Biography:

Jose Manuel Guisan has completed his PhD in Biochemistry at University Autonoma of Madrid in 1979. Currently he is a full Professor at Spanish Research Council (CSIC) since 2001 and a Visiting Professor at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical School. His research activities include a total of 400 papers in books and journals (in more than 90% as corresponding author) and 25 patent applications.

Abstract:

The physicochemical coating of enzyme surfaces with viscous polymers greatly improves the stability of enzymes against distorting agents (heat, organic solvents, lipids, etc.). Different coating approaches are discussed: (1) Utilization of dextran-aldehyde (chemically attached to the enzymes) as scaffolds to design highly viscous polymers: Dextran-PEG, dextran-glycine, dextran-PEG-glycine, dextran-PEG-polyethyleneimine, etc. (2) Direct coating with polyethyleneimine, additional adsorption of dextran sulfate and additional modification with PEG-aldehyde, etc. Enzymes are firstly stabilized by multipoint covalent attachment and lipases are stabilized by interfacial adsorption on different hydrophobic supports. Different lipases were tested as well as different endoxylanases. The highest stabilizing effects were observed at room temperature (higher viscosity of the coating polymers) with hydrophilic viscous polymers. The enzymes were highly stabilized in aqueous and anhydrous media. For example, lipase from Rhizomucor miehie was stabilized 1000 fold regarding the unmodified enzyme. The highly stabilized derivative was very useful to synthesize sn-2 docosahexaenyl monoacylglycerol, a very interesting food ingredient

Biography:

Fabrizio Muzi has completed his studies as General Surgeon from Tor Vergata University of Rome. He works in the Department of Oncologic Urology as an Assistant of the Director Prof. Gaetano Tati. He has completed his Master’s degree in Andrology from Pisa University and in Surgical Andrology from Trieste University. He has published some papers and participated in national congresses related about the use of gas therapy in urology

Abstract:

Cystitis often appears even in absence of bacteria colonization. Trigonitis and interstitial inflammation are the most common morphological features of abacterial cystitis in young and post menopausal women. Arterial obstructive disease and bladder ischemia might play an important role in bladder dysfunction. Activated inflammatory cells produce radicals of Oxygen (ROS), NF-kB seems involved in ROS synthesis. Clinical studies have indicated that high CO₂ levels can impact upon peripheral tissue, reducing ischemia, responsible of recurrent inflammation and consequently reducing oxidative phenomena. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a volume of fractionated plasma from the patient's own blood that contains platelet concentrate rich of alpha granules. PRP interacts with tissue repair mechanisms by placing supra-physiological concentrations of autologous platelets at the site of tissue damage. This study proposes a double PRP transvaginal injection followed by 15-20 weekly applications of carboxytherapy, using subcutaneous injections of sterile CO₂ gas. We have selected 10 women (50-70 years), affected by recurrent abacterial cystitis with pain and urge incontinence. All patients showed a subjective sensible reduction of symptoms. We especially noticed an improvement of urgence with positive impact with patient's quality of life. After 6 months all patients have neither inflammatory symptoms nor endoscopic evidence of trigonitis. No patients had side effects after the described procedure. Both carboxytherapy and PRP are safe procedures and show good know-how thanks for wide diffusion of aesthetic uses. Preliminary qualitative results could encourage the use of carboxytherapy and PRP in treatment of abacterial and interstitial cystitis.

Biography:

Ricardo Hugo Lira-Saldivar has completed his PhD from University of California, USA. He is a Senior Researcher at the Centro de Investigacion en Quimica Aplicada (CIQA) belonging to the Federal Government, located in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. He has published more than 35 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of several journals.

