Albumin is a water-soluble protein found in blood plasma and bodily fluids. It is synthesized primarily in the liver and serves various physiological functions in the body. Some key roles of albumin include maintaining oncotic pressure (which helps regulate fluid balance between blood and tissues), transporting various substances such as hormones, fatty acids, and drugs […]
Glossary
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Acetonitrile
Acetonitrile is a colorless liquid organic compound with the chemical formula CH3CN. It is the simplest organic nitrile, consisting of a methyl group attached to a cyano group. Acetonitrile is miscible with water and most organic solvents, making it a versatile solvent in various chemical processes. It is commonly used in organic synthesis, as a […]
Phages
Phages, short for bacteriophages, are viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria. They are composed of a protein capsid that encloses their genetic material, which can be either DNA or RNA. Phages have a specific host range, meaning they can infect only certain types or strains of bacteria. The life cycle of a phage typically […]
Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, typically consisting of fewer than 50 amino acids, linked together by peptide bonds. They are fundamental components of proteins, which are essential for various biological functions in living organisms. Peptides can be naturally occurring or synthetic and play crucial roles in biological signaling, enzymatic activity, immune response, and […]
NEFA
NEFA stands for Non-Esterified Fatty Acids. In biotechnology and related fields, NEFA refers to fatty acids that are not bound to other molecules such as glycerol to form triglycerides or phospholipids. These fatty acids are also known as free fatty acids (FFAs) or unbound fatty acids. In biological systems, NEFAs play crucial roles as energy […]
Mycoplasma
Mycoplasma refers to a genus of bacteria that belong to the class Mollicutes. Unlike most bacteria, mycoplasmas lack a cell wall, which makes them unique among prokaryotes. This characteristic contributes to their pleomorphic shape, where they can appear as spherical, filamentous, or irregular forms. Mycoplasmas are among the smallest known free-living organisms, typically ranging from […]
Methanol
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, is a colorless, volatile liquid with the chemical formula CH3OH. It is the simplest alcohol, consisting of a methyl group (-CH3) linked to a hydroxyl group (-OH). Methanol is highly polar and miscible with water, ethanol, and other polar solvents. Methanol is commonly used as a […]
Lyophilization
Lyophilization, scientifically termed freeze-drying, is a meticulous dehydration technique employed predominantly in the preservation of delicate biological entities and bio-pharma formulations. This method entails subjecting the material to be desiccated to frigid temperatures, inducing freezing, followed by the application of reduced pressure to facilitate sublimation—a phase transition from solid to gas—of the entrapped water molecules. […]
Liposomes
Liposomes, versatile microscopic structures, consist of double-layered lipid membranes primarily composed of phospholipids, encasing an aqueous core. Crafted to replicate the architecture of natural cell membranes, liposomes are ingeniously engineered artificial constructs. Remarkably adaptable, they exhibit a wide size spectrum, spanning from minuscule dimensions measuring tens to hundreds of nanometers in diameter.
Lectins
Lectins are a diverse group of proteins or glycoproteins found in plants, animals, and microorganisms that have the ability to bind to specific carbohydrate molecules. These carbohydrate-binding proteins play various roles in biological processes, including cell-cell interactions, cell signaling, host-pathogen interactions, and immune responses. In plants, lectins are often involved in defense mechanisms against predators […]