Synthesis of Indole-Linked Thiadiazoles and their Anticancer Action against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

With a lack of targeted therapy and significantly high metastasis, heterogeneity, and relapse rates, Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) offers substantial treatment challenges and demands more chemotherapeutic interventions. In the present study, indole-endowed thiadiazole derivatives have been synthesized and screened for antiproliferative potency against the triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell line. Compound 4 h, possessing chlorophenyl moiety, displays the best anticancer potency (IC50: 0.43 μM) in the cell viability assay. The title compounds demonstrate substantial docking competency against the EGFR receptor (PDB ID: 3POZ), validating their in-vitro ant proliferative action. With a high docking score (-9.9 to -8.7 kcal/mol), the indole hybrids display significant binding propensity comparable to the co-crystallized ligand TAK-285 and occupy a similar strategic position in the active domain of the designated receptor. The quantum and electronic properties of the integrated templates are evaluated through DFT, and optimal values of the deduced global reactivity indices, such as energy gap, electronegativity, ionization potential, chemical potential, electrophilicity, etc., suggest their apt biochemical reactivity. The indole hybrids show near-appropriate pharmacokinetic efficacy and bioavailability in the in-silico studies, indicating their candidacy for potential drug usage. Promising in-vitro anticancer action and binding interfaces project indole conjugates as potential leads in addressing the TNBC dilemma.

Imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole based indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) inhibitor: Structure based design, synthesis, bio-evaluation and docking studies

Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is an immunomodulatory enzyme known to catalyse the initial and rate limiting step of kynurenine pathway of l-tryptophan metabolism. IDO1 enzyme over expression plays a crucial role in progression of cancer, malaria, multiple sclerosis and other life-threatening diseases. Several efforts over the last two decades have been invested by the researchers for the discovery of different IDO1 inhibitors and the plasticity of the IDO1 enzyme ligand binding pocket provide ample opportunities to develop new heterocyclic scaffolds targeting this enzyme. In the present work, based on the X-ray crystal structure of human IDO1 coordinated with few ligands, we designed and synthesized new fused heterocyclic compounds and evaluated their potential human IDO1 inhibitory activity (compound 30 and 41 showed IC50 values of 23 and 13 µM, respectively). The identified HITs were observed to be non-toxic to HEK293 cells at 100 µM concentration. The observed activity of the synthesized compounds was correlated with the specific interactions of their structures at the enzyme pocket using docking studies. A detailed analysis of docking results of the synthesized analogues as well as selected known IDO1 inhibitors revealed that most of the inhibitors have some reasonable docking scores in at least two crystal structures and have similar orientation as that of co-crystal ligands.

Exploring the Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Efficacy of Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesized Using Punica granatum Leaves

The current research work illustrates an economical and rapid approach towards the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous Punica granatum leaves extract (PGL-AgNPs). The optimization of major parameters involved in the biosynthesis process was done using Box-Behnken Design (BBD). The effects of different independent variables (parameters), namely concentration of AgNO3, temperature and ratio of extract to AgNO3, on response viz. particle size and polydispersity index were analyzed. As a result of experiment designing, 17 reactions were generated, which were further validated experimentally. The statistical and mathematical approaches were employed on these reactions in order to interpret the relationship between the factors and responses. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were initially characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometry followed by physicochemical analysis for determination of particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential via dynamic light scattering (DLS), SEM and EDX studies. Moreover, the determination of the functional group present in the leaves extract and PGL-AgNPs was done by FTIR. Antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacies of PGL-AgNPs against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were further determined. The physicochemical studies suggested that PGL-AgNPs were round in shape and of ~37.5 nm in size with uniform distribution. Our studies suggested that PGL-AgNPs exhibit potent antibacterial and antibiofilm properties.

