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The term &quot;Green Labs&quot; is the most used one for referring to programs that assist laboratories in decreasing their footprints while maintaining the same level of research quality and safety. The goal of this strategy, which is carried out collaboratively, is to maximize productivity while reducing waste in the areas of energy, water, and materials.<br>Green laboratory<br>Building Sustainable Pharma and Research Labs is this month&#39;s cover story, contributed by Microbioz India editorial.

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Published by Kumar Jeetendra, 2023-07-26 00:04:27

Microbioz India, July 2023 Lab Edition

The term &quot;Green Labs&quot; is the most used one for referring to programs that assist laboratories in decreasing their footprints while maintaining the same level of research quality and safety. The goal of this strategy, which is carried out collaboratively, is to maximize productivity while reducing waste in the areas of energy, water, and materials.<br>Green laboratory<br>Building Sustainable Pharma and Research Labs is this month&#39;s cover story, contributed by Microbioz India editorial.

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Microbioz India, July 2023 | 6 47 41 10 51 32 10 18 Cover Story Green laboratory: Building Sustainable Pharma and Research Labs Featured Article 9 tips to Keep in Mind When Purchasing HPLC Columns Business News Tillotts Pharma and TVM Capital Life Science Announce Formation of Mage Biologics to Develop Innovative Oral Antibody Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis Product Launches Early detection of gas bubbles improves pump performance 10 18 30 46


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Microbioz India, July 2023 | 8 Disclaimer: Neither the Microbioz India nor its publishers nor anyone else involved in creating, producing or delivering the Microbioz India (in printed, web or CD format) or the materials contained therein, assumes any liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information provided in the Microbioz India Magazine (in printed, web or CD format), nor shall they be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages arising out of the use of the Microbioz India magazine. he term "Green Labs" is the most used one for referring to programs that assist laboratories in decreasing their footprints while maintaining the same level of research quality and safety. The goal of this strategy, which is carried out collaboratively, is to maximize productivity while reducing waste in the areas of energy, water, and materials. Green laboratory: Building Sustainable Pharma and Research Labs is this month's cover story, contributed by Microbioz India editorial. Research in the scientific field is extremely important for society, but it also has a big negative impact on the surrounding environment because it consumes a lot of energy and resources. Scientists are in a good position to grasp the growing climatic and ecological catastrophes, but they may be unaware of how significantly their research and other activities related to their jobs contribute to pollution and emissions. Scientists today have a vital and urgent role to play in accelerating answers, particularly in light of the fact that the repercussions of climate change and ecological breakdown are occurring in real time. This issue's interview based featured article: “9 tips to Keep in Mind When Purchasing HPLC Columns” contributed by Microbioz India editorial. Differences in size the majority of HPLC columns are used for protein and carbohydrate separations. Racemic mixture components that cannot be separated using conventional HPLC column types, such as affinity, ion exclusion, or displacement chromatography, can be separated using chiral HPLC columns. Dear subscribers, there is nothing better than having your constructive criticism and recommendations because they enable us to consistently produce far better content. Please send an email to [email protected] if you have any recommendations or comments.


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Microbioz India, July 2023 | 10 Green laboratory: Sustainable Pharma and Research Labs he term "Green Labs" is the most used one for referring to programs that assist laboratories in decreasing their footprints while maintaining the same level of research quality and safety. The goal of this strategy, which is carried out collaboratively, is to maximize productivity while reducing waste in the areas of energy, water, and materials. Research in the scientific field is extremely important for society, but it also has a big negative impact on the surrounding environment because it consumes a lot of energy and resources. Scientists are in a good position to grasp the growing climatic and ecological catastrophes, but they may be unaware of how significantly their research and other activities related to their jobs contribute to pollution and emissions. Scientists today have a vital and urgent role to play in accelerating answers, particularly in light of the fact that the repercussions of climate change and ecological breakdown are occurring in real time. Tips of Building Sustainable Pharma and Research Labs: Energy-Efficient Design: When building these labs, it is absolutely necessary to place a strong emphasis on energy efficiency. Make use of hightech insulation materials, energy-efficient lighting, and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. Whenever it's feasible, bringing in natural light and ventilation is another way to cut energy use and save money. Renewable Energy Sources: Think about incorporating renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines into your operation. These have the potential to assist power the facility while also reducing its overall carbon footprint. Water Management: Install water-saving technologies such as low-flow faucets, waterefficient machinery, and recycling systems to reduce your water consumption. The effective management of water is essential to achieving sustainability. T Cover Story


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 11 Green Chemistry Practices: It is important to promote the application of green chemistry concepts, which seek to reduce the production and use of potentially harmful compounds. Choose solvents that are less harmful to the environment, and cut down on waste production. Waste Management: Create a detailed plan for the management of waste that covers all aspects of the problem, such as recycling, the safe disposal of hazardous products, and waste reduction techniques. Sustainable Materials: Pick environmentally friendly and long-lasting materials for the construction of your home or business. Try to find products that contain recycled materials, and take the useful life of the materials into consideration. Smart Lab Equipment: Invest in energy-efficient lab equipment and appliances. Encourage researchers to turn off equipment when it's not being used and adjust their settings so that energy is conserved as much as possible. Green Roof and Landscape: If it is at all practicable, the laboratory should have green roofs or green spaces built within it. These elements have the potential to improve insulation, decrease the influence of heat islands, and provide a pleasant environment for those conducting research. Collaboration and Information Sharing: It is important to encourage collaboration between researchers in order to avoid wasting time and resources. The exchange of knowledge and data can result in more effective methods of conducting research. Employee Engagement: The personnel at the lab should be informed about sustainable practices and actively encouraged to participate in the adoption of environmentally friendly activities. Sustainable Procurement: Get all of your chemicals and laboratory supplies from companies who are conscious of the environment. Before making a purchase, it is important to think about the longevity of the product as well as its impact on the environment. Monitoring and Improvement: Consuming energy and resources should be monitored on a consistent basis in order to find potential areas for improvement. In order to continuously improve sustainability efforts, implement modifications based on analyses of relevant data. Pharmaceutical and research laboratories have the potential to dramatically lessen their negative effects on the surrounding environment by implementing these techniques, which also contribute to major scientific progress. Keep in mind, Bob, that it is critical to not only educate children about the significance of sustainability but also motivate them to incorporate this concept into the job they do in the future. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with me if you have any questions about any of these recommendations or if you want to investigate any concepts that are connected. Cover Story


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 12 Pharmaceutical Roots: Etoposide – the winding road from folk remedy to chemotherapy drug Pharmaceutical Roots is a content series from LGC Mikromol - investigating and outlining the natural origins of pharmaceutical substances, and offering a deeper dive into their uses, risks, and mechanisms of action. toposide is a leading chemotherapy drug used widely in cancer treatment - but in particular against testicular and small cell lung cancer, which together account for more than 400,000 new cases worldwide each year. Although sourced from a plant used to treat many ailments for centuries, its development as an antineoplastic drug was “very tortuous” – involving the preparation of almost 600 derivatives and more than 30 years of laboratory work. Now, more than half a century after it was first synthesised, researchers believe that etoposide’s journey of “many windings and loops” is still not finished. In addition to making etoposide more effective as a cancer treatment, they are also looking at using it to treat different ailments, and discovering new sources of its raw materials. History Etoposide is derived mainly from the plant Podophyllum peltatum, also known as the American Mandrake. Despite the mandrake’s foul smell and mostly poisonous nature, its rhizome was used for centuries by Native Americans to produce a resin that acted as an emetic and a vermifuge - while it has also been used to treat snake bites, as a laxative, and even as a means of suicide when taken in large doses. E Featured Article


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 13 The resin’s most biologically active component, podophyllotoxin, is also an antimitotic that prevents warts of various types from dividing and multiplying - meaning that they die, and healthy cells eventually grow in their place. Podophyllotoxin was first included in the US Pharmacopoeia in 1820 and first isolated in 1880, while the family it belongs to possesses neurotoxic, insecticidal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmogenic, hypolipidemic, immunosuppressive, antioxidative, analgesic and cathartic effects. Podophyllotoxin’s structure was first established during the 1930s, and its mechanism of action better understood by the mid-20th century – leading researchers increasingly to study the “remarkable molecule” as a potential cancer therapy. The Swiss pharmacologist Hartmann F. Stähelin is credited with the discovery of etoposide while working for Sandoz in the late 1950s. He detected an overlooked impurity "with interesting properties" in an extract of the podophyllum plant, which the firm’s chemists later confirmed was effective against tumours. By October 1966, this compound had been modified to produce the leukaemia drug teniposide, as well as etoposide, which began clinical trials in 1971. Both teniposide and etoposide were later identified as topoisomerase inhibitors: chemotherapeutics that interfere with topoisomerase I and II enzymes in DNA, and block the step of the cell cycle which generates single- and double-strand breaks – a process that ultimately leads to apoptotic death in cancer cells. Although podophyllotoxin’s natural antimitotic properties had long been recognised, Stähelin later reflected that the chemical alterations carried out in the lab had brought about “a dramatic increase in potency, a radical change in mechanism of action, and a quantum step in therapeutic utility.” In 1978, Sandoz licensed etoposide’s further development to the US firm Bristol-Myers, which five years later received Food and Drug Administration approval to market it in the US. The drug is now a fixture on the World Health Organisation’s Model List of Essential Medicines, with worldwide sales expected to be worth more than $1 billion by 2029. Etoposide Phosphate Although etoposide is widely used in cancer treatment, it does have limitations due to its low solubility in water – including variable pharmacokinetics. A number of ester prodrugs have been produced that improve on the parent compound’s solubility whilst retaining its cytotoxic effectiveness. Chief among these is etoposide phosphate, marketed as Etopophos by Bristol-Myers Squibb, which “is rapidly and completely converted to the parent compound after intravenous dosing”, and with the same pharmacokinetic profile, toxicity and clinical activity. Featured Article


