* 25+ years of proven experience in university teaching and research at the undergraduate and graduate levels in various areas of pharmaceutical sciences, with research interests in drug delivery, nanoformulations, and nanobiomaterial separation and characterization. * Hands-on experience in drug delivery development, pharmaceutical quality control, and quality assurance. * Experienced in pharmaceutical analytical methods, pharmaceutical laboratories, and pharmacy-based policy development and management. * Experienced in pharmaceutical policy development and implementation.
This study aims to explore the antimicrobial and photocatalytic efficiencies of pure and Ni-doped ZnO nanostructures produced via Laser-assisted Chemical Bath Synthesis (LACBS) to develop sustainable solutions for water treatment and pathogen control amid the global water crisis exacerbated by climate change and environmental pollution. Utilizing zinc acetate dihydrate and hexamethylenetetramine, the nanostructures were synthesized with Ni doping levels of 0.0 %, 1.5 %, 3.0 %, and 4.5 %, targeting their promising photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties to combat contaminants from pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and industries. Morphological analyses using Scanning Electron Microscopy showed a transition from hexagonal particles to nanoflowers, enhancing photocatalytic activity due to increased surface-to-volume ratio. X-ray Diffraction confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite structure, with variations in peak intensities indicating improved crystallinity with Ni doping. Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis verified the purity and successful incorporation of Ni. Photocatalytic assessments indicated up to 99.24 % degradation of Methylene Orange dye under blue laser irradiation within 60 minutes, correlating with Ni content. Antimicrobial tests demonstrated effective inhibition of pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and additional strains like Candida albicans and Klebsiella pneumonia, with increasing zones of inhibition corresponding to higher Ni levels, extending up to 37 mm. The results underscore the dual functionality of ZnO nanostructures for applications in sustainable water treatment and antimicrobial controls, highlighting the need for future studies to examine the impacts of further increased doping concentrations on the material properties and efficacy.
Addressing the dual challenges of antimicrobial resistance and pharmaceutical contamination in wastewater is crucial for global health and environmental preservation. Predictions estimate up to 10 million annual deaths by 2050 due to antimicrobial resistance, underscoring the urgent need for innovative solutions. This study explores the potential of zinc oxide Sub-Microparticles (ZnO SMPs) doped with iron (Fe) to enhance the photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical compounds in water and improve antimicrobial efficacy. A green laser-assisted chemical bath synthesis method created ZnO SMPs with varying Fe dopant concentrations (1 %, 1.5 %, and 3 %). The synthesized Sub-Microparticles underwent rigorous structural analysis using X-ray diffractometry, SEM, EDX, FTIR, and UV–visible spectrophotometry techniques. Their photocatalytic performance was evaluated in the degradation of paracetamol under blue laser light, and their antimicrobial properties were assessed following CLSI guidelines. Structural analyses confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO SMPs, with noticeable changes due to Fe doping, including a transition from sub-microrods to sub-microsheets and a redshift in the optical band gap. Photocatalytic tests revealed a significant enhancement in paracetamol degradation efficiency, increasing from 53.41 % with pure ZnO to 98.99 % with 3 % Fe-doped ZnO in 50 min. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated an increased inhibitory effect against pathogens, with Fe-doped ZnO outperforming control discs. This study substantiates the potential of Fe-doped ZnO SMPs in wastewater treatment and antimicrobial applications, showcasing significant improvements in photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical compounds and antimicrobial efficacy. The findings underscore the importance of continuing research in this domain for environmental and public health benefits.
This study utilizes a novel laser-assisted chemical bath synthesis (LACBS) approach to dope zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures with aluminum (Al) and silver (Ag), examining enhancements in photocatalytic and antimicrobial capabilities. The configurations tested include undoped ZnO, singly-doped ZnO(0.05) and ZnO(0.05), and co-doped ZnO:[Ag(0.025), Al(0.025)]. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses reveal shifts in lattice orientations and novel morphologies such as crumpled nano-flakes and interlocked flower-like formations. UV–visible spectroscopy results show a reduction in optical band gaps from 3.39 eV in undoped ZnO to 2.89 eV in co-doped samples. Photocatalytic activity testing under UV light reveals that undoped ZnO reaches a 68 % degradation efficiency of methylene blue over 10 min, while co-doped ZnO exhibits a superior 78.93 % efficiency under blue laser illumination. Antimicrobial assays indicate that co-doped ZnO inhibits Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia growth with zones of inhibition up to 40 mm, significantly larger than those observed with singly-doped or undoped samples. The integration of Al and Ag significantly enhances the crystalline structure, reduces the optical band gap by up to 0.50 eV, and increases both photocatalytic and antimicrobial effectiveness, marking substantial progress in the functional applications of ZnO nanostructures.