PGMD/curcumin nanoparticles for the treatment of breast cancer

The present study aims at developing PGMD (poly-glycerol-malic acid-dodecanedioic acid)/curcumin nanoparticles based formulation for anticancer activity against breast cancer cells. The nanoparticles were prepared using both the variants of PGMD polymer (PGMD 7:3 and PGMD 6:4) with curcumin (i.e. CUR NP 7:3 and CUR NP 6:4). The size of CUR NP 7:3 and CUR NP 6:4 were found to be ~ 110 and 218 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.174 and 0.36, respectively. Further, the zeta potential of the particles was - 18.9 and - 17.5 mV for CUR NP 7:3 and CUR NP 6:4, respectively. The entrapment efficiency of both the nanoparticles was in the range of 75-81%. In vitro anticancer activity and the scratch assay were conducted on breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. The IC50 of the nanoformulations was observed to be 40.2 and 33.6 μM at 48 h for CUR NP 7:3 and CUR NP 6:4, respectively, in MCF-7 cell line; for MDA-MB-231 it was 43.4 and 30.5 μM. Acridine orange/EtBr and DAPI staining assays showed apoptotic features and nuclear anomalies in the treated cells. This was further confirmed by western blot analysis that showed overexpression of caspase 9 indicating curcumin role in apoptosis.

Diosgenin Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles with Potential Anticancer Efficacy

This study aims to determine the anticancer efficacy of diosgenin encapsulated poly-glycerol malate co-dodecanedioate (PGMD) nanoparticles. Diosgenin loaded PGMD nanoparticles (variants 7:3 and 6:4) were synthesized by the nanoprecipitation method. The synthesis of PGMD nanoparticles was systematically optimized employing the Box-Behnken design and taking into account the influence of various independent variables such as concentrations of each PGMD, diosgenin and PF-68 on the responses such as size and PDI of the particles. Mathematical modeling was done using the Quadratic second order modeling method and response surface analysis was undertaken to elucidate the factor-response relationship. The obtained size of PGMD 7:3 and PGMD 6:4 nanoparticles were 133.6 nm and 121.4 nm, respectively, as measured through dynamic light scattering (DLS). The entrapment efficiency was in the range of 77-83%. The in vitro drug release studies showed diffusion and dissolution controlled drug release pattern following Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model. Furthermore, in vitro morphological and cytotoxic studies were performed to evaluate the toxicity of synthesized drug loaded nanoparticles in model cell lines. The IC50 after 48 h was observed to be 27.14 µM, 15.15 µM and 13.91 µM for free diosgenin, PGMD 7:3 and PGMD 6:4 nanoparticles, respectively, when administered in A549 lung carcinoma cell lines.

Assessment of antibacterial and anticancer capability of silver nanoparticles extracellularly biosynthesized using Aspergillus terreus

The present study explores biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) employing extracellular extract of Aspergillus terreus ITCC 9932.15. Modulation of various variables that dictate the biosynthesis of AgNPs, suggested of optimal AgNPs synthesis using AgNO3, 1 mM at pH 8 and temperature, 35 °C. The biosynthesis of AgNPs was observed to be time dependent with incremental particle synthesis till 24 h. Various studies were undertaken to authenticate formation and characterization of AgNPs for size, crystallinity and biomolecules involved. A sharp SPR peak observed at 420 nm in the UV–vis absorption spectra validated synthesis of nanoparticles. These particles exhibited spherical morphology with size ∼25 nm and −16 mV of zeta potential. Further, the existence of proteins and other biomolecules onto the surface of AgNPs was confirmed with FTIR studies. The SAED pattern investigated by employing TEM authenticated the crystallinity of AgNPs. The AgNPs also exhibited potential antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria (E. coli and P. aeruginosa). In addition, remarkable anticancer activity was obtained in breast cancer cell line (MCF-7).

A Study on Impact of BPA in the Adipose Tissue Dysfunction (Adiposopathy) in Asian Indian Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Subjects

A surge to increase the production via usage of chemicals at both industrial and agricultural arena has forced humans to be routinely and imprudently exposed to a wide variety of endocrine disrupting chemicals. The overall aim of the study was to evaluate possible relation that might exist between bisphenol-A (BPA) and the adipose tissue hormones, and further impact on adiposopathy. In the present study, the role of BPA, an "endocrine disruptor" with respect to adiposopathy was evaluated in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. For the study, 150 healthy control subjects and 150 newly diagnosed diabetes patients were recruited. Fasting venous blood samples was analyzed for several biochemical parameters such as serum glucose, lipid profile, insulin, adiponectin, leptin, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1, free fatty acid. Concentrations of BPA were also measured both in control and diabetic subjects. Serum BPA concentration was found to be significantly higher in diabetic subjects in comparison to the control subjects. Levels of BPA were found to be positively correlated with BMI and WC in diabetic subjects. Also, it was found to be positively correlated with leptin and negatively correlated with adiponectin in diabetic subjects. Therefore, the current study suggested more deleterious effect of BPA on diabetes and its pathophysiology.

