National University of Ireland Galway

2 ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN JoVE

Environment

Simultaneous DNA-RNA Extraction from Coastal Sediments and Quantification of 16S rRNA Genes and Transcripts by Real-time PCR

Enrico Tatti¹, Boyd A. McKew², Corrine Whitby², Cindy J. Smith¹

¹Microbiology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, ²School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex

A protocol to quantify bacterial 16S rRNA genes and transcripts from coastal sediments via real-time PCR is provided. The methodology includes the co-extraction of DNA and RNA; preparation of DNA-free RNA; and 16S rRNA gene and transcript quantification via RT-q-PCR, including standard curve construction.

Bioengineering

Polyelectrolyte Complex for Heparin Binding Domain Osteogenic Growth Factor Delivery

Raymond Wing Moon Lam¹, Sunny Akogwu Abbah², Wang Ming¹, Mathanapriya Naidu¹, Felly Ng¹, Hu Tao¹, James Goh Cho Hong^3,4, Kang Ting⁵, Wong Hee Kit^1,4

¹Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, ²Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), National University of Ireland Galway, ³Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, ⁴Tissue Engineering Program, National University of Singapore, ⁵Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles

Self-assembled polyelectrolyte complexes (PEC) fabricated from heparin and protamine were deposited on alginate beads to entrap and regulate the release of osteogenic growth factors. This delivery strategy enables a 20-fold reduction of BMP-2 dose in spinal fusion applications. This article illustrates the benefits and fabrication of PECs.