Context In the pursuit of novel therapeutic possibilities, repurposing existing drugs has gained prominence as an efficient strategy. The findings from our study highlight the potential of repurposed drugs as promising candidates against receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) that offer therapeutic implications in cancer, neurodegenerative conditions and metabolic syndromes. Through careful analyses of binding affinities and interaction patterns, we identified a few promising candidates, ultimately focusing on sertindole and temoporfin. These candidates exhibited exceptional binding affinities, efficacy, and specificity within the RAGE binding pocket. Notably, they displayed a pronounced propensity to interact with the active site of RAGE. Our investigation further revealed that sertindole and temoporfin possess desirable pharmacological properties that highlighted them as attractive candidates for targeted drug development. Overall, our integrated computational approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between repurposed drugs, sertindole and temoporfin and RAGE that pave the way for future experimental validation and drug development endeavors. Methods We present an integrated approach utilizing molecular docking and extensive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to evaluate the potential of FDA-approved drugs, sourced from DrugBank, against RAGE. To gain deeper insights into the binding mechanisms of the elucidated candidate repurposed drugs, sertindole and temoporfin with RAGE, we conducted extensive all-atom MD simulations, spanning 500 nanoseconds (ns). These simulations elucidated the conformational dynamics and stability of the RAGE-sertindole and RAGE-temoporfin complexes.
In this study, NiO–SiO2-based composites were synthesized through low-temperature aqueous chemical growth utilizing a facile, low-cost, and environmentally friendly approach. The composite systems were prepared using a combination of silica gel and citrus lemon peel extract. Due to the remarkable green chemicals in orange peel extract, porous nanostructures have been developed with thin sheet-like properties. The composite materials were examined in terms of their crystalline structure, morphology, optical band gap, and surface chemical composition. An advanced non-enzymatic glucose sensor developed from NiO–SiO2 composites exhibits rich surface oxygen vacancies and abundant catalytic sites. Based on sample 2, cyclic voltammetry revealed a linear glucose concentration range between 0.1 and 20 mM, chronoamperometry exhibited glucose concentration ranges between 0.1 and 14 mM, and linear sweep voltammetry revealed glucose concentration ranges from 0.1 to 10 mM. In enzymatic glucose sensors, the minimum level of detection was estimated to be 0.08 mM. A number of sensor characterization parameters were examined, including selectivity, stability, reproducibility, and real-time applications. In addition, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has shown that the NiO–SiO2 composite performs well in non-enzymatic glucose sensing due to its low charge transfer resistance and high electrochemical active surface area (ECSA). NiO–SiO2 composites could have significant biomedical, energy conversion, and storage applications based on the results obtained.
