Biotechnology Journal

Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent influenza epidemics, a significant public health concern. The need for annual updates and the threat of pandemics imposes efforts for the development of new bioprocesses as well as improved analytical tools. We developed a label-free method for influenza virus-like particle (VLP) quantification using sialic acid receptors where the need for erythrocytes and antibodies is eliminated. This universal quantification method is suitable for a plethora of groups and strains, mono or multivalent, and can be applied to all in-process samples, being a valuable tool to speed up influenza bioprocess development.

Polysome profiling is a technique that utilizes sucrose gradient separation to investigate mRNA translation and protein synthesis by looking at ribosomal loading onto mRNAs. Here polysome profiling of model host and recombinant monoclonal antibody producing CHO cell lines reveals differences in the amounts of polysomes early in batch culture and a shift from polysomes to sub-polysomes across cell lines.

In order to address the transfer limits in bone tissue engineering, the study developed a novel process to fabricate pre-vascularized modular bone tissues composed of microcarriers, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and endothelial cells (ECs). Within 4-week culture in spinner flasks, the cocultured microtissues are highly viable with angiogenic and osteogenic properties in vitro. The study offers a practical regenerative strategy for clinical bone defect treatment.

One of the key elements of cellular therapies is the process of banking cells. Traditionally, cells are frozen in aqueous suspensions at −196°C, which leads to low quality and viability of cells. To prevent cellular damage from ice crystals and toxicity of cryoprotectants, the authors propose the encapsulation of cells in the internal droplets of water-in-oil-in-water emulsions before freezing-thawing processes.