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 14 However, due to its increased water solubility, intravenous etoposide phosphate can be given in much less volume and does not cause the acidosis and hypertension associated with high doses of the parent compound. Synthetic Route Mechanism of Action Administered parenterally or orally, etoposide’s antineoplastic effects are achieved by inhibition of the topoisomerase II enzyme (TOPOII). DNA topoisomerases regulate the topological state of genetic material by introducing transient breaks in the DNA molecule – and are involved in fundamental biological processes such as DNA replication, transcription, and DNA repair. TOPOII catalyses catenation/decatenation, knotting/unknotting and relaxation/supercoiling – performing all of these transformations by passing one double-stranded DNA segment through the other. Etoposide poisons the TOPOII cleavage complexes and inhibits the second step of the reaction (DNA re-ligation) - thereby causing errors in DNA synthesis at the premitotic stage of cell division, which can lead to apoptosis of the cancer cell. The isoenzyme TOPOII-alpha (TOP2A) is responsible for cell cycle events such as DNA replication and chromosome segregation, and is overexpressed in tumor cells - making it an ideal target for anti-cancer drugs. TOPOII-beta is implicated in transcription associated with developmental and differentiation programs, but its inhibition is not associated with anti-tumour activity. Outlook Although it may be considered “by today’s standards, an ancient anticancer drug”, scientists are still actively interested in researching etoposide, for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the primary goal is producing new etoposide-related cancer treatments that improve on the original by mitigating some of its side-effects – which include gastrointestinal toxicity, neurotoxicity, hair-loss, and bone marrow suppression. Another key objective is to secure enough podophyllotoxin extracts to meet production requirements. Since the American mandrake is difficult to grow on a large scale, researchers have turned their attention to fungal sources – including Fusarium oxysporum, Fungus Alternaria, Trametes histuria, and Aspergillus fumigatus – although none has proven fruitful thus far. Given that podophyllum has traditionally been “a medicine of most extensive service”, extracts have long been investigated for their inhibitory effects on viruses such as measles and herpes simplex – while etoposide was redeveloped to manage cytokine storm complications in COVID-19 patients. The drug’s antibacterial qualities also remain under active investigation – for example in an Indian research study last year which reported that an etoposide-loaded eggshell-derived hydroxyapatite combination showed promise in preventing osteomyelitis due to Staphylococcus aureus following bone surgery. Your etoposide analysis covered - with LGC Mikromol, Dr Ehrenstorfer, and TRC To support your analysis and help ensure the accuracy of your quality control processes, LGC Mikromol supplies an ISO 17025-accredited pharmaceutical API reference standard for etoposide, together with a fast-growing range of impurity products (see table below). You can explore our full range of Mikromol API, impurity and excipient reference standards here. We also provide a large selection of TRC research chemicals to support your etoposide studies, including several deuterium labelled products and impurities. Meanwhile, LGC Dr Ehrenstorfer food, beverage and environment reference materials for etoposide can facilitate testing of its impact on the natural world. Etoposide – MM0492.00 Etoposide Phosphate – MM3886.00 Other related products Part Number Cas Number Part Description MM0492.04- 0025 23363- 35-1 4'-Demethylepipodophyllotoxin 9-(β-DGlucopyranoside) (Lignan P) MM0492.05- 0025 6559-91- 7 4'-Demethylepipodophyllotoxin MM3886.01- 0025 n/a Lignan P Phosphate MM3665.00- 0250 518-28-5 Podophyllotoxin Featured Article


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Microbioz India, July 2023 | 16 Automation, Safety and Compliance For Maximum Return on Investment PR Automatic Balances offer a standalone solution for highly accurate, reproducible and safe automated weighing of powders and liquids. Automated weighing reduces OOS results and other errors by up to 50%. XPR Automatic Balances combine all the benefits of automated dispensing with METTLER TOLEDO advanced weighing technologies. Weighing small amounts of substances is now considerably faster, giving you more time to focus on other critical elements of your analysis. Smallest Minimum Weight Thanks to the outstanding accuracy of automated weighing, the balance minimum weight can be reduced by up to 30%. This means you can make considerable savings by using less of your expensive and rare samples. Maximum User Protection Automated weighing protects you from toxic and chemically aggressive substances. Hazardous samples are dispensed directly into the target container, avoiding manual sample handling and eliminating spills. Flexibility of Use With just one click, the dosing head moves up and you can use your balance for all your manual weighing applications in the usual way. Perfect Concentrations Prepare highly accurate concentrations as low as 0.1 mg/g in just one step. The balance calculates the precise amount of solvent required based on the amount of substance dosed to produce the target concentration. About METTLER TOLEDO METTLER TOLEDO is a leading global manufacturer of precision instruments. The Company is the world’s largest manufacturer and marketer of weighing instruments for use in laboratory, industrial and food retailing applications. The Company also holds top-three market positions for several related analytical instruments and is a leading provider of automated chemistry systems used in drug and chemical compound discovery and development. In addition, the Company is the world’s largest manufacturer and marketer of metal detection systems used in production and packaging. Additional information about METTLER TOLEDO is available at www.mt.com. Visit: www.mt.com/xpr-automatic Email us at – [email protected] Call us toll-free at – 1800 22 8884 & 1800 1028 460 X Featured Article


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Microbioz India, July 2023 | 18 9 tips to Keep in Mind When Purchasing HPLC Columns ifferences in size the majority of HPLC columns are used for protein and carbohydrate separations. Racemic mixture components that cannot be separated using conventional HPLC column types, such as affinity, ion exclusion, or displacement chromatography, can be separated using chiral HPLC columns. Sure! Here are 9 tips for buying HPLC columns: 1. Analytical requirements: Specify your analytical requirements, including sample type, analytes of interest, separation objectives, and detection limits. This information will assist you in selecting the column that best meets your requirements. 2. Consider the column’s dimensions, including its length, inner diameter, and particle size. These variables can have a substantial effect on the separation efficacy and analysis time. Select the column dimensions that correspond most closely with your analytical objectives and instrument capabilities. 3. Choose a stationary phase chemistry that is compatible with the matrix and analytes of your sample. Reversed-phase, normalphase, ion-exchange, and size-exclusion are widespread stationary phase chemistries. If you are uncertain about the best option, consult the relevant literature or consult an expert. 4. Purchase columns from manufacturers with a solid reputation for producing highquality, consistent products. Typically, established manufacturers have superior quality control and offer dependable technical support. 5. Compatibility with the sample: Ensure the column is compatible with the sample’s solvent, mobile phase, and pH conditions. Some samples may require columns designed specifically for severe or extreme environments. D Featured Article


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Microbioz India, July 2023 | 20 6. Column performance and lifetime: Review the manufacturersupplied column performance specifications, such as peak capacity, efficiency, and lifetime. Consider the column’s anticipated lifespan when making a purchase decision to maximize costeffectiveness. 7. Determine your budget and search for columns that provide a decent balance between quality and price. Although price is essential, do not sacrifice quality, as cheaper columns may produce inferior results or have shorter lifetimes. 8. Check user reviews and ask seasoned chromatographers for advice in order to determine the column’s reputation. Other users’ feedback can provide valuable insight into column efficacy, reproducibility, and durability. 9. Column compatibility: Ensure that the column hardware (e.g., dimensions, connectors, and connections) is compatible with your HPLC system. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for both the column and the instrument to ensure compatibility. Consider the availability and caliber of the technical support provided by the column manufacturer. Support that is prompt and knowledgeable can be crucial for resolving issues and optimizing column performance. HPLC Columns: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is a Chiral HPLC column? Chiral chromatography is the process of separating enantiomers by utilizing a chiral HPLC column. A chiral HPLC column is an HPLC column that is packed with a chiral stationary phase (CSP). Chiral chromatography is also known as chiral chromatography. Enantiomers are separated depending on the number of interactions that take place during the time that they are exposed to the chiral stationary phase as well as the nature of those interactions. What is C18 column HPLC? C18 column high performance liquid chromatography: C18 columns are a type of HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) column that use a C18 material as the stationary phase. In the fields of environmental research and chemical analysis, as well as in sectors such as pharmaceutical and environmental sciences, C18 HPLC columns are utilized in order to examine specific components of chemical mixtures. Here are few brands offering HPLC columns: Waters HPLC columns: Waters provides customers with a diverse selection of column options and formats, including as HPLC, UPLC, and UHPLC, as well as GPC, SFC, and SEC columns. These columns are all constructed using dependable quality manufacturing, which ensures that procedures created today will have the same reproducible results tomorrow. Agilent HPLC columns: Agilent is responsible for the entire design and production process, from beginning to end, of reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) columns. During the manufacturing process of the column, several Quality Control (QC) tests are performed. These tests ensure that the column will have a robust performance that is also reproducible, as well as a long lifetime. The Infinity Lab Poroshell 120, Zorbax, Pursuit, XRs and XRs Ultra, Polaris, and HC-C18(2) and TC-C18(2) are all examples of columns that can be used in reversedphase HPLC. If you want dependable chromatographic findings, remember that picking the correct HPLC column is crucial. Use these suggestions as a starting point, and modify them to fit your needs and interests. Featured Article


