John Bruno

  1. Home
  2. Texas
  3. Northwest Vista College
  4. John Bruno
JohnG. Bruno

John G. Bruno

  • Courses1
  • Reviews1
Rate This Professor

Social Profile:

Join to see

Biography

Northwest Vista College - Biology

Chief Science Officer-Biotechnology
Biotechnology
John
Bruno
San Antonio, Texas Area
Career Summary/Highlights:

- Spearheaded acquisition/licensing of DNA Aptamer technology to ApolloDx and CibusDx.
- Led team at Pronucleotein, Inc. which won 2nd Place (49 competitors) in the 2014 FDA Food Safety Testing Tech Challenge ($120K in total prize money;http://www.foodsafetychallenge.com/).
- Launched a profitable DNA Aptamer sales website www.OTCBiotech.com.
- Winner of the 2011 Small Business Administration’s Tibbetts Award for Excellence in SBIR R&D.
- Awarded > 60 SBIR/STTR, other federal and state R & D contracts totaling > $15M.
- Published 100 total journal articles, 7 book chaps., obtained 16 patents (US & EU).
- Edited and contributed 3 chapters to a book entitled "Biomedical Applications of Aptamers,"​ Nova Science Publishers (formerly Plenum Press).
- Patented a method for producing intrachain FRET-aptamers and assays
- Patented and published a facile 3’ attachment chemistry to couple PCR products to proteins for low-cost industrial-scale mass production of DNA-3’-protein conjugates which are stable in vivo.
- Invented and published DNA Aptamer-Complement conjugates to kill antibiotic-resistant infections (3 Patents Issued on Technology).
- Invented and published DNA Aptamer-Fc opsonins to combat encapsulated pathogenic bacteria.
- Developed & published DNA aptamer-based colloidal gold and fluorescent (nanoparticle and quantum dot-based) lateral flow test strips for the US Army to detect key hemorrhagic and other pathogenic viruses (e.g., Chikungunya, Crimean-Congo, Dengue, and West Nile viruses).
- Developed an aptamer beacon assay for C-telopeptide (CTx) to monitor astronaut bone loss for NASA. Also developed N-acetylglucosamine and chitin aptamers to monitor recycled water aboard spacecraft for NASA under Phase 1 and Phase 2 SBIR contracts.
- Invented and published novel FRET-Aptamer methodology and assays for bone markers, calcidiol, and organophosphorus nerve agent detection and quantification.

Experience

  • Northwest Vista College

    Adjunct Professor

    Taught evening courses including Introduction to Biotechnology (BITC 1311), Lab Methods & Techniques (BITC 1402) and Sophomore-level courses in Biotechnology Lab Instrumentation (BITC 2311), Cell Culture (BITC 2431), and Molecular Biology/Molecular Lab Techniques (2441), a hybrid Bio-Nanotechnology Lab Techniques course (BITC 2412 and NANO 2407) as well as Human Anatomy and Physiology and General Microbiology for Science Majors (BIOL 2420/2421). Received Two Adjunct Faculty Excellence in Teaching Awards for Biotechnology in 2009 and Microbiology in 2018. Also served as the Nanotechnology Program Advisory Committee Chairman 2015-2016. See ratings: http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/ShowRatings.jsp?tid=1274615.

  • Univ. of Texas Health Science Center

    Assistant Professor

    UTHSCSA). Responsible for microwave bio-effects research on eukaryotic cell lines, development of nitrated protein assays and biological warfare detection technologies, including Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX, DNA Aptamer) development, at the Brooks Air Force Base (AFB) operating location. Self-funded position with a $200K Army R & D contract for anthrax aptamer development.

  • Applied Research Associates, Inc

    Research Microbiologist

    Involved in basic R & D of novel molecular recognition elements for use in biosensors for hazardous environmental wastes of concern to the Defense Dept. Projects involved screening of large random DNA libraries for high affinity binding Aptamers to small organic pollutant molecules by SELEX and exploration of electrochemiluminescent (ECL) properties of marine invertebrate metal ion accumulators (tunicates) and their blood pigments ("tunichromes") for detection and identification of toxic metal ions using biosensors.

  • Operational Technologies Corporation (OpTech)

    Chief Science Officer

    In charge of writing government BAA, SBIR, and STTR proposals and conducting cutting edge R & D for DNA Aptamer-based therapeutic, diagnostic, and biosensor technologies with the goal of spinning out a biotechnology company for OpTech currently called; Accrued ~ $11 M in government contracts by writing SBIR, STTR and BAA proposals. Provided patented aptamer intellectual property for CibusDx and some aptamer IP for Vindolor (new spinoff companies). Highlights have included publication of and pending patents for: 1) a novel 3'​ adenine attachment chemistry to enable mass production of NSF/NIH-funded long-lived therapeutic DNA-3'-protein conjugates, 2) novel DNA aptamer-C1qrs complement conjugates to kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria, cancer cells, and parasites, 3) aptamer-Fc opsonins, 4) ultrasensitive one-step adherent aptamer-magnetic bead-quantum dot assay for foodborne pathogen detection, and 5) DNA aptamer or FRET (Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer) aptamer development by novel patent-pending methods to detect acetylcholine, nerve agents or their metabolites, and waterborne pathogenic bacteria. Authored 100 peer-reviewed research journal articles, 16 issued patents and one book about aptamer applications.

