Designing a New Class of Mechanophoric Polymer Based on Epoxy-Functionalized Rhodamine Derivative.

Mechanophoric polymers are an interesting class of smart polymers which contains a special force-sensitive molecular motif that can lead to a chemical change within the polymer network in response to mechanical force. This investigation reports the design of a mechanophoric polymer based on epoxy-functionalized rhodamine via a monomeric approach. In this case, rhodamine (Rh) is modified with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) through an epoxy-amine reaction to design a vinyl-functionalized multi-armed macromonomer (Rh-GMA), which is reacted with butyl acrylate (BA) to prepare the crosslinked polymeric film. The crosslinked polymeric film demonstrates mechanophoric properties under UV and stretching conditions.

Beyond traditional therapy: Mucoadhesive polymers as a new frontier in oral cancer management.

In recent times mucoadhesive drug delivery systems are gaining popularity in oral cancer. It is a malignancy with high global prevalence. Despite significant advances in cancer therapeutics, improving the prognosis of late-stage oral cancer remains challenging. Targeted therapy using mucoadhesive polymers can improve oral cancer patients' overall outcome by offering enhanced oral mucosa bioavailability, better drug distribution and tissue targeting, and minimizing systemic side effects. Mucoadhesive polymers can also be delivered via different formulations such as tablets, films, patches, gels, and nanoparticles. These polymers can deliver an array of medicines, making them an adaptable drug delivery approach. Drug delivery techniques based on these mucoadhesive polymers are gaining traction and have immense potential as a prospective treatment for late-stage oral cancer. This review examines leading research in mucoadhesive polymers and discusses their potential applications in treating oral cancer.

Optimization of estrogen dosage for uterine receptivity for implantation in post-coital bilaterally ovariectomized mice.

Estrogens and progesterone, in unison and/or separately, synchronize the distinct events of blastocyst development, uterine priming and receptivity induction for implantation. In contrast to high implantation failure rates, the mechanistic concepts regarding the uterine receptivity for implantation still remain elusive. The present study aims to define the minimum estradiol (E2) dose to induce uterine receptivity for successful implantation in post-coitus bilaterally ovariectomized (BLO) progesterone-primed uterus of mice. Post-coital sperm-positive adult female mice were divided into two groups. In both the groups, delayed implantation was induced by BLO on post-coitus Day 4 (D4). Group 1 received 2 mg of progesterone (P4) from D5 until sacrifice, and E2 injection of 3.0, 10.0, 25.0 and 50.0 ng on D7. On D8, all mice of this group were sacrificed except the mice that received second dose of 25.0 ng of E2 on D8 and were sacrificed on D9. Group 2 followed the same doses, but were given simultaneously on D4, and sacrificed on D5. The mice that received second doses of 25.0 ng E2 were sacrificed on D6. The minimum dose of E2 required to induce uterine receptivity for implantation is a single dose of 50.0 ng E2. The uterus remained refractory following short receptive period at E2 doses lower than 50.0 ng, which is just sufficient to establish desired uterine receptivity. However, repeated administration of sub-threshold doses of 25.0 ng of E2 could also not effectively sustain uterine receptivity towards successful implantation.

Glycopolymer Decorated pH-Dependent Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe Based on Förster Resonance Energy Transfer for the Detection of Cancer Cells.

Development of fluorescent imaging probes is an important topic of research for the early diagnosis of cancer. Based on the difference between the cellular environment of tumor cells and normal cells, several "smart" fluorescent probes have been developed. In this work, a glycopolymer functionalized Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) based fluorescent sensor is developed, which can monitor the pH change in cellular system. One-pot sequential reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)polymerization technique is employed to synthesize fluorescent active triblock glycopolymer that can undergo FRET change on the variation of pH. A FRET pair, fluorescein o-acrylate (FA) and 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (AMC) is linked via a pH-responsive polymer poly [2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDPAEMA), which can undergo reversible swelling/deswelling under acidic/neutral condition. The presence of glycopolymer segment provides stability, water solubility, and specificity toward cancer cells. The cellular FRET experiments on cancer cells (MDA MB 231) and normal cells (3T3 fibroblast cells) demonstrate that the material is capable of distinguishing cells as a function of pH change.