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Microbioz India, July 2023 | 22 “Seamless Solution for Biopharma Excellence: Unleashing the Power of Silicone Tubing” silicone tube is a flexible tube made from silicone rubber, a synthetic material with various applications. Silicone rubber is known for its excellent flexibility, high temperature resistance, and chemical inertness, making it suitable for a wide range of industries and uses. Silicone tubes come in different sizes, shapes, and thicknesses to accommodate specific requirements. They are available in various colors, transparent or opaque, depending on the intended use. It's important to choose a silicone tube that is compatible with the specific application and environment to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Silicone tubes have several applications in biopharmaceutical systems due to their unique properties and compatibility with sensitive biological materials. Here are some common applications of silicone tubes in the biopharma industry: Peristaltic Pump Tubing: Silicone tubes are commonly used in peristaltic pumps, which are used for fluid transfer and dosing in biopharmaceutical processes. Silicone tubing is preferred because it is flexible, durable, and has excellent biocompatibility, making it suitable for handling sensitive fluids, such as cell culture media, buffers, and drug solutions. Bioreactors and Fermenters: Silicone tubes are used in bioreactors and fermenters for various applications, including aeration, sampling, and fluid transfer. They are often used as tubing connectors to facilitate the transfer of gases and liquids while maintaining a sterile environment. The flexibility and chemical resistance of silicone tubes make them suitable for these applications. Sterile Fluid Transfer: Silicone tubing is widely used for sterile fluid transfer in the biopharma industry. It is commonly used for transferring sensitive fluids, such as cell cultures, vaccines, and biopharmaceutical formulations. The smooth, nonreactive surface of silicone tubes minimizes the risk of cross-contamination and ensures the integrity of the transferred fluids. Media and Buffer Storage: Silicone tubes are also used for storing media and buffers in biopharmaceutical systems. They can be used as tubing for connecting storage vessels, ensuring aseptic transfer of fluids during media preparation, buffer exchange, and other process steps. Silicone tubes are known for their chemical resistance, which allows them to maintain the integrity of stored fluids. Chromatography and Filtration Systems: Silicone tubes are utilized in chromatography and filtration systems for the transfer of samples, eluents, and buffers. They can withstand the high pressures and harsh chemical conditions associated with these processes. Additionally, the biocompatibility of silicone reduces the risk of leaching or interaction with the samples. Drug Delivery Systems: Silicone tubing plays a vital role in drug delivery systems, such as infusion pumps, where precise and controlled delivery of pharmaceuticals is required. Silicone tubes are compatible with a wide range of drugs and can be designed to have specific properties like controlled permeability or compatibility with various drug formulations. A Featured Article


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 23 Fluid Transfer and Connectors: Silicone tubes are widely used for general fluid transfer within biopharmaceutical systems. They are commonly employed as connecting lines between different components, such as pumps, tanks, filters, and process vessels. Ami Polymer offers Imapure® platinum-cured silicone tube as preferred choice for biopharma. As it is designed for peristatic pumps, single use assemblies and complete fluid management in Bioprocess applications. Written By: Ms. Sapna Phate Officer – International Marketing Ami Polymer Pvt. Ltd. Featured Article


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 24 Guide to Calibration Curve Preparation: Principle and Methodology he calibration curve, often known as the standard curve, is an essential curve in analytical chemistry. Calibration curve preparation: What is a calibration curve? The calibration curve, often known as the standard curve, is an essential curve in analytical chemistry. It enables the device to determine the relationship between instrumental analysis and analyte concentration in an unknown sample. In this article, Microbioz will stroll exploring the Calibration curve in depth, as well as the stepby-step technique and precautions that ensure error-free results. Principle of calibration curve: Before generating a calibration curve, it is essential to grasp the concept underlying calibration curve formation. A calibration curve is a plot that is used to determine the concentration of an analyte in an unknown sample. The calibration curve plot is a linear connection between an analyte (X-axis) and an instrument (Y-axis) that is reliant on the equation (y=mx+b). Plots that are not linear are regarded erroneous and are deleted because they exceed the limit of linearity. Furthermore, these plots serve as a guide for using instrumental measurements as a relevant data point. Step-1 Selection of analyte and analytical technique The first stage in calibration curve construction is the selection of an appropriate analyte and analytical method. To estimate the concentration of desired analyte and analytical technique, consider different parameters such as accuracy, precision, sensitivity, selectivity, robustness, ruggedness, scale of operation, analysis time, availability of equipment, and cost. This provides compatibility and precise measurement. Step-2 Standard solution to obtain linear calibration curve: The linear calibration curve is heavily reliant on a known analyte concentration standard solution. A series of standard solutions are required to estimate the concentration of an unknown sample analyte by comparing it to a known standard analyte. Furthermore, the standard solution should have a concentration that spans the predicted range of the unknown sample analyte plot. To create a linear calibration curve, accurate preparation, pipetting, and dilution of stock or working standard solutions are required. Perform Serial dilution: Determine the appropriate dilution factor and label the microtubes to execute serial dilution. Fill a tube with a known concentration of the sample and the needed volume of solvent. Change the tip and transfer the solution from one tube to the next one at a time, diluting with the needed volume of solvent. T Featured Article


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 25 Step-3 Sample loading: A sample of unknown concentration is placed into the appropriate equipment, such as a UVspectrophotometer, to generate the calibration curve. And the absorbance of the sample must be recorded in order to plot the findings. To acquire correct findings, the container, such as a cuvette in the case of a UV-spectrophotometer, must be clean from the outside and set suitably in the direction of light while loading the sample. Step-4 Calibration curve plot: Data obtained from instruments must then be suitably plotted in order to generate an error-free linear calibration curve. In general, the X-axis depicts analyte concentration, while the Y-axis represents the peak and curve of Instrument. Various graphing applications may be used to visualise the instrumental response to compute unknown concentrations, limits of detection, and limits of quantitation. To depict the calibration curve of analysed data, plots such as scatter plots from various graphing tools can be utilised. Step-5 Evaluating linearity and range of calibration curve: Calibration curve evaluation needed linear and dynamic range assessment by R-square value (Coefficient of determination) or ANOVA (Statistical tests) tools. The R square value is directly linked to the predictability and accuracy of data, i.e., the higher the R-value, the greater the accuracy. It is used to assess the quality of fit of a calibration curve. R2 values vary from 0.0 to 1.0v (1.0 being reported as a perfect match). While evaluating the range, verify that the required concentration range is free of saturation and extrapolation concerns. Remember, concentration range that is non-linear, is limit of linearity. Step-6 Documentation and reporting of calibration curve: To enhance traceability and repeatability, proper recording, reporting, and expression of acquired calibration curve data are required. In your reports as well as in laboratory data, include the technique, calibration curve, absorbance, concentration range, curve fit equation, and any adjustments or deviations. Note: To ensure the accuracy of findings, proper pipetting and weighing of solute and solvent are required. Also, keep in mind that some of the standards are light sensitive, so allow them to react in dark. Authored By: Aaysha Gupta- Ph. D (pursuing) Jaypee institute of information technology, sec-62, Noida Area of research (Medical biotechnology) Featured Article


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 26 Ohio train derailment, clean-up resulted in high levels of some gases, study shows freight train carrying industrial chemicals derailed near East Palestine, Ohio, in February 2023, and to avoid explosions, authorities conducted a controlled release and burned the cars’ contents. Residents were worried about their health and the environment, so researchers have been assessing the local air quality with stationary and mobile sampling methods. Now, in ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology Letters, they report that some gases, including acrolein, reached levels that could be hazardous. After the derailment, disaster response teams emptied and burned the cargo. Because the tanker cars carried many volatile compounds, such as vinyl chloride and butyl acrylate, localized air-qualityrelated evacuation orders were issued. However, after returning to their homes, some residents reported symptoms similar to those that typically result from exposure to hazardous levels of airborne compounds. So, Albert Presto and colleagues wanted to monitor air quality and identify the potential health risks in and around East Palestine. The researchers downloaded air-quality monitoring data from two U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stations at fixed locations. And to map patterns of airborne compounds, they drove a cargo van around the area for two days in late February. Inside the van was a mass spectrometer, which was used to identify a wide array of gases, upwind and downwind of the accident site. Then the team calculated the health risks for the gases that were above average or background levels. “Air Pollutant Patterns and Human Health Risk following the East Palestine, Ohio, Train Derailment” Environmental Science & Technology Letters From the EPA data, the team determined that the levels of nine of the 50 gases initially rose above their normal baselines, especially acrolein, a respiratory irritant. If these nine compounds remained at those levels, the ambient air could pose health risks, say the researchers. Yet, through February, the amounts of many pollutants decreased significantly. A “ Guest Post


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 27 In fact, vinyl chloride declined to concentrations below long-term limits of health concern. Mobile monitoring detected changes over time and space that the stations could not. For instance, during the day, acrolein and butyl acrylate were up to six times higher near the accident site than background levels, but at night they dropped to the background amount. These results indicate the importance of complementary stationary and mobile air-quality assessment techniques, the researchers say, and both should continue as clean-up activities proceed. The authors acknowledge funding from a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Grant, a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Training Grant and the Heinz Endowments. The credit for this release goes to the American Chemical Society. Recovering human DNA from trafficked Endangered Species Guest Post


