@article { author = {Ahmed Ansari, Shakeel and Satar, Rukhsana and Sundar Panda, Dibya and Kashif Zaidi, Syed and Chibber, Sandesh and Jahir Khan, Mohd and Ahmed Khan, Taqi and Alam Jafri, Mohammad and Alqahtani, Mohammed Hussein}, title = {Surface Engineering of Multifunctional Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications: a Brief Update}, journal = {Iranian Journal of Biotechnology}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {1-7}, year = {2014}, publisher = {National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Iran}, issn = {1728-3043}, eissn = {2322-2921}, doi = {10.5812/ijb.11124}, abstract = {  Context: In recent years, nanotechnology has opened up several new avenues of extraordinary biomedical potential by modulating metals into their nanosize leading to significant improvement in their chemical, physical and optical properties. Introduction: The advanced fabrication techniques have been exploited to modify nanostructured materials. The functionalized nanoscaled fibers display various exclusive features like high surface area to volume ratio, tunable porosity and maneuverable surface with desired function. Additionally, surface modification stabilizes nanoparticles against agglomeration, provides compatibility with other phase and presents them in a highly self-organized structure with desired properties. This study gives an overview of nanoparticles which have been significantly improved by fabrication technology to make them suitable for extensive biomedical applications. The strategies involved introduction of functionalities like grafting of an already functionalized ligand on the surface of nanoparticle, exchanging part/whole of the existing ligands on its surface or grafting of a ligand on a nanoparticle followed by modification via organic chemical reactions have also been reviewed. Applications of various surface modified carbon nanotubes and silica based nanoparticles in biomedical/biotechnological sectors are also outlined. Conclusion: Since purity, dispersity and stability of multifunctional nanoparticles is highly important in a physiological environment for in vivo biomedical applications, the newly developed surface modified nanoconjugates can be used for cancer cell imaging, tumor ablation and drug delivery.}, keywords = {Biomedical Application,Colloidal Stability,Ligands,Nano chemistry,Surface Stabilization}, url = {https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_7247.html}, eprint = {https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_7247_b7b8ac0af9122bf69a9905d89d5b5d91.pdf} } @article { author = {Seyed Hassan Tehrani, Sahar and Hashemi Sheikh Shabani, Somayeh and Tahmasebi Enferadi, Sattar and Rabiei, Zohreh}, title = {Growth Inhibitory Impact of Peganum harmala L. on Two Breast Cancer Cell Lines}, journal = {Iranian Journal of Biotechnology}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {8-14}, year = {2014}, publisher = {National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Iran}, issn = {1728-3043}, eissn = {2322-2921}, doi = {10.5812/ijb.18562}, abstract = {Background: ß-carbolines, harmaline and harmine, are the major alkaloids presenting in the seeds of the Peganum harmala L. These alkaloids are known as herbal active principals with potential use in pharmaceutical and medicine. Objectives: To assess the growth inhibitory effect of phyto-alkaloids, harmaline and harmine, on cancer cell lines. Methods: The P. harmala L.’s alkaloids were extracted by acidic/basic extraction method and identified by two methods, Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Two breast cancer cell lines, MDA_MB_231, Mcf-7, were subjected to different concentration (1–100 μg.ml-1) of the P. harmala extract at different time courses (24h, 48h, and 72 h). Methylthiazol Tetrazolium (MTT) test, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and the morphological changes through optical microscopy were evaluated. Results: In both studied cell lines, the P. harmala extract decreased cell viability in longer time exposure in a dose dependent manner. The more concentrated extract led to higher motility of MDA-MB-231 at 24h. Although, Mcf-7 cell line required longer exposure time has to reach the same motility. It was observed that 30 μg.ml-1 is the minimum lethal dose that kills approximately 50% of cells at 24 hours in MDA-MB-231 cell line (IC50). IC50 for Mcf-7 were calculated 40 μg.ml-1 and 25 μg.ml-1 at 48 h and 72 h, respectively.  The morphological observation ensured the apoptosis nature of P. harmala on cells as their membrane kept intact and no membrane permeabilization was observed. Conclusions: The results revealed that the P. harmala extracts decreased significantly growth rate and cell survival of cancer cell lines. The extract induced cell death regarding natural cell growth rate. MDA-MB-231 cell line naturally has a higher growth rate than Mcf-7 cell line, so higher growth inhibition of MDA-MB-231 cell line by the P. harmala extract was confirmed.