  • SPEC

    Vice President of Biosensors & Biochemical Systems

    Systems and Processes Engineering Corp. (SPEC) and OmniSite BioDiagnostics (Wholly Owned Subsidiary of SPEC), Sensors and Biosensors Division; Responsibilities included R & D of novel biomedical products, especially biosensors and associated biochemical reagents. In particular, responsible for implementing an in-house DNA Aptamer (SELEX: Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment) program. Preparation of SBIR grants and proposals to various government agencies and all aspects of managing and executing contract R & D work. Accrued greater than $4M in government contracts as the proposal writer.

Education

  • University of Arizona

    B.S

    Microbiology
    Graduated Summa Cum Laude (3.89 GPA), Microbiology with Chemistry Minor

  • University of Arizona

    Ph.D

    Microbiology; Immunology
    Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology, under Dr. George Olson centered on image analysis of retinoic acid-induced differentiation of HL-60 myeloid leukemia cells. Work also included cell culture, SDS PAGE, Western blotting, HPLC, immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescent staining of cytocentrifuged cell preparations, production of polyclonal rabbit antisera to bromodeoxyuridine, and ELISA. Taught an undergraduate Microbiology laboratory course and substitute taught Immunology lectures for my advisor.

Publications

  • Potential Inherent Stimulation of the Innate Immune System by Nucleic Acid Aptamers and Possible Corrective Approaches

    Pharmaceuticals (MDPI)

  • Potential Inherent Stimulation of the Innate Immune System by Nucleic Acid Aptamers and Possible Corrective Approaches

    Pharmaceuticals (MDPI)

  • Simple Methods and Rational Design for Enhancing Aptamer Sensitivity and Specificity

    Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences

  • Potential Inherent Stimulation of the Innate Immune System by Nucleic Acid Aptamers and Possible Corrective Approaches

    Pharmaceuticals (MDPI)

  • Simple Methods and Rational Design for Enhancing Aptamer Sensitivity and Specificity

    Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences

  • Growth Inhibition of the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Due to Chitin-Binding Anti-N-Acetylglucosamine DNA Aptamers

    Journal of Bionanoscience/Ingenta Connect

  • Potential Inherent Stimulation of the Innate Immune System by Nucleic Acid Aptamers and Possible Corrective Approaches

    Pharmaceuticals (MDPI)

  • Simple Methods and Rational Design for Enhancing Aptamer Sensitivity and Specificity

    Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences

  • Growth Inhibition of the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Due to Chitin-Binding Anti-N-Acetylglucosamine DNA Aptamers

    Journal of Bionanoscience/Ingenta Connect

  • Aptamer-Magnetic Bead Quantum Dot Sandwich Assays for Foodborne Pathogen Detection: Pros, Cons and Lessons Learned

    JAOAC

  • Potential Inherent Stimulation of the Innate Immune System by Nucleic Acid Aptamers and Possible Corrective Approaches

    Pharmaceuticals (MDPI)

  • Simple Methods and Rational Design for Enhancing Aptamer Sensitivity and Specificity

    Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences

  • Growth Inhibition of the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Due to Chitin-Binding Anti-N-Acetylglucosamine DNA Aptamers

    Journal of Bionanoscience/Ingenta Connect

  • Aptamer-Magnetic Bead Quantum Dot Sandwich Assays for Foodborne Pathogen Detection: Pros, Cons and Lessons Learned

    JAOAC

  • Further Characterization and Independent Validation of a DNA Aptamer-Quantum Dot-Based Magnetic Sandwich Assay for Campylobacter

    Folia Microbiologica

  • Potential Inherent Stimulation of the Innate Immune System by Nucleic Acid Aptamers and Possible Corrective Approaches

    Pharmaceuticals (MDPI)

  • Simple Methods and Rational Design for Enhancing Aptamer Sensitivity and Specificity

    Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences

  • Growth Inhibition of the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Due to Chitin-Binding Anti-N-Acetylglucosamine DNA Aptamers

    Journal of Bionanoscience/Ingenta Connect

  • Aptamer-Magnetic Bead Quantum Dot Sandwich Assays for Foodborne Pathogen Detection: Pros, Cons and Lessons Learned

    JAOAC

  • Further Characterization and Independent Validation of a DNA Aptamer-Quantum Dot-Based Magnetic Sandwich Assay for Campylobacter

    Folia Microbiologica

  • Long Shelf Life of a Lyophilized DNA Aptamer Beacon Assay

    Journal of Fluorescence

  • Potential Inherent Stimulation of the Innate Immune System by Nucleic Acid Aptamers and Possible Corrective Approaches

