Protease is a molecular biology reagent found in a biology laboratory. It is an enzyme used as a catalyst to catalyze proteolysis and breaks down proteins into single amino acids. The protease cleaves the peptide bonds within the proteins by hydrolysis, a reaction where the water breaks the bonds. Enzymes are active allergens associated with possible effects if inhaled as dust. When an individual develops an immune response after inhaling protease enzyme or has skin contact, the re-exposure generated severe reactions that become dangerous and possibly fatal. The potentially hazardous nature of protease and other enzymes has resulted in the substitution of dry enzyme preparations with liquid preparations. The measures have viciously reduced the likelihood of aerosol formation during handling.
Working with enzyme preparations recommends work practices not to generate aerosols or result in direct skin contact. The aerosols form through high-energy operations such as mixing, grinding, and some material transfers. Cleaning actions such as dusting, blowing, steam cleaning, and spraying generates aerosol, and these should be avoided at all costs. Hands should be washed with water and mild soap after contact with the enzymes. The clothes should also be changed every day when in contact with protease enzyme preparation. Protection clothing should be used when handling the protease enzyme. The protective clothing includes eye protectors, gloves, and shoes to complement the cloth. The liquid enzyme preparation can be disposed of down the sink. The powdered enzyme should be dissolved in water and disposed of down the sink. Such measures are in place to reduce the risks for forming aerosols, which are easily inhaled and cause severe side effects. Spilled enzymes should be removed through a central vacuum equipped with HEPA filter, moping, and washing with low pressure.
Question 2
In Vitro assay is a biological assay used to detect the adventitious virus when using a mammalian cell line for the production of biopharmaceutical and biotechnology products. The collection, processing, and storage of biological assays take place in biological resource centers. The collection of in vitro assays should be done by trained phlebotomists to avoid causing study participants discomfort. It is also meant to ensure there is no compromise of the quality or quantity of the sample. The standard protocols recommended by well-established organizations should be used. The storage of the assay should be under specific conditions such as under mechanical freezers at -80 degrees Celsius. The transport of the assays should be regulated to ensure they do not cause any infectious impacts. In vitro transport assays combined with the biochemical analyses results in the characterization of the soluble factors needed for efficient transport.
Accurate assessment of in vitro of nanoparticle cytotoxicity needs a keen selection of the test systems. Engineered nanoparticles can potentially affect the classical cytotoxicity assays. They interfered with the optical measurement at concentrations when the assays were performed. The particle interference can be prevented through altering assay protocols and reducing the concentrations. These can be controlled except Carbon Black, which is found to oxidize H2DCF-DA in a cell-free system. Only the ZnO nanoparticles decrease the LDH activity. When selecting cytotoxicity and cell viability assays, different parameters have to be considered, including the laboratory to perform the procedure, test compounds, and detection mechanisms as well as sensitivity. The standard procedure outlines the guidelines for the collection, storage, and transport of the assay for handling biological assays.