Recent Patents on Biotechnology - Volume 18, Issue 4, 2024

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer with a high rate of metastases, a short overall survival time, and a poor response to targeted therapy. Improving tumor hypoxia by lowering the oxygen consumption rate of breast tumor cells is a powerful strategy. A viable way to address this issue is to improve therapeutic efficacy by improving the effectiveness of radiation and overcoming drug resistance in TNBC treatment by controlling hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment. The failure of radiation and chemotherapy in TNBC is frequently caused by hypoxia. In TNBC therapy, novel nanomaterials are used for oxygen delivery or generation to affect the tumor microenvironment to improve the effects of ionizing radiation using nanoplatforms. One of the growing fields is novel nano-based drug delivery devices for hypoxic regions and hypoxia- inducible factor-1 (HIF1) targeted therapeutics. Biocompatible nanoparticles may be used in the treatment of TNBC patients in the clinic. Because of the rising market and competition, intellectual property rights (IPR), patents, and tactics may be critically considered. To better comprehend the current state of IPR and patents in cancer nanotechnology, this overview examines recent advances and sophisticated protection measures in this area.

Actinomycetes are present in various terrestrial and aquatic habitats, predominantly in the soil rhizosphere, encompassing marine and freshwater ecosystems. These microorganisms exhibit characteristics that resemble both bacteria and fungi. Numerous actinomycetes exhibit a mycelial existence and undergo significant morphological transformations. These bacteria are widely recognized as biotechnologically significant microorganisms utilized for the production of secondary metabolites. In all, over 45% of all bioactive microbial metabolites are produced by actinomycetes, which are responsible for producing around 10,000 of them. The majority of actinomycetes exhibit substantial saprophytic characteristics in their natural environment, enabling them to effectively decompose a diverse range of plant and animal waste materials during the process of decomposition. Additionally, these organisms possess a sophisticated secondary metabolic system, which enables them to synthesize almost two-thirds of all naturally occurring antibiotics. Moreover, they can create a diverse array of chemical compounds with medical or agricultural applications, including anticancer, antiparasitic, and antibacterial agents. This review aims to provide an overview of the prominent biotechnological domains in which actinobacteria and their metabolites demonstrate noteworthy applicability. The graphical abstract provides a preview of the primary sections covered in this review. This paper presents a comprehensive examination of the biotechnological applications and metabolites of actinobacteria, highlighting their potential for patent innovations.

DNA is a remarkably precise medium for copying and storing biological information. It serves as a design for cellular machinery that permits cells, organs, and even whole organisms to work. The fidelity of DNA replication results from the action of hundreds of genes involved in proofreading and damage repair. All human cells can acquire genetic changes in their DNA all over life. Genetic mutations are changes to the DNA sequence that happen during cell division when the cells make copies of themselves. Mutations in the DNA can cause genetic illnesses such as cancer, or they could help humans better adapt to their environment over time. The endogenous reactive metabolites, therapeutic medicines, and an excess of environmental mutagens, such as UV rays all continuously damage DNA, compromising its integrity. One or more chromosomal alterations and point mutations at a single site (monogenic mutation) including deletions, duplications, and inversions illustrate such DNA mutations. Genetic conditions can occur when an altered gene is inherited from parents, which increases the risk of developing that particular condition, or some gene alterations can happen randomly. Moreover, symptoms of genetic conditions depend on which gene has a mutation. There are many different diseases and conditions caused by mutations. Some of the most common genetic conditions are Alzheimer's disease, some cancers, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, and sickle cell disease. Interestingly, scientists find that DNA mutations are more common than formerly thought. This review outlines the main DNA mutations that occur along the human genome and their influence on human health. The subject of patents pertaining to DNA mutations and genetic disorders has been brought up.

