Surgical Outcome in Patients with Traumatic and Atraumatic Optic Neuropathy Following Endoscopic Optic Nerve Decompression.

Endoscopic optic nerve decompression is a highly effective and reliable approach for patients with select cases of optic neuropathy. It reduces the hydrostatic pressure and helps in relieving the compressive forces within the intracanalicular portion of the optic nerve consequently preserving and arresting the deterioration of vision. The advantages of the endoscopic approach over other procedures include preservation of olfaction, quick recovery, lack of external scars and less morbidity. The objective of the study is to assess the surgical outcome of endoscopic optic nerve decompression in patients with traumatic and atraumatic optic neuropathy. The case records of consequent patients attending ENT department with defective vision due to traumatic and atraumatic causes were reviewed. The outcome was measured in terms of improvement in visual acuity by log MAR scale. Among the 14 patients studied, 57% were females and the median age of presentation was 33 years. As compared to preoperative baseline visual acuity, the overall improvement was achieved in 11 patients, with an effective rate of 78.5% postoperatively. Patients presenting with no light perception and residual vision had significant improvement in visual acuity after surgery. Trans-nasal endoscopic surgery helps in decompressing the optic nerve with proper exposure of the orbital apex and optic canal without any intracranial or intra-orbital complications. Further, being a minimally invasive procedure has great advantage in cases of optic neuropathy.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals: gestational diabetes and beyond.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) has been on the rise for the last two decades along with the growing incidence of obesity. The ubiquitous use of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) worldwide has been associated with this increase in GDM incidence. Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and methylation have been associated with prenatal exposure to EDCs. EDC exposure can also drive a sustained disruption of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis and various other signaling pathways such as thyroid signaling, PPARγ signaling, PI3K-AKT signaling. This disruption leads to impaired glucose metabolism, insulin resistance as well as ß-cell dysfunction, which culminate into GDM. Persistent EDC exposure in pregnant women also increases adipogenesis, which results in gestational weight gain. Importantly, pregnant mothers transfer these EDCs to the fetus via the placenta, thus leading to other pregnancy-associated complications such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and large for gestational age neonates. Furthermore, this early EDC exposure of the fetus increases the susceptibility of the infant to metabolic diseases in early life. The transgenerational impact of EDCs is also associated with higher vascular tone, cognitive aberrations, and enhanced susceptibility to lifestyle disorders including reproductive health anomalies. The review focuses on the impact of environmental toxins in inducing epigenetic alterations and increasing the susceptibility to metabolic diseases during pregnancy needs to be extensively studied such that interventions can be developed to break this vicious cycle. Furthermore, the use of EDC-associated ExomiRs from the serum of patients can help in the early diagnosis of GDM, thereby leading to triaging of patients based on increasing risk factor of the clinicopathological condition.

Development of multi-epitope based subunit vaccine against Mycobacterium Tuberculosis using immunoinformatics approach.

The etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB), Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a deadly pathogen that adapts to thrive within the host. Since 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has had colossal health, societal, and economic consequences, which have affected the reporting of new incidences and mortality cases of TB. As per the WHO 2022 report, 10.6 million people were diagnosed with TB, and 1.6 million died worldwide. The increase in resistant strains of tuberculosis is making it more burdensome to reach the End TB strategy. A reliable and efficient TB vaccine that may avert both primary infection and recurrence of latent TB in adults and adolescents is of the utmost importance. In this study, we used computational techniques to predict the ability of HLA molecules to display epitopes for six TB proteins (PPE68, PE_PGRS17, EspC, LDT4, RpfD, and RpfC) to design the multi-epitope subunit vaccine. From the aimed proteins, the potential B-cell, helper T lymphocyte (HTL), and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes were predicted and linked together with LPA adjuvant, and the vaccine was designed. The vaccine's physicochemical analysis demonstrates that it is non-allergic, non-toxic, and antigenic. Then, the vaccine structure was predicted, improved, and verified to yield the optimal structure. The developed vaccine's binding mechanism with distinct immunogenic receptors (Tlr2 and MHC-II) was assessed utilizing molecular docking. The molecular dynamic simulation and MMPBSA analysis were performed to comprehend the complexes' dynamics and stability. The immune simulation was utilized to anticipate the vaccine's immunogenic attributes. In silico cloning was employed to demonstrate the efficient expression of the designed vaccine in E. coli as a host. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo animal testing is required to determine the efficacy of the in silico developed vaccine.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole based indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) inhibitor: Structure based design, synthesis, bio-evaluation and docking studies.

Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is an immunomodulatory enzyme known to catalyse the initial and rate limiting step of kynurenine pathway of l-tryptophan metabolism. IDO1 enzyme over expression plays a crucial role in progression of cancer, malaria, multiple sclerosis and other life-threatening diseases. Several efforts over the last two decades have been invested by the researchers for the discovery of different IDO1 inhibitors and the plasticity of the IDO1 enzyme ligand binding pocket provide ample opportunities to develop new heterocyclic scaffolds targeting this enzyme. In the present work, based on the X-ray crystal structure of human IDO1 coordinated with few ligands, we designed and synthesized new fused heterocyclic compounds and evaluated their potential human IDO1 inhibitory activity (compound 30 and 41 showed IC50 values of 23 and 13 µM, respectively). The identified HITs were observed to be non-toxic to HEK293 cells at 100 µM concentration. The observed activity of the synthesized compounds was correlated with the specific interactions of their structures at the enzyme pocket using docking studies. A detailed analysis of docking results of the synthesized analogues as well as selected known IDO1 inhibitors revealed that most of the inhibitors have some reasonable docking scores in at least two crystal structures and have similar orientation as that of co-crystal ligands.

Eficacia comparativa de los apósitos quirúrgicos Micropore™, Tegaderm™ y Lockit plus® para la fijación del catéter epidural lumbar en niños: ensayo controlado aleatorizado de grupo paralelo prospectivo / Comparative efficacy of MicroporeTM surgical dressing, TegadermTM and Lockit plus® for lumbar epidural catheter fixation in children: a prospective parallel group randomized controlled trial

Antecedentes: La fijación adecuada del catéter epidural es necesaria para evitar su desplazamiento y lograr el efecto deseado del fármaco. Se han utilizado diferentes técnicas para la fijación del catéter epidural. El objetivo del estudio fue comparar la eficacia relativa de los apósitos quirúrgicos Micropore™, Tegaderm™ y Lockit plus® en la prevención de la migración del catéter epidural lumbar en niños. Métodos Se estudiaron 167 pacientes de 5 a 16 años, hasta un periodo de 48h después de la cirugía electiva abdominal o de miembros inferiores. Los pacientes fueron asignados aleatoriamente a uno de tres grupos: 1) apósito quirúrgico Micropore™ (grupo M); 2) Tegaderm™ (grupo T), o 3) Lockit plus® (grupo L). Se compararon la incidencia y la extensión de la migración del catéter epidural en centímetros (cm) transcurridas 24 y 48 horas de la fijación epidural. También se analizó la correlación entre la migración del catéter epidural y las características de los pacientes, así como la incidencia relativa de complicaciones en los tres grupos. Resultados La incidencia media de migración del catéter fue de 9,6% a las 24 horas (grupo M: 7,1%; grupo T: 21,1%; grupo L: 0%) y del 45,5% a las 48 horas (grupo M: 66,1%; grupo T: 45,6%; grupo L: 24,1%). Después de 48 horas, la migración absoluta (migración media redondeada al valor más cercano a 0,5cm) fue menor en los pacientes del grupo L: 0,34cm (1,39) en comparación con el grupo M: 1,22cm (SD: 1,85) y el grupo T: 0,94cm (1,94) (p=<0,001). Conclusión Hasta 48 horas después de la cirugía, el dispositivo Lockit plus® demostró una menor migración del catéter epidural en comparación con el apósito quirúrgico Micropore™ o Tegaderm™ en niños sometidos a cirugía electiva abdominal o de extremidades inferiores. (AU)

