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The pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi differentiates from epimastigotes (E) into infective metacyclic trypomastigotes (MTs) to invade the mammalian cell. This process, called metacyclogenesis, is mimicked in vitro by nutrient starvation or incubation with minimal media. Here, we describe an alternative protocol for metacyclogenesis by incubating E forms in a biphasic medium supplemented with human blood. Although time consuming, this procedure yields fully differentiated MTs without the presence of intermediate forms, even for cultures that have been maintained as E for years.

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Centrifugation techniques are frequently used to separate bacteria from the culture broth in pharmaceutical industries. Alternatively, cell separation can be performed through tangential microfiltration systems; an arguably cost-effective alternative to centrifugation. Therefore, replacement of centrifugation steps with microfiltration represents an attractive option in order to decrease production costs. An example of such use can be found in the production of the vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), which relies on a centrifugation step to separate the pathogenic bacteria from the antigen-rich (exopolysaccharide) released into culture broth. The substitution of the centrifugation operation with tangential microfiltration may decrease production costs and increase vaccine availability in low-income regions. Hence, we studied the impact of diverse microfiltration systems at different production scales in the separation of Hib from its culture broth. The recovery of the exopolysaccharide - polyribosylribitol phosphate (PRP), the antigen employed in the vaccine, produced by Hib and present in the culture broth was used as a read-out for process efficiency. In sum, the use of Hydrophilic Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) membranes resulted in the highest recovery value among the tested materials; moreover, the transmembrane pressure was a paramount factor determining the recovery level. We concluded that Hib cell separation through tangential microfiltration systems represents a feasible alternative to centrifugation.

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Resumen Objetivos: Establecer e implementar un protocolo simplificado de extracción, aislamiento primario y cultivo de células madre derivadas de la pulpa dental humana (DPSCh). Analizar cuantitativamente y cualitativamente las células aisladas. Metodología: 10 terceros molares sanos donados por pacientes que concurrieron a la Facultad de Odontología, UdelaR y otorgaron su consentimiento escrito fueron procesados antes de las 48 hs. Se realizó la fractura de la pieza para la obtención del tejido pulpar y se procesó por el método explante. Se analizó viabilidad celular y expresión de marcadores por citometría de flujo en pasajes 4 y 12 y se corroboró mediante inmunocitoquímica. Resultados: Las células obtenidas presentaron una vitalidad mayor al 90% en todos los pasajes, observándose una morfología característica y expresión de marcadores de células madre mesenquimales CD90, C105, CD73, CD29 y 166 mediante citometría de flujo en ambos pasajes. Conclusiones: Se logró establecer un protocolo de aislamiento y expansión celular, con alta tasa de éxito de una población de DPSCh.

Resumo Objetivos: Estabelecer e implementar um protocolo simplificado para a extração, isolamento primário e cultura de células-tronco da polpa dentária humana (DPSCh). Analise as células isoladas quantitativa e qualitativamente. Metodologia: 10 terceiros molares saudáveis ​​doados por pacientes que frequentaram a Faculdade de Odontologia UdelaR e deram consentimento por escrito foram processados ​​antes de 48 horas. A fratura da peça foi realizada para obtenção do tecido pulpar e processada pelo método do explante. A viabilidade celular e a expressão do marcador foram analisadas por citometría de fluxo nas passagens 4 e 12 e confirmadas por inmunocitoquímica. Resultados: As células obtidas apresentaram viabilidade superior a 90% em todas as passagens, observando uma morfologia característica e expressão dos marcadores de células-tronco mesenquimais CD90, C105, CD73, CD29 e 166 por citometría de fluxo em ambas as passagens. Conclusões: Foi possível estabelecer um protocolo de isolamento celular, com alta taxa de sucesso e segurança para isolar o DPSCh.

