Biotechnology Journal
Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 2–3
DOI 10.1002/biot.201300522
www.biotechnology-journal.com
Editorial: Latest methods and advances in biotechnology
T
he “Biotech Methods and Advances” special issue has been an annual feature of Biotechnology Journal since 2007 – and every year, we receive numerous enquiries and submissions to the special issue. In our latest offering, we include 15 papers that either report a novel method or provide state-of-the-art reviews on specific topics relevant to biotechnologists. Whenever we speak of biofuels, often the discussion is overshadowed by the somewhat out-of-date food-versus-fuel debate. While indeed, the first generation of biofuels used corn glucose or sugarcane sucrose, the second generation biofuels use lignocellulosic biomass, which does not compete with food sources. There has always been a quest for better carbon substrate that has the least possible impact on our food system and land use. In this issue, Harun and colleagues [1] review technologies that can be used in the pretreatment of algal biomass as an alternative feedstock and subsequent fermentation steps, and report critical assessment of their applicability to bioethanol production. In biorefinery research, microbial tolerance to toxic products and those chemicals present in biomass hydrolysates is an important challenge to overcome. Zhu and colleagues [2] report a novel adaptive evolutionary strategy based on stress-induced mutagenesis using non-dividing cells, which allowed isolation of various Escherichia coli mutants that are tolerant to solvent, salt, and high temperature. Plasmid DNA have been used as an essential material in many molecular biology research studies, and are in even more demand in the era of synthetic biology. In particular, the rapid and convenient preparation of high quality plasmid DNA is needed for numerous high-throughput
2
synthetic and molecular biological studies. Grunzel and colleagues [3] report a protocol that allows for easier and more rapid preparation of plasmid DNA with consistent quality at a higher final DNA concentration. Proteases are important industrial enzymes and also are invaluable tools in biological and biotechnological research. Sandersjöö and colleagues [4] report a method for the assessment of site-specific proteolysis, which will be useful for protease substrate identification and also for evolving proteases towards improved or new functions. ...this special issue is a prime example of how fast biotechnology is progressing and how it has become an integral part of many industrial processes... During microbial bioprocess operations, the heterogeneity of microbial populations can be an issue as it can affect the overall productivity. Delvigne and Goffin [5] review our current understanding on microbial heterogeneity affecting bioprocess robustness, which is not well understood. The authors review approaches based on flow cytometry and labon-a-chip technologies for monitoring microbial heterogeneity. In addition to microbes, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are one of the most important expression systems for numerous therapeutic proteins (for more studies on CHO cells, see the latest special issue on the topic in Biotechnology and Bioengineering [6]). In our current special issue, we have two papers on CHO cells. Since endogenous host cell proteins are also excreted, they need to be removed from the desired product. Valente and colleagues [7] report the development of optimized proto-
cols that improve proteome capture for such host cell proteins. Therapeutic glycoproteins often require a high degree of sialyation for better circulatory half-life. Goh and colleagues [8] report a strategy for engineering and cultivation of CHO cells for the production of highly sialyated recombinant human erythropoietin in a large-scale perfusion bioreactor. Microorganisms and mammalian cells are not the only ones that can be used for the production of valuable recombinant proteins. Brito da Cunha and colleagues [9] review the state-of-the-art in employing transgenic plants for the production of recombinant cytokines and suggest upcoming challenges and perspectives (for readers interested in plant biotechnology, see our latest special issue dedicated to the topic [10]). Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is another area in which biotechnologists are becoming more and more involved (see also our latest special issue “Strategies in Tissue Engineering” [11]). For example, physical forces and chemical concentration gradients play important roles in determining the proper physiology of cells and tissue in vivo. Thus, there has been much interest in developing cell culture systems that mimic such in vivo physicochemical conditions. Vozzi and colleagues [12] report the results of their studies on the effects of hydrostatic pressure and shear stress on endothelial cells in bioreactors, in particular by studying the release of endothelin-1 and nitric oxide. It was found that two hemodynamic forces acting on blood vessels affect endothelial cell function differently. Everyone will agree that blood transfusion has played an essential role in many medical practices. However, the inadequate blood supply and the potential problems associated with the quality of the donat-
© 2014 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Biotechnology Journal
Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 2–3 www.biotecvisions.com
www.biotechnology-journal.com
ed blood continue to be a source of concern. Towards the goal of producing red blood cells at a competitive cost, Rousseau and colleagues [13] review technical challenges in the large-scale production of red blood cells from stem cells. Studying human physiology and pathophysiology has relied on the use of purified biomolecules, cultured cells, or model organisms – all of which have their relative drawbacks. Yum and colleagues [14] review the status of “organs-on-chips” technology, which allow the reproduction of physiologically relevant features of organs and organ-organ interactions in our body. Several challenges in healthcare include rapid and inexpensive diagnosis of pathogens overcoming microbial resistance to existing drugs as well as development of novel drug delivery systems. Related to these, Stromberg and colleagues [15] report the development of a magnetic nanobead-based bioassay platform, which allows sensitive detection of single and biplex bacterial DNA. Aleinein and colleagues [16] report the production of a secreted cationic antimicrobial peptide using Pichia pastoris, and its use against E. coli and multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Misak and colleagues [17] report the development of a novel drug delivery system that incorporates human serum albumin, PLGA, magnetite nanoparticles, and therapeutic agents for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, and skin and break cancer. Notably, increasing the albumin content in the drug delivery system improved cell viability. Understanding structural, mechanical, chemical and surface properties is important in the design and fabrication of (bio)materials. Kainz and colleagues [18] provide a comprehensive review on the use of
atomic force microscopy, fluorescence optical microscopy and other spectroscopic techniques for the characterization of biomaterial and cellular properties. Advancement of scientific progress is inevitably connected with the development of new methodology. This special issue on methods is a prime example of how fast biotechnology is progressing and how it has become an integral prt of almost all industrial areas. Progress has been achieved by new methods to engineer cells, to improve in vitro cell assays, to improve bioprocesses, and to obtain an insight into biology on a molecular level. This special issue provides an excellent overview on the latest methodologies.
