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Item Fabrication and Characterization of Soy Protein/Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Composite Membrane for Guided Tissue Regeneration(Regenerative Engineering and Translational Medicine, 2024-10) Saranya, CV; Bridget Jeyatha, W; Deepu, DR; Bhatt, A; Lizymol, PPPurpose Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that damages the periodontal tissue and leads to tooth loss. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a membrane-based method that prevents the down growth of epithelial and fibroblast cells and gradually restores the periodontal tissues. Currently, collagen membranes exist as the top choice in the field of GTR membranes. However, disease transmission, poor mechanical strength and unpredictable degradation limit its use. The main aim of the study is to fabricate a soy protein–based GTR membrane with good mechanical properties, cell barrier function, and cytocompatibility. Methods Soy protein isolate (SPI) was extracted from the seeds of Glycine max, and the membranes (SPG-1, SPG-2, and SPG-3) were fabricated using SPI, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and glycerol (Gly) by aqueous solution casting method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle, swelling analysis, and degradation studies of the membranes were carried out. Human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells were used for the direct contact test, MTT assay, live-dead, cell adhesion, and membrane barrier function experiments. Results SPG-1 membrane exhibited a rough surface and significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower contact angle (68°) than SPG-3. SPG-1 showed a lower swelling (74.03%) and weight loss percentage (42.13%) (p ≤ 0.001) than SPG-2 and SPG-3. SPG-1 membrane exhibited significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher tensile strength of 5.7 MPa and suture pull-out strength of 9.04 N when compared with SPG-2 and SPG-3. SPG membranes were non-cytotoxic, cyto-compatible, and prevented the down growth of fibroblast cells. Conclusion SPG-1 membranes with 50% SPI stand out as a best candidate than other SPG membranes with better physiochemical properties. It favoured the growth and proliferation of hPDL cells and exhibited barrier properties. Lay Summary Periodontitis is a disease that affects the structure and function of the periodontal tissues, leading to teeth loss. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a widely accepted treatment using a barrier membrane. Three different composite GTR membranes of soy protein, polyvinyl alcohol, and glycerol were fabricated by the solvent casting method by varying the amount of soy protein isolate. Physiochemical characterization and in vitro studies with human periodontal ligament cells and fibroblast cells demonstrated the suitability of the material for periodontal defect management.Item Biocompatible InP/ZnSeS quantum dots/MXene composite as highly sensitive electrochemical sensors for carbendazim pesticide(Applied Surface Science, 2024-11) Sharma, TSK; Jana, J; Sivaselvam, S; Babu, B; Jayasree, RS; Mishra, Y; Hur, SH; Choi, WMIn this study, we prepared InP/ZnSeS QDs anchored on MXene hybrid composite (IZQ-MX) for precise electrochemical sensing of carbendazim (CBZ) pesticide in food and environmental samples. The resulting electrochemical detection of CBZ exhibited a wide linear range of 0.019–527.6 μM, with a low detection limit of 14.59 nM and high sensitivity of 9.9026 µA·µM−1·cm−2. The environmental safety of IZQ-MX composite was further studied using in-vitro and in-vivo model. In L929 cells, exposure to IZQ-MX (0–100 nM) did not induce any significant change in cell viability, intracellular ROS generation and morphological changes. The exposure to IZQ-MX (0–200 nM) in C. elegans has also no significant change in primary and secondary endpoints of nematodes, neuronal development, DAF-16/FOXO and SKN-1/Nrf-2 transcription factors regulating the antioxidant genes. Environmental safety assessment of the IZQ-MX composite was performed using in-vitro and in-vivo models which demonstrated excellent biocompatibility. This work demonstrated the potential of IZQ-MX as significant electrocatalyst in sensitive and selective detection of CBZ for practical applications.Item Nitrogen doped carbon quantum dots for bioimaging and detection of norfloxacin residues in food samples(Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 2024-07) Sivaselvam, S; Anjana, RS; Dhujana, NS; Victor, M; Jayasree, RSIncomplete metabolism and non-biodegradable nature of norfloxacin (NORx) lead to its persistent residues in the environment and food, potentially fostering the emergence of antibiotic resistance and posing a significant threat to public health. Hence, we developed a norfloxacin sensor employing hydrothermally synthesized N-doped carbon dots (N-Ch-CQDs) from chitosan and PEI demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity towards the antibiotic detection. The quantum yield of excitation-dependent emission of N-Ch-CQDs