Aryldiazoquinoline based multifunctional small molecules for modulating Aβ42aggregation and cholinesterase activity related to Alzheimer's disease

Novel series of aryldiazoquinoline multifunctional molecules controls amyloid formation and neuro-protective role by inhibiting esterase enzymes.

Enhancement effects of process optimization technique while elucidating the degradation pathways of drugs present in pharmaceutical industry wastewater using Micrococcus yunnanensis

Pharmaceutical effluents released from industries are accountable to deteriorate the aquatic and soil environment through indirect toxic effects. Microbes are adequately been used to biodegrade pharmaceutical industry wastewater and present study was envisaged to determine biodegradation of pharmaceutical effluent by Micrococcus yunnanensis. The strain showed 42.82% COD (Chemical oxygen demand) reduction before optimization. After applying Taguchi's L8 array as an optimization technique, the biodegradation rate was enhanced by 82.95% at optimum conditions (dextrose- 0.15%, peptone 0.1%, inoculum size 4% (wv^-1), rpm 200, pH 8 at 25 °C) within 6 h. The confirmation of pharmaceuticals degradation was done by ¹H NMR (Nuclear magnetic resonance) studies followed by elucidation of transformation pathways of probable drugs in the effluent through Q-Tof-MS (Quadrupole Time of Flight- Mass Spectrometry). The cytotoxicity evaluation of treated and untreated wastewater was analyzed on Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK 293) cells using Alamar Blue assay, which showed significant variance.

Polyphosphate recovery by a native Bacillus cereus strain as a direct effect of glyphosate uptake

Seven bacterial strains isolated from a glyphosate-exposed orange plantation site were exposed to 1 mM N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine supplied as a phosphorus source. While some exhibited good biodegradation profiles, the strain 6 P, identified as Bacillus cereus, was the only strain capable of releasing inorganic phosphate to the culture supernatant, while accumulating polyphosphate intracellularly along the experimentation time. The composition and purity of the intracellular polyphosphate accumulated by the strain 6 P were confirmed by FTIR analysis. To date, the biological conversion of glyphosate into polyphosphate has not been reported. However, given the importance of this biopolymer in the survival of microorganisms, it can be expected that this process could represent an important ecological advantage for the adaptation of this strain to an ecological niche exposed to this herbicide. The polyphosphate production yield was calculated as 4 mg l-1, while the glyphosate biodegradation kinetic constant was calculated on 0.003 h-1 using the modified Hockey-Stick first-order kinetic model, with a half-life of 279 h. Our results suggest that B. cereus 6 P is a potential candidate for the generation of an innovative biotechnological process to produce polyphosphate through the biodegradation of the herbicide glyphosate.

Evaluation of Anticancer activity of Silver Nanoparticles on the A549 Human lung carcinoma cell lines through Alamar Blue Assay

Silver nanoparticles have been widely studied to possess antimicrobial as well as anticancer activity, and have found its applications in various fields including pharmaceutical industry, diagnostics, drug delivery, food industry, and others. For this purpose, several cell proliferation assays are widely used for the evaluation of anticancer activity of synthetic compounds as well as natural plant extracts. In general, a compound is said to possess an anticancer activity if it prevents the cancer cells to grow and divide actively, and indirectly activates the generic program of cell death. In this protocol, Alamar blue and MTT assay are described for the analysis of metabolic function and health of the cell. These procedures are generally used for the endpoint analysis. A549 cells are seeded in a 96-well plate, and after the adherence of the cells, they are treated with different concentrations of silver nanoparticles. Followed by 24 h of incubation, colorimetric dyes are added to the wells, and the absorbance is recorded to quantify the percentage cytotoxicity in the sample wells.