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 28 Recovering human DNA from trafficked Endangered Species Steve Knight* he problems of illegal poaching of wild animals are well known and unfortunately very widespread. Endangered species of plants, animals and birds are constantly being taken from the wild, killed or hunted for the trade in “traditional” medicine, skins, furs, feathers, and eggs. To help combat this trade, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora convention (CITES) was agreed as long ago as 1963. Also known as the Washington Convention, CITES is a multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals from the threats of international trade. It was drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). CITES entered into force on 1 July 1975. Its aim is to ensure that both importation and export of specimens of animals and plants included under CITES, does not threaten the survival of the species in the wild. CITES currently affords varying degrees of protection to more than 38,000 species. Unfortunately, many endangered species live in areas of the world where enforcement is weak and there are few resources to combat poaching. Combined with the high value of the traded animal resources and the huge illegal profits to be made from this trade, policing the Convention has become ever more difficult. Against this background, research being undertaken by conservation charity ZSL, in conjunction with a PhD programme of Liverpool John Moores University, aims to improve the recovery of forensic human DNA from samples of trafficked species covered by CITES. Working at ZSL’s Institute of Zoology, the project, supervised by Louise Gibson and run by Alexandra (Alex) Thomas aims to establish the best method of trace DNA recovery across a range of species. Alex’s experiment aims to shed light on the use of de-convoluted DNA profiles for this work. Using six species samples, including an elephant tusk, deer antler, and snakeskin, each object is marked into four “zones” with tape, representing randomised collection sites for each of the four recovery methods being trialled. Each object is then handled by volunteers for one minute in-turn ensuring all four zones are touched with the hope they deposit DNA onto the surface. In addition to, this each volunteer donates a buccal swab so a DNA profile can be produced and compared against any recovered DNA. A record is then made of the last volunteer to touch each item. The key aim of the study is to establish whether human DNA can be recovered from wildlife specimens, and if so, which is the best method. However, if DNA profiles are recovered and they consistently match against the last person to handle the item it provides useful intelligence for investigators building a case. Caption: Alex Thomas taking a DNA swab from a Cheetah skull Alex commented: “I am looking at four different recovery methods to obtain the DNA from the surface that will go for analysis. My aim is to develop a quick and easy method of DNA recovery and preservation that can be used by Police and Conservation Officers out in the field just from the back of a truck.” Reflecting the local environment where most poaching takes place, Alex continued: “It needs to be appropriate technology - robust scientifically yet still easy for non-specialists to take and store the sample. The complex analysis will of course be conducted back in the lab, but the important aspect is to preserve as much of the DNA as possible at the crime scene.” T Featured Article


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 29 Caption: Poachers fingerprints and associated DNA on a tortoise shell identified under UV light Staff from Ziath, now part of Azenta Life Sciences, assisted in the research during a recent visit to help Louise Gibson establish a Biobank at the Institute of Zoology using some of the many thousands of archived veterinary samples stored there. Commercial Director Steve Knight and Ziath’s Product Manager Avash Anderson were duly “swabbed” and invited to handle the test objects. Steve said “Ziath is a leader in tracing and managing stored DNA samples, so the chance to take part in this important experiment during our visit was too good to miss. We are excited to see if Alex can develop a method that will work out in the field to help preserve some of our most threatened wildlife.” Following completion of her PhD studies Alex Thomas hopes to publish her findings and make the technique widely available to enforcement agencies worldwide working to address illegal poaching and protect wildlife. The Author & Further Information: Steve Knight is Commercial Director of Ziath Ltd. For more information on sample tracking using 2-D barcoded tubes, please visit www.ziath.com. For more information on the important conservation work of ZSL, please visit www.zsl.org Featured Article


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 30 Tillotts Pharma and TVM Capital Life Science Announce Formation of Mage Biologics to Develop Innovative Oral Antibody Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis 1. Mage Biologics to develop a monoclonal antibody targeting ulcerative colitis 2. Novel antibody specifically designed for oral administration utilizes Tillotts Pharma’s sustained release approach to ensure optimal and local treatment 3. Mage Biologics is the 10th early-stage or project focused company (PFC) investment for TVM Life Science Innovation II Fund VM Capital Life Science ("TVM"), a leading international venture capital firm focused on investments in life sciences innovation, together with specialty pharma company, Tillotts Pharma ("Tillotts"), today announced that the companies will jointly invest up to USD 28 million in the newly formed U.S.-based biotechnology company, Mage Biologics Inc. ("Mage Bio"). TVM will invest with its fund TVM Life Science Innovation II SCSp ("TVM LSI II") and will provide strategic advice to Mage Bio, with Dr. Sascha Berger, General Partner, joining the Board of Directors and Dr. Ivan Shaw, Principal, serving as a Board Observer. Mage Bio is the 10th early-stage or project-focused company (PFC) investment for TVM LSI II. Mage Biologics plans to advance to clinical proof of concept a novel, orally administered, humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) bioengineered for optimal potency and tissue penetration. The mAb has been developed by Tillotts and originated from a discovery collaboration with Swiss biotech company Numab Therapeutics. Utilizing Tillotts’ innovative sustained release approach, the antibody is designed to enable release of the drug in the appropriate area of the intestinal tract at a predetermined rate to address inflammation locally and optimally. Initially, the drug will be developed for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Manufacturing of clinical-grade material is planned to start in 2023, with the goal of filing a clinical trial application in 2024. Thomas A. Tóth von Kiskér, CEO and Board Director of Tillotts, commented: "We are excited to team up with TVM Capital Life Science to advance this oral antibody in ulcerative colitis, a lifelong disease profoundly impacting the patients’ quality of life. The collaboration with TVM underpins Tillotts’ leading role in developing and commercializing innovative products in the gastrointestinal field." "TVM Capital Life Science is proud to have enabled the creation of Mage Biologics. This investment is again a testament to our strong international network and builds on our successful single asset focus for innovative preclinical therapeutic agents," said Sascha Berger, General Partner of TVM Capital Life Science and Member of the Board of Mage Biologics. "We are pleased to collaborate with the experienced management team of Johannes Spleiss and Chantal Miklosi, who will act as CEO and CFO, respectively, for Mage Biologics." T Business News


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 31 Johannes Spleiss, Head of Scientific Affairs at Tillotts and CEO of Mage Biologics, added: "We are taking a new and potentially disruptive approach to overcome the challenges with traditional ulcerative colitis treatments with this oral antibody. Developing more efficacious therapies with a greater likelihood of success and less systemic side effects is an important step in continuing to innovate for the many patients living with this condition. I look forward to advancing our antibody to clinical proof of concept." About ulcerative colitis Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that impacts millions of people worldwide. Ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining of the colon and the rectum, causing inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. In most people, symptoms usually develop over time, taking a relapsing-remitting course, which means that periods of flare-ups are followed by periods of remission. This can be draining and, in some cases, lead to life-threatening complications. While there is no known cure, current treatments aim to reduce signs and symptoms of the disease and bring remission. Over the last decade, biologics have gained an important place in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, with several monoclonal antibodies available as subcutaneous or intravenous therapies approved for use in UC. Unfortunately, a substantial proportion of patients do not respond, lose response, or develop intolerance to currently marketed products, leading to a substantial unmet medical need for safer, effective, and more convenient therapeutic options. About the project-focused company (PFC) For its PFC investments, TVM has a unique arrangement with Eli Lilly and Company ("Lilly"), which is a limited partner in TVM LSI II and the earlier fund TVM LSI I, under which TVM and its PFCs have the option to engage Chorus, a fullservice autonomous research and development unit within Lilly, to assist the PFC by implementing a lean and focused drug development plan, resulting in high-quality data packages to help determine proof of concept. About Tillotts Pharma Tillotts Pharma AG, part of the Japanese Zeria Group, is a fast-growing specialty pharma company with close to 400 employees in Switzerland and abroad. Tillotts is dedicated to the development, acquisition and commercialization of innovative pharmaceutical products for the digestive system. Tillotts successfully markets its own products for the treatment of IBD and Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) as well as in-licensed products in around 65 countries through its affiliates within Europe and a network of partners throughout the world. About TVM Capital Life Science TVM Capital Life Science is a leading international venture capital firm focused on investing in life science innovations. The company has a highly experienced transatlantic investment team and approximately $900 million under management. TVM’s portfolio focuses on therapeutics and medical technologies from North America and the EU that represent differentiated first-in-class or best-in-class assets with the potential to transform standard of care. TVM pursues a unique twopronged strategy, financing innovative early-stage therapeutics through a single asset company approach (Project-Focused Company, PFC) that leverages the firm’s strategic relationship with global pharmaceutical firm, Eli Lilly and Company. TVM also invests in differentiated commercial-stage medical technologies and late clinical-stage therapeutics. With its early-stage investments, TVM follows several key principles, which include increasing capital efficiency, streamlining development timelines and soliciting buyer input at the time of investment. This strategy has been validated through successful exits such as AurKa Pharma, Inc. and Acanthas Pharma, Inc. The TVM investment team has worked together for over a decade to effectively utilize this innovative approach to maximize returns for investors and finance new therapies and technologies to meaningfully improve patient lives. About Mage Biologics Inc. Mage Biologics is a special purpose company created to develop a novel, orally administered monoclonal antibody to clinical proof of concept for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. This press release contains forward-looking statements about TVM Life Science Innovation II’s investment in a preclinical stage compound to treat certain types of gastrointestinal diseases that Mage Biologics Inc is developing. It reflects TVM’s current beliefs. Business News


