Browsing by Author "Megha, KB"

Now showing 1 - 15 of 15
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    3D printed arrowroot starch-gellan scaffolds for wound healing applications
    (International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024-03) Abey, J; Fathah, M; Athira, SV; Joseph, X; Megha, KB; Akash, K; Nigina, G; Mohanan, PV; Baiju, GN
    Skin, the largest organ in the body, blocks the entry of environmental pollutants into the system. Any injury to this organ allows infections and other harmful substances into the body. 3D bioprinting, a state-of-the-art technique, is suitable for fabricating cell culture scaffolds to heal chronic wounds rapidly. This study uses starch extracted from Maranta arundinacea (Arrowroot plant) (AS) and gellan gum (GG) to develop a bioink for 3D printing a scaffold capable of hosting animal cells. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) prove that the isolated AS is analogous to commercial starch. The cell culture scaffolds developed are superior to the existing monolayer culture. Infrared microscopy shows the AS-GG interaction and elucidates the mechanism of hydrogel formation. The physicochemical properties of the 3D-printed scaffold are analyzed to check the cell adhesion and growth; SEM images have confirmed that the AS-GG printed scaffold can support cell growth and proliferation, and the MTT assay shows good cell viability. Cell behavioral and migration studies reveal that cells are healthy. Since the scaffold is biocompatible, it can be 3D printed to any shape and structure and will biodegrade in the requisite time.
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    Assessment of Inflammatory Response on Pyrogenic Induction by In vitro and In vivo Methods
    (Biointerface Research in Applied Chemistry, 2022-01) Prajitha, N; Megha, KB; Mohanan, PV
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    Blood brain barrier-on-a-chip to model neurological diseases
    (Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 2023-02) Reshma, S; Megha, KB; Amir, S; Rukhiya, S; Mohanan, PV
    The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a vital and unique multi-dimensional selective barrier that helps maintain brain homeostasis. BBB is a complex and dynamic structure responsible for regulating the transport of ions and molecules. BBB contains several transporter proteins and tight junctions (TJs) that control the passage of nutrients, while protecting the brain from hazardous toxins and pathogens. Neurological diseases are the primary cause of disability and are considered the second-largest cause of death. BBB dysfunction reduce blood flow and will also permit the entry of toxic substances, and microbial agents in to the brain. This impairment of BBB has been associated with various neurodegenerative diseases. In vitro models that can provide an accurate and deep understanding of neurological disease progression and drug discovery are excellent options.Advancement in microfluidic in vitro models opened new opportunities to study human cell behaviour relative to physiological importance.The limitation of both static transwell and conventional in vitro models was addressed by developing a microfluidic BBB. The microfluidic system showed a close resemblance to the BBB in vivo. The neuronal transport processes and neurogenesis mechanism was well understood with simple neuronal networks. More complex three-dimensional models with multiple cell types, such as Organ on-chip systems, enabled a new platform for a better understanding of the disease and mimicking the physiological conditions. The structure of the blood-brain barrier, conventional models used to model BBB, recent developments in the BBB model using microfluidic technology and the relevance of microfluidic technology in neurological disease modeling is portrayed through this review.
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    Cascade of immune mechanism and consequences of inflammatory disorders
    (Phytomedicine, 2021-10) Megha, KB; Joseph, X; Akhil, V; Mohanan, PV
    Inflammatory responses arise as an outcome of tissues or organs exposure towards harmful stimuli like injury, toxic chemicals or pathogenic microorganism. It is a complex cascade of immune mechanism to overcome from tissue injury and to initiate the healing process by recruiting various immune cells, chemical mediators such as the vasoactive peptides and amines, pro-inflammatory cytokines, eicosanoids and acute-phase proteins to prevent tissue damage and ultimately complete restoration of the tissue function. The cytokines exhibits a central function in communication between the cells, inflammatory response initiation, amplification and their regulation. This review covers the importance of inflammatory responses; the significance of cytokines in inflammation and numerous inflammatory disorders/ailments due to the abrupt expression of cytokines and the hyper-inflammatory response or cytokine storm associated with poor prognosis in COVID-19 pandemic. Also highlighting the importance of naturally derived anti-inflammatory metabolites to overcome the side-effects of currently prevailing anti-inflammatory drugs.
