Lyophilization of specific IgY antibodies against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa used as therapy for Cystic fibrosis patients

Abstract:

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa is a common gram-negative bacterium present in the environment. It causes severe infections in immunosuppressed patients. Cystic fibrosis patients are especially at risk of being infected with Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. Ongoing studies are preformed to find alternative therapies to antibiotics, due to increased resistance. One new treatment is intake of specific IgY antibodies against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa asan oral therapy. The problem today is that IgY solutions must be kept frozen until consumed. 

In this study we examined the possibility to freeze-dry specific IgY antibodies without losing any activity or specificity of the antibodies. This would be more convenient of patients, as well as it makes transportation and storage easier. 

The methods used were ELISA for control of activity, western blot analysis and SDS-PAGE gel for control of specificity. Three different batches of the IgY anti-Pseudomonas Aeruginosa solution were tested.

The results showed that no loss in activity occurred that would affect clinical outcome or change of specificity in the antibodies after freeze-drying appears.

This indicates that it is possible to replace the liquid antibody to a freeze-dried powder.