Summary:
Endotoxins are the main component of the outer membrane of the Gram-negative bacteria. They are composed of carbohydrates, fatty acids and phosphate. Endotoxins, which are also known as Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), amongst all the different types and stems of microbes, can vary based on the type of carbohydrates and fatty acids from which are composed. They are the determining factor to the transmission of infections, through commercially available proteins or biologically effective substances. It is possible for the pharmaceuticals industry, for endotoxins to be found in the line of the production of the medicine, as well as the final product itself. An endotoxin can cause a series of patho-physiological reactions, such as fever, endotoxin shock, tissue damage, and death.
The aim of this research is the development and the adaptation of the proper methodology so as to detect and characterize the endotoxins of Gram-negative bacteria in the line of production of pharmaceuticals.
Keywords:
Endotoxins, Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL), Extraction and Purification, SDS-PAGE
