Alyssum lepidium mucilage as a new source for electrospinning: production and physicochemical characterisation

The electrospinning technique was used for the nanofiber production of Alyssum lepidium mucilage with acetic acid and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer. Some parameters such as voltage, polymer concentration, tip‐to‐collector distance, and feed rate were optimised and applied for the fabrication of the nanofiber membranes of the seeds mucilage. The scanning electron microscopy images were used to find the optimised conditions for the electrospinning process. It was found that the aqueous solution of Alyssum mucilage/PVA (80:20), voltage (18 kV), polymer concentration (50%), tip‐to‐collector distance (10 cm) and feed rate (0.125 ml/h) could be successfully used to obtain uniform nanofibers with diameters as low as 139.9 nm. X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer analysis also proved the presence of the alyssum mucilage/PVA nanofiber. In this study, the used electrospun procedure was biodegradable, inexpensive, non‐toxic, and maintainable enough to optimise the mucilage nanofiber fabrication as a new source, thereby improving the potential application of the nanofiber biomembrane in filtration and medical systems with biocompatible and biodegradable properties.Inspec keywords: electrospinning, nanofibres, nanofabrication, polymer fibres, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectraOther keywords: Alyssum lepidium mucilage, electrospinning, physicochemical characterisation, nanofiber production, acetic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, PVA polymer, polymer concentration, tip‐to‐collector distance, feed rate, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer analysis, voltage 18 kV, distance 10 cm     

Bending behavior of mortar reinforced with steel meshes and polymeric fibers

The main purpose of this research was to study the effects of combining reinforcing steel meshes with discontinuous fibers as reinforcement in thin walled Portland cement based mortar beams. The term ‘thin’ implies thicknesses of less than about 25 mm. The underlying idea behind this combination is to satisfy the ultimate strength limit state through the steel mesh reinforcement (main reinforcement) and to control cracking under service loads through fiber reinforcement (secondary reinforcement).

An extensive experimental program with bending tests was undertaken. Specimens were 127 × 457 × 12.7 mm. The following variables were investigated: (a) the reference mesh size — 25.4 × 25.4 mm and 50.8 × 50.8 mm; (b) the transverse wire spacing — 25.4 mm, 50.8 mm, and no transverse wires; (c) the type of fibers — polyvinylalcohol (PVA) and polypropylene (PP); and (d) the fiber volume fraction — 1 and 2% for PVA fibers, and 0.5 and 1% for PP fibers.

Some of the main conclusions are: (a) for the same fiber volume fraction, the use of PVA fibers led to a better overall performance than that of PP fibers; (b) an increase in cracking moment and a decrease in crack spacing was observed when 1% PVA, 2% PVA, and 1% PP fibers were used; (c) when 0.5% PP fiber was used, no noticeable change in behavior was observed in comparison to specimens without fibers; and (d) for 1% PVA fibers the transverse wire spacing had little effect on the crack spacing and for 2% PVA fibers, the transverse wire had no influence.     

Trastuzumab‐conjugated nanoparticles composed of poly(butylene adipate‐co ‐butylene terephthalate) prepared by electrospraying technique for targeted delivery of docetaxel

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER‐2) is overexpressed in 20–30% of human breast cancers, associated with poor prognosis and tumour aggression. The aim of this study was the production of trastuzumab‐targeted Ecoflex nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with docetaxel and in vitro evaluation of their cytotoxicity and cellular uptake. The NPs were manufactured by electrospraying and characterised regarding size, zeta potential, drug loading, and release behaviour. Then their cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay against an HER‐2‐positive cell line, BT‐474, and an HER‐2‐negative cell line, MDA‐MB‐468. The cellular uptake was studied by flow cytometry and fluorescent microscope. The particle size of NPs was in an appropriate range, with relatively high drug entrapment and acceptable release efficiency. The results showed no cytotoxicity for the polymer, but the significant increment of cytotoxicity was observed by treatment with docetaxel‐loaded NPs in both HER‐2‐positive and HER‐2‐negative cell lines, in comparison with the free drug. The trastuzumab‐targeted NPs also significantly enhanced cytotoxicity against BT‐474 cells, compared with non‐targeted NPs.Inspec keywords: cancer, proteins, biomedical materials, nanofabrication, drug delivery systems, cellular biophysics, biological organs, nanomedicine, toxicology, tumours, nanoparticles, biomedical optical imaging, fluorescence, particle sizeOther keywords: human breast cancers, tumour aggression, trastuzumab‐targeted Ecoflex nanoparticles, cellular uptake, zeta potential drug loading, HER‐2‐positive cell line, HER‐2‐negative cell line, MDA‐MB‐468, particle size, trastuzumab‐conjugated nanoparticles, electrospraying technique, human epidermal growth factor receptor, cytotoxicity, nontargeted nanoparticles, butylene adipate‐co‐butylene terephthalate, trastuzumab‐targeted NP, docetaxel‐loaded NP     

