Pramod W. Ramteke

In vivo diabetic wound healing with nanofibrous scaffolds modified with gentamicin and recombinant human epidermal growth factor

Diabetic wounds are susceptible to microbial infection. The treatment of these wounds requires a higher payload of growth factors. With this in mind, the strategy for this study was to utilize a novel payload comprising of Eudragit RL/RS 100 nanofibers carrying the bacterial inhibitor gentamicin sulfate (GS) in concert with recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF); an accelerator of wound healing. GS containing Eudragit was electrospun to yield nanofiber scaffolds, which were further modified by covalent immobilization of rhEGF to their surface. This novel fabricated nanoscaffold was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The thermal behavior of the nanoscaffold was determined using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. In the in vitro antibacterial assays, the nanoscaffolds exhibited comparable antibacterial activity to pure gentemicin powder. In vivo work using female C57/BL6 mice, the nanoscaffolds induced faster wound healing activity in dorsal wounds compared to the control. The paradigm in this study presents a robust in vivo model to enhance the applicability of drug delivery systems in wound healing applications.

Role of Candidate Genes Regulating Uterine Prostaglandins Biosynthesis for Maternal Recognition of Pregnancy in Domestic Animals

The survivability and opportunity of successful development of an embryo are influenced directly or indirectly by factors controlling uterine microenvironment. Out of all factors, hormones such as prostaglandins (PGs) released during the preimplantation period influence molecular interactions involved in maintenance of pregnancy through reciprocal interactions between the conceptus and endometrium. PGs are important regulators of female reproductive functions, namely, ovulation, uterine receptivity, implantation, and parturition. Among different classes of PGs, prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) are main prostanoids produced by human and bovine endometrium for successful growth and development of the posthatching blastocyst. In ruminants, PGF2α produced by endometrium is the major luteolytic agent, whereas PGE2 has luteoprotective and antiluteolytic properties. Therefore, the development and maintenance of the corpus luteum (CL), as well as establishment of pregnancy, depend on the balance of luteolytic PGF2α and luteotropic PGE2. In this review, we discussed the expression and function of genes which predominantly regulate the synthesis and their secretion of PGF2α and PGES, namely, PGFS (AKR1B5/AKR1C3), PGES, PGFR, and COX-2.

Biofuels from Protein-Rich Lignocellulosic Biomass: New Approach

Increasing consumption of fossil fuels and concern over environmental emissions has provided impetus to the development of renewable biofuels. Presently available biofuel production processes and developing approaches have focused on closing the carbon cycle by biological fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide and conversion of biomass into biofuels. Lignocellulosic plant residues are found in abundance quantity and contain an appropriate amount of protein which is a by-product of biomass pretreatment. Besides conversion of carbohydrates into fuel, efforts towards conversion protein to fuel and ammonia may improve its value addition. Moreover, development of this technology will also realize its advantages of high carbon fixation rates, reduce consumption of synthetic fertilizer, inexpensive, and simple feedstock processing. Therefore, the present chapter provides an overview of the production process of biofuels using lignocellulosic plant residues and their protein by-products. The major hurdles to enhance the yield/production of the product and possible approaches to overcome these hindrances were also discussed.

Psychrophilic Enzymes: Potential Biocatalysts for Food Processing

Abstract For the improvement of food and food products, enzymes are widely used in food industries. A considerable amount of research has been carried out on food enzymes. However, the feasibility of using such enzymes is being deterred because of stability and economic factors. Psychrophilic enzymes show high catalytic activity and stability at low temperature, offering themselves as potential candidates for food processing. The use of such enzymes for food processing minimizes the microbial contamination and deterioration of raw materials. The major application of these enzymes includes processes such as oligosaccharide production, clarification of fruit juices, protein and milk processing, etc. Studies have been carried out to make psychrophilic enzymes potential candidates for food processing by improving their thermostabilities, specificity, and catalytic efficiency. Moreover, gene expression has been carried out for the production of psychrophilic enzymes in mesophillic hosts. In this chapter, the production, its cold adaptation, and applications will be discussed.

Nanotechnology: A New Tool for Biofuel Production

Rapid depletion of fossil fuel reserves has posed a serious challenge to meet future energy requirement. Biodiesel with low carbon footprint has emerged as a potential candidate that can replace the need of fossil fuels. Biofuel derived from algae offers best alternative due to their high lipid content, robust nature, and noncompetitive nature toward food crops. The downstream production of biodiesel from feedstock is, however, facing challenges due to energy-intensive nature and higher production cost. A new and rapidly emerging field of nanotechnology has given a choice to built robust nanobiocatalytic systems with long-term stability and low input cost. Earlier studies reported that the addition of nanomaterials in algal culture system improved microalgal growth as well as induced lipid accumulation. Moreover, with the application of nanomaterials, the lipid extraction efficiency could also be enhanced. This chapter is aimed to review the current and significant applications of nanotechnology in the field of algal biodiesel production. Development of innovative technologies dealing with nanotechnological application in algal cultivation, lipid accumulation, harvesting, and transesterification has been critically reviewed.