Cutaneous wounds pose a significant health burden, affecting millions of individuals annually and placing strain on healthcare systems and society. Nanofilm biomaterials have emerged as promising interfaces between materials and biology, offering potential for various biomedical applications. To explore this potential, our study aimed to assess the wound healing efficacy of amniotic fluid and Moringa olifera-loaded nanoclay films by using in vivo models. Additionally, we investigated the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of these films. Using a burn wound healing model on rabbits, both infected and non-infected wounds were treated with the nanoclay films for a duration of twenty-one days on by following protocols approved by the Animal Ethics Committee. We evaluated wound contraction, proinflammatory mediators, and growth factors levels by analyzing blood samples. Histopathological changes and skin integrity were assessed through H&E staining. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 2; Chicago, IL, USA) with significance set at p < 0.05. Our findings demonstrated a significant dose-dependent increase in wound contraction in the 2%, 4%, and 8% AMF-Me.mo treatment groups throughout the study (p < 0.001). Moreover, macroscopic analysis revealed comparable effects (p > 0.05) between the 8% AMF-Me.mo treatment group and the standard treatment. Histopathological examination confirmed the preservation of skin architecture and complete epidermal closure in both infected and non-infected wounds treated with AMF-Me.mo-loaded nanofilms. RT-PCR analysis revealed elevated concentrations of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), along with decreased levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in AMF-Me.mo-loaded nanofilm treatment groups. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of AMF-Me.mo-loaded nanofilms contributed to the decontamination of the wound site, positioning them as potential candidates for effective wound healing. However, further extensive clinical trials-based studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
A simple, scalable, and environmentally friendly process was demonstrated for the synthesis of Co3O4 nanostructures using lemon juice and hydrothermal chemistry. The reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents in lemon juice result in improved performance in oxygen evolution reactions and supercapacitors due to their positive effects on morphology, crystal size, and surface defects. Several techniques were used to characterize Co3O4 nanostructures grown with different quantities of lemon juice, including field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction. The results show that lemon juice alters the size and homogeneity of Co3O4 nanostructures as well as surface defects like oxygen vacancies and interstitial Co. A sample prepared with 4 mL of lemon juice (sample 1) performed best, demonstrating an overpotential of 260 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and good stability at 20 mA cm−2 for 40 h. With the prepared nanomaterial, supercapacitors were developed with a specific capacitance of 398 F g−1 at 0.8 A g−1, a specific capacity retention percentage of 97%, a high energy density of 9.5 Wh kg−1, and excellent stability during 880 galvanic charge and discharge cycles. Co3O4 nanostructures have experienced dramatic improvements in electrochemical performance as a result of morphological changes and oxygen vacancy concentrations on their surfaces. By reducing, capping, and stabilizing lemon juice, a new generation of electroactive electrodes have been developed for storage and conversion of energy.
This study used laser-assisted chemical bath synthesis (LACBS) as a simple, catalyst-free hydrothermal approach to synthesize pure and Al-doped ZnO nanostructures. Under the influence of a blue laser, the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue has been studied (444.5 nm of wavelength and 8000 lx of light intensity). For the first time, LACBS produced numerous doping concentrations (2, 4, and 6%) using a continuous blue laser (power is 7 W and wavelength is 444.5 nm). X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and UV–vis spectrophotometry were used to verify the structural and optical properties of the prepared nanostructures. It has been demonstrated that ZnO:Al (6%) nanosheets have a significant role in the rapid photodegradation caused by blue laser irradiation. The efficiency for methylene blue degradation varies from 85.9, 86.3, and 99.4 to 99.7% for the pure and ZnO:Al (2, 4, and 6%), respectively. This improved photocatalytic activity is attributed to the increased catalytic activity and surface area of Al-doped ZnO. Using UV–visible spectroscopy, the photocatalytic efficiency was determined from the absorption spectra. The photocatalytic activity is increased due to a combination of the Al-plasmonic effect and ZnO surface imperfections that enable the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and shift the absorption edge of the hybrid nanostructure toward the visible spectrum region. Effective visible light absorption and improved dye degradation efficiency are caused by band-edge tuning in ZnO:Al nanostructured.
Laser-Assisted Chemical Bath Synthesis (LACBS) was used to fabricate pure and magnesium-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles. Analysis of these nanoparticles' structural, morphological, optical, and antimicrobial characteristics was conducted. This analysis spanned across varying concentrations of magnesium-doped zinc oxide from 1% to 3%. XRD confirmed the nanoparticles' crystalline nature, revealing the hexagonal wurtzite phase. SEM analysis showcased their nanometric domain existence and hexagonal crystalline morphology, transforming from nanorods to nanotubes. Optical analysis showed band gap energy decrease from 3.27 to 2.85 eV correlating with the magnesium doping concentration increase. Optical absorption displayed a distinctive redshift for the nanoparticles as magnesium concentration increased from 1% to 3%. Photocatalytic assessments highlighted the superior degradation ability of 3% Mg-doped nanoparticles, showing a 98.04% degradation rate against methylene orange dye under blue light exposure. Antimicrobial activity tests against various pathogens showed that Mg ions' incorporation significantly enhanced antimicrobial performance, demonstrating the effectiveness of the LACBS method.
