Smart Materials Design for Antibacterial Application.

In response to the escalating issue of antibiotic-resistant bacteria adhering to and thriving on medical equipment, scientists are pioneering innovative "intelligent" materials and coatings. These advancements entail the targeted release of antimicrobial substances, specifically activated when bacteria are detected. The next section discusses three revolutionary substances: hydrogels, nanoparticles, and thin films. Furthermore, intelligent antibacterial materials are divided into 2 groups based on the triggering source: those that react to biological stimuli and those that react to non-biological ones, like temperature and electric cues associated with bacterial presence, such as pH shifts or bacterial enzyme discharge. Moreover, because of their simple construction technique, outstanding biocompatibility, and robust antibacterial characteristics derived from polyphenols and metal ions, metallic-polyphenolic nanoparticles (MPNs) have obtained substantial interest in tackling antimicrobial infections. This article presents an introduction to several MPN-centered biomaterials (like nanoparticles, coatings, capsules, and hydrogels) and highlights the latest advancements in research in its applications for addressing microbial threats in the field of biomedicine. Furthermore, the usage of smart materials is classified based on their application domains, encompassing medical implants, waste reduction, and nano-engineered systems.

Chemokines: A key driver for inflammation in protozoan infection.

Chemokines belong to the group of small proteins within the cytokine family having strong chemo-attractant properties. In most cases, the strong immuno-modulatory role of chemokines is crucial for generating the immune response against pathogens in various protozoan diseases. In this review, we have given a brief update on the classification, characterization, homeostasis, transcellular migration, and immuno-modulatory role of chemokines. Here we will evaluate the potential role of chemokines and their regulation in various protozoan diseases. There is a significant direct relationship between parasitic infection and the recruitment of effector cells of the immune response. Chemokines play an indispensable role in mediating several defense mechanisms against infection, such as leukocyte recruitment and the generation of innate and cell-mediated immunity that aids in controlling/eliminating the pathogen. This process is controlled by the chemotactic movement of chemokines induced as a primary host immune response. We have also addressed that chemokine expressions during infection are time-dependent and orchestrated in a systematic pattern that ultimately assists in generating a protective immune response. Taken together, this review provides a systematic understanding of the complexity of chemokines profiles during protozoan disease conditions and the rationale of targeting chemokines for the development of therapeutic strategies.

Pathophysiology of Cerebral Malaria: Implications of MSCs as A Regenerative Medicinal Tool.

The severe form of malaria, i.e., cerebral malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, is a complex neurological syndrome. Surviving persons have a risk of behavioral difficulties, cognitive disorders, and epilepsy. Cerebral malaria is associated with multiple organ dysfunctions. The adhesion and accumulation of infected RBCs, platelets, and leucocytes (macrophages, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and monocytes) in the brain microvessels play an essential role in disease progression. Micro-vascular hindrance by coagulation and endothelial dysfunction contributes to neurological damage and the severity of the disease. Recent studies in human cerebral malaria and the murine model of cerebral malaria indicate that different pathogens as well as host-derived factors are involved in brain microvessel adhesion and coagulation that induces changes in vascular permeability and impairment of the blood-brain barrier. Efforts to alleviate blood-brain barrier dysfunction and de-sequestering of RBCs could serve as adjunct therapies. In this review, we briefly summarize the current understanding of the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria, the role of some factors (NK cells, platelet, ANG-2/ANG-1 ratio, and PfEMP1) in disease progression and various functions of Mesenchymal stem cells. This review also highlighted the implications of MSCs as a regenerative medicine.

MiRNA: Biological Regulator in Host-Parasite Interaction during Malaria Infection.

