Alok Pandya

A smart and rapid colorimetric method for the detection of codeine sulphate, using unmodified gold nanoprobe

Driven by the need to detect narcotics, we designed a “smart” system for the rapid detection and quantification of codeine sulphate levels using a smartphone, which allows simple, portable, on-spot, rapid and ultrasensitive nanoaggregation colorimetric detection (a lower detection limit of 0.9 μM) using the unique properties of citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as a probe.

Lab-on-phone citrate-capped silver nanosensor for lidocaine hydrochloride detection from a biological matrix

In the present investigation, we applied the application potential of nanomaterials and smartphone analysis to develop a specific, sensitive and portable method. In this study, we report a silver nanoparticles-based colorimetric nanosensor for the determination of lidocaine hydrochloride (LHC) up to 0.05 ng mL−1 with good linear correlation in the range from 0.1 to 4.5 ng mL−1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9914. Coexisting substances, including acetaminophen, diazepam, nitrazepam, lorazepam, zolpidem, atropine, bupivacaine, clonazepam and morphine did not interfere in the determination of LHC. The developed sensor proved to be a smart alternative lab-on-phone device, which would help in the on-the-spot determination of LHC in forensic toxicological drug screening. Herein, we utilized easily accessible vitreous humor, which is often unnoticed for toxicological drug screening along with blood for real sample analysis.

DNA assembled metal nanoclusters: synthesis to novel applications

DNA based nanostructures provide a versatile foundation because they exhibit fascinating luminescent and detection properties. Among such DNA nanostructures, DNA assembled fluorescent metal nanoclusters (NCs), such as silver (Ag), gold (Au) and copper (Cu) nanoclusters, as a new class of fluorophore have attracted progressively more attention owing to their unique electronic structures and the subsequent unusual physical and chemical properties. These excellent properties make them ideal luminescent probes for bio-chemical applications. Blending of metal with DNA sequences as a stabilizing agent has generated a large number of biosensors, as well as imaging and catalytic properties. To date, significant efforts have been devoted to the synthesis, properties and application studies of DNA hosted Au, Ag and Cu NCs. In this review article, we focus on summarizing recent advances in controllable synthesis of DNA, nucleotide-templated NCs strategies and emerging applications of metal NCs, including Au, Ag and Cu. Finally, we conclude with the enduring goal of this area of research, which could explore as novel promisingly environmental-benign approaches to construct nano clusters through DNA-based conjugation and modulation.

Synthesis of biocompatible iron oxide nanoparticles as a drug delivery vehicle

Over the last decade, there has been growing interest in developing novel nanoparticles (NPs) for biomedical applications. A safe-by-design approach was used in this study to synthesize biocompatible iron oxide NPs. The size of the particles obtained was ~100 nm. Although these NPs were significantly (P<0.05) internalized in MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma cell line) cells, no adverse effect was observed in the cells as assessed by cytotoxicity assays (neutral red uptake and 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and cell cycle analysis. Our data demonstrate the potential of iron oxide NPs as a biocompatible carrier for targeted drug delivery.

A pyrenyl linked calix[4]arene fluorescence probe for recognition of ferric and phosphate ions

A pyrenyl linked calix[4]arene fluroionophore has been synthesized and used as a ditopic chemosensing ensemble for Fe3+ and H2PO4− using emission spectra. The detection limit of the synthesized receptor was found to be 0.88 pM for Fe3+ and 1.11 pM for H2PO4−. Moreover, this probe has been applied for recognition of Fe3+ in blood serum and H2PO4− in waste water.

Host-guest mediated sensing of biologically relevant small molecules using supramolecular nanoassembly

Background A high concern for human health and safety has motivated dynamic research on the potential impact of transition metal ions or molecule and their toxic effects. Thus, selective detection of biologically relevant molecule have enormously gained its attention due to involvement in a variety of fundamental environmental and biological process in organism because its deficiency and excess can induce a variety of diseases. Therefore, biomolecule detection have received a great deal of study. Here, we have designed an efficient strategy using supramolecular nanoassembly to detect biologically relevant small molecules with high specificity and selectivity and applicable to the biological milieus.

Curcumin Ag nanoconjugates for improved therapeutic effects in cancer

Curcumin has a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, one of them is anticancer activity that is mediated through multiple mechanisms. The major disadvantage associated with the use of curcumin is its low bioavailability due to its poor aqueous solubility. Nanoformulations of curcumin provide an effective solution for this problem. In this study, we have synthesized curcumin Ag nanoconjugates and evaluated their anticancer potential.

Fluorescent magnesium nanocomplex in a protein scaffold for cell nuclei imaging applications

Herein, we report a facile strategy for the synthesis of a water-soluble ultra-fine blue-green emitting fluorescent magnesium nanoparticle–protein complex (MgNC). This MgNC is demonstrated to exhibit excellent photostability and biocompatibility. It was also observed that MgNCs stain cell nuclei with high specificity.

Multifunctional Silver-Cellulose Nanocomposite as a Promising Plasmonic Sensing Platform

Cellulose paper based multifunctional nanoplatform shows great promise towards molecular sensing and diagnostics application due to their sustainability, biocompatibility, affordability, environmental appeal and broad chemical modification capabilities. Herein, we have effectively synthesized plasmonic silver-cellulose nanocomposite (SCN) using complete green and in situ approach using the hydroxyl groups of cellulose paper acting as the reducing agent and stabilizing agent. The fabricated SCN were investigated and characterized by SEM, UV-Vis, DLS, PXRD and EDX. The important influencing parameters such as temperature and pH were optimized during the fabrication of SCN. Besides, this SCN functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and has been exploited for monitoring of fluoride ion from water samples with distinguishing F- from a wide range of environmental prevalent ions. These remarkable properties of SCN have been used as rapid, portable test panel which could be simple, lightweight and disposable.

Synthesis of biocompatible iron oxide nanoparticles as a drug delivery vehicle [Corrigendum]

[This corrects the article on p. 79 in vol. 13, PMID: 29593401.].