Exploring coordination preferences and biological applications of pyridyl-based organochalcogen (Se, Te) ligands

Recent Progress in Synthetic and Biological Application of Diorganyl Diselenides

Diorganyl diselenides have emerged as privileged structures because they are easy to prepare, have distinct reactivity, and have broad biological activity. They have also been used in the synthesis of natural products as an electrophile in the organoselenylation of aromatic systems and peptides, reductions of alkenes, and nucleophilic substitution. This review summarizes the advancements in methods for the transformations promoted by diorganyl diselenides in the main functions of organic chemistry. Parallel, it will also describe the main findings on pharmacology and toxicology of diorganyl diselenides, emphasizing anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, chemotherapeutic, and antimicrobial activities. Therefore, an examination detailing the reactivity and biological characteristics of diorganyl diselenides provides valuable insights for academic researchers and industrial professionals.

Exploring the fluorescence properties of tellurium-containing molecules and their advanced applications

This review article explores the fascinating realm of fluorescence using organochalcogen molecules, with a particular emphasis on tellurium (Te). The discussion encompasses the underlying mechanisms, structural motifs influencing fluorescence, and the applications of these intriguing phenomena. This review not only elucidates the current state of knowledge but also identifies avenues for future research, thereby serving as a valuable resource for researchers and enthusiasts in the field of fluorescence chemistry with a focus on Te-based molecules. By highlighting challenges and prospects, this review sparks a conversation on the transformative potential of Te-containing compounds across different fields, ranging from environmental solutions to healthcare and materials science applications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the distinct fluorescence behaviors exhibited by Te-containing compounds, contributing valuable insights to the evolving landscape of chalcogen-based fluorescence research.

Layered double hydroxides and their tailored hybrids/composites: Progressive trends for delivery of natural/synthetic-drug/cosmetic biomolecules

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are well-known and important class of hydrotalcite-type anionic clays (HTs) materials that are cost-effective with additional advantages of facile synthesis, composition, tenability, and reusability. These convincing characteristics are liable for their applications in various fields related to energy, environment, catalysis, biomedical, and biotechnology. HTs/LDHs are generally synthesized from low cost abundantly available chemical precursors through the aqueous synthetic pathways under mild reaction conditions. These materials can be termed green materials based on their non-toxic nature, availability of precursors, facile and low-cost production using aqueous medium conditions with less hazardous effluents. Diverse and fascinating characteristics have been attributed to HTs/LDHs like anion exchange ability, surface basicity, biocompatibility, controlled release of the anion specific area, porosity, easy surface modification, and pH dependent biodegradability. Hence, HTs/LDHs and their modified and/or functionalized nanohybrids/nanocomposites are reported as the potential drug delivery carriers with a capability to stabilize the susceptible bioactive molecules, may enhance the solubility of poorly soluble drugs along with controlled drug/bioactive molecule release and delivery. These clay and bioactive hybrid materials have good biocompatibility, less cytotoxicity, and better site-targeting with improved cellular uptake than that of free parent biomolecules. These lamellar solids of micro/nanostructure are compatible, host-guest materials and able to fabricate with drugs/cosmeceutical/bio- or synthetic polymers without any change in their molecular structure and reactivity along with improvement in their stabilities. Other important features are facile synthesis, basicity, high stability with easy storage, and efficient administration with low bio-toxicity. This study enlightens the applications of HTs/LDHs along with their hybrids/composites in the field of drug/cosmeceutical/gene delivery systems of natural/synthetic biomolecules.

Exploring nanoselenium to tackle mutated SARS-CoV-2 for efficient COVID-19 management

Despite ongoing public health measures and increasing vaccination rates, deaths and disease severity caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its new emergent variants continue to threaten the health of people around the world. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel strategies for research, diagnosis, treatment, and government policies to combat the variant strains of SARS-CoV-2. Since the state-of-the-art COVID-19 pandemic, the role of selenium in dealing with COVID-19 disease has been widely discussed due to its importance as an essential micronutrient. This review aims at providing all antiviral activities of nanoselenium (Nano-Se) ever explored using different methods in the literature. We systematically summarize the studied antiviral activities of Nano-Se required to project it as an efficient antiviral system as a function of shape, size, and synthesis method. The outcomes of this article not only introduce Nano-Se to the scientific community but also motivate scholars to adopt Nano-Se to tackle any serious virus such as mutated SARS-CoV-2 to achieve an effective antiviral activity in a desired manner.

