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Search Results (146)

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Keywords = biosafety laboratory

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24 pages, 2240 KiB  
Article
Yeast Diversity on Sandy Lake Beaches Used for Recreation in Olsztyn, Poland
by Tomasz Bałabański, Anna Biedunkiewicz and Jan P. Jastrzębski
Pathogens 2025, 14(8), 744; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14080744 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 516
Abstract
Yeasts possess a range of environmental adaptations that allow them to colonize soil and sand. They can circulate seasonally between different components of lake ecosystems, including beach sand, water, and the coastal phyllosphere. The accumulation of people on beaches promotes the development and [...] Read more.
Yeasts possess a range of environmental adaptations that allow them to colonize soil and sand. They can circulate seasonally between different components of lake ecosystems, including beach sand, water, and the coastal phyllosphere. The accumulation of people on beaches promotes the development and transmission of yeasts, posing an increasing sanitary and epidemiological risk. The aim of this study was to determine the species and quantitative composition of potentially pathogenic and pathogenic yeasts for humans present in the sand of supervised and unsupervised beaches along the shores of lakes in the city of Olsztyn (northeastern Poland). The study material consisted of sand samples collected during two summer seasons (2019; 2020) from 12 research sites on sandy beaches of four lakes located within the administrative boundaries of Olsztyn. Standard isolation and identification methods used in diagnostic mycological laboratories were applied and are described in detail in the following sections of this study. A total of 259 yeast isolates (264, counting species in two-species isolates separately) belonging to 62 species representing 47 genera were obtained during the study. Among all the isolates, five were identified as mixed (two species from a single colony). Eight isolated species were classified into biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) and risk group 2 (RG-2). The highest average number of viable yeast cells was found in sand samples collected in July 2019 (5.56 × 102 CFU/g), August, and September 2020 (1.03 × 103 CFU/g and 1.94 × 103 CFU/g, respectively). The lowest concentrations were in samples collected in April, September, and October 2019, and October 2020 (1.48 × 102 CFU/g, 1.47 × 102 CFU/g, 1.40 × 102 CFU/g, and 1.40 × 102 CFU/g, respectively). The results indicate sand contamination with yeasts that may pose etiological factors for human mycoses. In light of these findings, continuous sanitary-epidemiological monitoring of beach sand and further studies on its mycological cleanliness are warranted, along with actions leading to appropriate legal regulations. Full article
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21 pages, 8833 KiB  
Article
Harnessing Hazara Virus as a Surrogate for Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Enables Inactivation Studies at a Low Biosafety Level
by Judith Olejnik, Kristina Meier, Jarod N. Herrera, Daniel J. DeStasio, Dylan J. Deeney, Elizabeth Y. Flores, Mitchell R. White, Adam J. Hume and Elke Mühlberger
Pathogens 2025, 14(7), 700; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14070700 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 374
Abstract
Research on highly pathogenic biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) viruses that are classified as Select Agents involves transferring inactivated materials to lower containment levels for further analysis. Compliance with Select Agent and BSL-4 safety regulations necessitates the validation and verification of inactivation procedures. To [...] Read more.
Research on highly pathogenic biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) viruses that are classified as Select Agents involves transferring inactivated materials to lower containment levels for further analysis. Compliance with Select Agent and BSL-4 safety regulations necessitates the validation and verification of inactivation procedures. To streamline this process, it would be beneficial to use surrogate BSL-2 viruses for inactivation studies. This not only simplifies BSL-4 work but also enables the testing and validation of inactivation procedures in research facilities that lack access to high-containment laboratories yet may receive samples containing highly pathogenic viruses that require efficient and complete inactivation. In this study, we used Hazara virus (HAZV) as a surrogate virus for Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus to show the efficacy of various inactivation methods. We demonstrate the successful inactivation of HAZV using TRIzol/TRIzol LS and aldehyde fixation. Importantly, the parameters of the aldehyde inactivation of cell pellets differed from those of the monolayers, highlighting the importance of inactivation validation. As part of this study, we also defined specific criteria that must be met by a BSL-2 virus to be used as a surrogate for a closely related BSL-4 virus. Defining these criteria helps identify suitable nonpathogenic surrogates for developing inactivation procedures for highly pathogenic viruses. Full article
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26 pages, 739 KiB  
Review
Research and Prospects of Airtightness of Biological Laboratory Enclosures: Influencing Factors and Evaluation Methods
by Geqing Peng, Xiaoshuang Shi, Ruihan Hu, Xiaoli Wang and Jinsheng Zhan
Buildings 2025, 15(13), 2314; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15132314 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 383
Abstract
The airtightness of enclosures in biological laboratories is paramount for effective isolation between internal and external environments, ensuring containment of hazardous pathogens and mitigating accidental release risks. Consequently, studying and enhancing the airtightness of these enclosures significantly contributes to maintaining laboratory safety, safeguarding [...] Read more.
