China's biochip industry has rolled out some 400 types of biochips

A meeting, jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the General

Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, was recently held to

discuss applications of biochips in medicine and food safety. Participants believed that

biochips are of a promising perspective in treating cancers on an individualized basis. For

example, Prof. ZHAN Qimin, Vice-President of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences,

has obtained 285 genes displaying different expressions in the study of breast cancers,

using the 22K Human Genome Array developed by CapitalBio. A further molecular

interpretation of 285 genes has led to preliminary expression spectrums at the molecular

level. These spectrums are the theoretical evidences for providing individualized treatment

for breast cancer patients. Meanwhile, Prof. HE Jie, Vice-President of Tumor Hospital under

Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and coworkers have discovered miRNA molecules

that cause lymph node metastasis using biochips, making molecular markers available for

studying esophageal cancer, and allowing an improved clinical classification for

individualized treatment. Participants agreed that individualized treatment can effectively

improve cancer treatment, and address insufficient or excessive treatment, bringing more

benefits and hope to patients.

Intelligent and Multifunctional Heparanase

A study team, headed by Prof. XING Xinhui, Director of Tsinghua University Institute of

Biochemistry, has for the first time developed a concept of intelligent and multifunctional

enzyme, in an attempt to produce an enzyme with process integration and control

functions, using chemical/molecular/biological means. Researchers also developed the

technologies to produce intelligent and multifunctional heparanase. A six-month limited

trial production has shown that the intelligent and multifunctional heparanase can be used

to prepare low-molecule heparin, through a simple, clean, safe, and effective process.

Researchers recombined intelligent and multifunctional heparanase strains using the

cloned heparanase-I gene. They also brought down both the production and application

costs, through fast tracing, control, purification, and fixation of the activity of intelligent

enzyme. The intelligent and multifunctional heparanase-I is able to effectively decompose

large-molecule heparin, and make them into the one with low molecules. Using an

advanced bioreactor with a super filter, researchers have rolled out low-molecule heparin

products with a molecule weight ranging between 5000-6000. In addition, the advanced

bioreactor can be used to prepare a super low-molecule heparin with a molecule weight

ranging between 2000-3000.