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Integrated isolation of antibody fragments from microbial cell culture fluids using supermacroporous cryogels.

The present paper describes a chromatographic capture/purification step for the recovery of proteins directly from undiluted and unclarified cell culture broths using supermacroporous dimethylacrylamide (DMAA) cryogel. The interconnected character and the size (10-100 microm) of the pores of the adsorbent make it possible to process whole cell fermentation broths without blocking the column. Cu2+-iminodiacetic acid (IDA) DMAA cryogel has been used for the isolation and purification of excreted (His)6-tagged single chain (sc) Fv antibody fragments, (His)6-scFv, from E. coli cell culture. Bound protein was recovered with 0.2 M imidazole or with 20 mM EDTA and was practically cell-free. Chromatographic capture using Cu2+-IDA cryogel column was performed at flow rates of 300 and 600 cm/h, respectively and resulted in 84-96% recovery of (His)6-scFv fragments with a purification factor of 13-15. The DMAA cryogel adsorbent is mechanically stable, can withstand harsh cleaning-in-place procedure and is relatively inexpensive. Chromatographic isolation of proteins using cryogels allows efficient removal of cells and can be operated at a flow rate as high as 600 cm/h. This novel technique has proven to be a scalable process, does not require special equipment and can be a good alternative to expanded bed adsorption and other integrated isolation techniques.

Acrylamide↗

Formation of a cryogel during processing of cell-free plasma.

Automated plasmapheresis devices are being integrated into many modern plasma procurement programs. Owing to the use of a different concentration and type of anticoagulant, the recovered plasma differs in pH and citrate levels from that obtained by manual plasmapheresis or whole blood donation. Recently, fractionators noted the recovery of a sticky, gelatinous fraction (cryogel) during thawing of cell-free (CF) plasma, along with reduced recovery of factor VIII:C (FVIII:C) in the cryoprecipitate fraction. Following their manufacturing procedures, it was established that the cryogel fraction of CF plasma is enriched in FVIII:C, fibrinogen, and fibronectin, as compared to cryoprecipitate from CPDA-1 plasma. Cryogel formation was not significantly affected by pH or citrate adjustment of the recovered plasma, by the use of polycarbonate or nylon filter membranes, or by the filter wetting agent polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Furthermore, passage of CPDA-1 plasma through the polycarbonate filter did not alter cryoprecipitate quality. However, cryogel formation from CF plasma was reduced significantly by 1) slow thawing at 4 degrees C rather than quick thawing at 20 and 0 or 20 and 4 degrees C, 2) the use of 1:16.6 sodium citrate rather than 1:12.5 ACD-A, or 3) the addition of intact platelets, platelet lysate, membranes, or cytosol to CF plasma before freezing. The data suggest an important and, indeed, essential role of platelet constituents in the formation of both cryoprecipitate and cryogel during the low-temperature purification of plasma proteins.

Blood Platelets↗

Recovery of urokinase from integrated mammalian cell culture cryogel bioreactor and purification of the enzyme using p-aminobenzamidine affinity chromatography.

An integrated product recovery system was developed to separate urokinase from the cell culture broth of human kidney cells HT1080. Supermacroporous monolithic cryogels provided ideal matrices with respect to surface and flow properties for use as cell culture scaffold as well as for affinity chromatographic capture step of the enzyme in the integrated system. The urokinase was produced continuously in the reactor running for 4 weeks with continuous circulation of 500 ml of culture medium. The enzyme activity in the culture medium reached to 280 Plough units (PU)/mg protein. Cu(II)-iminodiacetic acid (IDA)-polyacrylamide (pAAm) cryogel column was used to capture urokinase by integrating with the gelatin-coupled pAAm-cryogel bioreactor for HT1080 cell culture. After removing the urokinase capture column from the integrated system the bound protein was eluted. The metal affinity capture step gave 4.5-fold purification of the enzyme thus achieving a specific activity of 1300 PU/mg protein. The enzyme eluate from Cu(II)-IDA-pAAm cryogel capture column was further purified on benzamidine-Sepharose affinity column. This step finally led to a homogeneous preparation of different forms of urokinase in two different elution peaks with a best urokinase activity of 13 550 PU/mg of protein. As compared to initial activity in the cell culture broth, about 26.2- and 48.4-fold increase in specific activity was achieved with enzyme yields corresponding to 32% and 35% in two different peak fractions, respectively. Native electrophoresis and SDS-PAGE showed multiple protein bands corresponding to different forms of the urokinase, which were confirmed by Western blotting and zymography.

