ABSTRACT
Electroporation or electropermeabilization is a biophysical process involving enhanced permeability of biological cell membrane due to the application of an electric field of very short duration. Since its inception in the early 1970’s, the technique has been utilized widely in biomedical research and applications including gene transfection and electrochemotherapy of cancer. Past theoretical models of cell electroporation considered approximations which made the predicted results very different from the experimental descriptions of poration, especially for electrochemotherapy applications. Present work is a theoretical formulation and numerical implementation of small molecule (Doxorubicin) uptake during electroporation of a mammalian cell with cholesterol-containing membrane. Here, we explore the effects of changes in membrane cholesterol content on electroporation pore dynamics and uptake of small molecules.
ABSTRACT
The emergence of Zika virus (ZiV), a mosquito borne Flavivirus like dengue (DEN) and chikungunya (CHIK), in Brazil in 2014 and its spread to various countries have led to a global health emergency. Aedes aegypti is the major vector for ZiV. Fast dissemination of this virus in different geographical areas posses a major threat especially to regions where the population lacks herd immunity against the ZiV and there is abundance of Aedes mosquitoes. In this review, we focus on current global scenario, epidemiology, biology, diagnostic challenges and remedial measures for ZiVconsidering the Indian perspective.