Effect of novel blend nanofibrous scaffolds on diabetic wounds healing

Chitosan‐poly (vinyl alcohol) (Cs: PVA) (2:3) and poly (caprolactone)‐chitosan‐poly (vinyl alcohol) (PCL: Cs: PVA) (2:1:1.5) nanofibrous blend scaffolds were fabricated using the electrospinning technique in the authors’ previous studies. The results of the previous studies confirmed the high biological properties of the scaffolds and their ability in healing of burn and excision wounds on rat model. In the present study, the biological scaffolds were applied on diabetic dorsum skin wounds and diabetic foot wound on rat models (n = 16). Macroscopic and microscopic investigations were carried out using digital images and haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining respectively, to measure the wound areas and to track wound healing rate. It was found that at all time points the areas of wounds treated with nanofibrous scaffolds were smaller compared with the controls. Pathological results showed much better healing efficacy for the test samples compared with the control ones. Pathological investigations proved the presence of more pronounced granulation tissues in the scaffold‐treated wounds compared with the control ones. At 20 days post excision, the scaffold‐treated groups achieved complete repair. The results indicated that Cs: PVA and PCL: Cs: PVA nanofibrous webs could be considered to be promising materials for burn, excision and diabetic wounds healing.Inspec keywords: wounds, diseases, biomedical materials, polymer blends, nanofibres, polymer fibres, nanomedicine, nanofabrication, electrospinning, skin, cellular biophysics, caesium, medical image processing, patient treatmentOther keywords: chitosan‐poly (vinyl alcohol), poly (caprolactone)‐chitosan‐poly (vinyl alcohol), nanofibrous blend scaffolds, electrospinning, biological properties, rat model, diabetic dorsum skin wound healing, diabetic foot wounds, rat models, digital imaging, H&E staining, pathology, granulation tissues, PCL‐Cs‐PVA nanofibrous webs, excision wound healings, burn wound healings     

Honey‐incorporated nanofibre reduces replicative senescence of umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells

Umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCDMSC) are attractive candidates for cell‐based regenerative medicine. However, they are susceptible to replicative senescence during repetitive passaging for in‐vitro expansion and induced senescence in an oxidative, inflammatory microenvironment in vivo. Aim of this study is to investigate if honey‐incorporated matrices can be employed to reduce senescence of UCDMSC. Matrices were prepared by electrospinning solutions of honey with poly‐vinyl alcohol (PVA). PVA:honey matrices exhibited free radical scavenging activity. Culture of UCDMSC on PVA:honey matrices showed improvement in cell proliferation compared to pure PVA nanofibres. Expression of vimentin indicated that mesenchymal phenotype is preserved after culturing on these matrices. Further, UCDMSC were serially subcultured and cells of two passages (P2 and P6) were evaluated for reactive oxygen species (ROS) load and senescence parameters. P6 cells showed a higher ROS load and β‐galactosidase (β‐gal) positive senescent cells compared to P2. However, culturing on PVA:honey substrates significantly reduced both ROS and β‐gal markers compared to cells on PVA substrates. Honey contains several antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory components, which can reduce the ROS‐related senescence. Thus, it is concluded that honey containing nanofibres can be effective substrates for stem cell‐based wound healing and regenerative medicine.Inspec keywords: molecular biophysics, nanofibres, nanomedicine, polymer fibres, cellular biophysics, nanofabrication, enzymes, biochemistry, electrospinning, wounds, biomedical materialsOther keywords: pure PVA nanofibres, UCDMSC, PVA:honey substrates, PVA substrates, ROS‐related senescence, honey containing nanofibres, stem cell‐based wound healing, honey‐incorporated nanofibre, replicative senescence, umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells, cell‐based regenerative medicine, induced senescence, PVA:honey matrices, cell proliferation, honey‐incorporated matrices, electrospinning solutions, poly‐vinyl alcohol, free radical scavenging activity, vimentin expression, mesenchymal phenotype, reactive oxygen species load, senescence parameters, P6 cells, β‐galactosidase positive senescent cells, β‐gal markers, antiinflammatory components, antioxidant components     