Background: Since the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020, researchers and studies are continuing to find drugs and/or vaccines against the disease. As shown before, medicinal plants can be very good sources against viruses because of their secondary compounds which may cure diseases and help in survival of patients. There is a growing trend in the filed patents in this field. Aims: In the present study, we test and suggest the inhibitory potential of five herbal based extracts including 7α-acetoxyroyleanone, Curzerene, Incensole, Harmaline, and Cannabidiol with antivirus activity on the models of the significant antiviral targets for COVID-19 like spike glycoprotein, Papain-like protease (PLpro), non-structural protein 15 (NSP15), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and core protease by molecular docking study. Methods: The Salvia rythida root was extracted, dried, and pulverized by a milling machine. The aqueous phase and the dichloromethane phase of the root extractive were separated by two-phase extraction using a separatory funnel. The separation was performed using the column chromatography method. The model of the important antivirus drug target of COVID-19 was obtained from the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and modified. TO study the binding difference between the studied molecules, the docking study was performed. Results: These herbal compounds are extracted from Salvia rhytidea, Curcuma zeodaria, Frankincense, Peganum harmala, and Cannabis herbs, respectively. The binding energies of all compounds on COVID-19 main targets are located in the limited area of 2.22-5.30 kcal/mol. This range of binding energies can support our hypothesis for the presence of the inhibitory effects of the secondary metabolites of mentioned structures on COVID-19. Generally, among the investigated herbal structures, Cannabidiol and 7α- acetoxyroyleanone compounds with the highest binding energy have the most inhibitory potential. The least inhibitory effects are related to the Curzerene and Incensole structures by the lowest binding affinity. Conclusion: The general arrangement of the basis of the potential barrier of binding energies is in the order below: Cannabidiol > 7α-acetoxyroyleanone > Harmaline> Incensole > Curzerene. Finally, the range of docking scores for investigated herbal compounds on the mentioned targets indicates that the probably inhibitory effects on these targets obey the following order: main protease> RNA-dependent RNA polymerase> PLpro> NSP15> spike glycoprotein.

Background: Cancer is a leading cause of death and a significant public health issue worldwide. Standard treatment methods such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery are only sometimes effective. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches are needed for cancer treatment. Sea anemone actinoporins are pore-forming toxins (PFTs) with membranolytic activities. RTX-A is a type of PFT that interacts with membrane phospholipids, resulting in pore formation. The synthesis of recombinant proteins in a secretory form has several advantages, including protein solubility and easy purification. In this study, we aimed to discover suitable signal peptides for producing RTX-A in Bacillus subtilis in a secretory form. Methods: Signal peptides were selected from the Signal Peptide Web Server. The probability and secretion pathways of the selected signal peptides were evaluated using the SignalP server. ProtParam and Protein-sol were used to predict the physico-chemical properties and solubility. AlgPred was used to predict the allergenicity of RTX-A linked to suitable signal peptides. Non-allergenic, stable, and soluble signal peptides fused to proteins were chosen, and their secondary and tertiary structures were predicted using GOR IV and I-TASSER, respectively. The PROCHECK server performed the validation of 3D structures. Results: According to bioinformatics analysis, the fusion forms of OSMY_ECOLI and MALE_ECOLI linked to RTX-A were identified as suitable signal peptides. The final proteins with signal peptides were stable, soluble, and non-allergenic for the human body. Moreover, they had appropriate secondary and tertiary structures. Conclusion: The signal above peptides appears ideal for rationalizing secretory and soluble RTX-A. Therefore, the signal peptides found in this study should be further investigated through experimental researches and patents.

Background: There are patents available related to fermented food and beverages which enhance to human health. Citrus limetta (Mosambi) has a high content of flavonoids and exhibits antioxidant activity, which could stimulate the digestive system and be useful for gastroprotective activity. It supports digestion by neutralizing the acidic digestive juices and reducing gastric acidity. Objective: This study explored the potential of using waste peel extract from Citrus limetta to prevent ulcers. The study specifically sought to assess the anti-ulcer properties of fermented and non-fermented extracts and compare them. Further, the study looked at the potential benefits of treating or preventing ulcers with Citrus limetta waste peels and whether fermentation affected the efficacy of the treatment. Methods: Thirty female Wistar albino rats were equally distributed into five different groups. Group 1 received distilled water (20 ml/kg/b.w); Group 2 received indomethacin (mg/kg/b.w); Group 3 received omeprazole (20 mg/kg/b.w); Group 4 received aqueous extract of Mosambi peel (400 mg/kg/b.w) and Group 5 received fermented product of extract of Mosambi peel (400 mg/kg/b.w). Results: Findings explored that, compared to non-fermented citrus fruit juice, biofermented exhibited less gastric volume (1.58 ± 0.10 ml vs. 1.8 ± 0.14 ml), reduced MDA levels (355.23 ± 100.70 μmol/mg protein vs. 454.49 ± 155.88 μmol/mg protein), and low ulcer index (0.49 ± 0.07 vs. 0.72 ± 0.14). Conclusion: The results suggest that the bio-fermented product of Citrus limetta peel has better anti-ulcer potential against peptic ulcer induced by indomethacin in Wistar albino rats compared to non-fermented.