Abstract Objectives: To establish and implement a simplified protocol for the extraction, primary isolation, and culture of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). To analyze the isolated cells quantitatively and qualitatively. Methodology: Ten healthy third molars were donated by patients who attended the School of Dentistry, UdelaR, and gave their written consent. The teeth were processed within 48 hours. The teeth were sectioned to obtain the pulp tissue and processed with the explant method. Cell viability and marker expression were analyzed by flow cytometry at passages 4 and 12 and verified by immunocytochemistry. Results: The cells obtained had a vitality greater than 90% in all passages. We found the characteristic morphology and the expression of CD90, C105, CD73, CD29 and 166 mesenchymal stem cell markers by flow cytometry in both passages. Conclusion: It was possible to establish a cell isolation protocol that is highly successful and safe to isolate hDPSC.

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RESUMEN Las células madre humanas nacen con la creación de la vida misma y algunas de estas permanecen durante toda la vida. Por consiguiente, se pueden hallar en tejidos adultos y utilizarlas para investigaciones a nivel básico y aplicado. Actualmente, en nuestro país existe un creciente interés en el estudio y aplicación de células madre; sin embargo, existe poco conocimiento acerca del procedimiento para su identificación. Es por ello que este artículo tiene como objetivo dar a conocer, desde un punto de vista práctico, un procedimiento para el cultivo e identificación de células madre/estromales obtenidas de lipoaspirado humano (Adipose Stem Cells) con fines de investigación, el cual incluye la caracterización a nivel de inmunofenotipo, el potencial de diferenciación celular, la expresión génica y el control de calidad del cultivo celular, que sirva de apoyo para los profesionales de la comunidad científica peruana que deseen desarrollar esta línea de investigación.

ABSTRACT Human stem cells are born with the creation of life itself and some of them remain throughout life. Therefore, they can be found in adult tissues and used for basic and applied research. Currently, in our country there is a growing interest in the study and application of stem cells; however, little is known about the identification procedure. For this reason, this study aims to present, from a practical point of view, a procedure for the culture and identification of stem/stromal cells obtained from human lipoaspirate (Adipose Stem Cells), for research purposes. This procedure includes the immunophenotype characterization, cell differentiation potential, gene expression and cell culture quality control; and will serve as support for Peruvian scientific community professionals who wish to develop this line of research.

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Background: Sperm sexing is increasing in use because pre-determining the sex of the calf allows greater profitability and promotes significant gains in the productive systems that utilize the technique. Deployment of a low-cost and practical preservation methodol-ogy may further favor the cost-benefit ratio. Flow cytometry, the most commonly used sexing technique, has high costs and is very restricted. As an alternative, immunosexing has been studied, which uses sex-specific monoclonal antibodies. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the immunosexing technique in conjunction with cryopreservation in ACP-102c and examine its economic aspects with regard to ram semen.Materials, Methods & Results: Ejaculates from two ram individuals were collected with the aid of an artificial vagina, evaluated, and submitted to the immunosexing protocol, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, using the Monoclonal Antibody Kit specific for mammalian sperm with “Y” chromosomes (HY; HY Biotechnology, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil). After sexing, the supernatant was resuspended in the cryopreservation diluent: ACP (ACP-102c + 20% egg yolk + 7% glycerol), packaged in 0.25 mL straws, refrigerated to 4°C, stabilized for 30 min, frozen in liquid nitrogen vapors (-60°C) for 15 min, immersed in liquid nitrogen, and stored in cryogenic cylinders. The samples were thawed and evaluated for sperm kinetics both by using computerized semen analysis with SCA® software (Sperm Class Analyzer version 5.0) and subjectively comparing specimens from the two animals using conventional microscopy (40x). Plasma membrane integrity (IMP) and sperm cell morphology were evaluated by the smear staining technique...

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Abstract Background: Pericardium tissue allograft can be used for surgical repair in several procedures. One of the tissue engineering strategies is the process of decellularization. This process decreases immunogenic response, but it may modify the natural extracellular matrix composition and behavior. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of cell removal, maintenance of extracellular matrix properties and mechanical integrity of decellularized human pericardium using a low concentration solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate. Methods: Decellularization was performed with sodium dodecyl sulfate and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Histological analysis, DNA quantification, evaluation of glycosaminoglycans and collagen were performed. Biomechanical assay was performed using tensile test to compare the decellularization effects on tissue properties of tensile strength, elongation and elastic modulus. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: There was reduction in visible nuclei present in pericardium tissue after decellularization, but it retained collagen and elastin bundles similar to fresh pericardium. The DNA contents of the decellularized pericardium were significantly reduced to less than 511.23 ± 120.4 ng per mg of dry weight (p < 0.001). The biomechanical assay showed no significant difference for fresh or decellularized tissue. Conclusion: The decellularization process reduces cell content as well as extracellular matrix components without changing its biomechanical properties.

