ABSTRACT
Abstract: Virus-based biopesticides are effective biocontrol agents of crop insect pests. Development of suitable formulations and production processes are necessary to obtain high-quality products easily adopted by farmers. A detailed unit operation study was carried out for the production process of a Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus-based biopesticide to control the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta, one of the most important pests affecting this crop. Physicochemical, microbiological, and insecticidal parameters were implemented in the process and applied to the finished product, and a scaling strategy was developed. A Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (Q-PCR) technique was implemented to quantify viral concentrations in the active ingredient (5.34 ± 1.44 x109 Occlusion Bodies mL-1) and in the finished product (>1.6x109 OB mL-1), without contaminant interferences. The Q-PCR methodology was also useful to select the appropriate solid mixing time following Lacey´s mixing index (8 min). Factors and similarity principles influencing the liquid mixing process were identified in the scaling evaluation. Furthermore, the drying kinetics analysis enabled identifying a drying temperature of 35 °C, with an efficacy under controlled conditions higher than 97%. Contaminant concentration was lower than 1%, indicating controlled and aseptic formulation process conditions. A simple statistical method was used to estimate the reproducibility and repeatability of the parameters assessed in the finished product. These results enable to establish and extrapolate important parameters in the standardization, scale-up, and quality control for the granulovirus-based biopesticide.
ABSTRACT
Como parte de la Guia de atencion integral para la prevencion, deteccion temprana y tratamiento de las complicaciones del embarazo, desarrollada y financiada por el Departamento de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacion, Colciencias, y el Ministerio de Salud y Proteccion Social de Colombia, se seleccionó a la infeccion por Toxoplasma para el desarrollo de recomendaciones para su prevencion, diagnostico y tratamiento. La infeccion por Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) durante el embarazo puede resultar en graves complicaciones para el feto y dejar importantes secuelas al recien nacido. Se realizo una guia basada en la mejor evidencia disponible en la literatura cientifica, con especial pertinencia a la informacion colombiana. Un consenso de expertos en parasitologia, ginecologia, neonatologia e infectologia, tanto de adultos como pediatrica, desarrollo las recomendaciones. Se propone que las recomendaciones de esta guia de atencion integral sean utilizadas por los profesionales de salud de los programas de atencion del embarazo del pais con el fin de disminuir la morbilidad y mortalidad atribuible a esta enfermedad. Se formulan recomendaciones especificas para el diagnostico desde el primer trimestre, consejos de prevencion en las mujeres no infectadas, identificacion de la infeccion del feto o del recien nacido y recomendaciones de tratamiento en estos escenarios.
Toxoplasma infection, an aspect included in the Integral Care Guidelines for prevention, early detection and treatment of complications during pregnancy developed and sponsored by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Colciencias and the Ministry of Health and Social Protection; was selected to develop recommendations that may contribute to its prevention diagnostic and treatment. Guidelines were developed through systematic review of literature, two panels of evaluation, gradation of evidence: SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network), discussion panel with users and patients, external evaluation and socioeconomical evaluation of the impact of recommendations. The Toxoplasma gondii infection that occurs during pregnancy may cause serious complications for the fetus and important sequelae for the newborn. A clinical guideline based on the best available scientific evidence, with emphasis on Colombian references, was performed. Experts in parasitology, neonatology and infectious diseases (adult and pediatric) developed the recommendations. It is suggested that the recommendations included in this guideline be followed by healthcare professionals in pregnancy care programs nationwide, with the purpose of lowering the morbidity and mortality related to this disease. Specific recommendations for diagnosis during the first trimester of the pregnancy, recommendations for prevention in noninfected women, identification of fetal or newborn infection and recommendations for treatment in those given cases are included.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications , Preventive Health Services , Guideline , Primary Prevention , Toxoplasma , ToxoplasmosisABSTRACT
A Colombian Spodoptera frugiperda nucleopolyhedrovirus NPV003 with high potential for the development of an efficient biopesticide was microencapsulated by spray drying with a pH dependent polymer (Eudragit® S100). Conditions for microparticles production were standardized and microencapsulation process was validated. Physical properties, insecticide activity and photo-stability of microencapsulated virus were determined. The microparticles were spherical and irregular shaped, with sizes between 17.64 and 19.47 µm. Moisture content was 10.38 ± 0.87%; encapsulation efficiency 84.61± 13.09% and process yield was 91.20 ± 6.40%. Microencapsulation process did not affect viral insecticidal activity and provided efficient protection against UVB radiation. Results demonstrated technological feasibility of spray drying process to be used in formulating a biopesticide based on NPV003.