Evaluation of Anticancer activity of Silver Nanoparticles on the A549 Human lung carcinoma cell lines through Alamar Blue Assay

Silver nanoparticles have been widely studied to possess antimicrobial as well as anticancer activity, and have found its applications in various fields including pharmaceutical industry, diagnostics, drug delivery, food industry, and others. For this purpose, several cell proliferation assays are widely used for the evaluation of anticancer activity of synthetic compounds as well as natural plant extracts. In general, a compound is said to possess an anticancer activity if it prevents the cancer cells to grow and divide actively, and indirectly activates the generic program of cell death. In this protocol, Alamar blue and MTT assay are described for the analysis of metabolic function and health of the cell. These procedures are generally used for the endpoint analysis. A549 cells are seeded in a 96-well plate, and after the adherence of the cells, they are treated with different concentrations of silver nanoparticles. Followed by 24 h of incubation, colorimetric dyes are added to the wells, and the absorbance is recorded to quantify the percentage cytotoxicity in the sample wells.

Catalytic, antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy of biosynthesised silver nanoparticles using Prosopis juliflora leaf extract along with their wound healing potential

The present study focuses on the catalytic, antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in an easy, rapid and eco-friendly pathway. Herein, we have synthesised AgNPs using an aqueous extract of P. juliflora leaf. The bioactive compounds present in the extract are responsible for the reduction of Ag⁺ to Ag⁰. The particle synthesis was first observed by visual color change and then characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy to confirm the formation of AgNPs. The synthesis conditions were then optimised using critical parameters such as reaction time, AgNO₃ concentration, extract to AgNO₃ ratio and temperature of the reaction. The hydrodynamic size of the AgNPs with Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was 55.24 nm, while, was in the range of 10-20 nm as determined through Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Further, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies were conducted to discern the functional groups or compounds responsible for the reduction of silver nitrate as well as the capping of silver nanoparticles. Later, X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed crystalline nature of the biosynthesized AgNPs. To evaluate their antibacterial potential, AgNPs were assessed through disc-diffusion assay, which resulted in an appreciable dose-dependent activity. The antibacterial potential was investigated through disc-diffusion assay against E. coli and P. aeruginosa. The Congo red agar (CRA) plate assay successfully revealed the anti-biofilm activity against B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa. Further, the catalytic activity of synthesised AgNPs was assessed against azo dyes such a Methylene Blue (MB) and Congo Red (CR) that resulted in its effective degradation of toxic compounds in a short span of time. Further, AgNPs were assessed for their wound healing potential.

Genetics of Lipodystrophy: Can It Help in Understanding the Pathophysiology of Metabolic Syndrome?

Understanding phenotypes and their genetic determinants for metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been quite challenging. With the advent of systems genomic approaches, there is a need to decipher methods for identification and evaluating the functional role of phenotypic traits associated with complex diseases, such as MetS. The monogenic syndromes of lipodystrophy are well understood, but the molecular pathophysiology of insulin resistance (IR) underpinning the obesity, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia is not well deciphered. In this commentary, we argue the role of pathophysiology of MetS, and its effects into possible understanding of genetic determinants associated with lipodystrophy-mediated diabetes mellitus.

Antibacterial, anticancer and antioxidant potential of silver nanoparticles engineered using Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract

In this study, the authors report a simple and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) seed extract. They explored several parameters dictating the biosynthesis of TFG-AgNPs such as reaction time, temperature, concentration of AgNO3, and TFG extract amount. Physicochemical characterisation of TFG-AgNPs was done on dynamic light scattering (DLS), field emission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The size determination studies using DLS revealed of TFG-AgNPs size between 95 and 110 nm. The antibacterial activity was studied against Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The biosynthesised TFG-AgNPs showed remarkable anticancer efficacy against skin cancer cell line, A431 and also exhibited significant antioxidant efficacy.

Phenotypic and virulence traits of Escherichia coli and Salmonella strains isolated from vegetables and fruits from India

AIMS

The present study was designed to assess the phenotypic traits and virulence determinants of vegetable-/fruit-origin Escherichia coli and Salmonella strains.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 520 fresh vegetables/fruits samples were analysed for the presence of E. coli, including Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), and Salmonella. The vegetable-/fruit-origin E. coli and Salmonella strains were further assessed for antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation, extracellular matrix production and in vitro invasion/intracellular survivability assays. A total of 73 E. coli, including four STEC, and 26 Salmonella strains were recovered from vegetables/fruits in the present study. Most of the E. coli and Salmonella isolates were able to form biofilm with higher production of cellulose/curli-fimbriae. Furthermore, more resistance was observed in E. coli isolates (61·6%) than in Salmonella isolates (38·5%) against tested antimicrobials. Additionally, invasion/intracellular survival results showed that majority of the E. coli and Salmonella isolates were able to efficiently invade/replicate intracellularly in the human epithelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that vegetable-/fruit-origin E. coli and Salmonella significantly exhibited distinct phenotypic/virulence traits which could be linked to their plant-associated lifestyle with food safety issues.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The present study provides valuable baseline information that E. coli and Salmonella may use plants as an alternative host with significant clinical importance.