In silico screening of deleterious single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and molecular dynamics simulation of disease associated mutations in gene responsible for Oculocutaneous Albinism type 6 (OCA 6) disorder

Abstract Solute carrier family 24 member 5 (SLC24A5) is a gene that is associated with oculocutaneous albinism type 6 (OCA6) disorder and is involved in skin and hair pigmentation. It is involved in the maturation of melanosomes and melanin synthesis. SLC24A5 gene is located in the chromosomal position of 15q21.1. The present study involves the use of computational techniques in order to obtain a detailed picture of the most probable mutations that are associated with SLC24A5. From the observed result it was found that the mutation S145F is most deleterious and disease associated is predicted using several bioinformatics tools. The 3-D structures of native and mutant (S145F) were modeled in order to understand protein functionality using ab initio Robetta server. The modeled structure validation was done with ERRAT, Verify-3D, Procheck and RAMPAGE Ramachandran plot analysis. The most validated structure undergoes molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) study to understand the structural and functional behaviour of the native and mutant proteins. The MDS result showed the more flexibility in the native SLC24A5 structure. Due to mutation in the SLC24A5 protein structure it became more rigid and might disturb the conformational changes and glycosylation function of protein structure and might play role in inducing the OCA6. This study provides a significant insight into the underlying molecular mechanism involved in albinism associated with OCA6. It further helps scientists to develop a drug therapy against OCA 6 disease. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Tolnaftate–graphene composite-loaded nanoengineered electrospun scaffolds as efficient therapeutic dressing material for regimen of dermatomycosis

Graphene “The novel carbon nano-trope” tailors auspicious platform for designing antimicrobial regimen by virtue of its conspicuous molecular interaction with the microorganism. In this work, Tolnaftate (Tf), an antifungal drug, was mingled with Graphene nanoplatelets (Gn) to develop composite (Tf–Gn) via the wet chemical route, embedded in a biocompatible polymeric blend of Eudragit RL100/Eudragit RS100 (EuRL100/EuRS100) and subjected to electrospinning to obtain nonwoven nanoengineered scaffolds (nanofibers) for enhanced anti-dermatophytic virtue. Pursuing cluster of optimization experiments, 20% w/v EuRL100/EuRS 100 was found to be adequate for formation of smooth, defect-free, and regular fibers. Field emission electron microscopy (FESEM) acknowledged zestfully fabrication of smooth, shiny, nano-range, and mesh-like architecture, comprising distinct pockets within their structure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) conceded formation of the composite Tf–Gn, its physical compatibility with polymers, and improved thermal behavior. Exceptional swelling capacity, significant hydrophilicity, and immense drug entrapment efficiency were obtained of nanofibers fabricated from 3:1 ratio of EuRL100/EuRS100 polymers blend owing to relatively higher permeability which gratified essential benchmark for fabrication of nanofibrous scaffold to alleviate fungal infections caused by dermatophytes. In vitro drug release interpreted controlled liberation of Tf in dissolution media, following Korsmeyer–Peppas model kinetics, and suggested a diffusion-based mechanism. Microdilution broth method was performed for in vitro antifungal efficacy against extremely devastating dermatophytes, i.e., anthropophilic Trichophyton rubrum and zoophilic Microsporum canis, exhibited preeminent growth inhibition against T.rubrum and scanty for M.canis. Findings revealed the superior antifungal activity of Tf–Gn-loaded nanofibers as compared to Tf-loaded nanofibers and recommended potential dressing materials for an effective regimen of dermatomycosis.

Medicinal mushroom: boon for therapeutic applications

Medicinal mushrooms are higher fungi with additional nutraceutical attributes having low fat content and a trans-isomer of unsaturated fatty acids along with high fibre content, triterpenes, phenolic compounds, sterols, eritadenine and chitosan. They are considered as the unmatched source of healthy foods and drugs. They have outstanding attractive taste, aroma and nutritional value, so are considered as functional food, which means they are beneficial to the body not only in terms of nutrition but also for improved health. Medicinal mushrooms and their extract have a large number of bioactive components called secondary metabolites. The presence of polysaccharide β-glucans or polysaccharide–protein complexes content in mushroom extract have great therapeutic applications in human health as they possess many properties such as anti-diabetic, anti-cancerous, anti-obesity, immunomodulatory, hypocholesteremia, hepatoprotective nature along with anti-aging. The present review focuses on the comprehensive account of the medicinal properties of various medicinal mushrooms. This will further help the researchers to understand the metabolites and find other metabolites as well from the mushrooms which can be used for the potential development of the drugs to treat various life-threatening diseases.

Antiulcer Potential of Cucumis melo Var. Momordica (Roxb.), Duthie & Fuller Fruits in Experimental Animal

Purpose : This study was aimed to evaluate the antiulcer potential of Cucumis melo var. momordica (Roxb.) Duthie&Fuller, fruits. Methodology : Ethanol and pylorus ligation induced ulcer methods were used in rats for the study. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) were administered orally and effects on volume of gastric secretions, ulcer index, total and free acidity were evaluated. Findings : A significant dose dependent reduction (P < 0.05) in the acid parameters like ulcer index, gastric volume, free and total acidity and elevation in pH were observed after treatment with 200 and 400 mg/kg extracts in Pylorus ligation and ethanol-induced ulcer models.This reduction in acid-secretary parameters and ulcer score suggesting that acid inhibition accelerates ulcer healing. Conclusion : Based on our findings, we presume that the anti-secretary properties of both extracts were responsible for its anti-ulcer potency. These findings suggest the potential for use of Cucumis melo extract as an adjuvant in the treatment of gastric ulcer.