripper is actuated by linear solenoids and purely relies on deformation for its motion. As a result, abrasive behavior and, therefore, the generation of particles is reduced without the need for additional sealing. We experimentally proved that only particles smaller than 3.0µm are emitted by the gripper, with a large proportion of the particles being generated by the actuation. The CrocoGrip fulfills the demands of ISO14644 class 5. The gripping relies on the deformation energy of the compliant mechanism, making the gripping energy-efficient and safe. The maximum gripping force achieved by the CrocoGrip was 5.5N. Because the force transmitted to the handling object depends on the design of the gripping jaws, which are interchangeable, the force can be reduced for more sensible handling objects. Using three different sets of jaws, CrocoGrip was able to handle a microplate in SBS-standard, a 50mL Falcon tube, and a Ø60mm Petri dish using a robotic arm. Due to the monolithic design of the CrocoGrip and, as a result, the need for few components, we achieve a simplicity of design, making cleaning, sterilization and maintenance easy, even for nonexperts. The CrocoGrip exploits the advantages of compliant mechanisms, especially for applications requiring clean-room environments. This approach of compliant-mechanism-based grippers enables an increase in the cleanliness of handling processes without an increase in system complexity of the gripper to facilitate the lab automation of highly sensible processes, such as in tissue engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leon Budde
- Leibniz Universität Hannover, Institute of Mechantronic Systems, An der Universität 1, Garbsen 30823, Lower Saxony, Germany.
| | - Jakob Hentschel
- Leibniz Universität Hannover, Institute of Mechantronic Systems, An der Universität 1, Garbsen 30823, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Sontje Ihler
- Leibniz Universität Hannover, Institute of Mechantronic Systems, An der Universität 1, Garbsen 30823, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Thomas Seel
- Leibniz Universität Hannover, Institute of Mechantronic Systems, An der Universität 1, Garbsen 30823, Lower Saxony, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Schuster J, Kamuju V, Zhou J, Mathaes R. Piston-driven automated liquid handlers. SLAS Technol 2024; 29:100128. [PMID: 38508238 DOI: 10.1016/j.slast.2024.100128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Laboratory capacities are often limited by time-consuming manual repetitive procedures rather than analysis time itself. While modern instruments are typically equipped with an autosampler, sample preparation often follows manual procedures including many labor-intensive, monotonous tasks. Particularly, for a high number of samples, well plates, and low microliter pipetting, manual preparation is error-prone often requiring repeated experiments. Sampling and sample preparation can account for greater analytical variability than instrument analysis. Repetitive tasks such as liquid handling benefit strongly from technological advances and led to the increasing applications of various automated liquid handlers (ALHs). In this review, we discuss the considerations for ALHs in the microliter range and highlight advantages and challenges when transforming from manual to automated workflows. We strongly focused on differences in liquid handling and outlined advantages due to sensor-controlled pipetting. ALHs can substantially improve costs-effectiveness and laboratory capacity. This is a consequence of increased efficiency, and throughput of laboratories while simultaneously raising data quality. Additionally, ALHs can improve safety, documentation of data, and sustainability. While automation requires careful consideration and resource demanding implementation, we believe it offers numerous advantages and can help to transform modern laboratories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Schuster
- Lonza Pharma and Biotech, Drug Product Services, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Vinay Kamuju
- Lonza Pharma and Biotech, Drug Product Services, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jin Zhou
- Lonza Pharma and Biotech, Drug Product Services, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Roman Mathaes
- Lonza Pharma and Biotech, Drug Product Services, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Woo HM, Keasling J. Measuring the economic efficiency of laboratory automation in biotechnology. Trends Biotechnol 2024:S0167-7799(24)00030-1. [PMID: 38402137 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Laboratory automation with robot-assisted processes enhances synthetic biology, but its economic impact on projects is uncertain. We have proposed an experiment price index (EPI) for a quantitative comparison of factors in time, cost, and sample numbers, helping measure the efficiency of laboratory automation in synthetic biology and biomolecular engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Min Woo
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Biofoundry Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of MetaBioHealth, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA; Joint BioEnergy Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Emeryville, CA, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Jay Keasling
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA; Joint BioEnergy Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Emeryville, CA, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; Synthetic Biochemistry Center, Institute for Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes for Advanced Technologies, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kumari P, Sainath K, Biswas S, Bellare J. Risk mitigation to healthcare workers against viral and bacterial bioaerosol load in laparoscopic surgical exhaust with a new flow mode in hollow fiber membranes-based filter. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132517. [PMID: 37757552 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Laparoscopy of COVID-19-infected/suspected patients needs to be performed with the utmost care due to the chances of virus carryover through the pneumoperitoneum gas. In this study, polysulfone/polyvinyl-pyrrolidone hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) were fabricated by phase inversion process, and these HFMs were bundled into a module consisting of tortuous, circular-helical arrangement. Further, copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) nanoparticles (NPs), known to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, were flow-coated on the lumen side of the HFMs. To test functional efficiency, the modules were challenged with wet aerosol and bioaerosols. Wet aerosol removal efficiency was ∼98%. Bioaerosol-containing bacteria E. coli strain K-12, showed 2.6 log (∼99.8%), and 2.1 log (∼99.3%) removal efficiency for Cu NPs and Zn NPs coated HFMs modules, respectively, and 1.6 log (∼97%) removal for plain (uncoated) HFMs. Bioaerosols containing SARS-CoV-2 surrogate virus (MS2 bacteriophage) showed ∼5-7 log reduction of bacteriophage for plain HFMs, 3.9 log, and 2.3 log reduction for Cu and Zn coated HFMs, respectively. The flow of aerosols entirely through the HFM lumen helps in attaining a low ΔP of < 1 mm Hg, thus rendering its usefulness, particularly for exhausting pneumoperitoneum gases where high upstream pressures could lead to barotrauma. STATEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Surgical smoke is generated during minimally invasive surgical (MIS) procedure such as laparoscopy when electrosurgical devices are used to cut any tissues. This smoke is a hazard as it contains toxic volatile compounds, mutagens, carcinogens, bacteria, and virus-laden aerosols. Infection to healthcare professionals through the bioaerosols containing smoke is well reported in literature. The limitation of using hypochlorite and pleated/HEPA filter, led us to design a low pressure drop bioaerosol filter, which can remove smoke, tissue fragments, and COVID-19 virus. It provides a much safer operation theatre environment during MIS procedures as well as in general for bioaerosol removal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Preety Kumari
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Krishnamurthy Sainath
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India; Department of Chemical Engineering, B.M.S. College of Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560019, India
| | - Snehasis Biswas
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Jayesh Bellare
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India; Wadhwani Research Centre for Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mohanty P, Panda P, Acharya RK, Pande B, Bhaskar LVKS, Verma HK. Emerging perspectives on RNA virus-mediated infections: from pathogenesis to therapeutic interventions. World J Virol 2023; 12:242-255. [PMID: 38187500 PMCID: PMC10768389 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v12.i5.242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA viruses continue to pose significant threats to global public health, necessitating a profound understanding of their pathogenic mechanisms and the development of effective therapeutic interventions. This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of emerging perspectives on RNA virus-mediated infections, spanning from the intricate intricacies of viral pathogenesis to the forefront of innovative therapeutic strategies. A critical exploration of antiviral drugs sets the stage, highlighting the diverse classes of compounds that target various stages of the viral life cycle, underscoring the ongoing efforts to combat viral infections. Central to this discussion is the exploration of RNA-based therapeutics, with a spotlight on messenger RNA (mRNA)-based approaches that have revolutionized the landscape of antiviral interventions. Furthermore, the manuscript delves into the intricate world of delivery systems, exploring inno-vative technologies designed to enhance the efficiency and safety of mRNA vaccines. By analyzing the challenges and advancements in delivery mechanisms, this review offers a roadmap for future research and development in this critical area. Beyond conventional infectious diseases, the document explores the expanding applications of mRNA vaccines, including their promising roles in cancer immunotherapy and personalized medicine approaches. This manuscript serves as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers alike, offering a nuanced perspective on RNA virus pathogenesis and the cutting-edge therapeutic interventions. By synthesizing the latest advancements and challenges, this review contributes significantly to the ongoing discourse in the field, driving the development of novel strategies to combat RNA virus-mediated infections effectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pratik Mohanty
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Poojarani Panda
- Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar Acharya
- Department of Zoology, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, Bilaspur 495009, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Babita Pande
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Science, Raipur 492001, chhattisgarh, India
| | - LVKS Bhaskar
- Department of Zoology, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, Bilaspur 495009, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Henu Kumar Verma
- Lung Health and Immunity, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Munich 85764, Bayren, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Afonso CL, Afonso AM. Next-Generation Sequencing for the Detection of Microbial Agents in Avian Clinical Samples. Vet Sci 2023; 10:690. [PMID: 38133241 PMCID: PMC10747646 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10120690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct-targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS), with its undoubtedly superior diagnostic capacity over real-time PCR (RT-PCR), and direct-non-targeted NGS (ntNGS), with its higher capacity to identify and characterize multiple agents, are both likely to become diagnostic methods of choice in the future. tNGS is a rapid and sensitive method for precise characterization of suspected agents. ntNGS, also known as agnostic diagnosis, does not require a hypothesis and has been used to identify unsuspected infections in clinical samples. Implemented in the form of multiplexed total DNA metagenomics or as total RNA sequencing, the approach produces comprehensive and actionable reports that allow semi-quantitative identification of most of the agents present in respiratory, cloacal, and tissue samples. The diagnostic benefits of the use of direct tNGS and ntNGS are high specificity, compatibility with different types of clinical samples (fresh, frozen, FTA cards, and paraffin-embedded), production of nearly complete infection profiles (viruses, bacteria, fungus, and parasites), production of "semi-quantitative" information, direct agent genotyping, and infectious agent mutational information. The achievements of NGS in terms of diagnosing poultry problems are described here, along with future applications. Multiplexing, development of standard operating procedures, robotics, sequencing kits, automated bioinformatics, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI) are disciplines converging toward the use of this technology for active surveillance in poultry farms. Other advances in human and veterinary NGS sequencing are likely to be adaptable to avian species in the future.
