Biopolymers: A comprehensive review

Biopolymers are compounds prepared by using various living organisms, including plants. These are composed of repeated units of the same or similar structure (monomers) linked together. Rubber, starch, cellulose, proteins and DNA, RNA, chitin, and peptides are some of the examples of natural biopolymers. Biopolymers are a diverse and remarkably versatile class of materials that are either produced by biological systems or synthesize from biological sources. Biopolymers are used in pharmaceutical industry and also in food industry.Naturally derived polymers are also used for conditioning benefits in hair and skin care. Biopolymers have various applications in medicine, food, packaging, and petroleum industries. This review article is focused on various aspects of biopolymers with a special emphasis on role of biopolymers in green nanotechnology and agriculture.

International trade between Hungary and Russia within the development of the pharmaceutical industry

The global pharmaceutical market is one of the most innovative and dynamically developing sectors of the global economy. In addition, this industry can be considered highly profitable. Its role has especially increased in the context during the coronavirus pandemic. This article examines trade relations between Russia and Hungary in the pharmaceutical sector. For the Hungarian economy, the pharmaceutical industry is one of the traditional and most innovative sectors of the economy: about 86% of the manufactured products are exported. Hungary is among the top 20 largest exporting and importing countries of pharmaceutical products. The main partners of Hungary are the EU countries. Russia remains an important partner of Hungary in the export of pharmaceutical products, however, it we should note the downward trend of the Russian share in Hungarian exports, due to the sanctions policy on the part of the EU. After the imposition of sanctions in 2014, the growth rate of the Russian pharmaceutical market slowed down, which also negatively affected the volume of trade cooperation with European partners. Russia has traditionally been a major importer in the global pharmaceutical market. An important problem is the reduction of drug import dependence and the expansion of exports. For Russia, this will be possible thanks to the development of unique innovative products. Hungary is an attractive country for the development and expansion of Russia's trade relations in the global pharmaceutical market. For both countries, the pharmaceutical industry is strategically important. The situation with the coronavirus pandemic has shown that political differences can be leveled. Hungary became the first European country to conclude a contract with Russia for the supply of Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine. Thus, there is a high economic potential to make up for the lost pharmaceutical relationship between the two countries.

Broad Spectrum Algae Compounds Against Viruses

The pharmaceutical industry is currently trying to develop new bioactive compounds to inactivate both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses for therapeutic purposes. Consequently, microalgal and macroalgal bioactive compounds are being explored by pharmaceutical, as well as biotechnology and food industries. In this review, we show how compounds produced by algae include important candidates for viral control applications. We discuss their mechanisms of action and activity against enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, including those causing infections by enteric, parenteral, and respiratory routes. Indeed, algal products have potential in human and animal medicine.

Monooxygenase- and Dioxygenase-Catalyzed Oxidative Dearomatization of Thiophenes by Sulfoxidation, cis-Dihydroxylation and Epoxidation

Enzymatic oxidations of thiophenes, including thiophene-containing drugs, are important for biodesulfurization of crude oil and drug metabolism of mono- and poly-cyclic thiophenes. Thiophene oxidative dearomatization pathways involve reactive metabolites, whose detection is important in the pharmaceutical industry, and are catalyzed by monooxygenase (sulfoxidation, epoxidation) and dioxygenase (sulfoxidation, dihydroxylation) enzymes. Sulfoxide and epoxide metabolites of thiophene substrates are often unstable, and, while cis-dihydrodiol metabolites are more stable, significant challenges are presented by both types of metabolite. Prediction of the structure, relative and absolute configuration, and enantiopurity of chiral metabolites obtained from thiophene enzymatic oxidation depends on the substrate, type of oxygenase selected, and molecular docking results. The racemization and dimerization of sulfoxides, cis/trans epimerization of dihydrodiol metabolites, and aromatization of epoxides are all factors associated with the mono- and di-oxygenase-catalyzed metabolism of thiophenes and thiophene-containing drugs and their applications in chemoenzymatic synthesis and medicine.

