ABSTRACT
Hereunder, we pioneered the synthesis of Copper Oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) utilizing Tragacanth gum (TG). The NPs were characterized using advanced techniques and assessed for different pharmaceutical and environmental perspectives. The successful formation of a colloidal NPs solution was confirmed by the appearance of a distinct black color and a distinct peak at 260 nm in UV-Visible spectrophotometry. The FTIR analysis unveiled a spectrum of functional groups responsible for the reduction and stabilization of CuO NPs. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) revealed size of NPs as 36.24 nm and 28 ± 04 nm respectively. Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) Analysis indicated weight percentages of 70.38 % for Cu and 18.88 % for O, with corresponding atomic percentages. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the orthorhombic crystal structure of the prepared CuO NPs. Antimicrobial assessments through disc-diffusion assays demonstrated significant zones of inhibition (ZOI) against gram-positive bacterial strains (Bacillus Halodurans and Micrococcus leutus) and a gram-negative bacterial strain (E. coli). Against the fungal strain Aspergillus niger, a ZOI of 18.5 ± 0.31 mm was observed. The NPs exhibited remarkable antioxidant potential determined through 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and H2O2 scavenging assays. At a concentration of 3 mg/mL, the NPs demonstrated biofilm inhibition rates of 96 %, 90 %, 89.60 %, and 72.10 % against Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus halodurans, MRSA and E.coli respectively. Furthermore, the CuO NPs showed a high photocatalytic potential towards the degradation of safranin dye under sunlight irradiation. In conclusion, the findings underline the promising multifunctional properties of TG-based CuO NPs for different practical applications.
Subject(s)
Biofilms , Copper , Metal Nanoparticles , Tragacanth , Copper/chemistry , Tragacanth/chemistry , Biofilms/drug effects , Catalysis , Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry , Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry , Aspergillus niger/drug effects , Photochemical ProcessesABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: An audit was conducted in the exodontia department of Punjab Dental Hospital, Lahore, to assess the quality of records being kept by the undergraduate students in their third and final year, who form a major chunk of the workforce in the hospital, working in the mentioned department. The main objective behind this exercise was to improve the standards of record keeping and bring them in line with the standards practiced around the world, ultimately resulting in better patient care. METHODOLOGY: This audit was undertaken while keeping in view all the necessary steps of a successful clinical audit. Initially, 150 records were randomly obtained from undergraduates of both third and fourth years and evaluated against a modified CRABEL score, which grades the records on a scale of 100. The results of this part of the audit were shared with the batches that were doing their clinical rotation in exodontia at the time of this audit, and a teaching session was conducted on better record-keeping standards. Following this, a repetition of the previous audit was undertaken to complete the audit cycle. Results: The most commonly omitted component in the records in the initial audit was the patient complaint closely, followed by proper medical history and supervisor signatures. In the following, 'reaudit' compliance was seen to be improved, and all the components of record-keeping less commonly being omitted except medical history and date. CONCLUSION: A more comprehensive patient record keeping is possible with proper intervention and inculcation of record-keeping awareness in the undergraduate course, especially in the clinical years.