Collapse
|
7
|
Ramos-Mandujano G, Grünberg R, Zhang Y, Bi C, Guzmán-Vega FJ, Shuaib M, Gorchakov RV, Xu J, Tehseen M, Takahashi M, Takahashi E, Dada A, Ahmad AN, Hamdan SM, Pain A, Arold ST, Li M. An open-source, automated, and cost-effective platform for COVID-19 diagnosis and rapid portable genomic surveillance using nanopore sequencing. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20349. [PMID: 37990068 PMCID: PMC10663496 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47190-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has emphasized the necessity for scalable diagnostic workflows using locally produced reagents and basic laboratory equipment with minimal dependence on global supply chains. We introduce an open-source automated platform for high-throughput RNA extraction and pathogen diagnosis, which uses reagents almost entirely produced in-house. This platform integrates our methods for self-manufacturing magnetic nanoparticles and qRT-PCR reagents-both of which have received regulatory approval for clinical use-with an in-house, open-source robotic extraction protocol. It also incorporates our "Nanopore Sequencing of Isothermal Rapid Viral Amplification for Near Real-time Analysis" (NIRVANA) technology, designed for tracking SARS-CoV-2 mutations and variants. The platform exhibits high reproducibility and consistency without cross-contamination, and its limit of detection, sensitivity, and specificity are comparable to commercial assays. Automated NIRVANA effectively identifies circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. Our in-house, cost-effective reagents, automated diagnostic workflows, and portable genomic surveillance strategies provide a scalable and rapid solution for COVID-19 diagnosis and variant tracking, essential for current and future pandemic responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Ramos-Mandujano
- Stem Cell and Regeneration Laboratory, Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Raik Grünberg
- Structural Biology and Engineering, Computational Biology Research Center. Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Yingzi Zhang
- Stem Cell and Regeneration Laboratory, Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Chongwei Bi
- Stem Cell and Regeneration Laboratory, Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Francisco J Guzmán-Vega
- Structural Biology and Engineering, Computational Biology Research Center. Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Shuaib
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Rodion V Gorchakov
- Health, Safety and Environment Department, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Jinna Xu
- Stem Cell and Regeneration Laboratory, Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Tehseen
- Laboratory of DNA Replication and Recombination, Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Masateru Takahashi
- Laboratory of DNA Replication and Recombination, Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Etsuko Takahashi
- Laboratory of DNA Replication and Recombination, Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf Dada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Al Faisal University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Adeel Nazir Ahmad
- KAUST Health, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Samir M Hamdan
- Laboratory of DNA Replication and Recombination, Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Arnab Pain
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Stefan T Arold
- Structural Biology and Engineering, Computational Biology Research Center. Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mo Li
- Stem Cell and Regeneration Laboratory, Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Bioengineering Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Stephenson A, Lastra L, Nguyen B, Chen YJ, Nivala J, Ceze L, Strauss K. Physical Laboratory Automation in Synthetic Biology. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:3156-3169. [PMID: 37935025 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic Biology has overcome many of the early challenges facing the field and is entering a systems era characterized by adoption of Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) approaches. The need for automation and standardization to enable reproducible, scalable, and translatable research has become increasingly accepted in recent years, and many of the hardware and software tools needed to address these challenges are now in place or under development. However, the lack of connectivity between DBTL modules and barriers to access and adoption remain significant challenges to realizing the full potential of lab automation. In this review, we characterize and classify the state of automation in synthetic biology with a focus on the physical automation of experimental workflows. Though fully autonomous scientific discovery is likely a long way off, impressive progress has been made toward automating critical elements of experimentation by combining intelligent hardware and software tools. It is worth questioning whether total automation that removes humans entirely from the loop should be the ultimate goal, and considerations for appropriate automation versus total automation are discussed in this light while emphasizing areas where further development is needed in both contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Stephenson
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Microsoft Research, Redmond, Washington 98052, United States
| | - Lauren Lastra
- Microsoft Research, Redmond, Washington 98052, United States
| | - Bichlien Nguyen
- Microsoft Research, Redmond, Washington 98052, United States
| | - Yuan-Jyue Chen
- Microsoft Research, Redmond, Washington 98052, United States
| | - Jeff Nivala
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Luis Ceze
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Karin Strauss
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Microsoft Research, Redmond, Washington 98052, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li H, Cao X, Chen R, Guang M, Xu M, Wu X, Yang R, Lei L, Zhang F. Rapid detection of grass carp reovirus type 1 using RPA-based test strips combined with CRISPR Cas13a system. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1296038. [PMID: 38029146 PMCID: PMC10654748 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1296038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Due to the existence of grass carp reovirus (GCRV), grass carp hemorrhagic disease occurs frequently, and its high pathogenicity and infectivity are great challenges to the aquaculture industry. As a highly pathogenic pathogen, the outbreak of hemorrhagic disease often causes tremendous economic losses. Therefore, it is important to rapidly and accurately detect GCRV on site to control timely. Methods In this study, recombinant enzyme amplification (RPA) combined with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas13a system was employed to establish a method to detect the vp7 gene of grass carp reovirus type 1. This method can be adopted for judging the results by collecting fluorescence signal, ultraviolet excitation visual fluorescence and test strip. Results Combined with the RPA amplification experiment, the detection limit of the RPA-CRISPR method can reach 7.2 × 101 copies/μL of vp7 gene per reaction, and the detection process can be completed within 1 h. In addition, this method had no cross-reaction with the other 11 common aquatic pathogens. Then, the performance of the RPA-CRISPR/Cas13a detection method was evaluated by comparing it with the real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR detection method of clinical samples. The results of RPA-CRISPR/Cas13a detection were shown to be in consistence with the results obtained from the real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR detection. The coincidence rate of this method with 26 GCRV clinical samples was 92.31%. Discussion In summary, this method has high sensitivity, specificity and on-site practicability for detecting GCRV type 1, and has great application potential in on-site GCRV monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huaming Li
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Xinyue Cao
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Ruige Chen
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Min Guang
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Mengran Xu
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Xiaomin Wu
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Rongrong Yang
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Liancheng Lei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fuxian Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pun FW, Ozerov IV, Zhavoronkov A. AI-powered therapeutic target discovery. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:561-572. [PMID: 37479540 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Disease modeling and target identification are the most crucial initial steps in drug discovery, and influence the probability of success at every step of drug development. Traditional target identification is a time-consuming process that takes years to decades and usually starts in an academic setting. Given its advantages of analyzing large datasets and intricate biological networks, artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a growing role in modern drug target identification. We review recent advances in target discovery, focusing on breakthroughs in AI-driven therapeutic target exploration. We also discuss the importance of striking a balance between novelty and confidence in target selection. An increasing number of AI-identified targets are being validated through experiments and several AI-derived drugs are entering clinical trials; we highlight current limitations and potential pathways for moving forward.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank W Pun
- Insilico Medicine Hong Kong Ltd., Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Ivan V Ozerov
- Insilico Medicine Hong Kong Ltd., Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Alex Zhavoronkov
- Insilico Medicine Hong Kong Ltd., Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, New Territories, Hong Kong; Insilico Medicine MENA, 6F IRENA Building, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang XE, Liu C, Dai J, Yuan Y, Gao C, Feng Y, Wu B, Wei P, You C, Wang X, Si T. Enabling technology and core theory of synthetic biology. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023; 66:1742-1785. [PMID: 36753021 PMCID: PMC9907219 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2214-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology provides a new paradigm for life science research ("build to learn") and opens the future journey of biotechnology ("build to use"). Here, we discuss advances of various principles and technologies in the mainstream of the enabling technology of synthetic biology, including synthesis and assembly of a genome, DNA storage, gene editing, molecular evolution and de novo design of function proteins, cell and gene circuit engineering, cell-free synthetic biology, artificial intelligence (AI)-aided synthetic biology, as well as biofoundries. We also introduce the concept of quantitative synthetic biology, which is guiding synthetic biology towards increased accuracy and predictability or the real rational design. We conclude that synthetic biology will establish its disciplinary system with the iterative development of enabling technologies and the maturity of the core theory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xian-En Zhang
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Chenli Liu
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Junbiao Dai
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Yingjin Yuan
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Caixia Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Yan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Bian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Ping Wei
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Chun You
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China.