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    Cellular consequences triggered by ketamine on exposure to human glioblastoma epithelial (LN-229) cells
    (J Biochem Mol Toxicol, 2023-07) Megha, KB; Mohanan, PV
    Ketamine is generally a noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist that interrelates with various other receptors, contributing to a wide range of actions. They are mainly approved as a general anesthetic, but a low dose of ketamine is applied for pain management, depression, and as analgesics. However, there is a significant concern regarding the long-term usage as antidepressants and as an abused drug. The study mainly aims to exhibit the possible long-term side effects of ketamine as an antidepressant and in recreational users. The study explores the in vitro cytotoxicity revealed on LN-229 cells in a dose-dependent manner. According to the cell viability assays, there is a dose-dependent response toward ketamine. Morphological and nuclear integrity was changed on exposure and assessed using Giemsa, Rhodamine phalloidin, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), and Acridine orange staining. The apoptotic cell death marked by nuclear condensation, Lactate dehydrogenase leakage, pro-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin [IL]-β) release, and inhibition of cell migration was observed. The study highlights the importance of nonanesthetic usage of ketamine, which can lead to severe adverse side effects on long-term exposure rather than a single exposure as an anesthetic agent.
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    Comprehensive Risk Assessment of Infection Induced by SARS-CoV-2
    (Mol Neurobiol, 2023-10) Megha, KB; Reshma, S; Amir, S; Ajai Krishnan, MJ; Shimona, A; Alka, R; Mohanan, PV
    The pandemic COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which devastated the global economy and healthcare system. The infection caused an unforeseen rise in COVID-19 patients and increased the mortality rate globally. This study gives an overall idea about host-pathogen interaction, immune responses to COVID-19, recovery status of infection, targeted organs and complications associated, and comparison of post-infection immunity in convalescent subjects and non-infected individuals. The emergence of the variants and episodes of COVID-19 infections made the situation worsen. The timely introduction of vaccines and precautionary measures helped control the infection's severity. Later, the population that recovered from COVID-19 grew significantly. However, understanding the impact of healthcare issues resulting after infection is paramount for improving an individual's health status. It is now recognised that COVID-19 infection affects multiple organs and exhibits a broad range of clinical manifestations. So, post COVID-19 infection creates a high risk in individuals with already prevailing health complications. The identification of post-COVID-19-related health issues and their appropriate management is of greater importance to improving patient's quality of life. The persistence, sequelae and other medical complications that normally last from weeks to months after the recovery of the initial infection are involved with COVID-19. A multi-disciplinary approach is necessary for the development of preventive measures, techniques for rehabilitation and strategies for clinical management when it comes to long-term care.
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    Cytocompatibility of Pluronics F-127 on adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549 cells)
    (Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2022-05) Megha, KB; Swathi, S; Joseph, X; Vandana, U; Mohanan, PV
    Pluronics, due to its high water-soluble and thermoreversible ability, attracted much in biomedical applications. They are mainly utilized in drug delivery, gene therapy, and tissue remodeling. The study aims to explore the cytocompatibility of Pluronics F-127, which has gained much popularity due to its various properties. The cells were exposed to varying concentrations of Pluronics F-127 in A549 cells for 24 h. According to the MTT and neutral red assay, A549 cells displayed dose-dependent cell viability. The cell's morphology was preserved after treatment, as seen in phase-contrast and Giemsa staining. When exposed to PF-127, lysosomal, cytoskeletal, and nuclear integrity were maintained. The percentage of live cells in all the treated groups was more significant than 90%, according to the live/dead flow cytometric analyses. The study identified the cytocompatibility of Pluronics F-127 required for the breakthrough in biomedical applications.
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    Development of a 3D multifunctional collagen scaffold impregnated with peptide LL-37 for vascularised bone tissue regeneration
    (Int J Pharm., 2024-01) Megha, KB; Syama, S; Sangeetha, VP; Vandana, U; Oyane, A; Mohanan, PV
    Bone is a highly dynamic connective tissue that provides structural support, locomotion and acts as a shield for many vital organs from damage. Bone inherits the ability to heal after non-severe injury. In case of severe bone abnormalities due to trauma, infections, genetic disorders and tumors, there is a demand for a scaffold that can enhance bone formation and regenerate the lost bone tissue. In this study, a 3D collagen scaffold (CS) was functionalized and assessed under in vitro and in vivo conditions. For this, a collagen scaffold coated with hydroxyapatite (Ap-CS) was developed and loaded with a peptide LL-37. The physico-chemical characterisation confirmed the hydroxyapatite coating on the outer and inner surfaces of Ap-CS. In vitro studies confirmed that LL-37 loaded Ap-CS promotes osteogenic differentiation of human osteosarcoma cells without showing significant cytotoxicity. The efficacy of the LL-37 loaded Ap-CS for bone regeneration was evaluated at 4 and 12 weeks post-implantation by histopathological and micro-CT analysis in rabbit femur defect model. The implanted LL-37 loaded Ap-CS facilitated the new bone formation at 4 weeks compared with Ap-CS without LL-37. The LL-37 loaded Ap-CS incorporating apatite and peptide LL-37 would be useful as a multifunctional scaffold for bone tissue engineering.