The urgency of antibiotic resistance has been recognized, necessitating prompt, and focused efforts from the scientific community. Innovative alternatives, such as nanoparticles and photocatalytic agents, have been investigated to confront drug-resistant microbes. As an antimicrobial and photocatalytic agent, zinc oxide (ZnO) has demonstrated considerable promise. This study utilized a cutting-edge method called laser-assisted chemical bath synthesis (LACBS) to create undoped and Al-doped ZnO nanostructures without a catalyst. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–Vis spectrophotometry, and Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FTIR) were used to verify the structural and optical properties of the prepared nanostructures. The influence of doping concentration was evaluated by producing samples with doping concentrations of 1%, 2%, and 3%, and they were assessed employing diverse analytical techniques. It was found that ZnO exhibited the most pronounced antimicrobial activity: Al(3%) nanosheets, which can be attributed to their extensive surface area and the photocatalytic activity induced by LACBS. These materials displayed exceptional performance in the degradation of methylene orange. The integration of aluminum was observed to expedite interfacial charge transfer processes and diminish recombination, thereby enhancing the photocatalytic activity of the ZnO nanosheets. These findings emphasize the potential of aluminum-doped zinc oxide nanosheets as wide-ranging microbicides and disinfectants, underlining their significance in addressing drug-resistant microbes. Adopting such sophisticated materials could pave the way for creating potent antibacterial agents capable of tackling the escalating issue of antibiotic resistance. Subsequent research ought to concentrate on assessing the impact of augmented doping levels on the investigated variables.
COVID-19, a pandemic of acute respiratory syndrome diseases, led to significant social, economic, psychological, and public health impacts. It was not only uncontrolled but caused serious problems at the outbreak time. Physical contact and airborne transmission are the main routes of transmission for bioaerosols such as SARS-CoV-2. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), surfaces should be disinfected with chlorine dioxide, sodium hypochlorite, and quaternary compounds, while wearing masks, maintaining social distance, and ventilating are strongly recommended to protect against viral aerosols. Ozone generators have gained much attention for purifying public places and workplaces’ atmosphere, from airborne bioaerosols, with specific reference to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Despite the scientific concern, some bioaerosols, such as SARS-CoV-2, are not inactivated by ozone under its standard tolerable concentrations for human. Previous reports did not consider the ratio of surface area to volume, relative humidity, temperature, product of time in concentration, and half-life time simultaneously. Furthermore, the use of high doses of exposure can seriously threaten human health and safety since ozone is shown to have a high half-life at ambient conditions (several hours at 55% of relative humidity). Herein, making use of the reports on ozone physicochemical behavior in multiphase environments alongside the collision theory principles, we demonstrate that ozone is ineffective against a typical bioaerosol, SARS-CoV-2, at nonharmful concentrations for human beings in air. Ozone half-life and its durability in indoor air, as major concerns, are also highlighted in particular.
Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) has been widely recognized as a significant contributor to various types of cancer, including breast, lung, prostate, and hematological cancers. This research aimed to find a potential SphK1 inhibitor through a step-by-step virtual screening of PF543 (a known SphK1 inhibitor)-like compounds obtained from the PubChem library with the Tanimoto threshold of 80 %. The virtual screening process included several steps, namely physicochemical and ADMET evaluation, PAINS filtering, and molecular docking, followed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that compound CID:58293960 ((3R)-1,1-dioxo-2-[[3-[(4-phenylphenoxy)methyl]phenyl]methyl]-1,2-thiazolidine-3-carboxylic acid) demonstrated high potential as SphK1 inhibitor. All-atom MD simulations were performed for 100 ns to evaluate the stability and structural changes of the docked complexes in an aqueous environment. The analysis of the time evolution data of structural deviations, compactness, PCA, and free energy landscape (FEL) indicated that the binding of CID:58293960 with SphK1 is relatively stable throughout the simulation. The results of this study provide a platform for the discovery and development of new anticancer therapeutics targeting SphK1.
The aim of this study was to find the correlation between failure modes and acoustic emission (AE) events in a comprehensive range of thin-ply pseudo-ductile hybrid composite laminates when loaded under uniaxial tension. The investigated hybrid laminates were Unidirectional (UD), Quasi-Isotropic (QI) and open-hole QI configurations composed of S-glass and several thin carbon prepregs. The laminates exhibited stress-strain responses that follow the elastic-yielding-hardening pattern commonly observed in ductile metals. The laminates experienced different sizes of gradual failure modes of carbon ply fragmentation and dispersed delamination. To analyze the correlation between these failure modes and AE signals, a multivariable clustering method was employed using Gaussian mixture model. The clustering results and visual observations were used to determine two AE clusters, corresponding to fragmentation and delamination modes, with high amplitude, energy, and duration signals linked to fragmentation. In contrast to the common belief, there was no correlation between the high frequency signals and the carbon fibre fragmentation. The multivariable AE analysis was able to identify fibre fracture and delamination and their sequence. However, the quantitative assessment of these failure modes was influenced by the nature of failure that depends on various factors, such as stacking sequence, material properties, energy release rate, and geometry.
