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Conducting Polymers: A Versatile Material for Biomedical Applications
Conducting polymers (CPs) are organic polymers with metallic conductivity or semiconducting properties which have drawn considerable attention globally. They are versatile materials because of their excellent environmental stability, electrical conductivity, economic importance as well as optical and electronic properties. CPs are interesting because they can be functionalized in several ways and the chemical properties are fine-tuned by incorporating new functionalities, making them more suitable in biomedical and other applications. They act as appropriate mediums of biomolecules and can be employed to improve the speed, stability, and sensitivity of various biomedical devices. They can transit between conducting and semiconducting states and have the ability to change mechanical properties by regulated doping, chemical modifications, etc. In this paper, we review the potential biomedical uses of conducting polymers such as smart textiles, bioactuators, hydrogels, and the use of CPs in neural prosthetic devices. 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Exopolysaccharides Derived from Probiotic Bacteria and their Health Benefits
Probiotic bacteria are producers of secretory products such as bacteriocins and polysaccharides. Both homopolymeric and heteropolymeric exopolysaccharides (EPS) present on the surface of microorganisms have shown beneficial properties. While the fact that they play a role in bacterial homeostasis is well established, studies exploring their health promoting effects have also gained traction. Some exopolysaccharides function by inducing immune tolerance, others act by evading immune responses such as those by B and T cells. The interaction between the EPS and the immune system helps protect the bacteria against an attack by the host immune system. Several exopolysaccharides also show tolerogenic properties by reducing the amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing IL-10 production. They are also associated with anti-bacterial activity, anti-biofilm activity and anti-tumour properties. This review highlights the different types of exopolysaccharides and their health benefiting potentials. Better understanding of these mechanisms will pave the way for harnessing their potential to improve our health. The Author(s) 2023. -
Biotic elicitors: a boon for the in-vitro production of plant secondary metabolites
Plant secondary metabolites are produced naturally in the plant system as a defense mechanism to combat environmental stress factors. These metabolites are extensively used in food, cosmetics, agrochemicals and pharmaceutical sectors. With the applications of plant tissue culture, any particular organ which is the major site for secondary metabolite production can be targeted and cultured. Recently, a new strategy to increase the metabolite production in plants has been employed with the use of elicitors. These elicitors are the chemical substances that trigger the biosynthetic pathways by activating certain transcriptional factors and upregulating the genes. Hence the secondary metabolite production increases in the plant system due to the stress developed by the introduction of the elicitors. Generally, elicitors may be abiotically derived from non-living sources or biotically derived from the living sources. In the present review, the mechanism of biotic elicitation and the applications of biotic elicitors like bacterial, fungal, algal elicitors and other polysaccharides extracted from them has been discussed extensively. It has been noted that the addition of bacterial elicitors like Rhizobiumrhizogenes showed a 94% increase in genistein production while Escherichia coli showed a 9.1-fold increase in diosgenin production. Similarly, fungal elicitors like Aspergillus niger increased thiophene production by 85% and a 26-fold increase in sanguinarine production was seen when the cultures were treated with Botrytis sps. Algal extracts like Haematococcus pluvialis increased the betalain production by 2.28 folds while Botryococcus braunii elicited Vanillin, Vanillylamine and Capsaicin by 3-fold, 6-fold and 2.3-fold respectively. 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. -
Recent Trends and Progress in Corrosion Inhibitors and Electrochemical Evaluation
Science and engineering research studies are currently concentrating on synthesizing, designing, producing, and consuming ecologically benign chemical species to replace harmful chemicals. This is due to the increasing demands of conservation knowledge and strict ecological regulations. Numerous environmentally friendly substitutes produced from natural resources, including biopolymers, plant extracts, chemical pharmaceuticals (drugs), and so on, are now frequently used as inhibitors to replace dangerous corrosion inhibitors. Many compounds have been extensively used. A range of methods, including physisorption, chemisorption, barrier protection, thin-film growth, and electrochemical procedures, will be used to provide corrosion resistance. The various kinds of corrosion inhibitors (CIs), the mechanisms underlying inhibition, and the evaluation procedures have all been covered in-depth. This review provides an overview of the relevant literature in which researchers and scientists used different types of CIs, the effect of CIs on metals, and information about designs and mechanisms used to minimize corrosion in a variety of equipment composed of alloys or metals, along with electrochemical evaluation studies. This review will provide scholars with fresh insights to advance the discipline. 2023 by the authors. -
Understanding the Role of Antimicrobial Peptides in Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Promoting Autoimmune Disorders
