Antimicrobial, antioxidant, cell imaging and sensing applications of fluorescein derivatives: A review

Fluorescein itself is a synthetic organic compound and a prominent member of the xanthene dye family. It exhibits strong fluorescence under ultraviolet (UV) or blue light excitation, making it widely used in various applications, including fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, immunoassays, and molecular biology techniques. One of the reasons fluorescein derivatives are highly valuable is their tunable fluorescence properties. Through chemical modifications of the fluorescein structure, different functional groups or substituents can be introduce, altering the compound's fluorescence characteristics such as emission wavelength, intensity, and photo stability. This flexibility allows for tailoring of fluorescent probes to specific experimental requirements, enhancing their utility in a range of scientific disciplines. Fluorescein derivatives also possess excellent antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. This review sheds light on the significant impact of fluorescein derivatives as biological active compounds, highlighting their potential in designing new therapeutic agents with antimicrobial properties. Additionally, their role as antioxidants is discussed. A major aspect covered in the review is the application of fluorescein derivatives as powerful cell imaging probes. Their unique fluorescent properties make them valuable tools for visualizing cellular structures and processes, opening up new possibilities for studying cellular dynamics and interactions.

Motivational factors influencing undergraduate medical students' willingness to volunteer during an infectious disease pandemic in Saudi Arabia, a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Healthcare outbreaks, especially infectious disease pandemics, often stretch the healthcare systems to its limits. Healthcare systems have no option other than being supported by the participation of young and motivated healthcare providers (HCPs) in their undergraduate medical studies during their prevention and control internship program during the outbreak. Understanding key motivation factors influencing HCPs are vital to ensure their effective participation in such situations.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 410 undergraduate medical students at Qassim University in Saudi Arabia with the aim to describe the motivation factors that affect their willingness to volunteer during a pandemic. An online survey questionnaire was conducted.

RESULTS

410 participants of which 239 (58.29%) were female, 108 (26.34%) were in their third academic year and 129 (31.46%) were between 21-22 years of age. More than 70% of participants showed willingness to volunteer during a pandemic. Their willingness to volunteer was motivated by distance of workplace to home, availability of transportation, being vaccinated, access to health care for self and family if affected, and provision of specialized training.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare administrators and policy makers need to address these factors effectively to ensure the availability of skilled and motivated healthcare providers during a pandemic.