Biotechnology, Immunology & Pharmaceuticals


Highly Effi cient Synthetic mRNAs


Amsbio announces the launch of a new service for synthesis of custom-designed, highly modified mRNAs prepared by an advantageous in vitro transcription methodology.


Traditional approaches for engineering changes in cellular expression profiles have employed mostly DNA or RNA based viral and non- viral vectors. Unfortunately, these methods carry high risks, due to genomic integration with permanent genetic alteration of cells, and safety and ethical concerns relating to the use of DNA-based vectors in human clinical therapy. Using in vitro synthesised mRNAs offers an advantage if these crucial permanent changes are not needed and the associated problems can be avoided if transient gene expression changes are sufficient or even an advantage.


Until recently concerns about RNA degradation problems have halted widespread use. Recent advances in the availability of synthetic mRNAs (syn-mRNAs) prepared using in vitro transcription methodologies has increased confidence in working with syn-mRNAs.


The Amsbio custom synthetic mRNA service uses Ψ-containing mRNA which is translated more efficiently than its unmodified counterpart, which results in higher protein expression and also reduces the innate antiviral response. The new Amsbio service includes: synthesis of synthetic DNA, plasmid cloning, purification, full DNA sequencing documentation, PCR amplification of insert, purification and subsequent RNA synthesis by in vitro transcription, purification and characterisation. Amsbio synthetic mRNA is made to research grade for development applications and to GMP grade for cell therapy.


Dr Dusko Ilic, Reader in Stem Cell Science at Kings College London Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine commented: “ I am pleased to see Amsbio are launching an IVT mRNA service.” He added: “An ideal reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) would utilise genome non-integrating vector systems. Among several available on the market today, I believe that modified synthetic mRNA, as offered by Amsbio, is the best. It is safe, easy to work with and the reprogramming efficiency is reasonably high. Although the reprogramming protocol with mRNA may seem more laborious than others, it is quite the opposite. The iPSC lines can be used right away - reprogramming and pluripotency marker characterisation of single clones can be done in a month, whereas other genome non-integrating vector systems require extensive passaging before the vectors become undetectable and we could start with characterisation.”


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Cell Culture Flask with Removable Microscope Slide Provides Superior Measurements for Fluorescence Applications


Clipmax from TPP is a 10cm2 tissue flask with a standard microscope slide (25mm x 75 mm) as a growing surface. It is intended for cell culture, staining, and immunofluorescence as it does not interfere with fluorescent labels-directly on the slide. It is also useful for viral and mycoplasma testing, chromosome studies toxicity tests and immune cytology. The growth area of the slide is opto-mechanically treated for an optimal cell adhesion and proliferation.


After the cell culture the medium chamber with the biocompatible seal ring can easily be detached from the slide. Cells may then be fixed, stained; cover slipped, and filed with the usual convenience and can be used directly for microscopic view. After removing the chamber of the Clipmax, the microscope slide with the cells can be fixed and stained directly on the microscope slide and can be used directly for immunocytochemistry and for various cell analyses. The transmission of the crystal-clear microscope slide is reported to be possible as of 250nm with a tailing at 280-300nm and stable between 350–400nm until plus 750nm (+92% transmission within 400-800nm). The fluoroscopic measurements are better than with glass, PC, or PS and the protein absorption is less than using glass slides. The thermal and optical features of the Clipmax slide are better than those made from PC, PET or TAC and in addition the slide


is resistant to numerous chemicals such as Xylolite, alcohol, ether, (HCl, HNO3, H2SO4), (NaOH, NH4OH) or even H2O2. Also, biological coatings, i.g. with collagen, result in no loss of measuring signals. Finally, the handling of the Clipmax slide is much easier because there is no risk of injury, as it is plastic and not glass.


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New Ebola Virus Monoclonal Antibodies Ebola virus causes severe haemorrhagic fever with a high


fatality rate. Recent outbreaks occurred during 2013- 2015 in West Africa. Human-to-human transmission is through contact with body fluids. Several strains of the virus have emerged including the Zaire, Sudan and Bundi strains. The natural reservoir of this RNA virus is thought to be bats.


ViroStat has introduced new sets of monoclonal antibodies to two of the significant antigens of this virus; Nucleoprotein (NP) and VP40. These antibodies function in ELISA and western blot with both the Zaire and Sudan antigen sequences. As such, they offer powerful tools for the development of rapid immunoassays to aid in the detection of this virus.


Go to www.virostat-inc.com to download the data sheets of these new antibodies.


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Collaboration to Advance Biomanufacturing Technologies for Crop Protection Products Announced


Ingenza has reached a major technical milestone with Syngenta in their collaboration to develop efficient manufacturing technologies for innovative crop protection products. Ingenza’s leadership in industrial biotechnology and synthetic biology has been validated by this application of key microbial gene maintenance and expression technologies which will now be further developed by Syngenta. The collaboration capitalises on Ingenza’s proprietary inABLE suite of capabilities in gene expression, microbial strain improvement and bioprocess scale up.


Dr Ian Fotheringham, Managing Director at Ingenza said “We are delighted by the results of our collaboration with Syngenta. Ingenza’s innovative technologies add significant value to further support Syngenta’s leading position in agricultural biotechnology. Ingenza looks forward to establishing an exceptional partnership with Syngenta, working together to enhance global agriculture and food security.


Dr Paul Oeller, Head of Technology Acquisition at Syngenta said “There are significant challenges associated with finding new technologies to feed the world’s population and we are always looking to work with external technology providers to achieve these goals. It has been a pleasure working with the Ingenza team. The collaborative and innovative culture shared between the Ingenza and Syngenta teams has made this collaboration a success. We are excited about the next phase of work to further evaluate the technology.”


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