Advancement in nanotechnology-based approaches for the treatment and diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia

Cardiovascular diseases have been the major cause of mortality and morbidity all over the world accounting for more than 80% of the deaths from heart attacks and strokes. Hypercholesterolemia, an autosomal disorder of lipoprotein metabolism is one of the foremost causes of CVDs. An increased level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the plasma results in the rise of incidence rates in disease patients. Several conventional and combinational therapies have been proposed for lowering the LDL-C levels in the blood. These therapeutic agents are designed to target some crucial molecules that participates in the lipid metabolism such as apolipoprotein B, HMGCoA reductase, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9, etc. Although these therapies are effective but are associated with certain side effects. This article presents an overview on different conventional and nanotechnology-based approaches for the treatment and diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia. Numerous nanomaterial-based therapies including polymeric nanoparticles, cationic lipids, liposomes, dendrimers and inorganic nanoparticles have been discussed in lowering the cholesterol level along with recent advancement in diagnosis and imaging.

Antibacterial potential of silver nanoparticles biosynthesised using Canarium ovatum leaves extract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been extensively used as antibacterial agents, owing to their ease of preparation. In the present study, leaves extract of Canarium ovatum have been employed for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (CO-AgNPs). CO-AgNPs were synthesised under very mild, eco-friendly manner where the plant extract acted both as reducing and capping agent. These AgNPs were synthesised by taking into account several parameters, that included, time of reaction, concentration of AgNO3, amount of extract and temperature of reaction. The optimisation studies suggested efficient synthesis of CO-AgNPs at 25°C when 1.5 mM AgNO3 was reduced with 1:20 ratio of plant extract for 40 min. Size determination studies done on dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscope suggested of spherical shape nanoparticles of size 119.7 ± 7 nm and 50-80 nm, respectively. Further, characterisations were done by Fourier transform infrared and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to evaluate the functional groups and the purity of CO-AgNPs. The antibacterial efficacy of CO-AgNPs was determined against the bacterial strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa. As evident from disc diffusion method studies, CO-AgNPs remarkably inhibited the growth of the tested microorganism. This study suggested that C. ovatum extract efficiently synthesises CO-AgNPs with significant antibacterial properties and can be good candidates for therapeutics.

Degradation of anthropogenic pollutant and organic dyes by biosynthesized silver nano-catalyst from Cicer arietinum leaves

The work represents the potent catalytic activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized from Cicer arietinum (chickpea) leaf extract (CAL-AgNPs). Here, silver nano-catalysts were used against the anthropogenic pollutants mainly involving nitro-amines and azo dyes. These pollutants are extremely harmful to our environment and causes severe health issues. The CAL-AgNPs have the potential to degrade harmful toxins and their by-products, thereby decreasing the pollutants from the environment. The green synthesis of nano-catalyst includes a simple, cost effective and eco-friendly method using the leaf extract from the plant. A systematic study was conducted, including synthesis, optimization and characterization of the silver particles. The AgNPs were further assessed through DLS and TEM for size and morphological evaluation. The obtained particles have shown spherical morphology with the size range of 88.8nm. Further, FTIR were performed for compositional and functional group analysis of the particles. The antibacterial efficiency was also evaluated against E. coli and P. aeruginosa. For their catalytic evaluation, CAL-AgNPs were assessed for 4-nitrophenol, methylene blue and congo red. The results obtained through catalytic evaluation suggested that the CAL-AgNPs could be helpful to surmount the environmental pollution in a very effective manner.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Prosopis juliflora bark extract: reaction optimization, antimicrobial and catalytic activities

