Weslen Vedakumari Sathyaraj

Biogenic nanoparticles synthesized using medicinal plant extracts gain significant attention in the field of medicine. Current research reports about a simple, low cost, eco-friendly method to prepare silver nanoparticles (SNPs) using the leaf extract of Plectranthus amboinicus. UV-Visible spectroscopic analysis showed a surface plasmon resonance peak of synthesized SNPs at 410 nm. SNPs had an average hydrodynamic diameter of 111.5 nm with a zeta potential value of –19.4 mV. FTIR spectroscopic measurement revealed the characteristic peaks of SNPs. Electron microscopic analysis showed spherical-shaped nanoparticles. The potency of SNPs as a calorimetric biosensor was evaluated using its ability in detecting triethylamine (TEA)—a toxic organic solvent. A drastic change in color (pale yellow → dark black) was observed when an SNPs was treated with varying concentrations (0.01 to 0.3 mM) of TEA. SNPs showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, the biosynthesized SNPs possessed efficient anticancer activity against B16F10 murine melanoma cells, which was evaluated using MTT, scratch wound, and live/dead cell assays. These results prove that SNPs can serve as biosensors and antibacterial and anticancer agents for industrial and biomedical applications.

Biosensors are devices that quantify biologically significant information required for diverse applications, such as disease diagnosis, food safety, drug discovery and detection of environmental pollutants. Recent advancements in microfluidics, nanotechnology and electronics have led to the development of novel implantable and wearable biosensors for the expedient monitoring of diseases such as diabetes, glaucoma and cancer. Glaucoma is an ocular disease which ranks as the second leading cause for loss of vision. It is characterized by the increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) in human eyes, which results in irreversible blindness. Currently, the reduction of IOP is the only treatment used to manage glaucoma. However, the success rate of medicines used to treat glaucoma is quite minimal due to their curbed bioavailability and reduced therapeutic efficacy. The drugs must pass through various barriers to reach the intraocular space, which in turn serves as a major challenge in glaucoma treatment. Rapid progress has been observed in nano-drug delivery systems for the early diagnosis and prompt therapy of ocular diseases. This review gives a deep insight into the current advancements in the field of nanotechnology for detecting and treating glaucoma, as well as for the continuous monitoring of IOP. Various nanotechnology-based achievements, such as nanoparticle/nanofiber-based contact lenses and biosensors that can efficiently monitor IOP for the efficient detection of glaucoma, are also discussed.

Diabetic wounds are one of the serious, non-healing, chronic health issues faced by individuals suffering from diabetic mellitus. The distinct phases of wound healing are either prolonged or obstructed, resulting in the improper healing of diabetic wounds. These injuries require persistent wound care and appropriate treatment to prevent deleterious effects such as lower limb amputation. Although there are several treatment strategies, diabetic wounds continue to be a major threat for healthcare professionals and patients. The different types of diabetic wound dressings that are currently used differ in their properties of absorbing wound exudates and may also cause maceration to surrounding tissues. Current research is focused on developing novel wound dressings incorporated with biological agents that aid in a faster rate of wound closure. An ideal wound dressing material must absorb wound exudates, aid in the appropriate exchange of gas, and protect from microbial infections. It must support the synthesis of biochemical mediators such as cytokines, and growth factors that are crucial for faster healing of wounds. This review highlights the recent advances in polymeric biomaterial-based wound dressings, novel therapeutic regimes, and their efficacy in treating diabetic wounds. The role of polymeric wound dressings loaded with bioactive compounds, and their in vitro and in vivo performance in diabetic wound treatment are also reviewed.