Environmental contaminants have become a major concern for human beings due to their adverse effects on drinking water quality. Heterogeneous photocatalysis has been extensively investigated as a potential strategy to minimize the consequences of as-related processes. Using a room-temperature ionic liquid-mediated co-precipitation method, Ag@AgCl nanoparticles were loaded onto tantalum pentoxide to make a plasmonic photocatalyst to remove Congo Red dye. The physicochemical properties of the photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction powder (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL), and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms. The results indicate that 96% of the dye was degraded within 20 min with a rate constant of 0.14 min−1. The key radicals involved in the photocatalysis, recognized as O2·– species, were identified by electron spin resonance (ESR) in the presence of 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO), as the spin trapping agent. Our findings and quenching experiments elucidates the mechanism of the charge carrier migration. The cytotoxicity activity of the nanostructures was also examined against human brain glioblastoma tumor cells for the first time. A precise analysis of the cell death pathway was conducted using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and caspase activity assays in combination with fluorescence microscopy images. The prepared nanomaterials were found to be promising candidates for treating the organic pollutants and biomedical waste effluents from academic and industrial activities.
Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to global health, amplified by factors such as water scarcity and suboptimal hygienic practices. Addressing AMR effectively necessitates a comprehensive strategy encompassing enhanced access to potable water, developing innovative antibiotics, and exploring alternative treatment modalities, such as harnessing solar photocatalysis with zinc oxide nanoparticles for water purification and antimicrobial applications. The Laser-Assisted Chemical Bath Synthesis (LACBS) technique facilitates the fabrication of pure ZnO nanostructures, providing a potentially efficacious solution for mitigating pathogen proliferation and managing wastewater. The photocatalytic degradation of MB and MO dyes was investigated using blue laser light at 445 nm, and degradation rates were determined accordingly. Ag-doped ZnO nanostructures were characterized through X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The antimicrobial efficacy of LACBS-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles was assessed against C. albicans, S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae using the disc diffusion method, revealing 40 mm, 37 mm, 21 mm, 27 mm, and 45 mm inhibition zones at the highest concentration of doped-Ag (4.5%), respectively. These inhibition zones were measured in accordance with the guidelines established by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. X-ray diffraction patterns for ZnO, ZnOAg(1.5%), ZnO:Ag(3%), and ZnO:Ag(4.5%) samples revealed variations in intensity and crystallinity. Scanning electron microscopy exposed morphological disparities among the nanostructures, while energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy verified their elemental compositions. UV-Vis absorption analyses inspected the optical band gaps, and Fourier-transform infrared spectra identified the stretching mode of metal-oxygen bonds. Under blue laser irradiation, Ag-doped ZnO exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity during the photocatalytic degradation. These nanoparticles, synthesized via the cost-effective and straightforward LACBS method, benefit from silver doping that augments their electron-trapping properties and photocatalytic activity, thereby enabling efficient dye degradation. Consequently, Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles hold promise as a potent solution for counteracting drug-resistant microorganisms and as an effective disinfectant.
In the pre-antibiotic era, common bacterial infections accounted for high mortality and morbidity. Moreover, the discovery of penicillin in 1928 marked the beginning of an antibiotic revolution, and this antibiotic era witnessed the discovery of many novel antibiotics, a golden era. However, the misuse or overuse of these antibiotics, natural resistance that existed even before the antibiotics were discovered, genetic variations in bacteria, natural selection, and acquisition of resistance from one species to another consistently increased the resistance to the existing antibacterial targets. Antibacterial resistance (ABR) is now becoming an ever-increasing concern jeopardizing global health. Henceforth, there is an urgent unmet need to discover novel compounds to combat ABR, which act through untapped pathways/mechanisms. Filamentous Temperature Sensitive mutant Z (FtsZ) is one such unique target, a tubulin homolog involved in developing a cytoskeletal framework for the cytokinetic ring. Additionally, its pivotal role in bacterial cell division and the lack of homologous structural protein in mammals makes it a potential antibacterial target for developing novel molecules. Approximately 2176 X-crystal structures of FtsZ were available, which initiated the research efforts to develop novel antibacterial agents. The literature has reported several natural, semisynthetic, peptides, and synthetic molecules as FtsZ inhibitors. This review provides valuable insights into the basic crystal structure of FtsZ, its inhibitors, and their inhibitory activities. This review also describes the available in vitro detection and quantification methods of FtsZ-drug complexes and the various approaches for determining drugs targeting FtsZ polymerization.