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    Environmental impact of microplastics and potential health hazards
    (Critical Reviews in Biotechnology, 2024-06) Megha, KB; Anvitha, D; Parvathi, S; Neeraj, A; Sonia, J; Mohanan, PV
    Microscopic plastic (microplastic) pollutants threaten the earth’s biodiversity and ecosystems. As a result of the progressive fragmentation of oversized plastic containers and products or manufacturing in small sizes, microplastics (particles of a diameter of 5 mm with no lower limit) are used in medicines, personal care products, and industry. The incidence of microplastics is found everywhere in the air, marine waters, land, and even food that humans and animals consume. One of the greatest concerns is the permanent damage that is created by plastic waste to our fragile ecosystem. The impossibility of the complete removal of all microplastic contamination from the oceans is one of the principal tasks of our governing body, research scientists, and individuals. Implementing the necessary measures to reduce the levels of plastic consumption is the only way to protect our environment. Cutting off the plastic flow is the key remedy to reducing waste and pollution, and such an approach could show immense significance. This review offers a comprehensive exploration of the various aspects of microplastics, encompassing their composition, types, properties, origins, health risks, and environmental impacts. Furthermore, it delves into strategies for comprehending the dynamics of microplastics within oceanic ecosystems, with a focus on averting their integration into every tier of the food chain.
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    Insights into cellular initeractions of characterised Mg-Al Layered Double Hydroxide on L929 cells
    (Materials Chemistry and Physics, 2024-09) Megha, KB; Aneeta, S; .Joseph, X; Abey, J; Baiju. GN; Mohanan, PV
    Layered double hydroxides are members of an anionic clay family, characterised by unique two-dimensional layered structures and lend versatility in various applications. These biocompatible compounds have the potential to get intercalated with biological compounds and physico-chemically adsorbed onto organic molecules. Thus, making them important candidates for pharmaceutical and biomedical purposes. This study aims to synthesise, characterise and investigate the cellular toxicity interactions of Mg–Al LDH towards the mouse fibroblast L929 cell line. The Mg–Al LDH was synthesized by a meticulous process of co-precipitation followed by the hydrothermal method to ensure a well-defined and stable structure for suitable biological application. Characterisation techniques like Dynamic Light Scattering, Zeta potential, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray diffraction analysis were employed to provide deeper insights into the physiochemical properties and structural integrity of the synthesized Mg–Al LDH. The investigation of cellular interactions with the L929 fibroblast cell line served to assess the biocompatibility and potential cytotoxic effects of Mg–Al LDH. This was observed by assessing the morphological changes and evaluating the cytotoxic effects of Mg–Al LDH by utilising various techniques like phase contrast microscopy, fluorescent staining, and Giemsa staining. The cellular metabolic activity was assessed by MTT assay, and the subcellular lysosomal alteration was examined using the fluorescent staining method by the acridine orange staining. The dose-dependent response observed in the cellular interaction underscores the importance of dosage considerations for potential biomedical applications. By elucidating the dose-response relationship, this study contributes valuable information for the safe and effective usage of LDH in biomedical contexts.