MicroRNAs and their target mRNAs as potential biomarkers among smokers and non‐smokers with lung adenocarcinoma

Lung adenocarcinoma is one of the major causes of mortality. Current methods of diagnosis can be improved through identification of disease specific biomarkers. MicroRNAs are small non‐coding regulators of gene expression, which can be potential biomarkers in various diseases. Thus, the main objective of this study was to gain mechanistic insights into genetic abnormalities occurring in lung adenocarcinoma by implementing an integrative analysis of miRNAs and mRNAs expression profiles in the case of both smokers and non‐smokers. Differential expression was analysed by comparing publicly available lung adenocarcinoma samples with controls. Furthermore, weighted gene co‐expression network analysis is performed which revealed mRNAs and miRNAs significantly correlated with lung adenocarcinoma. Moreover, an integrative analysis resulted in identification of several miRNA–mRNA pairs which were significantly dysregulated in non‐smokers with lung adenocarcinoma. Also two pairs (miR‐133b/Protein Kinase C Zeta (PRKCZ) and miR‐557/STEAP3) were found specifically dysregulated in smokers. Pathway analysis further revealed their role in important signalling pathways including cell cycle. This analysis has not only increased the authors’ understanding about lung adenocarcinoma but also proposed potential biomarkers. However, further wet laboratory studies are required for the validation of these potential biomarkers which can be used to diagnose lung adenocarcinoma.Inspec keywords: cancer, molecular biophysics, patient diagnosis, tumours, RNA, proteins, lung, genetics, medical diagnostic computing, molecular configurationsOther keywords: miRNAs expression profiles, mRNAs expression profiles, smokers, nonsmokers, integrative analysis, lung adenocarcinoma, microRNAs, disease specific biomarkers, noncoding regulators, genetic abnormalities, weighted gene coexpression network analysis     

Non‐linear feedback control of the p 53 protein–mdm 2 inhibitor system using the derivative‐free non‐linear Kalman filter

It is proven that the model of the p 53–mdm 2 protein synthesis loop is a differentially flat one and using a diffeomorphism (change of state variables) that is proposed by differential flatness theory it is shown that the protein synthesis model can be transformed into the canonical (Brunovsky) form. This enables the design of a feedback control law that maintains the concentration of the p 53 protein at the desirable levels. To estimate the non‐measurable elements of the state vector describing the p 53–mdm 2 system dynamics, the derivative‐free non‐linear Kalman filter is used. Moreover, to compensate for modelling uncertainties and external disturbances that affect the p 53–mdm 2 system, the derivative‐free non‐linear Kalman filter is re‐designed as a disturbance observer. The derivative‐free non‐linear Kalman filter consists of the Kalman filter recursion applied on the linearised equivalent of the protein synthesis model together with an inverse transformation based on differential flatness theory that enables to retrieve estimates for the state variables of the initial non‐linear model. The proposed non‐linear feedback control and perturbations compensation method for the p 53–mdm 2 system can result in more efficient chemotherapy schemes where the infusion of medication will be better administered.Inspec keywords: proteins, molecular biophysics, biochemistry, Kalman filters, inverse problems, perturbation theoryOther keywords: nonlinear feedback control, p53 protein‐mdm2 inhibitor system, derivative‐free nonlinear Kalman filter, differential flatness theory, protein synthesis loop, diffeomorphism, protein synthesis model, feedback control law, nonmeasurable elements, modelling uncertainties, inverse transformation, nonlinear model, perturbation compensation method, chemotherapy schemes, medication infusion     

