Carbohydrates and polyphenolics of extracts from genetically altered plant acts as catalysts for in vitro synthesis of silver nanoparticle

Eco-friendly biosynthetic approach for silver nanoparticles production using plant extracts is an exciting advancement inbio-nanotechnology and has been successfully attempted in nearly 41 plant species. However, an established model plantsystem for systematically unraveling the biochemical components required for silver nanoparticles production is lacking.Here we used Arabidopsis thaliana as the model plant for silver nanoparticles biosynthesis in vitro. Employing biochemical, spectroscopic methods, selected mutants and over-expressor plants of Arabidopsis involved in pleotropicfunctions and sugar homeostasis, we show that carbohydrates, polyphenolics and glyco-proteins are essential componentswhich stimulated silver nanoparticles synthesis. Using molecular genetics as a tool, our data enforces the requirement ofsugar conjugated proteins as essentials for AgNPs synthesis over protein alone. Additionally, a comparative analysis ofAgNPs synthesis using the aqueous extracts of some of the plant species found in a brackish water ecosystem (Gracilaria,Potamogeton, Enteromorpha and Scendesmus) were explored. Plant extract of Potamogeton showed the highest potentialof nanoparticles production comparable to that of Arabidopsis among the species tested. Silver nanoparticles production inthe model plant Arabidopsis not only opens up a possibility of using molecular genetics tool to understand the biochemicalpathways and components in detail for its synthesis.

A comparative study between nifedipine and isoxsuprine in the suppression of preterm labour.

Preterm labour and delivery remains a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Numerous drugs and interventions have been used to prevent and inhibit preterm labour but none have been found to be completely effective with the choice being further limited by troublesome side effects. This study compares in a prospective and randomised design the efficacy and safety of the calcium antagonist Nifedipine with the beta mimetic Isoxsuprine. 81.25% of patients receiving Nifedipine and 70% of those receiving Isoxsuprine achieved successful tocolysis. The mean prolongation of pregnancy with Nifedipine was 25+/-19.85 days and with Isoxsuprine it was 19.18+/-17.82 days. Maternal side effects were similar in both groups with hypotension and tachycardia being the commonest. Discontinuation rates were also similar with pulmonary oedema and severe hypotension being the reasons for foregoing tocolysis. It can be concluded that Nifedipine is a safe and effective alternative to Isoxsuprine for suppressing preterm labour.