The airtightness of enclosures in biological laboratories is paramount for effective isolation between internal and external environments, ensuring containment of hazardous pathogens and mitigating accidental release risks. Consequently, studying and enhancing the airtightness of these enclosures significantly contributes to maintaining laboratory safety, safeguarding personnel health, and preventing disease. This paper examines the critical role of the enclosure structure in biological laboratories and how airtightness impacts the laboratory environment. It analyzes the current state of research on the airtightness of high-level biological laboratory enclosures, drawing on domestic and international sources. This includes exploring issues and challenges related to material properties, process methods, and evaluation methods for the airtightness of concrete structural materials as well as steel structures. The paper also studies the airtightness of enclosure structures of biological laboratories, highlighting the shortcomings in this important field of research and its future prospects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)
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16 pages, 5964 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Mediating Role of Cardiometabolic Traits in the Causal Link Between SHBG Levels and Stroke Risk via Network Mendelian Randomization
by Peijiang Pan, Hao Liang and Mingli Li
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(7), 494; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47070494 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 327
Abstract
The causal nature of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in the pathogenesis of stroke remains uncertain. We explored whether SHBG levels are causally associated with stroke via cardiometabolic traits. A network two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted to determine the mediating roles of [...] Read more.
The causal nature of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in the pathogenesis of stroke remains uncertain. We explored whether SHBG levels are causally associated with stroke via cardiometabolic traits. A network two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted to determine the mediating roles of cardiometabolic traits in the causal effects of SHBG levels on stroke subtypes. Further two-sample MR analyses were performed to explore the inverse associations between significant cardiometabolic mediators and SHBG levels. The MR results indicated a protective effect of genetically increased SHBG levels on any stroke (odd ratio [OR] = 0.941; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.898, 0.984), any ischemic stroke (OR = 0.951; 95% CI: 0.922, 0.981), and small-vessel stroke (OR = 0.871; 95% CI: 0.765, 0.977). Moreover, genetically elevated SHBG levels were associated with lower waist circumference (WC, β = −0.091; 95% CI: −0.136, −0.046), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR, β = −0.057; 95% CI: −0.084, −0.030), triglycerides (TG, β = −0.188; 95% CI: −0.249, −0.127), systolic blood pressure (β = −0.799; 95% CI: −1.068, −0.530), and diastolic blood pressure (β = −0.436; 95% CI: −0.605, −0.267), and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR = 0.684; 95% CI: 0.400, 0.968) in both the discovery and replication datasets. The proportions of such cardiometabolic traits that mediated the causal effects of SHBG levels on any stroke, any ischemic stroke, or small-vessel stroke ranged from 17.8% to 52.7%; while the mediating effects of SHBG levels on the causal associations between WC, WHR, and TG and stroke ranged from 18.4% to 68.3%. Our findings suggest a protective effect of genetically elevated SHBG levels on stroke risk via key cardiometabolic mediators, primarily WC, WHR, and TG. The mediating roles of SHBG levels in the causal links from WC, WHR and TG to stroke risk were also established. These pathways support SHBG as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in stroke prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Bioinformatics Approaches to Biomedicine)
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33 pages, 4970 KiB  
Review
A Review on the Recent Advancements of Polymer-Modified Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Under Stimuli-Trigger
by Madhappan Santhamoorthy, Perumal Asaithambi, Vanaraj Ramkumar, Natarajan Elangovan, Ilaiyaraja Perumal and Seong Cheol Kim
Polymers 2025, 17(12), 1640; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17121640 - 13 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1231
Abstract
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are gaining popularity in nanomedicine due to their large surface area, variable pore size, great biocompatibility, and chemical adaptability. In recent years, the combination of smart polymeric materials with MSNs has transformed the area of regulated drug administration, particularly [...] Read more.