Nano‐biosensor based on reduced graphene oxide and gold nanoparticles,for detection of phenylketonuria‐associated DNA mutation

Phenylketonuria (PKU)‐associated DNA mutation in newborn children can be harmful to his health and early detection is the best way to inhibit consequences. A novel electrochemical nano‐biosensor was developed for PKU detection, based on signal amplification using nanomaterials, e.g. gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) decorated on the reduced graphene oxide sheet on the screen‐printed carbon electrode. The fabrication steps were checked by field emission scanning electron microscope imaging as well as cyclic voltammetry analysis. The specific alkanethiol single‐stranded DNA probes were attached by self‐assembly methodology on the AuNPs surface and Oracet blue was used as an intercalating electrochemical label. The results showed the detection limit of 21.3 fM and the dynamic range of 80–1200 fM. Moreover, the selectivity results represented a great specificity of the nano‐biosensor for its specific target DNA oligo versus other non‐specific sequences. The real sample simulation was performed successfully with almost no difference than a synthetic buffer solution environment.Inspec keywords: biosensors, nanosensors, nanoparticles, graphene compounds, gold, nanomedicine, DNA, molecular biophysics, biomedical equipment, electrochemical sensors, electrochemical electrodes, field emission scanning electron microscopy, voltammetry (chemical analysis), self‐assembly, biochemistryOther keywords: reduced graphene oxide, gold nanoparticles, phenylketonuria‐associated DNA mutation, newborn children, electrochemical nanobiosensor, signal amplification, nanomaterials, reduced graphene oxide sheet, screen‐printed carbon electrode, field emission scanning electron microscopy imaging, cyclic voltammetry, alkanethiol single‐stranded DNA probes, self‐assembly methodology, Oracet blue, intercalating electrochemical label, Au‐CO     

MiRNA‐145‐5p expression and prospective molecular mechanisms in the metastasis of prostate cancer

The clinicopathological implication and prospective molecular mechanisms of miRNA‐145‐5p in the metastasis of prostate cancer (PCa) stand unclear. Herein, it is found that miRNA‐145‐5p expression was remarkably reduced in 131 cases of metastatic PCa than 1371 cases of localised ones, as the standardised mean differences (SMD) was −1.26 and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.86, based on miRNA‐chip and miRNA‐sequencing datasets. The potential targets of miRNA‐145‐5p in metastatic PCa (n = 414) was achieved from the intersection of miRNA‐145‐5p transfected metastatic PCa cell line data, differential expression of metastatic PCa upregulated genes and online prediction databases. TOP2A was screened as one of the target hub genes by PPI network analysis, which was adversely related to miRNA‐145‐5p expression in both metastatic PCa (r = −0.504) and primary PCa (r = −0.281). Gene‐chip and RNA‐sequencing datasets, as well as IHC performed on clinical PCa samples, showed consistent upregulated expression of TOP2A mRNA and protein in PCa compared with non‐PCa. The expression of TOP2A mRNA was also significantly higher in metastatic than localised PCa with the SMD being 1.72 and the AUC of sROC being 0.91. In summary, miRNA‐145‐5p may participate in PCa metastasis by binding TOP2A and be useful as a biomarker for the detection of metastatic PCa.     

