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Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2018Cosmetics, like any product containing water and organic/inorganic compounds, require preservation against microbial contamination to guarantee consumer’s safety and... (Review)
Review
Cosmetics, like any product containing water and organic/inorganic compounds, require preservation against microbial contamination to guarantee consumer’s safety and to increase their shelf-life. The microbiological safety has as main goal of consumer protection against potentially pathogenic microorganisms, together with the product’s preservation resulting from biological and physicochemical deterioration. This is ensured by chemical, physical, or physicochemical strategies. The most common strategy is based on the application of antimicrobial agents, either by using synthetic or natural compounds, or even multifunctional ingredients. Current validation of a preservation system follow the application of good manufacturing practices (GMPs), the control of the raw material, and the verification of the preservative effect by suitable methodologies, including the challenge test. Among the preservatives described in the positive lists of regulations, there are parabens, isothiasolinone, organic acids, formaldehyde releasers, triclosan, and chlorhexidine. These chemical agents have different mechanisms of antimicrobial action, depending on their chemical structure and functional group’s reactivity. Preservatives act on several cell targets; however, they might present toxic effects to the consumer. Indeed, their use at high concentrations is more effective from the preservation viewpoint being, however, toxic for the consumer, whereas at low concentrations microbial resistance can develop.
Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Cosmetics; Preservation, Biological; Preservatives, Pharmaceutical
PubMed: 29958439
DOI: 10.3390/molecules23071571 -
Reproduction & Fertility Apr 2022To present an overview of different approaches and recent advances for long-term preservation of germ cells and gonadal tissues at ambient temperatures. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To present an overview of different approaches and recent advances for long-term preservation of germ cells and gonadal tissues at ambient temperatures.
METHODS
Review of the existing literature.
RESULTS
Preserving viable spermatozoa, eggs, embryos, and gonadal tissues for the long term is critical in human fertility treatment and for the management of animal populations (livestock, biomedical models, and wild species). The need and number of banked germplasms are growing very fast in all disciplines, but current storage options at freezing temperatures are often constraining and not always sustainable. Recent research indicates that structures and functions of gametes or gonadal tissues can be preserved for the long term using different strategies based on dehydration and storage at supra-zero temperatures. However, more studies are needed in rehydration and reanimation of germplasms (including proper molecular and cellular evaluations).
CONCLUSIONS
While a lot of research is still warranted to optimize drying and rehydration conditions for each sample type and each species, alternative preservation methods will change the paradigm in fertility preservation and biobanking. It will transform the way we maintain and manage precious biomaterials for the long term.
LAY SUMMARY
Living sperm cells, eggs, embryos, and reproductive tissues can be preserved at freezing temperatures for human fertility treatments and used to manage breeding in livestock, laboratory animals, and wild species through assisted reproduction. These cells can be stored in cell banks and demand for them is growing fast. However, current long-term storage options at freezing temperatures are expensive. Instead of using low temperatures, recent research indicates that these cells can be dried and stored above freezing temperatures for an extended amount of time. While a lot of research is still needed to optimize how different samples are dried and rehydrated, alternative methods of preserving cells will make fertility preservation and cell banking easier. It will also transform the way we keep and manage samples for the long term.
Topics: Animals; Biological Specimen Banks; Cryopreservation; Freeze Drying; Gonads; Humans; Male; Ovum; Preservation, Biological; Semen; Spermatozoa; Temperature
PubMed: 35514540
DOI: 10.1530/RAF-22-0008 -
Genome Research Jun 2003We propose herein a new method of DNA distribution, whereby DNA clones or PCR products are printed directly onto the pages of books and delivered to users along with...
We propose herein a new method of DNA distribution, whereby DNA clones or PCR products are printed directly onto the pages of books and delivered to users along with relevant scientific information. DNA sheets, comprising water-soluble paper onto which DNA is spotted, can be bound into books. Readers can easily extract the DNA fragments from DNA sheets and amplify them using PCR. We show that DNA sheets can withstand various conditions that may be experienced during bookbinding and delivery, such as high temperatures and humidity. Almost all genes (95%-100% of randomly selected RIKEN mouse cDNA clones) were recovered successfully by use of PCR. Readers can start their experiments after a 2-h PCR amplification without waiting for the delivery of DNA clones. The DNA Book thus provides a novel method for delivering DNA in a timely and cost-effective manner. A sample DNA sheet (carrying RIKEN mouse cDNA clones encoding genes of enzymes for the TCA cycle) is included in this issue for field-testing. We would greatly appreciate it if readers could attempt to extract DNA and report the results and whether the DNA sheet was shipped to readers in good condition.
Topics: Animals; Computational Biology; DNA; Mice; Molecular Sequence Data; Preservation, Biological; Research Design; Sequence Analysis, DNA
PubMed: 12819147
DOI: 10.1101/gr.914203 -
Biomaterials Science Jun 2017The structure of DNA is susceptible to alterations at high temperature and on changing pH, irradiation and exposure to DNase. Options to protect and preserve DNA during...