Abstract:

We examined the influence of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) with and without silver added on germination of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) seeds and on growth of Capsicum annuum (pepper) seedlings. The S. lycopersicum seeds were treated with 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mgL^-1 of pure ZnO NPs. According to results, the 5 mg L^-1 dose promoted better germination (93%), greater root and shoot length (13.35 cm and 3.25 cm respectively), as well seed vigor index, which was increased three times (1546.28±100.30) regarding to control (509.60±51.10). Our findings indicate that ZnO NPs promoted better seed germination by enhancing the antioxidative defense system, which finally resulted in increased seedling growth. The C. Annuum assays indicate that compared to control plants, treatments exposed to foliar application of 50 mgL^-1 of ZnO NPs+Ag (2.5%), were those that had a significant higher shoot and root growth, as well greater biomass production with higher values of height (16.8%), leaf area (30.3%), total biomass production (59.5%), root dry biomass (112.5%), stem dry biomass (76%) and root length (24.4%). Regarding to control plants, those treated with ZnO NPs+Ag (2.5%), reported a quantitative increase of the chlorophyll index (8%) and leaves number (32.6%). The biological effect of the NPs applied, could be related to the zinc activity as a precursor in the production of auxins, which in turn promote cell division and elongation, as well by its influence on the reactivity of indol acetic acid, that acts as hormonal phytoestimulant.

Biography:

A Karthikeyan is a Professor and Head of Department of Botany/Microbiology and he is working in KGF First Grade College, Kolar, India. He has published 8 research papers in various national and international journals and completed 10 student research projects. He was conferred with an international award at Dubai- “Indo Dubai Pacific Achievers Award on 20/11/2015.

Abstract:

India has great biodiversity of blue green algae in general which has contributed to fertility of the soils and in relatively well documented. Efforts have been made to study the algal flora in the tailings or cyanide dumps of the Kolar gold fields and an attempt has been made to draw the knowledge about heterocyst and non-heterocyst nitrogen fixing organisms like blue green algae, which are ubiquitous in distribution and contribute to the world wide nitrogen status. It has been widely studied in the paddy field soils addition of Cyanobacteria to enhance the crop yield. Algalisation is best where nearby species are utilized to get ready inoculums. It is therefore important to have detailed information of indigenous algal population particularly the nitrogen fixating species. Several investigative reports on the abundance of soil algae in different geographical areas of India are available. Many areas of region still remain unexplored. In this context the present investigation was taken up in the tailings or cyanide dumps and recorded 60 algal species in which, 37 species of Cyanophyceae, 12 species of Chlorophyceae, 09 species of Bacillariophyceae amd 2 species of Euglenophyceae. The most abundance genera of algae present in the area are as follows Microcystis elongata, Anabaena circinalis, Aphanocapsa koordaesi, Calothrix castelli, Chroococcus giganteus, Gloeocapsa gelatinosa, Crinalium magnum, Nostoc commune, Oscillatoria obscura, Phormidium parpurescens, Synechococcus pevalikii, Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorococcum croccum, Cymbella ventucosa, Navicula rhomboids, Euglena elongata etc.

Biography:

Fabrizio Muzi has completed his studies as General Surgeon from Tor Vergata University of Rome. He works in the Department of Oncologic Urology as an Assistant of the Director Prof. Gaetano Tati. He has completed his Master’s degree in Andrology from Pisa University and in Surgical Andrology from Trieste University. He has published some papers and participated in national congresses related about the use of gas therapy in urology.

Abstract:

Peyronie’s disease (PD) is an acquired disorder of tunica albuginea characterized by the formation of plaques of fibrous tissue often associated to symptoms like erectile dysfunction (ED) and coital pain. The inflammatory process is unknown, even if it is known that activated inflammatory cells produce many radicals of Oxygen (ROS), leading to fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. Endothelian dysfunction is the responsible of inflammatory chain reaction in which an inflammatory protein, NF-kB seems involved in ROS synthesis. Conservative treatments (laser, ultrasound, iono/iontophoresis) seem to have poor therapeutic effects in PD. Clinical studies have indicated that altered CO₂ levels can impact upon disease progression. CO₂ levels can be sensed by cells resulting in the initiation of pathophysiologic responses with a sensible reduction of oxidative phenomena (Bohr/Haldane effects). We have tried carboxytherapy by using sovrapubic subcutaneous injection of sterile CO₂ gas in 25 patients aged from 40 to 65, affected by PD. After the cycle of treatment of 15 weekly applications, we have observed in all patients a subjective reduction of penile deviation, an improvement of quality of erections and a sensible reduction of plaque's dimensions, documented by ultrasound controls and IIEF questionary before and after the end of cycle. We should consider CO₂ as a powerful antioxidant against endothelian dysfunction and oxidative stress. NF-kB is a target of CO₂ antioxidant power. Preliminary qualitative results could encourage an extended use of carboxytherapy in PD treatment.