Benzamidines↗

Affinity binding of inclusion bodies on supermacroporous monolithic cryogels using labeling with specific antibodies.

A new chromatographic method based on affinity supermacroporous monolithic cryogels is developed for binding and analyzing inclusion bodies during fermentation. The work demonstrated that it is possible to bind specific IgG and IgY antibodies to the 15 and 17 amino acids at the terminus ends of a 33 kDa target protein aggregated as inclusion bodies. The antibody treated inclusion bodies from lysed fermentation broth can be specifically retained in protein A and pseudo-biospecific ligand sulfamethazine modified supermacroporous cryogels. The degree of binding of IgG and IgY treated inclusion bodies to the Protein A and sulfamethazine gels are investigated, as well as the influence of pH on the sulfamethazine ligand. Optimum binding of 78 and 72% was observed on both protein A and sulfamethazine modified cryogel columns, respectively, using IgG labeling of the inclusion bodies. The antibody treated inclusion bodies pass through unretained in the sulfamethazine supermacroporous gel at pH that does not favour the binding between the ligand on the gel and the antibodies on the surface of inclusion bodies. Also the unlabeled inclusion bodies went through the gel unretained, showing no non-specific binding or trapping within the gel. These findings may very well be the foundation for the building of a powerful analytical tool during fermentation of inclusion bodies as well as a convenient way to purify them from fermentation broth. These results also support our earlier findings [Kumar, A., Plieva, F.M., Galaev, I.Yu., Mattiasson, B., 2003. Affinity fractionation of lymphocytes using a monolithic cyogel. J. Immunol. Methods 283, 185-194] with mammalian cells that were surface labeled with specific antibodies and recognized on protein A supermacroporous gels. A general binding and separation system can be established on antibody binding cryogel affinity matrices.

Antibodies↗

Polymeric cryogels as promising materials of biotechnological interest.

Cryogels are gel matrices that are formed in moderately frozen solutions of monomeric or polymeric precursors. Cryogels typically have interconnected macropores (or supermacropores), allowing unhindered diffusion of solutes of practically any size, as well as mass transport of nano- and even microparticles. The unique structure of cryogels, in combination with their osmotic, chemical and mechanical stability, makes them attractive matrices for chromatography of biological nanoparticles (plasmids, viruses, cell organelles) and even whole cells. Polymeric cryogels are efficient carriers for the immobilization of biomolecules and cells.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Development of a novel polycationic adsorbent for cryogel removal.

Cryogel, prevalent in the plasma of rheumatism patients, is a plasma fibronectin (pFN)-extra domain A containing FN (EDA(+)FN)-fibrinogen (Fbg) complex formed by adding heparin (HP) at a low temperature (4 degrees C). Although EDA(+)FN does not usually exist in normal plasma, its prevalence in rheumatic patients causes cryogelation in plasma. Removal of cryogel is thus a promising and novel approach to treating rheumatism. As HP-EDA(+)FN aggregate, which is induced by the main component of cryogel, is considered to be an anion, cationic materials capable of eliminating this anionic conjugate were innovated in this study. We found that an amino group density of 100-130 micromol/g (dry weight) of adsorbents prompted selective adsorption of the EDA(+)FN-HP complex. Elimination of EDA(+)FN as high as 80% accompanied by removal of the components of total FN (pFN) (10%) and Fbg (10%) in the model patient plasma was established.

Adsorption↗

Hydrodynamics of cryogelation.

