Medical Technology 2

Medical Technology and Enterprise Lecture: "Medicines from Microbes"

Instructor Introduction

  • Name: Dr. Catherine Williams

  • Experience: ~1.5 years at the institution, minimal previous teaching

  • Research Focus: Investigation of fungi for bioactive compounds through DNA and genome analysis, genetic engineering

  • Communication: Encouraged students to ask questions during and after the lecture via email or in office

  • Attendance Codes:

    • Code provided at beginning of session, with additional codes for subsequent hours

Lecture Overview

  • Session Structure:

    • Focus on pre-modern environment manufacturing via fermentation

    • Exploration of metabolism and its role in microbial production of useful compounds

    • Brief history of microbiology leading to microbial medicines

    • Biomanufacturing stages classified from 1.0 to 4.0

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand: Historical development of microbial medicines from pre-modern fermentation to synthetic biology (biomanufacturing 4.0)

  • Differentiate: Between primary and secondary metabolites and their implications in biomanufacturing

  • Explain: Technological advances from biomanufacturing stages 1.0 through 4.0

  • Evaluate: Use of recombinant DNA in synthetic biology for pharmaceutical production

Pre-Modern Biomanufacturing

  • Historical Evidence: - Earliest fermentation evidence dating back to 13,000 BC

    • Analysis: Chemical examination of ancient mortars suggesting beer production

    • 7,000 BC, Hainan Province, China: Fermentation of rice, honey, and fruits

    • 6,000 BC: References to yogurt as a fermented product promoting health

    • 4,000-3,000 BC: Documented beer distribution in Sumerian society

    • 1,500 BC, Ancient Egypt: The Paris Papyrus describes antibiotic use with moldy bread poultices

Historical Developments and Key Figures

  • Alexander Fleming (1928):

    • Discovery: Penicillin from a contaminated Petri dish, leading to major pharmaceutical developments

    • Penicillin Structure: Overview of penicillin G as an essential antibiotic

  • Metabolism Overview:

    • Role in Microbes: Capture and storage of energy through respiration and fermentation

    • ATP: Adenosine triphosphate as the key energy molecule

    • Oxidation-Reduction: Mnemonic OIL RIG

    • Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Respiration:

    • Aerobic: Uses oxygen, ideal for maximum ATP production

    • Anaerobic: Uses alternative acceptors, less ATP generated

    • Fermentation Process:

    • Produces pyruvate, with byproducts like lactic acid or ethanol

History of Microbiology

  • Baron Charles Canyon del Toro (1830s):

    • Observation of Yeast: Recognizing yeast as a living organism

  • Theodor Schwann:

    • Experiments with Contamination: Heat treatment and fostering understanding of fermentation

  • Louis Pasteur:

    • Pasteurization Process: Heat application to disinfect food products

    • Notable Discoveries: Bacteria production of ethanol and butanol

  • Haim Weissman (1912-1914):

    • Role in World War I: Optimization of acetone production for munitions

Biomanufacturing Evolution

  • Biomanufacturing 1.0:

    • Focused on primary metabolites essential for microorganisms

    • Example: Butanol & acetone production by Weissman

  • Biomanufacturing 2.0:

    • Focus on penicillin as a secondary metabolite

    • Distinction between primary (growth essential) and secondary metabolites (not essential but beneficial)

    • Example: Citric acid production during World War I

Key Biomanufacturing Case Studies

  • Penicillin Case Study:

    • Fleming's Discovery: Staged development cycle from initial observation to later refinement by scientists

    • Production Limitations: Initial resources unable to meet demand during World War II

    • American Interest: Attention from pharmaceutical companies leading to large-scale production

  • Human Insulin Production (Biomanufacturing 3.0):

    • Recombinant DNA Technology: Development of methods to produce human insulin using E. coli

    • Approval Timeline: Rapid progress from conception to FDA approval in four years

    • Market Growth: Increasing insulin demand and subsequent innovations

Final Biomanufacturing Stages (4.0)

  • Synthetic Biology Insights:

    • Application of engineering principles to biological systems for novel functions

    • Example: Synthetic production of artemisinin in yeast to combat malaria

    • Process Improvement: Genetic alterations leading to significant increases in yields

Future Outlook

  • Mental Health Applications:

    • Exploration of psilocybin from magic mushrooms for potential antidepressant use

    • Clinical Trials: Showing promising effects on treatment-resistant depression

    • Prospects for Production: Investigating microbial synthesis of psilocybin through E. coli manipulation

Summary

  • Concluding Points:

    • Importance of understanding microbial processes for medical advancements

    • Each biomanufacturing stage paved the way towards developing efficient and novel pharmaceutical treatments

    • Encouraged further reading of referenced papers on biomanufacturing to deepen understanding

Attendance Codes

  • First Hour Code: (not explicitly stated but referenced to be provided)

  • Second Hour Code: To be shared at the transition between sessions

Questions and Further Discussion

  • Open invitation for any inquiries related to the lecture topics or personal research interests.