Resumo Fundameto: O enxerto de pericárdio pode ser usado em muitos procedimentos de correção cirúrgica. Uma das estratégias da engenharia tecidual é o processo de descelularização. No entanto, embora esse processo diminua a resposta imunogênica, a descelularização pode modificar tanto o comportamento como a composição da matriz extracelular natural. Objetivos: Avaliar a eficácia da descelularização usando baixa concentração de dodecil sulfato de sódio na remoção celular, na manutenção das propriedades da matriz extracelular e na integridade mecânica do pericárdio humano descelularizado. Métodos: A descelularização foi realizada com dodecil sulfato de sódio e ácido etilenodiamino tetra-acético. Foi realizada análise histológica, quantificação de DNA, e avaliação de glicosaminoglicanos e colágeno. O estudo biomecânico foi conduzido pelo teste de tração para comparar os efeitos da descelularização sobre as propriedades teciduais de resistência à tração, alongamento e módulo de elasticidade. Foi considerado um valor de p < 0,05 como estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: Observou-se uma redução na quantidade de núcleos presentes no pericárdio após a descelularização, apesar de manter quantidades similares de feixes de elastina e de colágeno. As concentrações de DNA do pericárdio descelularizado foram significativamente reduzidas para menos que 511,23 ± 120,4 ng por mg de peso seco (p < 0,001). O teste biomecânico não apontou diferenças entre os tecidos fresco e descelularizado. Conclusão: A descelularização reduziu a concentração de células bem como os componentes da matriz extracelular sem afetar suas propriedades biomecânicas.

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Studies on the role of cells in physiological and pathological processes generally require isolation of some populations, such as neutrophils. In the literature, several methods used for isolating neutrophils are described; however, there is no consensus on the best technique to be used in cell functional studies. The present study compares the efficiency and impact on the chemotactic and phagocytic activity of neutrophils isolated from blood by three different methods: Percoll and Ficoll density centrifugation gradients and spontaneous sedimentation technique. The neutrophil chemotaxis, stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), autologous serum or homologous serum, was determined by using Boyden chambers. The phagocytic capacity was assessed by ingestion of zimosan particles, and digestion phase was analyzed by nitroblue tetrazolium test (NBT). The results obtained from neutrophil isolation by Percoll and Ficoll density gradients, as compared to spontaneous sedimentation technique, showed similar degrees of cell yields and higher purity; however, these methods affected neutrophil responsiveness, accompanied by elevated chemotaxis and reduced chemotactic capacity to respond to subsequent stimulation. Neutrophil isolation by spontaneous sedimentation, in contrast, did not affect cellular activity and resulted in cell preparation with high number of neutrophils. Although neutrophil phagocytosis results were similar between the different methods, digestion phase of phagocytosis was significantly enhanced after LPS-stimulation, only in the neutrophils isolated by spontaneous sedimentation technique. In conclusion, the present study shows that isolation of blood neutrophils by the spontaneous sedimentation technique is appropriate for the assessment of cellular activity, since it neither primes or activates the neutrophils nor does it affect their functional responsiveness.