In this study, laser-assisted chemical bath synthesis (LACBS) was used to prepare pure and Ag-doped ZnO submicron structures using a simplified hydrothermal approach that did not require a catalyst. The photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue was investigated under blue laser irradiation (λ = 444.5 nm and I = 8000 lx). The doping concentration varied (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, tando 10%) and was prepared by LACBS using a continuous blue laser (P = 7 W, λ = 444.5 nm) for the first time. XRD, FE-SEM, EDX, and UV-Vis investigated the characteristics of the samples produced by the LACBS. ZnO: Ag(10%) submicron flowers are essential in rapid photodegradation under blue laser irradiation. The high surface area and catalytic activity of the prepared Ag-decorated ZnO are attributed to this improved photocatalytic activity. Using UV-visible spectroscopy, the photocatalytic efficiency was determined from the absorption spectra. The separation of photo-generated electron-hole pairs was facilitated, and the absorption edge of the hybrid submicron structures shifted into the visible spectrum region due to a combination of the Ag plasmonic effect and surface imperfections in ZnO. Effective visible light absorption was achieved via band-edge tuning, which increased the ZnO:Ag submicron structures’ ability to degrade dyes.
Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a neuroendocrine metabolic disorder characterized by an irregular menstrual cycle. Treatment for PCOS using synthetic drugs is effective. However, PCOS patients are attracted towards natural remedies due to the effective therapeutic outcomes with natural drugs and the limitations of allopathic medicines. In view of the significance of herbal remedies, herein, we discuss the role of different herbs in PCOS. Methods: By referring to the Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Crossref and Hinari databases, a thorough literature search was conducted and data mining was performed pertaining to the effectiveness of herbal remedies against PCOS. Results: In this review, we discuss the significance of herbal remedies in the treatment of PCOS, and the chemical composition, mechanism of action and therapeutic application of selected herbal drugs against PCOS. Conclusions: The present review will be an excellent resource for researchers working on understanding the role of herbal medicine in PCOS.
Background: The emergence of COVID-19 has been a major challenge to public health and the world economy. During a wave of COVID-19, the usage of widespread vaccination procedures and broader coverage to the whole of humanity will be made possible if the general population has access. An intended effect of vaccination is to provide “herd immunity,” which protects those who have not been vaccinated along with those who have been. However, some concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines were raised. Aim: This study aims to provide evidence on the short-term safety and efficacy of four types of vaccines that are officially approved by the Ministry of Health in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These include Sinopharm, Sputnik V, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca. Method: This study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive design. Data on the efficacy and short-term protection of COVID-19 vaccines on vaccinated citizens and residents (n = 764) of the UAE were collected between February and April 2021. Participants were conveniently approached using a Google Forms survey, where they responded to a semi-structured questionnaire pertaining to socio-demographic questions and in-depth questions related to COVID-19, including whether they suffer from any comorbidities, the most commonly encountered post-vaccination side effects, and the severity of their symptoms, using a 5-point Likert scale. Results were analyzed using SPSS version 24, calculations of p-values and descriptive statistics were used for data differentiation. Results: The majority of the participants (n = 612 or 94.4%) stated that they did not become reinfected after receiving two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, the incidence of being hospitalized after vaccination was negligible. In terms of adverse effects, the most common individually reported side effects, regardless of the vaccination type, included “pain at the site of injection”, followed by “general fatigue”, then “lethargy”. Moreover, most of these side effects occurred after the second dose of the vaccine, irrespective of the type of vaccine. Females were found to be more susceptible to the adversities of COVID-19 vaccination. The occurrence of side effects was not found to be related to the nationality/ethnicity of the vaccine recipient. Furthermore, none of the vaccines affected sleep pattern, since a significant number of respondents reported a regular sleep pattern after being vaccinated. The majority respondents who received two doses of vaccination (n = 585 or 76.6%) reported that they did not become infected post vaccination, regardless the type of vaccine received, whereas only (n = 11 or 1.9%) were reinfected with COVID-19 after 2–4 weeks. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that vaccines can offer short-term protection against COVID-19 reinfection. Moreover, both the first- and second-vaccination side effects were described as very mild to moderate, which indicates tolerability. These data may strengthen the public confidence in receiving vaccinations.