| | - Xiaowo Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics; Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology; Bioinformatics Division, Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology; Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Tong Si
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Al Fayez N, Nassar MS, Alshehri AA, Alnefaie MK, Almughem FA, Alshehri BY, Alawad AO, Tawfik EA. Recent Advancement in mRNA Vaccine Development and Applications. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1972. [PMID: 37514158 PMCID: PMC10384963 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine development for preventive and therapeutic applications has evolved rapidly over the last decade. The mRVNA vaccine has proven therapeutic efficacy in various applications, including infectious disease, immunotherapy, genetic disorders, regenerative medicine, and cancer. Many mRNA vaccines have made it to clinical trials, and a couple have obtained FDA approval. This emerging therapeutic approach has several advantages over conventional methods: safety; efficacy; adaptability; bulk production; and cost-effectiveness. However, it is worth mentioning that the delivery to the target site and in vivo degradation and thermal stability are boundaries that can alter their efficacy and outcomes. In this review, we shed light on different types of mRNA vaccines, their mode of action, and the process to optimize their development and overcome their limitations. We also have explored various delivery systems focusing on the nanoparticle-mediated delivery of the mRNA vaccine. Generally, the delivery system plays a vital role in enhancing mRNA vaccine stability, biocompatibility, and homing to the desired cells and tissues. In addition to their function as a delivery vehicle, they serve as a compartment that shields and protects the mRNA molecules against physical, chemical, and biological activities that can alter their efficiency. Finally, we focused on the future considerations that should be attained for safer and more efficient mRNA application underlining the advantages and disadvantages of the current mRNA vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nojoud Al Fayez
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed S Nassar
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah A Alshehri
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Meshal K Alnefaie
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad A Almughem
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bayan Y Alshehri
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah O Alawad
- Healthy Aging Research Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Essam A Tawfik
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ji Z, Zhou B, Shang Z, Liu S, Li X, Zhang X, Li B. Active CRISPR-Cas12a on Hydrophilic Metal-Organic Frameworks: A Nanobiocomposite with High Stability and Activity for Nucleic Acid Detection. Anal Chem 2023. [PMID: 37413791 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c00400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas12a is an accurate and responsive biosensing technique, but its limited stability has restricted its widespread applications. To address this, we propose a strategy using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to protect Cas12a from harsh environments. After screening multiple candidate MOFs, it was found that hydrophilic MAF-7 is highly compatible with Cas12a, and the as-formed Cas12a-on-MAF-7 (COM) not only retains high enzymatic activity but also possesses excellent tolerance to heat, salt, and organic solvents. Further investigation showed that COM can serve as an analytical component for nucleic acid detection, resulting in an ultrasensitive assay for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection with a detection limit of 1 copy. This is the first successful attempt to create an active Cas12a nanobiocomposite that functions as a biosensor without the need for shell deconstruction or enzyme release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhirun Ji
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Zhaoyang Shang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Sirui Liu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xue Li
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bingzhi Li
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Szobi A, Buranovská K, Vojtaššáková N, Lovíšek D, Özbaşak HÖ, Szeibeczederová S, Kapustian L, Hudáčová Z, Kováčová V, Drobná D, Putaj P, Bírová S, Čirková I, Čarnecký M, Kilián P, Jurkáček P, Čabanová V, Boršová K, Sláviková M, Vaňová V, Klempa B, Čekan P, Paul ED. Vivid COVID-19 LAMP is an ultrasensitive, quadruplexed test using LNA-modified primers and a zinc ion and 5-Br-PAPS colorimetric detection system. Commun Biol 2023; 6:233. [PMID: 36864129 PMCID: PMC9979146 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04612-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensitive and rapid point-of-care assays have been crucial in the global response to SARS-CoV-2. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has emerged as an important diagnostic tool given its simplicity and minimal equipment requirements, although limitations exist regarding sensitivity and the methods used to detect reaction products. We describe the development of Vivid COVID-19 LAMP, which leverages a metallochromic detection system utilizing zinc ions and a zinc sensor, 5-Br-PAPS, to circumvent the limitations of classic detection systems dependent on pH indicators or magnesium chelators. We make important strides in improving RT-LAMP sensitivity by establishing principles for using LNA-modified LAMP primers, multiplexing, and conducting extensive optimizations of reaction parameters. To enable point-of-care testing, we introduce a rapid sample inactivation procedure without RNA extraction that is compatible with self-collected, non-invasive gargle samples. Our quadruplexed assay (targeting E, N, ORF1a, and RdRP) reliably detects 1 RNA copy/µl of sample (=8 copies/reaction) from extracted RNA and 2 RNA copies/µl of sample (=16 copies/reaction) directly from gargle samples, making it one of the most sensitive RT-LAMP tests and even comparable to RT-qPCR. Additionally, we demonstrate a self-contained, mobile version of our assay in a variety of high-throughput field testing scenarios on nearly 9,000 crude gargle samples. Vivid COVID-19 LAMP can be an important asset for the endemic phase of COVID-19 as well as preparing for future pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Szobi
- MultiplexDX, s.r.o., Comenius University Science Park, Ilkovičova 8, 841 04, Bratislava, Slovakia
- MultiplexDX, Inc., One Research Court, Suite 450, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Katarína Buranovská
- MultiplexDX, s.r.o., Comenius University Science Park, Ilkovičova 8, 841 04, Bratislava, Slovakia
- MultiplexDX, Inc., One Research Court, Suite 450, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Nina Vojtaššáková
- MultiplexDX, s.r.o., Comenius University Science Park, Ilkovičova 8, 841 04, Bratislava, Slovakia
- MultiplexDX, Inc., One Research Court, Suite 450, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Daniel Lovíšek
- MultiplexDX, s.r.o., Comenius University Science Park, Ilkovičova 8, 841 04, Bratislava, Slovakia
- MultiplexDX, Inc., One Research Court, Suite 450, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Halil Önder Özbaşak
- MultiplexDX, s.r.o., Comenius University Science Park, Ilkovičova 8, 841 04, Bratislava, Slovakia
- MultiplexDX, Inc., One Research Court, Suite 450, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Sandra Szeibeczederová
- MultiplexDX, s.r.o., Comenius University Science Park, Ilkovičova 8, 841 04, Bratislava, Slovakia
- MultiplexDX, Inc., One Research Court, Suite 450, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Liudmyla Kapustian
- MultiplexDX, s.r.o., Comenius University Science Park, Ilkovičova 8, 841 04, Bratislava, Slovakia
- MultiplexDX, Inc., One Research Court, Suite 450, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Zuzana Hudáčová
- MultiplexDX, s.r.o., Comenius University Science Park, Ilkovičova 8, 841 04, Bratislava, Slovakia
- MultiplexDX, Inc., One Research Court, Suite 450, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
- Stanford University, 730 Escondido Rd., Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Viera Kováčová
- MultiplexDX, s.r.o., Comenius University Science Park, Ilkovičova 8, 841 04, Bratislava, Slovakia
- MultiplexDX, Inc., One Research Court, Suite 450, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
- University of Cologne, Institute for Biological Physics, Zülpicher Str. 77, 50937, Köln, Germany
| | - Diana Drobná
- MultiplexDX, s.r.o., Comenius University Science Park, Ilkovičova 8, 841 04, Bratislava, Slovakia
- MultiplexDX, Inc., One Research Court, Suite 450, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Piotr Putaj
- MultiplexDX, s.r.o., Comenius University Science Park, Ilkovičova 8, 841 04, Bratislava, Slovakia
- MultiplexDX, Inc., One Research Court, Suite 450, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Stanislava Bírová
- MultiplexDX, s.r.o., Comenius University Science Park, Ilkovičova 8, 841 04, Bratislava, Slovakia
- MultiplexDX, Inc., One Research Court, Suite 450, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Ivana Čirková
- MultiplexDX, s.r.o., Comenius University Science Park, Ilkovičova 8, 841 04, Bratislava, Slovakia
- MultiplexDX, Inc., One Research Court, Suite 450, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Martin Čarnecký
- MultiplexDX, s.r.o., Comenius University Science Park, Ilkovičova 8, 841 04, Bratislava, Slovakia
- MultiplexDX, Inc., One Research Court, Suite 450, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Peter Kilián
- MultiplexDX, s.r.o., Comenius University Science Park, Ilkovičova 8, 841 04, Bratislava, Slovakia
- MultiplexDX, Inc., One Research Court, Suite 450, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Peter Jurkáček
- AstonITM s.r.o., Račianska 153, 831 54, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Viktória Čabanová
- Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Virology, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Kristína Boršová
- Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Virology, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Monika Sláviková
- Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Virology, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Vaňová
- Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Virology, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Boris Klempa
- Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Virology, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Pavol Čekan
- MultiplexDX, s.r.o., Comenius University Science Park, Ilkovičova 8, 841 04, Bratislava, Slovakia.
- MultiplexDX, Inc., One Research Court, Suite 450, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA.
| | - Evan D Paul
- MultiplexDX, s.r.o., Comenius University Science Park, Ilkovičova 8, 841 04, Bratislava, Slovakia.