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 32 PromoCell Launches PromoExQ MSC Growth Medium XF for GMP Compliant Long-term Expansion of Mesenchymal Stem Cells romoCell, a leading manufacturer of cell culture products, announced the launch of PromoExQ MSC Growth Medium XF, a serum- and xeno-free cell culture medium designed for GMP compliant maintenance and long-term expansion of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for cell therapy manufacturing applications. PromoExQ MSC Growth Medium XF enables the long-term expansion of a variety of MSC types, including MSCs from the bone marrow, umbilical cord matrix, and adipose tissue, and ensures their consistent growth and maintenance. Analysis of the growth of human MSCs isolated from the bone marrow (BM-hMSCs) showed an average population doubling time of less than 40 hours when cultured in PromoExQ MSC Growth Medium XF. Irma Börcsök, PhD, Managing Director of PromoCell, said, "We are proud to offer our customers a product that is essential for the success of their cell therapy manufacturing applications. With our expertise and the new product, we can advance research and development in this field and contribute to improving healthcare." PromoExQ MSC Growth Medium XF is manufactured under strict quality standards and in compliance with PromoCell's EXCiPACT™ GMP certification scheme, which builds on the ISO 9001:2015 quality management system and allows the manufacturing of pharmaceutical excipients. The EXCiPACT™ GMP certification scheme is aligned with the American National Standard NSF/IPEC/ANSI 363 GMP for pharmaceutical excipients. PromoCell's PromoExQ MSC Growth Medium XF comes with additional documentation, including Excipient Quality Assessment File (EQAF) comprising relevant basic information (e.g., overview of the manufacturing procedure or the process of quality control), statement of GMP compliance, statement on microbial and viral safety, statement on BSE/TSE status, certificate of origin, declaration of conformity, certificate of analysis, and statement of genetically modified organisms. This documentation allows a comprehensive risk analysis for the user. P Business News


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Microbioz India, July 2023 | 34 PromoCell also ensures batch consistency and full traceability of all the materials used to manufacture the medium. "With our new PromoExQ MSC Growth Medium XF, it was our highest priority to provide all required documents fast and easily together with the GMP grade medium. We know how critical it is for the regulatory approval of our customers’ new therapies to perform all risk assessments in the early stages. By providing all documentation, we help our clients save time and money," Dr. Börcsök said. To ensure a smooth transition from assay development and optimization to GMP compliant manufacturing, PromoCell also offers a standard version of the PromoExQ MSC Growth Medium XF, which has the same formulation as the GMP grade product and is produced at the same production site. PromoExQ MSC Growth Medium XF will be available worldwide in July 2023 via the PromoCell webstore. Production of large media batches in larger bottle formats or media bags and bulk production of media supplements will be offered upon request. For more information about the PromoExQ MSC Growth Medium XF, visit PromoCell's website. About PromoCell PromoCell GmbH, headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany, is a leading manufacturer of cell culture products with over 30 years of expertise. The company offers a broad range of high-quality human primary cells, stem cells, media, and reagents for life science research and cell therapy manufacturing applications. All PromoCell products meet the highest ethical and legal standards. By complying with European biomedical conventions, we respect human rights and donor privacy. We are committed to quality – in our products and customer services. Each year over 1,000 peer-reviewed publications feature PromoCell products. We operate in 38 countries around the world, helping scientists with all of their research needs. Adlib + Generis Partnership: A "Game Changer" for Regulated Companies New Software Connector Increases Automation and Compliant Management of Document Repositories dlib Software, a global leader in document transformation and workflow automation solutions, and Generis, developer of the CARA Platform for data, content, and business process management, today announced the launch of a software connector that provides seamless integration between their industry-leading technology platforms. "Adlib’s partnership with Generis is a big win for Life Science organizations," said Helen Rosen, Chief Executive Officer at Adlib. "With this integration, CARA users can access Adlib’s document rendering solution within the CARA workflow, enabling clinical and regulatory associates to prepare submissions faster and error-free." A Business News


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 35 CARA is a data and content management platform that helps companies in regulated industries such as finance, energy, and manufacturing transform their complex business processes. The unified CARA Life Sciences Platform™ is the pre-configured, outof-the-box layer build on top. The platform provides standardized apps for Regulatory, Quality, Safety, and Clinical processes powered by a single structured data lake that gives users instant access to cross-functional data and enables powerful process optimization. Adlib for the CARA Platform is a native system connector leveraging REST API and provides a seamless data exchange between the two systems. Once the connection is established, Adlib automatically intakes all files from the CARA document library along with the default and CARAspecific metadata attributes. Adlib then performs transformations specified in the Adlib’s rules engine, such as performing OCR, formatting custom headers/footers, adding dynamic tables of contents and watermarks, and more. Each document is then transformed into a machinereadable, regulatory-compliant format andn transferred to a specific folder in the CARA library. This process saves users hours of manual effort and ensures compliant management of document repositories. "We’re delighted to cement our partnership with Adlib through this connector," commented James Kelleher, CEO of Generis. "With the launch of this integration, our customers can have an integrated, accurate, and reliable engine that manages data, reduces submission errors, and helps them achieve business goals faster." For more information about Adlib solutions, email [email protected]. For more information about the CARA Platform, email [email protected]. About Adlib Adlib Software, a Diversis Capital Company, is the document transformation and workflow automation solution leader helping organizations scale document workflows, expedite go-to-market activities, and improve archival and compliance submissions. Adlib Software fully automates discovery, extraction, and conversion of information from hundreds of document types, and makes them shareable and searchable. The biggest names in life sciences, energy, finance, and industrials trust Adlib for pixel perfect rendering. Adlib is a proud partner of leading RIM, QMS, ECM, and IT solutions and service providers across regulated industries, including life sciences, energy, manufacturing, insurance, financial services, as well as government. To learn more, visit www.adlibsoftware.com. About Generis Generis is a UK-headquartered developer of worldclass data, content and business process management for regulated industries globally. 60% of the top 20 life sciences companies rely on Generis’ flagship CARA™ Life Sciences Platform, including AbbVie, UCB, Biogen, Reckitt, Bristol Myers Squibb, Bayer, Pfizer, and Merck KGaA. Today Generis serves more than 750,000 users worldwide, across use cases ranging from RIM, Regulatory / R&D and Safety use cases to Clinical, Non-clinical, Quality GxP, CMC, Pharmacovigilance, Medical Information / Medical Affairs applications and more. More at generiscorp.com. Business News


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 36 SMART researchers uncover novel bacterial communication system to combat antimicrobial resistance 1. Using a sophisticated mass spectrometry technology developed at SMART and MIT, researchers discovered that RlmN is a stress sensor for reactive oxygen species (ROS) – highly reactive molecules which can cause damage to bacteria 2. They found that RlmN is capable of directly and rapidly activating the production of proteins that allow bacteria cells to adapt and survive 3. This breakthrough could help researchers design drugs that prevent this adaptation and survival response esearchers from the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Interdisciplinary Research Group (IRG) at Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), MIT’s research enterprise in Singapore, in collaboration with Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU Singapore) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), have discovered a new stress signalling system that enables bacteria cells to adapt and protect themselves against the immune system and certain antibiotics. An enzyme, RlmN, was observed to directly sense chemical and environmental stresses, and rapidly signal for the production of other proteins that allow the bacteria cell to adapt and survive. This breakthrough discovery of RlmN as a stress sensor has revealed a new mechanism of antimicrobial resistance that can be targeted for drug development. (L to R) SMART researchers Dr Cui Liang, Dr Lee Wei Lin, Dr Ho Peiying, and Principal Investigator Prof Peter Dedon used a sophisticated mass spectrometry technology developed at SMART and MIT to understand how bacteria cells adapt and survive antibiotics (Photo: SMART AMR) All living cells have sensors that detect environmental changes – such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals – caused by cell stress or metabolism. According to the well-known central dogma of molecular biology, this is achieved using a two-step system comprising transcription and translation. This means that genes are transcribed into messenger RNAs (mRNA), which are subsequently translated on ribosomes by transfer RNAs (tRNAs) to produce proteins – the functional building blocks of cells. SMART AMR’s discovery of the RlmN system illustrates that cells possess a much quicker mechanism for cell responses. This shortcut is the first example of a direct connection between a sensor system and translation machinery to generate proteins to combat ROS. In a paper titled “An RNA modification enzyme directly senses reactive oxygen species for translational regulation in Enterococcus faecalis”, published in the scientific journal Nature Communications. The researchers document their discovery of RlmN as a stress sensor for ROS in Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) – a common bacteria found in the human gut that can cause a variety of infections, with catheter-associated urinary tract infections being the most prevalent. They found that when RlmN is suppressed upon contact with ROS, it leads to the selective production of resistance proteins and other pathways associated with antimicrobial resistance known to occur during bacterial responses to stress. RlmN inhibition thus represents a signalling mechanism for bacterial drug resistance and immune evasion, since ROS is induced by certain antibiotics and human immune cells. R Guest Post