Background: Proper fixation of an epidural catheter is necessary for desired drug effect and to prevent catheter displacement. Different techniques have been used for epidural catheter fixation. The aim of the study was to compare the relative efficacy of Micropore™ surgical dressing, Tegaderm™, and Lockit plus® in preventing lumbar epidural catheter migration in children. Methods We studied 167 patients aged 5-16 years, for up to 48hrs. after the elective abdominal or lower limb surgery. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1) Micropore™ surgical dressing (group M), 2) Tegaderm™ (group T), or 3) Lockit plus® (group L). Incidence and extent of epidural catheter migration in centimetres (cm); was compared at 24 and 48hours post epidural fixation. Correlation between epidural catheter migration and patient characteristics, and relative incidence of complications in three groups was also analysed. Results Incidence of catheter migration was 9.6% at 24hours (group M: 7.1%, group T: 21.1% and group L: 0%) and 45.5% at 48hours (group M: 66.1%, group T: 45.6% and group L: 24.1%). After 48hours, absolute migration (mean migration rounded off to the nearest 0.5cm) was least in patients in group L: 0.34cm (1.39) compared to group M 1.22cm (SD: 1.85) group T: 0.94cm (1.94) (p = <0.001). Conclusion Up to 48 hours after surgery, the Lockit plus® device demonstrated the less epidural catheter migration when compared to micropore surgical dressing or tegaderm in children undergoing elective abdominal or lower limb surgery. (AU)

Concept of lipid droplet biogenesis.

Lipid droplets (LD) are functionally conserved fat storage organelles found in all cell types. LDs have a unique structure comprising of a hydrophobic core of neutral lipids (fat), triacylglycerol (TAG) and cholesterol esters (CE) surrounded by a phospholipid monolayer. LD surface is decorated by a multitude of proteins and enzymes rendering this compartment functional. Accumulating evidence suggests that LDs originate from discrete ER-subdomains, demarcated by the lipodystrophy protein seipin, however, the mechanisms of which are not well understood. LD biogenesis factors together with biophysical properties of the ER membrane orchestrate spatiotemporal regulation of LD nucleation and growth at specific ER subdomains in response to metabolic cues. Defects in LD formation manifests in several human pathologies, including obesity, lipodystrophy, ectopic fat accumulation, and insulin resistance. Here, we review recent advances in understanding the molecular events during initial stages of eukaryotic LD assembly and discuss the critical role of factors that ensure fidelity of this process.

Comparative efficacy of Micropore™ surgical dressing, Tegaderm™ and Lockit plus® for lumbar epidural catheter fixation in children: a prospective parallel group randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Proper fixation of an epidural catheter is necessary for desired drug effect and to prevent catheter displacement. Different techniques have been used for epidural catheter fixation. The aim of the study was to compare the relative efficacy of Micropore™ surgical dressing, Tegaderm™, and Lockit plus® in preventing lumbar epidural catheter migration in children. METHODS: We studied 167 patients aged 5-16 years, for up to 48 h. After the elective abdominal or lower limb surgery. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) Micropore™ surgical dressing (group M), (2) Tegaderm™ (group T), or (3) Lockit plus® (group L). Incidence and extent of epidural catheter migration in centimetres (cm); was compared at 24 and 48 h post epidural fixation. Correlation between epidural catheter migration and patient characteristics, and relative incidence of complications in three groups was also analysed. RESULTS: Incidence of catheter migration was 9.6% at 24 h (group M: 7.1%, group T: 21.1% and group L: 0%) and 45.5% at 48 h (group M: 66.1%, group T: 45.6% and group L: 24.1%). After 48 h, absolute migration (mean migration rounded off to the nearest 0.5 cm) was least in patients in group L: 0.34 cm (1.39) compared to group M 1.22 cm (SD: 1.85) group T: 0.94 cm (1.94) (p = <0.001). CONCLUSION: Up to 48 h after surgery, the Lockit plus® device demonstrated the less epidural catheter migration when compared to micropore surgical dressing or tegaderm in children undergoing elective abdominal or lower limb surgery.