AMPs are small oligopeptides acting as integral elements of the innate immune system and are of tremendous potential in the medical field owing to their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities. They offer a multitude of immunomodulatory properties such as immune cell differentiation, inflammatory responses, cytokine production, and chemoattraction. Aberrancy in neutrophil or epithelial cell-producing AMPs leads to inflammation culminating in various autoimmune responses. In this review, we have tried to explore the role of prominent mammalian AMPsdefensins and cathelicidins, as immune regulators with special emphasis on their role in neutrophil extracellular traps which promotes autoimmune disorders. When complexed with self-DNA or self-RNA, AMPs act as autoantigens which activate plasmacytoid dendritic cells and myeloid dendritic cells leading to the production of interferons and cytokines. These trigger a series of self-directed inflammatory reactions, leading to the emergence of diverse autoimmune disorders. Since AMPs show both anti- and pro-inflammatory abilities in different ADs, there is a dire need for a complete understanding of their role before developing AMP-based therapy for autoimmune disorders. 2023 by the authors. -
Eco-friendly synthesized nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents: an updated review
Green synthesis of NPs has gained extensive acceptance as they are reliable, eco-friendly, sustainable, and stable. Chemically synthesized NPs cause lung inflammation, heart problems, liver dysfunction, immune suppression, organ accumulation, and altered metabolism, leading to organ-specific toxicity. NPs synthesized from plants and microbes are biologically safe and cost-effective. These microbes and plant sources can consume and accumulate inorganic metal ions from their adjacent niches, thus synthesizing extracellular and intracellular NPs. These inherent characteristics of biological cells to process and modify inorganic metal ions into NPs have helped explore an area of biochemical analysis. Biological entities or their extracts used in NPs include algae, bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, viruses, yeasts, and plants, with varying capabilities through the bioreduction of metallic NPs. These biosynthesized NPs have a wide range of pharmaceutical applications, such as tissue engineering, detection of pathogens or proteins, antimicrobial agents, anticancer mediators, vehicles for drug delivery, formulations for functional foods, and identification of pathogens, which can contribute to translational research in medical applications. NPs have various applications in the food and drug packaging industry, agriculture, and environmental remediation. Copyright 2023 Borehalli Mayegowda, Roy, N. G., Pandit, Alghamdi, Almehmadi, Allahyani, Awwad and Sharma. -
Stability Analysis and Navigational Techniques of Wheeled Mobile Robot: A Review
Wheeled mobile robots (WMRs) have been a focus of research for several decades, particularly concerning navigation strategies in static and dynamic environments. This review article carefully examines the extensive academic efforts spanning several decades addressing navigational complexities in the context of WMR route analysis. Several approaches have been explored by various researchers, with a notable emphasis on the inclusion of stability and intelligent capabilities in WMR controllers attracting the attention of the academic community. This study traces historical and contemporary WMR research, including the establishment of kinetic stability and the construction of intelligent WMR controllers. WMRs have gained prominence in various applications, with precise navigation and efficient control forming the basic prerequisites for their effective performance. The review presents a comprehensive overview of stability analysis and navigation techniques tailored for WMRs. Initially, the exposition covers the basic principles of WMR dynamics and kinematics, explaining the different wheel types and their associated constraints. Subsequently, various stability analysis approaches, such as Lyapunov stability analysis and passivation-based control, are discussed in depth in the context of WMRs. Starting an exploration of navigation techniques, the review highlights important aspects including path planning and obstacle avoidance, localization and mapping, and trajectory tracking. These techniques are carefully examined in both indoor and outdoor settings, revealing their benefits and limitations. Finally, the review ends with a comprehensive discussion of the current challenges and possible routes in the field of WMR. The discourse includes the fusion of advanced sensors and state-of-the-art control algorithms, the cultivation of more robust and reliable navigation strategies, and the continued exploration of novel WMR applications. This article also looks at the progress of mobile robotics during the previous three decades. Motion planning and path analysis techniques that work with single and multiple mobile robots have been discussed extensively. One common theme in this research is the use of soft computing methods to give mobile robot controllers cognitive behaviors, such as artificial neural networks (ANNs), fuzzy logic control (FLC), and genetic algorithms (GAs). Nevertheless, there is still a dearth of applications for mobile robot navigation that leverage nature-inspired algorithms, such as firefly and ant colony algorithms. Remarkably, most studies have focused on kinematics analysis, with a small number also addressing dynamics analysis. 2023 by the authors. -
Three decades of advances in extraction and analytical techniques for guava (Psidium guajava L.): A review