Fused pyridines are reported to display various pharmacological activities, such as antipyretic, analgesic, antiprotozoal, antibacterial, antitumor, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic. They are widely used in the field of medicinal chemistry. Imidazopyridines (IZPs) are crucial classes of fused heterocycles that are expansively reported on in the literature. Evidence suggests that IZPs, as fused scaffolds, possess more diverse profiles than individual imidazole and pyridine moieties. Bacterial infections and antibacterial resistance are ever-growing risks in the 21st century. Only one IZP, i.e., rifaximin, is available on the market as an antibiotic. In this review, the authors highlight strategies for preparing other IZPs. A particular focus is on the antibacterial profile and structure–activity relationship (SAR) of various synthesized IZP derivatives. This research provides a foundation for the tuning of available compounds to create novel, potent antibacterial agents with fewer side effects.
This research aims to fabricate and characterize chemically crosslinked CMC/PVP-co-poly (AMPS) based hydrogel for the sustained release of model drug metoprolol tartrate through the free radical polymerization technique. Box-Behnken Design was used to optimize CMC/PVP-co-poly (AMPS) hydrogel by varying the content of reactants such as; polymers (CMC and PVP), monomer (AMPS), and crosslinker (EGDMA). Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was crosslinked chemically with AMPS with a constant ratio of PVP by the ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the crosslinker in the presence of sodium hydrogen sulfite (SHS)/ammonium peroxodisulfate (APS) as initiators. After developing CMC-based hydrogels using different polymers, monomer, and crosslinker concentrations, this study encompassed dynamic swelling, sol-gel fraction, drug release and chemical characterizations such as FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, and SEM. In vitro drug release and swelling were performed at 1.2 and 6.8 pH to determine the sustained release pattern and pH-responsive behavior. These parameters depended on the crosslinker, polymer, and monomer ratios used in the formulation development. XRD, SEM, and FTIR showed the successful grafting of constituents resulting in the formation of a stable hydrogel. DSC and TGA confirmed the thermodynamic stability of the hydrogel. Hydrogel swelling was increased with an increase in the ratio of monomer; however, an increase in the ratio of polymer and crosslinker decreased the hydrogel swelling. In vitro gel fraction and drug release also depended on polymer, monomer, and crosslinker ratios. The fabricated CMC/PVP-co-poly (AMPS) hydrogels constituted a potential system for sustained drug delivery.
Currently, hydrogels are considered as ideal biomaterials due to their unique structure and characteristics that facilitates considerable hydrophilicity, swelling, drug loading and release. In this study, we report pH-responsive GG-MAA-AMPS hydrogel delivery system prepared via free radical polymerization technique. Hydrogels were loaded with Metformin HCl as a model drug. Hydrogels were characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR confirmed the successful crosslinking of reactants, hydrogel network formation and drug loading. TGA and DSC proved the higher thermal stability of reactants after crosslinking and drug loading. XRD analysis showed decrease in crystallinity of drug after loading into the hydrogels. SEM revealed smooth and glassy appearance of both loaded and unloaded hydrogels. Gel content was increased with increase in concentration of reactants. Drug entrapment was decreased by increasing concentration of GG and AMPS while MAA acted inversely. Hydrogels displayed pH-dependent swelling and drug release behavior being high at pH 6.8 and 7.4 while low at acidic pH (1.2). Oral tolerability in rabbits showed that hydrogels were safe without causing any hematological or histopathological changes in healthy rabbits. Based on the obtained results, GG-MAA-AMPS can be considered as potential carrier for metformin HCl as well as other hydrophilic drugs.