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INTRODUÇÃO: O uso de recuperador de sangue (RS) em cirurgia cardíaca é proposto para diminuir o uso de unidades de concentrado de hemácias estocadas (UCH), que aumenta morbidade, mortalidade e reações inflamatórias. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar se o uso do RS diminui o emprego de UCH, é custo/efetivo e traz benefícios ao paciente. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo realizado entre novembro de 2009 e outubro de 2011, em 100 pacientes consecutivos, submetidos à cirurgia cardiovascular com circulação extracorpórea (CEC), hemodiluição mínima e hemofiltração. Os pacientes foram divididos em grupo 1 (sem RS) e 2 (com RS). Os critérios para a reposição de UCH foram instabilidade hemodinâmica e hemoglobina (Hb) <7-8g/dl. Foram analisados dados demográficos, Hb, hematócrito (Ht), drenagem mediastinal e reposição de UCH, em diversos intervalos, e tempos de CEC, UTI e hospital. RESULTADOS: Nos grupos 1 e 2, a idade média foi de 64,2 e 60,6 anos, com predominância do sexo masculino, o EuroSCORE logístico de 10,3 e 9,6 e a mortalidade de 2% e 4%, não relacionada ao estudo. O grupo 2 apresentou incidência de reoperações superior (12 x 6%), mas o número de UCH usado (4,31x1,25) e o tempo de internamento hospitalar (10,8x7,4) foram menores. Realizada análise uni e multivariada, que não demonstrou valores estatisticamente significativos, exceto no uso de UCH. A relação entre o custo do RS e das UCH foi custo/efetiva e o tempo de internamento, menor. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de RS diminui o número de UCH usadas, não é custo/efetivo e mostrou benefícios ao paciente.

INTRODUCTION: The use of cell saver (CS) in cardiac surgery is proposed to reduce the use of units of packed red blood cells stored (URBC), which increases morbidity, mortality and causes inflammatory reactions. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to evaluate whether the use of CS decreases the use URBC, is cost /effective and beneficial to the patient. METHODS: In a prospective study, between November 2009 and October 2011, 100 consecutive patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery with CPB, hemodilution and hemofiltration, were enrolled. Patients were divided into group 1 (no CS) and 2 (CS). The criteria for the replacement of RBC were hemodynamic instability and hemoglobin (Hb) <7-8g/dl. Demographic data, as well as Hb and hematocrit, mediastinal drainage, number of URBC and CPB, ICU and hospital time, were analysed. RESULTS: In groups 1 and 2 the average age was 64.1 and 60.6 years; predominantly male; the logistic EuroSCORE 10.3 and 9.4; mortality 2% and 4%. Group 2 had a higher incidence of reoperations (12% versus 6%), but the average of URBC used (4.31 versus 1.25) and mean length of hospital stay (10.8 versus 7.4 days) was lower. Univariate and multivariate analysis, were performed, which showed no statistically significant values, except in the use of URBC. The relationship between the CS and the cost of RBC was not cost /effective and length of stay was shorter. CONCLUSION: The use of CS decreases the number of used URBC, is not cost /effective but has shown benefits for patients.

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Se evaluó el uso de la tecnología de Flujo de Filtración Tangencial (FFT), para obtener la Vacuna Pertussis Celular a partir de cultivos de la bacteria Bordetella pertussis, usando el proceso de Microfiltración (MF) a objeto de recuperar el paquete celular. Se determinaron las características de los filtros, condiciones de trabajo y el dimensionamiento del equipo a adquirir para la nueva producción in dustrial de Vacuna Pertussis Celular. Se evaluaron el flujo y tiempo de proceso, rendimiento y las características del producto obtenido. Utilizando cultivos con Vacuna Pertus sis en un equipo de filtración de laboratorio, diseñado para producir el efecto de FFT. Se seleccionó las membranas tipo cassettes, formato Suspended Screen, porosidad 0,2 μm, como las adecuadas para el proceso de MF, ya que mostraron un 100% de recuperación del paquete celular sin transmisión de células al filtrado y con un flujo promedio de filtrado de 54.00 L/m2h. Estos resultaron permitieron dimensionar, considerando las variables a utilizar en la nueva producción industrial (Volumen 650 Litros, Tiempo de Procesos, 3 a 4 horas), el área de filtración del equipo de MF a adquirir, estimado en 20 m² .

Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) technology was evaluated to process Whole Cell Pertussis Vaccine which is produced by Bordetella pertussis bacterium. Microfiltration (MF) is used to recovery cells to produ ce the vaccine. MF pro - cesses was evaluated to specify the filters and corresponding critical process parameters to scale-up the application. As part of the evaluation, flow rate, processing time, yield and product attributes were characterized. The cell harvest con taining the Whole Cell Pertussis was processed using a laboratory scale TFF system designed to pro duct the TFF effect. The evaluation demonstrated that a cassette in suspended screen format and membrane with 0.2μm pore is the right selection for the MF step. It showed 100% of cell recovery without cell transmission to the filtrate and average process flux of 54.00 L/m2h. These results were used to scale-up the application to process the industrial volume of 650 liters in 3 hours of processing time. Membrane area sizing of MF to be acquired is estimated in 20 m².

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FUNDAMENTO: Métodos convencionais de dissector atualmente requerem consideráveis custos financeiros, técnicos e operacionais para estimar o número de células, incluindo cardiomiócitos, em uma área de 3D. OBJETIVO: Usar a microscopia de fluorescência em um método de dissector modificado para determinar o número de miócitos no tecido cardíaco em condições normais e patológicas. MÉTODOS: O estudo empregou camundongos Wistar machos com quatro meses de idade e peso de 366,25 ± 88,21 g randomizados em grupos controles (GC, n = 8) e infectados (GI, n = 8). Os animais do GI foram inoculados com cepa Y de T. cruzi (300.000 tripomastigotas/50 g). Após oito semanas, os animais foram pesados e sacrificados. Os Ventrículos Esquerdos (VE) foram removidos para análise estereológica da densidade numérica de cardiomiócitos (Nv [c]) e o número total dessas células no VE (N [c]). Esses parâmetros foram estimados usando um dissector fluorescente (DF) e comparados com os métodos convencionais de dissector óptico (DO) e dissector físico (DFi). RESULTADOS: Em ambos os métodos de dissector, os animais do GI apresentaram queda significativa de Nv[c] e N[c] em comparação com os animais do GC (P > 0,05). Uma correlação forte, igual ou superior a 96%, foi obtida entre DF, DO e DFi. CONCLUSÃO: O método DF parece ser igualmente confiável para determinar Nv[c] e N[c] em condições normais e patológicas, apresentando algumas vantagens em relação aos métodos convencionais de dissector: redução de cortes histológicos e imagens na análise estereológica, redução do tempo de análise das imagens, a construção de DF em microscópios simples, utilizando o modo de epifluorescência, distinção de planos de dissector em ampliações inferiores.

BACKGROUND: Conventional disector methods currently require considerable financial, technical and operational costs to estimate the number of cells, including cardyomyocytes, in a 3D area. OBJECTIVE: To use fluorescence microscopy in a modified disector method to determine the number of myocytes in cardiac tissue in normal and pathological conditions. METHODS: The study employed four-month-old male Wistar rats with weight of 366.25 ± 88.21g randomized in control (CG, n=8) and infected (IG, n=8) groups. IG animals were inoculated with T. cruzi Y strain (300,000 trypomastigotes/50g wt). After eight weeks, the animals were weighted and euthanized. The left ventricles (LV) were removed for stereological analysis of numerical density of cardiomyocytes (Nv[c]) and total number of these cells in the LV (N[c]). These parameters were estimated using a fluorescent disector (FD) and compared with the conventional optical (OD) and physical (PD) disector methods. RESULTS: In both disector methods, IG animals presented significant decrease of Nv[c] and N[c] compared to CG animals (P< 0.05). There was no significant difference in these variables despite the disector method applied in CG and IG animals (P> 0.05). A strong correlation, equal or above 96%, was obtained between FD, OD and PD. CONCLUSION: The FD method seems to be equally reliable to determine Nv[c] and N[c] in normal and pathological conditions and presents some advantages compared to conventional disector methods: reduction of histological slices and images in the stereological analysis, reduction of time to analyze the images, construction of FD in simple microscopes using the epifluorescence mode, distinction of disector planes in lower magnifications.