Despite extensive experimental focus, there remains a notable gap in comprehending the progressive development of these techniques over time. This comprehensive review is dedicated to cataloging the evolution of extraction and analytical methods spanning several decades. In this article, we meticulously traced the development of analytical and extraction techniques. Additionally, we intricately map the periodic discovery of metabolites within guava fruit, aligning them with the chronological utilization of analytical methods. This article results from extensive research and literature analysis to bridge the knowledge gap. Our efforts highlight the advantageous phytochemicals in guava and the diverse extraction techniques available. By encompassing various facets of analytical methods and delving into metabolomics, this review can offer substantial benefits to cultivating future guava varieties. Subsequent sections within this review will serve as a valuable resource, aiding prospective researchers in identifying the most effective extraction and analytical methods for discovering novel metabolites in guava or similar biological samples. Furthermore, through a comprehensive timeline detailing methodological advancements, this review enhances our understanding of the evolutionary path of guava research. Such insights empower researchers to make informed decisions and actively contribute to the continual advancement of the field of research. 2024 -
Biodiversity and Indigenous Medicinal Knowledge of North-East India: Navigating Climate Change Impacts on Medicinal Plants for Conservation and Advancement
The northeastern region of India holds the sixth position among the world's 25 biodiversity hotspots, covering approximately 8% of the nation's total land area, which amounts to 262, 060 square kilometres. Situated in the eastern Himalayas, any alterations in this biodiversity-rich area can have significant and far-reaching consequences. Indigenous tribes of this region believe in the remarkable healing properties of certain medicinal plants, and within its diverse population of around 225 communities, each tribal and sub -tribal group possesses distinct traditional knowledge. Capturing and harnessing this indigenous wisdom by scientists and researchers could unlock new avenues for progress, particularly within the pharmaceutical sector. Climate change stands as one of the paramount global environmental challenges. Predictions indicate that by the close of the 21st century, the Earth's average temperature might rise by anywhere between 0.3 to 4.8 C, accompanied by a potential sea level increase of 26 to 82 cm. These climate shifts could have adverse effects on the abundance and accessibility of medicinal plants, potentially leading to species extinction. Moreover, the impact of climate change could extend beyond availability to also encompass alterations in the pharmacological properties of various plants, particularly those found in alpine environments. This discussion underscores the importance of existing knowledge, critical analyses, challenges, opportunities, and the immense value of medicinal plants. It emphasizes the intersection of changing climate and the vulnerability of medicinal plant resources, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of these effects in the context of the North Eastern region of India. To address these challenges, there is a pressing need for in-depth research on the geographical distribution of plant communities and strategies to enhance the secondary synthesis of critically endangered medicinal plants under the current climate change scenarios. The Author(s). -
An insight into microscopy and analytical techniques for morphological, structural, chemical, and thermal characterization of cellulose
Cellulose obtained from plants is a bio-polysaccharide and the most abundant organic polymer on earth that has immense household and industrial applications. Hence, the characterization of cellulose is important for determining its appropriate applications. In this article, we review the characterization of cellulose morphology, surface topography using microscopic techniques including optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Other physicochemical characteristics like crystallinity, chemical composition, and thermal properties are studied using techniques including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, Raman spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. This review may contribute to the development of using cellulose as a low-cost raw material with anticipated physicochemical properties. Highlights: Morphology and surface topography of cellulose structure is characterized using microscopy techniques including optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Analytical techniques used for physicochemical characterization of cellulose include X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. -
Omics based approach for biodiscovery of microbial natural products in antibiotic resistance era
The need for a new antibiotic pipeline to confront threat imposed by resistant pathogens has become a major global concern for human health. To confront the challenge there is a need for discovery and development of new class of antibiotics. Nature which is considered treasure trove, there is re-emerged interest in exploring untapped microbial to yield novel molecules, due to their wide array of negative effects associated with synthetic drugs. Natural product researchers have developed many new techniques over the past few years for developing diverse compounds of biopotential. Taking edge in the advancement of genomics, genetic engineering, in silico drug design, surface modification, scaffolds, pharmacophores and target-based approach is necessary. These techniques have been economically sustainable and also proven efficient in natural product discovery. This review will focus on recent advances in diverse discipline approach from integrated Bioinformatics predictions, genetic engineering and medicinal chemistry for the synthesis of natural products vital for the discovery of novel antibiotics having potential application. 2018 -
Biological treatment solutions using bioreactors for environmental contaminants from industrial waste water