Biogenic biocompatible silver nanoparticles: a promising antibacterial agent

The biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are gaining attention because they are eco-friendly, non-hazardous, economical and devoid of the drawbacks of physicochemical processes. Biogenic approaches for synthesizing nanoparticles (NPs) using plant leaves, seeds, bark, stems, fruits, roots and flowers are highly cost-effective compared to other methods. Silver (Ag) has been used since ancient times, but biogenic AgNPs have only been made in the last few decades. They have been employed primarily in the food and pharmaceutical industries as antimicrobials and antioxidants. Recent studies have confirmed that many molecules present in different bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Citrobacter koseri, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhi, Klebsipneumoniaoniae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, are bound to the AgNPs and can be inhibited using multifaceted mechanisms like AgNPs inter inside the cells, free radicals, ROS generation and modulate transduction pathways. Recent breakthroughs in nanobiotechnology-based therapeutics have opened up new possibilities for fighting microorganisms. Thus, in particular, biogenic AgNPs as powerful antibacterial agents have gained much interest. Surface charge, colloidal state, shape, concentration and size are the most critical physicochemical characteristics that determine the antibacterial potential of AgNPs. Based on this review, it can be stated that AgNPs could be made better in terms of their potency, durability, accuracy, biosecurity and compatibility.

Antiviral effects of coinage metal-based nanomaterials to combat COVID-19 and its variants

The world has been suffering from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, and millions of people have been infected through human-to-human transmission and lost their lives within months. Although multidisciplinary scientific approaches have been employed to fight against this deadly pandemic, various mutations and diverse environments keep producing constraints in treating SARS-CoV-2. Indeed, the efficacy of the developed vaccines has been limited, and inoculation with the vaccines does not guarantee complete protection even though multiple doses are required, which is a frustrating process. Historically, coinage metals (Cu, Ag, and Au) have been well-known for their effectiveness in antiviral action as well as good biocompatibility, binding receptor inhibition, reactive oxygen species, and phototherapy properties. Thus, this review highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 using the antivirus ability and mode of action of coinage metals such as viral entry mechanisms into host cells and the NP-inhibition process, which are explained in detail. This article also draws attention to coinage metal nanomaterial-based approaches to treat other contagious viruses. In addition, coinage metal-based biosensors and an overview of some other biocompatible metal-based nanomaterials to fight against SARS-CoV-2 variants are discussed. Finally, the advantages, perspectives and challenges of coinage metal nanoparticles are given to fight against viral infections in the future.

A novel inactivated virus system (InViS) for a fast and inexpensive assessment of viral disintegration

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused considerable interest worldwide in antiviral surfaces, and there has been a dramatic increase in the research and development of innovative material systems to reduce virus transmission in the past few years. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) norms 18,184 and 21,702 are two standard methods to characterize the antiviral properties of porous and non-porous surfaces. However, during the last years of the pandemic, a need for faster and inexpensive characterization of antiviral material was identified. Therefore, a complementary method based on an Inactivated Virus System (InViS) was developed to facilitate the early-stage development of antiviral technologies and quality surveillance of the production of antiviral materials safely and efficiently. The InViS is loaded with a self-quenched fluorescent dye that produces a measurable increase in fluorescence when the viral envelope disintegrates. In the present work, the sensitivity of InViS to viral disintegration by known antiviral agents is demonstrated and its potential to characterize novel materials and surfaces is explored. Finally, the InViS is used to determine the fate of viral particles within facemasks layers, rendering it an interesting tool to support the development of antiviral surface systems for technical and medical applications.