}, keywords = {Cell Viability,FT-IR,HPLC,Harmaline,Harmine,MTT test}, url = {https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_7245.html}, eprint = {https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_7245_15b38d9a8c6c2ee152b22879daa2398e.pdf} } @article { author = {Bolouri Oskoui, Khatereh and Zare Shahneh, Ahmad and Dadashpour Davachi, Navid and Gooden, JM and Wynn, Peter}, title = {The Influence of Active Immunization Against Adrenocorticotropin Hormone on Galactopoiesis in Merino Ewes}, journal = {Iranian Journal of Biotechnology}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {15-24}, year = {2014}, publisher = {National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Iran}, issn = {1728-3043}, eissn = {2322-2921}, doi = {10.5812/ijb.15401}, abstract = {  Background:Chronic active adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) immunization of ewes (with a previous history of immunization) resulted in elevated titres of antibody against ACTH, which induced a reduction in circulating levels of cortisol. Objectives:The aim of the present study was to investigate: a) the influence of active immunization against ACTH on milk production of the ewe as assessed by milk intake of the lamb measured with two different methods, b) whether the stimulation of levels of β-end and α-MSH in the circulation can result in a similar increase in the expression of these peptides in the milk of the lactating ewe, thereby producing a milk with high analgesic properties. Materials and Methods:Ten primiparous Merino ewes (4-5 years old) during their first 5 weeks of lactation were used in the experiment. Milk intake of each lamb can be used to give the ewe’s milk yield per unit time, and this can be used for secretion of peptides over time. This was determined by two different techniques: the deuterium oxide method and the weigh-suck-weigh method. β-end, α-MSH and cortisol were measured in blood samples and β-end, α-MSH in milk samples using RIAs (Radio Immune Assay). Results:Plasma β-end and α-MSH in ACTH-immune animals increased to 3 and 38-fold respectively, although the level of α-MSH is most likely exaggerated by the presence of α-MSH antibodies in the ACTH immune plasma, as α-MSH comprises the N-terminal 13 amino acids of ACTH. Antibodies also were detected in the plasma of lambs of immune ewes after birth, at levels, which were comparable to those measured in the ewes during the period of colostrum production and thereafter decreased to much lower levels by the end of the experiment. Plasma β-end and α-MSH in the lambs of immune ewes were significantly higher than those measured in the lambs of control ewes. Conclusions:The immunization procedure had no effect on feed intake, live weight gain and milk production of ewes nor was the growth rate or milk intake of the lambs altered. The expression of β-end and α-MSH in milk was also unaffected by the high concentrations of these hormones in the circulation of immune ewes.}, keywords = {Immunization,Adrenocorticotropin Hormone,β-endorphin,α-MSH}, url = {https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_7248.html}, eprint = {https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_7248_2d3e37e619d865359e14fb50662be41e.pdf} } @article { author = {Sadeghi, Marzieh and Bandehpour, Mojgan and Yarian, Fatemeh and Yassaee, Vahidreza and Torbati, Elham and Kazemi, Bahram}, title = {Cloning and Expression of Influenza H1N1 NS1 Protein in Escherichia Coli BL21}, journal = {Iranian Journal of Biotechnology}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {25-29}, year = {2014}, publisher = {National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Iran}, issn = {1728-3043}, eissn = {2322-2921}, doi = {10.5812/ijb.12625}, abstract = {Background:Influenza virus is globally pathogenic and it is usually associated with zoonotic respiratory diseases. This virus has caused a number of pandemics with a high mortality rate. The non-structural (NS1) protein of influenza A viruses is a non-essential virulence factor that has multiple accessory functions during viral infection. This protein is highly conservative. It has been shown that this protein has a major role against the immunity responses of the host cells. Objectives:The aim of this study is to produce the recombinant Influenza NS1 protein by the use of bacterial production system in order to evaluate the immunological and structural features of the protein in the following researches. Materials and Methods:The NS1 gene construct has been artificially synthesized; subsequently it has been sub-cloned in to the pQE30 expression vector. Then the expression vector has been transformed in to the BL21 cells and induced by IPTG, afterward the expression has been evaluated by SDS-PAGE and Western Blotting Techniques. Results:The NS1 gene has successfully cloned and transformed in to expression cells, as a result a 23 kDa band has been observed both on SDS-PAGE and nitrocellulose paper after western blotting. Conclusions:Based on the results of this study, it could be concluded that the NS1 gene of Influenza A H1N1 virus (A/Shiraz/14/2010 Strain), could be cloned and the rNS1 protein (recombinant NS1 protein) could be expressed using bacterial protein translation system. Science this protein is a conservative protein among Influenza A viruses could be used as a potent vaccine for prevention of various types of pandemics caused by Influenza A.