Human needs have led to the development of various products which are produced in the industries. These industries in turn have become a source of various environmental concerns. As industries release regulated and unregulated contaminants into the water bodies, it has become a serious concern for all living organisms. Various emerging contaminates from industries like pesticides, pharmaceuticals drugs like hormones, antibiotics, dyes, etc., along with byproducts and new complexes contaminate the water bodies. Numerous traditional approaches have been utilized for the treatment of these pollutants; however, these technologies are not efficient in most cases as the contaminants are mixed with complex structures or as new substances. Advanced technologies such as bioreactor techniques, advanced oxidation processes, and so on have been used for the treatment of industrial wastewater and have served as an alternative way for wastewater treatment. Overall, biological treatment techniques based on bioreactors provide a long-term and ecologically useful solution to industrial wastewater contamination. They play an important role in saving water resources and encouraging a greener sustainable future for mankind. The current review outlines the industrial effluents that are released into water bodies, contaminating them, as well as the numerous traditional and novel treatment procedures used for industrial wastewater treatment. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] 2023, The Author(s). -
Tuning the output of the higher plants Circadian Clock
The circadian clock is an ascribed regulator found in the cells of creatures, that keeps biological and behavioral processes in stnc with dailt environmental changes throughout the 24-hour ctcles. When the circadian clock in humans malfunctions or is misaligned with environmental signals, the timing of the sleep-wake ctcle is altered and several circadian rhtthm sleep disorders result. Due to the Earth's rotation on its axis, predictable environmental changes are anticipated bt complex processes. The combined term for these ststems is the circadian clock. The circadian rhtthm regulates photostnthesis and photoperiodism, making it the "primart controller of plant life." The circadian clock is made up of post-translational alterations to core oscillators, epigenetic tweaks to DNA and histones, and auto regulatort feedback loops in transcription. In addition, the circadian clock is cell-autonomous and regulates the circadian rhtthms of distinct organs. Biochemical elements such as photostnthetic products, mineral nutrients, calcium ions, and hormones are used bt the core oscillators to communicate with one another. Arabidopsis is utilized to identift clock-related genes that govern plant growth, germination, pollination, flowering, abiotic and biotic stress responses, and more. The biological ctcles of all species, notablt humans, are undoubtedlt impacted bt other elements, including high altitude and changing ecoststems, in addition to the ones alreadt stated. Although it hasn't tet published ant experimental or scientific evidence to support them, the implication that living things have lives does appear inescapable. Hence, the present studt elaborates on the higher plants related to the circadian clock. The Author(s). -
Influence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on human biological timekeeping
To stay in sync with environmental cues, the body's metabolic activities must be rhythmic, and these rhythmic functions are known as circadian rhythms, which repeat every 24 h. People's sleep-wake and eating patterns were interrupted as a result of house confinement, making them more vulnerable to noncommunicable chronic diseases during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) period. During the epidemic, there was a greater degree of misalignment with this synchronization. The effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) on the human circadian clock are studied in depth. The literature review was conducted fully online, with the website utilized to collect all of the papers from PubMed, and duplicates were handled only in the first phase. Researchers found that individuals of all ages who are pushed to adjust their daily routines shift to the later chronotype, resulting in lifestyle modifications and an altered biological timing system that contributes to noncommunicable chronic illnesses. Chronic illnesses have bidirectional conductance, which means they can be caused by both environmental and self-modification in daily activity, as was the case during the COVID-19 outbreak, which forced people to stay at home. This review comes to the conclusion that fighting the pandemic may be best done by changing medications and focusing on immune health. 2023 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved. -
Application of Epoxy-Asphalt Composite in Asphalt Paving Industry: A Review with Emphasis on Physicochemical Properties and Pavement Performances
One of the failure mechanisms associated with asphalt paving layers, especially on steel deck bridges, is large permanent deformation, which adversely affects its long-term performance in service. Thus, epoxy resin was introduced in asphalt paving industry to tackle permanent deformation of asphalt mixtures due to its thermosetting nature. In this review, epoxy resin as a dominant component of the epoxy-asphalt composite system was first considered, followed by a discussion on its curing methods and curing mechanism. Furthermore, the physicochemical property and mechanical performance of epoxy asphalt and epoxy asphalt mixture were thoroughly examined. Crosslink density of epoxy asphalt dictates its viscosity and thus the allowable construction time. Phase separation and dispersion of asphalt particles in the epoxy matrix was observed for epoxy-asphalt composite, and it showed superior elastic behavior and deformation resistance capability when compared with conventional asphalt materials. Furthermore, epoxy asphalt mixture exhibited significantly higher compressive strength, much better rutting resistance, and superior durability and water resistance properties. However, its low-temperature cracking resistance was slightly compromised. 2021 Yu Chen et al. -
Application of phase change material in asphalt mixture A review