FUNDAMENTO: Métodos convencionales de disector actualmente requieren considerables costos financieros, técnicos y operativos para estimar el número de células, incluyendo cardiomiocitos, en un área de 3D. OBJETIVO: Usar la microscopia de fluorescencia en un método de disector modificado para determinar el número de miocitos en el tejido cardíaco en condiciones normales y patológicas. MÉTODOS: El estudio empleó ratones Wistar machos de cuatro meses de edad y peso de 366,25 ± 88,21 g randomizados en grupos controles (GC, n = 8) e infectados (GI, n = 8). Los animales del GI fueron inoculados con cepa Y de T. cruzi (300.000 tripomastigotas/50 g). Después de ocho semanas, los animales fueron pesados y sacrificados. Los Ventrículos Izquierdos (VI) fueron removidos para análisis estereológico de la densidad numérica de cardiomiocitos (Nv [c]) y el número total de esas células en el VI (N [c]). Esos parámetros fueron estimados usando un disector fluorescente (FD) y comparados con los métodos convencionales de disector óptico (OD) y disector físico (PD). RESULTADOS: En ambos métodos de disector, los animales del GI presentaron caída significativa de Nv[c] y N[c] en comparación con los animales del GC (P > 0,05). Una correlación fuerte, igual o superior a 96%, fue obtenida entre FD, OD y PD. CONCLUSIÓN: El método FD parece ser igualmente confiable para determinar Nv[c] y N[c] en condiciones normales y patológicas, presentando algunas ventajas en relación a los métodos convencionales de disector: reducción de cortes histológicos e imágenes en el análisis estereológico, reducción del tiempo de análisis de las imágenes, la construcción de FD en microscopios simples, utilizando el modo de epifluorescencia, distinción de planos de disector en ampliaciones inferiores.

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Se evaluó el uso de la tecnología de Flujo de Filtración Tan gencial (FFT), para obtener la toxina tetánica a partir de cultivos de la bacteria Clostridium tetani, usando el proceso de Micro filtración (MF), para eliminar el paquete celular y posteriormente, a partir del filtrado obtenido, concentrar y diafiltrar la Toxina Tetánica usando el proceso de Ultrafiltración (UF). Se determinaron las características de los filtros, condiciones de trabajo y el dimensionamiento de los equipos a adquirir para la nueva producción industrial de Toxina Tetánica. Se evaluaron el flujo, tiempo, rendimiento del proceso y las características del producto obtenido. Utilizando cultivos con Toxina Tetánica en un equipo de filtración de laboratorio, diseñado para producir el efecto de FFT. Se seleccionó las membranas tipo cassettes, formato Suspended Screen, porosidad 0,2μm, como las adecuadas para el proceso de MF, ya que mostraron un 100% de transmisión de la Toxina Tetánica, ausencia de restos celulares y flujo promedio de filtrado de 73.30 L/m2h. Así mismo, se seleccionaron las membranas tipo cassettes, formato Omega, porosidad 50 y 70 kDa, como las adecuadas para el proceso de UF, ya que mostraron 100% de recuperación de la toxina, ausencia de toxina en el filtrado y adecuados flujos de filtrado (106,7 y 104,4 L/m2h, respectivamente). Estos resultados permitieron dimensionar, considerando las variables a utilizar en la producción industrial (Volumen 650 a 950 litros, tiempo de procesos, 3 horas), el área de filtración de los equipos de MF y UF a adquirir, estimados en 20m2 y 5m2, respectivamente.

Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) technology was evaluated to process tetanus toxin which is produced by Clostridium tetani bacterium. Microfiltration (MF) is used to retain cells while allowing passage of the toxin to the filtrate stream. The filtrate is co - llected and further processed by Ultrafiltration (UF) to concentrate the toxin and to maximize the wash of small species by a Dia filtration step. Both, MF and UF processes were evaluated to specify the filters and corresponding critical process parameters to scale-up the application. As part of the evaluation, flow ra te, processing time, yield and product attributes were characterized. The cell harvest containing the tetanus toxin was processed using a laboratory scale TFF system designed to product the TFF effect. The evaluation demonstrated that a cassette in sus pended screen format and membrane with 0.2μm pore is the right selection for the MF step. It showed 100% of toxin transmission without the presence of cellular debris and average process flux of 73.30 L/m2h. The UF step was conducted using the same system with cassettes in me dium screen format with pores of 50 and 70kDa. It showed 100% retention of the toxin with a process flux of 106,7 and 104,4L/m2h, respectively. To maximise product retention during UF, the 50 kDa membrane was selected. These results were used to scale-up the application to process the industrial volume of 650 a 950 liters in 3 hours of processing time. Membrane area sizing of MF and UF to be acquired is estimated in 20m2 and 5m2, respectively.