Malaria is a severe life-threatening disease caused by the bites of parasite-infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It remains a significant problem for the most vulnerable children and women. Recent research has helped establish the relationship between microRNAs (miRNAs) and many other diseases. MiRNAs are the class of small non-coding RNAs consisting of 18-23 nucleotides in length that are evolutionarily conserved and regulate gene expression at a post-transcriptional level and play a significant role in various molecular mechanisms such as cell survival, cell proliferation, and differentiation. MiRNAs can help detect malaria infection as the malaria parasite could alter the miRNA expression of the host. These alterations can be diagnosed by the molecular diagnostic tool that can indicate disease. We summarize the current understanding of miRNA during malaria infection. miRNAs can also be used as biomarkers, and initial research has unearthed their potential in diagnosing and managing various diseases such as malaria.

Brassica nigra essential oil: In-vitro and in-silico antibacterial efficacy against plant pathogenic and nitrifying bacteria.

The present study was aimed to examine the antibacterial potential of Brassica nigra essential oil (BNEO) against Ralstonia solanacearum, causal agent of bacterial wilt and Nitrosomonas sp., the nitrifying bacteria. In poisoned food assay, BNEO showed 100% growth inhibition of R. solancearum at ≥ 125 µg mL-1. Revalidation of findings by volatile assay employing inverted Petri plate technique exhibited 100% bacterial growth inhibition caused by vapors of BNEO, even at 50 µg mL-1 concentration. In the broth microdilution assay, the BNEO exhibited significant antibacterial activity only at higher concentrations (>500 µg mL-1). At 500 µg mL-1, BNEO showed 80% bacterial growth inhibition over control, which was at par with that of streptomycin (5 µg mL-1). In resazurin microtitre-plate assay, the maximum concentration of BNEO, at which color change occurred was 512 µg mL-1 (T9), and thus 512 µg mL-1 was concluded as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). BNEO effectively inhibited the activity of Nitrosomonas spp. with 30-65% nitrification inhibition at the dose of 400 mkg-1 of Urea-N. Homology modeled protein targets assisted computational tool-based novel analysis helped to understand that the antibacterial potency of BNEO is due to preferable binding efficiency of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), the major active ingredient of BNEO.

Deciphering the Behavioral Response of Meloidogyne incognita and Fusarium oxysporum Toward Mustard Essential Oil.

Environmental concerns related to synthetic pesticides and the emphasis on the adoption of an integrated pest management concept as a cardinal principle have strengthened the focus of global research and development on botanical pesticides. A scientific understanding of the mode of action of biomolecules over a range of pests is key to the successful development of biopesticides. The present investigation focuses on the in silico protein-ligand interactions of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), a major constituent of black mustard (Brassica nigra) essential oil (MEO) against two pests, namely, Meloidogyne incognita (Mi) and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol), that cause severe yield losses in agricultural crops, especially in vegetables. The in vitro bioassay results of MEO against Mi exhibited an exposure time dependent on the lethal concentration causing 50% mortality (LC50) values of 47.7, 30.3, and 20.4 µg ml-1 at 24, 48, and 72 h of exposure, respectively. The study revealed short-term nematostatic activity at lower concentrations, with nematicidal activity at higher concentrations upon prolonged exposure. Black mustard essential oil displayed excellent in vitro Fol mycelial growth inhibition, with an effective concentration to cause 50% inhibition (EC50) value of 6.42 µg ml-1. In order to decipher the mechanism of action of MEO, its major component, AITC (87.6%), which was identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), was subjected to in silico docking and simulation studies against seven and eight putative target proteins of Mi and Fol, respectively. Allyl isothiocyanate exhibited the highest binding affinity with the binding sites of acetyl cholinesterase (AChE), followed by odorant response gene-1 (ODR1) and neuropeptide G-protein coupled receptor (nGPCR) in Mi, suggesting the possible suppression of neurotransmission and chemosensing functions. Among the target proteins of Fol, AITC was the most effective protein in blocking chitin synthase (CS), followed by 2,3-dihydroxy benzoic acid decarboxylase (6m53) and trypsinase (1try), thus inferring these as the principal molecular targets of fungal growth. Taken together, the study establishes the potential of MEO as a novel biopesticide lead, which will be utilized further to manage the Mi-Fol disease complex.