SARS-CoV-2 infection and human semen: possible modes of contamination and transmission.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has turned into a global pandemic with multitudinous health impacts. MAIN BODY: In light of the higher vulnerability of men to COVID-19 than women, there is rising concerns on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on male fertility and possibilities of seminal contamination and transmission. The pandemic has attributed to the brief suspension of many fertility clinics and pathology laboratories, though many remained functional. Few reports reflect that SARS-CoV-2 can contaminate the semen of COVID-19 patients as well as that of recovering patients. The viral invasion into the testis may be due to the disrupted anatomical barriers of the testis by the inflammatory responses, and the persistence of the virus in the semen may be facilitated by the testicular immune privilege. Since SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped RNA virus, it is also theoretically possible that this virus can remain viable in the semen samples even after cryopreservation with liquid nitrogen. CONCLUSION: The present review emphasizes the possibilities of seminal dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 and thereby the chances of its sexual transmission. These perceptions and predictions are to facilitate immediate necessary actions to improvise the standard precautionary procedures for laboratory practices, including semen analysis or processing the semen sample for fertility treatments.

Correlation of common biochemical markers for bone turnover, serum calcium, and alkaline phosphatase in post-menopausal women.

The quality of life for women after menopause is one of the key health issues today, and osteoporosis is a silently progressing metabolic bone disease widely prevalent in post-menopausal women in India. Rapid bone loss occurs in post-menopausal women due to hormonal factors that lead to an increased risk of fractures. Thus, the present study was undertaken to observe the serum calcium and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in post-menopausal women as these substances are biochemical markers of bone metabolism. In this small-scale cross-sectional study, 100 samples were taken. Of these, 50 were taken from post-menopausal women (experimental group) and 50 were taken from pre-menopausal women (control group). Serum calcium and serum ALP were measured in the blood samples of both groups. The findings demonstrated that the serum calcium level was significantly lower in the post-menopausal group than in the pre-menopausal group, while the ALP level was slightly higher. Therefore, an increase in bone turnover accelerates bone mass reduction in post-menopausal women, whereas a decrease in bone turnover is associated with the preservation of bone mass.

ß-Amyloid peptide modulates peripheral immune responses and neuroinflammation in rats.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by immune system dysregulation, impacting both central and peripheral immune responses. The study aimed to investigate the mechanism behind the neurotoxic effects of ß-amyloid (Aß) peptide in the rat brain including the study of neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and alterations in peripheral immune responses (PIR). The neuroinflammation brought on by Aß1-42 and is unknown to influence PIR. Animal models were prepared, after 28 days, control, sham, and treated rats were anaesthetized and inflammatory markers of hippocampus and serum levels (reactive oxygen species, nitrite, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1ß), and some markers of PIR (splenic mononuclear cells or MNC, cytotoxicity and phagocytic index of the white blood cells leukocyte adhesion inhibition index or LAI), as well as polymorphonuclear cells of the spleen, were assessed. In addition to changes in peripheral immune responses, the present study found that AD rats had higher blood levels of inflammatory markers. Based on the study, the immune system irregularities observed in AD rats in the peripheral regions might be connected to neuroinflammation, which is facilitated by a compromised blood-brain barrier. Hence, it is viable to propose that the neuroinflammatory condition in rats with Aß-induced AD could modify immune responses in the peripheral areas with significantly higher levels of inflammatory cytokines markers in the hippocampal tissue in Aß-injected AD rats.

Assessing body composition through anthropometry: Implications for diagnosing and managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted endocrine disorder with profound implications for the reproductive and metabolic health of women. The utilization of anthropometric measures in the diagnosis and management of PCOS has gained increasing attention due to their practicality and predictive capacity for associated conditions such as obesity and insulin resistance. This review rigorously explores the application of various anthropometric indices, including body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and advanced metrics such as the body shape index and body roundness index, wrist circumference, neck circumference. These indices offer critical insights into body fat distribution and its association with the metabolic and hormonal perturbations characteristic of PCOS. The review underscores the necessity of addressing obesity, a prevalent comorbidity in PCOS, through lifestyle modifications and personalized therapeutic approaches. By incorporating anthropometric evaluations into routine clinical practice, healthcare professionals can enhance diagnostic precision, optimize treatment strategies, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. This integrative approach not only facilitates the management of the metabolic challenges inherent in PCOS but also contributes to the development of more individualized therapeutic interventions, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life for women affected by PCOS.