Characterisation of sol–gel method synthesised MgZnFe2 O4 nanoparticles and its cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cell line,MDA MB‐231 in vitro

In this study, nanocrystalline magnesium zinc ferrite nanoparticles were successfully prepared by a simple sol–gel method using copper nitrate and ferric nitrate as raw materials. The calcined samples were characterised by differential thermal analysis/thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the average particle size of the calcined sample was in a range of 17–41 nm with an average of 29 nm and has spherical size. A cytotoxicity test was performed on human breast cancer cells (MDA MB‐231) and (MCF‐7) at various concentrations starting from (0 µg/ml) to (800 µg/ml). The sample possessed a mild toxic effect toward MDA MB‐231 and MCF‐7 after being examined with MTT (3‐[4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2, 5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay for up to 72 h of incubation. Higher reduction of cells viability was observed as the concentration of sample was increased in MDA MB‐231 cell line than in MCF‐7. Therefore, further cytotoxicity tests were performed on MDA MB‐231 cell line.Inspec keywords: sol‐gel processing, nanoparticles, nanofabrication, magnesium compounds, zinc compounds, toxicology, biological organs, cancer, cellular biophysics, nanomedicine, calcination, differential thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectra, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, particle size, organic compoundsOther keywords: sol‐gel method, cytotoxic effects, breast cancer cell line, MDA MB‐231 in vitro, nanocrystalline magnesium zinc ferrite nanoparticles, copper nitrate, ferric nitrate, raw materials, calcined samples, differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, average particle size, cytotoxicity testing, human breast cancer cells, mild toxic effect, 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, cell viability, MCF‐7, MDA MB‐231 cell line, size 17 nm to 41 nm     

Non‐fragile reliable control synthesis of the sugarcane borer

This study considers the problem of non‐fragile reliable control synthesis for mathematical model of interaction between the sugarcane borer (Diatraea saccharalis) and its egg parasitoid Trichogramma galloi. In particular, the control could be substituted by periodic releases of a small population of natural enemies and hence it is important to propose the time‐varying controller in sugarcane borer. The main aim of this study is to design a state feedback non‐fragile (time‐varying) reliable controller such that the states of the sugarcane borer system reach the equilibrium point within the desired period. A novel approach is proposed to deal with the uncertain matrices which appear in non‐fragile reliable control. Finally, simulations based on sugarcane borer systems are conducted to illustrate the advantages and effectiveness of the proposed design technique. The result reveals that the proposed non‐fragile control provides good performance in spite of periodic releases of a small population of natural enemies occurs.Inspec keywords: microorganisms, plant diseases, biology computing, state feedback, biocontrol, control system synthesisOther keywords: nonfragile reliable control synthesis, sugarcane borer, mathematical model, Diatraea saccharalis, egg parasitoid, Trichogramma galloi, periodic releases, natural enemies, state feedback nonfragile time‐varying reliable controller, equilibrium point, design technique     

Biosynthesis and characterisation of solid lipid nanoparticles and investigation of toxicity against breast cancer cell line

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) comprise non‐toxic surface‐active lipidic agents combined with appropriate ratios of drugs or essential oils. The goal of this research was to investigate the effects of the SLN synthesised using essential oils of Foeniculum vulgare on the MCF‐7 breast cancer cell line. SLNs were prepared by homogenisation and ultrasound techniques and characterised by dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential assessment, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay (MTT assay), flow‐cytometry, and Acridine‐Orange assay were employed for assessing the biological activities of the SLNs. The average particle size was 55.43 nm and the net surface charge was −29.54 ± 11.67 mV. TEM showed that the mean particle size was 33.55 nm and the synthesised SLNs had a uniform round morphology. The MTT assay showed that the prepared SLNs had high toxicity against MCF‐7 cells and low toxicity against normal HUVECs cells. Flow‐cytometry revealed a noteworthy rise in the subG1 peak of the cell cycle in the cancer cells treated with SLNs compared to the controls, indicating apoptosis in cancer cells. The results also showed discolouration in SLNs‐treated cells, which further confirmed the induction of apoptosis and the toxicity of the SLNs against MCF‐7 cells.     