Cryogel, prevalent in the plasma of rheumatoid arthritis patients, is a plasma fibronectin (pFN)-extra domain A containing FN [EDA(+)FN]-fibrinogen (Fbg) aggregate formed by the addition of heparin (Hep) at low temperature. Although EDA(+)FN is not usually present in normal plasma, its prevalence in rheumatic patients induces cryogelation. In this study, we determined the hydrodynamic radius (R(h)) ratio (R(h)/R(h30)) of the cryogel component by dynamic light scattering in vitro. R(h)/R(h30) was normalized to R(h) at 30 degrees C (R(h30)) at several temperatures. The R(h)/R(h30) of Fbg was found to increase only by self-aggregation, whereas the R(h)/R(h30) of FNs does not increase in response to temperature changes. The R(h)/R(h30) of the Fbg/FN aggregate is increased by the addition of Hep, and the R(h)/R(h30) (12.5) of the Hep-induced EDA(+)FN/Fbg aggregate is greater than that (2.5) of the pFN/Fbg aggregate. These results suggest that cryogelation requires Fbg self-aggregation and the interaction between EDA(+)FN and Hep.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Rhizopus oryzae fungus cells producing L(+)-lactic acid: kinetic and metabolic parameters of free and PVA-cryogel-entrapped mycelium.

Spores of the filamentous fungus Rhizopus oryzae were entrapped in macroporous poly(vinyl alcohol) cryogel (PVA-cryogel). To prepare immobilised biocatalyst capable of producing L(+)-lactic acid (LA), the fungus cells were cultivated inside the carrier beads. The growth parameters and metabolic activity of the suspended (free) and immobilised cells producing LA in a batch process were comparatively investigated. The immobilised cells possessed increased resistance to high concentrations of accumulated product and gave much higher yields of LA in the iterative working cycle than the free cells did. Detailed kinetic analysis of the changes in the intracellular adenosine triphosphate concentration, specific rate of growth, substrate consumption and LA production showed that the fungus cells entrapped in PVA-cryogel are more attractive for biotechnological applications compared to the free cells.

Blood Proteins↗

Affinity cryogel monoliths for screening for optimal separation conditions and chromatographic separation of cells.

Suitable conditions for separating cells using a chromatographic procedure were evaluated in parallel chromatography on minicolumns. A 96-hole minicolumn plate filled with cryogel monoliths (18.8 mm x 7.1 mm Ø) with immobilized concanavalin A was used. Chromatographic columns (113 mm x 7.1 mm Ø) were used for chromatographic resolution of a mixture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli cells. Separation of a cell mixture containing equal amounts of cells of both types performed in a column format under the determined optimal conditions, resulted in a quantitative capture of applied S. cerevisiae cells, while E. coli passed through the column. Bound S. cerevisiae cells were released by flow-induced detachment and by compression of the adsorbent in the presence of 0.3 M methyl alpha-D-manno-pyranoside. The flowthrough and the eluted fractions were analyzed by plate counting and by registering metabolic activity of S. cerevisiae cells in the eluted fractions after capturing on ConA-cryogel monoliths in a 96-minicolumn plate format. The flowthrough fraction contained E. coli cells with nearly 100% purity, whereas the fraction eluted by compression of the adsorbent contained viable S. cerevisiae cells with 95% purity. Thus, an efficient chromatographic separation of cells was achieved using affinity cryogel column.

Blood Proteins↗

Characterization of PVA cryogel for intravascular ultrasound elasticity imaging.

The present study characterizes the mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogel in order to show its utility for intravascular elastography. PVA cryogel becomes harder with an increasing number of freeze-thaw cycles, and Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio are measured for seven samples. Mechanical tests were performed on cylindrical samples with a pressure column and on a hollow cylinder with the calculation of an intravascular elastogram. An image of the Young's modulus was obtained from the elastogram using cylinder geometry properties. Results show the mechanical similitude of PVA cryogel with the biological tissues present in arteries. A good agreement between Young's modulus obtained from pressure column and from elastogram was also observed.

