Analysis and optimization of the cationic lipid component of a lipid/peptide vector formulation for enhanced transfection in vitro and in vivo.

We have previously described a lipopolyplex formulation comprising a mixture of a cationic peptide with an integrin-targeting motif (K16GACRRETAWACG) and Lipofectin, a liposome consisting of DOTMA and DOPE in a 1:1 ratio. The high transfection efficiency of the mixture involved a synergistic interaction between the lipid/peptide components. The aim of this study was to substitute the lipid component of the lipopolyplex to optimize transfection further and to seek information on the structure-activity relationship of the lipids in the lipopolyplex. Symmetrical cationic lipids with diether linkages that varied in alkyl chain length were formulated into liposomes and then incorporated into a lipopolyplex by mixing with an integrin-targeting peptide and plasmid DNA. Luciferase transfections were performed of airway epithelial cells and fibroblasts in vitro and murine lung airways in vivo. The biophysical properties of lipid structures and liposome formulations and their potential effects on bilayer membrane fluidity were determined by differential scanning calorimetry and calcein-release assays. Shortening the alkyl tail from C18 to C16 or C14 enhanced lipopolyplex and lipoplex transfection in vitro but with differing effects. The addition of DOPE enhanced transfection when formulated into liposomes with saturated lipids but was more variable in its effects with unsaturated lipids. A substantial improvement in transfection efficacy was seen in murine lung transfection with unsaturated lipids with 16 carbon alkyl tails. The optimal liposome components of lipopolyplex and lipoplex vary and represent a likely compromise between their differing structural and functional requirements for complex formation and endosomal membrane destabilization.

Impact of process conditions on the centrifugal recovery of a disabled herpes simplex virus.

Despite continuous improvements in culturing and recovery techniques, high-titer stocks of purified disabled herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1 DIS) vector for drug discovery and use in preclinical and clinical trials are currently difficult to achieve. Efforts to improve their centrifugal recovery have been addressed in this paper. The operation of a swing-out centrifuge rotor was assessed, and its operational conditions were defined for the recovery of viable HSV-1 DIS. 80% virus recovery was achieved after 90 min at 26000g. The 20% loss of virus was attributed to damage to the viral envelope by overcompaction of the pellet and impaction with the base of the centrifuge tube. Virus recovery was increased by a further 10% by using a fixed-angle centrifuge rotor operating at 26000g. Plaque assays of recovered HSV-1 DIS gave values on the order of 10(6) pfu/mL, compared to values typically above 10(9) pfu/mL obtained for the replication-competent HSV-1 viron.

Accelerated design of bioconversion processes using automated microscale processing techniques.

Microscale processing techniques are rapidly emerging as a means to increase the speed of bioprocess design and reduce material requirements. Automation of these techniques can reduce labour intensity and enable a wider range of process variables to be examined. This article examines recent research on various individual microscale unit operations including microbial fermentation, bioconversion and product recovery techniques. It also explores the potential of automated whole process sequences operated in microwell formats. The power of the whole process approach is illustrated by reference to a particular bioconversion, namely the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of bicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-6-one for the production of optically pure lactones.