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are gaining popularity in nanomedicine due to their large surface area, variable pore size, great biocompatibility, and chemical adaptability. In recent years, the combination of smart polymeric materials with MSNs has transformed the area of regulated drug administration, particularly under stimuli-responsive settings. Polymer-modified MSNs provide increased stability, longer circulation times, and, most crucially, the capacity to respond to diverse internal (pH, redox potential, enzymes, and temperature) and external (light, magnetic field, and ultrasonic) stimuli. These systems allow for the site-specific, on-demand release of therapeutic molecules, increasing treatment effectiveness while decreasing off-target effects. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in the development and application of polymer-functionalized MSNs for stimuli-triggered drug delivery. Key polymeric modifications, including thermoresponsive, pH-sensitive, redox-responsive, and enzyme-degradable systems, are discussed in terms of their design strategies and therapeutic outcomes. The synergistic use of dual or multiple stimuli-responsive polymers is also highlighted as a promising avenue to enhance precision and control in complex biological environments. Moreover, the integration of targeting ligands and stealth polymers such as PEG further enables selective tumor targeting and immune evasion, broadening the potential clinical applications of these nanocarriers. Recent progress in stimuli-triggered MSNs for combination therapies such as chemo-photothermal and chemo-photodynamic therapy is also covered, emphasizing how polymer modifications enhance responsiveness and therapeutic synergy. Finally, the review discusses current challenges, including scalability, biosafety, and regulatory considerations, and provides perspectives on future directions to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical translation. Full article
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13 pages, 2604 KiB  
Article
A Novel SARS-CoV-2-Derived Infectious Vector System
by Ghada Elfayres, Yong Xiao, Qinghua Pan, Chen Liang, Benoit Barbeau and Lionel Berthoux
Microbiol. Res. 2025, 16(6), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres16060125 - 11 Jun 2025
Viewed by 946
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of COVID-19. The development of antiviral drugs for COVID-19 has been hampered by the requirement of a biosafety level 3 (BSL3) laboratory for experiments related to SARS-CoV-2, and by the lack of [...] Read more.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of COVID-19. The development of antiviral drugs for COVID-19 has been hampered by the requirement of a biosafety level 3 (BSL3) laboratory for experiments related to SARS-CoV-2, and by the lack of easy and precise methods for quantification of infection. Here, we developed a SARS-CoV-2 viral vector composed of all four SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins constitutively expressed in lentivirally transduced cells, combined with an RNA replicon deleted for SARS-CoV-2 structural protein genes S, M, and E, and expressing a luciferase–GFP fusion protein. We show that, after concentrating viral stocks by ultracentrifugation, the SARS-CoV-2 viral vector is able to infect two human cell lines expressing receptors ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Both luciferase activity and GFP fluorescence were detected, and transduction was remdesivir-sensitive. We also show that this vector is inhibited by three type I interferon (IFN-I) subtypes. Although improvements are needed to increase infectious titers, this vector system may prove useful for antiviral drug screening and SARS-CoV-2-related investigations. Full article
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17 pages, 1593 KiB  
Article
Multiple Mechanisms of HIV-1 Resistance to PGT135 in a Chinese Subtype B’ Slow Progressor
by Yuanyuan Hu, Shasha Sun, Ying Liu, Li Ren, Xintao Hu, Yuhua Ruan, Liying Ma, Hao Liang, Yiming Shao, Kunxue Hong, Sen Zou and Yanling Hao
Pathogens 2025, 14(6), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14060556 - 3 Jun 2025
Viewed by 508
Abstract
We investigated HIV-1 immune evasion mechanisms in a slow progressor (CBJC515) by constructing pseudoviruses expressing autologous Env proteins. Intriguingly, all pseudoviruses exhibited resistance to the broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb) PGT135. Using site-directed mutagenesis and chimeric Env construction, we identified distinct escape mechanisms: early [...] Read more.