Biomimetic Materials↗

Bacillus subtilis cells immobilised in PVA-cryogels.

Bacillus subtilis viable cells were immobilised in PVA-cryogel beads using the 'freezing-thawing' method in a two-phase (water-oil) system. Conditions providing both high thermal and mechanical stability and suitable porosity of the carrier were optimised. For monitoring and analysis of changes inside the biocatalyst beads, and for determination of diffusive properties of the carrier, an image analysis was applied. It was revealed that bacterial spores, sodium alginate and bacterial cellulose accelerated hardening of the cryogels and modified their porosity. Proteins (haemoglobin, azoalbumin, azocasein) penetrated beads of the cryogel.

Albumins↗

Polyvinyl alcohol-Fricke hydrogel and cryogel: two new gel dosimetry systems with low Fe3+ diffusion.

Two new Fricke dosimeter gel systems with low diffusion rates have been developed for 3D radiation dosimetry purposes. Both systems consist of a solution of 20% (by weight) polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in a 50 mM H2SO4 solution with 0.4 mM ferrous ammonium sulphate and xylenol orange (FX). The difference in the two gels is the way that the gelation process was initiated: either by bringing the temperature to (a) +5 degrees C or (b) -20 degrees C before returning them to room temperature. These gels are termed 'hydrogel' and 'cryogel', respectively. The hydrogel is optically transparent, and can be used with either optical or MRI detection methods for dosimetric imaging. The cryogel is rubbery in texture but opaque, so its internal Fe3+ concentration can only be measured with MRI. The hydrogel's optical attenuation coefficient is linear (r2 = 0.99) with dose from 0 to 20 Gy with a sensitivity of 0.106 cm(-1) Gy(-1) (at 543 nm). In terms of MR relaxation rate, the dose response for both the hydrogel and cryogel was linear (r2 = 0.99) with a sensitivity of 0.020 s(-1) Gy(-1) (at 1.5 T). The Fe3+ diffusion coefficient (at 20 degrees C) was measured to be 0.14 mm2 h(-1), which is significantly lower than similar preparations reported for porcine gelatin or agarose. The PVA-FX gels can be stored for long periods of time before exposure to radiation, since the auto-oxidation rate was 10 times less than that of gelatin-Fricke recipes. The new gels developed in this work are a significant improvement on previous Fricke gel systems.

Calibration↗

Binding mitochondria to cryogel monoliths allows detection of proteins specifically released following permeability transition.

Following proapoptotic signals such as calcium-induced mitochondrial permeability transition or translocation of proapoptotic proteins, mitochondria induce cell death through release of apoptogenic proteins. The mechanism of release and the identity of the released proteins are currently debated. Earlier attempts at identification of the apoptogenic proteins have been hampered by a high nonspecific background. Our aim was to develop a novel method where background release was eliminated, allowing proteins specifically released from mitochondria following proapoptotic stimulation to be identified. Liver mitochondria were immobilized and washed on cryogel monoliths prior to induction of protein release (calcium or Bid/Bax). Immobilized mitochondria exhibited normal morphology and swelling response and retained respiratory activity. The released proteins were collected, concentrated, separated on polyacrylamide gels which were cut into pieces, trypsin-digested, and analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Control samples contained no protein, and stimulation with calcium and Bid/Bax resulted in identification of 68 and 82 proteins, respectively. We conclude that, in combination with the robust proteomic approach, immobilization on cryogel monoliths is a fruitful approach for studying specific protein release from isolated mitochondria. We propose that this method is a powerful tool to further characterize the role of mitochondria in cell death induction.

Animals↗

Affinity fractionation of lymphocytes using a monolithic cryogel.