Novel targets and improved immunotherapeutic techniques with an emphasis on antimycosal drug resistance for the treatment and management of mycosis.

Infections due to pathogenic fungi are endemic in particular area with increased morbidity and mortality. More than a thousand people are infected per year and the way of treatment is of high demand having a significant impact on the population health. Medical practitioners confront various troublesome analytic and therapeutical challenges in the administration of immunosuppressed sufferer at high danger of expanding fungal infections. An upgraded antimycosal treatment is fundamental for a fruitful result while treating intrusive mycoses. A collection of antimycosal drugs keeps on developing with their specific antifungal targets including cell membrane, mitochondria, cell wall, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)/ribonucleic acid (RNA) or protein biosynthesis. Some fundamental classes of ordinarily directed medications are the polyenes, amphotericin B, syringomycin, allylamines, honokiol, azoles, flucytosine, echinocandins etc. However, few immunotherapy processes and vaccinations are being developed to mark this need, although one presently can't seem to arrive at the conclusion. In this review article, there has been a trial to give details upgradation about the current immune therapeutic techniques and vaccination strategies against prevention or treatment of mycosis as well as the difficulties related with their turn of events. There has been also a visualization in the mentioned review paper about the various assorted drugs and their specific target analysis along with therapeutic interventions.

The underlying causes, treatment options of gut microbiota and food habits in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a narrative review.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a long-lasting endocrine disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycaemia, which is often triggered by an entire or relative inadequacy of insulin production or insulin resistance. As a result of resistance to insulin (IR) and an overall lack of insulin in the body, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic illness that is characterized by hyperglycaemia. Notably, the occurrence of vascular complications of diabetes and the advancement of IR in T2DM are accompanied by dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Due to the difficulties in managing the disease and the dangers of multiple accompanying complications, diabetes is a chronic, progressive immune-mediated condition that plays a significant clinical and health burden on patients. The frequency and incidence of diabetes among young people have been rising worldwide. The relationship between the gut microbiota composition and the physio-pathological characteristics of T2DM proposes a novel way to monitor the condition and enhance the effectiveness of therapies. Our knowledge of the microbiota of the gut and how it affects health and illness has changed over the last 20 years. Species of the genus Eubacterium, which make up a significant portion of the core animal gut microbiome, are some of the recently discovered 'generation' of possibly helpful bacteria. In this article, we have focused on pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches towards T2DM, with a special reference to gut bacteria from ancient times to the present day.

Polycystic ovary syndrome and its management: In view of oxidative stress.

In the past two decades, oxidative stress (OS) has drawn a lot of interest due to the revelation that individuals with many persistent disorders including diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), cardiovascular, and other disorders often have aberrant oxidation statuses. OS has a close interplay with PCOS features such as insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and chronic inflammation; there is a belief that OS might contribute to the development of PCOS. PCOS is currently recognized as not only one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders but also a significant contributor to female infertility, affecting a considerable proportion of women globally. Therefore, the understanding of the relationship between OS and PCOS is crucial to the development of therapeutic and preventive strategies for PCOS. Moreover, the mechanistic study of intracellular reactive oxygen species/ reactive nitrogen species formation and its possible interaction with women's reproductive health is required, which includes complex enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems. Apart from that, our current review includes possible regulation of the pathogenesis of OS. A change in lifestyle, including physical activity, various supplements that boost antioxidant levels, particularly vitamins, and the usage of medicinal herbs, is thought to be the best way to combat this occurrence of OS and improve the pathophysiologic conditions associated with PCOS.

Impact of a lifestyle intervention program on cardio-metabolic parameters among obese adults: A comparative population-based study in West Bengal, India.

