Evaluation of biological potential of UV-spectrophotometric, SEM, FTIR, and EDS observed Punica granatum and Plectranthus rugosus extract-coated silver nanoparticles: A comparative study

Recent developments in the green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) using phytoconstituents have attracted the attention of the global scientific community. The present study was designed to synthesize silver NPs (AgNPs) using Punica granatum and Plectranthus rugosus plant extracts. The fabricated AgNPs were characterized using UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The shift in the color of the silver nitrate (AgNO3 ) solution after the addition of P. granatum and P. rugosus extracts indicated the synthesis of AgNPs. The effect of AgNO3 concentrations and pH on the synthesis of AgNPs was also evaluated. The findings of this study suggest that AgNO3 concentration of 1 mM, reaction time of 1 h, and pH of 7 at room temperature were the best suited conditions for the synthesis of AgNPs. According to the FTIR analysis, amidic and carbonyl compounds were primarily responsible for the encapsulation of AgNPs. SEM investigations have shown irregularly shaped geometry with sizes of 35 nm (P. granatum) and 33 nm (P. rugosus) with low agglomeration. The prepared AgNPs exhibited good potential for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, with values of 70% (P. granatum) and 68% (P. rugosus). Hence, we conclude that the leaves of P. granatum and P. rugosus are excellent material for designing of different plant-extracted-conjugated AgNPs for biomedical applications. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Preparation of the AgNPs using novel plants extracts. P. granatum and P. rugosus extract as reducing, capping, stabilizing, and optimizing agents. Thorough comparative characterization using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, FTIR, SEM, and EDS which is a first of its kind. Comparative antioxidant activity.

UV-spectrophotometric Optimization of Temperature, pH, Concentration and Time for Eucalyptus Globulus Capped Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis, their Characterization and Evaluation of Biological Applications

Morphology (size, shape) and structural variations (bonding pattern, crystallography, and atomic arrangements) have significant impacts on the efficacy of the metallic nanoparticles. Fabrication of these metal nanoparticles through green synthesis using plant extracts has increased attention due to their low cost, less hazardous byproducts, and multiple applications. In present study, Eucalyptus globulus extract was used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Change of color from light brown to reddish brown and UV-visible spectral peak at 423 nm confirmed the formation of AgNPs. The shifting of FTIR spectra peaks indicated the potential role of the functional groups in extract as capping agents. The DLS evaluated the average size and stability of the nanoparticles while the surface morphology, size and the elemental composition of the AgNPs was established by the FESEM and EDX analysis. The SEM images revealed spherical nanoparticles of size ranging from 40-60 nm. Biogenic AgNPs showed better DPPH radical scavenging activity with IC50 (13.44 ± 0.3) as compared to leaves extract with IC50 (10.57 ± 0.2). The synthesized AgNPs showed higher zones of inhibition (ZOI) by well diffusion method against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Results of present study highlights the potential benefits of Eucalyptus globulus leaves extract-based AgNPs for various biomedical uses.

Association between bacterial vaginosis and preterm delivery

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of most common presentation in women of reproductive age, and its prevalence is relatively high in the obstetric population which is responsible for preterm delivery. The present study tried to explore the association of BV with preterm delivery, and included 100 pregnant women aged 15 to 35 years, between 28 36 weeks of gestation, with abnormal vaginal discharge and clinically suspected of BV, attending obstetrics outpatient department of BSMMU were selected for the study, divided into two groups based on Amsel clinical criteria (63 culture negative and 37 culture positive for BV). Mean ± SD age of BV negative and positive subjects was 24.59 ± 5.18 and 23.89 ± 4.77 years respectively (statistically no significant difference). Likewise, socioeconomic status, educational status and gravida did not show statistically any significant difference between groups. Significantly high number of BV positive women delivered prematurely (73%) compared to BV negative (25.4%) (p<0.001). Mean ± SD gestational age also differed significantly 37.49 ± 2.53 vs. 35.24 ± 2.33 weeks (p<0.001). Our study supported that abnormal bacterial colonization, indicative of bacterial vaginosis, is strongly associated with preterm delivery.

Formulation and characterization of modified release tablets containing isoniazid using swellable polymers

The aim of this work was to develop swellable modified release (MR) isoniazid tablets using different combinations of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) and sodium-carboxymethylcellulose (Na-CMC). Granules were prepared by moist granulation technique and then compressed into tablets. In vitro release studies for 12 hr were carried out in dissolution media of varying pH i.e. pH 1.2, 4.5, 7.0 and 7.5. Tablets of all formulations were found to be of good physical quality with respect to appearance (width and thickness), content uniformity, hardness, weight variation and friability. In vitro release data showed that increasing total polymer content resulted in more retarding effect. Formulation with 35% polymer content exhibited zero order release profile and it released 35% of the drug in first hr, later on, controlled drug release was observed upto the 12(th) hour. Formulations with PVAc to Na-CMC ratio 20:80 exhibited zero order release pattern at levels of studied concentrations, which suggested that this combination can be used to formulate zero order release tablets of water soluble drugs like isoniazid. Korsmeyer-Peppas modeling of drug release showed that non-Fickian transport is the primary mechanism of isoniazid release from PVAc and Na-CMC based tablets. The value of mean dissolution time decreased with the increase in the release rate of drug clearly showing the retarding behavior of the swellable polymers. The application of a mixture of PVAc to Na-CMC in a specific ratio may be feasible to formulate zero order release tablets of water soluble drugs like isoniazid.

Prolonged analgesia by adding midazolam and hyperbaric bupivacaine in subarachnoid block for lower uterine caesarian section

Antinociceptive effect and safety of sub-arachnoid (SAB) midazolam is well established in animals and human beings. In this randomized, prospective placebo control clinical study, we investigated the addition of 2.5mg midazolam to bupivacaine on the quality of surgical anaesthesia and duration of first analgesic in the post operative period after lower uterine caesarean section (LUCS). Sixty ASA I or II pregnant women scheduled for elective lower uterine caesarean section were selected for the study. The patients were randomly allocated to receive 2ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with either 0.5ml of 5% dextrose in aqua or 2.5 mg (0.5ml) midazolam. The duration of first analgesic demand, quality of anaesthesia, haemodynamic changes and neonatal condition were assessed. The duration of analgesia (the time interval in minutes between the sub-arachnoid injection and the first analgesic demand by the patient) was significantly longer in the Group II than Group I (197min vs. 112min; p<0.001). The quality of surgical anaesthesia was excellent or good throughout the surgical procedure in 90% (n = 27) of the patients in Group II (p = 0.01). Systolic Blood pressure was significantly lower in the group I at 10 min and 20 min after administration of SAB than group II (p = 0.005 and p = 0.007) but comparable at other times. Sedation level, Apgar score was comparable in both groups. No neurological deficit or other significant adverse effects were recorded. The addition of midazolam with hyperbaric low dose bupivacaine in SAB significantly improves the quality of surgical anaesthesia and prolongs the duration of analgesia without any adverse effects.