Metal-Based Compounds in Antiviral Therapy

In recent years, the study of metal complexes and metal-based nanomaterials has aroused particular interest, leading to the promotion of new effective systems for the abatement of various viral diseases. Starting from the analysis of chemical properties, this review focuses on the employment of metal-based nanoparticles as antiviral drugs and how this interaction leads to a substantial enhancement in antiviral activity. The use of metal-based antiviral drugs has also spread for the formulation of antiviral vaccines, thanks especially to the remarkable adjuvant activities of some of the metal complexes. In particular, the small size and inert nature of Au- and Ag-based nanoparticles have been exploited for the design of systems for antiviral drug delivery, leading to the development of specific and safe therapies that lead to a decrease in side effects.

Metallosurfactant based synthetic liposomes as a substitute for phospholipids to safely store curcumin

Curcumin has shown remarkable therapeutic utilization for various medical conditions. Still, its limited chemical stability and rapid hydrolysis capped its applications to a certain extent. Approaches have been made in the past to surpass these shortcomings by encapsulating the drug in surfactant-based micelles or liposomes and so far, natural surfactants have been used to do this bidding. Through this report, we are presenting curcumin entrapped inside synthetic metal-based liposomal assembly (metallosomes) based on hybrid-surfactants known as metallosurfactants (MS). Three metallosomes i.e. metallosomes (a), (b), and (c) were synthesized with increasing cholesterol (Chl) ratio w.r.t MS (MS:Chl 1:0, 1:0.5, and 1:1). Firstly, the membrane properties of the metallosomes were studied in the absence of the drug. The studies confirmed the direct influence of Chl concentration on the membrane properties and the metallosomes were found to be more hydrophobic, rigid, homogenous, stable, and less fluid with Chl incorporation. These studies were proven beneficial when drug-loaded metallosomes were studied and metallosomes (c), with the highest Chl content, emerged as the maximum drug loader due to their most hydrophobic nature. However, the drug was released at the slowest rate for this metallosomal system due to its less fluid and more rigid nature. On the other hand, these metallosomes were more efficient for shielding entrapped drug from acidic and alkaline environs as lesser drug degradation was observed in the experiments compared to the free curcumin. These metallosomes also exhibited efficient interactional behavior with bacterial (MRSA) DNA.

Diospyros malabarica Fruit Extract Derived Silver Nanoparticles: A Biocompatible Antibacterial Agent

Biogenic silver nanoparticles demonstrate excellent antibacterial activity against a broad range of bacteria. Herein, aqueous biogenic silver nanoparticles (Aq@bAgNPs) and ethanolic biogenic silver nanoparticles (Et@bAgNPs) were synthesized using aqueous as well as ethanolic extracts of Diospyros malabarica fruit, respectively. The as-prepared biogenic silver nanoparticles (bAgNPs) were characterized using UV-Vis, FTIR as well as energy dispersive X-ray (EDS) spectroscopy, electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering spectroscopy (DLS), and zetasizer. The zeta potentials of Aq@bAgNPs and Et@bAgNPs were −9.8 ± 2.6, and −12.2 ± 1.9 mV, respectively. The antibacterial activity of bAgNPs was investigated against seven bacterial strains (i.e., pathogenic and nonpathogenic) and Et@bAgNPs exhibited the highest antibacterial propensity (i.e., 20 nm in diameter) against Bacillus subtillis through disk diffusion assay. The trypan blue dye exclusion assay also confirmed the antibacterial propensity of as-prepared bAgNPs. Furthermore, both Aq@bAgNPs and Et@bAgNPs oxidize bacterial membrane fatty acids and generate lipid peroxides which eventually form complexes with thiobarbituric acid (i.e., malondialdehyde-thiobarbituric acid adduct) to bring about bacterial death. Both the nanoparticles demonstrated good hemocompatibility against human as well as rat red blood cells (RBCs). In addition, they exhibited excellent biocompatibility in vivo in terms of rat liver (i.e., serum ALT, AST, and γ-GT) and kidneys (i.e., serum creatinine) function biomarkers.