    Pharmaceuticals (MDPI)

  • Simple Methods and Rational Design for Enhancing Aptamer Sensitivity and Specificity

    Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences

  • Growth Inhibition of the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Due to Chitin-Binding Anti-N-Acetylglucosamine DNA Aptamers

    Journal of Bionanoscience/Ingenta Connect

  • Aptamer-Magnetic Bead Quantum Dot Sandwich Assays for Foodborne Pathogen Detection: Pros, Cons and Lessons Learned

    JAOAC

  • Further Characterization and Independent Validation of a DNA Aptamer-Quantum Dot-Based Magnetic Sandwich Assay for Campylobacter

    Folia Microbiologica

  • Long Shelf Life of a Lyophilized DNA Aptamer Beacon Assay

    Journal of Fluorescence

  • Aptamer-based point-of-care diagnostic platforms

    Sensors & Actuators B: Chemical

  • Potential Inherent Stimulation of the Innate Immune System by Nucleic Acid Aptamers and Possible Corrective Approaches

    Pharmaceuticals (MDPI)

  • Simple Methods and Rational Design for Enhancing Aptamer Sensitivity and Specificity

    Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences

  • Growth Inhibition of the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Due to Chitin-Binding Anti-N-Acetylglucosamine DNA Aptamers

    Journal of Bionanoscience/Ingenta Connect

  • Aptamer-Magnetic Bead Quantum Dot Sandwich Assays for Foodborne Pathogen Detection: Pros, Cons and Lessons Learned

    JAOAC

  • Further Characterization and Independent Validation of a DNA Aptamer-Quantum Dot-Based Magnetic Sandwich Assay for Campylobacter

    Folia Microbiologica

  • Long Shelf Life of a Lyophilized DNA Aptamer Beacon Assay

    Journal of Fluorescence

  • Aptamer-based point-of-care diagnostic platforms

    Sensors & Actuators B: Chemical

  • Effects of various additives on cancer biomarker aptamer-magnetic pull-down in human serum

    Journal of Bionanoscience/Ingenta Connect

  • Potential Inherent Stimulation of the Innate Immune System by Nucleic Acid Aptamers and Possible Corrective Approaches

    Pharmaceuticals (MDPI)

  • Simple Methods and Rational Design for Enhancing Aptamer Sensitivity and Specificity

    Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences

  • Growth Inhibition of the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Due to Chitin-Binding Anti-N-Acetylglucosamine DNA Aptamers

    Journal of Bionanoscience/Ingenta Connect

  • Aptamer-Magnetic Bead Quantum Dot Sandwich Assays for Foodborne Pathogen Detection: Pros, Cons and Lessons Learned

    JAOAC

  • Further Characterization and Independent Validation of a DNA Aptamer-Quantum Dot-Based Magnetic Sandwich Assay for Campylobacter

    Folia Microbiologica

  • Long Shelf Life of a Lyophilized DNA Aptamer Beacon Assay

    Journal of Fluorescence

  • Aptamer-based point-of-care diagnostic platforms

    Sensors & Actuators B: Chemical

  • Effects of various additives on cancer biomarker aptamer-magnetic pull-down in human serum

    Journal of Bionanoscience/Ingenta Connect

  • ABCs of DNA Aptamer and Related Assay Development

    Biotechnology Advances

  • Potential Inherent Stimulation of the Innate Immune System by Nucleic Acid Aptamers and Possible Corrective Approaches

    Pharmaceuticals (MDPI)

  • Simple Methods and Rational Design for Enhancing Aptamer Sensitivity and Specificity

    Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences

  • Growth Inhibition of the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Due to Chitin-Binding Anti-N-Acetylglucosamine DNA Aptamers

    Journal of Bionanoscience/Ingenta Connect

  • Aptamer-Magnetic Bead Quantum Dot Sandwich Assays for Foodborne Pathogen Detection: Pros, Cons and Lessons Learned

    JAOAC

  • Further Characterization and Independent Validation of a DNA Aptamer-Quantum Dot-Based Magnetic Sandwich Assay for Campylobacter

    Folia Microbiologica

  • Long Shelf Life of a Lyophilized DNA Aptamer Beacon Assay

    Journal of Fluorescence

  • Aptamer-based point-of-care diagnostic platforms

    Sensors & Actuators B: Chemical

  • Effects of various additives on cancer biomarker aptamer-magnetic pull-down in human serum

    Journal of Bionanoscience/Ingenta Connect

  • ABCs of DNA Aptamer and Related Assay Development

    Biotechnology Advances

  • Do It Yourself 3-Dimensional Aptamer-Ligand Molecular Modeling

    Journal of Bionanoscience/Igenta Connect

Possible Matching Profiles

The following profiles may or may not be the same professor:

  • John Bruno
    Northern Virginia Community College (all campuses) - Meteorology

BIO 2421

5(1)

  • Level:
  • Credit hours: 0
Load More