Genetically Engineered Maggots Could Augment Wound Healing
|
By HospiMedica International staff writers Posted on 03 Apr 2016 |
|
Image: L. sericata larvae produce and secrete a human growth factor (Photo courtesy of Max Scott/NCSU).
A new study describes how maggot debridement therapy (MDT) larvae can be genetically modified to release a human growth factor that actively stimulates cell growth and wound healing.
Researchers at North Carolina State University (NCSU; Raleigh, USA) and Massey University (Wellington, New Zealand) developed a concept MDT technology that is based on transgenic strains of Lucilia sericata (green bottle fly) larvae that express and secrete human platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) at detectable levels in adult hemolymph, whole larval lysate, and maggot excretions/secretions (ES), with the potential for clinical utility in wound healing.
The researchers engineered transgene insertion in several strains of L. sericata, and tried two ways to make the maggots produce and secrete PDGF-BB. First, they engineered maggots that produce the PDGF-BB when they are shocked with heat up to 37 °C; but while heat made the maggots produce the hormone, they did not release it. The other system, which mediated PDGF-BB expression by raising the maggots on a diet that lacked tetracycline, was more successful, resulting in high levels of the growth factor. The study was published on March 22, 2106, in BMC Biotechnology.
“We see this as a proof-of-principle study for the future development of engineered L. sericata strains that express a variety of growth factors and antimicrobial peptides with the long-term aim of developing a cost-effective means for wound treatment that could save people from amputation and other harmful effects of diabetes,” said lead author Professor of Entomology Max Scott, PhD, of NCSU. “Most people with diabetes live in less wealthy countries with little access to expensive treatments, and MDT could offer them an effective and accessible alternative.”
Human PDGF-BB is a secreted dimeric peptide growth factor that stimulates cell proliferation and survival, promotes wound healing, and has been investigated as a possible topical treatment for non-healing wounds. Genetic engineering has allowed for the expression and secretion of human growth factors and other proteins in transgenic insects.
Related Links:
North Carolina State University
Massey University
Researchers at North Carolina State University (NCSU; Raleigh, USA) and Massey University (Wellington, New Zealand) developed a concept MDT technology that is based on transgenic strains of Lucilia sericata (green bottle fly) larvae that express and secrete human platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) at detectable levels in adult hemolymph, whole larval lysate, and maggot excretions/secretions (ES), with the potential for clinical utility in wound healing.
The researchers engineered transgene insertion in several strains of L. sericata, and tried two ways to make the maggots produce and secrete PDGF-BB. First, they engineered maggots that produce the PDGF-BB when they are shocked with heat up to 37 °C; but while heat made the maggots produce the hormone, they did not release it. The other system, which mediated PDGF-BB expression by raising the maggots on a diet that lacked tetracycline, was more successful, resulting in high levels of the growth factor. The study was published on March 22, 2106, in BMC Biotechnology.
“We see this as a proof-of-principle study for the future development of engineered L. sericata strains that express a variety of growth factors and antimicrobial peptides with the long-term aim of developing a cost-effective means for wound treatment that could save people from amputation and other harmful effects of diabetes,” said lead author Professor of Entomology Max Scott, PhD, of NCSU. “Most people with diabetes live in less wealthy countries with little access to expensive treatments, and MDT could offer them an effective and accessible alternative.”
Human PDGF-BB is a secreted dimeric peptide growth factor that stimulates cell proliferation and survival, promotes wound healing, and has been investigated as a possible topical treatment for non-healing wounds. Genetic engineering has allowed for the expression and secretion of human growth factors and other proteins in transgenic insects.