}, keywords = {Influenza A Virus,Non-structural Protein,Cloning,Expression}, url = {https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_7261.html}, eprint = {https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_7261_af6a4e16b647a39b40d98eccb0c6caaa.pdf} } @article { author = {Sharif, Mohammad Ali and Kohram, Hamid and Zare Shahneh, Ahmad and Zolfagharian, Hossein and Abedi Kiasari, Bahman and Hedayati, Mehdi}, title = {Production and Purification of Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin Hormone Using Polyclonal Antibody}, journal = {Iranian Journal of Biotechnology}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {30-34}, year = {2014}, publisher = {National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Iran}, issn = {1728-3043}, eissn = {2322-2921}, doi = {10.5812/ijb.15137}, abstract = {  Background: Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) is commonly used in association with a progestagen treatment to synchronize estrus of goats and ewes during breeding and non-breeding seasons. Classical purification of the eCG from serum includes pH fractionation with metaphosphoric acid two ethanol precipitation steps as well as dialysis followed by fixed-bed chromatography. Objectives: The aim of the current study was to develop an accurate and fast method for production and purification of eCG using polyoclonal antibody assay. Materials and Methods: The blood samples (300 ml) were taken from jugular vein of 17 mares on days 50, 70 and 90 of pregnancy. Plasma of the samples was siphoned and phenol solution has been added to the plasma and stored in the refrigerator until eCG extraction. To prepare polyoclonal antibody against eCG, four male rabbits, about 4-months-old and 2-kg weights, were chosen. A basic immunization was done by injecting 25 IU of eCG to the rabbits. Ouchterlony assay or double immunodiffusion test was used to assess the immunization and the titer of antiserum against eCG. eCG has been purified from the plasma via Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE) method. Results: Results based on agarose-gel double immunodiffusion test showed that rabbits have been completely immunized. SDS-PAGE analysis showed purified eCG is extracted without any significant contamination. Conclusions: The extraction of eCG with polyclonal antibody using SPE method and production of anti- eCG antiserum in rabbits is suitable and may be a cost effective method for large scale production of eCG and anti- eCG antiserum in Iran.}, keywords = {eCG, Ouchterlony,Polyoclonal Antibody,Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE)}, url = {https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_7249.html}, eprint = {https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_7249_5994bc5ee9d68374bd7eec63043fa862.pdf} } @article { author = {Shahriari Moghadam, Mohsen and Ebrahimipour, Gholamhossein and Abtahi, Behrooz and Khazaei, Nafsa and Karbasi, Negin}, title = {Statistical Optimization of Crude Oil Biodegradation by Marinobacter sp. Isolated from Qeshm Island, Iran}, journal = {Iranian Journal of Biotechnology}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {35-41}, year = {2014}, publisher = {National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Iran}, issn = {1728-3043}, eissn = {2322-2921}, doi = {10.5812/ijb.15392}, abstract = {Background: Hydrocarbons degradation is principally achieved by microorganisms in natural environments. The extent of hydrocarbons biodegradation is mainly conditioned by environmental factors and its success depends on the optimal condition for the crude oil degrading isolates. Objectives: The aims of the current study was to isolate and identify crude oil degrading bacterium from surface sediments of Qeshm Island, Iran and to evaluate the efficiency of statistically-based experimental design for the optimization of crude oil degradation performed by the isolated strain. Materials and Methods: Crude oil degrading bacteria were isolated by serial dilutions of bacterial consortium. In order to optimize crude oil biodegradation by isolated strain, Plackett-Burman experimental design was used to evaluate nine factors affecting crude oil biodegradation in twelve experimental trials. To observe the best yield in crude oil biodegradation, factor which had higher effects were considered for the next stage in the biodegradation optimization process using the Taguchi experimental design. Results: A gram-negative bacterium strain signed as KK1- strain (with 98% homology with Marinobacter litoralis) was isolated from enrichment consortium. Among the various variables screened using Plackett-Burman experimental design, pH, temperature, salinity and NH4Cl were determined as the most significant factors and considered for the next stage in the biodegradation optimization process using the Taguchi experimental design. Theoretically, the optimum degradation conditions were determined as: pH = 8, temperature = 35˚C, salinity = 30 ppt and NH4Cl = 1 g.L-1. The validity of the predicted optimized condition was tested by conducting experiment considering the predicted criteria. Biodegradation efficiency of 58.32±5.57% was achieved under suggested condition which was significantly higher than the primary condition (35%). Conclusions: Indigenous bacteria from surface sediments of Qeshm Island were found to be able to degrade crude oil. Our results showed that a combination of the Plackett-Burman and the Taguchi experimental design may be successfully used to find the optimal amounts of those factors for crude oil biodegradation.