was effectively tuned from 4.6 to 21.5% by varying the concentration of PEI (5–15%). With the enhanced fluorescence in the presence of norfloxacin, N-Ch-CQDs exhibited a linear detection range of 20–1400 nM with a limit of detection (LoD) of 9.3 nM. The high biocompatibility of N-Ch-CQDs was confirmed in the in vitro and in vivo model and showed the environment-friendly nature of the sensor. Detailed study elucidated the formation of strong hydrogen bonds between N-Ch-CQDs and NORx, leading to fluorescence enhancement. The developed sensor's capability to detect NORx was evaluated in water and milk samples. The recovery rate ranged from 98.5% to 103.5%, demonstrating the sensor's practical applicability. Further, the bioimaging potential of N-Ch-CQDs was demonstrated in both the in vitro (L929 cells) and in vivo model (C. elegans). The synergistic influence of the defecation pattern and functioning of intestinal barrier mitigates the translocation of N-Ch-CQDs into the reproductive organ of nematodes. This study revealed the bioimaging and fluorescent sensing ability of N-Ch-CQDs, which holds significant promise for extensive application in the biomedical field.Item Doxorubicin-Polysorbate 80 conjugates: targeting effective and sustained delivery to the brain(RSC pharmaceutics, 2024-05) Ram Prasad, S; Leena, SS; Deepthi, A; Resmi, AN; Jayasree, RS; Sandhya, KS; Jayakrishnan, ATargeting therapeutic agents to the brain to treat the central nervous system (CNS) diseases is a major challenge due to the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). In this study, an attempt was made to deliver a model drug such as doxorubicin (DOX) to the brain in a mice model through DOX-Polysorbate 80 (DOX-PS80) conjugates. DOX was successfully conjugated with the non-ionic surfactant Polysorbate 80 (PS80) by carbamate linkage and the conjugate was characterized by different spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR, UV-Visible and NMR. The DOX conjugation efficacy was found to be 43.69 ± 4.72 %. The in vitro cumulative release of DOX from the conjugates was found to be 4.9 ± 0.8 % in PBS of pH 7.3 and 3.9 ± 0.6 % in simulated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of pH 7.3 at the end of 10 days. In vitro BBB permeability assay was carried out using bEnd.3 cells and DOX-PS80 conjugate showed a 3-fold increase in BBB permeability compared to controls. In vitro cytotoxicity assay using U251 human glioblastoma cells showed an IC50 value of 38.10 µg/mL for DOX-PS80. Cell uptake studies revealed that DOX-PS80 was effectively taken up (90%) by the bEnd.3 and U251 cells and localized in cytoplasm at the end of 24 h. Tumor spheroid assay and in vivo experiments in Swiss albino mice demonstrated the possibility of DOX-PS80 conjugate crossing the BBB and delivering the drug molecules to the target site for treating CNS disorders.Item Can a mouth wash prevent atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke?(Cell Signaling, 2024-04) Lizymol, PPCan a mouth wash prevent atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke? Is it a joke/dream/possibility in future? The mini review points to the possibility of controlling atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke through proper oral hygiene, regular dental check-up, removing tooth decay, preventing dental plaque and gum diseases. A systematic and detailed survey/study of oral health conditions among the neuro/cardio patients may be useful in improving their health recovery. Maintaining good oral health with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are crucial for preventing gum diseases. Moreover, mouthwash can be a helpful component of oral hygiene. Daily use of proven natural materials such as 0.1% turmeric mouthwash or coconut oil can reduce the chance of gum diseases.Item 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, PVMicroscopic 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.Item Nanoarchitectonics of fluorescent gold nanoclusters: A platform for image guided photodynamic therapy of hypoxic tumor(Applied Materials Today, 2024-06) Resmi, AN; Sivaselvam, S; Papasouli, E; Kunnumpurathu, J; Praveen, CS; Koukaras, EN; Rerat, M; Karamanis, P; Jayasree, RSMetal nanoclusters are atomically precise materials comprising metal core of few atoms exhibiting unique photoluminescence properties, unlike their bigger counterparts. Some metal nanocluster with ligand-to-metal charge transfer, long-lived excited state and excited triplet state contribute to inherent photosensitizing (PS) property. However, the therapeutic efficacy of PDT is hindered by the insufficient oxygen supply (O2) in tumor microenvironment. In the present work, cysteine-capped gold nanocluster (AuC) are studied for their unique molecular architecture for PS efficiency. The co-existence of monodispersed and self-assembled structures contribute to the photoluminescence from the quantum confinement of electronic states and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) based PS property, respectively. In-silico model was performed to study the