Comparative Evaluation of Novel Bulk Fill Resin Composites with Conventional Composites for Microleakage Formation - A Steromicroscopic Study.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess and compare microleakage of two novel bulk-fill resin composites with traditional incremental composites. Materials and Methods: Standardized conservative Class II cavities were made on 120 sound maxillary premolars having approximately 4 mm of width with 2 mm gingival extension below CEJ keeping all line angles round and cavosurface margins beveled. Samples were categorized into the group of three (n = 40), based on composites used; Smart Dentine Replacement (SDR), X Tra Fill, and Z350 XT. The prepared cavities were filled with respective composites to a depth of 4 mm. Post thermocycling, Specimens were absorbed in 0.5% methylene blue for 8 h and soaked in tap water for 12 h samples were later split in mesiodistal direction at the center of the composite restorations with diamond disc. A total of 240 samples were obtained. The samples were viewed with ×20. One-way ANOVA and post-hoc Bonferroni test were used to derive statistical data. Results: SDR demonstrated considerably less micro leakage in comparison with X-Tra fill composites. Significantly high microleakage was observed in the traditional composites (Z350 XT). Conclusion: Novel Bulk-fill resin composites exhibited better adaptability and less microleakage compared to traditional multilayer composites.

Short term priming effect of brain-actuated muscle stimulation using bimanual movements in stroke.

OBJECTIVE: Brain-computer interface triggered-functional electrical stimulation (BCI-FES) is an emerging neurorehabilitation therapy post stroke, mostly for the affected hand. We explored the feasibility of a bimanual BCI-FES and its short-term priming effects, i.e. stimuli-induced behaviour change. We compared EEG parameters between unimanual and bimanual movements and differentiated the effect of age from the effect of stroke. METHODS: Ten participants with subacute stroke, ten age-matched older healthy adults, and ten younger healthy adults underwent unimanual and bimanual BCI-FES sessions. Delta alpha ratio (DAR) and brain symmetry index (BSI) were derived from the pre- and post- resting-state EEG. Event-related desynchronization (ERD) and laterality index were derived from movement- EEG. RESULTS: Participants were able to control bimanual BCI-FES. ERD was predominantly contralateral for unimanual movements and bilateral for bimanual movements. DAR and BSI only changed in healthy controls. Baseline values indicated that DAR was affected by stroke while BSI was affected by both age and stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Bimanual BCI control offers a larger repertoire of movements, while causing the same short-term changes as unimanual BCI-FES. Prolonged practice may be required to achieve a measurable effect on DAR and BSI for stroke. SIGNIFICANCE: Bimanual BCI-FES is feasible in people affected by stroke.

Effect of final irrigating solutions on penetration depth of resin-based sealers into dentinal tubules.

Background: The goal of root canal therapy depends on chemomechanical debridement and three-dimensional filling of the root canal system.[1]. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of NaOCl + Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and Twin Kleen as a final irrigating solution on the depth of penetration of AH Plus and Perma Evolution sealers into the dentinal tubules. Materials and Methods: Forty mandibular premolars were decoronated and instrumented up to size 30. Moreover, randomly assigned into two groups based on final rinse Group A (n = 20): 5.25% NaOCl + 17% EDTA. Group B (n = 20): Twin Kleen solution. Resin sealers were labeled with few grains of fluorescent rhodamine B dye and subdivided into two subgroups, Subgroup A1and B1 (n 1= 10): AH Plus; Subgroup A2 and B2 (n 2= 10): Perma Evolution and obturated. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to examine the sections taken 2, 5, and 8 mm from the apex. Images were exported to Image J software to determine the sealer penetration depth. Statistical Analysis: Independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's HSD post hoc test. Results: Maximum depth of sealer penetration was seen in Twin Kleen in all sections. Perma Evolution showed highest sealer penetration at the middle and apical third region of root canal for both groups. Conclusions: Final irrigation with Twin Kleen produced highest sealer penetration than with EDTA.

