G. R. Kulkarni

On the change in bacterial size and magnetosome features for Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum (MS-1) under high concentrations of zinc and nickel

The characteristic size, shape and specific alignment of magnetite crystals synthesized by magnetotactic bacteria is a highly coordinated process with precise control over magnetosome vesicle formation, uptake and transport of Fe, and magnetite biomineralization. Magnetosome membranes along with some specific membrane proteins regulate crystal nucleation and morphology of magnetite. Several previous works have indicated that the morphology of mature magnetite crystals is largely unaffected by environmental conditions, though some recent studies have shown the possibility of manipulation of the biomineralization process. In this study we have examined the effects of high concentrations of Zinc and Nickel on the growth of Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum (MS-1) and the corresponding magnetosome formation. Using various characterizations it is shown that the growth of the bacterial cells, as well as the size, shape and magnetosome chain alignment is significantly influenced in the presence of high concentrations of Zn or Ni.

Biosurfactant/s from Lactobacilli species: Properties, challenges and potential biomedical applications.

Lactic acid bacteria are generally believed to have positive roles in maintaining good health and immune system in humans. A number of Lactobacilli spp. are known to produce important metabolites, among which biosurfactants in particular have shown antimicrobial activity against several pathogens in the intestinal tract and female urogenital tract partly through interfering with biofilm formation and adhesion to the epithelial cells surfaces. Around 46 reports are documented on biosurfactant production from Lactobacillus spp. of which six can be broadly classified as cell free biosurfactant and 40 as cell associated biosurfactants and only approximately 50% of those have reported on the structural composition which, in order of occurrence were mainly proteinaceous, glycolipidic, glycoproteins, or glycolipopeptides in nature. Due to the proteinaceous nature, most biosurfactant produced by strains of Lactobacillus are generally believed to be surlactin type with high potential toward impeding pathogens adherence. Researchers have recently focused on the anti‐adhesive and antibiofilm properties of Lactobacilli‐derived biosurfactants. This review briefly discusses the significance of Lactobacilli‐derived biosurfactants and their potential applications in various fields. In addition, we highlight the exceptional prospects and challenges in fermentation economics of Lactobacillus spp.‐derived biosurfactants’ production processes.

Hierarchical nanostructures of Au@ZnO: antibacterial and antibiofilm agent

The perpetual use of antibiotics against pathogens inadvertently altered their genes that have translated into an unprecedented resistance in microorganisms in the twenty-first century. Many researchers have formulated bactericidal and bacteriostatic inorganic nanoparticle-based antiseptics that may be linked to broad-spectrum activity and far lower propensity to induce microbial resistance than organic-based antibiotics. Based on this line, herein, we present observations on microbial abatement using gold-based zinc oxide nanostructures (Au@ZnO) which are synthesized using hydrothermal route. Inhibition of microbial growth and biofilm using Au@ZnO is a unique feature of our study. Furthermore, this study evinces antimicrobial and antibiofilm mechanisms of photo-eradiated Au@ZnO by disruption of cellular functions and biofilms via reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent generation of superoxide anion radical. The present study is significant as it introduces novel functionalities to Au@ZnO in the biomedical field which can be extended to other species of microbial pathogens.

Ellagic Acid: A potent Radio-sensitizer in Cancer Radiotherapy

The cytotoxic effect of radiotherapy of cancer is limited due to commonly observed radio-resistance in the clinic. It is, therefore, necessary to develop new strategies to enhance the radiosensitivity of tumor cells by combining therapeutic drugs with optimized radiation doses to improve the treatment outcome. Over the years, research has gained momentum in studying various herbal drugs that have the potential to sensitize tumor cells to ionizing radiation. Herbal drugs possess the property of non-toxic doses to higher concentrations and thereby minimize the undesirable side effects. Our lab recently reported the combined effects of radiation and ellagic acid (EA) in generation of increasing ROS as a function of radiation dose in HeLa thereby exhibiting the radiosensitizing effect. This article reviews the mechanism of action of EA involving ROS, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and activation of signaling molecular cascade as observed in radiosensitization of some tumor cell lines. These studies suggest its potential usefulness in clinics for improving cancer radiotherapy which works by the mechanism of increasing the oxidative stress through generation of ROS in cancer cells.