interaction of cysteine to gold cluster, its ground and excited-state properties and the charge transfer mechanism. The AuC as PS generates cytotoxic radicals in both Type I and Type II photodynamic pathways and the dominant radical species involved were elucidated by EPR spectroscopy. In vitro analysis in HeLa cells showed excellent biocompatibility and bioimaging properties. The intracellular ROS production and Live/Dead assay confirmed the generation of ROS in HeLa cells upon laser irradiation. The image-guided photodynamic property with synergistic Type I and Type II PDT reactions of AuC promises its potential application in cancer therapy in both hypoxic and normoxic conditionsItem 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, PVLayered 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.Item Low Reynolds number pressure-flow analysis across a valve: Comparison between three-point and multipoint gap functions with CFD results(NAFEMS International Journal of CFD Case Studies, 2023-11) Gopinathan, A; Vipin Dev, V; Jithu Raj, R; Subhash Kumar, MS; Sukanya, LJ; Muraleedharan, CVThe pressure-flow characteristics of a valve that are used in major medical and industrial applications depend on the structural properties of the valve components, properties of the fluid flowing across the valve as well as the profile of the bounding region ensured by the valve-plug (moving part of the valve) and valve-seating (fixed inlet port of valve). The pressure-flow behaviour is an important aspect as far as the design of the valve is considered. The pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the valve at a particular flow rate could either be estimated through the method of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) or mathematical analytical methods. An analytical model is being developed derived from the Navier Stokes equation in which the boundary profile equations contributed by valve-plug and valve-seating along with fluid properties were being used along with the fluid parameters. As part of the exercise, the gap function which is variation in distance between the plug and seating profile along the flow direction is derived. Two different methods which are a three-point method of circular arc extraction and multipoint method of polynomial curve extraction have been discussed in this paper for obtaining the gap function.Item Cadmium selenium quantum dot based nanosensor with femto molar level sensitivity for the detection of the pesticide endosulfan(Journal of Polymer Science and Engineering., 2024-01) Nair, LV; Nair. RV; Jayasree, RSEndosulfan (6,7,8,9,10,10-Hexachloro-1,5,5a,6,9,9a-hexahydro-6,9-methano-2,4,3-benzodioxathiepine-3-oxide) is an off-patent insecticide used in agricultural farms. Its usage as a pesticide has become highly controversial during the last decades. This is due to its reported hazardous nature to the health and side effects like growth retardation, hydrocephalus, and undesired changes in the male and female hormones leading to complications in sexual maturity. Endosulfan is the main culprit among all pesticide poisoning incidents around the world. Though the usage of this dreaded pesticide is banned by most countries, the high stability of this molecule to withstand degradation for a long period poses a threat to mankind even today. So, it has become highly essential to detect the presence of this poisonous pesticide in the drinking water and milk around these places. It is also advisable to check the presence of this toxic material in the blood of the population living in and around these places so that an early and appropriate management strategy can be adopted. With this aim, we have developed a sensor for endosulfan that displayed high selectivity and sensitivity among all other common analytes in water and biological samples, with a wide linear concentration range (2 fM to 2 mM), a low detection limit (2 fM), and rapid response. A citrate functionalized cadmium selenium quantum dot was used for this purpose, which showed a concentration-dependent fluorescence enhancement, enabling easy and sensitive sensing. This sensor was utilized to detect endosulfan in different sources of water, human blood serum and milk samples with good recoveries. It is also noted that the quantum dot forms a stable complex with endosulfan and is easy to separate it from the contaminated source, paving a solution for purifying the contaminated water. More detailed tests and validation of the sensor is needed to confirm these observations.Item 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, GNSkin, 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.Item 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, PVBone 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.Item 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, PVMelatonin, 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.Item Porphyrin and doxorubicin mediated nanoarchitectonics of copper clusters: a bimodal theranostics for cancer diagnosis and treatment in vitro(J Mater Chem B., 2024-01) Joseph, M; Rahman