In the present study, silver nanoparticles (PJB-AgNPs) have been biosynthesized employing Prosopis juliflora bark extract. The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles was monitored on UV-vis spectrophotometer. The size, charge and polydispersity index (PDI) of PJB-AgNPs were determined using dynamic light scattering (DLS). Different parameters dictating the size of PJB-AgNPs were explored. Nanoparticles biosynthesis optimization studies suggested efficient synthesis of highly dispersed PJB-AgNPs at 25 °C when 9.5 ml of 1 mM AgNO₃ was reduced with 0.5 ml of bark extract for 40 min. Characterization of PJB-AgNPs by SEM showed spherical-shaped nanoparticles with a size range ∼10-50 nm along with a hydrodynamic diameter of ∼55 nm as evaluated by DLS. Further, characterizations were done by FTIR and EDS to evaluate the functional groups and purity of PJB-AgNPs. The antibacterial potential of PJB-AgNPs was tested against E. coli and P. aeruginosa. The PJB-AgNPs remarkably exhibited anticancer activity against A549 cell line as evidenced by Alamar blue assay. The dye degradation activity was also evaluated against 4-nitrophenol that has carcinogenic effect. The results thus obtained suggest application of PJB-AgNPs as antimicrobial, anticancer and catalytic agents.

Differential cytotoxic and inflammatory potency of amorphous silicon dioxide nanoparticles of similar size in multiple cell lines

The likelihood of environmental and health impacts of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiNPs) has risen, due to their increased use in products and applications. The biological potency of a set of similarly-sized amorphous SiNPs was investigated in a variety of cells to examine the influence of physico-chemical and biological factors on their toxicity. Cellular LDH and ATP, BrdU incorporation, resazurin reduction and cytokine release were measured in human epithelial A549, human THP-1 and mouse J774A.1 macrophage cells exposed for 24 h to suspensions of 5-15, 10-20 and 12 nm SiNPs and reference particles. The SiNPs were characterized in dry state and in suspension to determine their physico-chemical properties. The dose-response data were simplified into particle potency estimates to facilitate the comparison of multiple endpoints of biological effects in cells. Mouse macrophages were the most sensitive to SiNP exposures. Cytotoxicity of the individual cell lines was correlated while the cytokine responses differed, supported by cell type-specific differences in inflammation-associated pathways. SiNP (12 nm), the most cytotoxic and inflammogenic nanoparticle had the highest surface acidity, dry-state agglomerate size, the lowest trace metal and organics content, the smallest surface area and agglomerate size in suspension. Particle surface acidity appeared to be the most significant determinant of the overall biological activity of this set of nanoparticles. Combined with the nanoparticle characterization, integration of the biological potency estimates enabled a comprehensive determination of the cellular reactivity of the SiNPs. The approach shows promise as a useful tool for first-tier screening of SiNP toxicity.

Natural Plant Extracts as Potential Therapeutic Agents for the Treatment of Cancer

Cancer, the much dreaded name, is a multifactorial and genetically a difficult disease with less or so far no 100% cure available. Globally, it has become a major social concern and worsened the economical burden, with emergence of 1,658,370 new cancer cases and 589,430 cancer deaths in the United States only in 2015. In India, the scenario is no better with high cancer prevalence of around 2.5 million incidences, with over 800,000 new cases occurring each year. By 2015, WHO has predicted estimated deaths by cancer to be 700,000. The increase could be accounted to urbanization, industrialization, hectic and unhealthy lifestyle, increased life expectancy and population growth. The current treatment regimes are becoming inefficacious due to tumor heterogeneity and increased resistance to drugs. Bioactive compounds from natural resources have revolutionized the arena of drug chemistry and rapid researches in in vitro and in vivo studies are encouraging. These natural therapeutic agents have therefore, become important for the development of multi- treatment strategies to be deployed in cancer therapy. The review summarizes the various chemopreventive and bioactive compounds isolated from several herbs which have become milestone in various kinds of tumor treatments. Also emphasis is led on including latest research data obtained from animal cell culture, animal models and preclinical trials studies conducted by scientists around the world to derive potential anti-tumorigenic agents. Finally, the review examines mechanisms of action of these compounds which will add to our existing knowledge and effort to serve and enhance the current chemotherapeutic protocols.

Hypochlorite-promoted inhibition of photo-induced electron transfer in phenothiazine–borondipyrromethene donor–acceptor dyad: a cost-effective and metal-free “turn-on” fluorescent chemosensor for hypochlorite

APTZ-BODIPY based fluorescent chemosensor was designed and used for hypochlorite detection.