The obesity epidemic is not only limited to high-income or urbanized societies, but has also become prevalent among rural communities, even in India. Approaches to modifiable behaviors, like unhealthy dietary habits or a sedentary lifestyle, could bring positive results among obese populations. This research aimed to assess the effectiveness of lifestyle intervention programs to prevent obesity and cardio-metabolic risks among Bengali obese adults (Body Mass Index of 25-30kg/m2). The population was selected from rural and urban communities of Hooghly district in west Bengal, India and included 121 participants (20-50 years), divided into four groups (rural male, rural female, urban male, and urban female) who underwent a 12-month intervention program. Anthropometric parameters, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, biochemical parameters (fasting blood glucose, fasting plasma insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR] and lipid profile), dietary habits, and physical activity profiles were assessed before the study (baseline), after 12 months of intervention (post-intervention), and after 24 months (follow-up), among all groups, to evaluate changes in data within and between the groups (rural vs. urban). The results showed a significant decline in anthropometric parameters and fasting blood glucose levels among all intervention groups, HOMA-IR in rural females, and serum triglyceride levels in urban groups. A significant improvement was noted regarding dietary habits and physical activity, even during follow-up. The impact of the intervention program did not show any rural-urban difference. The lifestyle intervention program was effective in reducing obesity and related health risks and promoting a healthy lifestyle among the target population.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Remission Induction with Modified Multitarget Therapy with Intravenous Cyclophosphamide in Proliferative Lupus Nephritis.

Introduction: Therapy of proliferative lupus nephritis (PLN) is yet to be optimized. Standard of care for induction consists of intravenous (IV) cyclophosphamide (CYC) and steroids, which shows an improved outcome, but end-stage renal disease (ESRD) progression, increased mortality, and therapy-related adverse effects remain a major concern. The other treatment reported to induce early remission was the multitarget therapy comprising tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and steroid, but infections were high in the multitarget therapy. Considering azathioprine as a potentially safer and effective alternative anti-B-cell therapy, modified multitarget therapy (MMTT) was planned replacing mycophenolate with azathioprine. Material and Methods: A single-center, 24-week, open-label, randomized controlled trial comprising adults of age 18-65 years with biopsy-proven PLN was carried out. The intervention groups were 1) MMTT: tacrolimus 0.075 mg/kg/day and azathioprine 2 mg/kg/day and 2) IV CYC group with a starting dose of 0.75 (adjusted to 0.5-1.0) g/m2 every 4 weeks for 6 months. Both groups received 3 days of pulse methylprednisolone followed by a tapering course of oral prednisone therapy. Results: Among 100 randomized patients, 48 were in MMTT arm and 52 were in IV CYC arm. At the end of 24 weeks, overall remission (complete and partial) was comparable in both the arms: MMTT (86.36%) and IV CYC (87.75%). There was comparable proteinuria reduction and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) score improvement with recovery of complement level C3 in both groups. Major adverse events were numerically more in the IV CYC group, including one death from pneumonia. Conclusion: The MMTT arm is as effective as IV CYC in improving short-term outcome in PLN, with a comparable safety profile.

Gold Nanoparticle Embedded Stimuli-Responsive Functional Glycopolymer: A Potential Material for Synergistic Chemo-Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer Cells.

Photodynamic therapy has emerged as a noninvasive treatment modality for several types of cancers. However, conventional hydrophobic photosensitizers (PS) suffer from low water solubility and poor tumor-targeting ability. Therefore, PS modified with glycopolymers can offer adequate water solubility, biocompatibility, and tumor-targeting ability due to the presence of multiple sugar units. In this study, a well-defined block copolymer poly(3-O-methacryloyl-d-glucopyranose)-b-poly(2-(4-formylbenzoyloxy)ethylmethacrylate) (PMAG-b-PFBEMA) containing pendant glucose and aldehyde units is synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization method. A water-soluble PS (toluidine blue O; TBO) and a potent anticancer drug, Doxorubicin (Dox) are introduced to the polymer backbone via acid-labile Schiff-base reaction (PMAG-b-PFBEMA_TBO_Dox). The PMAG-b-PFBEMA_TBO_Dox is then anchored on the surface of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) via electrostatic interaction. This hybrid system exhibits excellent reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating ability under exposure of 630 nm light-emitting diode along with triggered release of Dox under the acidic pH of tumor cells. The in vitro cytotoxicity study on human breast cancer cell line, MDA MB 231, for this hybrid system shows promising results due to the synergistic effect of ROS and Dox released. Thus, this glycopolymer-based dual (chemo-photodynamic) therapy model can work as potential material for future therapeutics.

Graphene Quantum Dots-Ornamented Waterborne Epoxy-Based Fluorescent Adhesive via Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer-Mediated Miniemulsion Polymerization: A Potential Material for Art Conservation.