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    Investigation of interleukin-1 beta release from cryopreserved blood stimulated with endotoxin
    (CRYOBIOLOGY, 2011)
    The feasibility of an indigenously developed ELISA method to determine cytokine response to wide spectrum of pyrogenic stimuli utilizing fresh human whole blood is limited by the availability of healthy donors. The possibility of using cryopreservation of pooled human blood for detection of cytokine response to lipopolysaccharide is explored in this study. The effect of cryopreservation on blood parameters, cellular morphology and cytokine response were compared with that of the pooled fresh blood and cryopreserved blood from single and multiple donors. In vitro pyrogenic stimulation with 0.5 and 5 EU of LPS was monitored on fresh and cryopreserved pooled blood from single and multiple donors. The release of IL-1 beta was quantitated by Sandwich ELISA (1, 10, 25,45 and 75 days) after storage. The results indicated that the cryopreserved blood displayed enhanced IL-1 beta release on stimulation with LPS, when compared to fresh blood. The maximum release of IL-1 beta level was observed at 2 h when 5 EU of LPS was treated with pooled fresh blood which is similar to that of fresh blood. After 75 days storage of pooled cryopreserved blood the IL-1 beta release was maximum at 9 and 15 h when treated with 5 and 0.5 EU of LPS. Observations of the study suggest that cryopreserved pooled blood is an economically and experimentally viable alternative to fresh blood. This investigative study promises short term storage and regular supply of non-allergic, pathogen free human blood for the detection of interleukin-1 beta for the evaluation of in vitro pyrogenicity. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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    The Response of Hydroxychloroquine for Covid-19
    (Pharmacology and Toxicology., 2021-07) Joseph, X; Akhil, V; Megha, KB; Mohanan, PV
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    Role of immunoglobulin and antibodies in disease management
    (2021-02) Megha, KB; Mohanan, PV
    The immune system is a highly advanced and coordinated mechanism that allows a living organism to distinguish between "self" and "non-self". The host uses both innate and adaptive immune response mechanisms to identify and eliminate pathogenic microorganisms. Human immunoglobulin is the prominently used blood product in the clinical practice. Immunoglobulin applications have improved rapidly due to the exploration of its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. This made this blood product into a precious and advanced tool in the treatment of numerous disease conditions which are linked with humoral immune deficiency or that cause immune system dysfunction. Human immunoglobulin (Ig) is used for Ig replacement therapy in both primary and secondary immunodeficiency conditions, for prevention and treatment of certain infections. It also acts as an immunomodulatory agent for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Therapeutic antibodies have been successfully used for the treatment of diverse pathological conditions. Drug development programs exclusively select highly specific antibodies that recognize a single disease-associated target. Hopefully this review will give an insight towards the immune system, the involvement of the specialized immune cells, their products and involvement in various immune disorders and pathological conditions.
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    Significance of Melatonin in the Regulation of Circadian Rhythms and Disease Management
    (Mol Neurobiol., 2024-01) Megha, KB; Arathi, A; Shikha, S; Alka, R; Ramya, P; Mohanan, PV
    Melatonin, the ‘hormone of darkness’ is a neuronal hormone secreted by the pineal gland and other extra pineal sites. Responsible for the circadian rhythm and seasonal behaviour of vertebrates and mammals, melatonin is responsible for regulating various physiological conditions and the maintenance of sleep, body weight and the neuronal activities of the ocular sites. With its unique amphiphilic structure, melatonin can cross the cellular barriers and elucidate its activities in the subcellular components, including mitochondria. Melatonin is a potential scavenger of oxygen and nitrogen-reactive species and can directly obliterate the ROS and RNS by a receptor-independent mechanism. It can also regulate the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in various pathological conditions and exhibit therapeutic activities against neurodegenerative, psychiatric disorders and cancer. Melatonin is also found to show its effects on major organs, particularly the brain, liver and heart, and also imparts a role in the modulation of the immune system. Thus, melatonin is a multifaceted candidate with immense therapeutic potential and is still considered an effective supplement on various therapies. This is primarily due to rectification of aberrant circadian rhythm by improvement of sleep quality associated with risk development of neurodegenerative, cognitive, cardiovascular and other metabolic disorders, thereby enhancing the quality of life.
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    Vaccine and vaccination as a part of human life: In view of COVID-19
    (Biotechnology Journal, 2021-10) Megha, KB; Nayar, SA; Mohanan, PV
    Background: Vaccination created a great breakthrough toward the improvement to the global health. The development of vaccines and their use made a substantial decrease and control in infectious diseases. The abundance and emergence of new vaccines has facilitated targeting populations to alleviate and eliminate contagious pathogens from their innate reservoir. However, along with the infections like malaria and HIV, effective immunization remains obscure and imparts a great challenge to science. Purpose and scope: The novel Corona virus SARS-CoV-2 is the reason for the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic in the human global population, in the first half of 2019. The need for establishing a protected and compelling COVID-19 immunization is a global prerequisite to end this pandemic. Summary and conclusion: The different vaccine technologies like inactivation, attenuation, nucleic acid, viral vector, subunit, and viral particle based techniques are employed to develop a safe and highly efficient vaccine. The progress in vaccine development for SARS-CoV2 is much faster in the history of science. Even though there exist of lot of limitations, continuous efforts has put forward so as to develop highly competent and effective vaccine for many human and animal linked diseases due to its unlimited prospective. This review article focuses on the historical outlook and the development of the vaccine as it is a crucial area of research where the life of the human is saved from various potential diseases.