Colorimetric chromophoric rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 through breath analysis.

Early and rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 in an infected person is one fundamental part of the strategy against the spread of this virus. As of now, the usual practice is to carry out polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test which provides results in 24-48 hours. Hence, there exists a crucial need for rapid and immediate screening of people suspected to be infected. Presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the exhaled breath can be one such prospect for detection of virus. In this paper, we have designed chromophoric adducts of VOC's in the exhaled breath that can be formed for colorimetric detection of SARS-CoV-2. We noted the bathochromic shift in λ (nm) of VOC molecules upon chromophore formation for colorimetric detection. If adapted, this research work will result in low cost solution to the requirement of immediate detection of SARS-CoV-2, hence cost and time of testing will be reduced, compared to PCR and antibodies tests. Also VOC's detection in early stage of infection where symptoms are not visible can be advantageous.

Pharmacognostic and phytochemical study of the flowers of Cordia sebestena L.

The present study shows the pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies on the flowers of Cordia sebestena L. belongs to the family Boraginaceae. C. sebestena L. is found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions of the American, Asian and African continents. Though it is an important plant, until date no pharmacognostic work is found on its parts such as flowers. Various organoleptic characters were recorded by macroscopic study. Microscopic study of the flowers were also conducted which shows the presence of fibers, calcium oxalate crystals and multiple types of trichomes, along with fluorescence analysis. The present study also deals with the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis of C. sebestena L. FT-IR spectra revealed the presence of C-H, C=C, C-N, C-O and aromatic groups. Chemical composition of the hexane extract of the flowers of C. sebestena L. was detected through GC-MS and spectrum achieved through GC-MS were correlated with the database of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) which comprise of beyond 62000 outlines of the mass spectrum. GC-MS analysis of n-hexane extract shown the existence of Retinoic acid, lupeol, ß-sitosterol, stigmasterol, hexadecanoic acid along with fatty acids, esters, alkaloids and alcohols. These pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies can be valuable towards giving reliable proof of the quality of the plant which can benefit health professionals and herbal medicine manufacturers.