The use of latent heat storage capacity from phase change material (PCM) to regulate asphalt pavement temperature is an innovative way to mitigate temperature-related pavement distresses, such as thermal cracking and rutting. In this review, a detailed discussion on the classification and incorporation methods of PCM in asphalt mixture is presented. Further, the physical and chemical performances of PCM modified asphalts were reviewed, followed by their thermal and mechanical properties. It was observed that temperature related performance of asphalt mixtures can be well controlled in the phase change temperature range. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and n-Tetradecane have been generally used to regulate the high and low temperatures of asphalt pavement, respectively. Mixed results were obtained on rheological properties of binders with PCMs as well as on road performance properties of asphalt mixtures with PCMs. It is important to note that PCMs with high latent heat and thermal conductivity are preferred for effective thermal regulation. 2020 Elsevier Ltd -
Recent advances in functionalization of carbon nanosurface structures for electrochemical sensing applications: tuning and turning
Carbon nanomaterial has garnered interest in the research fraternity owing to the multiple advantages which includes its earth abundance, good electronic conductivity, excellent tolerance to acidic/alkaline media, and very good biocompatibility. Because of the above-mentioned advantages, they have found their way through applications in catalysis, sensing environmental remediation, and biological application. Heteroatom doping and organo-functionalization of carbon materials greatly extends the arsenal of these materials and their potential for a spectrum of application particularly in the field of electrochemical sensing. This review focusses on the creation and development in the design of electrochemical sensors based on the usage of doped and organo-functionalized carbon materials. Emphasis is given on the distinct properties and synergistic effects resulting from functionalization and doping. We hope that this review would throw light into the minds of researchers who would like to tune and turn their work, such that it promotes further activities in this particular field of research. 2021, Islamic Azad University. -
The odd one is Out: Voices from virtual classrooms
This article is a response to the online classrooms initiated from April 2020 onwards in schools across the country after the declaration of the lockdown. As classes went live in some parts of the country and several schools prepped towards the new medium, voices and experiences emerged from the field to throw light on the odds. The article collects the voices of students, educators and parents largely from the cities of Delhi and Bengaluru. The narratives are to be seen against the background of the critique of auto-modernism and emergent technology-intensive social institutions in the wake of COVID-19. This perspective pieces together the issues of infrastructure inadequacy in technology and the exclusiveness of pedagogy, and charts the inability of the marginalised sections in exercising the fundamental right to education. This article also highlights that internet classrooms are temporary make-shift arrangements. 2021 Economic and Political Weekly. All rights reserved. -
"Community Resilience to Climate Change: Integrating Sociological Perspectives"
This review article aims to present the possible ways in which communities can be resilient to climate change as seen from sociological viewpoints. Thus, it provides a systematic review of the current literature to underscore the centrality of social capital, community networks, and cultural practices in strengthening adaptive capacities in various contexts. Bangladesh coastal people and New York City are two cases in which social capital enhances the process of preparedness, response, and recovery during disasters. Cultural knowledge and traditional coping mechanisms also enhance community resilience by learning to live with the environment and innovate in the face of climate change. Implications for policy focus on the need to incorporate sociological findings into climate change adaptation, calling for the promotion of community-based adaptation and governance structures. Issues related to the scalability of resilience interventions and socio-economic inequalities are presented and future directions for research to enhance the methodological approaches and support vulnerable populations are proposed. Thus, this review aligns with the goals of community empowering and adaptive governance to highlight sociological perspectives in creating resilience to climate change impacts. 2025 Betasciencepress Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Medicinal potential of the Cape-pondweed family (Aponogetonaceae): A review
Aponogeton (Aponogetonaceae) is an aquatic genus comprising 60 species distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World. The species of the genus are traditionally used to treat a wide variety of diseases including cuts and wounds, stomach disorders and reviving digestive system, fungal infections, cough, tuberculosis, acne, cancer, diarrhea, dysentery, jaundice, snake bite, etc. A total of 50 compounds have been isolated from Aponogeton species. Essential oils, fatty acids and waxes, ester, quinones, steroids, terpenes and terpenoids, phenols and phenolics are the important compounds present in this genus. In this review, we provide an overview of the taxonomy, molecular phylogeny, biogeography, traditional medicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and tissue culture of Aponogeton. Other aspects such as the use of some species as model plant for studying programmed cell death (PCD) are also discussed. This review on the medicinal potential of the genus aims at attracting the attention of biologists to this phytochemically less explored plant group. The knowledge gaps in different areas of research and future perspectives are also discussed. 2022 SAAB