Characterization of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes and comparison of their cellular toxicity between HEK 293 cells and zebra fish in vivo.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) hold tremendous potential due to their unique and modifiable properties. Their robust biological applications necessitate minimizing their cytotoxicity and increasing the solubilization. In the present manuscript, we have functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) using defect functionalization methodology to covalently bind carboxy and amino groups on their walls. This functionalization was reassured through fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX), elemental and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis. The observations demonstrated that addition of carboxy as well as amino groups on MWCNTs, besides enabling MWCNTs solubilization also significantly ameliorated the cytotoxicity and the oxidative stress in comparison to pristine MWCNTs. It is envisaged that changes in agglomeration of the functionalized MWCNTs and the acquired surface charge is the reason for the reduction of cytotoxicity. Zebra fish embryo model test system employed for in vivo analysis of the MWCNTs showed no significant toxicity on account of any nanoparticle tested pointing towards intrinsic mechanisms in place for deterring the damage in complex organisms. Overall, the observations besides pointing towards functionalized MWCNTs effectiveness towards weakening the toxicity of pristine MWCNTs also caution for extrapolating in vitro data to in vivo observations. The observations further lend credibility for exploiting the zebra fish as a model system for analyzing the effects of MWCNTs functionalization.

Evidence based herbal drug standardization approach in coping with challenges of holistic management of diabetes: a dreadful lifestyle disorder of 21st century.

Plants by virtue of its composition of containing multiple constituents developed during its growth under various environmental stresses providing a plethora of chemical families with medicinal utility. Researchers are exploring this wealth and trying to decode its utility for enhancing health standards of human beings. Diabetes is dreadful lifestyle disorder of 21st century caused due to lack of insulin production or insulin physiological unresponsiveness. The chronic impact of untreated diabetes significantly affects vital organs. The allopathic medicines have five classes of drugs, or otherwise insulin in Type I diabetes, targeting insulin secretion, decreasing effect of glucagon, sensitization of receptors for enhanced glucose uptake etc. In addition, diet management, increased food fiber intake, Resistant Starch intake and routine exercise aid in managing such dangerous metabolic disorder. One of the key factors that limit commercial utility of herbal drugs is standardization. Standardization poses numerous challenges related to marker identification, active principle(s), lack of defined regulations, non-availability of universally acceptable technical standards for testing and implementation of quality control/safety standard (toxicological testing). The present study proposed an integrated herbal drug development & standardization model which is an amalgamation of Classical Approach of Ayurvedic Therapeutics, Reverse Pharmacological Approach based on Observational Therapeutics, Technical Standards for complete product cycle, Chemi-informatics, Herbal Qualitative Structure Activity Relationship and Pharmacophore modeling and, Post-Launch Market Analysis. Further studies are warranted to ensure that an effective herbal drug standardization methodology will be developed, backed by a regulatory standard guide the future research endeavors in more focused manner.