Pathiripparambath, MS; Thomas, V; Tharayil, H; Jayasree, RS; Nair, LVNanoarchitectonics, an emerging strategy, presents a promising alternative for developing highly efficient next-generation functional materials. Multifunctional materials developed using nanoarchitectonics help to mimic biological molecules. Porphyrin-based molecules can be effectively utilized to design such assemblies. Metal nanocluster is one of the functional materials that can shed more insight into developing nanoarchitectonic materials. Herein, an inherently near-infrared (NIR) fluorescing copper nanocluster (CuC)-mediated structural assembly via protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) and doxorubicin (Dox) is demonstrated as the functional material. Dox-loaded porphyrin-mediated CuC assembly shows singlet oxygen generation and 66% drug release at 15 min. Furthermore, the efficacy of this material is tested for cancer diagnosis and bimodal therapeutic strategy due to the fluorescing ability of the cluster and loading of PPIX as well as the drug, respectively. The nanoarchitecture exhibits targeted imaging and 83% cell death in HeLa cells upon laser irradiation with 10 nmoles and 20 nmoles of PPIX and Dox, respectively.Item Infrared Spectroscopy for Rapid Triage of Cancer Using Blood Derivatives: A Reality Check(Anal Chem., 2024-01) Nazeer, SS; Venkataraman, RK; Jayasree, RS; Bayry, JInfrared (IR) spectroscopy of serum/plasma represents an alluring molecular diagnostic tool, especially for cancer, as it can provide a molecular fingerprint of clinical samples based on vibrational modes of chemical bonds. However, despite the superior performance, the routine adoption of this technique for clinical settings has remained elusive. This is due to the potential confounding factors that are often overlooked and pose a significant barrier to clinical translation. In this Perspective, we summarize the concerns associated with various confounding factors, such as fluid sampling, optical effects, hemolysis, abnormal cardiovascular and/or hepatic functions, infections, alcoholism, diet style, age, and gender of a patient or normal control cohort, and improper selection of numerical methods that ultimately would lead to improper spectral diagnosis. We also propose some precautionary measures to overcome the challenges associated with these confounding factors.Item In Vitro Osteogenesis Study of Shell Nacre Cement with Older and Young Donor Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells(Bioengineering (Basel)., 2024-02) Wilson, BJ; Owston, HE; Iqbal, N; Giannoudis, PV; McGonagle, D; Pandit, H; Philipose Pampady kandathil, L; Jones, E; Ganguly, PBone void-filling cements are one of the preferred materials for managing irregular bone voids, particularly in the geriatric population who undergo many orthopedic surgeries. However, bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BM-MSCs) of older-age donors often exhibit reduced osteogenic capacity. Hence, it is crucial to evaluate candidate bone substitute materials with BM-MSCs from the geriatric population to determine the true osteogenic potential, thus simulating the clinical situation. With this concept, we investigated the osteogenic potential of shell nacre cement (SNC), a bone void-filling cement based on shell nacre powder and ladder-structured siloxane methacrylate, using older donor BM-MSCs (age > 55 years) and young donor BM-MSCs (age < 30 years). Direct and indirect cytotoxicity studies conducted with human BM-MSCs confirmed the non-cytotoxic nature of SNC. The standard colony-forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) assay and population doubling (PD) time assays revealed a significant reduction in the proliferation potential (p < 0.0001, p < 0.05) in older donor BM-MSCs compared to young donor BM-MSCs. Correspondingly, older donor BM-MSCs contained higher proportions of senescent, β-galactosidase (SA-β gal)-positive cells (nearly 2-fold, p < 0.001). In contrast, the proliferation capacity of older donor BM-MSCs, measured as the area density of CellTrackerTM green positive cells, was similar to that of young donor BM-MSCs following a 7-day culture on SNC. Furthermore, after 14 days of osteoinduction on SNC, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) showed that the amount of calcium and phosphorus deposited by young and older donor BM-MSCs on SNC was comparable. A similar trend was observed in the expression of the osteogenesis-related genes BMP2, RUNX2, ALP, COL1A1, OMD and SPARC. Overall, the results of this study indicated that SNC would be a promising candidate for managing bone voids in all age groups.Item Co-precipitation-hydrothermal mediated synthesis, characterization and toxicity evaluation of 2D Zn–Al LDHs in human osteoblast cells(J Mater Sc, 2023-11) Ashtami, J; Mohanan, PVLDHs, 2D (two-dimensional) clay material with memory effect clutches noteworthy properties like high surface area, ion-exchange capacity, tunable properties and possibility for wide elemental as well as anion combinations. A variety of LDHs are being explored for profuse