- MultiplexDX, Inc., One Research Court, Suite 450, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Holub M, Agena E. Biofoundries and citizen science can accelerate disease surveillance and environmental monitoring. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 10:1110376. [PMID: 36714630 PMCID: PMC9877229 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1110376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A biofoundry is a highly automated facility for processing of biological samples. In that capacity it has a major role in accelerating innovation and product development in engineering biology by implementing design, build, test and learn (DBTL) cycles. Biofoundries bring public and private stakeholders together to share resources, develop standards and forge collaborations on national and international levels. In this paper we argue for expanding the scope of applications for biofoundries towards roles in biosurveillance and biosecurity. Reviewing literature on these topics, we conclude that this could be achieved in multiple ways including developing measurement standards and protocols, engaging citizens in data collection, closer collaborations with biorefineries, and processing of samples. Here we provide an overview of these roles that despite their potential utility have not yet been commonly considered by policymakers and funding agencies and identify roadblocks to their realization. This document should prove useful to policymakers and other stakeholders who wish to strengthen biosecurity programs in ways that synergize with bioeconomy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Holub
- Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands,*Correspondence: Martin Holub,
| | - Ethan Agena
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Crone MA, Freemont PS. Simple Low-Cost Production of DNA MS2 Virus-Like Particles As Molecular Diagnostic Controls. GEN BIOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 1:496-503. [PMID: 36644571 PMCID: PMC9814128 DOI: 10.1089/genbio.2022.0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Suitable controls are integral for the validation and continued quality assurance of diagnostic workflows. Plasmids, DNA, or in vitro transcribed RNA are often used to validate novel diagnostic workflows, however, they are poorly representative of clinical samples. RNA phage virus-like particles (VLPs) packaged with exogenous RNA have been used in clinical diagnostics as workflow controls, serving as surrogates for infectious viral particles. Comparable controls for DNA viruses are more challenging to produce, with analogous DNA phages being infectious and packaging of DNA within RNA phages requiring complex purification procedures and expensive chemical linkers. We present a simple and inexpensive method to produce Emesvirus zinderi (MS2) VLPs, packaged with DNA, that makes use of affinity chromatography for purification and enzymatic production of exogenous DNA suitable for packaging. The produced VLPs were packaged with hepatitis B virus DNA and were then quantified using droplet digital PCR and calibrated against the WHO international standard using a commercial assay in an accredited clinical laboratory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Crone
- London Biofoundry, Imperial College Translation and Innovation Hub, London, United Kingdom; Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Section of Structural and Synthetic Biology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; and Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute Care Research and Technology Centre, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul S. Freemont
- London Biofoundry, Imperial College Translation and Innovation Hub, London, United Kingdom; Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Section of Structural and Synthetic Biology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; and Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute Care Research and Technology Centre, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Address correspondence to: Paul S. Freemont, London Biofoundry, Imperial College Translation and Innovation Hub, White City Campus, 84 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mosscrop L, Watber P, Elliot P, Cooke G, Barclay W, Freemont PS, Rosadas C, Taylor GP. Evaluation of the impact of pre-analytical conditions on sample stability for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. J Virol Methods 2022; 309:114607. [PMID: 35973468 PMCID: PMC9374597 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2022.114607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Demand for accurate SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics is high. Most samples in the UK are collected in the community and rely on the postal service for delivery to the laboratories. The current recommendation remains that swabs should be collected in Viral Transport Media (VTM) and transported with a cold chain to the laboratory for RNA extraction and RT-qPCR. This is not always possible. We aimed to test the stability of SARS-CoV-2 RNA subjected to different pre-analytical conditions. Swabs were dipped into PBS containing cultured SARS-CoV-2 and placed in either a dry tube or a tube containing either normal saline or VTM. The tubes were then stored at different temperatures (20-50 °C) for variable periods (8 h to 5 days). Samples were tested by RT-qPCR targeting SARS-CoV-2 E gene. VTM outperformed swabs in saline and dry swabs in all conditions. Samples in VTM were stable, independent of a cold chain, for 5 days, with a maximum increase in cycle threshold (Ct) of 1.34 when held at 40 °C. Using normal saline as the transport media resulted in a loss of sensitivity (increased Ct) over time and with increasing temperature (up to 7.8 cycles compared to VTM). SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in 3/9 samples in normal saline when tested after 120 h incubation. Transportation of samples in VTM provides a high level of confidence in the results despite the potential for considerable, uncontrolled variation in temperature and longer transportation periods. False negative results may be seen after 96 h in saline and viral loads will appear lower.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Mosscrop
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia Watber
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Elliot
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Cooke
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy Barclay
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul S Freemont
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carolina Rosadas
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Graham P Taylor
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ko SC, Cho M, Lee HJ, Woo HM. Biofoundry Palette: Planning-Assistant Software for Liquid Handler-Based Experimentation and Operation in the Biofoundry Workflow. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:3538-3543. [PMID: 36173735 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Lab automation has facilitated synthetic biology applications in an automated workflow, and biofoundry facilities have enabled automated high-throughput experiments of gene cloning and genome engineering to be conducted following a precise experimental design and protocol. However, before-experiment procedures in biofoundry applications have been underdetermined. We aimed to develop a Python-based planning-assistant software, namely Biofoundry Palette, for liquid handler-based experimentation and operation in the biofoundry workflow. Depending on the synthetic biology project, variable information and content information may vary; the Biofoundry Palette provides precise information for the before-experiment units for each process module in the biofoundry workflow. As a demonstration, more than 200 unique information sets, generated by Biofoundry Palette, were used in automated gene cloning or pathway construction. The information on planning and management can potentially help the operator faithfully execute the biofoundry workflow after securing the before-experiment unit, thereby lowering the risk of human errors and performing successful biofoundry operations for synthetic biology applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sung Cheon Ko
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.,Biofoundry Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Mingu Cho
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jeong Lee
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.,Biofoundry Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Min Woo
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.,Biofoundry Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Jonguitud-Borrego N, Malcı K, Anand M, Baluku E, Webb C, Liang L, Barba-Ostria C, Guaman LP, Hui L, Rios-Solis L. High—throughput and automated screening for COVID-19. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2022; 4:969203. [PMID: 36188187 PMCID: PMC9521367 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2022.969203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global challenge for the healthcare systems of many countries with 6 million people having lost their lives and 530 million more having tested positive for the virus. Robust testing and a comprehensive track and trace process for positive patients are essential for effective pandemic control, leading to high demand for diagnostic testing. In order to comply with demand and increase testing capacity worldwide, automated workflows have come into prominence as they enable high-throughput screening, faster processing, exclusion of human error, repeatability, reproducibility and diagnostic precision. The gold standard for COVID-19 testing so far has been RT-qPCR, however, different SARS-CoV-2 testing methods have been developed to be combined with high throughput testing to improve diagnosis. Case studies in China, Spain and the United Kingdom have been reviewed and automation has been proven to be promising for mass testing. Free and Open Source scientific and medical Hardware (FOSH) plays a vital role in this matter but there are some challenges to be overcome before automation can be fully implemented. This review discusses the importance of automated high-throughput testing, the different equipment available, the bottlenecks of its implementation and key selected case studies that due to their high effectiveness are already in use in hospitals and research centres.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nestor Jonguitud-Borrego
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology (SynthSys), The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Koray Malcı
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology (SynthSys), The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Mihir Anand
- School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology BHU, Varanasi, India
| | - Erikan Baluku
- School of Bio-Security, Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Calum Webb
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lungang Liang
- BGI Clinical Laboratories, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Carlos Barba-Ostria
- Escuela de Medicina, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud Quito, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Linda P. Guaman
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CENBIO), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Liu Hui
- BGI Clinical Laboratories, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Leonardo Rios-Solis
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology (SynthSys), The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Correspondence: Leonardo Rios-Solis
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Malcı K, Walls LE, Rios-Solis L. Rational Design of CRISPR/Cas12a-RPA Based One-Pot COVID-19 Detection with Design of Experiments. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:1555-1567. [PMID: 35363475 PMCID: PMC9016756 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Simple
and effective molecular diagnostic methods have gained importance
due to the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Various isothermal
one-pot COVID-19 detection methods have been proposed as favorable
alternatives to standard RT-qPCR methods as they do not require sophisticated
and/or expensive devices. However, as one-pot reactions are highly
complex with a large number of variables, determining the optimum
conditions to maximize sensitivity while minimizing diagnostic cost
can be cumbersome. Here, statistical design of experiments (DoE) was
employed to accelerate the development and optimization of a CRISPR/Cas12a-RPA-based
one-pot detection method for the first time. Using a definitive screening
design, factors with a significant effect on performance were elucidated
and optimized, facilitating the detection of two copies/μL of
full-length SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) genome using simple instrumentation.