Prof. Sang Yup Lee Co-Editor-in-Chief Biotechnology Journal E-mail: [email protected]
Sang Yup Lee and Alois Jungbauer
[7] Valente, K. N. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 87–99. [8] Goh, J. S. Y. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 100–109. [9] Brito da Cunha, N. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 39–50. [10] Stoger, E., Biotechnol. J. 2013, 8, 11221123. [11] Schenke-Layland, K., Walles, H., Biotechnol. J. 2013, 8, 278-279. [12] Vozzi, F. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 148–156. [13] Rousseau, G. F. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 28–38. [14] Yum, K. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 16–27. [15] Strömberg, M. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 139–147. [16] Aleinein, A. B. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 110–119. [17] Misak, H. E. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 165–172. [18] Kainz, B. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 51–60.
Prof. Alois Jungbauer Co-Editor-in-Chief Biotechnology Journal E-mail: [email protected]
References [1] Harun, R. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 73–86. [2] Zhu, L. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 120–127. [3] Grunzel, P. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 128–138. [4] Sandersjöö, L. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 157–164. [5] Delvigne, F., Goffin, P., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 61–72. [6] Betenbaugh, M. J. et al., (editors), Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012, 109, 1353-1599.
© 2014 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
3
Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 2–3
DOI 10.1002/biot.201300522
www.biotechnology-journal.com
Editorial: Latest methods and advances in biotechnology
T
he “Biotech Methods and Advances” special issue has been an annual feature of Biotechnology Journal since 2007 – and every year, we receive numerous enquiries and submissions to the special issue. In our latest offering, we include 15 papers that either report a novel method or provide state-of-the-art reviews on specific topics relevant to biotechnologists. Whenever we speak of biofuels, often the discussion is overshadowed by the somewhat out-of-date food-versus-fuel debate. While indeed, the first generation of biofuels used corn glucose or sugarcane sucrose, the second generation biofuels use lignocellulosic biomass, which does not compete with food sources. There has always been a quest for better carbon substrate that has the least possible impact on our food system and land use. In this issue, Harun and colleagues [1] review technologies that can be used in the pretreatment of algal biomass as an alternative feedstock and subsequent fermentation steps, and report critical assessment of their applicability to bioethanol production. In biorefinery research, microbial tolerance to toxic products and those chemicals present in biomass hydrolysates is an important challenge to overcome. Zhu and colleagues [2] report a novel adaptive evolutionary strategy based on stress-induced mutagenesis using non-dividing cells, which allowed isolation of various Escherichia coli mutants that are tolerant to solvent, salt, and high temperature. Plasmid DNA have been used as an essential material in many molecular biology research studies, and are in even more demand in the era of synthetic biology. In particular, the rapid and convenient preparation of high quality plasmid DNA is needed for numerous high-throughput
2
synthetic and molecular biological studies. Grunzel and colleagues [3] report a protocol that allows for easier and more rapid preparation of plasmid DNA with consistent quality at a higher final DNA concentration. Proteases are important industrial enzymes and also are invaluable tools in biological and biotechnological research. Sandersjöö and colleagues [4] report a method for the assessment of site-specific proteolysis, which will be useful for protease substrate identification and also for evolving proteases towards improved or new functions. ...this special issue is a prime example of how fast biotechnology is progressing and how it has become an integral part of many industrial processes... During microbial bioprocess operations, the heterogeneity of microbial populations can be an issue as it can affect the overall productivity. Delvigne and Goffin [5] review our current understanding on microbial heterogeneity affecting bioprocess robustness, which is not well understood. The authors review approaches based on flow cytometry and labon-a-chip technologies for monitoring microbial heterogeneity. In addition to microbes, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are one of the most important expression systems for numerous therapeutic proteins (for more studies on CHO cells, see the latest special issue on the topic in Biotechnology and Bioengineering [6]). In our current special issue, we have two papers on CHO cells. Since endogenous host cell proteins are also excreted, they need to be removed from the desired product. Valente and colleagues [7] report the development of optimized proto-