Diosgenin Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles with Potential Anticancer Efficacy.

This study aims to determine the anticancer efficacy of diosgenin encapsulated poly-glycerol malate co-dodecanedioate (PGMD) nanoparticles. Diosgenin loaded PGMD nanoparticles (variants 7:3 and 6:4) were synthesized by the nanoprecipitation method. The synthesis of PGMD nanoparticles was systematically optimized employing the Box-Behnken design and taking into account the influence of various independent variables such as concentrations of each PGMD, diosgenin and PF-68 on the responses such as size and PDI of the particles. Mathematical modeling was done using the Quadratic second order modeling method and response surface analysis was undertaken to elucidate the factor-response relationship. The obtained size of PGMD 7:3 and PGMD 6:4 nanoparticles were 133.6 nm and 121.4 nm, respectively, as measured through dynamic light scattering (DLS). The entrapment efficiency was in the range of 77-83%. The in vitro drug release studies showed diffusion and dissolution controlled drug release pattern following Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model. Furthermore, in vitro morphological and cytotoxic studies were performed to evaluate the toxicity of synthesized drug loaded nanoparticles in model cell lines. The IC50 after 48 h was observed to be 27.14 µM, 15.15 µM and 13.91 µM for free diosgenin, PGMD 7:3 and PGMD 6:4 nanoparticles, respectively, when administered in A549 lung carcinoma cell lines.

Poly-(Lactic-co-Glycolic) Acid Nanoparticles for Synergistic Delivery of Epirubicin and Paclitaxel to Human Lung Cancer Cells.

Combination therapy using chemically distinct drugs has appeared as one of the promising strategies to improve anticancer treatment efficiency. In the present investigation, poly-(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles electrostatically conjugated with polyethylenimine (PEI)-based co-delivery system for epirubicin and paclitaxel (PLGA-PEI-EPI-PTX NPs) has been developed. The PLGA-PEI-EPI-PTX NPs exhibited a monodispersed size distribution with an average size of 240.93 ± 12.70 nm as measured through DLS and 70.8-145 nm using AFM. The zeta potential of 41.95 ± 0.65 mV from -17.45 ± 2.15 mV further confirmed the colloidal stability and PEI modification on PLGA nanoparticles. Encapsulation and loading efficiency along with in vitro release of drug for nanoparticles were done spectrophotometrically. The FTIR analysis of PLGA-PEI-EPI-PTX NPs revealed the involvement of amide moiety between polymer PLGA and PEI. The effect of nanoparticles on the cell migration was also corroborated through wound healing assay. The MTT assay demonstrated that PLGA-PEI-EPI-PTX NPs exhibited considerable anticancer potential as compared to the naïve drugs. Further, p53 protein expression analysed through western blot showed enhanced expression. This study suggests that combination therapy using PLGA-PEI-EPI-PTX NPs represent a potential approach and could offer clinical benefits in the future for lung cancer patients.

The peripheral immune response in hyperglycemic stroke.