Epoxy-based adhesives have gotten significant attention in the conservation of antiquities and repair or reconstruction of artifacts due to their excellent adhesion strength. However, it has become hard to detect repaired work in artifacts due to the transparent nature of epoxy-based adhesives. Hence, the making of fluorescent adhesives has become an exciting topic for art conservators. Here, we have synthesized a new kind of waterborne epoxy-based fluorescent adhesive decorated with graphene quantum dots (GQDs) via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)-mediated surfactant-free miniemulsion polymerization. In this case, a new block copolymer (BCP), poly(1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone)-block-poly(glycidyl methacrylate), has been synthesized via surfactant-free RAFT-mediated miniemulsion polymerization using a polymerization-induced self-assembly technique. The GQDs were prepared from citric acid by a hydrothermal process, and this was used for making a fluorescence-active BCP/GQD nanocomposite emulsion. The obtained BCP/GQD nanocomposite adhesive was transparent and showed blue fluorescence under ultraviolet-visible light, indicating the easy detection of its mark on the artifacts. The BCP and BCP/GQD emulsions were applied to adhere ceramic and glass substrates, and their adhesion strength was evaluated by lap shear tests. The BCP/GQDs showed better adhesion strength than the BCP only, indicating better adhesive performance. Additionally, the synthesis process was carried out in aqueous media, indicating the sustainability and environment-friendliness of the process. We believe that this kind of new waterborne epoxy-based fluorescent adhesive will provide a new contrivance among art conservators to repair or reconstruct artifacts.

Waist-to-height ratio and BMI as predictive markers for insulin resistance in women with PCOS in Kolkata, India.

PURPOSE: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is most commonly presented with insulin resistance (IR). Simple anthropometric indices may serve as surrogate markers of these conditions with population-based cut-off values. The present study suggests the cut-off values of waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and body mass index (BMI) in early prediction of PCOS and IR in PCOS women based in Kolkata, a major metropolitan city in India. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 66 women (aged 16-30 years) from Kolkata, India, with confirmed PCOS, using Rotterdam criteria. IR was defined following the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). Anthropometric and biochemical data were obtained using standard protocol and compared among the PCOS subjects grouped as per IR prevalence, BMI, and WHtR values. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was applied to evaluate and compare the cut-off values of WHtR and BMI in the prediction of PCOS and IR in women with PCOS. RESULTS: As per ROC analysis, WHtR showed significantly higher AUC in the detection of PCOS and IR in PCOS subjects respectively, than that of BMI. The cut-off values of WHtR and BMI for PCOS were 0.560 and 28.47 respectively, and for IR in PCOS patients, were 0.620 and 29.14 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests a cut-off value of WHtR to be used as an inexpensive and noninvasive screening tool for early prediction of PCOS and IR among PCOS afflicted women based in Kolkata, India and for this prediction, the study also claims WHtR as a better index than BMI.

A dual thermoresponsive and antifouling zwitterionic microgel with pH triggered fluorescent "on-off" core.

A unique, tailor-made, zwitterionic, dual thermoresponsive and fluorescent microgel probe was synthesized via Reversible Addition Fragmentation chain-Transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Microgels were prepared via oil in water (o/w) emulsion polymerization where poly(carboxybetaine) (PCB) acted as a macro-RAFT reagent as well as an emulsifier. The presence of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) in the microgel system imparts the thermoresponsiveness to the system and the presence of a rhodamine derivative as fluorophore makes it responsive to pH change of the system by showing a fluorescence emission at 580 nm (reddish orange color). The dual thermoresponsiveness [i.e. the presence of upper critical solution temperature (UCST @ 12 °C) as well as lower critical solution temperature (LCST @ 33 °C)] of the microgels was studied via UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) and temperature responsive dynamic light scattering (DLS) analyses. Presence of the PCB in the corona-crosslinked microgel, played a vital role in the formation of self-assembled structure as well as in protein immobilization (antifouling activity). Antifouling property was studied using UV-vis spectroscopy where bovine serum albumin (BSA) was taken as a model protein. The presence of the pH-responsive fluorescence, thermoresponsiveness as well as antifouling properties makes this zwitterionic microgel system a potential a potential candidate for medical diagnostics and for drug delivery vehicles.

