An overview of polymer surface coated synthetic quantum dots as therapeutics and sensors applications.

Quantum dots (QDs) are a class of remarkable materials that have garnered significant attention since their initial discovery. It is noteworthy to mention that it took approximately a decade for these materials to be successfully implemented in practical applications. While QDs have demonstrated notable optical properties, it is important to note that these attributes alone have not rendered them a feasible substitute for traditional organic dyes. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the substance under investigation exhibited inherent toxicity and instability in its initial state, primarily due to the presence of a heavy metal core. In the initial stages of research, it was observed that the integration of nanocomposites had a positive impact on the properties of QDs. The discovery of these nanocomposites was motivated by the remarkable properties exhibited by biocomposites found in nature. Recent discoveries have shed light on the potential utilization of QDs as a viable strategy for drug delivery, offering a promising avenue to enhance the efficacy of current pharmaceuticals and pave the way for the creation of innovative therapeutic approaches. The primary objective of this review was to elucidate the distinctive characteristics that render QDs highly suitable for utilization as nanocarriers. In this study, we will delve into the multifaceted applications of QDs as sensing nanoprobes and their utilization in diverse drug delivery systems. The focus of our investigation was directed toward the utilization of QD/polymer composites in sensing applications, with particular emphasis on their potential as chemical sensors, biosensors, and physical sensors.

Recent advancements on hyperthermia driven controlled drug delivery from nanotherapeutics.

Previous reviews of the works on magnetic nanoparticles for hyperthermia induced treatment concentrated mostly on magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) employing monometallic/metal oxide nanocomposites. In the literature, the word "hyperthermia" was also limited to the use of heat for medicinal purposes. A number of publications have recently been published demonstrating that magnetic nanoparticle-based hyperthermia may produce restricted high temperatures, resulting in the release of medicines that are either connected to the magnetic nanoparticles or encased in polymer matrices. In this debate, we propose broadening the concept of "hyperthermia" to encompass temperature-based treatment as well as magnetically controlled medication delivery. The review also addresses core-shell magnetic nanomaterials, particularly nanoshells made by stacked assembly, for the use of hyperthermia-based treatment and precise administration of drugs. The primary objective of this review article is to demonstrate how the combination of hyperthermia-induced therapy and 'on demand' drug release models may lead to effective applications in personalized medicine.

Phytochemical, Histochemical and In Vitro Antimicrobial Study of Various Solvent Extracts of Costus speciosus (J. Koenig) Sm. and Costus pictus D. Don

Objectives: Costaceae family comprises many ornamental and medicinal plants used for different diseases. This investigation includes the phytochemical, histochemical, and in vitro antimicrobial study of Costus speciosus (J. Koenig) Sm. and C. pictus D. Don. Materials and Methods: Solvents such as methanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane were used to extract the leaves and rhizomes of both plants. The antibacterial study was executed using the agar well diffusion technique. Results: Phytochemical study confirmed that alkaloids, flavonoids, quinones, and saponins were present in solvent extracts of both plants. The macromorphological studies including size, shape, texture, surface characters, and color, were analyzed. Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus were used for the antibacterial study. Agar well diffusion and agar disk diffusion methods were performed to determine the susceptibility of bacterial strains to various extracts of these plants. Conclusion: Histochemical analysis revealed alkaloids, proteins, and phenols in the vascular bundles, the cortex, and epidermis of stem, root, and leaves of the plants. Inhibition zones caused by the methanol and hexane extracts showed better antibacterial activity compared to those of other extracts. Future work on the isolation, purification, and characterization of the active constituents and the elucidation of possible mechanisms can be executed.