Electrospun polyurethane and soy protein nanofibres for wound dressing applications

In this report, a novel wound dressing material has been woven by electrospinning technique and tested for its various properties. For the nanofibre mat, a mixture of polyurethane (PU) and soy protein isolate (SPI) was electrospun in conjugation with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO Nps) and ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CipHCl) to produce fibrous mats viz. PU/SPI/ZnO and PU/SPI/CipHCl. An optimum ratio (1 : 1) of PU/SPI was used as suitable polymeric ratio in order to produce homogenous nanofibres without beads having an average diameter in the range of 300–350 nm. The electrospun nanofibre‐based mats were characterised using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscope. The mechanical properties of the nanofibrous mats were tested using universal testing machine. The wettability analysis was done using the contact angle measurement based on the sessile drop test. This study revealed that the electrospun PU/SPI‐based nanofibres are non‐sensitizing, non‐allergic and non‐toxic and that it can be used as a peculiar wound healing material.Inspec keywords: polymer fibres, nanofibres, nanomedicine, biomedical materials, wounds, electrospinning, zinc compounds, II‐VI semiconductors, wide band gap semiconductors, nanoparticles, nanofabrication, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform spectra, infrared spectra, ultraviolet spectra, visible spectra, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, wetting, contact angle, toxicologyOther keywords: electrospun polyurethane nanofibres, soy protein nanofibres, wound dressing applications, electrospinning, nanofibre mat, soy protein isolate, zinc oxide nanoparticles, ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope, mechanical properties, universal testing machine, wettability, contact angle measurement, sessile drop test, nonsensitizing nanofibres, nonallergic nanofibres, nontoxic nanofibres, wound healing material, wavelength 300 nm to 350 nm, ZnO     

Fabrication of conductive human bio‐nanoelectrode from graphene oxide modified with polyvinyl alcohol

It is time for electrodes prepared from graphene oxide (GO) to replace the traditional electrodes. However, GO is an electrically insulating material. However, in this study, a conductive electrode was prepared from GO modification with glycerol (GL) under the esterification reaction at 90°C for 3 h with sulphuric acid as a catalyst under vacuum conditions. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) acts as a polymer host. It was mixed with GO and modification was carried out under heating conditions. The mixture of the GO/GL/PVA nanocomposite was rapidly cooled and poured into the electrode mould. Finally, it is placed in a desiccator at room temperature for two days. The characterisation (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy) proved that the ester bond was formed and a complete distribution of GO/GL into the matrix of PVA was verified. The GO/GL/PVA nanocomposite was tested for electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes. The biopic instrument was used to compare the behaviour of the GO/GL/PVA plastic electrode and the commercial one. The results indicated that the GO/GL/PVA plastic electrode efficiently detected ECG signals after two months with high conductivity and lower noise than the commercial electrode. The GO/GL/PVA plastic electrode has been reported for the first time in the literature.Inspec keywords: catalysts, scanning electron microscopy, filled polymers, nanofabrication, X‐ray diffraction, moulding, nanocomposites, graphene compounds, Fourier transform infrared spectra, nanomedicine, biomedical electrodes, electrocardiography, electrical conductivity, medical signal detection, bonds (chemical)Other keywords: graphene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, electrode mould, electrocardiogram electrodes, conductive human bionanoelectrode, electrically insulating material, GO‐GL‐PVA nanocomposite, GO‐GL‐PVA plastic electrode, esterification reaction, sulphuric acid, catalyst, vacuum conditions, polymer host, heating conditions, desiccator, glycerol, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, ester bond, biopic instrument, ECG signal detection, electrical conductivity, temperature 90.0 degC, time 3.0 hour, temperature 293 K to 298 K, time 2 day, CO     

Photo‐stimulatory effect of LLLT on the proliferation rate of human monocytic leukaemia cells