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Se evaluó el uso de la tecnología de Flujo de Filtración Tangencial (FFT), para obtener la toxina diftérica a partir de cultivos de la bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae, usando el proceso de Microfiltración (MF), para eliminar el paquete celular y posteriormente, a partir del filtrado obtenido, concentrar y diafiltrar la toxina diftérica usando el proceso de Ultrafiltración (UF). Se determinaron características de los filtros, condiciones de trabajo y dimensionamiento de los equipos a adquirir para la producción industrial de Toxina Diftérica. Se evaluaron el flujo, tiempo, rendimiento del proceso y las características del producto obtenido, utilizando cultivos con Toxina Diftérica en un equipo de filtración de laboratorio, diseñado para producir el efecto de FFT. Seseleccionó las membranas tipo cassettes, formato Médium Screen, porosidad 0,2 μm, como las adecuadas para el proceso de MF, ya que mostraron 100% de transmisión de la Toxina Diftérica, ausencia de restos celulares y flujo promedio de filtrado de 9.16 L/m2h. Así mismo, se seleccionaron las membranas tipo cassettes, formato Omega, porosidad 10 y 30 kDa, como las adecuadas para el proceso de UF, ya que mostraron 100% de recuperación de la toxina, ausencia de toxina en el filtrado y adecuados flujos de filtrado (97,5 y 125,9 L/m2h, respectivamente), Estos resultaron permitieron dimensionar, considerando las variables a utilizar en la producción industrial (Volumen 650 a 950 Litros, Tiempo de Procesos, 3 a 5 horas), el área de filtración de los equipos de MF y UF a adquirir, estimados en 20m2 y 5m2, respectivamente.

Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) technology was evaluated to process diphtheria toxin which is produced by Cory ne - bacterium diphtheriae bacterium. Microfiltration (MF) is used to retain cells while allowing passage of the toxin to the filtrate stream. The filtrate is collected and further pro - cessed by Ultrafiltration (UF) to concentrate the toxin and to maximize the wash of small species by a Diafiltration step. Both, MF and UF processes were evaluated to specify the filters and corresponding critical process parameters to scale-up the application. As part of the evaluation, flow rate, processing time, yield and product attributes were characterized. The cell harvest containing the diphtheria toxin was processed using a laboratory scale TFF system designed to product the TFF effect. The evaluation demonstrated that a cassette in medium screen format and membrane with 0.2 μm pore is the right selection for the MF step. It showed 100% of toxin transmission without the presence of cellular debris and average process flux of 9.16 L/m2h. The UF step was conducted using the same laboratory equipment with cassettes in medium screen format with pores of 10 and 30 kD. It showed 100% retention of the toxin with a process flux of 97,5 and 125,9 L/m2h, respectively. These results were used to scale-up the application to process the industrial volume of 650 a 950 liters between 3 to 5 hours of processing time. Membrane area sizing of MF and UF to be acquired is estimated in 20 m2 and 5m2, respectively.

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PURPOSE: To compare the viability of human hepatocytes dissociated by the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and collagenase techniques. METHODS: Hepatocytes were prepared by dissociation of liver fragments obtained from hepatectomies performed for therapeutic purposes at the Service of Digestive Tract Surgery, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro. RESULTS: During the first 4 days of the experiment, 70 percent of the cells presented birefringent membranes and were not stained with 2 percent erythrosine, and were therefore considered to be viable. During the first 3 days, hepatocyte viability was on average 71 percent in the EDTA group and 76 percent in the collagenase group, with no significant difference between groups. No significant difference was observed between groups at any time. The secretion of albumin by the cultured hepatocytes was preserved up to the seventh day. Mean albumin secretion during the first 3 days was 50 æg/ml in the two groups and a reduction of albumin production was observed from the fourth to the seventh day. Again, no significant difference was observed between groups at any time. CONCLUSION: Cell viability and preservation of albumin secretion by hepatocytes are similar for the EDTA and collagenase techniques.