cols that improve proteome capture for such host cell proteins. Therapeutic glycoproteins often require a high degree of sialyation for better circulatory half-life. Goh and colleagues [8] report a strategy for engineering and cultivation of CHO cells for the production of highly sialyated recombinant human erythropoietin in a large-scale perfusion bioreactor. Microorganisms and mammalian cells are not the only ones that can be used for the production of valuable recombinant proteins. Brito da Cunha and colleagues [9] review the state-of-the-art in employing transgenic plants for the production of recombinant cytokines and suggest upcoming challenges and perspectives (for readers interested in plant biotechnology, see our latest special issue dedicated to the topic [10]). Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is another area in which biotechnologists are becoming more and more involved (see also our latest special issue “Strategies in Tissue Engineering” [11]). For example, physical forces and chemical concentration gradients play important roles in determining the proper physiology of cells and tissue in vivo. Thus, there has been much interest in developing cell culture systems that mimic such in vivo physicochemical conditions. Vozzi and colleagues [12] report the results of their studies on the effects of hydrostatic pressure and shear stress on endothelial cells in bioreactors, in particular by studying the release of endothelin-1 and nitric oxide. It was found that two hemodynamic forces acting on blood vessels affect endothelial cell function differently. Everyone will agree that blood transfusion has played an essential role in many medical practices. However, the inadequate blood supply and the potential problems associated with the quality of the donat-
© 2014 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Biotechnology Journal
Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 2–3 www.biotecvisions.com
www.biotechnology-journal.com
ed blood continue to be a source of concern. Towards the goal of producing red blood cells at a competitive cost, Rousseau and colleagues [13] review technical challenges in the large-scale production of red blood cells from stem cells. Studying human physiology and pathophysiology has relied on the use of purified biomolecules, cultured cells, or model organisms – all of which have their relative drawbacks. Yum and colleagues [14] review the status of “organs-on-chips” technology, which allow the reproduction of physiologically relevant features of organs and organ-organ interactions in our body. Several challenges in healthcare include rapid and inexpensive diagnosis of pathogens overcoming microbial resistance to existing drugs as well as development of novel drug delivery systems. Related to these, Stromberg and colleagues [15] report the development of a magnetic nanobead-based bioassay platform, which allows sensitive detection of single and biplex bacterial DNA. Aleinein and colleagues [16] report the production of a secreted cationic antimicrobial peptide using Pichia pastoris, and its use against E. coli and multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Misak and colleagues [17] report the development of a novel drug delivery system that incorporates human serum albumin, PLGA, magnetite nanoparticles, and therapeutic agents for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, and skin and break cancer. Notably, increasing the albumin content in the drug delivery system improved cell viability. Understanding structural, mechanical, chemical and surface properties is important in the design and fabrication of (bio)materials. Kainz and colleagues [18] provide a comprehensive review on the use of
atomic force microscopy, fluorescence optical microscopy and other spectroscopic techniques for the characterization of biomaterial and cellular properties. Advancement of scientific progress is inevitably connected with the development of new methodology. This special issue on methods is a prime example of how fast biotechnology is progressing and how it has become an integral prt of almost all industrial areas. Progress has been achieved by new methods to engineer cells, to improve in vitro cell assays, to improve bioprocesses, and to obtain an insight into biology on a molecular level. This special issue provides an excellent overview on the latest methodologies.
Prof. Sang Yup Lee Co-Editor-in-Chief Biotechnology Journal E-mail: [email protected]
Sang Yup Lee and Alois Jungbauer
[7] Valente, K. N. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 87–99. [8] Goh, J. S. Y. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 100–109. [9] Brito da Cunha, N. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 39–50. [10] Stoger, E., Biotechnol. J. 2013, 8, 11221123. [11] Schenke-Layland, K., Walles, H., Biotechnol. J. 2013, 8, 278-279. [12] Vozzi, F. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 148–156. [13] Rousseau, G. F. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 28–38. [14] Yum, K. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 16–27. [15] Strömberg, M. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 139–147. [16] Aleinein, A. B. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 110–119. [17] Misak, H. E. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 165–172. [18] Kainz, B. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 51–60.
Prof. Alois Jungbauer Co-Editor-in-Chief Biotechnology Journal E-mail: [email protected]
References [1] Harun, R. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 73–86. [2] Zhu, L. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 120–127. [3] Grunzel, P. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 128–138. [4] Sandersjöö, L. et al., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 157–164. [5] Delvigne, F., Goffin, P., Biotechnol. J. 2014, 9, 61–72. [6] Betenbaugh, M. J. et al., (editors), Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012, 109, 1353-1599.
© 2014 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
3