Low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) is a form of phototherapy used to promote cell proliferation. This study investigates the potential role of LLLT in cellular proliferation of human monocytic leukaemia cells Tamm‐Horsfall Protein 1 (THP‐1) under in vitro conditions. Cells were irradiated with an 850 nm diode laser and exposed to doses ranging from 0 to 26.8 J/cm². After irradiation, cells were incubated for 12 and 24 h to allow time for proliferation. Comet assay was conducted to evaluate genotoxicity of the irradiated cells. Trypan blue was used to estimate cytotoxicity, which peaked at the highest dose as expected. Preliminary results suggest that cell counts increase at low doses, whereas a decrease in cell number at high doses was noted compared with controls. Comet assay showed no significant difference between irradiated and non‐irradiated cells at low doses. In contrast, DNA damage increased at doses ≥8.9 J/cm² and was comparable with the 100 μM hydrogen peroxide positive control at the highest fluence. It could be concluded that LLLT has the ability to stimulate the THP‐1 cell line to proliferate if supplied with the correct energy and dose.Inspec keywords: photodynamic therapy, laser applications in medicine, cellular effects of radiation, biological effects of laser radiation, DNA, diseases, semiconductor lasersOther keywords: photo‐stimulatory effect, LLLT, human monocytic leukaemia cells, cell proliferation rate, low‐level laser therapy, phototherapy, THP‐1, Comet assay, Trypan blue, cytotoxicity, DNA damage, wavelength 850 nm, time 12 h, time 24 h     

Colorimetric‐based detection of Ureaplasma urealyticum using gold nanoparticles

Ureaplasma urealyticum (uu) is one of the most common agents of urogenital infections and is associated with complications such as infertility, spontaneous abortion and other sexually transmitted diseases. Here, a DNA sensor based on oligonucleotide target‐specific gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was developed, in which the dispersed and aggregated states of oligonucleotide‐functionalised AuNPs were optimised for the colorimetric detection of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplicon of U. urealyticum DNA. A non‐cross‐linking approach utilising a single Au‐nanoprobe specific of the urease gene was utilised and the effect of a PCR product concentration gradient evaluated. Results from both visual and spectral analyses showed that target–Au‐nanoprobe hybrids were stable against aggregation after adding the inducer. Furthermore, when a non‐target PCR product was used, the peak position shifted and salt‐induced aggregation occurred. The assay''s limit of detection of the assay was 10 ng with a dynamic range of 10–60 ng. This procedure provides a rapid, facile and low‐cost detection format, compared to methods currently used for the identification of U. urealyticum.Inspec keywords: patient diagnosis, diseases, enzymes, nanosensors, microorganisms, molecular biophysics, DNA, nanoparticles, aggregation, cellular biophysics, colorimetry, genetics, gold, nanomedicineOther keywords: urogenital infections, infertility, spontaneous abortion, sexually transmitted diseases, DNA sensor, oligonucleotide target‐specific gold nanoparticles, oligonucleotide‐functionalised AuNPs, colorimetric detection, polymerase chain reaction amplicon, noncross‐linking approach, single Au‐nanoprobe specific, urease gene, visual analyses, spectral analyses, target–Au‐nanoprobe hybrids, nontarget PCR product, salt‐induced aggregation, rapid cost detection format, facile cost detection format, low‐cost detection format, PCR product concentration, Ureaplasma urealyticum DNA, Au     

Fuzzy logic and Lyapunov‐based non‐linear controllers for HCV infection

Hepatitis C is the liver disease caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) which can lead to serious health problems such as liver cancer. In this research work, the non‐linear model of HCV having three state variables (uninfected hepatocytes, infected hepatocytes and virions) and two control inputs has been taken into account, and four non‐linear controllers namely non‐linear PID controller, Lyapunov Redesign controller, Synergetic controller and Fuzzy Logic‐Based controller have been proposed to control HCV infection inside the human body. The controllers have been designed for the anti‐viral therapy in order to control the amount of uninfected hepatocytes to the desired safe limit and to track the amount of infected hepatocytes and virions to their reference value which is zero. One control input is the Pegylated interferon (peg‐IFN‐α) which acts in reducing the infected hepatocytes and the other input is ribavirin which blocks the production of virions. By doing so, the uninfected hepatocytes increase and achieve the required safe limit. Lyapunov stability analysis has been used to prove the stability of the whole system. The comparative analysis of the proposed nonlinear controllers using MATLAB/Simulink have been done with each other and with linear PID. These results depict that the infected hepatocytes and virions are reduced to the desired level, enhancing the rate of sustained virologic response (SVR) and reducing the treatment period as compared with previous strategies introduced in the literature.