PROSPECTS FOR USING PLANTSOF THE ROSA L. GENUS

В статье приведен анализ современного состояния научных исследований видов рода шиповник (Rosa L.) (сем. Розоцветные - Rosaceae) и показаны перспективы всестороннего изучения их в качестве источников возобновляемого растительного сырья для получения отечественных препаратов. Отмечено, что изыскание новых видов лекарственного растительного сырья является весьма актуальной задачей для отечественной фармацевтической промышленности. The article provides an analysis of the current state of scientific research of the rosehip (Rosa L.) (Rosaceae family) and illustrates the prospects for their comprehensive study as sources of renewable plant raw materials for the production of domestic medicines. It is noted that the search for new types of medicinal plant raw materials is a very relevant task for the domestic pharmaceutical industry.

ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC AWARENESS OF GENERICS AND THEIR ATTITUDES TOWARD DOMESTIC PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS AND REPRODUCED DRUGS/ GENERICS

Цель исследования - определить уровень информированности среди населения как по вопросам генериков, так и о фармацевтической промышленности Казахстана. Анкета была разработана с применением системного подхода к её структуре и с соответствующими вопросами, проведён метод онлайн опроса и осуществлена обработка анкет представителей разных сфер деятельности, результаты анкетирования приведены в сравнительном аспекте с использованием диаграмм. При составлении вопросов особое внимание было уделено к вопросам касающихся предпочтений потребителей при выборе страны- производителя, а также их отношение к воспроизведенным препаратам. В публикации затрагивается тема пользы производства генериков по мнению потребителей, а также их личный опыт использования воспроизведенных препаратов. Вопросы были сгруппированы по трем блокам для более структурированного описания ответов: вводные вопросы; опыт применения; Отечественные производители. При формировании вопросов анкеты был соблюден принцип однозначности и краткости The purpose of the study was to determine the level of awareness among the population on both generics and the pharmaceutical industry in Kazakhstan. The questionnaire was developed using a systematic approach to its structure and with appropriate questions, an online survey method was conducted and questionnaires were processed by representatives of different areas of activity, the results of the survey are given in a comparative aspect with the use of charts. During the preparation of the questions, special attention was paid to the questions concerning the consumers' preferences when choosing the country of manufacture, as well as their attitude towards reproductions. The publication addresses the topic of the benefits of generic production in the opinion of consumers, as well as their personal experience of using reproduced drugs. The questions were grouped into three blocks for a more structured description of the answers: introductory questions; experience of use; and Domestic manufacturers. The principle of unambiguity and brevity was respected in the formation of the questions of the questionnaire.

The Patent Eligibility of 3D Bioprinting: Towards a New Version of Living Inventions’ Patentability

A combination of 3D printing techniques and synthetic biology, 3D bioprinting is a promising field. It is expected that 3D bioprinting technologies will have applications across an array of fields, spanning biotechnology, medical surgery and the pharmaceutical industry. Nonetheless, the progress of these technologies could be hindered, unless there is adequate and effective protection for related applications. In this article, the authors examine the patent eligibility of 3D bioprinting technologies. This issue raises concern given that existing patent systems are generally averse to nature-derived inventions and many of them exclude products of nature or discoveries from patentability. This qualitative study analyses the current patent systems in key jurisdictions, particularly, the U.S. and the EU, and their applicability, as well as effectiveness, in the context of 3D bioprinting. The study argues that the main reason for the apathy of existing patent systems towards bio-inventions is that they were designed to deal with mechanical inventions. It suggests an innovation framework that encompasses both mechanical and biological inventions to cater adequately to emerging technologies.

A Hot Topic: Cancer Immunotherapy and Natural Killer Cells

Despite significant progress in recent years, the therapeutic approach of the multiple different forms of human cancer often remains a challenge. Besides the well-established cancer surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, immunotherapeutic strategies gain more and more attention, and some of them have already been successfully introduced into the clinic. Among these, immunotherapy based on natural killer (NK) cells is considered as one of the most promising options. In the present review, we will expose the different possibilities NK cells offer in this context, compare data about the theoretical background and mechanism(s) of action, report some results of clinical trials and identify several very recent trends. The pharmaceutical industry is quite interested in NK cell immunotherapy, which will benefit the speed of progress in the field.