The structure of DNA is susceptible to alterations at high temperature and on changing pH, irradiation and exposure to DNase. Options to protect and preserve DNA during storage are important for applications in genetic diagnosis, identity authentication, drug development and bioresearch. In the present study, the stability of total DNA purified from human dermal fibroblast cells, as well as that of plasmid DNA, was studied in silk protein materials. The DNA/silk mixtures were stabilized on filter paper (silk/DNA + filter) or filter paper pre-coated with silk and treated with methanol (silk/DNA + PT-filter) as a route to practical utility. After air-drying and water extraction, 50-70% of the DNA and silk could be retrieved and showed a single band on electrophoretic gels. 6% silk/DNA + PT-filter samples provided improved stability in comparison with 3% silk/DNA + filter samples and DNA + filter samples for DNA preservation, with ∼40% of the band intensity remaining at 37 °C after 40 days and ∼10% after exposure to UV light for 10 hours. Quantitative analysis using the PicoGreen assay confirmed the results. The use of Tris/borate/EDTA (TBE) buffer enhanced the preservation and/or extraction of the DNA. The DNA extracted after storage maintained integrity and function based on serving as a functional template for PCR amplification of the gene for zinc finger protein 750 (ZNF750) and for transgene expression of red fluorescence protein (dsRed) in HEK293 cells. The high molecular weight and high content of a crystalline beta-sheet structure formed on the coated surfaces likely accounted for the preservation effects observed for the silk/DNA + PT-filter samples. Although similar preservation effects were also obtained for lyophilized silk/DNA samples, the rapid and simple processing available with the silk-DNA-filter membrane system makes it appealing for future applications.
Topics: Cell Line; DNA; Filtration; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Methanol; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques; Preservation, Biological; Silk; Temperature; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 28561097
DOI: 10.1039/c6bm00741d -
Bioanalysis Apr 2017With the wide use of biomarkers to enable critical drug-development decisions, there is a growing concern from scientific community on the need for a 'standardized... (Review)
Review
With the wide use of biomarkers to enable critical drug-development decisions, there is a growing concern from scientific community on the need for a 'standardized process' for ensuring biomarker specimen stability and hence, a strong desire to share best practices on preserving the integrity of biomarker specimens in clinical trials and the design of studies to evaluate analyte stability. By leveraging representative industry experience, we have attempted to provide an overview of critical aspects of biomarker specimen stability commonly encountered during clinical development, including: planning of clinical sample collection procedures, clinical site training, selection of sample preservation buffers, shipping logistics, fit-for-purpose stability assessments in the analytical laboratory and presentation of case studies covering widely utilized biomarker specimen types.
Topics: Biomarkers; Humans; Preservation, Biological; Protein Stability; Proteins; Specimen Handling; Transportation
PubMed: 28508714
DOI: 10.4155/bio-2017-0009 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2022Unlike chemical drugs with a single or a few kinds of active compounds, traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs)uses herbal formulas composed of numerous kinds of chemical...
BACKGROUND
Unlike chemical drugs with a single or a few kinds of active compounds, traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs)uses herbal formulas composed of numerous kinds of chemical constituents. Therefore, TCM clinical trials require unique and stricter standards for collecting, preserving, and transporting fecal samples than those used for chemical drugs. Unfortunately, there are no special standards for processing fecal samples in TCM clinical trials.
METHODS
We invited interdisciplinary experts within TCM clinical trials and gut microbiome research to help formulate this standard. After more than a year's in-depth discussion and amendments, we achieved a standard expert interviews, literature research, questionnaire surveys, and public opinion solicitation. This standard has been reviewed and approved by the Standards Office of China of the Association of Chinese medicine.
RESULTS
We established a sample information processing method prior to TCM clinical sample collection, which is adapted to the unique features of TCM. The method formulates detailed processing requirements for TCM information in addition to the factors that may disturb the gut microbiome. We also constructed a set of methods for collecting, preserving, and transporting fecal samples that meet the characteristics of TCM. These methods formulate detailed operating specifications on the collection approaches, storage conditions, transportation requirements, and management of fecal samples.
CONCLUSIONS
This standard guides the information processing prior to sample collection and the standard operating procedures for the collection, preservation, and transportation of fecal samples in TCM clinical trials, which also can be used as a reference by clinicians and researchers in modern medicines.
Topics: China; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Feces; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Preservation, Biological
PubMed: 35521221
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.783682 -
Cell Transplantation 2010Postisolation islet survival is a critical step for achieving successful and efficient islet transplantation. This involves the optimization of islet culture in order to... (Review)
Review
Postisolation islet survival is a critical step for achieving successful and efficient islet transplantation. This involves the optimization of islet culture in order to prolong survival and functionality in vitro. Many studies have focused on different strategies to culture pancreatic islets in vitro through manipulation of culture media, surface modified substrates, and the use of various techniques such as encapsulation, embedding, scaffold, and bioreactor culture strategies. This review aims to present and discuss the different methodologies employed to optimize pancreatic islet culture in vitro as well as address their respective advantages and drawbacks.