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 37 The discovery was made using a sophisticated mass spectrometry technology developed at SMART and MIT to simultaneously identify all 50 different Ribonucleic acids (RNA) modifications in bacteria. This approach allowed them to observe changes in cell behaviour or pattern mutations that cannot be detected when studied individually. Using this tool, the researchers exposed E. faecalis cells to low, non-toxic doses of various antibiotics and toxic chemicals made by the immune system. They found that only one of the 50 modifications changed – a chemical called 2- methyladenosine (m2A) decreased. As this modification was known to be made by RlmN in other better-studied bacteria, SMART AMR researchers proved that this too, was the case in E. faecalis and went on to show how it is inactivated by ROS. “This is the first time a direct connection has been found between ROS and RlmN, and it may be a step forward in developing new treatments for bacterial infections. By understanding how RlmN works and the different ways in which bacteria respond to stress, we could uncover other stress sensors that rely on similar mechanisms,” said Professor Peter Dedon, Co-Lead Principal Investigator at SMART AMR, MIT Professor and cocorresponding author of the paper. “Bacteria are incredibly adaptable and can evolve to resist drugs designed to kill them. This growing resistance is a silent pandemic that poses a global threat to public health as it reduces the efficacy of existing antibiotics and increases mortality rates from infections. Thus, understanding the mechanisms bacteria utilise to adapt against stressors helps researchers develop new and novel therapies to combat AMR. Moving forward, SMART AMR will work on gaining a comprehensive understanding of this new mechanism of stress response and possible drug resistance,” said Dr Lee Wei Lin, Principal Research Scientist at SMART AMR and first author of the paper. As novel, high-impact solutions to combating AMR are a top priority to improve public health, understanding bacterial stress survival mechanisms is an important step forward for the scientific community. By understanding these cell adaptation and survival mechanisms, researchers can design drugs that prevent the adaptation response and ensure that the pathogens retain their sensitivity to antibiotics. The research is carried out by SMART and supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF) Singapore under its Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) programme. Guest Post


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 38 AAV-mediated gene delivery MSBIO is a leading provider of ready-touse Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) that can be engineered to efficiently deliver specific DNA sequences into target cells with a low immunogenicity. Drawing upon years of experience – AMSBIO have developed a robust AAV Production Service providing researchers with access to the highest quality recombinant AAV vectors that can efficiently transfect multiple cell types, including dividing and non-dividing cells. These AAV vectors induce persistent gene expression in vivo without integrating into the host genome or causing any disease. These features make AAV an exciting platform for gene delivery enabling treatment of a variety of human diseases including cancer. There are already preclinical and clinical successes in AAV-mediated gene replacement, gene silencing and gene editing. Caption: Custom AAV to deliver target genes safely and efficiently into your cells As a leading expert in AAV technology, AMSBIO’s custom production service is set-up to help you design, clone and/or viral package your custom AAV construct. As part of their production service, AMSBIO offer a range of AAV serotypes (1-9, DJ) that differ in their tropism, or the types of cells they infect, allowing the company to preferentially transduce specific cell types. Starting from customer provided target templates, a sequence from a cDNA collection, a custom synthesized DNA sequence or shRNA - AMSBIO construct the AAV clone and generate ready-to-use expression AAV. As part of the production service – AMSBIO sub-clone your selected genes into their AAV expression vectors and produce expression AAV for each gene. Using AMSBIO’s AAV production service you get reliable, reproducible, high purity, high titer viral stock every time you order. For further information please visit https://www.amsbio.com/customservices/lentivirus-adenovirus-aav/aav or contact AMSBIO now on +31-72-8080244 / +44-1235- 828200 / +1-617-945-5033 / [email protected]. Founded in 1987, AMS Biotechnology (AMSBIO) is recognized today as a leading transatlantic company contributing to the acceleration of discovery through the provision of cutting-edge life science technology, products, and services for R&D in the medical, nutrition, cosmetics, and energy industries. AMSBIO has in-depth expertise in extracellular matrices to provide elegant solutions for studying cell motility, migration, invasion, and proliferation. This expertise in cell culture and the ECM allows AMSBIO to partner with clients in tailoring cell systems to enhance organoid and spheroid screening outcomes using a variety of 3D culture systems, including organ-on-a-chip microfluidics. For drug discovery research, AMSBIO offers assays, recombinant proteins, and cell lines. Drawing upon a huge and comprehensive biorepository, AMSBIO is widely recognized as a leading provider of high-quality tissue specimens (including custom procurement) from both human and animal tissues. The company provides unique clinical grade products for stem cells and cell therapy applications. This includes GMP cryopreservation technology, and high-quality solutions for viral delivery. A Featured Article


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Microbioz India, July 2023 | 40 Eppendorf introduces first microcentrifuge with hydrocarbon cooling eading life science company Eppendorf introduced Centrifuge 5427 R – the first Eppendorf microcentrifuge with hydrocarbon cooling to contribute to an even more sustainable laboratory environment. With this offering, customers can now perform various molecular and cell biology applications while using a refrigerated device that contains a natural cooling agent with a GWP of almost zero. To protect your samples – and the planet. Natural cooling agents, like R290 (propane), have a similarly low global warming potential (GWP) as CO2 (<3), while conventional refrigerants such as R134a have a GWP of 1430 and thus have a disproportionately greater impact on global warming when released into the environment. The ACT label certification of Centrifuge 5427 R makes it even easier for customers to choose a more sustainable product, since this label gives a clear, third-party verified information about its environmental impact (e.g. manufacturing, energy and water usage as well as packaging and product end-of-life). However, the new Centrifuge 5427 R scores not only with its reliable propane cooling: Due to its compact footprint and the dual-row rotor FA-45-48-11 for up to 48 x 1.5/2 mL tubes, it is the optimal solution for laboratories with a high sample throughput. Due to its large rotor selection, it is also a good choice for areas where many users share the instrument: the nine rotor options, consisting of fixed-angle and swing-bucket rotors, cover a wide range of applications in the field of molecular and cell biology. More information about the Centrifuge 5427 R can be found at https://eppendorf.group/5427R About Eppendorf: Eppendorf is a leading life science company that develops and sells instruments, consumables, and services for liquid handling, sample handling, and cell handling in laboratories worldwide. Its product range includes pipettes and automated pipetting systems, dispensers, centrifuges, mixers, spectrometers, and DNA amplification equipment as well as ultra-low temperature freezers, fermentors, bioreactors, CO2 incubators, shakers, and cell manipulation systems. Consumables such as pipette tips, test tubes, microplates, and singleuse bioreactor vessels complement the range of highest-quality premium products. As digital solution, Eppendorf is developing new business models and transforming the Eppendorf portfolio to meet Industry 4.0 requirements. Eppendorf products are most broadly used in academic and commercial research laboratories, e.g., in companies from the pharmaceutical and biotechnological as well as the chemical and food industries. They are also aimed at clinical and environmental analysis laboratories, forensics, and at industrial laboratories performing process analysis, production, and quality assurance. Eppendorf was founded in Hamburg, Germany in 1945 and has about 5,000 employees worldwide. The company has subsidiaries in 28 countries and is represented in all other markets by distributors. L Featured Article


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 41 Advancing Clinical Trials with iPSC-Derived Liver Organoids MSBIO has published a blog about Dr. Satoshi Okamoto’s groundbreaking research on the production of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived liver organoids, and their significant potential in clinical research trials. The primary objective of Dr. Okamoto's research program at the Yokohama City University Graduate School's Department of Regenerative Medicine was to achieve large-scale, stable production of clinicalgrade liver organoids. These organoids have the potential to revolutionize treatment for liver diseases and could be administered to patients with liver diseases as a therapeutic treatment. To assist in their study, Professor Okamoto’s research group partnered in the development of StemFit® for Differentiation – a chemically defined and animal component-free supplement for differentiation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Dr. Okamoto commented “StemFit® for Differentiation is very easy-to-use and has allowed us to produce a stable differentiation induction protocol. In our study, three types of liver progenitor cells (endoderm, vascular endothelial and mesenchymal) were induced to differentiate from human iPS cells and then cultured to produce small liver organoids. The supplement’s versatility was vital to our project. In addition, we believe the reason we have been able to achieve stable culture, even when scaled up, is because StemFit® for Differentiation is a fully defined chemical supplement.” He added “The next stage of our research and development program will be to evaluate our iPS cell-derived liver organoids in two clinical trials: one for urea cycle disorder, and the other for liver cirrhosis”. Available from AMSBIO - StemFit® for Differentiation is proven to enable unmatched differentiation of human Induced Pluripotent Stem (hiPS) and Embryonic Stem (hES) cells. The unique chemically defined composition of StemFit® for Differentiation minimizes lot-to-lot variation, enabling highly consistent cell differentiation. A Featured Article


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 42 Free of animal derived components, StemFit® for Differentiation can be used to eliminate the risk of immunogenic contamination. Applications proven to benefit from StemFit® for Differentiation include lineage-specific (endodermal, mesodermal, and ectodermal) differentiation where this new product has been used to replace serum-free supplements, as well as spontaneous differentiation of hiPSCs to organoids via embryoid body formation. To read the blog in full please visit https://www.amsbio.com/news/ipsc-derivedliver-buds/. For further information on StemFit® for Differentiation please visit https://www.amsbio.com/stemfit-fordifferentiation/ or contact AMSBIO on +31-72- 8080244 / +44-1235-828200 / +1-617-945-5033 / [email protected]. Founded in 1987, AMS Biotechnology (AMSBIO) is recognized today as a leading transatlantic company contributing to the acceleration of discovery through the provision of cutting-edge life science technology, products, and services for R&D in the medical, nutrition, cosmetics, and energy industries. AMSBIO has in-depth expertise in extracellular matrices to provide elegant solutions for studying cell motility, migration, invasion, and proliferation. This expertise in cell culture and the ECM allows AMSBIO to partner with clients in tailoring cell systems to enhance organoid and spheroid screening outcomes using a variety of 3D culture systems, including organ-on-a-chip microfluidics. For drug discovery research, AMSBIO offers assays, recombinant proteins, and cell lines. Drawing upon a huge and comprehensive biorepository, AMSBIO is widely recognized as a leading provider of high-quality tissue specimens (including custom procurement) from both human and animal tissues. The company provides unique clinical grade products for stem cells and cell therapy applications. This includes GMP cryopreservation technology, and high-quality solutions for viral delivery. Featured Article