}, keywords = {Biodegradation Optimization,Marinobacter litoralis,Plackett-Burman,Taguchi}, url = {https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_7252.html}, eprint = {https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_7252_92349558f783b9bd9cd129377766e2df.pdf} } @article { author = {Tavakol, Moslem and Vasheghani-Farahani, Ebrahim and Soleimani, Masoud and Mohammadifar, Mohammad Amin and Hashemi-Najafabadi, Sameereh and Hafii, Maryam}, title = {Synthesis and Characterization of an Enzyme Mediated in situ Forming Hydrogel Based on Gum Tragacanth for Biomedical Applications}, journal = {Iranian Journal of Biotechnology}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {42-49}, year = {2014}, publisher = {National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Iran}, issn = {1728-3043}, eissn = {2322-2921}, doi = {10.5812/ijb.15811}, abstract = {Background: The excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability and biological properties of the hydrogels, fabricated using natural polymers, especially polysaccharides, are very advantageous for biomedical applications. Gum tragacanth (GT) is a heterogeneous highly branched anionic polysaccharide, which has been used extensively in food and pharmaceutical industries. Despite,  its desirable properties, the potential biomedical applications of this natural gum have not been fully explored. In this study, an enzyme catalyzed in situ forming hydrogel, based on Iranian gum tragacanth (exudate of Astragalus fluccosus) was prepared and characterized for biomedical applications. Objectives: The main objective of the present study was to explore  the feasibility  of using tragacanth natural gum as a base for in situ-forming hydrogels in biomedical applications. Materials and Methods: First, tyramine (TA) was conjugated to the water-soluble part of GT (TGA) using aqueous-phase carbodiimide activation chemistry. Next, in situ forming hydrogel was prepared via an enzyme catalyzed coupling reaction in the presence of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and H2O2. Gelation time, swelling/degradation behavior and mechanical properties of the hydrogel and cell viability of the encapsulated cells within these hydrogels were investigated. Results: The gelation time of the hydrogel was less than 30 seconds, which is very desirable for clinical applications. At concentrations ≤ 0.1% (w/v), both GT and TA-TGA showed no toxicity towards human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and Caco-2 cells. More than 90% of the encapsulated hMSCs in the hydrogels, which were prepared at H2O2 concentrations of less than 15.0 mM, remained viable after 2 hours of incubation. Conclusions: The TA-TGA conjugate can be gelled enzymatically in the presence of HRP and H2O2. This in situ forming hydrogel might be a desirable candidate for biomedical applications.}, keywords = {Gum Tragacanth,Tyramine, Horseradish Peroxidase,In situ Forming Hydrogel,Enzyme Catalyzed Gelation,Biomedical applications}, url = {https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_7250.html}, eprint = {https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_7250_0625e483ff7b41b96fd442a8a15a4a30.pdf} } @article { author = {Alaraidh, Ibrahim and Ibrahim, Mohamed and El-Gaaly, Gehan}, title = {Evaluation of Green Synthesis of Ag Nanoparticles Using Eruca sativa and Spinacia oleracea Leaf Extracts and Their Antimicrobial Activity}, journal = {Iranian Journal of Biotechnology}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {50-55}, year = {2014}, publisher = {National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Iran}, issn = {1728-3043}, eissn = {2322-2921}, doi = {10.5812/ijb.12392}, abstract = {  Background: Nano-biotechnology is considered as one of the mainly vigorous field of research in new material science. Recently, biosynthetic methods employing both biological microorganisms such as bacteria and fungus or plants extract have developed speedily as a trouble-free and feasible choice to obtain nanomaterials alternative to more complex chemical synthetic procedures. The particular distinctiveness like size, allocation and shape give the nanoparticles different properties from the bulk material. Objectives: Eruca sativa and Spinacia oleracea plants were used to evaluate their extra cellular potential synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their bactericidal impact on Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Materials and Methods: Aqueous solutions of AgNO3 are mixed with plant extracts. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to characterize the morphology of the nanoparticles obtained from plant extracts. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometer established the existence of elemental sign of the silver and homogenous allocation of silver nanoparticles. Diffraction by using X ray (XRD) analysis for the formed AgNPs revealed spherical plus cubical shapes structure with different planes ranged between 111 to 311 planes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the morphology of the nanoparticles obtained from plant extracts. Results: The antibacterial action of AgNPs against human pathogens, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was recognized. Our work showed a rapid, eco-safety and suitable method for the synthesis of AgNPs from Eruca sativa and Spinacia oleracea leaf extract and can be used in pharmaceutical and other biomedical applications. Conclusions: It could be suggested that AgNPs showed effective antibacterial properties owing to their exceptionally big exterior region, which provides superior contact with microorganisms and its interactions with bacteria are and localized on the membrane of the organism.}, keywords = {Nanoparticles,TEM,EDX,Green Biotechnology,Eruca,Spinacia}, url = {https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_7262.html}, eprint = {https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_7262_b92b04b536214ca75578662c20fdb052.pdf} } @article { author = {Molavi Choobini, Zahra and Shadkhast, Mohammad and Moshtaghi, Hamdollah and Habibian Dehkordi, Saeid and Shahbazkia, Homayon Reza}, title = {Polymorphism of κ-Casein Gene in Iranian Holsteins}, journal = {Iranian Journal of Biotechnology}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {56-60}, year = {2014}, publisher = {National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Iran}, issn = {1728-3043}, eissn = {2322-2921}, doi = {10.5812/ijb.12118}, abstract = {Background: Genetic polymorphism of milk proteins has been associated with composition, manufacture, and traits of milk. Caseins are the most important milk proteins whose genes are strongly linked and inherited as a raceme. κ-casein which is a quantitatively minor constituent of bovine milk is thought to play a critical role in organization, fixation and aggregation of casein micelles and firmness of curd during cheese making. Objectives: In this study, we considered polymorphism of κ-casein gene in Iranian Holstein cows. Materials and Method: In this study, κ-casein gene polymorphism among 50 DNA samples of Iranian Holstein cows via Polymerase Chain Reaction sequence analysis (PCR-Sequencing) was considered. For data analysis SPSS 11.5 (ANOVA test) was used. Results: Four polymorphic sites that created 4 variants and seven different genotypes of κ-casein gene were identified. In this population the frequencies of A, B, C, and E alleles were estimated as 0.391, 0.413, 0.087, and 0.109 respectively. Conclusion: We suggested that the B allele of κ-casein gene frequency should be increased in Iranian Holsteins because it has an essential factor in marker-assisted selection for milk traits.}, keywords = {Caseins,Polymerase Chain Reaction,Sequence analysis,Alleles,Holstein Cows}, url = {https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_7259.html}, eprint = {https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_7259_3d02b52cd35dc50bdc6ed508c49e1e36.pdf} } @article { author = {Rahdari, Abdolali and Gharaei, Ahmad and Ghaffri, Mostafa}, title = {Spawning Latency Period in Hormonal Induced Reproduction of Snow trout (Schizothorax zarudnyi (Nikolskii, 1897))}, journal = {Iranian Journal of Biotechnology}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {61-65}, year = {2014}, publisher = {National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Iran}, issn = {1728-3043}, eissn = {2322-2921}, doi = {10.5812/ijb.10268}, abstract = {  Background: The breeding performance is an important parameter to evaluate the breeding success in captive condition. The optimum hormone dose in combination with latency period is desirable for getting best breeding performance in fish. Objectives: The objective of the study was to find the spawning latency period in the hormonal induced reproduction of Snow trout with two inducers (Ovaprim and hCG) separately and in combination. Materials and Methods: The fish spawners were separated to five groups randomly and treated with Ovaprim, Ovaprim with hCG (high dose), Ovaprim with hCG (low dose), hCG and saline water as control group. Results: Results suggested that Ovaprim and high dose of hCG treatment lead to shorter latency time (40 h 40’), but ovulation percent, percentage of live embryos in the eyed stage and ovulation synchronization were lower than groups treated with Ovaprim singly or Ovaprim plus low dose of hCG. Females from the control and hCG groups did not spawn. Conclusions: The highest hormonal stimulation effectiveness was recorded in the group where one hormonal substance (Ovaprim) was applied. The ovulation time was therefore difficult to predict accurately in Snow trout, Schizothorax zarudnyi.}, keywords = {Ovaprim,hCG,Latency period,Snow Trout,Schizothorax zarudnyi,spawning}, url = {https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_7263.html}, eprint = {https://www.ijbiotech.com/article_7263_c15bdf2d531ef8ee30bc24806075edba.pdf} }