Sudhir Shende

Biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles and its effect on actively dividing cells of mitosis in Allium cepa.

Nanobiotechnological application of copper nanoparticles has paved the way for advancement in agriculture owing to its bactericidal and fungicidal activities. Recently, researchers have focussed on bioinspired synthesis of copper nanoparticles as a viable alternative to existing physicochemical techniques. For the commercialization of nanocopper, the toxicity evaluation is a major issue. In this context, Citrus medica (L.) fruit extract‐mediated copper nanoparticles were synthesized and its different concentrations (10, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 µg mL−1) were evaluated for its effect on actively dividing cells of Allium cepa. The study clearly revealed that copper nanoparticles increased mitotic index up to the concentration of 20 µg mL−1. In addition, a gradual decline in mitotic index and increase in abnormality index was observed as the concentration of copper nanoparticles and treatment duration were increased. Aberrations in chromosomal behavior such as sticky and disturbed chromosomes in metaphase and anaphase, c‐metaphase, bridges, laggard, disturbed telophase, and vacuolated nucleus were also observed.

Copper in Medicine: Perspectives and Toxicity

Copper is one of the most important microelements required by all kind of life forms including human beings for their proper growth, development, and survival. Copper plays an important role in various body functions and regulation of different pathways. Hence, it has been used since pre-Vedic time as potential medicine to cure a number of diseases. Although, copper has significant medicinal value, the maintenance of adequate copper levels in the body is of vital importance because the lack or excess amount of such essential trace elements are known to cause a variety of health problems. The failure in the regulation of copper metabolism is mainly responsible for deficiency and accumulation of copper in different parts of the body. Generally, deficiency of copper leads to several copper deficiency syndromes including Menkes’ disease. Similarly, high level of copper due to accumulation results in many diseases like Wilson’s diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, etc. Considering the key role of copper in human health, the present chapter has been focused on such related aspects, which include uptake and metabolism of copper, and its dietary recommendations. In addition, various disorders caused due to deficiency and excess amount of copper are also discussed in detail.

Metal Nanoparticles in Management of Diseases of the Central Nervous System

Abstract Central nervous system (CNS) or neurological disorders are very serious problems and major health concerns all over the world. Various treatment strategies have been investigated but the label of low therapeutic success is always associated with them. The main reason behind the low success rate is active drug molecules that are unable to reach their target sites of action inside the body. In addition, various CNS barriers such as the blood-brain barrier, the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, etc., always hinder the circulation of therapeutic drugs in the body. Therefore, considering the last decades contribution of nanotechnology in the biomedical sector, it is believed that the problem of ever-increasing neurological disorders can only be managed by nanotechnology. Nanotechnology offers many exciting and promising new means of treating neurological disease. In this chapter, we have mainly focused on various aspects related to CNS diseases involving current treatment strategies and their limitations, the necessity of nanoneuromedicines, the role of nanotechnology in the diagnosis and treatment of CNS diseases, and toxicological issues.

Copper and copper nanoparticles: role in management of insect-pests and pathogenic microbes

Abstract Crop losses mainly occur due to biotic factors, which include soil-borne phytopathogens, insect pests, parasites, and predators. The major loss of food in the food industry is due to its spoilage by various microorganisms. With advancement in nanotechnology, the use of nanoparticles in food and agriculture crop yield can be improved. In this context, copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) have attracted a great deal of attention from all over the world due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Copper is one of the key micronutrients, which plays an important role in growth and development of plants. CuNP-based fertilizer and herbicide can be used in agriculture. The small size of CuNPs facilitates their easy absorption by the plants. CuNPs can be promisingly used in the food packaging to avoid the growth of food spoilage microorganisms. The use of CuNP-based agar packaging materials has substantial potential to increase the shelf-life of food. The present review focuses on the application of Cu and CuNPs in food and agriculture. Moreover, antimicrobial and pesticidal properties of CuNPs are also discussed.

Nanotechnological applications for the control of pulmonary infections

Abstract Pulmonary infections are the major global problem. According to the global burden of disease study, lower respiratory infections were ranked third among the leading causes of death after ischaemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. Despite the availability of treatment options and diagnostic methods, the severity of pulmonary infections is increasing due to the emergence of multiple drug resistance and lack of sensitivity in pathogenic microbes. In this context, nanotechnology based treatment therapies have emerged as a promising approach to circumvent the limitations of conventional therapies and also manage the problem of drug resistance in pulmonary infections. The present chapter is focused on the global status of existing management strategies of pulmonary infections and their limitations. Moreover, the role of nanotechnology for the management of pulmonary infections with a special reference to different type of nanomaterials has also been discussed.