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 43 Dr. Reddy's shares hit 52- week high as USFDA completes inspection of API plant he pharma major received “zero observations” post the USFDA preapproval inspection (PAI) and a routine GMP inspection at the Andhra Pradesh facility Dr. Reddy's shares gain 2.84% to hit a fresh 52-week high of ₹5,370.20 in intraday trade on Thursday Image: Getty Images Shares of Dr. Reddy's Laboratories surged nearly 3% to hit a fresh 52-week high on Thursday after the company received no observation from the United States Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) for its APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) facility in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. The U.S. drug regulator conducted pre-approval inspection (PAI) and a routine GMP inspection at Srikakulam facility between July 10, 2023, to July 19, 2023. “The United States Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) today completed a Pre-Approval Inspection (PAI) and a routine GMP inspection at our API manufacturing facility in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India (CTO-6),” the Hyderabadbased pharma major says in a BSE filing on July 19. As the release, the inspection closed with “zero observations” and a classification of no action indicated (NAI). Boosted by the development, Dr. Reddy's shares gained as much as 2.84% to hit a fresh 52-week high of ₹5,370.20 in intraday trade on the BSE. Earlier today, the pharma stock opened higher for the second straight session at ₹5,226 against the previous closing price of ₹5,221.60 on the BSE. At the time of reporting, Dr. Reddy's share price was quoting at ₹5,352.50, up 2.5%, with a market capitalisation of ₹89,144 crore. The counter witnessed strong volume as 0.39 lakh shares changed hands over the counter as compared to two-week average of 0.11 lakh stocks. The pharma heavyweight has risen 34% against its 52-week low of 3,996.10 touched on September 19, 2022. Dr. Reddy's shares have outperformed S&P BSE Healthcare index in terms of returns in the last one year and year-to-date (YTD). The large cap stock has gained 20.6% in a year and 26.5% in the calendar year 2023, compared with 17.8% and 15.9% growth in the BSE Healthcare index during the same period. In the last one month, Dr. Reddy's shares have risen 10% compared to 6.2% growth in the BSE Healthcare index. Investors kept a close eye on the company's June quarter earnings slated to be released on July 26. The pharma major is expected to report growth in its earnings on the back of strong U.S. sales. Last week, Dr. Reddy's signed a deal to acquire a 26% stake in special purpose vehicle O2 Renewable Energy IX Private Limited. The company entered into a security subscription and shareholders’ agreement for consumption and supply of renewable energy, with TEQ Green Power XI Private Limited and O2 Power SG Pte Ltd, for investment in O2 Renewable Energy in the ratio of 26:74. The objective of the deal was to get access to renewable power through solar and wind power plants through (Inter-State Transmission System) ISTS under the captive structure. In a separate release, the company also informed exchanges that its biologics licence application for its proposed biosimilar rituximab candidate has been accepted for a substantive review by the USFDA. This closely follows acceptance of the rituximab biosimilar dossier for review by two other regulatory agencies -- the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.K.'s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). DRL_RI is being developed as a biosimilar of rituximab, a cluster of differentiation 20 (CD20) directed cytolytic antibody. This is approved for various indications including for the treatment of adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis, nonHodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, pemphigus vulgaris, granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed by investment experts on fortuneindia.com are either their own or of their organisations, but not necessarily that of fortuneindia.com and its editorial team. Readers are advised to consult certified experts before taking investment decisions. T Pharma News


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 44 USFDA indicates voluntary action for Aurobindo Pharma’s AP Plant yderabad Aurobindo Pharma has received an Establishment Inspection Report (EIR) from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for Unit XIV located at Bonangi Village, Jawaharlal Nehru Pharma City, Parawada Mandal, Anakapalli District, Andhra Pradesh. The U.S. regulator conducted an inspection of unit XIV from May 15 to 19, 2023. “The Unit has now received the Establishment Inspection Report classifying the facility as “Voluntary action indicated” (VAI),’‘the Hyderabad-based company informed the BSE on Monday. The exact details of VAI have not been disclosed. Gland Pharma Hyderabad facility gets 1 observation from USFDA; stock gains 3% The inspection was concluded with one 483 Observation. Gland Pharma share price rose 3.5 percent intraday on July 14 despite the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) issuing one observation for its Hyderabad facility. he United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) conducted Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Inspection at Gland Pharma's Dundigal facility in Hyderabad between July 3 and July 14, 2023. The inspection was concluded with one 483 observation. The corrective and preventive actions for this observation will be submitted to the USFDA within the stipulated period. The observation issued is neither a repeated observation nor related to data integrity, said company. In the month of June, USFDA conducted a preapproval inspection (PAI) for seven products and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspection at the company’s Pashamylaram facility in Hyderabad between June 15 and June 27, 2023. This observation was procedural in nature and the corrective and preventive actions for this observation will be submitted to the USFDA within the stipulated period. The observation issued is neither a repeated observation nor related to data integrity, the drugmaker said. Biocon gets 8 observations from USFDA after inspection of Malaysia insulins facility The US drug regulator issued 6 observations for Drug Substance, Drug Product units and Quality Control laboratories and 2 observations for the Delivery Devices unit. iopharmaceutical firm Biocon Biologics said on July 21 that it was issued 8 observations by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at its Insulins Manufacturing Facility in Malaysia. H T B Pharma News


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 45 The US FDA issued a Form 483 — a form listing violations — after inspections between July 10 and July 20 this year. The FDA issues a Form 483 if its investigators spot any conditions that in their judgement may constitute violations of the US Food Drug and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act and related laws. The US drug regulator issued 6 observations for Drug Substance, Drug Product units and Quality Control laboratories and 2 observations for the Delivery Devices unit of Biocon Sdn Bhd, Malaysia, a subsidiary of Biocon Biologics. These observations mostly concern improving operating practices and strengthening training initiatives. No systemic non-compliance or breaches of data integrity were found during the inspections, Biocon said in its statement with the stock exchanges. Biocon is confident of addressing these observations expeditiously, and remains committed to global standards of quality and compliance, its statement said. "We will submit a Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) plan to the U.S. FDA in a timely manner and are confident of addressing these observations expeditiously. Biocon Biologics remains committed to global standards of Quality and Compliance,” Biocon spokesperson's statement read. At the close of market hours on July 21, Biocon was quoting at Rs 264, down Rs 2.50 or 0.94 percent on the BSE. Pharma News


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 46 Early detection of gas bubbles improves pump performance ESTA Analytical has published a study that demonstrates how their Solvent Line Monitor is a valuable monitoring device for safeguarding HPLC, flow chemistry or liquid dosing systems from the many problems caused by undissolved gas bubbles. Dissolved gas is known to impact the performance of peristaltic pumps. A common solution to address this problem with HPLC system, is to use a vacuum degasser on the inlet side of the pump. Vacuum degassers have been shown to be very efficient for removing dissolved gas, however they fail completely if any undissolved gas bubbles are transported along the tubing. In this scenario, undissolved gas bubbles pass the degassing device, unaffected by the vacuum, and will unfortunately reach your peristaltic pump leading to unreliability and subsequent errors in analytical results. In this study – data is presented showing how dissolved gas can have an impact on the performance of peristaltic pumps. Data from further investigations is also presented that demonstrates the effect of undissolved gas bubbles on pump performance and how the novel Solvent Line Monitor device provides a straightforward way of eliminating the problems resulting from this effect. The Solvent Line Monitor offers optical and acoustic alarm as well as a digital output which might be used to stop a chromatography or flow chemistry pump before an undissolved gas bubble can affect its operation. The compact and easy-to-use Solvent Line Monitor is programmable in terms The system set-up is a straightforward process using a highly intuitive PC-based app which is included with each Solvent Line Monitor. Caption: Solvent Line Monitor in operation of sensitivity, mode of operation and setting bubble detection alarms. Gas bubble detection parameters including the minimum size, frequency and number of bubbles can be configured using the PC app which also provides facility for different actions to be taken once an alarm status is detected, for example a simple beep or a stop signal. To read the in-depth study in full please visit https://www.customchromatography.com/papers/008- 011_Testa_Chrom_Article.pdf. For further information on the Solvent Line Monitor please visit https://www.customchromatography.com/technologies.html or contact Testa Analytical Solutions on +49-30-864- 24076 / [email protected]. For Further Information: Media: Bill Bradbury (tel. +44-208-546-0869 / email [email protected] ) Technical: Carlo Dessy (tel. +49-30-864-24076 / email [email protected]) T Product Showcase


