Biosafety and biosecurity challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

Rutjes, Saskia A.; Vennis, Iris M.; Wagner, Edith; Maisaia, Vakhtang; Peintner, Lukas

doi:10.3389/fbioe.2023.1117316

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…However, in the last two years, the number of patents applied to the pharmaceutical sector has decreased (Figure 4b). This could be due to the post-pandemic period, where concerns about collective health have reduced, and the trend has advanced towards environmental, climate, and sustainable development concerns [196].…”

Section: Patents: Technological Development and Innovationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bioactive Compounds Produced by Macromycetes for Application in the Pharmaceutical Sector: Patents and Products

Martinez-Burgos,

Montes Montes,

Pozzan

et al. 2024

Fermentation

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It is widely known that mushrooms present several properties with applications in the medicinal and pharmaceutical sectors, including antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, hypotensive, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory activities. This article aims to review examples of the bioactive metabolites responsible for those activities, such as polysaccharides, phenols and polyphenols, terpenes, peptides, alkaloids, and steroids, which are produced by several relevant mushroom species. It also discusses their production through solid-state fermentation and submerged fermentation, as well as the processes of obtention of mushroom bioactive extracts and considerations on their stability aiming industrial applications. In addition, the article examines the patent landscape surrounding mushroom-derived bioactives, shedding light on the intellectual property history and innovations driving this field forward. Examples of recently deposited patents in the field are highlighted, as well as the main depositors. China and the United States are the major depositor countries in this field (52% and 35% of patents, respectively), and the principal compounds on the patents are polysaccharides and alkaloids. The article also provides insights into the current market landscape, showcasing mushroom-derived products in the pharmaceutical field available to consumers. From dietary supplements to skincare formulations, the market offerings reflect the growing interest in harnessing the health benefits of mushroom bioactives.

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Section: Patents: Technological Development and Innovationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bioactive Compounds Produced by Macromycetes for Application in the Pharmaceutical Sector: Patents and Products

Martinez-Burgos,

Montes Montes,

Pozzan

et al. 2024

Fermentation

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Laboratory researchers throughout the globe are continuously working on vaccine modifications and therapeutic updates to deal with the frequent viral mutations and new SARS-CoV-2 evolution ( Markov et al., 2023 ). With increased SARS-CoV-2 research and clinical diagnosis, the global focus on laboratory biosafety and biosecurity has elevated ( Joseph et al., 2022 ; Rutjes et al., 2023 ). Transportation of SARS-CoV-2 positive patient samples or live virus culture falls under the packaging and shipping criteria of UN3373 biological substance of category B ( DoT, 2020 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Validating the inactivation of viral pathogens with a focus on SARS-CoV-2 to safely transfer samples from high-containment laboratories

Chaki,

Kahl-McDonagh,

Neuman

et al. 2024

Front. Cell. Infect. Microbiol.

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IntroductionPathogen leak from a high-containment laboratory seriously threatens human safety, animal welfare, and environmental security. Transportation of pathogens from a higher (BSL4 or BSL3) to a lower (BSL2) containment laboratory for downstream experimentation requires complete pathogen inactivation. Validation of pathogen inactivation is necessary to ensure safety during transportation. This study established a validation strategy for virus inactivation. MethodsSARS-CoV-2 wild type, delta, and omicron variants underwent heat treatment at 95°C for 10 minutes using either a hot water bath or a thermocycler. To validate the inactivation process, heat-treated viruses, and untreated control samples were incubated with A549-hACE2 and Vero E6-TMPRSS2-T2A-ACE2 cells. The cells were monitored for up to 72 hours for any cytopathic effects, visually and under a microscope, and for virus genome replication via RT-qPCR. The quality of post-treated samples was assessed for suitability in downstream molecular testing applications. ResultsHeat treatment at 95°C for 10 minutes effectively inactivated SARS-CoV-2 variants. The absence of cytopathic effects, coupled with the inability of virus genome replication, validated the efficacy of the inactivation process. Furthermore, the heat-treated samples proved to be qualified for COVID-19 antigen testing, RT-qPCR, and whole-genome sequencing. DiscussionBy ensuring the safety of sample transportation for downstream experimentation, this validation approach enhances biosecurity measures. Considerations for potential limitations, comparisons with existing inactivation methods, and broader implications of the findings are discussed.

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Measuring training effectiveness of laboratory biosafety program offered at African Center for Integrated Laboratory Training in 22 President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief supported countries (2008–2014)

Shrivastava,

Stevens,

Westerman

et al. 2023

Trop Med Health

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Introduction The African Center for Integrated Laboratory Training (ACILT) in Johannesburg, South Africa offered a laboratory biosafety program to improve laboratory biosafety practices in 22 President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) supported countries. This manuscript evaluates the transference of newly gained knowledge and skills to the participants’ place of employment for HIV and TB diagnostic laboratory programs. It also serves as a follow-on to a previously published manuscript that measured training effectiveness for all courses offered at ACILT. Methods ACILT offered 20 Laboratory Biosafety and Infrastructure courses (2008–2014), also referred as biosafety course/course comprising of 14 core laboratory safety elements to 402 participants from 22 countries. In 2015, participants received 22 e-questions divided into four categories: (1) Safety Policies, (2) Management’s Engagement, (3) Safety Programs and (4) Assessments of Safety Practices to determine retrospectively the training effectiveness of biosafety practices in their place of employment 6 months before and after attending their course. We used Kirkpatrick model to assess the transference of knowledge, skills and obstructive factors. Results 20% (81/402) of the participants completed the e-questionnaire. The overall percentage of positive responses indicating implementation of new safety practices increased from 50% to 84%. Improvement occurred in all four categories after attending the course, with the greatest increases in Safety Policies (67–94%) and Safety Programs (43–91%). Creating a safety committee, allocating resources, and establishing a facility safety policy were important drivers for implementing and maintaining laboratory safety practices. In addition, accredited laboratories and countries with national safety regulations or policies had a higher percentage of improvements. The most reported challenges were inadequate funding and lack of management enforcement. Conclusions PEPFAR and other partners’ investments in training institutions, such as ACILT, were effective in building sustainable country ownership to strengthen biosafety practices and were leveraged to combat zoonotic diseases and COVID-19. Although support continues at the national/regional level, a standardized, coordinated and continent-wide sustainable approach to offer a biosafety program-like ACILT is missing. Continuous offerings of biosafety programs similar to ACILT could contribute to sustainable strengthening of laboratory biosafety, QMS and pandemic preparedness.

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Biosafety and biosecurity challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

Cited by 5 publications

References 26 publications

Bioactive Compounds Produced by Macromycetes for Application in the Pharmaceutical Sector: Patents and Products

Bioactive Compounds Produced by Macromycetes for Application in the Pharmaceutical Sector: Patents and Products

Validating the inactivation of viral pathogens with a focus on SARS-CoV-2 to safely transfer samples from high-containment laboratories

Measuring training effectiveness of laboratory biosafety program offered at African Center for Integrated Laboratory Training in 22 President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief supported countries (2008–2014)

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