Biography:

Venugopal N is a Professor and Head of Department of Botany/Microbiology and he is working in Sri Jagadguru Renukacharya College of Science, Arts and Commerce, India. He has published 21 research papers in various national and international journals and completed 20 student research projects. He was conferred with an award ‘Talented Scientist Award’ for outstanding contribution to the medicinal plant research during the 4^th international conference on medicinal plants and herbal products held at John Hopkins University, USA in 2012 and Award of Excellence in microbial biotechnology in 2015 at Pondicherry.

Abstract:

Nature has provided a complete storehouse of remedies to cure ailment of mankind. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries as remedies for diseases because they contain component of therapeutic values. Ethno-veterinary medicine is the holistic interdisciplinary study of the local knowledge and the socio-cultural structures and environment associated with animal healthcare and husbandry. Herbal medicines are used as the major remedy in traditional medical system. Herbal medicines are being used by nearly about 80% of the world population, primarily in developing countries for primary health care. Western Ghats is veritable niche of growing healing herbs, which are being used in Indian system of medicine like Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani Traditional healing system play an important role in maintaining the physical and psychological well being of the vast majority of tribal people in India. The present study was initiated with an aim to identify knowledgeable resource persons and document their knowledge of on the utilization of medicinal plants. The present documentation of traditional knowledge from an area where novel information has been generated will not only provide recognition to this knowledge but will also help in its conservation vis-a-vis providing pharmacological leads for the betterment of animals in human society. The practice of using herbal medicines is widely spread in this region with higher percentage of tribal as well as non tribal population relying on it is because of lack of awareness; shyness and lack of modern medical facilities available in their region and the high cost of modern medical system for treatment are unaffordable by tribal.

Biography:

Akli Ouelhadj has completed his PhD at Martin Luther University, Germany and Postdoctoral studies from Pen State University, USA. Since 2009, he is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Mouloud Mammeri, Algeria. His main interests focuses on microbial and plant biotechnology, genetics, bioactives compounds and abiotic stress.

Abstract:

The constant evolution of bacterial resistance to antibiotics and the emergence of new infectious diseases is a major public health problem; hence the urgent need for new antimicrobial molecules. Actinomycetes, slow growing Gram-positive bacteria are known as an organism that is useful in the search for bioactive compounds. In this study, 27 isolates of actinomycetes were isolated from soil samples collected in the area of Tizi Ouzou region (northern Algeria). A significant difference in the number of colonies was observed between the different culture media (Bennett, GLM and Sabouraud). After purification, the antibacterial activity of the 27 actinomycetes strains was tested against three bacterial strains from the ATCC collection (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923) by two agar diffusion methods: the perpendicular streak method and the agar cylinder method. Among 27 isolated strains, 13 showed antibacterial activity toward at least one bacterium in the primary screening. Of the 13 strains showing an antibacterial activity, 5 of them were found to be highly active against Staphylococcus aureus with inhibition diameters ranging from 20 to 26 mm. The 27 isolates were then subjected for enzymatic activities. From the test, only 3 strains of isolates have the ability to degrade cellulose; 4 showed amylase and 3 protease activities. The isolates showed positive results were then selected for identification.

Biography:

Elena Don was graduated with a Master degree in Molecular and Cellular Biotechnology from Moscow State University of Fine Chemical Technologies, Russia. Presently she is a PhD student focusing on pharmacology and immunoassays development at Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russia. She underwent a study course in immunoassay techniques at AB Biotechnology (Edinburgh, UK). She has published a number of manuscripts in reputed journals in English and Russian and successfully participated in international conferences and congresses.