The screening revealed that the addition of a reverse transcription
buffer and an RNase inhibitor, components generally omitted in one-pot
reactions, improved performance significantly, and optimization of
reverse transcription had a critical impact on the method’s
sensitivity. This strategic method was also applied in a second approach
involving a DNA sequence of the N gene from the COVID-19 genome. The
slight differences in optimal conditions for the methods using RNA
and DNA templates highlight the importance of reaction-specific optimization
in ensuring robust and efficient diagnostic performance. The proposed
detection method is automation-compatible, rendering it suitable for
high-throughput testing. This study demonstrated the benefits of DoE
for the optimization of complex one-pot molecular diagnostics methods
to increase detection sensitivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koray Malcı
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Kings Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology (SynthSys), University of Edinburgh, Kings Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3BD, United Kingdom
| | - Laura E. Walls
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Kings Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology (SynthSys), University of Edinburgh, Kings Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3BD, United Kingdom
| | - Leonardo Rios-Solis
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Kings Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology (SynthSys), University of Edinburgh, Kings Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3BD, United Kingdom
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kang DH, Ko SC, Heo YB, Lee HJ, Woo HM. RoboMoClo: A Robotics-Assisted Modular Cloning Framework for Multiple Gene Assembly in Biofoundry. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:1336-1348. [PMID: 35167276 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Efficient and versatile DNA assembly frameworks have had an impact on promoting synthetic biology to build complex biological systems. To accelerate system development, laboratory automation (or biofoundry) provides an opportunity to construct organisms and DNA assemblies via computer-aided design. However, a modular cloning (MoClo) system for multiple DNA assemblies limits the biofoundry workflow in terms of simplicity and feasibility by preparing the number of cloning materials such as destination vectors prior to the automation process. Herein, we propose robot-assisted MoClo (RoboMoClo) to accelerate a synthetic biology project with multiple gene expressions at the biofoundry. The architecture of the RoboMoClo framework provides a hybrid strategy of hierarchical gene assembly and iterative gene assembly, and fewer destination vectors compared with other MoClo systems. An industrial bacterium, Corynebacterium glutamicum, was used as a model host for RoboMoClo. After building a biopart library (promoter and terminator; level 0) and evaluating its features (level 1), various transcriptional directions in multiple gene assemblies (level 2) were studied using the RoboMoClo vectors. Among the constructs, the convergent construct exhibited potential transcriptional interference through the collision of RNA polymerases. To study design of experiment-guided lycopene biosynthesis in C. glutamicum (levels 1, 2, and 3), the biofoundry-assisted multiple gene assembly was demonstrated as a proof-of-concept by constructing various sub-pathway units (level 2) and pathway units (level 3) for C. glutamicum. The RoboMoClo framework provides an improved MoClo toolkit for laboratory automation in a synthetic biology application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hun Kang
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Biofoundry Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Cheon Ko
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Biofoundry Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Been Heo
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Biofoundry Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jeong Lee
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Biofoundry Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Min Woo
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Biofoundry Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lu W, Zhao Z, Huang YW, Wang B. Review: A systematic review of virus-like particles of coronavirus: Assembly, generation, chimerism and their application in basic research and in the clinic. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 200:487-497. [PMID: 35065135 PMCID: PMC8769907 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.01.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nano-scale particles that are morphologically similar to a live virus but which lack a genetic component. Since the pandemic spread of COVID-19, much focus has been placed on coronavirus (CoV)-related VLPs. CoVs contain four structural proteins, though the minimum requirement for VLP formation differs among virus species. CoV VLPs are commonly produced in mammalian and insect cell systems, sometimes in the form of chimeric VLPs that enable surface display of CoV epitopes. VLPs are an ideal model for virological research and have been applied as vaccines and diagnostic reagents to aid in clinical disease control. This review summarizes and updates the research progress on the characteristics of VLPs from different known CoVs, mainly focusing on assembly, in vitro expression systems for VLP generation, VLP chimerism, protein-based nanoparticles and their applications in basic research and clinical settings, which may aid in development of novel VLP vaccines against emerging coronavirus diseases such as SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wan Lu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhuangzhuang Zhao
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yao-Wei Huang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Shi Y, Kang L, Mu R, Xu M, Duan X, Li Y, Yang C, Ding JW, Wang Q, Li S. CRISPR/Cas12a-Enhanced Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for the Visual Detection of Shigella flexneri. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:845688. [PMID: 35265606 PMCID: PMC8899461 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.845688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Shigella flexneri is a serious threat to global public health, and a rapid detection method is urgently needed. The CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated) system is widely used in gene editing, gene therapy, and in vitro diagnosis. Here, we combined loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and CRISPR/Cas12a to develop a novel diagnostic test (CRISPR/Cas12a-E-LAMP) for the diagnosis of S. flexneri. The CRISPR/Cas12a-E-LAMP protocol conducts LAMP reaction for S. flexneri templates followed by CRISPR/Cas12a detection of predefined target sequences. LAMP primers and sgRNAs were designed to the highly conserved gene hypothetical protein (accession: AE014073, region: 4170556–4171,068) of S. flexneri. After the LAMP reaction at 60°C for 20 min, the pre-loaded CRISPR/Cas12a regents were mixed with the LAMP products in one tube at 37°C for 20 min, and the final results can be viewed by naked eyes with a total time of 40 min. The sensitivity of CRISPR/Cas12a-E-LAMP to detect S. flexneri was 4 × 100 copies/μl plasmids and without cross-reaction with other six closely related non-S. flexneri. Therefore, the CRISPR/Cas12a-E-LAMP assay is a useful method for the reliable and quick diagnosis of S. flexneri and may be applied in other pathogen infection detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaoqiang Shi
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases, Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Lan Kang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases, Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Rongrong Mu
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases, Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Xu
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases, Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Duan
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases, Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujia Li
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases, Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunhui Yang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases, Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Jia-Wei Ding
- Clinical Laboratory Department, Yan’an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Qinghua Wang
- Department of Emergency, The Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Wenjiang District, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Shilin Li, ; Qinghua Wang,
| | - Shilin Li
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases, Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Shilin Li, ; Qinghua Wang,
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Inhibition of Escherichia Virus MS2, Surrogate of SARS-CoV-2, via Essential Oils-Loaded Electrospun Fibrous Mats: Increasing the Multifunctionality of Antivirus Protection Masks. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020303. [PMID: 35214032 PMCID: PMC8875402 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most important measures implemented to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission has been the use of face masks. Yet, most mask options available in the market display a passive action against the virus, not actively compromising its viability. Here, we propose to overcome this limitation by incorporating antiviral essential oils (EOs) within polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun fibrous mats to be used as intermediate layers in individual protection masks. Twenty EOs selected based on their antimicrobial nature were examined for the first time against the Escherichia coli MS2 virus (potential surrogate of SARS-CoV-2). The most effective were the lemongrass (LGO), Niaouli (NO) and eucalyptus (ELO) with a virucidal concentration (VC) of 356.0, 365.2 and 586.0 mg/mL, respectively. PCL was processed via electrospinning, generating uniform, beadless fibrous mats. EOs loading was accomplished via two ways: (1) physisorption on pre-existing mats (PCLaEOs), and (2) EOs blending with the polymer solution prior to fiber electrospinning (PCLbEOs). In both cases, 10% v/v VC was used as loading concentration, so the mats’ stickiness and overwhelming smell could be prevented. The EOs presence and release from the mats were confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy (≈5257–631 µg) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry evaluations (average of ≈14.3% EOs release over 4 h), respectively. PCLbEOs mats were considered the more mechanically and thermally resilient, with LGO promoting the strongest bonds with PCL (PCLbLGO). On the other hand, PCLaNO and PCLaELO were deemed the least cohesive combinations. Mats modified with the EOs were all identified as superhydrophobic, capable of preventing droplet penetration. Air and water-vapor permeabilities were affected by the mats’ porosity (PCL < PCLaEOs < PCLbEOs), exhibiting a similar tendency of increasing with the increase of porosity. Antimicrobial testing revealed the mats’ ability to retain the virus (preventing infiltration) and to inhibit its action (log reduction averaging 1). The most effective combination against the MS2 viral particles was the PCLbLGO. These mats’ scent was also regarded as the most pleasant during sensory evaluation. Overall, data demonstrated the potential of these EOs-loaded PCL fibrous mats to work as COVID-19 active barriers for individual protection masks.
Collapse
|
25
|
Vickers CE, Freemont PS. Pandemic preparedness: synthetic biology and publicly funded biofoundries can rapidly accelerate response time. Nat Commun 2022; 13:453. [PMID: 35064129 PMCID: PMC8783017 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28103-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology has played a key role in responding to the current pandemic. Biofoundries are critical synthetic biology infrastructure which should be available to all nations as a part of their independent bioengineering, biosecurity, and countermeasure response systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia E Vickers
- CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform, CSIRO Land & Water, EcoSciences Precinct, Dutton Park, 4012, Australia. .,ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, 4000, Australia. .,Griffith Institute for Drug Design, Griffith University, Nathan, 4111, Australia.
| | - Paul S Freemont
- Section of Structural and Synthetic Biology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, South Kensington Campus, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute Care Research and Technology Centre, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.,UK Innovation and Knowledge Centre for Synthetic Biology (SynbiCITE) and the London Biofoundry, Imperial College Translation & Innovation Hub, White City Campus 80 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Wei N, Zheng B, Niu J, Chen T, Ye J, Si Y, Cao S. Rapid Detection of Genotype II African Swine Fever Virus Using CRISPR Cas13a-Based Lateral Flow Strip. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020179. [PMID: 35215773 PMCID: PMC8879322 DOI: 10.3390/v14020179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a dsDNA virus that can cause serious, highly infectious, and fatal diseases in wild boars and domestic pigs. The ASFV has brought enormous economic loss to many countries, and no effective vaccine or treatment for the ASFV is currently available. Therefore, the on-site rapid and accurate detection of the ASFV is key to the timely implementation of control. The RNA-guided, RNA-targeting CRISPR effector CRISPR-associated 13 (Cas13a; previously known as C2c2) exhibits a “collateral effect” of promiscuous RNase activity upon the target recognition. The collateral cleavage activity of LwCas13a is activated to degrade the non-targeted RNA, when the crRNA of LwCas13a binds to the target RNA. In this study, we developed a rapid and sensitive ASFV detection method based on the collateral cleavage activity of LwCas13a, which combines recombinase-aided amplification (RAA) and a lateral flow strip (named CRISPR/Cas13a-LFD). The method was an isothermal detection at 37 °C, and the detection can be used for visual readout. The detection limit of the CRISPR/Cas13a-LFD was 101 copies/µL of p72 gene per reaction, and the detection process can be completed within an hour. The assay showed no cross-reactivity to eight other swine viruses, including classical swine fever virus (CSFV), and has a 100% coincidence rate with real-time PCR detection of the ASFV in 83 clinical samples. Overall, this method is sensitive, specific, and practicable onsite for the ASFV detection, showing a great application potential for monitoring the ASFV in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (N.W.); (B.Z.); (J.N.); (T.C.); (J.Y.)