Related Links:
North Carolina State University
Massey University
Gold Member
Disposable Protective Suit For Medical Use
Disposable Protective Suit For Medical Use
Gold Member
SARS‑CoV‑2/Flu A/Flu B/RSV Sample-To-Answer Test
SARS‑CoV‑2/Flu A/Flu B/RSV Cartridge (CE-IVD)
Silver Member
Compact 14-Day Uninterrupted Holter ECG
NR-314P
New
Radial Shock Wave Device
MASTERPULS »ultra«
Latest Surgical Techniques News
- Miniaturized Ultrasonic Scalpel Enables Faster and Safer Robotic-Assisted Surgery
- AI Assisted Reading Tool for Small Bowel Video Capsule Endoscopy Detects More Lesions
- First-Ever Contact Force Pulsed Field Ablation System to Transform Treatment of Ventricular Arrhythmias
- Caterpillar Robot with Built-In Steering System Crawls Easily Through Loops and Bends
- Tiny Wraparound Electronic Implants to Revolutionize Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Small, Implantable Cardiac Pump to Help Children Awaiting Heart Transplant
- Gastrointestinal Imaging Capsule a Game-Changer in Esophagus Surveillance and Treatment
- World’s Smallest Laser Probe for Brain Procedures Facilitates Ablation of Full Range of Targets
- Artificial Intelligence Broadens Diagnostic Abilities of Conventional Coronary Angiography
- AI-Powered Surgical Visualization Tool Supports Surgeons' Visual Recognition in Real Time
- Cutting-Edge Robotic Bronchial Endoscopic System Provides Prompt Intervention during Emergencies
- Handheld Device for Fluorescence-Guided Surgery a Game Changer for Removal of High-Grade Glioma Brain Tumors
- Porous Gel Sponge Facilitates Rapid Hemostasis and Wound Healing
- Novel Rigid Endoscope System Enables Deep Tissue Imaging During Surgery
- Robotic Nerve ‘Cuffs’ Could Treat Various Neurological Conditions
- Flexible Microdisplay Visualizes Brain Activity in Real-Time To Guide Neurosurgeons
Channels
Artificial Intelligence
view channel
AI-Powered Algorithm to Revolutionize Detection of Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rate, is linked to increased risks of stroke and heart failure. This is because the irregular heartbeat in AFib... Read more
AI Diagnostic Tool Accurately Detects Valvular Disorders Often Missed by Doctors
Doctors generally use stethoscopes to listen for the characteristic lub-dub sounds made by heart valves opening and closing. They also listen for less prominent sounds that indicate problems with these valves.... Read more
Critical Care
view channel
Powerful AI Risk Assessment Tool Predicts Outcomes in Heart Failure Patients
Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart cannot pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and swelling in the legs and feet, and it can ultimately... Read more
Peptide-Based Hydrogels Repair Damaged Organs and Tissues On-The-Spot
Scientists have ingeniously combined biomedical expertise with nature-inspired engineering to develop a jelly-like material that holds significant promise for immediate repairs to a wide variety of damaged... Read more
One-Hour Endoscopic Procedure Could Eliminate Need for Insulin for Type 2 Diabetes
Over 37 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes, and more than 90% of these cases are Type 2 diabetes. This form of diabetes is most commonly seen in individuals over 45, though an increasing number... Read more
Patient Care
view channel
First-Of-Its-Kind Portable Germicidal Light Technology Disinfects High-Touch Clinical Surfaces in Seconds
Reducing healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) remains a pressing issue within global healthcare systems. In the United States alone, 1.7 million patients contract HAIs annually, leading to approximately... Read more
Surgical Capacity Optimization Solution Helps Hospitals Boost OR Utilization
An innovative solution has the capability to transform surgical capacity utilization by targeting the root cause of surgical block time inefficiencies. Fujitsu Limited’s (Tokyo, Japan) Surgical Capacity... Read more
Game-Changing Innovation in Surgical Instrument Sterilization Significantly Improves OR Throughput
A groundbreaking innovation enables hospitals to significantly improve instrument processing time and throughput in operating rooms (ORs) and sterile processing departments. Turbett Surgical, Inc.... Read more
Health IT
view channel
Machine Learning Model Improves Mortality Risk Prediction for Cardiac Surgery Patients
Machine learning algorithms have been deployed to create predictive models in various medical fields, with some demonstrating improved outcomes compared to their standard-of-care counterparts.... Read more
Strategic Collaboration to Develop and Integrate Generative AI into Healthcare
Top industry experts have underscored the immediate requirement for healthcare systems and hospitals to respond to severe cost and margin pressures. Close to half of U.S. hospitals ended 2022 in the red... Read more
AI-Enabled Operating Rooms Solution Helps Hospitals Maximize Utilization and Unlock Capacity
For healthcare organizations, optimizing operating room (OR) utilization during prime time hours is a complex challenge. Surgeons and clinics face difficulties in finding available slots for booking cases,... Read more
AI Predicts Pancreatic Cancer Three Years before Diagnosis from Patients’ Medical Records
Screening for common cancers like breast, cervix, and prostate cancer relies on relatively simple and highly effective techniques, such as mammograms, Pap smears, and blood tests. These methods have revolutionized... Read morePoint of Care
view channel
Critical Bleeding Management System to Help Hospitals Further Standardize Viscoelastic Testing
Surgical procedures are often accompanied by significant blood loss and the subsequent high likelihood of the need for allogeneic blood transfusions. These transfusions, while critical, are linked to various... Read more
Point of Care HIV Test Enables Early Infection Diagnosis for Infants
Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment are crucial for the survival of infants infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Without treatment, approximately 50% of infants who acquire HIV during... Read more
Whole Blood Rapid Test Aids Assessment of Concussion at Patient's Bedside
In the United States annually, approximately five million individuals seek emergency department care for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), yet over half of those suspecting a concussion may never get it checked.... Read more
New Generation Glucose Hospital Meter System Ensures Accurate, Interference-Free and Safe Use
A new generation glucose hospital meter system now comes with several features that make hospital glucose testing easier and more secure while continuing to offer accuracy, freedom from interference, and... Read moreBusiness
view channel
Johnson & Johnson Acquires Cardiovascular Medical Device Company Shockwave Medical
Johnson & Johnson (New Brunswick, N.J., USA) and Shockwave Medical (Santa Clara, CA, USA) have entered into a definitive agreement under which Johnson & Johnson will acquire all of Shockwave’s... Read more