Antibacterial efficacy of silver nanoparticles synthesized employing Terminalia arjuna bark extract

In the present investigation, we have explored simple, robust, inexpensive, and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Terminalia arjuna bark extract (TA-AgNPs). Various parameters dictating the biosynthesis of TA-AgNPs such as time and temperature of reaction, concentration of AgNO₃, and T. arjuna extract amount were investigated. Characterization of TA-AgNPs was done via UV-vis spectroscopy along with FT-IR, XRD, SEM and dynamic light scattering. The antimicrobial activity of TA-AgNPs was investigated against Escherichia coli. Comparable zone of inhibition was exhibited by TA-AgNPs. This study suggests that TA-AgNPs possesses significant antibacterial properties.

Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) Single Domain Antibodies Are Potent Inhibitors of Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor Degradation

Single domain antibodies (sdAbs) correspond to the antigen-binding domains of camelid antibodies. They have the same antigen-binding properties and specificity as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) but are easier and cheaper to produce. We report here the development of sdAbs targeting human PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) as an alternative to anti-PCSK9 mAbs. After immunizing a llama with human PCSK9, we selected four sdAbs that bind PCSK9 with a high affinity and produced them as fusion proteins with a mouse Fc. All four sdAb-Fcs recognize the C-terminal Cys-His-rich domain of PCSK9. We performed multiple cellular assays and demonstrated that the selected sdAbs efficiently blocked PCSK9-mediated low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) degradation in cell lines, in human hepatocytes, and in mouse primary hepatocytes. We further showed that the sdAb-Fcs do not affect binding of PCSK9 to the LDLR but rather block its induced cellular LDLR degradation. Pcsk9 knock-out mice expressing a human bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgene were generated, resulting in plasma levels of ∼300 ng/ml human PCSK9. Mice were singly or doubly injected with the best sdAb-Fc and analyzed at day 4 or 11, respectively. After 4 days, mice exhibited a 32 and 44% decrease in the levels of total cholesterol and apolipoprotein B and ∼1.8-fold higher liver LDLR protein levels. At 11 days, the equivalent values were 24 and 46% and ∼2.3-fold higher LDLR proteins. These data constitute a proof-of-principle for the future usage of sdAbs as PCSK9-targeting drugs that can efficiently reduce LDL-cholesterol, and as tools to study the Cys-His-rich domain-dependent sorting the PCSK9-LDLR complex to lysosomes.

Effect of size on biological properties of nanoparticles employed in gene delivery

CONTEXT

The size of nanoparticles plays a pivotal role in determining the gene delivery efficiency.

OBJECTIVE

A focus on the studies done to investigate the effect of nanoparticles size on biological aspects of gene delivery.

METHODS

A through literature survey has been done regarding studies done to investigate the effect of nanoparticles size on uptake, transfection efficiency and biodistribution has been cited in the present review.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The gene delivery efficacy may depend on conjugation of several factors such as the chemical structure of polymers, cell type, and nanoparticle size, composition and interaction with cells.

Advances in preparation and characterization of chitosan nanoparticles for therapeutics

CONTEXT

Polymers have been largely explored for the preparation of nanoparticles due to ease of preparation and modification, large gene/drug loading capacity, and biocompatibility. Various methods have been adapted for the preparation and characterization of chitosan nanoparticles.

OBJECTIVE

Focus on the different methods of preparation and characterization of chitosan nanoparticles.

METHODS

Detailed literature survey has been done for the studies reporting various methods of preparation and characterization of chitosan nanoparticles.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Published database suggests of several methods which have been developed for the preparation and characterization of chitosan nanoparticles as per the application.

Recent patents in siRNA delivery employing nanoparticles as delivery vectors

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are rapidly emerging as new therapeutic tools for the treatment of some of the deadly diseases such as cancer. However, poor cellular uptake and instability in physiological milieu limit its therapeutic potential, hence there arises a need of a delivery system which can efficiently and repeatedly deliver siRNA to the target cells. Nanoparticles have shown immense potential as suitable delivery vectors with enhanced efficacy and biocompatibility. These delivery vectors are usually few nanometers in size, which not only protects siRNA against enzymatic degradation but also leads to tissue and cellular targeting. Nanoparticles prepared from various cationic polymers like polyethylenimine, and chitosan have been largely exploited as they bear several advantages such as, ease of manipulation, high stability, low cost and high payload. This review summarizes some of the recent patents on siRNA delivery employing polymer or lipid-based nano-vectors for therapeutic applications.