Purpose of present study was to develop eight formulations of chlorpheniramine (CPM) niosomes according to 23 factorial design, characterise on the basis of various evaluation tests, i.e. in vitro drug release, SEM, FTIR, TGA and release kinetics, optimise the eight formulation on the basis in vitro drug release data, formulate gel of optimised dispersion, and to perform in vivo and histopathological study using gel of optimised dispersion on rabbits. Here, N3 having low level of cholesterol and span-80 but high level of span-60(0.1:0.2:0.05) was selected as optimised dispersion of niosomes that showed highest drug release i.e. 88.25% at pH 6 over 24 h of study and followed Korsmeyers-Peppas release kinetics with Fickian diffusion mechanism. After application of statistic by Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with 3D surface plots construction, gel of optimised dispersion of CPM niosomes was formulated, and evaluated by tests for i.e. viscosity, Spreadability, Extrudibility, drug content, drug entrapment, stability, SEM, FTIR, TGA, in vitro drug release, in vivo drug release following first order kinetics and histopathological study. Niosomal gel of CPM ensured successful development using suitable combination of non-ionic surfactants, and effective loading of drug for targeted delivery of drug.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the antibacterial potential and ex vivo skin permeation kinetics of cefixime from bionanocomposite films. Methods: The films were prepared by solvent casting method by using chitosan and starch. The fabricated films were tested for their antibacterial potential against three bacteria i.e. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Acetobacter aceti. In vitro permeation studies of cefixime from the films across rat skin was conducted using Franz diffusion cell. Results: The highest antibacterial effect was exhibited by F5 formulation (non-irradiated film) against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia; however, antibacterial activity of the films was significantly (p
Wound management is an unmet therapeutic challenge and a global healthcare burden. Current treatment strategies provide limited efficiency in wound management, thus undergoing constant evolution in the treatment approaches. As wound healing is a complex physiological process involving precise synchronization of various phases like haemostasis, inflammation and remodelling, which necessitates innovative treatment strategies. Nanotechnology platforms like polymeric nanofibers (NFs) offer a promising solution for wound management. NFs contain a porous mesh-like structure that mimics the natural extracellular matrix and promote the cell adhesion and proliferation in the wound bed, thus displaying a great potential as a wound healing scaffold. Electrospinning is a simple, versatile and scalable technique for producing highly porous and tuneable NFs with a high surface area. Electrospun NFs are presenting extensive application in wound management, especially for burns and diabetic foot ulcers. This review briefly discusses the wound physiology and conventional treatment strategies. It also provides an overview of the electrospinning process and its principle, highlighting the application of electrospun polymeric NFs in wound management. The authors have made an attempt to emphasizes on the clinical challenges and future perspectives along with regulatory aspects of NFs as a wound dressing.
Qualitative Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has long been established and implemented in a wide variety of fields including pharmaceutical, biomedical, and clinical fields. While the quantitative applications are yet to reach their full potential, this technique is flourishing. It is tempting to shed light on modern engaging and the applicability of analytical quantitative FTIR spectroscopy in the aforementioned fields. More importantly, the credibility, validity, and generality of the application will be thoroughly demonstrated by reviewing the latest published work in the scientific literature. Utilizing FTIR spectroscopy in a quantitative approach in pharmaceutical, biomedical, and interdisciplinary fields has many undeniable advantages over traditional procedures. An insightful account will be undertaken in this regard. The technique will be introduced as an appealing alternative to common methods such as high performance liquid chromatography. It is anticipated that the review will offer researchers an update of the current status and prospect on the subject among the pharmacy and biomedical sciences both in academic and industrial fields.
Teriparatide (TPTD) is one of the medications commonly prescribed for the treatment of osteoporosis since its approval in November 2002 by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While some preclinical toxicological studies have linked the drug to a dose-dependent increase in the occurrence of osteosarcoma, clinical trials showed the benefits outweighing the risk for TPTD-induced human osteosarcoma. The objective of this qualitative review was to qualitatively assess the literature for the association of osteosarcoma and the usage of TPTD in animal and human subjects. Studies were selected from all available records in the electronic databases covering the period from January 1, 2002, to September 30, 2020. While using rats as the study specimen showed some risks to osteosarcoma dependent on dose and duration of administration, clinical trials proved TPTD to be a safe treatment in humans. It is worthwhile investigating longer treatment periods than the two years labeled period for TPTD for safety purposes.