Isolation, structural elucidation and in vitro antioxidant activity of compounds from chloroform extract of Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud.

This study was designed to isolate, characterise and explore in vitro antioxidant potential of compounds from the chloroform extract of Cedrus deodara wood belonging to Pinacae family. We have investigated the in vitro free radical scavenging activity of isolated compounds by measuring total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and reducing power ability. From the chloroform extract five sesquiterpenes namely atlantone, himaphenolone, atlantolone, deodardione and atlantone-2,3-diol were identified. Himaphenolone and deodardione from the chloroform extract of this plant have been isolated for the first time. A marked dose-dependent reducing power and strong TAC were found in favour of himaphenolone and atlantone-2,3-diol, respectively. Moreover, deodardione and atlantolone also exhibit good antioxidant potentials. However, atlantone has showed least antioxidant activity. In conclusion, the chloroform extract of C. deodara exhibited significant antioxidant potential mainly due to the presence of sesquiterpenes which may be responsible for various pharmacological activities of this plant.

Cognitive enhancement in aged mice after chronic administration of Cedrus deodara Loud. and Pinus roxburghii Sarg. with demonstrated antioxidant properties.

Cedrus deodara and Pinus roxburghii, plants mentioned in Indian literature, have been described to possess central nervous system effects and are used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat disorders of the mind. To investigate the memory-enhancing activity of volatile oil and chloroform extracts of C. deodara and P. roxburghii in the Morris water maze paradigm as well as evaluating their antioxidant properties. Aged albino mice were used to study the effect of oil and chloroform extracts on learning and memory by using the Morris water maze paradigm. The chloroform extract of C. deodara produced a significant decrease in escape latency over 7 days of training in both reference and working memory training in comparison to the control group. In the probe trial on day 8, mice in the chloroform extract of C. deodara group crossed the target area more often and spent more time in the target quadrant. Amongst the oils and extracts tested for oxidative stress parameters, only the chloroform extract of C. deodara at doses of 100 mg/kg produced a significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) with a simultaneous significant increase in the level of glutathione (GSH) in both the frontal cortex and hippocampus. The present findings indicate that the chloroform extract of C. deodara has the best memory-enhancing effect due to its strong antioxidant properties from compounds like terpenoids and flavonoids. The study provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of C. deodara in the management of memory dysfunction and related disorders.

In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial activity of Kutajghan vati - an Ayurvedic formulation.

The present investigation focuses to determine the antimicrobial potential of an Ayurvedic formulation Kutajghan vati. In this study the activity of this formulation was compared with the standard antibiotics like Amikacin and Norfloxacin. Ethanol, methanol and acetone extract of Kutajghan vati demonstrated good antimicrobial activity and thus can form the basis for the development of a novel antibacterial formulation.

Effect of leaf extract of Capparis zeylanica Linn. on spatial learning and memory in rats.

This study was designed to investigate the nootropic activity of Capparis zeylanica Linn. leaves in rats. The raw material of Capparis zeylanica leaves was successively extracted with petroleum ether and methanol using a Soxhlet apparatus and macerated to form an aqueous extract. The methanolic and aqueous extracts were evaluated for their effect on spatial learning and memory in rats using the Morris water maze task. Three doses (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg; p.o.) of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Capparis zeylanica were administered for 7 successive days to separate groups of animals. Results showed that both the extracts significantly enhanced memory, as shown by decrease in escape latency time. Furthermore, methanolic and aqueous extracts in all doses tested significantly increased the time spent in the target quadrant during the probe trial, indicating retention of spatial memory of the location of a previously placed platform in the target quadrant. These findings indicate that methanolic and aqueous extracts of Capparis zeylanica Linn. leaves have potent nootropic activity. The anti-oxidant property of Capparis zeylanica may contribute favorably to the memory enhancement effect. However, further studies are needed to identify the exact mechanism of action.