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Bohan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (N.W.); (B.Z.); (J.N.); (T.C.); (J.Y.)
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Junjun Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (N.W.); (B.Z.); (J.N.); (T.C.); (J.Y.)
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Tao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (N.W.); (B.Z.); (J.N.); (T.C.); (J.Y.)
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (N.W.); (B.Z.); (J.N.); (T.C.); (J.Y.)
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Youhui Si
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (N.W.); (B.Z.); (J.N.); (T.C.); (J.Y.)
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
- Correspondence: (Y.S.); (S.C.)
| | - Shengbo Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (N.W.); (B.Z.); (J.N.); (T.C.); (J.Y.)
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
- Correspondence: (Y.S.); (S.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
A high-throughput pipeline for scalable kit-free RNA extraction. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23260. [PMID: 34853385 PMCID: PMC8636496 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02742-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
An overreliance on commercial, kit-based RNA extraction in the molecular diagnoses of infectious disease presents a challenge in the event of supply chain disruptions and can potentially hinder testing capacity in times of need. In this study, we adapted a well-established, robust TRIzol-based RNA extraction protocol into a high-throughput format through miniaturization and automation. The workflow was validated by RT-qPCR assay for SARS-CoV-2 detection to illustrate its scalability without interference to downstream diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy. This semi-automated, kit-free approach offers a versatile alternative to prevailing integrated solid-phase RNA extraction proprietary systems, with the added advantage of improved cost-effectiveness for high volume acquisition of quality RNA whether for use in clinical diagnoses or for diverse molecular applications.
Collapse
|
28
|
Chan KG, Ang GY, Yu CY, Yean CY. Harnessing CRISPR-Cas to Combat COVID-19: From Diagnostics to Therapeutics. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:1210. [PMID: 34833086 PMCID: PMC8623262 DOI: 10.3390/life11111210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), remains a global threat with an ever-increasing death toll even after a year on. Hence, the rapid identification of infected individuals with diagnostic tests continues to be crucial in the on-going effort to combat the spread of COVID-19. Viral nucleic acid detection via real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) or sequencing is regarded as the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis, but these technically intricate molecular tests are limited to centralized laboratories due to the highly specialized instrument and skilled personnel requirements. Based on the current development in the field of diagnostics, the programmable clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) system appears to be a promising technology that can be further explored to create rapid, cost-effective, sensitive, and specific diagnostic tools for both laboratory and point-of-care (POC) testing. Other than diagnostics, the potential application of the CRISPR-Cas system as an antiviral agent has also been gaining attention. In this review, we highlight the recent advances in CRISPR-Cas-based nucleic acid detection strategies and the application of CRISPR-Cas as a potential antiviral agent in the context of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kok Gan Chan
- International Genome Centre, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China;
- Institute of Marine Sciences, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Geik Yong Ang
- Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam 40450, Malaysia
| | - Choo Yee Yu
- Laboratory of Vaccine and Biomolecules, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Chan Yean Yean
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu 16150, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Panda B, Dhar PK. Building Biofoundry India: challenges and path forward. Synth Biol (Oxf) 2021; 6:ysab015. [PMID: 34712840 PMCID: PMC8546612 DOI: 10.1093/synbio/ysab015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofoundry is a place where biomanufacturing meets automation. The highly modular structure of a biofoundry helps accelerate the design–build–test–learn workflow to deliver products fast and in a streamlined fashion. In this perspective, we describe our efforts to build Biofoundry India, where we see the facility add a substantial value in supporting research, innovation and entrepreneurship. We describe three key areas of our focus, harnessing the potential of non-expressing parts of the sequenced genomes, using deep learning in pathway reconstruction and synthesising enzymes and metabolites. Toward the end, we describe specific challenges in building such facility in India and the path to mitigate some of those working with the other biofoundries worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Binay Panda
- Biofoundry India, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Pawan K Dhar
- Biofoundry India, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Guaman-Bautista LP, Moreta-Urbano E, Oña-Arias CG, Torres-Arias M, Kyriakidis NC, Malcı K, Jonguitud-Borrego N, Rios-Solis L, Ramos-Martinez E, López-Cortés A, Barba-Ostria C. Tracking SARS-CoV-2: Novel Trends and Diagnostic Strategies. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:1981. [PMID: 34829328 PMCID: PMC8621220 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11111981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on economies and health systems globally, therefore a top priority is the development of increasingly better diagnostic and surveillance alternatives to slow down the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In order to establish massive testing and contact tracing policies, it is crucial to have a clear view of the diagnostic options available and their principal advantages and drawbacks. Although classical molecular methods such as RT-qPCR are broadly used, diagnostic alternatives based on technologies such as LAMP, antigen, serological testing, or the application of novel technologies such as CRISPR-Cas for diagnostics, are also discussed. The present review also discusses the most important automation strategies employed to increase testing capability. Several serological-based diagnostic kits are presented, as well as novel nanotechnology-based diagnostic methods. In summary, this review provides a clear diagnostic landscape of the most relevant tools to track COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda P. Guaman-Bautista
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170147, Ecuador; (L.P.G.-B.); (E.M.-U.); (C.G.O.-A.)
| | - Erick Moreta-Urbano
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170147, Ecuador; (L.P.G.-B.); (E.M.-U.); (C.G.O.-A.)
| | - Claudia G. Oña-Arias
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170147, Ecuador; (L.P.G.-B.); (E.M.-U.); (C.G.O.-A.)
| | - Marbel Torres-Arias
- Immunology and Virology Laboratory, Department of Life Science and Agriculture, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas, Quito 171103, Ecuador;
| | - Nikolaos C. Kyriakidis
- Grupo de Investigación en Biotecnología Aplicada a Biomedicina (BIOMED), Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170125, Ecuador;
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA), Quito 170125, Ecuador
| | - Koray Malcı
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9LE, UK; (K.M.); (N.J.-B.); (L.R.-S.)
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology (SynthSys), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9LE, UK
| | - Nestor Jonguitud-Borrego
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9LE, UK; (K.M.); (N.J.-B.); (L.R.-S.)
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology (SynthSys), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9LE, UK
| | - Leonardo Rios-Solis
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9LE, UK; (K.M.); (N.J.-B.); (L.R.-S.)
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology (SynthSys), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9LE, UK
| | - Espiridion Ramos-Martinez
- Experimental Medicine Research Unit, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 4510, Mexico;
| | - Andrés López-Cortés
- Centro de Investigación Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170147, Ecuador;
| | - Carlos Barba-Ostria
- Escuela de Medicina, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud Quito, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito 170901, Ecuador
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Crone M, Randell P, Herm Z, Anand A, Missaghian-Cully S, Perelman L, Pantelidis P, Freemont P. Rapid design and implementation of an adaptive pooling workflow for SARS-CoV-2 testing in an NHS diagnostic laboratory: a proof-of-concept study. Wellcome Open Res 2021; 6:268. [PMID: 34796279 PMCID: PMC8591522 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17226.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Diagnostic laboratories are currently required to provide routine testing of asymptomatic staff and patients as a part of their clinical screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, these cohorts display very different disease prevalence from symptomatic individuals and testing capacity for asymptomatic screening is often limited. Group testing is frequently proposed as a possible solution to address this; however, proposals neglect the technical and operational feasibility of implementation in a front-line diagnostic laboratory. Methods: Between October and December 2020, as a seven-week proof of concept, we took into account scientific, technical and operational feasibility to design and implement an adaptive pooling strategy in an NHS diagnostic laboratory in London (UK). We assessed the impact of pooling on analytical sensitivity and modelled the impact of prevalence on pooling strategy. We then considered the operational constraints to model the potential gains in capacity and the requirements for additional staff and infrastructure. Finally, we developed a LIMS-agnostic laboratory automation workflow and software solution and tested the technical feasibility of our adaptive pooling workflow. Results: First, we determined the analytical sensitivity of the implemented SARS-CoV-2 assay to be 250 copies/mL. We then determined that, in a setting with limited analyser capacity, the testing capacity could be increased by two-fold with pooling, however, in a setting with limited reagents, this could rise to a five-fold increase. These capacity increases could be realized with modest additional resource and staffing requirements whilst utilizing up to 76% fewer plastic consumables and 90% fewer reagents. Finally, we successfully implemented a plate-based pooling workflow and tested 920 patient samples using the reagents that would usually be required to process just 222 samples. Conclusions: Adaptive pooled testing is a scientifically, technically and operationally feasible solution to increase testing capacity in frontline NHS diagnostic laboratories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Crone
- London Biofoundry, Imperial College Translation and Innovation Hub, White City Campus, 84 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
- Section of Structural and Synthetic Biology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute Centre for Care Research and Technology, Imperial College London and the University of Surrey, London, Guildford, UK
| | - Paul Randell
- Department of Infection and Immunity, North West London Pathology, London, UK
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 8RF, UK
| | - Zoey Herm
- Riffyn, Inc., 484 9th Street, Oakland, California, 94607, USA
| | - Arthi Anand
- Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Laboratories, Department of Infection and Immunity, North West London Pathology, London, UK
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Hammersmith Hospitals Trust, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Saghar Missaghian-Cully
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 8RF, UK
- North West London Pathology, London, UK
| | - Loren Perelman
- Riffyn, Inc., 484 9th Street, Oakland, California, 94607, USA
| | - Panagiotis Pantelidis
- Department of Infection and Immunity, North West London Pathology, London, UK
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 8RF, UK
| | - Paul Freemont
- London Biofoundry, Imperial College Translation and Innovation Hub, White City Campus, 84 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
