Some viruses that are handled are known to be spreading via aerosols and others

do not. Handling viruses under laboratory conditions in much higher concentrations

than under “real-life” conditions might also lead to a spreading of such non-aerosol

viruses via aerosols.

Thus, in case of accidental spilling of larger volumes of high titer virus material

some basic rules should be followed. In addition, for each laboratory specific rules

need to be defined according to the safety regulations for handling of viruses and

genetically modified material implemented in the respective country (see Table 5.11).

5.11

CONCLUSION

With the emergence of new viruses (such as Zika virus or SARS-CoV-2), it is clear

that the development of viral vaccines including in-depth knowledge on immune

response and virology is of great importance. Even if mRNA vaccines will com-

plement or replace some of the currently licensed viral vaccines, the demand for

production of viruses and viral vectors will still increase. This applies, in particular,

to therapeutic viruses once the full potential is better understood. To meet all these

production needs, certainly ideas on process intensification to increase yields be-

yond batch mode will be required.

REFERENCES

[1] T. Momin et al., “Safety and Immunogenicity of a DNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine

(ZyCoV-D): Results of an open-label, non-randomized phase I part of phase I/II

clinical study by intradermal route in healthy subjects in India,” EClinicalMedicine,

vol. 38, 2021. doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101020

TABLE 5.11

Basic recommendations in case of accidental spilling of virus material

Laboratory

Person

•

Avoid aerosols

•

Remove contaminated clothing

•

Leave contaminated area, block area, wait for

30 min to allow aerosols to settle

•

Clean, rinse thoroughly wounds or eyes

•

Put on lab coat, goggles, masks, gloves

•

Get medical help if needed

•

Watch out for glass breakage, syringes

•

Calm down, think first!

•

Disinfect with liquid pouring or tissues

•

Safety first, experiment last!

•

No spraying!

•

Reduce number of people in contaminated area

•

Autoclave contaminated liquids and waste

•

Get help if needed

•

Make sure no GMOs, virus material gets into

the environment

•

Inform your supervisor, biosafety officer

GMO: genetically modified organism.

Upstream processing for viral vaccines

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