Nanotechnology-Assisted Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs) for High-Performance Pulmonary Drug Delivery Applications

PURPOSE

Respiratory disorders pose a major threat to the morbidity and mortality to public health. Here we reviewed the nanotechnology based pulmonary drug delivery using metered dose inhalers.

METHODS

Major respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), asthma, acute lower respiratory tract infections, tuberculosis (TB) and lung cancer. At present, common treatments for respiratory disorders include surgery, radiation, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy or a combination. The major challenge is development of systemic delivery of the chemotherapeutic agents to the respiratory system. Conventional delivery of chemotherapy has various limitation and adverse side effected. Hence, targeted, and systemic delivery need to be developed. Towards this direction nanotechnology, based controlled, targeted, and systemic drug delivery systems are potential candidate to enhance therapeutic efficacy with minimum side effect. Among different route of administration, pulmonary delivery has unique benefits such as circumvents first pass hepatic metabolism and reduces dose and side effects.

RESULTS

Respiratory disorders pose a major threat to the morbidity and mortality to public health globally. Pulmonary delivery can be achieved through various drug delivery devices such as nebulizers, dry powder inhalers, and metered dose inhalers. Among them, metered dose inhalers are the most interesting and first choice of clinician over others. This review focused on nanotechnology based pulmonary drug delivery using metered dose inhalers. This report focused on delivery of various types of therapeutics using nanocarriers such as polymeric nanoparticles and micelles, dendrimers, lipid nanocarriers such as liposomes, solid lipid nanostructures and nanostructured lipid carriers, and other using metered dose inhalers discussed comprehensively. This report provides insight about the effect of parameters of MDI such as co-solvent, propellants, actuators shape, nozzle diameters, and jet lengths, and respiratory flow rate, and particle size of co-suspension of drug on aerodynamics and lung deposition of formulation. This review also provided the insight about various metered dose inhalers market scenario and digital metered dose inhalers.

CONCLUSION

This report concluded the clinical potential of metered dose inhalers, summary of current progress and future perspectives towards the smart digital metered dose inhalers development.

Advances and Perspective on Antimicrobial Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications

Microbial infection and antibiotic resistance is recognized as a serious problem to society from both an economical perspective and a health concern. To tackle this problem, “nanotechnology,” a multidisciplinary field of research, has provided a plethora of nanomaterials for potential applications in the antimicrobial sector. This letter discusses how antimicrobial nanomaterials are shaping this challenging field and being evaluated as therapeutic and medication delivery agents. The recently designed smart antimicrobial surfaces with switchable features that displayed synergistic antibacterial action were also highlighted. To end, we provide the current scenario and future perspectives with regards to emerging antimicrobial nano-engineered materials and nanotechnology.

Design and applications of metallo-vesicular structures using inorganic-organic hybrids

In advanced biomedical diagnosis, various supramolecular assemblies based on inorganic-organic hybrids have found great interest as functional materials. These assemblies describe a new field of metallovesicles where the introduction of metal ions enables the chemical manipulation of assemblies in terms of their structural stability, redox activity, and pH stability. Additionally, they mimic the elaborative architecture of natural liposomal assemblies and exhibit hierarchical morphologies, and promise novel functions. With the constant developments in this field, various supramolecular assemblies such as MCsomes, Polymersomes, and Metallosomes, etc. came into existence. These hybrid assemblies have been utilized for several applications such as drug delivery, MRI contrasting, DNA delivery, and catalytic activity. The key advantage of these assemblies is their ability to deliver therapeutics to specific locations due to their biomimetic properties and release their contents at the desired time. Hence, they provide a valuable platform for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Through the present article, we intend to provide insights into the latest developments made in this field. This modularity underscores the tremendous promise of supramolecular assemblies as an emerging interdisciplinary research branch at the interface of chemistry and biological sciences.

Preparation, antibacterial activity, and electrocatalytic detection of hydrazine based on biogenic CuFeO2/PANI nanocomposites synthesized using Aloe barbadensis miller

This study reports the synthesis of B-CuFeO2 nanocomposites (NCs) and B-CuFeO2/PANI NCs from Aloe vera gel extract and their utility for label-free detection of hydrazine and their antibacterial efficiency.