Topics: Animals; Bioreactors; Culture Media; Culture Techniques; Drug Compounding; Humans; Islets of Langerhans; Islets of Langerhans Transplantation; Preservation, Biological; Tissue Scaffolds
PubMed: 20719076
DOI: 10.3727/096368910X515872 -
Microbiology Spectrum Jun 2023Here, we aimed to compare the effects of different preservation methods on outcomes of fecal microbiota. We evaluated the effects of different preservation methods using... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Here, we aimed to compare the effects of different preservation methods on outcomes of fecal microbiota. We evaluated the effects of different preservation methods using stool sample preservation experiments for up to 1 year. The stool samples from feces of healthy volunteers were grouped based on whether absolute ethanol was added and whether they were hypothermically preserved. Besides, we performed a systematic review to combine current fecal microbiota preservation evidence. We found that changed significantly and decreased significantly in the 12th month in the room temperature + absolute ethanol group. The four cryopreservation groups have more similarities with fresh sample in the 12 months; however, different cryopreservation methods have different effects on several phyla, families, and genera. A systematic review showed that the Shannon diversity and Simpson index of samples stored in RNAlater for 1 month were not statistically significant compared with those stored immediately at -80°C ( = 0.220 and = 0.123, respectively). The -80°C refrigerator and liquid nitrogen cryopreservation with 10% glycerine can both maintain stable microbiota of stool samples for long-term preservation. The addition of absolute ethanol to cryopreserved samples had no significant difference in the effect of preserving fecal microbial characteristics. Our study provides empirical insights into preservation details for future studies of the long-term preservation of fecal microbiota. Systematic review and meta-analysis found that the gut microbiota structure, composition, and diversity of samples preserved by storage methods, such as preservation solution, are relatively stable, which were suitable for short-term storage at room temperature. The study of gut bacteria has become increasingly popular, and fecal sample preservation methods and times need to be standardized. Here, we detail a 12-month study of fecal sample preservation, and our study provides an empirical reference about experimental details for long-term high-quality storage of fecal samples in the field of gut microbiology research. The results showed that the combination of -80°C/liquid nitrogen deep cryopreservation and 10% glycerol was the most effective method for the preservation of stool samples, which is suitable for long-term storage for at least 12 months. The addition of anhydrous ethanol to the deep cryopreserved samples did not make a significant difference in the preservation of fecal microbiological characteristics. Combined with the results of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, we believe that, when researchers preserve fecal specimens, it is essential to select the proper preservation method and time period in accordance with the goal of the study.
Topics: Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Preservation, Biological; Feces; Ethanol; Specimen Handling; Biodiversity; Nitrogen; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
PubMed: 37093040
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04297-22 -
Journal of Applied Microbiology Aug 2020Collections of micro-organisms are a crucial element of life science research infrastructure but are vulnerable to loss and damage caused by natural or man-made... (Review)
Review
Collections of micro-organisms are a crucial element of life science research infrastructure but are vulnerable to loss and damage caused by natural or man-made disasters, the untimely death or retirement of personnel, or the loss of research funding. Preservation of biological collections has risen in priority due to a new appreciation for discoveries linked to preserved specimens, emerging hurdles to international collecting and decreased funding for new collecting. While many historic collections have been lost, several have been preserved, some with dramatic rescue stories. Rescued microbes have been used for discoveries in areas of health, biotechnology and basic life science. Suggestions for long-term planning for microbial stocks are listed, as well as inducements for long-term preservation.
Topics: Biomedical Research; Biotechnology; Environmental Microbiology; Humans; Preservation, Biological; United States
PubMed: 31758754
DOI: 10.1111/jam.14525 -
Animal : An International Journal of... Mar 2022Over the last century, several reproductive biotechnologies beyond the artificial incubation of eggs were developed to improve poultry breeding stocks and conserve their... (Review)
Review
Over the last century, several reproductive biotechnologies beyond the artificial incubation of eggs were developed to improve poultry breeding stocks and conserve their genetic diversity. These include artificial insemination (AI), semen storage, diploid primordial germ cell (PGC) methodologies, and gonad tissue storage and transplantation. Currently, AI is widely used for selection purposes in the poultry industry, in the breeding of turkeys and guinea fowl, and to solve fertility problems in duck interspecies crosses for the production of mule ducklings. The decline in some wild game species has also raised interest in reproductive technologies as a means of increasing the production of fertile eggs, and ultimately the number of birds that can be raised. AI requires viable sperm to be preserved in vitro for either short (fresh) or longer periods (chilling or freezing). Since spermatozoa are the most easily accessed sex cells, they are the cell type most commonly preserved by genetic resource banks. However, the cryopreservation of sperm only preserves half of the genome, and it cannot preserve the W chromosome. For avian species, the problem of preserving oocytes and zygotes may be solved via the cryopreservation and transplantation of PGCs and gonad tissue. The present review describes all these procedures and discusses how combining these different technologies allows poultry populations to be conserved and even rapidly reconstituted.
Topics: Animals; Cryopreservation; Insemination, Artificial; Male; Ovum; Plant Breeding; Poultry; Semen Preservation; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 35220173
DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2022.100475