Abstract:

Transformation of the antibodies (Abs) substances to final dosage form is a difficult task. The antibodies-based drugs have some limitations while manufacturing and using like stability, toxicity, administration. I am pleased to acquaint you with the drugs based on released-active Abs which have overcome the mentioned disadvantages. Phenomenon of released-activity was explored and represented to the scientific community by Russian Professor Oleg Epstein. He suggested combining multiple circles of consecutive decrease in the substance’s initial concentration and physical treatment up to the desired dilution with the use as a substance such biotechnological product as Abs. This forward-looking manufacturing technique allows us to receive reproducible product with unique features. Although the final dilution is too high to content any molecule of initial substance these technologically treated product has an ability not to neutralize the targets but modify the interaction between the target and corresponding molecule-regulator. High efficacy and lack of toxicity of release-active Abs-based drugs were confirmed in plenty of preclinical studies and in top-quality clinical trials. Another astonishing effect of released-activity is observed during conjoin use of the released-active substance with the initial one. Such application helps to increase the effectiveness simultaneously with decreasing toxicity (against the initial substance in the same dose plus placebo) and could be used for production of beneficial and advantaged biosimilars. Drugs based on released-active Abs is turning to be unique medicines which combine the high efficacy and safety and several of them are already presented on the market of 16 countries.

Biography:

Laura Katherine Rodriguez Sanchez is a Biologist, currently pursuing MSc in Biotechnology as a Member of the research group ‘Estudio químico y de actividad biológica de Rutaceae y Myristicaceae colombianas’ of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia on the lines of plant biotechnology, phytochemistry and chemoprospecting. Her areas of interest on research are plant biotechnology, phytochemistry and plant physiology.

Abstract:

Piper cf. cumanense is a species of which have been isolated some compounds with promissory bioactivity, particularly to pest control in economically important crops and with potential use in parasitic diseases. However, these compounds have been obtained in low concentrations being important to use biotechnology strategies in order to obtain more quantities of bioactive substances. This study contributes to the investigations on this species in the development of strategies that improve the production of these compounds. Mature seeds were placed in MS medium supplemented with 3% (w/v) sucrose and 0.02 mg/L of gibberellic acid (AG3) for germination. Laminas and petioles were excised from young plants obtained in vitro and were cultured in MS medium supplemented with benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in combination at different concentrations for organogenesis and callogenesis establishment. Excised young plants and callus were freeze-dried, powdered and extracted with ethyl acetate and analyzed by HPLC. The major production of friable callus was obtained using petiole as explant on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D (1.0 mg/L) and BAP (0.5 mg/L). Callus presented oxidation and to overcome it, some strategies were used being frequent subcultures the most effective. HPLC chromatograms exhibited different patterns in major metabolites of the organs evaluated highlighting differences between in vitro and ex vitro leaves. This research provides basis for applying different strategies to increase metabolites production on in vitro cultures and for the development of biosynthetic studies.

Biography:

Daniela Ehgartner is currently pursuing PhD at the University of Technology in Vienna, Austria. She has completed her undergraduate studies in Nutritional Science and her Masters in Biotechnology and Bioanalytics

Abstract:

Spore inoculum quality in filamentous bioprocesses is a critical parameter associated with viable spore concentration and spore germination. It influences pellet morphology and consequently, process performance. The state-of-the-art method to investigate this quality attribute is colony forming unit (CFU), being tedious, associated with significant inherent bias and not applicable in real time. The approach presented here is based on combining viability staining and large-particle flow cytometry enabling measurements in real-time. It is compatible with complex medium background and allows the quantification of metabolically active spores and monitoring of spore germination. In an industrial bioprocess with filamentous fungi, a good correlation to CFU was found. Spore swelling and spore germination were followed over the initial process phase with close temporal resolution. The validation of the method showed an error of spore classification of less than 5%. In this contribution bioprocesses with various spore inoculum qualities were monitored at-line. Thereby, critical parameters concerning the amount of germinating spores in spore inoculum were found. Related to these critical parameters, differences of spore germination on agar plates vs. liquid environment were observed. These findings challenge the CFU as appropriate method for spore inoculum quality determination. Two applications of the method are proposed: First, the determination of spore inoculum quality before starting the cultivation to guarantee a common starting point for the batches. Secondly, monitoring of spore swelling to adjust the process in real-time to prevent batch failure. These common starting points ensure homogeneity of morphology between cultivations and consequently, better process performance.

