We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Enzyme Treatment Eliminates Prion Protein

By Biotechdaily staff writers
Posted on 21 Jan 2004
Researchers have found an enzymatic method to degrade the prion protein, responsible for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and related diseases, which may be employed to disinfect surfaces that have been contaminated with the prion particles.

Investigators at North Carolina State University (Raleigh, USA) found that keratinase from Bacillus licheniformis as well as proteinase K and two other subtilisin proteases, but not trypsin and pepsin, could effectively degrade the prion protein in the presence of detergent and after heat pretreatment. More...
After this treatment, the prion protein could no longer be detected by immunologic techniques. These findings were published in the December 1,2003, issue of The Journal of Infectious Diseases.

"Our work has been done in vitro, or in test tubes, and we have reduced the prion to undetectable levels,” explained senior author Dr. Jason Shih, professor of biotechnology and poultry science at North Carolina State University. "Our work with mice will show whether these undetectable levels of prion are indeed noninfectious.”




Related Links:
North Carolina State University

Platinum Member
Automated Coagulation Analyzer
Hemolumi H6
Gold Member
Aspiration System
VACUSAFE
Gold Member
Blood-Based Protein Biomarker Solution for Alzheimer's Disease
BG-DTi2000.
Platinum Member
Integrated Biochemical & Immunological System
Biolumi CX Solution X10+C10
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Dr. Olivia Belbin, head of the Molecular Neurodegeneration Group at IR Sant Pau and study corresponding author, with Alba Cervantes (right), first author and IR Sant Pau researcher (Photo courtesy of IR Sant Pau)

Blood Biomarker Detects Alzheimer’s Changes Decades Before Symptoms in Down Syndrome

Alzheimer’s disease can begin altering the brain long before clinical symptoms appear, creating a challenge for early-stage detection and research. People with Down syndrome face a particularly high age-related... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Photo courtesy of National Human Genome Research Institute

Genomic Screening Expands Detection of Treatable Conditions in Newborns

Conventional newborn screening can miss conditions that lack biochemical biomarkers or present atypically. Initial hearing screens may also fail to detect hearing loss that is later identified through... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a potentially life-threatening infection caused by Aspergillus mold that primarily affects people with severely weakened immune systems. (Image Credit: Adobe Stock)

Rapid Urine Test Aids Diagnosis of Invasive Aspergillosis

Invasive aspergillosis is an uncommon mold infection in the general population but can pose serious risks for people with weakened immune defenses. Diagnosis can be difficult because existing approaches... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: The laser-based photoacoustic spectroscopy setup consists of a Mid-IR laser equipped with three QCL modules covering wavelengths from 5.6 μm to 12.9 μm, two silver coated mirrors (SCM), a dichroic mirror (DM) with a transmittance of 90%, a thermal power sensor head (PM) to monitor the output laser power, a mechanical chopper (MC) for frequency modulation and a CEPAS-detector with a self-designed swab holder (SH). (Credit: Graunke, T., Scholz, T., Pieniak, M. et al. Scientific Reports (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-68298-9)

Laser-Based Swab Analysis Shows Promise for Detecting Disease-Linked Odor Patterns

Disease-related changes in volatile organic compounds can alter body odor, producing measurable patterns in exhaled breath and bodily fluids. Current analytical methods can be complex, time-consuming,... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: NMPA approvals for Quanterix HD-X and SR-X instruments and four neurology biomarker assays expand access to ultrasensitive blood-based testing in China (Photo courtesy of Quanterix Corporation)

Regulatory Milestone Expands Access to Blood-Based Neurology Biomarker Testing in China

Quanterix Corporation (Billerica, MA, USA) and Innovita Biological Technology Co., Ltd. (Beijing, China) announced regulatory approvals that expand access to Quanterix SIMOA technology and neurology biomarker... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2026 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.