We investigated HIV-1 immune evasion mechanisms in a slow progressor (CBJC515) by constructing pseudoviruses expressing autologous Env proteins. Intriguingly, all pseudoviruses exhibited resistance to the broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb) PGT135. Using site-directed mutagenesis and chimeric Env construction, we identified distinct escape mechanisms: early 2005 strains lost the N332 glycan site, while 2006/2008 strains retained key epitopes but developed resistance through structural modifications in the V1/V4/C2 regions or acquired novel N-glycosylation sites (N398/N611). These findings provide insights into how HIV-1 can escape from N332-directed bNAb responses without altering the epitope itself. Furthermore, chimeric experiments also elucidated regional co-evolution and functional maintenance: the V1V2 region broadly interfered with envelope protein function, while the V3 region may exhibit compensatory activity, restoring functionality and mitigating deleterious polymorphisms in other regions to keep Env antigenic diversity. These results offer valuable mechanistic clues that may inform the development of next-generation HIV-1 vaccines. Full article
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16 pages, 1571 KiB  
Article
Validated Methods for Inactivation of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Compatible with Immune-Based and Enzymatic Downstream Analyses
by Simone Leoni, Stephen L. Leib, Katharina Summermatter and Denis Grandgirard
Viruses 2025, 17(6), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17060810 - 3 Jun 2025
Viewed by 684
Abstract
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus (TBEV) is impacting public health in the Eurasian region, with increasing case numbers. There is, therefore, a need to expand research efforts and the corresponding infrastructure capacity. Since TBEV is classified as a risk group 3 organism in Switzerland, handling [...] Read more.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus (TBEV) is impacting public health in the Eurasian region, with increasing case numbers. There is, therefore, a need to expand research efforts and the corresponding infrastructure capacity. Since TBEV is classified as a risk group 3 organism in Switzerland, handling infectious material containing the virus is restricted to biosafety level 3 laboratories. In some instances, downstream analyses may need to be performed outside of the containment facility. It is, therefore, essential to validate effective inactivation protocols compatible with the safe and accurate processing of samples. This study evaluated UV irradiation, chemical treatment with detergents, and mechanical filtration as candidate methods to inactivate TBEV infectious samples, including culture supernatants and tissue homogenates, while preserving their compatibility for different assays. Among the methods tested, 45 s of UV irradiation or Triton-X100 at concentrations between 0.05% and 0.1% effectively inactivated TBEV while mostly preserving the integrity of the processed samples for immuno- or enzymatic assays. These findings establish safe and reliable procedures for advancing TBEV research beyond high-containment settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section General Virology)
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13 pages, 904 KiB  
Perspective
Rwandan National Reference Laboratory Championing Biosafety and Biosecurity While Leading the Response to Marburg Virus Outbreak in the Country
by Emmanuel Edwar Siddig, Ayman Ahmed, Jean Claude Semuto Ngabonziza, Isabelle Mukagatare and Claude Mambo Muvunyi
Laboratories 2025, 2(2), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/laboratories2020012 - 27 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 512
Abstract
The Marburg virus (MARV) is an extremely contagious zoonotic virus that leads to severe hemorrhagic fever in humans, with a fatality rate as high as 90%. It is known for causing nosocomial outbreaks in hospitals and laboratories globally. The recent outbreak of MARV [...] Read more.
