Fluorescent styrenes for mitochondrial imaging and viscosity sensing.

Fluorophores bearing cationic pendants, such as the pyridinium group, tend to preferentially accumulate in mitochondria, whereas those with pentafluorophenyl groups display a distinct affinity for the endoplasmic reticulum. In this study, we designed fluorophores incorporating pyridinium and pentafluorophenyl pendants and examined their impact on sub-cellular localization. Remarkably, the fluorophores exhibited a notable propensity for the mitochondrial membrane. Furthermore, these fluorophores revealed dual functionality by facilitating the detection of viscosity changes within the sub-cellular environment and serving as heavy-atom-free photosensitizers. With easy chemical tunability, wash-free imaging, and a favorable signal-to-noise ratio, these fluorophores are valuable tools for imaging mitochondria and investigating their cellular processes.

Imaging of mitochondria/lysosomes in live cells and C. elegans.

Two rhodamine-phenothiazine conjugates, RP1 and RP2, were synthesized, and their photophysical properties, subcellular localization, and photocytotoxicity were investigated. We observed robust localization of RP1 in mitochondria and dual localization in mitochondria and lysosomes with RP2 in live cells. Live cell imaging with these probes allowed us to track the dynamics of mitochondria and lysosomes during ROS-induced mitochondrial damage and the subsequent lysosomal digestion of the damaged mitochondria. The fluorophores also demonstrated preferential accumulation in cancer cells compared to normal cells and had strong photo-cytotoxicity. However, no cytotoxicity was observed in the dark. The mitochondrial staining and light-induced ROS production were not limited to mammalian cell lines, but were also observed in the animal model C. elegans. The study demonstrated the potential applications of these probes in visualizing the mitochondria-lysosome cross-talk after ROS production and for photodynamic therapy.

Synbiotic Intervention Ameliorates Oxidative Stress and Gut Permeability in an In Vitro and In Vivo Model of Ethanol-Induced Intestinal Dysbiosis.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) alters gut microbiota and tight junctions, causing bacterial components to enter the portal vein and induce oxidative stress-induced inflammation in the liver. Only corticosteroids and liver transplants are treatment options for severe alcoholic hepatitis. ALD's pathophysiology is unknown. However, acetaldehyde's toxic effects cause oxidative stress and intestinal permeability. This study investigates the influence of a synbiotic (a combination of aged garlic extract (AGE) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus MTCC1423) on colonic oxidative stress and inflammation in ALD male Wistar rats and Caco2 cells. MDA measurement by HPLC in CaCo2 cells, blood serum, and colon tissue demonstrated that synbiotic treatment in the ALD model reduces oxidative stress. Further, fecal high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed the microbiome's shift towards Firmicutes in the synbiotic group compared to ethanol. In addition, DCFDA labeling and H/E staining demonstrate that the synbiotic is beneficial in inhibiting the development of ALD. In the colon, the synbiotic reduces the activation of CYP2E1 and the inflammatory markers TNF-a and IL-6 while elevating the mRNA expression of ZO-1, occludin, and IL-10. Synbiotics colonize Lactobacillus to restore barrier function and microbiota and reduce colon oxidative stress. Thus, a synbiotic combination can be used in ALD treatment.

Imaging of lipid droplets using coumarin fluorophores in live cells and C. elegans.

Fluorescent probes offer incredibly effective tools for visualizing the dynamic morphology of lipid droplets (LDs) and investigating their physiological interactions. In this work, we have utilized solvatochromic coumarin probes bearing nitrile and ester substituents for live-cell imaging. The fluorescence probes are characterized by a donor (diethylamino) and acceptor (nitrile and/or ester) substituents and a rotatable double bond. The designed architecture allows investigation of environmental sensitivity apart from providing excellent ability to target sub-cellular organelles. The synthesized fluorophores showed low cytotoxicity and excellent localization within the lipid droplets. Further, the fluorophores were also utilized to study viscosity changes within the LDs induced by Nystatin. More importantly, we also demonstrate imaging of LDs in multi-cellular animal models such as C. elegans.