Biography:

Abstract:

Marine sponge extracts are increasingly utilized as immunosuppressive and anticancer therapeutic agents. This study aimed to investigate the immunosuppressive activity and cytotoxicity of presumably a novel Sri Lankan sponge species, Haliclona (Soestella) sp., the crude sponge extract (HSCE) and its purified fractions were tested for these activities by the MTT dye reduction assay on Wistar rat bone marrow cells (BMCs) and on the Hep-2 human larynx carcinoma cell line, respectively. Sponge samples were harvested from Unawatuna, Galle, Sri Lanka by scuba diving and refluxed thoroughly with methanol/dichlorommethane, followed by filtration and rota evaporation. The resultant HSCE was subjected to solvent-solvent partitioning with chloroform, ethyl acetate, hexane and water. The HSCE and its fractions (10, 100, 1000, 2000 and 5000 µg/mL) were tested ex vivo on BMC proliferation by the MTT assay. Cytotoxicity of the HSCE and its chloroform fraction (CF) were tested at 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 µg/mL on the Hep-2 cell line. BMC proliferation evidenced dose dependant percentage inhibition by the HSCE with significant proliferation inhibition observed in 1000 and 2000 µg/mL concentrations (P<0.05; IC₅₀-0.719 µg/mL for 2000 µg/mL dose). Highest (100%) inhibition was exhibited by the CF followed by the ethyl acetate fraction (60-70% inhibition) with no inhibition by water and hexane fractions. Cytotoxicity of HSCE and CF on Hep-2 cells reported EC₅₀ values of 19.7 and 29.7 µg per mL, respectively. In conclusion, the HSCE and its fractions were immunosuppressive with respect to BMC proliferation, while HSCE and CF showed cytotoxicity against human larynx carcinoma cells.

Biography:

Nyadar Palmah is currently a Postgraduate student under the supervision of Oberemok Volodymyr at the V.I. Vernadsky University, Simferopol, Crimea.   

Abstract:

In our studies concerning the elaboration of DNA insecticides, we found that topically applied antisense oligoRING (5'-CGACGTGGTGGCACGGCG-3') from conservative region of IAP-3 (inhibitor of apoptosis) gene of Lymantria dispar multicapsid nuclear polyhedrosis virus (LdMNPV) causes significantly higher mortality of Lymantria dispar caterpillars and decrease of host IAP-1 gene expression in LdMNPV-infected insect cells. Also using DNA ladder assay for apoptosis detection we found that oligoRING triggers stronger apoptotic processes in infected insect cells in comparison with water-treated control and groups with control oligonucleotides. Demonstrated insecticidal effect of the oligoRING on LdMNPV-infected Lymantria dispar has also been observed in our investigations with LdMNPV-infected Lymantria monacha and LdMNPV-infected Cydalima perspectalis. We decided to term this phenomenon described for 3 lepidopteran pests as VOVA (Virus before Oligonucleotide-Vent to Apoptosis) effect. Of note, we could not reach VOVA effect with LdMNPV and oligoRING on dipteran Drosophila melanogaster and coleopteran Leptinotarsa decemlineata what shows specificity of VOVA effect/many lepidopteran pests in horticulture and forestry are successfully controlled by application of baculoviruses. Baculoviral preparations have proven to be selective and expensive, acting effectively but slowly. The slow action of a baculovirus is associated with a latent period in the life cycle of the virus. Discovered insecticidal effect of the viral oligoRING on LdMNPV-infected L. dispar, L. monacha, C. perspectalis is a fundamental finding for a host-virus system that could be applied in biologically based insect pest management together with baculoviral preparations to provide more effective and faster action of the latter.