OBJECTIVES: Hyperglycemia is common in acute ischemic stroke patients and is associated with poor clinical outcome. However, aggressive reduction of post-stroke hyperglycemia did not improve clinical outcome, suggesting that other mechanisms are playing a detrimental role in hyperglycemic stroke. We hypothesize that the acute post-stroke immune response is altered in the hyperglycemic state leading to higher mortality and morbidity. The objective of this study was to characterize temporal changes in circulating immune cells after stroke and their association with clinical outcomes in hyperglycemic compared to euglycemic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 97 (58 % euglycemic, 42 % hyperglycemic) patients presenting within 12 h of symptom onset of stroke. Blood neutrophil, monocyte and lymphocyte concentrations were measured sequentially for 96 h post stroke. Primary clinical outcome was the difference in the NIH stroke scale at admission compared to discharge. Secondary outcome measures included discharge disposition and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days. RESULTS: Circulating neutrophils were significantly higher in hyperglycemic than in euglycemic patients within the first 48 h post stroke, while lymphocyte counts trended to be lower. Hyperglycemic patients had higher mortality rates, less favorable discharge disposition and worse neurological function at 90 days. In both groups, the neutrophil to lymphocytes ratio ((NLR) remained strongly associated with neurological function at discharge within the first 24 h (p < 0.001), and remained significant in hyperglycemic patients up to 48 h (p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed no confounding by other factors and a significant correlation with differences in NIHSS score (CI; - 9.287 to -1.46, p = 0.0077**) and NLR (CL; 0.6058-6.901, p = 0.0203*) in hyperglycemic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggests that circulating immune cells play an important role in mediating poor clinical outcome in hyperglycemic patients following stroke. The NLR is a strong predictor of neurological outcomes in hyperglycemic patients. Thus, the modulation of immune cells may be a viable therapeutic approach to improve outcomes for this high risk group.

Extracellular matrix degradation by host matrix metalloproteinases in restorative dentistry and endodontics: An overview.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of over 25 secreted and membrane-bound enzymes responsible for pericellular substrate degeneration. In response to injury, they play key roles in morphogenesis, wound healing, tissue repair and remodeling. They have been isolated from dentin, odontoblasts, pulp and periapical tissue. They play a major role in the formation of dentin matrix and secondary and tertiary dentin. These are also responsible for releasing dentinal growth factors. MMP family proteins elicit a dual role in the pathogenesis of inflammation, stimulating protective innate and/or adaptive immune functions, as well as tissue destruction. The main organic component of tooth structure is collagen, and MMPs that degrade collagen and the extracellular matrix have been implicated in the progression of dental caries, dental erosion as well as degradation of the hybrid layer. MMPs have also been shown to be active in pulpitis, and studies have shown that they can be used as diagnostic markers of pulpal and periapical inflammation. This review describes the role of MMPs in dental caries, dental erosion, bond stability as well as in pulpal and periapical inflammation.

Do quantified sleep architecture abnormalities underlie cognitive disturbances in amnestic mild cognitive impairment?

The study was designed to gauge association between occult sleep-related breathing disturbances and sleep architecture changes on cognitive trajectories in subjects with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) relative to cognitively normal healthy controls, phenotyped by neuroimaging. Subjects with aMCI and normal cognition were prospectively recruited. Following standardized neuropsychological and sleep questionnaire assessment they underwent a single overnight polysomnography (PSG); multimodality MRI was used to ascertain age-corrected radiological differences between the 2 groups. The aMCI cohort was followed up longitudinally with serial cognitive assessments for the next 3 years. Thirty seven subjects with aMCI and 24 control subjects consented for evaluation. Although occult moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was more prevalent in aMCI (43.6%) as opposed to controls (22.7%); higher median apnea-hypopnea index (AHI = 11.5) and total apnea-hypopnea time (26.6 min) were also noted in aMCI relative to controls (6.6 and 11.4 min respectively), the differences were not statistically significant. In the aMCI group, better sleep efficiency, longer duration of REM sleep correlated with higher associative learning, free-recall/recognition memory performance. Higher AHI had negative correlation with visual memory scores. However longitudinal cognitive trends in the aMCI group over 3 years reflected relative stability (only 5% progressed to AD) notwithstanding imaging differences from controls and appeared to be independent of sleep parameters. The study concluded that despite associations between sleep efficiency, REM sleep and sleep-related breathing variables with neuropsychological test-scores in aMCI, these appear to be comorbidities rather than causative factors for the degree of cognitive impairment or its longitudinal trajectory.