Lutidine derivatives for live-cell imaging of the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum.

The mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are highly dynamic subcellular structures essential for several biological functions. The development of non-toxic, wash-free fluorophores to visualize these structures inside cells aid in understanding their localization and dynamics in diverse cellular processes. In this paper, we report the synthesis and characterization of lutidine-based cationic fluorophores bearing push-pull substituents exhibiting emission in green and red wavelength regions and their subcellular localization in living cells. The confocal imaging of the molecules in a cellular domain reveals the robust localization of three molecules (2, 4 and 5) in the mitochondria and two molecules with polyfluorophenyl substituents (6 and 7) in the ER. At the same time, the other two molecules (1 and 3) showed non-specific imaging. These molecules can also be used to sense the altered viscosity of the stressed ER and investigate its dynamics.

Fluorescent probes for targeting endoplasmic reticulum: design strategies and their applications.

Advances in developing organic fluorescent probes and fluorescence imaging techniques have enhanced our understanding of cell biology. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a dynamic structure that plays a crucial role in protein synthesis, post-translational modifications, and lipid metabolism. The malfunction of ER contributes to several physiological and pathological conditions. Therefore, the investigations on the imaging and role of ER have attracted a lot of attention. Due to their simplicity, synthetic tunability, photostability, high quantum yields, easier cellular uptake, and lower cytotoxicity, organic fluorophores offer invaluable tools for the precision targeting of various cellular organelles and probe ER dynamics. The precision staining is made possible by incorporating specific functional groups having preferential and local organelle biomolecular interactions. For instance, functional moieties such as methyl sulfonamide, sulfonylurea, and pentafluorophenyl assist in ER targeting and thus have become essential tools to probe a deeper understanding of their dynamics. Furthermore, dual-function fluorescent probes that simultaneously image ER and detect specific physiological parameters or biological analytes were achieved by introducing special recognition or chemically reactive sites. This article attempts to comprehensively capture various design strategies currently employed by researchers utilizing small organic molecules to target the ER and detect specific analytes.

Small and medium-sized enterprises' contribution in digital technology.

Researchers have mentioned the importance of digitization in improving efficiency and productivity in Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). Fortunately, there is no proof that Digitization can be used to deal with the outcome of severe incidents like COVID-19. The research paper suggested that the increased rate of SMEs has increased significantly. This was entirely due to the advent of Digital Technology (DT). In this way, both product and the process become more automated in digitalization, resulting in increased quality and demand. Considering the high scope for higher development, India's SME sector still has much space for new digital technologies to be integrated. This paper addresses the main scenario of SMEs in India and their benefit in GDP. Also, the research includes a brief analysis of CRM applications and digital payment options in SMEs.

Biological seed priming mitigates the effects of water stress in sunflower seedlings.

The sunflower (Helianthus annuus L. cv. PAC 36) seedlings were inoculated with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), viz. Azotobacter chroococcum (A+), Bacillus polymyxa (B+), separately and in combination of the two (AB+). Relative water content and seedling growth were maximum in AB+ seedlings under control. Water stress significantly decreased the RWC, growth and dry mass of non-inoculated seedlings. However, inoculated seedlings maintained higher growth even under water stress. Pigments and protein contents decreased under water stress, but higher amount of the same was observed in stressed AB+ seedlings. Enhanced activity of nitrate reductase was recorded in AB+ seedlings with maximum in control. Water stress significantly decreased the nitrate reductase activity. A significant increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in leaves was recorded under water stress except in B+ with maximum increase in non-inoculated seedlings. Catalase (CAT) activity decreased in stressed non-inoculated seedlings while increased in the leaves of A+ and AB+ seedlings. Almost similar trends were recorded for both leaves and cotyledons. PGPR improved the water status in stressed seedlings and thereby physiological and biochemical parameters and thus ameliorated the severe effects of water stress.