applications including catalysis, absorbent material, flame retardants, drug delivery, polymer additives and bone regeneration. Recent research updates reveal the promising potential of LDHs in bone tissue engineering and are expected to grab a major hold in futuristic medicare. There have been tremendous efforts concentrated on fine-tuning the LDHs properties by controlling the growth parameters to improve its multi-functionality. In this study, an effort has been made to synthesize and characterize Zn–Al LDHs via the co-precipitation method with control over the nucleation and hydrothermal growth steps. The interactions of the fabricated Zn–Al LDHs with human osteoblast (HOS) cells were explored in the context of bone regeneration applications. The effect of Zn–Al LDHs on the mitochondrial function of HOS cells was examined. The study also evaluated the potential of LDHs to trigger apoptosis by using DNA fragmentation as the marker. The potential impact of positively charged LDHs on negatively charged DNA was also probed using the DNA laddering assay, as an audit on genotoxic potential.Item Prosthetics and orthotics for persons with movement disabilities in India in the postpandemic milieu(Prosthet Orthot Int, 2023-11) Prajapati, AK; Komath, M; Subhash, NNThe SARS-CoV-2 disease had a severe impact on global socioeconomic growth, and its harmful effects continue with virus mutation. Over the past 3 years, the pandemic has caused isolation, mental trauma, stress, financial losses, and various health complications in individuals. Recent reports have stressed the sufferings of the physically abled population. However, we should not neglect the challenges faced by the disabled population, which were more severe in many ways due to their dependency on others at various levels. The strategies implemented to contain the virus have further aggravated their sufferings and made it even worse because health care priorities were skewed toward public-centered care. As a result, it is difficult to determine the extent of care the disabled population received during the pandemic. Moreover, a single-centered study reports that amputations in India increased by 54.1% compared with those during the prepandemic era. This indicates the need for special attention to the physically disabled community, especially persons with movement disabilities. These individuals are partially dependent and have the potential to make significant contributions to the gross domestic product if included in the human resources pool. The Indian government had launched various initiatives to improve their living status. But delays in policy implementation, reduction in budget allocation, and the ongoing pandemic have derailed the efforts. For these reasons, this article emphasizes several challenges in movement disability care. In addition, it makes recommendations for improving the quality of life of persons with movement disabilities. These include collaboration, creating start-up businesses, applying state-of-the-art logistics, establishing a technological ecosystem, raising public awareness, accessing high-quality care, and using contemporary medical devices.Item 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, PVThe 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.Item Nanoarchitectonics of photothermal materials to enhance the sensitivity of lateral flow assays(Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology, 2023-10) Sarathkumar, S; Anjana, RS; Jayasree, RSLateral flow assays (LFAs) are currently the most widely used point-of-care testing technique with remarkable advantages such as simple operation, rapid analysis, portability, and low cost. Traditionally, gold nanoparticles are employed as tracer element in LFAs due to their strong localised surface plasmon resonance. However, this conventional LFA technique based on colorimetric analysis is neither useful to determine critical analytes with desired sensitivity, nor can it quantify the analytes. Various signal amplification strategies have been proposed to improve the sensitivity and the quantitative determination of analytes using LFAs. One of the promising strategies is to enhance the photothermal properties of nanomaterials to generate heat after light irradiation, followed by a temperature measurement to detect and quantify the analyte concentration. Recently, it has been observed that the nanoscale architecture of materials, including size, shape, and nanoscale composition, plays a significant role in enhancing the photothermal properties of nanomaterials. In this review, we discuss the nanoarchitectonics of nanomaterials regarding enhanced photothermal properties and their application in LFAs. Initially, we discuss various important photothermal materials and their classification along with their working principle. Then, we highlight important aspects of the nanoscale architecture (i.e., size, shape, and composition) to enable maximum light-to-heat conversion efficiency. Finally, we discuss some of the recent advances in photothermal LFAs and their application in detecting analytes.