Modulation of mitochondria by viral proteins.

Mitochondria are dynamic cellular organelles with diverse functions including energy production, calcium homeostasis, apoptosis, host innate immune signaling, and disease progression. Several viral proteins specifically target mitochondria to subvert host defense as mitochondria stand out as the most suitable target for the invading viruses. They have acquired the capability to control apoptosis, metabolic state, and evade immune responses in host cells, by targeting mitochondria. In this way, the viruses successfully allow the spread of viral progeny and thus the infection. Viruses employ their proteins to alter mitochondrial dynamics and their specific functions by a modulation of membrane potential, reactive oxygen species, calcium homeostasis, and mitochondrial bioenergetics to help them achieve a state of persistent infection. A better understanding of such viral proteins and their impact on mitochondrial forms and functions is the main focus of this review. We also attempt to emphasize the importance of exploring the role of mitochondria in the context of SARS-CoV2 pathogenesis and identify host-virus protein interactions.

A Plus Shaped Cavity in Optical Fiber Based Refractive Index Sensor.

The optical fiber grating sensors have strong potential for the detection of biological samples. However, a careful effort is still in demand to enhance the performance of existing grating sensors especially in biological sensing. Therefore, in this work, we have introduced a novel plus shaped cavity (PSC) in optical fiber model and used it for the detection of haemoglobin (Hb) refractive index (RI). The numerical analysis of designed model is done by the testing of single and double vertical slots cavity in optical fiber core structure. The testing of designed sensor model is done at the wavelength of 800 nm at which the RI of oxygenated and deoxygenated Hb is 1.392 and 1.389, respectively. The analysis of reported PSC sensor model is done in the wide range of Hb RI from 1.333 to 1.392. The tested range of RI corresponds to the Hb concentration from 0 to 140 gl-1. The obtained results states that for the tested range of RI, the autocorrelation coefficient of R2 = 99.51 % is achieved. The analysis of projected work is done by using finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. The introduction of PSC can increase in sensitivity. In proposed PSC, the length and width of created slots are [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively, which is quite enough to observe the response of analytes RI. This can minimize the creation of multiple gratings required for observing the analyte response.

Development of Dopamine Sensor Using Silver Nanoparticles and PEG-Functionalized Tapered Optical Fiber Structure.

This article presents a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) phenomenon based optical fiber sensor (OFS) for the detection of dopamine (DA). DA functions as a hormone and a neurotransmitter in the human body and plays a crucial role in the peripheral system. To develop the OFS for DA detection, taper fiber probe was fabricated and immobilized with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and functionalized with Polyethylene glycol (PEG). The developed sensor shows the great selectivity in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA) oxidation due to PEG coating. The morphology of the AgNPs and uniformity of coating over the surface of sensing probe were confirmed with UV-visible spectrophotometer, transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The calibration curve is found to be linear over the range of 10 nM-1 µM with the lowest detection limit of 0.058 µM. Also provides a wide dynamic range of detection (10 nm-100 µM). The parameters responsible for the performance of OFS, such as sensitivity, detection limit, and selectivity are greatly improved in the proposed sensor. The applicability of the proposed sensor has been validated and have the potential to use for routine diagnosis.