The aim of this study was to examine the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of functionalized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites. The biocompatibility of the LDH-based nanocomposites of thiosulphate PVC (TS-PVC), thiourea PVC (TU-PVC) and sulphite PVC (S-PVC) was assessed via haemolysis and thrombogenicity tests followed by the analysis of cellular adhesion and proliferation. The MTT assay was performed on cells in direct contact with the polymeric nanocomposites to evaluate the side effects of the biomaterials. The cellular morphology of mouse mesenchymal stem cells was also analyzed after incubation with direct contact with the functionalized polymer nanocomposites for different time periods. Although the results of the haemolysis test displayed a positive influence of LDH on the functionalized PVC compared to the neat PVC, the thrombogenic property was observed to be notably decreased, which indicated improved blood compatibility. The resulting LDH samples were also studied for their performance via fluorescence imaging of cells after incubation with the materials. The LDH-based polymers exhibited an excellent level of cytocompatibility, which validates their use as biomaterials. PVC-TU/LDH-2 and PVC-S-2 were found to be notably less cytotoxic for the tested cell type. Also, the cells were found to adhere better to the entire PVC-S/LDH nanocomposite surface. The cytotoxicity test also revealed that the PVC-TU/LDH and PVC-S/LDH nanocomposites exhibited similar responses. The fluorescence-based image analysis showed that cells were spread much more on the polymer surface containing a higher LDH weight percentage. Overall, this study provides a benchmark for the biocompatibility properties of PVC/LDH nanocomposites, which may be useful for numerous applications in the biomedical and related areas.
1 October 2020 in Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
Amoora rohituka is described in Ayurveda, an Indian traditional system of medicine for management of disorders of blood, diseases of eye, helminthiasis disease, ulcer, liver disorders and splenomegaly. However, the leaves were not reported to have anticancer properties till date. This study was carried out to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of leaf extracts of Amoora rohituka. The leaves powder was macerated in petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol and evaluated their anticancer activities in vitro. The phytochemical constituents of the active (ethyl acetate) extract were screened by FTIR analysis and phytochemical screening methods. The ethyl acetate extract (RLEA) showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, saponins and terpenoids. The RLEA exhibited high cytotoxic effect against human breast cancer cells, MCF-7 (IC50 = 9.81 μg/mL) and induced apoptosis by altering nuclear morphology and DNA laddering. Wound healing assays explained the potency of extract to decrease the cell migration. The extract of Amoora rohituka leaves exhibited anticancer activity with less toxicity and it could be used for development of alternative drugs in the treatment of human breast cancer.
Glucose monitoring is essential for managing diabetes, and continuous glucose monitoring biosensors can offer real-time monitoring with little invasiveness. However, challenges remain in improving sensor accuracy, selectivity, and overall performance. This article aims to review current trends and recent advancements in glucose-monitoring biosensors while evaluating their benefits and limitations for diabetes monitoring. An analysis of current literature on transdermal glucose sensors was conducted, focusing on detection techniques, novel nanomaterials, and integrated sensor systems. Recent research has led to advancements in electrochemical, optical, electromagnetic, and sonochemical sensors for transdermal glucose detection. The use of novel nanomaterials and integrated sensor designs has improved sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy. However, issues like calibration requirements, motion artifacts, and skin irritation persist. Transdermal glucose sensors show promise for non-invasive, convenient diabetes monitoring but require further enhancements to address limitations in accuracy, reliability, and biocompatibility. Continued research and innovation focusing on sensor materials, designs, and surface chemistry is needed to optimize biosensor performance and utility. The study offers a comprehensive analysis of the present status of technological advancement and highlights areas that need more research.
The field of drug discovery has long been challenged by the existence of "undruggable" proteins - targets that have resisted traditional small molecule approaches due to their structural or functional characteristics. This review explores the revolutionary potential of small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology in addressing these elusive targets, marking a paradigm shift in therapeutic development. We discuss the historical development of siRNA technology and its unique mechanism of action, which allows for the silencing of virtually any gene, including those coding for proteins previously deemed undruggable. The review provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges in targeting undruggable proteins and how siRNA approaches are overcoming these obstacles. We examine several case studies of undruggable targets being successfully addressed by siRNA, including oncogenic proteins like KRAS and c-Myc, transcription factors such as NF-κB and STAT3, and proteins involved in complex protein-protein interactions. The article delves into the latest advances in siRNA design, delivery systems, and targeting strategies, highlighting innovations that enhance specificity and reduce off-target effects. We also discuss the challenges facing siRNA therapeutics, including delivery obstacles, potential immune responses, and regulatory considerations. The review concludes with an exploration of future directions, including combination therapies, personalized medicine approaches, and emerging technologies that complement siRNA strategies. By providing a thorough examination of the advances, challenges, and prospects of using siRNA to target undruggable proteins, this review underscores the transformative potential of this technology in expanding the landscape of therapeutic targets and ushering in a new era of precision medicine.
Semecarpus anacardium L.f. has been commonly used in various traditional medicines from ancient times. The nuts have been described in Ayurveda medication systems to treat numerous clinical ailments. However, isolating phytochemical constituents from nuts remain challenging and exhibits cytotoxic effects on other cells. In this study, we have standardized procedures for isolating phytochemicals from the leaf extract. The ethyl acetate leaf extract selectively affects cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner (IC50: 0.57 µg/ml in MCF-7 cells) in various cancer cell lines and induces apoptosis in cancer cells. However, the non-malignant cells were relatively insensitive to the extract. Next, the incubation of the leaf extract induces cell cycle arrest and suppresses cancer cell migration in the cell culture model. Moreover, oral administration of extract significantly restored tumor growth in mice. Together, these observations suggest the anti-cancer activities of S. anacardium L.f. leaf potential for both in vitro and in vivo models. Graphical Abstract