- Section of Structural and Synthetic Biology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute Centre for Care Research and Technology, Imperial College London and the University of Surrey, London, Guildford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Gadwal A, Roy D, Khokhar M, Modi A, Sharma P, Purohit P. CRISPR/Cas-New Molecular Scissors in Diagnostics and Therapeutics of COVID-19. Indian J Clin Biochem 2021; 36:459-467. [PMID: 33879980 PMCID: PMC8050156 DOI: 10.1007/s12291-021-00977-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The current pandemic of COVID-19, with its climbing number of cases and deaths, has us searching for tools for rapid, reliable, and affordable methods of detection on one hand, and novel, improved therapeutic strategies on the other. The currently employed RT-PCR method, despite its all-encompassing utility, has its shortcomings. Newer diagnostic tools, based on the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/Cas(CRISPR-Cas) system, with its better diagnostic accuracy measures, have come up to fill that void. These assay platforms are expected to slowly take up the place of COVID-19 diagnostics. Further, the current therapeutic options focus mainly on counteracting the viral proteins and components and their entry into host cells. The CRISPR-based system, especially through the RNA-guided Cas13 approach, can identify the genomic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and provide a novel inhibition strategy for coronaviruses. In this mini-review, we have discussed the available and upcoming CRISPR-based diagnostic assays and the potential of the CRISPR/Cas system as a therapeutic or prevention strategy in COVID-19. CRISPR-Cas system shows promise in both diagnostics as well as therapeutics and may as well change the face of molecular diagnosis and precision medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. Gadwal
- Dept. of Biochemistry, AIIMS, Jodhpur, Rajasthan India
| | - D. Roy
- Dept. of Biochemistry, AIIMS, Jodhpur, Rajasthan India
| | - M. Khokhar
- Dept. of Biochemistry, AIIMS, Jodhpur, Rajasthan India
| | - A. Modi
- Dept. of Biochemistry, AIIMS, Jodhpur, Rajasthan India
| | - P. Sharma
- Dept. of Biochemistry, AIIMS, Jodhpur, Rajasthan India
| | - P. Purohit
- Dept. of Biochemistry, AIIMS, Jodhpur, Rajasthan India
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Vandelannoote K, Buultjens AH, Li L, Sharkey LK, Herisse M, Pidot SJ, Hoang T, Howden BP, Monk IR, Seemann T, Lee JYH, Stinear TP. Accessible Platform for High-Throughput COVID-19 Molecular Diagnostics and Genome Sequencing Using a Repurposed 3D Printer for RNA Extraction. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:4669-4676. [PMID: 34437802 PMCID: PMC8424688 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the dependence of diagnostic laboratories on a handful of large corporations with market monopolies on the worldwide supply of reagents, consumables, and hardware for molecular diagnostics. Global shortages of key consumables for RT-qPCR detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA have impaired the ability to run essential, routine diagnostic services. Here, we describe a workflow for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in upper respiratory samples including nasal swabs and saliva, utilizing low-cost equipment and readily accessible reagents. Using repurposed Creality3D Ender-3 three-dimensional (3D) printers, we built a semiautomated paramagnetic bead RNA extraction platform. The hardware for the system was built for $300 USD, and the material cost per reaction was $1 USD. Named the Ender VX500, instrument performance when paired with RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2 detection in nasal and saliva specimens was two virus copies per microliter. There was a high-performance agreement (assessed using 458 COVID-19 nasal swab specimens) with the Aptima SARS-CoV-2 assay run on the Hologic Panther, a commercial automated RNA extraction and detection platform. Inter- and intrainstrument precision was excellent (coefficients of variation (CoV) of 1.10 and 0.66-1.32%, respectively) across four instruments. The platform is scalable with throughput ranging from 23 specimens on a single instrument run by one user in 50 min to 364 specimens on four instruments run by four users in 190 min. Step-by-step instructions and protocols for building and running the Ender VX500 have been made available without restriction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koen Vandelannoote
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Andrew H Buultjens
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Lucy Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Liam K Sharkey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Marion Herisse
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Sacha J Pidot
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Tuyet Hoang
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Benjamin P Howden
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Austin Health, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - Ian R Monk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Torsten Seemann
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Jean Y H Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Monash Health, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Timothy P Stinear
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Orsi E, Claassens NJ, Nikel PI, Lindner SN. Growth-coupled selection of synthetic modules to accelerate cell factory development. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5295. [PMID: 34489458 PMCID: PMC8421431 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25665-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology has brought about a conceptual shift in our ability to redesign microbial metabolic networks. Combining metabolic pathway-modularization with growth-coupled selection schemes is a powerful tool that enables deep rewiring of the cell factories’ biochemistry for rational bioproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Orsi
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Nico J Claassens
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Pablo I Nikel
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Steffen N Lindner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam-Golm, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
CoVID-19 is a multi-symptomatic disease which has made a global impact due to its ability to spread rapidly, and its relatively high mortality rate. Beyond the heroic efforts to develop vaccines, which we do not discuss herein, the response of scientists and clinicians to this complex problem has reflected the need to detect CoVID-19 rapidly, to diagnose patients likely to show adverse symptoms, and to treat severe and critical CoVID-19. Here we aim to encapsulate these varied and sometimes conflicting approaches and the resulting data in terms of chemistry and biology. In the process we highlight emerging concepts, and potential future applications that may arise out of this immense effort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yimon Aye
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL)1015LausanneSwitzerland
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Li Z, Zhao W, Ma S, Li Z, Yao Y, Fei T. A chemical-enhanced system for CRISPR-Based nucleic acid detection. Biosens Bioelectron 2021; 192:113493. [PMID: 34271398 PMCID: PMC8443255 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The CRISPR-based nucleic acid detection systems have shown great potential for point-of-care testing of viral pathogens, especially in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Here we optimize several key parameters of reaction chemistry and develop a Chemical Enhanced CRISPR Detection system for nucleic acid (termed CECRID). For the Cas12a/Cas13a-based signal detection phase, we determine buffer conditions and substrate range for optimal detection performance, and reveal a crucial role of bovine serum albumin in enhancing trans-cleavage activity of Cas12a/Cas13a effectors. By comparing several chemical additives, we find that addition of L-proline can secure or enhance Cas12a/Cas13a detection capability. For isothermal amplification phase with typical LAMP and RPA methods, inclusion of L-proline can also enhance specific target amplification as determined by CRISPR detection. Using SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus, we demonstrate CECRID has enhanced detection sensitivity over chemical additive-null method with either fluorescence or lateral flow strip readout. Thus, CECRID provides an improved detection power and system robustness, and helps to develop enhanced reagent formula or test kit towards practical application of CRISPR-based diagnostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Li
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Data Analytics and Optimization for Smart Industry (Northeastern University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110819, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenchang Zhao
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Data Analytics and Optimization for Smart Industry (Northeastern University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110819, People's Republic of China
| | - Shixin Ma
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Data Analytics and Optimization for Smart Industry (Northeastern University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110819, People's Republic of China
| | - Zexu Li
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Data Analytics and Optimization for Smart Industry (Northeastern University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110819, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingjia Yao
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Data Analytics and Optimization for Smart Industry (Northeastern University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110819, People's Republic of China
| | - Teng Fei
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Data Analytics and Optimization for Smart Industry (Northeastern University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110819, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Dixon TA, Williams TC, Pretorius IS. Bioinformational trends in grape and wine biotechnology. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 40:124-135. [PMID: 34108075 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The creative destruction caused by the coronavirus pandemic is yielding immense opportunity for collaborative innovation networks. The confluence of biosciences, information sciences, and the engineering of biology, is unveiling promising bioinformational futures for a vibrant and sustainable bioeconomy. Bioinformational engineering, underpinned by DNA reading, writing, and editing technologies, has become a beacon of opportunity in a world paralysed by uncertainty. This article draws on lessons from the current pandemic and previous agricultural blights, and explores bioinformational research directions aimed at future-proofing the grape and wine industry against biological shocks from global blights and climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Dixon
- Department of Modern History, Politics and International Relations, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Thomas C Williams
- Department of Molecular Sciences and ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Centre Headquarters, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Isak S Pretorius
- Department of Molecular Sciences and ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Centre Headquarters, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; Chancellery, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Mao N, Aggarwal N, Poh CL, Cho BK, Kondo A, Liu C, Yew WS, Chang MW. Future trends in synthetic biology in Asia. ADVANCED GENETICS (HOBOKEN, N.J.) 2021; 2:e10038. [PMID: 36618442 PMCID: PMC9744534 DOI: 10.1002/ggn2.10038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology research and technology translation has garnered increasing interest from the governments and private investors in Asia, where the technology has great potential in driving a sustainable bio-based economy. This Perspective reviews the latest developments in the key enabling technologies of synthetic biology and its application in bio-manufacturing, medicine, food and agriculture in Asia. Asia-centric strengths in synthetic biology to grow the bio-based economy, such as advances in genome editing and the presence of biofoundries combined with the availability of natural resources and vast markets, are also highlighted. The potential barriers to the sustainable development of the field, including inadequate infrastructure and policies, with suggestions to overcome these by building public-private partnerships, more effective multi-lateral collaborations and well-developed governance framework, are presented. Finally, the roles of technology, education and regulation in mitigating potential biosecurity risks are examined. Through these discussions, stakeholders from different groups, including academia, industry and government, are expectantly better positioned to contribute towards the establishment of innovation and bio-economy hubs in Asia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Mao
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI)National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Nikhil Aggarwal