The Marburg virus (MARV) is an extremely contagious zoonotic virus that leads to severe hemorrhagic fever in humans, with a fatality rate as high as 90%. It is known for causing nosocomial outbreaks in hospitals and laboratories globally. The recent outbreak of MARV in Rwanda highlighted significant challenges to infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols in two major hospitals, leading to outbreaks in intensive care units (ICUs) where the majority of infections occurred among healthcare providers. In contrast, the Rwandan National Reference Laboratory (NRL) demonstrated remarkable preparedness and resilience due to systematic investments and capacity building, which resulted in zero contamination, exposure, or infection, despite handling thousands of samples from across the country. This stark difference in infection dynamics between laboratory personnel at the NRL and healthcare providers underscores the effectiveness of the strict biosafety and biosecurity measures in place. Consequently, this situation underscores the urgent need for cross-facility training, the sharing of best practices, and the role of the NRL in reinforcing IPC measures throughout the country. This report delves into the preparedness and resilience of the NRL by examining its exemplary laboratory biosafety and biosecurity practices, emphasizing the crucial need for ongoing training, supervision, adherence to safety protocols, and improvements in the structure and operations of healthcare settings to prevent future outbreaks. Full article
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15 pages, 4600 KiB  
Article
The Major Facilitator Superfamily Transporter HAP12 Is Critical in Toxoplasma gondii Survival and Virulence
by Xiaowei Chen, Tao Tang, Huiyong Ding, Hui Dong, Shaojun Long and Xun Suo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(8), 3910; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26083910 - 21 Apr 2025
Viewed by 466
Abstract
As an important zoonotic pathogen, Toxoplasma gondii relies on a unique organelle known as the apicoplast, which has garnered significant attention as a potential drug target for anti-Toxoplasma therapy. To better understand the structure and function of the apicoplast, we previously constructed [...] Read more.
As an important zoonotic pathogen, Toxoplasma gondii relies on a unique organelle known as the apicoplast, which has garnered significant attention as a potential drug target for anti-Toxoplasma therapy. To better understand the structure and function of the apicoplast, we previously constructed a membrane protein database of the apicoplast. During this process, we identified the major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporter protein HAP12, which partially colocalizes with the apicoplast. Evolutionary analysis revealed that HAP12 is highly conserved across the Apicomplexa family and model organisms. HAP12 depletion impaired T. gondii invasion and survival but did not affect the stability of several key organelles, including the apicoplast. Moreover, depletion of HAP12 resulted in a characteristic delayed-death phenotype in the apicoplast. Mouse virulence assays confirmed that HAP12 is an essential protein for parasite survival. This study provides new insights into potential drug and vaccine targets for combating Toxoplasma infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)
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17 pages, 847 KiB  
Article
The Prevalence of Pretreatment Drug Resistance and Transmission Networks Among Newly Diagnosed HIV-1-Infected Individuals in Nanning, Guangxi, China
by Qiuqian Su, Yanjun Li, Ting Huang, Liangjia Wei, Jinfeng He, Yumei Huang, Guidan Mo, Jiao Qin, Chunxing Tao, Xinju Huang, Li Ye, Hao Liang, Bingyu Liang and Jinping Huang
Pathogens 2025, 14(4), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14040336 - 31 Mar 2025
Viewed by 684
Abstract
The scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has markedly increased pretreatment drug resistance (PDR) among newly diagnosed HIV-infected individuals. This study aims to assess the prevalence and characteristics of PDR, infer the genetic transmission network, and evaluate the effect of PDR on ART in [...] Read more.
The scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has markedly increased pretreatment drug resistance (PDR) among newly diagnosed HIV-infected individuals. This study aims to assess the prevalence and characteristics of PDR, infer the genetic transmission network, and evaluate the effect of PDR on ART in Nanning City, Guangxi. Methods: This study was conducted in the Fourth People’s Hospital of Nanning from 2019 to 2023. PDR was estimated using the Stanford algorithm. Genetic transmission networks were inferred by HIV-TRACE and visualized with Cytoscape. Logistic regression identified PDR-related factors. The Cox proportional hazards model assessed the impact of drug resistance on virological and immunological failure. Among 234 participants, the prevalence of PDR was 8.97%. CRF07_BC (35.9%), CRF-01AE (27.35%), and CRF08_BC (23.9%) were the top three HIV-1 strains. Resistance to non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors, and integrase strand-transfer inhibitors was 4.27%, 2.56%, 1.28%, and 0.43%, respectively. Overall, 21.37% of the participants exhibited drug resistance mutations (DRMs). Homosexuals were less likely to have PDR compared to heterosexuals ([aOR] 0.09, 95% CI 0.01–0.86). In the genetic network, V179D/E was also the most frequent DRM. Additionally, the incidence of virological failure (19.23%) and immune failure (20.09%) after one year of treatment did not show significant differences in different drug resistance groups. Conclusions: The prevalence of PDR in Nanning City is moderate, driven largely by the V179D and K103N mutations. The cross-transmission networks emphasize the imperative of PDR testing and targeted interventions. Full article
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16 pages, 1795 KiB  
Article
Bioprospecting Indigenous Oenococcus oeni Strains from Chinese Wine Regions: Multivariate Screening for Stress Tolerance and Aromatic Competence
by Yongzhang Zhu, Xiaoqing Hong, Zhenghua Xu, Shuwen Liu and Kan Shi
Foods 2025, 14(7), 1207; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14071207 - 29 Mar 2025
Viewed by 590
Abstract
Malolactic fermentation (MLF), an essential enological process for wine deacidification and aroma development, is predominantly mediated by Oenococcus oeni (O. oeni). This investigation characterized 170 indigenous O. oeni isolates from two principal Chinese viticultural regions (Yinchuan, Ningxia, and Changli, Hebei) through [...] Read more.
Malolactic fermentation (MLF), an essential enological process for wine deacidification and aroma development, is predominantly mediated by Oenococcus oeni (O. oeni). This investigation characterized 170 indigenous O. oeni isolates from two principal Chinese viticultural regions (Yinchuan, Ningxia, and Changli, Hebei) through polyphasic analysis. Forty-nine strains demonstrating genetic potential for efficient malate metabolism and biosafety compliance (absence of ethyl carbamate and biogenic amines genes) were subjected to adaptive laboratory evolution under enologically relevant stress conditions. Comparative evaluation with the superior indigenous strain SD-2a revealed eight stress-adapted isolates exhibiting superior MLF kinetics, completing L-malic acid degradation in Marselan wine. Solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) profiling identified three isolates’ (3-31, 9-10, and 9-50) significant enhancement of key fermentation aromas in experimental fermentations. These oenologically adapted indigenous strains demonstrate promising potential as regional-specific starter cultures, providing a scientific foundation for developing terroir-expressive winemaking practices and optimizing microbial resources in China’s wine industry. Full article
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12 pages, 1894 KiB  
Systematic Review
Tracking the Threat, 50 Years of Laboratory-Acquired Infections: A Systematic Review
by Esteban Zavaleta-Monestel, Carolina Rojas-Chinchilla, Adriana Anchía-Alfaro, Diego Quesada-Loría, Jonathan García-Montero, Sebastián Arguedas-Chacón and Georgia Hanley-Vargas
Acta Microbiol. Hell. 2025, 70(2), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/amh70020011 - 24 Mar 2025
Viewed by 2261
Abstract
Laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs) pose significant risks to laboratory personnel, public health, and the environment, despite the implementation of biosafety measures. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of global LAIs reported from 1974 to 2024, identifying trends, causes, and pathogen distributions to address gaps [...] Read more.
Laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs) pose significant risks to laboratory personnel, public health, and the environment, despite the implementation of biosafety measures. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of global LAIs reported from 1974 to 2024, identifying trends, causes, and pathogen distributions to address gaps in biosafety knowledge. A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA). A total of 234 studies meeting strict inclusion criteria were analyzed. Bacterial pathogens accounted for 58.6% of reported incidents, followed by viruses at 36.1%. Procedural errors and accidents were the predominant causes of LAIs, with Brucella spp. being the most frequently reported pathogen, primarily in China. Temporal trends indicated a decline in incidents coinciding with the implementation of international biosafety regulations. However, disparities in incident reporting and compliance remain evident across countries. This study underscores the urgent need for a global regulatory framework, mandatory biosafety audits, a centralized incident database, and standardized training for high-containment laboratory personnel. Enhancing global collaboration, transparency in research, and adherence to ethical standards will further reduce LAI risks and strengthen public health security worldwide. Full article
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13 pages, 3819 KiB  
Article
Neutralizing Antibody Screening Using NanoBiT-Based Virus-like Particles of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Type Asia1 Enhances Biosafety and Sensitivity
by Hyejin Kim, Dong-Wan Kim, Giyoun Cho, Ji-Hyeon Hwang, Yeonrae Chae, Taejun Kim, Jae Young Kim, Young-Joon Ko, Jong-Hyeon Park, Yoon-Hee Lee and Sung-Han Park
Viruses 2025, 17(3), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17030337 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 716
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious class 1 animal disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle, pigs, and goats. Diagnosis and research on live FMD virus (FMDV) typically require biosafety level 3 facilities, which are challenging to maintain due to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious class 1 animal disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle, pigs, and goats. Diagnosis and research on live FMD virus (FMDV) typically require biosafety level 3 facilities, which are challenging to maintain due to strict protocols and high costs. The development of NanoBiT-based assays has accelerated in response to the coronavirus disease pandemic, providing safer alternatives for viral research, and is now applicable for general laboratories. This study aimed to develop a NanoBiT-based virus-like particle (VLP) assay for the rapid and safe screening of neutralizing antibodies against FMDV Asia1 Shamir (AS). Methods: We developed an AS VLP with an inserted HiBiT tag that enabled the detection of entry into LgBiT cells through luminescence signals. Results: HiBiT-tagged AS VLPs mixed with anti-serum and introduced into LgBiT-expressing cells led to a reduction in luciferase activity. Therefore, we established a NanoBiT-based viral neutralizing antibody test (VNT) that demonstrated a high correlation (R2 = 0.881) with the traditional gold standard VNT. Conclusions: The assay demonstrated high sensitivity and could be performed in BL-2 facilities, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional assays while reducing the need to handle live viruses in high-containment facilities. This method provides a valuable tool for rapid screening of neutralizing antibodies and can be adapted for broader applications in FMDV research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Viruses)
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13 pages, 2651 KiB  
Article
A Live-Cell Imaging-Based Fluorescent SARS-CoV-2 Neutralization Assay by Antibody-Mediated Blockage of Receptor Binding Domain-ACE2 Interaction
by Jorge L. Arias-Arias, Laura Monturiol-Gross and Eugenia Corrales-Aguilar
BioTech 2025, 14(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech14010010 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1098
Abstract
Neutralization assays have become an important tool since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic for testing vaccine responses and therapeutic antibodies as well as for monitoring humoral immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in epidemiological studies. The spike glycoprotein (S) present on the viral surface contains [...] Read more.
Neutralization assays have become an important tool since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic for testing vaccine responses and therapeutic antibodies as well as for monitoring humoral immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in epidemiological studies. The spike glycoprotein (S) present on the viral surface contains a receptor binding domain (RBD) that recognizes the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE2) in host cells, allowing virus entry. The gold standard for determining SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies is the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT), which relies on live-virus replication performed exclusively in biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratories. Here, we report the development of a surrogate live-cell imaging-based fluorescent SARS-CoV-2 neutralization assay, applicable to BSL-1 or BSL-2 laboratories, by antibody-mediated blockage of the interaction between recombinant RBD with overexpressed ACE2 receptor in a genetically modified HEK 293T stable cell line. Our approach was able to detect neutralizing antibodies both in COVID-19-positive human serum samples and polyclonal equine formulations against SARS-CoV-2. This new cell-based surrogate neutralization assay represents a virus-free fluorescence imaging alternative to the reported approaches, which can be used to detect antibody-neutralizing capabilities toward SARS-CoV-2. This assay could also be extrapolated in the future to other established and emergent viral agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bioimaging Technology)
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