Study of nano-architecture of the wings of Paris Peacock butterfly

Butterflies are one of the most colorful creatures in animal Kingdom. Wings of the male butterfly are brilliantly colored to attract females. Color of the wings plays an important role in camouflage. Study of structural colors in case of insects and butterflies are important for their biomimic and biophotonic applications. Structural color is the color which is produced by physical structures and their interaction with light. Paris Peacock or Papilio paris butterfly belongs to the family Papilionidae. The basis of structural color of this butterfly is investigated in the present study. The upper surface of the wings in this butterfly is covered with blue, green and brown colored scales. Nano-architecture of these scales was investigated with scanning electron microscope (SEM) and environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). Photomicrographs were analyzed using image analysis software. Goniometric color or iridescence in blue and green colored scales of this butterfly was observed and studied with the help of gonio spectrophotometer in the visible range. No iridescence was observed in brown colored scales of the butterfly. Hues of the blue and green color were measured with spectrophotometer and were correlated with nano-architecture of the wing. Results of electron microscopy and reflection spectroscopy are used to explain the iridescent nature of blue and green scales. Sinusoidal grating like structures of these scales were prominently seen in the blue scales. It is possible that the structure of these wings can act as a template for the fabrication of sinusoidal gratings using nano-imprint technology.

Study of Fourier transform infrared spectra of cockroach nervous tissue and chitin

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is a very sensitive tool which is capable of providing strong insight on structural and functional changes in lipids and proteins induced by laser radiation. In the present work cockroach nervous tissue and chitin from tibia region are irradiated with Nd: YAG laser (λ= 1064 nm, Power =150mW) via fiber optics (Numerical aperture=0.22, diameter = 8 μ). Nd: YAG laser exposure time is varied from 10 sec to 50 sec for nervous tissue and chitin. FTIR (Fourier Transform Infra Red spectra) of cockroach nervous tissue and chitin are compared before and after laser irradiation. The FTIR spectrum of non irradiated cockroach nervous tissue shows clearly the peaks due to O-H (Carboxylic acid), C=O (Amide I), C=C (Aromatic), N=0 (Nitro), C-H (Alkenes), CH (Aromatics). FTIR Spectra of non irradiated cockroach chitin clearly shows O-H (Carboxylic acid), C=O (Carbonyl stretch), C=C (Aromatic), N=O (Nitro), C-O, (anhydrides), C-H (Alkenes stretch) group. FTIR spectra of laser radiated nervous tissue from cockroach tibia and chitin shows significant changes in transmittance for O-H, C=O, C=C, C-H, N=O, C-O and C-H groups. The percentage transmittance increases for O-H, C=C group for exposure time 10sec, 40sec and 50 sec for nervous tissue. The percentage transmittance increases for O-H, C=C group for exposure time 10sec, 20sec, 30sec and 40 sec for chitin. The study shows clearly that FTIR spectroscopy of nervous tissue can reveal the interactions between infrared laser light and nervous tissue.

Characterization of Structural and Pigmentary Colors in Common Emigrant (Catopsilia Pomona) Butterfly