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 47 Chinese Academic Institutions Invest in Flow Chemistry niqsis report major growth in sales of its FlowSyn, FlowLab and modular based flow chemistry reactor systems to leading Chinese academic institutions. Most recently, local distributor - Beijing SMS has installed systems at ICCAS, Kunming University and Sichuan University. These academic institutions were interested in acquiring easy to use and maintain, high performance flow chemistry systems. After a competitive selection process, Uniqsis was chosen to supply flow chemistry systems for their research and student teaching activities. The Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (ICCAS) was founded in 1956. ICCAS is a multi-disciplinary research institute dedicated to chemical sciences research, and to development of innovative high technologies to serve national needs and important strategic targets, as well as to developing collaborative high technology applications and transfers. ICCAS is one of China’s leading chemistry research institutions with a strong international reputation. ICCAS purchased a FlowLab semi-automated flow chemistry system that has been mainly used for ring-opening metathesis polymerisation (ROMP) reactions. For these reactions, the FlowLab system was set-up to deliver cyclic olefin monomers from pump A and catalyst from pump B. Despite the obvious viscosity change during this polymerisation, the ROMP reaction can be smoothly controlled using the reactor leading to excellent results. One of the most respected academic institutions in China - Kunming University is the largest university in Yunnan Province. Kunming University purchased a fully automated 4 channel FlowSyn integrated continuous flow reactor system with Flow Control Software. The objective of Kunming University was to implement flow chemistry / continuous processing into their post graduate research programmes and teaching laboratory. Key to their selection was the support of the local Uniqsis distributor (Beijing SMS) and that the FlowSyn was easy to use and maintain. Caption : Uniqsis at CPHI (China) in 2023 Sichuan University is a national university based in Chengdu, the administrative centre of Sichuan Province in Southwest China. The institution, which is operated by the State Ministry of Education, includes departments that are home to the latest research in medicine and biology. Sichuan University maintains a strong partnership and exchanges practices with universities in Europe and the United States. Recently Sichuan University purchased two Uniqsis HotCoil™ heated coil reactor units to integrate into their existing modular flow chemistry set-up. As well as supporting some of their current research projects the modular flow chemistry is also being used as a teaching system for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. For further information on Uniqsis modular and integrated flow reactors for please visit https://www.uniqsis.com/paProducts.aspx or contact Uniqsis on +44-1223-942004 / [email protected]. Since 2007, Uniqsis has specialised in the design and supply of mesoscale continuous flow chemistry systems for a wide range of applications in chemical and pharmaceutical research. The company’s aim is to make flow chemistry easily accessible to both novices and experienced users. U Product Showcase


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 48 Gilson Releases Compact VERITY® 3240 High Pressure Binary Gradient Pump with Scale-Up Capabilities Story source/Credit: Gilson UK Gilson has launched the VERITY® 3240 High Pressure Binary Gradient Pump, a new premiere preparative pumping system which boasts a compact and economical design for semipreparative to preparative purification with a large, dynamic flow range. he VERITY 3240 Pump is a welcome addition to Gilson’s VERITY purification portfolio, reaching flow rates up to 150 mL/min and pressures up to 420 bar (6090 psi). This stackable pump saves valuable bench space by holding HPLC system modules on the top. The pump integrates with Gilson’s high-throughput VERITY purification platforms, which are fully and exclusively controlled by TRILUTION® LC Software. Additionally, the VERITY 3240 Pump helps make purification automation more convenient by allowing users to access multiple solvents without changing bottles. It also saves time by making routine maintenance easier with quick access to pump components that may wear, such as seals and check valves. In line with Gilson’s vision of enabling verifiable science, the pump delivers reproducible and precise elution gradients to achieve repetitive isolation of targeted compounds. It works effectively with preparative HPLC columns from 10 mm to 50 mm ID for purification from milligrams up to tens of grams on the same Gilson automated purification platforms. The VERITY 3240 Pump provides researchers with improved specifications and performance, supporting users with a broader application range and lower power requirements. All current customers should contact their Gilsonauthorized sales representative to learn about exclusive opportunities and pathways to upgrade to this improved pumping system that fits all their research needs. About Gilson Gilson is a family-owned global manufacturer of sample management, purification, and extraction solution for the life sciences industry. We help researchers advance the pace of discovery by creating easy-to-use lab devices that improve reproducibility and traceability. Since 1957, we’ve been developing innovative products, such as the first continuously adjustable-volume pipette, PIPETMAN®. By partnering closely with the scientific community, we have advanced our portfolio offerings, adding automated pipetting systems and chromatography instruments, plus intuitive software management capabilities. Backed by worldwide R&D, service, and support, Gilson strives to enable verifiable science and to make lab life easier for our customers. Automata partners with The Royal Marsden to increase cancer genomic testing capacity through robotic automation Story source/Credit: Automata Automata’s integrated automation will support The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust’s Clinical Genomics service to personalise more cancer treatments and speed up diagnosis of the disease Automata, a leading automation company powering life sciences labs, announces its partnership with The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust to unlock the power of open, integrated automation for cancer sample testing. With Automata’s support, the hospital’s Clinical Genomics Service, which is the cancer testing laboratory for the North Thames T Product Launches


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 49 Genomics Laboratory Hub (NTGLH), will double its genomic testing capacity through a new robotic sample processing platform. Together, Automata and The Royal Marsden will establish the UK’s first fully automated system for clinical cancer genomic testing. The new installation will increase the hospital’s next-generation sequencing (NGS) capacity by around 2000 tests each month and expand the range of tests the specialist cancer centre can perform. NGS technology allows scientists to analyse DNA and RNA gene sequences to deliver more personalised treatments on a large scale. The newly automated service will also enable The Royal Marsden to launch a new genetic screening service to identify people at risk of cancer based on their inherited genetic mutations. The service will primarily test for mutations in the BRCA genes, which can impact risk of breast, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancer, along with other inherited mutations such as CHEK2, which is also associated with a range of cancers. People identified as at risk of developing cancer through this testing will be carefully monitored to help pick up signs of the disease at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful. Preventative treatments may also be offered to help reduce the risk of developing cancer. Automata’s LINQ platform features a unique laboratory smart bench, with integrated automation capabilities and accompanying powerful, proprietary lab orchestration software. As a result, labs can easily reduce human touchpoints and increase efficiency and accuracy without needing to dedicate additional laboratory space to bulky equipment. The system is also flexible in design, providing the option to grow capacity based on future demand. The new installation, which is due to be completed in 2024, will be housed at the NIHR Centre for Molecular Pathology, which brings together researchers from The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research. It was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre at The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Professor Michael Hubank, Scientific Director of Clinical Genomics at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Professor of Translational Genomics at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: “Thanks to Automata’s innovative robotic technology, this UK-first clinical diagnostics installation will transform genomic testing at The Royal Marsden by streamlining our processes, substantially increasing our capacity without compromising accuracy. “Once opened, the facility will enable us to analyse the genetic make-up of more cancers than ever before, helping us to target cancer treatments and identity those at higher risk of the disease. “Genomic testing is currently labour intensive and involves repetitive tasks, so fully automating the process will give our scientists and technicians more time to focus on quality and on the scientific aspects of their important work.” Working in close collaboration, Automata and The Royal Marsden’s Clinical Genomics Laboratory will automate five workflows, made up of 20 LINQ benches, six robots and 37 laboratory instruments to double sample throughput for DNA extraction, quality control and sequencing library preparation. Neal Parker, Strategic Account Director, Automata comments: “The insights and information that genomics testing provides, empower doctors and patients to make the right decisions for therapy. As well as the increased capacity, scientists in the laboratory now have more walk-away time to spend on analysis and research. We look forward to continuing to work closely with The Royal Marsden to shape the future of integrated automation for genomics.” About Automata Automata is the leading robotics and automation company powering the laboratories of the future. Our automated technology enables new and improved processes, empowers scientists with transformed ways of working and delivers faster translation of results from ‘bench to bedside’. Our Lab Automation Platform meets labs where they are on their automation journey, and we are the trusted partner to improving efficiencies and freeing scientists to work on new and innovative discoveries.    We are trusted by customers including trusts within the NHS, and are supporting advancements across Core Testing Labs, Academic Institutes, CDMOs, Pharmas and Biotechs. Product Launches


Microbioz India, July 2023 | 50 About the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust The Royal Marsden opened its doors in 1851 as the world’s first hospital dedicated to cancer diagnosis, treatment, research and education. Today, together with its academic partner, The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), it is the largest and most comprehensive cancer centre in Europe seeing and treating over 59,000 NHS and private patients every year. It is a centre of excellence with an international reputation for groundbreaking research and pioneering the very latest in cancer treatments and technologies. The Royal Marsden, with the ICR, is the only National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre for Cancer. This supports pioneering research work carried out over a number of different cancer themes. The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises money solely to support The Royal Marsden, a worldleading cancer centre. It ensures Royal Marsden nurses, doctors and research teams can provide the very best care and develop life-saving treatments, which are used across the UK and around the world. From funding state-of-the-art equipment and ground-breaking research, to creating the very best patient environments, The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity will never stop looking for ways to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. 20 Years of Ultra-HighSpeed Imaging Innovation Story source/Credit: Specialised Imaging Ltd echnological market leader in ultra-highspeed imaging - Specialised Imaging Ltd. will celebrate 20 years in business during July 2023. In 2003, Specialised Imaging Ltd. embarked on a journey to bring new innovations to ultra-highspeed imaging instruments and to create systems that are more intuitive to the user and offer a world class level of reliability and support. Co-founder and Managing Director – Wai Chan commented “Our road map was to start with a simple image intensifier system that would allow universal interface to all cameras, ranging from a standard SLR to complex framing cameras. The building blocks from this product allowed us to design an intensified camera that was aimed at the outdoor market, so it had to be robust and weatherproof. Following requests from our customers we developed the SIR2 which was the world’s first double shot image intensifier coupled to a high resolution (12 MPixel) sensor. This enabled the capture of two successive images of the same event within a fraction of a second. T Product Launches


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