Glycopolymer ornamented octa-arm POSS based organic-inorganic hybrid star block copolymer as a lectin binding ligand.

In this study, a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-polycaprolactone (POSS-PCL)-cored octa-arm star-shaped glyco block copolymer (BCP), poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(glucopyranose) (Star-POSS-PCL-b-PGlc) was successfully synthesized via the combination of ring opening polymerization (ROP) and MADIX (macromolecular design by interchange of xanthate) polymerization technique. Herein, initially octa(3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl dimethylsiloxy) POSS (Star-POSS) was utilized to initiate the ROP of the ε-caprolactone to get octa-arm star-shaped Star-POSS-PCL. A successive bromination followed by xanthation of the synthesized Star-POSS-PCL polymer allowed us to further polymerize 3-O-acryloyl-1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-D-glucofuranose (AIpGlc) via MADIX polymerization. Formation of the star-shaped block copolymer (BCP) was characterized using 1H NMR, FT-IR and DSC analyses. The morphology and the aqueous solution behavior of the Star-POSS-PCL-b-PGlc were analyzed using FESEM, HRTEM and DLS analyses, respectively. The lectin-binding efficiency of the star-shaped BCP having different glycopolymer block length was studied using turbidimetry assay and fluorescence quenching titration (FQT) using photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). Here, FITC labeled concanavalin A (FITC-Con A) was used as a model lectin. The cytotoxicity study of the star-shaped BCPs over the human fibroblast cells revealed the non-toxic nature of the BCPs which open up its great potential towards drug delivery vector.

REDOX Responsive Fluorescence Active Glycopolymer Based Nanogel: A Potential Material for Targeted Anticancer Drug Delivery.

A well-defined glycopolymer based fluorescence active nanogel has been prepared via the combination of reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and Diels-Alder (DA) "click" chemistry. To prepare the nanogel, initially, a functional AB block copolymer (BCP) poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate)-b-poly(furfuryl methacrylate) (PPFPA-b-PFMA), having activated pentafluorophenyl ester group, was synthesized via RAFT polymerization. The activated pentafluorophenyl functionality was replaced by the amine functionality of glucosamine to introduce the amphiphilic BCP poly[2-(acrylamido) glucopyranose]-b-poly(furfuryl methacrylate) (PAG-b-PFMA). Furthermore, the terminal acid (-COOH) functionality of the RAFT agent was modified by gelatin QDs (GQDs) to generate fluorescence active glycopolymer. An anticancer drug, Doxorubicin, was loaded in the micelle via the successive addition of the drug molecule and cross-linking using dithio-bismaleimidoethane (DTME), a REDOX responsive cross-linker. The anticancer activity of the drug loaded nanogel was observed over MBA-MD-231, human breast cancer cell line, and monitored via fluorescence spectroscopy and flow cytometric analyses (FACS). The cytotoxicity of the prepared glycopolymer based nanogel over the MBA-MD-231 cell line was assessed via MTT assay test, and it was observed that the synthesized nanogel was noncytotoxic in nature.

Self-Healable Antifouling Zwitterionic Hydrogel Based on Synergistic Phototriggered Dynamic Disulfide Metathesis Reaction and Ionic Interaction.

A self-healable antifouling hydrogel based on zwitterionic block copolymer was prepared via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and Diels-Alder "click" chemistry. The hydrogel consists of a core-cross-linked zwitterionic block copolymer having poly(furfuryl methacrylate) as core and poly(dimethyl-[3-(2-methyl-acryloylamino)-propyl]-(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium) (poly(sulfobetaine)) as shell. The core was cross-linked with dithiobismaleimidoethane. The block copolymers were characterized by dynamic light scattering, field emission scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), differential scanning calorimetry, water contact angle, and small-angle X-ray scattering analyses. This zwitterionic hydrogel showed self-healing activity via combined effect of phototriggered dynamic disulfide metathesis reaction and zwitterionic interaction, which was monitored by optical microscopy and AFM depth profilometry. The mechanical properties of the hydrogel before and after self-healing were studied using depth-sensing nanoindentation method. It was observed that the prepared zwitterionic hydrogel could reduce the formation of biofilm, which was established by studying the bovine serum albumin (model protein) adsorption over the coating. This multifunctional hydrogel can pave a new direction in antifouling self-healable gel coating applications.