Versatile biomedical potential of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from Acacia nilotica bark.

The present study reports the development of potent silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using bark extract of Acacia nilotica and evaluation of its wound healing, anti-biofilm, anti-cancer and anti-microbial activity. Stable, small sized nanoparticles with spherical morphology were obtained after significant optimization studies that was evaluated through UV-visible spectroscopy. Thereafter, physicochemical characterization of biosynthesized AgNPs was carried out through DLS and FESEM for evaluation of size. EDAX and FTIR were carried out for the evaluation of composition and possible functional groups involved in the reduction and capping of AgNPs. The antibacterial potential was investigated through disc diffusion assay against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). Further, the Congo Red Assay (CRA) successfully revealed the anti-biofilm activity against Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Proteus vulgaris (P. vulgaris), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). Alamar blue assay was conducted in A549 cells to reveal the remarkable anticancer activity of biosynthesized AgNPs that resulted in a very appreciable manner. Further, the wound healing activity of AgNPs can heal the excised wound of mice up-to 100% within 15 days. All these studies suggested that our biosynthesized AgNPs possess versatile biomedical application.

Catalytic, antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy of biosynthesised silver nanoparticles using Prosopis juliflora leaf extract along with their wound healing potential.

The present study focuses on the catalytic, antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in an easy, rapid and eco-friendly pathway. Herein, we have synthesised AgNPs using an aqueous extract of P. juliflora leaf. The bioactive compounds present in the extract are responsible for the reduction of Ag+ to Ag0. The particle synthesis was first observed by visual color change and then characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy to confirm the formation of AgNPs. The synthesis conditions were then optimised using critical parameters such as reaction time, AgNO3 concentration, extract to AgNO3 ratio and temperature of the reaction. The hydrodynamic size of the AgNPs with Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was 55.24 nm, while, was in the range of 10-20 nm as determined through Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Further, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies were conducted to discern the functional groups or compounds responsible for the reduction of silver nitrate as well as the capping of silver nanoparticles. Later, X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed crystalline nature of the biosynthesized AgNPs. To evaluate their antibacterial potential, AgNPs were assessed through disc-diffusion assay, which resulted in an appreciable dose-dependent activity. The antibacterial potential was investigated through disc-diffusion assay against E. coli and P. aeruginosa. The Congo red agar (CRA) plate assay successfully revealed the anti-biofilm activity against B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa. Further, the catalytic activity of synthesised AgNPs was assessed against azo dyes such a Methylene Blue (MB) and Congo Red (CR) that resulted in its effective degradation of toxic compounds in a short span of time. Further, AgNPs were assessed for their wound healing potential.

Evaluation of Anticancer activity of Silver Nanoparticles on the A549 Human lung carcinoma cell lines through Alamar Blue Assay.

Silver nanoparticles have been widely studied to possess antimicrobial as well as anticancer activity, and have found its applications in various fields including pharmaceutical industry, diagnostics, drug delivery, food industry, and others. For this purpose, several cell proliferation assays are widely used for the evaluation of anticancer activity of synthetic compounds as well as natural plant extracts. In general, a compound is said to possess an anticancer activity if it prevents the cancer cells to grow and divide actively, and indirectly activates the generic program of cell death. In this protocol, Alamar blue and MTT assay are described for the analysis of metabolic function and health of the cell. These procedures are generally used for the endpoint analysis. A549 cells are seeded in a 96-well plate, and after the adherence of the cells, they are treated with different concentrations of silver nanoparticles. Followed by 24 h of incubation, colorimetric dyes are added to the wells, and the absorbance is recorded to quantify the percentage cytotoxicity in the sample wells.