OBJETIVO: Comparar a viabilidade dos hepatócitos humanos dissociados pelas técnicas do ácido etilenodiaminotetracético e da colagenase. MÉTODOS: Hepatócitos foram preparados pela dissociação de fragmentos de fígado, provenientes de hepatectomias realizadas com o objetivo terapêutico no Serviço de Cirurgia do Aparelho Digestivo da Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro. RESULTADOS: Detectou-se que nos quatro primeiros dias de experimento 70 por cento das células estavam com suas membranas biorrefringentes e não se coravam pela eritrosina a 2 por cento portanto foram consideradas viáveis. Observou-se que nos três primeiros dias a viabilidade dos hepatócitos foi em média 71 por cento no grupo EDTA e 76 por cento na colagenase, diferença esta sem significado estatístico entre os grupos. Em nenhum momento, detectou-se diferença estatística entre os grupos. Com relação a preservação da secreção de albumina pelos hepatócitos em cultura observou-se que foi mantida até o sétimo dia. Da mesma forma, notou-se que nos três primeiros dias a média de secreção de albumina de ambos os grupos foi de 50 ìg/dl e que após o quarto dia verificou-se redução da produção até o sétimo dia. Também não foi observado diferença significativa em nenhum momento entre os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: A viabilidade celular e a preservação da função de secretar albumina pelos hepatócitos são semelhantes pelas técnica do EDTA e da colagenase.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: To compare the viability of human hepatocytes dissociated by the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and collagenase techniques. METHODS: Hepatocytes were prepared by dissociation of liver fragments obtained from hepatectomies performed for therapeutic purposes at the Service of Digestive Tract Surgery, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro. RESULTS: During the first 4 days of the experiment, 70 percent of the cells presented birefringent membranes and were not stained with 2 percent erythrosine, and were therefore considered to be viable. During the first 3 days, hepatocyte viability was on average 71 percent in the EDTA group and 76 percent in the collagenase group, with no significant difference between groups. No significant difference was observed between groups at any time. The secretion of albumin by the cultured hepatocytes was preserved up to the seventh day. Mean albumin secretion during the first 3 days was 50 æg/ml in the two groups and a reduction of albumin production was observed from the fourth to the seventh day. Again, no significant difference was observed between groups at any time. CONCLUSION: Cell viability and preservation of albumin secretion by hepatocytes are similar for the EDTA and collagenase techniques.(AU)

OBJETIVO: Comparar a viabilidade dos hepatócitos humanos dissociados pelas técnicas do ácido etilenodiaminotetracético e da colagenase. MÉTODOS: Hepatócitos foram preparados pela dissociação de fragmentos de fígado, provenientes de hepatectomias realizadas com o objetivo terapêutico no Serviço de Cirurgia do Aparelho Digestivo da Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro. RESULTADOS: Detectou-se que nos quatro primeiros dias de experimento 70 por cento das células estavam com suas membranas biorrefringentes e não se coravam pela eritrosina a 2 por cento portanto foram consideradas viáveis. Observou-se que nos três primeiros dias a viabilidade dos hepatócitos foi em média 71 por cento no grupo EDTA e 76 por cento na colagenase, diferença esta sem significado estatístico entre os grupos. Em nenhum momento, detectou-se diferença estatística entre os grupos. Com relação a preservação da secreção de albumina pelos hepatócitos em cultura observou-se que foi mantida até o sétimo dia. Da mesma forma, notou-se que nos três primeiros dias a média de secreção de albumina de ambos os grupos foi de 50 ìg/dl e que após o quarto dia verificou-se redução da produção até o sétimo dia. Também não foi observado diferença significativa em nenhum momento entre os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: A viabilidade celular e a preservação da função de secretar albumina pelos hepatócitos são semelhantes pelas técnica do EDTA e da colagenase.(AU)

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