A new type of continuous, supermacroporous, monolithic, cryogel affinity adsorbent was developed, allowing specific fractionation and separation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes in a chromatographic format. The affinity adsorbent was used to design a novel cell separation strategy, which was based on the interaction of protein A from Staphylococcus aureus with cells bearing IgG antibodies on the surface. After treating lymphocytes with goat anti-human IgG(H+L), the IgG-positive B-lymphocytes were efficiently separated from T-lymphocytes. Protein A covalently coupled to epoxy activated dimethylacrylamide (DMAA) cryogel matrix specifically bound IgG-bearing B-lymphocytes through the Fc region, while non-bound T-lymphocytes passed through the column. More than 90% of the B-lymphocytes were retained in the column while the cells in the breakthrough fraction were enriched in T-lymphocytes (81%). The viability of the T-lymphocytes isolated was greater than 90%. The bound lymphocytes released by human or dog IgG recovered 60-70% of the B-cells without significantly impairing the cell viability. The technique can be applied in general to cell separation systems where IgG antibodies against specific cell surface markers are available.

Blood Proteins↗

Polyvinyl alcohol cryogel: an ideal phantom material for MR studies of arterial flow and elasticity.

The authors present a unique application of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogel as an anthropomorphic, elastic, vascular phantom material that can be used in MR imaging. The composition consists of two nontoxic ingredients: water and PVA. The biomechanical and MR properties can be adjusted to be similar to those of excised porcine aortas by varying the number of freeze-thaw cycles to which the PVA solution is exposed. The authors present the T1, T2, shrinkage, and tensile properties of PVA cryogel tubes as a function of freeze-thaw cycles. MR images of a dual elastic aortic phantom undergoing pulsatile motion are shown.

Animals↗

Biooxidation of ferrous iron by immobilized Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in poly(vinyl alcohol) cryogel carriers.

PVA-cryogels entrapping about 10(9) cells of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans per ml of gel were prepared by freezing-thawing procedure, and the biooxidation of Fe2+ by immobilized cells was investigated in a 0.365 l packed-bed bioreactor. Fe2+ oxidation fits a plug-flow reaction model well. A maximum oxidation rate of 3.1 g Fe2+ l(-1) h(-1) was achieved at the dilution rate of 0.4 h(-1) or higher, while no obvious precipitate was determined at this time. In addition, cell-immobilized PVA-cryogels packed in bioreactor maintained their oxidative ability for more than two months under non-sterile conditions.

Bioreactors↗

Immobilization of enzymes on spongy polyvinyl alcohol cryogels: the example of beta-galactosidase from Aspergillus oryzae.

The catalytic properties of a beta-galactosidase from Aspergillus oryzae, entrapped into a spongy polyvinyl alcohol cryogel, were studied. This polymeric matrix was selected because of its mild conditions of preparation and its stability, biocompatibility, structural strength and diffusive properties. The enzyme was entrapped, in high percentage, into cryogel sponges and its activity and kinetic parameters were determined and compared with those of the free enzyme, using as substrates o-nitrophenyl-beta-galactopyranoside (ONPG) or lactose. The immobilized enzyme showed a reduced activity with ONPG and lactose, probably because of substrate diffusion limitations through the matrix, but it was more stable to temperature, pH and ionic strength than the free enzyme. Lactose hydrolysis under continuous experimental conditions was performed using the matrix-enzyme cited above.

Animals↗

[Immobilization of E. coli cells in polyacrylamide-based microporous cryogels].

E. coli cells were immobilized in polyacrylamide cryogel by three ways: (1) introduction of cells in the reaction mixture followed by cryopolymerization; (2) the filling of the cryogel pores followed by cell fixation with diluted glutaric dialdehyde (GDA), and (3) the filling of the macropores of the polymeric matrix with modified surface. The ultrastructure of the gels and immobilized cells as well as distribution of attachment of the cells immobilized by different techniques were studied. The first type of immobilization was characterized by the highest quantity of the biomass in the gel (by protein) and by a sharp decrease of the cell viability. The second failed to retain the cells in the pores, and the GDA treatment significantly decreased the viability index. The latter technique was the mildest and completely maintained the viability of the population. However, the biomass content was lower as compared to the first type of immobilization, but could be considerably increased by the GDA treatment.

Acrylic Resins↗