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI)National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Synthetic Biology Translational Research Program and Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Ling School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Chueh Loo Poh
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI)National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Byung Kwan Cho
- Department of Biological Sciences, and KI for the BioCenturyKorea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyDaejeonSouth Korea
| | - Akihiko Kondo
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, and Engineering Biology Research CenterKobe UniversityKobeJapan
| | - Chenli Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Wen Shan Yew
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI)National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Synthetic Biology Translational Research Program and Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Ling School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Matthew Wook Chang
- NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI)National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Synthetic Biology Translational Research Program and Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Ling School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Palaz F, Kalkan AK, Tozluyurt A, Ozsoz M. CRISPR-based tools: Alternative methods for the diagnosis of COVID-19. Clin Biochem 2021; 89:1-13. [PMID: 33428900 PMCID: PMC7796800 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2020.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The recently emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) spread all over the world rapidly and caused a global pandemic. To prevent the virus from spreading to more individuals, it is of great importance to identify and isolate infected individuals through testing. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is the gold standard method for the diagnosis of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) worldwide. However, performing RT-qPCR is limited to centralized laboratories because of the need for sophisticated laboratory equipment and skilled personnel. Further, it can sometimes give false negative or uncertain results. Recently, new methods have been developed for nucleic acid detection and pathogen diagnosis using CRISPR-Cas systems. These methods present rapid and cost-effective diagnostic platforms that provide high sensitivity and specificity without the need for complex instrumentation. Using the CRISPR-based SARS-CoV-2 detection methods, it is possible to increase the number of daily tests in existing laboratories, reduce false negative or uncertain result rates obtained with RT-qPCR, and perform testing in resource-limited settings or at points of need where performing RT-qPCR is not feasible. Here, we briefly describe the RT-qPCR method, and discuss its limitations in meeting the current diagnostic needs. We explain how the unique properties of various CRISPR-associated enzymes are utilized for nucleic acid detection and pathogen diagnosis. Then, we highlight the important features of CRISPR-based diagnostic methods developed for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Finally, we examine the advantages and limitations of these methods, and discuss how they can contribute to improving the efficiency of the current testing systems for combating SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fahreddin Palaz
- Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | | | - Abdullah Tozluyurt
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ozsoz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Near East University, Nicosia, 10 Mersin, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Xiong E, Jiang L, Tian T, Hu M, Yue H, Huang M, Lin W, Jiang Y, Zhu D, Zhou X. Simultaneous Dual-Gene Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 Based on CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Lateral Flow Assay. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:5307-5315. [PMID: 33295064 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202014506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Few methods for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 currently have the capability to simultaneously detect two genes in a single test, which is a key measure to improve detection accuracy, as adopted by the gold standard RT-qPCR method. Developed here is a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated triple-line lateral flow assay (TL-LFA) combined with multiplex reverse transcription-recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) for rapid and simultaneous dual-gene detection of SARS-CoV-2 in a single strip test. This assay is characterized by the detection of envelope (E) and open reading frame 1ab (Orf1ab) genes from cell-cultured SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA standards, showing a sensitivity of 100 RNA copies per reaction (25 μL). Furthermore, dual-gene analysis of 64 nasopharyngeal swab samples showed 100 % negative predictive agreement and 97.14 % positive predictive agreement. This platform will provide a more accurate and convenient pathway for diagnosis of COVID-19 or other infectious diseases in low-resource regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erhu Xiong
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.,State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Ling Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Tian Tian
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Menglu Hu
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Huahua Yue
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Mengqi Huang
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Wei Lin
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Yongzhong Jiang
- Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Debin Zhu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biomedicine, School of Chemistry, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Xiong E, Jiang L, Tian T, Hu M, Yue H, Huang M, Lin W, Jiang Y, Zhu D, Zhou X. Simultaneous Dual‐Gene Diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2 Based on CRISPR/Cas9‐Mediated Lateral Flow Assay. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202014506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Erhu Xiong
- School of Life Sciences South China Normal University Guangzhou 510631 China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Hunan University Changsha 410082 China
| | - Ling Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Hunan University Changsha 410082 China
| | - Tian Tian
- School of Life Sciences South China Normal University Guangzhou 510631 China
| | - Menglu Hu
- School of Life Sciences South China Normal University Guangzhou 510631 China
| | - Huahua Yue
- School of Life Sciences South China Normal University Guangzhou 510631 China
| | - Mengqi Huang
- School of Life Sciences South China Normal University Guangzhou 510631 China
| | - Wei Lin
- School of Life Sciences South China Normal University Guangzhou 510631 China
| | - Yongzhong Jiang
- Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention Wuhan 430079 China
| | - Debin Zhu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biomedicine School of Chemistry South China Normal University Guangzhou 510006 China
| | - Xiaoming Zhou
- School of Life Sciences South China Normal University Guangzhou 510631 China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
A rapid diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 using DNA hydrogel formation on microfluidic pores. Biosens Bioelectron 2021; 177:113005. [PMID: 33486135 PMCID: PMC7813512 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been a major public health challenge in 2020. Early diagnosis of COVID-19 is the most effective method to control disease spread and prevent further mortality. As such, a high-precision and rapid yet economic assay method is urgently required. Herein, we propose an innovative method to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using isothermal amplification of nucleic acids on a mesh containing multiple microfluidic pores. Hybridization of pathogen DNA and immobilized probes forms a DNA hydrogel by rolling circle amplification and, consequently, blocks the pores to prevent fluid movement, as observed. Following optimization of several factors, including pore size, mesh location, and precision microfluidics, the limit of detection (LOD) for SARS-CoV-2 was determined to be 0.7 aM at 15-min incubation. These results indicate rapid, easy, and effective detection with a moderate-sized LOD of the target pathogen by remote point-of-care testing and without the requirement of any sophisticated device.
Collapse
|
43
|
Build a Sustainable Vaccines Industry with Synthetic Biology. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:866-874. [PMID: 33431228 PMCID: PMC7834237 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The vaccines industry has not changed appreciably in decades regarding technology, and has struggled to remain viable, with large companies withdrawing from production. Meanwhile, there has been no let-up in outbreaks of viral disease, at a time when the biopharmaceuticals industry is discussing downsizing. The distributed manufacturing model aligns well with this, and the advent of synthetic biology promises much in terms of vaccine design. Biofoundries separate design from manufacturing, a hallmark of modern engineering. Once designed in a biofoundry, digital code can be transferred to a small-scale manufacturing facility close to the point of care, rather than physically transferring cold-chain-dependent vaccine. Thus, biofoundries and distributed manufacturing have the potential to open up a new era of biomanufacturing, one based on digital biology and information systems. This seems a better model for tackling future outbreaks and pandemics.
Collapse
|
44
|
Clarke L. Synthetic biology, engineering biology, market expectation. ENGINEERING BIOLOGY 2020; 4:33-36. [PMID: 36968158 PMCID: PMC9996698 DOI: 10.1049/enb.2020.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
'Engineering biology' is being increasingly adopted as a term by organisations that seek to deliver benefits from 'synthetic biology'. However, are 'engineering biology' and 'synthetic biology' different words with the same meaning or do they signal important differences? By observing how these two terms are currently being described and applied in practice, it is possible to differentiate the two whilst also acknowledging significant overlaps and complementarity. Increasing adoption of the term 'engineering biology' reflects the maturing of synthetic biology since the early years of this century from a research concept to a technological platform that is facilitating the delivery of commercial products and services. The term 'synthetic biology' retains a strong association with its original goal to help make biology engineerable, a challenge that will inevitably continue to stimulate research for decades to come as ever more complex and demanding systems are tackled. In comparison, the term 'engineering biology' relates more commonly to the utilisation of the synthetic biology platform alongside other related technologies to deliver effective solutions in response to increasing market challenges and expectations.
Collapse
|
45
|
Holland I, Davies JA. Automation in the Life Science Research Laboratory. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:571777. [PMID: 33282848 PMCID: PMC7691657 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.571777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Protocols in the academic life science laboratory are heavily reliant on the manual manipulation of tools, reagents and instruments by a host of research staff and students. In contrast to industrial and clinical laboratory environments, the usage of automation to augment or replace manual tasks is limited. Causes of this 'automation gap' are unique to academic research, with rigid short-term funding structures, high levels of protocol variability and a benevolent culture of investment in people over equipment. Automation, however, can bestow multiple benefits through improvements in reproducibility, researcher efficiency, clinical translation, and safety. Less immediately obvious are the accompanying limitations, including obsolescence and an inhibitory effect on the freedom to innovate. Growing the range of automation options suitable for research laboratories will require more flexible, modular and cheaper designs. Academic and commercial developers of automation will increasingly need to design with an environmental awareness and an understanding that large high-tech robotic solutions may not be appropriate for laboratories with constrained financial and spatial resources. To fully exploit the potential of laboratory automation, future generations of scientists will require both engineering and biology skills. Automation in the research laboratory is likely to be an increasingly critical component of future research programs and will continue the trend of combining engineering and science expertise together to answer novel research questions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian Holland
- Deanery of Biomedical Science and Synthsys Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|