Trajectory in biological metal-organic frameworks: Biosensing and sustainable strategies-perspectives and challenges.

The ligand attribute of biomolecules to form coordination bonds with metal ions led to the discovery of a novel class of materials called biomolecule-associated metal-organic frameworks (Bio-MOFs). These biomolecules coordinate in multiple ways and provide versatile applications. Far-spread bio-ligands include nucleobases, amino acids, peptides, cyclodextrins, saccharides, porphyrins/metalloporphyrin, proteins, etc. Low-toxicity, self-assembly, stability, designable and selectable porous size, the existence of rigid and flexible forms, bio-compatibility, and synergistic interactions between metal ions have led Bio-MOFs to be commercialized in industries such as sensors, food, pharma, and eco-sensing. The rapid growth and commercialization are stunted by absolute bio-compatibility issues, bulk morphology that makes it rigid to alter shape/porosity, longer reaction times, and inadequate research. This review elucidates the structural vitality, biocompatibility issues, and vital sensing applications, including challenges for incorporating bio-ligands into MOF. Critical innovations in Bio-MOFs' applicative spectrum, including sustainable food packaging, biosensing, insulin and phosphoprotein detection, gas sensing, CO2 capture, pesticide carriers, toxicant adsorptions, etc., have been elucidated. Emphasis is placed on biosensing and biomedical applications with biomimetic catalysis and sensitive sensor designing.

Stroop Test Validation to Screen for Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy in Pediatric Extrahepatic Portal Venous Obstruction.

OBJECTIVES: Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) has been reported in children with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO). MHE assessment is restricted to research situations as neuropsychiatric tests are time-intensive. Computerized Stroop Test (CST) has been used in cirrhotic adults for MHE screening. The study aims to assess MHE frequency in young Indian children with EHPVO and validate CST for MHE screening in pediatric EHPVO. METHODS: Thirty-seven children with EHPVO between 7 and 12 years of age and 37 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled. Fasting plasma ammonia was measured. MHE was diagnosed by Revised Amsterdamse Kinder Intelligentie Test. The performance of a Tamil language version of CST in MHE screening was assessed. RESULTS: MHE was diagnosed in 18.9% (7/37) of EHPVO (EHPVO-MHE). Plasma ammonia levels were higher in EHPVO-MHE compared to EHPVO without MHE (EHPVO-No-MHE) but abnormal plasma ammonia levels are unsuitable for MHE screening. CST was administered in 35 EHPVO and 37 controls. EHPVO-MHE, compared to EHPVO-No-MHE, had longer "on time," "off time," "(on+off) time," and "(on-off) time." For MHE diagnosis, specificity and sensitivity of "(on+off) time" were 100% and 89.6% for a cutoff of >180.4 seconds (area under receiver operating characteristic = 0.97). CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of other risk factors for neurological insult or patent surgical shunts, MHE frequency in young Indian children with EHPVO, determined by Revised Amsterdamse Kinder Intelligentie Test, was lesser than in earlier studies. CST is suitable for MHE screening in clinical practice to select patients for neuropsychiatric evaluation.