Study of structural colors in case of insects and butterflies is important for their biomimic and biophotonics applications. Structural color is the color which is produced by physical structures and their interaction with light while pigmentary color is produced by absorption of light by pigments. Common Emigrant butterfly is widely distributed in India. It is of moderate size with wing span of about 60–80 mm. The wings are broadly white with yellow or sulphur yellow coloration at places as well as few dark black patches. It belongs to family Pieridae. A study of structural color in case of Common Emigrant butterfly has been carried out in the present work. The characterization of wing color was performed using absorption spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopic study of the wings of Common Emigrant butterfly showed that three different types of scales are present on the wing surface dorsally. Diffracting structures are present in certain parts of the surfaces of the various scales. Bead like structures are embedded in the intricate structures of the scales. Absorption spectra revealed that a strong absorption peak is seen in the UV‐range. Crystalline structure of beads was confirmed by the X‐ray diffraction analysis.Study of structural colors in case of insects and butterflies is important for their biomimic and biophotonics applications. Structural color is the color which is produced by physical structures and their interaction with light while pigmentary color is produced by absorption of light by pigments. Common Emigrant butterfly is widely distributed in India. It is of moderate size with wing span of about 60–80 mm. The wings are broadly white with yellow or sulphur yellow coloration at places as well as few dark black patches. It belongs to family Pieridae. A study of structural color in case of Common Emigrant butterfly has been carried out in the present work. The characterization of wing color was performed using absorption spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopic study of the wings of Common Emigrant butterfly showed that three different types of scales are present on the wing surface dorsally. Diffracting structures are present in certain parts of the surfaces of the various scales. Bead like structur...

Monte Carlo based investigations of electron contamination from telecobalt unit head in build up region and its impact on surface dose

A Telecobalt unit has wide range of applications in cancer treatments and is used widely in many countries all around the world. Estimation of surface dose in Cobalt-60 teletherapy machine becomes important since clinically useful photon beam consist of contaminated electrons during the patient treatment. EGSnrc along with the BEAMnrc user code was used to model the Theratron 780E telecobalt unit. Central axis depth dose profiles including surface doses have been estimated for the field sizes of 0×0, 6×6, 10×10, 15×15, 20×20, 25×25, 30×30cm2 and at Source-to-surface distance (SSD) of 60 and 80cm. Surface dose was measured experimentally by the Gafchromic RTQA2 films and are in good agreement with the simulation results. The central axis depth dose data are compared with the data available from the British Journal of Radiology report no. 25. Contribution of contaminated electrons has also been calculated using Monte Carlo simulation by the different parts of the Cobalt-60 head for different field size and SSDs. Moreover, depth dose curve in zero area field size is calculated by extrapolation method and compared with the already published data. They are found in good agreement.

Characterization of optical trap for metallic particles using external magnetic field

We report a method to optically trap and micromanipulate metallic particles using IR laser. The experiment demonstrates the trapping of metallic particle using low NA objective lens (0.6 N.A). Unlike single beam gradient trapping of dielectric objects, the optical trapping of metallic particles occurs due to diffraction effect. We thus provide evidence for non-gradient forces playing a dominant role in the trapping of metallic particles, in here for the case of 3μm Fe particles, efficient trapping occurs at off-axis position (in the side lobes) of a focused laser beam. The optical trap is characterized by measuring the external magnetic field required to dislodge the Fe particle, and was found to be 0.03T to 0.11T for laser power 5 to 55mW at the sample.

Effects of He-Ne laser irradiation on red blood cells in vitro

Laser radiation has many applications in biomedical field, such as wound healing, tissue repairing, heating and ablation processes. Intravenous low power laser radiation is used clinically for skin and vascular disorders. Laser radiation improves microcirculation and modulates the rheological properties of blood. FTIR (Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectra) is used to see the structural changes in erythrocyte membrane. In the present work He Ne laser (λ= 632nm, power=2mW) is used to irradiate human Red blood cells. Red blood cells are separated from human whole blood using centrifugation method (time=10 min., temperature=15°C and RPM=3000) and then exposed to HeNe laser radiation. Laser exposure time is varied from 10 min. to 40min for Red blood cells. Absorption spectrum, FTIR and fluorescence spectra of RBC are compared before and after HeNe laser irradiation. The absorption spectrum of RBC after exposure to HeNe laser shows a significant decrease in absorbance. The FTIR spectrum of non irradiated RBC clearly show the peaks due to O-H (free group), C=O (amide I group), N=O (nitro group), C-O (anhydride group) and C-H (aromatic group). Laser radiation changes in transmittance in FTIR spectra related to C=O group and percentage of transmittance increases for O-H, C=C, N=O, C-O and C-H group.