Lyophilized cell-free systems display tolerance to organic solvent exposure

Cell-free systems offer a powerful way to deliver biochemical activity to the field without cold chain storage. These systems are capable of sensing as well as biosynthesis of useful molecules at the point of need. So far, cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) reactions have been studied as aqueous solutions in test tubes or absorbed into paper or cloth. Embedding biological functionality into broadly-used materials, such as plastic polymers, represents an attractive goal. Unfortunately, this goal has for the most part remained out of reach, presumably due to the fragility of biological systems outside of aqueous environments. Here, we describe a surprising and useful feature of lyophilized cell-free lysate systems: tolerance to a variety of organic solvents. Screens of individual CFPS reagents and different CFPS methods reveal that solvent tolerance varies by CFPS reagent composition. Tolerance to suspension in organic solvents may facilitate the use of polymers to deliver dry cell-free reactions in the form of coatings or fibers, or allow dosing of analytes or substrates dissolved in non-aqueous solvents, among other processing possibilities.

Acute Vertigo in a Patient with Long-Term Organic Solvent Exposure: Importance of a Comprehensive Audio-Vestibular Test Battery

Background Ototoxicity induced by organic solvents has been identified in several groups of workers. Little is known, however, about the effects of organic solvents on the vestibular system. Purpose The aim of the study was to comprehensively assess the vestibular system and auditory functions in a worker exposed to organic solvents. Research Design Both behavioral and physiological auditory and vestibular evaluations were performed. Results No auditory-related findings associated with solvent exposure were found. The vestibulo-ocular reflex gain was abnormal for all semicircular canals with significant catch-up saccades, as measured by the video head impulse test. The cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials was absent in the right ear and small but replicable in the left ear. Ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential were bilaterally absent. Conclusions The results suggest a case of vestibulotoxicity induced by a long history of organic solvent exposure. We suggest that solvent-exposed individuals should be evaluated with a comprehensive battery of auditory and vestibular tests.