Characterization of Azadirachta indica Mediated Copper and Silver Nanoparticles – A Comparative Approach

Background: In the modern scientific approach, green nanotechnology plays a vital role in the formulation of newer and novel biomolecules which have wide biomedical applications. The applications and values of the synthesized nanoparticles have its own action based on the mode of synthesis and the effect may differ according to the substrate. The physical and chemical methods of nanoparticle synthesis are cumbersome in duration of synthesis, physico-chemical modification and contaminations, expensive and environmentally toxic. But the biological mediated nanoparticles synthesis has great advantages in its non-toxic nature and ability in large scale production. Objective: The objective of the present study is to synthesize and characterize Azadirachta indica leaf powder mediated silver and copper nanoparticles. Methods: The methodology was standardized according to the synergistic effect of metal solution and test herbal plant that catabolized to form nanoparticles, thereby in vitro antibacterial activity is possible by performing well cutting method. Results: The physico-chemical characterization of both the nanoparticles revealed that the synthesized molecules are nano in size mainly by its color formation and size dependent phenomena. Both silver and copper nanoparticles were highly effective against Escherichia coli, Proteus sp, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; moderate level of inhibition was observed againstEnterococcus sp and Klebsiella pneumoniae and low level of inhibition was observed against Micrococcus sp by copper nanoparticles whereas no inhibition was recorded by silver nanoparticles. Conclusion: The green synthesized nanoparticles are having acceptable level of bactericidal activity compared with the crude A. indica extract and metal solution controls.

Oral Manifestations of Suspected Eating Disorders among Women of 20-25 Years in Bangalore City, India.

To detect the presence of eating disorders (EDs) and clinical findings in 20-25 years old women residing in professional college hostels in Bangalore city, India, a cross-sectional study was conducted. One hundred seventeen women of the 128 selected randomly participated in the study. SCOFF [Sick, Control, One-stone (14 lbs/6.5 kg), Fat, Food] Questionnaire was used for screening suspected cases of anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). Examination was done for systemic findings, extra-oral and intra-oral manifestations of EDs. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS (version 13.0). The response rate was 71.3%, of which 42.7% were suspected to have EDs by SCOFF. Examination showed significantly higher prevalence of periomylolysis (p=0.004), dental caries (p=0.004), and tooth sensitivity (p=0.001) in suspected cases. The study succeeded at ‘case-finding’ of EDs with a significant prevalence of oral manifestations in suspected cases. Thus, dentists play a major role for early detection and prompt further referral of co-morbid disorders, like EDs.