Antidiabetic activity of Passiflora incarnata Linn. in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The present study was designed to investigate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties of Passiflora incarnata Linn. leaves which are widely used as traditional treatment for diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The methanolic extracts of leaves of Passiflora incarnata were administered orally (100 and 200 mg/kg, for 15 days) to streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Hypoglycemic effects, oral glucose tolerance test, change in body weight and lipid profile of diabetic mice treated with methanolic extracts were assessed and compared with normal, diabetic control and standard drug treated mice. Histological examination during 15 days of treatment was also carried out. RESULTS: Methanolic extract (200 mg/kg) produced a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Significant differences were also observed in urine glucose level, oral glucose tolerance test, serum lipid profile and body weight of methanolic extract treated diabetic mice, when compared with diabetic, normal and standard drug treated mice. Histopathological studies of the pancreas showed comparable regeneration of the cells by extract which were earlier necrosed by streptozotocin. CONCLUSION: Methanolic extract of Passiflora incarnata exhibit significant anti-hyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activities in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice.

Preparation of Eudragit E100 microspheres by modified solvent evaporation method.

The objective of this investigation was to develop the hollow microspheres as a new dosage form of floating drug delivery system with prolonged stomach retention time. Hollow microspheres containing ranitidine hydrochloride were prepared by solvent evaporation method using Eudragit RLPO dissolved in a mixture of dichloromethane and ethanol. The maximum yield and drug loading amount of hollow microspheres were 88.45% and 80 +/- 4.0%, respectively. The in vitro release profiles showed that the drug release rate decreased with increasing viscosity of Eudragit RLPO, while diameter of hollow microspheres increased with the increase of drug polymer weight ratio. Hollow microspheres could prolong drug release time (approximately 24 h) and float over stimulate gastric fluid for more than 12 h. These results demonstrated that ranitidine HCl hollow microspheres were capable of sustained delivery of the drug for longer period with increased bioavailability.

Wound healing and antimicrobial potential of Carissa spinarum Linn. in albino mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Carissa spinarum Linn. (Apocynaceae), popularly known as Jungle karunda, has been traditionally used as wound healing agent. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate in vivo wound healing and antimicrobial properties of methanolic extract of Carissa spinarum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of methanolic extract of Carissa spinarum root extracted by cold maceration was evaluated on burn wound model in mice. The wound healing activity of 1% and 2.5% (w/w) extract was assessed by the rate of wound contraction, period of epithelization and hydroxyproline content. Histological study of the granulation tissue was carried out to know the extent of collagen formation in the wound tissue. The antimicrobial activity of extract was also studied against the bacterial and fungal strain using agar dilution method. RESULTS: The results showed that Carissa spinarum root extract has significant wound healing activity as evident from the rate of wound contraction and epithelization. Hydroxyproline expressions and histological parameters were also well correlated with the healing pattern observed. Methanolic extract also exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against all the tested microorganisms. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of Carissa spinarum in the management of wounds.

Gastric antisecretory and antiulcer activities of Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud. in Wistar rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud. is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat peptic ulcer. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the gastric antisecretory and antiulcer activity of Cedrus deodara. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The volatile oil extracted by steam distillation of Cedrus deodara wood was examined for its gastric antisecretory and antiulcer effect in the pylorus-ligated rat model and ethanol induced gastric lesions in rats. RESULTS: The volatile oil showed significant antisecretory activity as evidenced by decreased gastric fluid volume, total acidity, free acidity and increase in the pH of the gastric fluid in pylorus-ligated rats. Our studies also revealed that pretreatment with Cedrus deodara significantly reduced the number of ulcer, ulcer score and ulcer index in pylorus-ligated and ethanol treated rats. The antiulcer activity of Cedrus deodara is further supported by histopathological study which showed protection of mucosal layer from ulceration and inflammation. CONCLUSION: The present findings conclude that volatile oil of Cedrus deodara wood has potent antisecretory and antiulcer effects and justify the traditional usage of this herb to treat peptic ulcers.