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Near infrared (NIR) fluorophores like Pt-porphyrin along with analyte specific enzymes require co-encapsulation in biocompatible and biodegradable carriers in order to be transformed into implantable biosensors for efficient and continuous monitoring of analytes in patients. The main objective of this research is to develop natural, biodegradable, biocompatible and a novel co-encapsulated system of Pt-porphyrin encapsulated polymeric nanoparticle and nano-micro hybrid carriers. A sequential emulsification-solvent evaporation and an air driven atomization technique was used for developing above matrices and testing them for fluorescence based oxygen and glucose biosensing. The results indicate Pt-porphyrin can be efficiently encapsulated in Poly-lactic acid (PLA) nanoparticles and PLA-alginate nano-micro particles with sizes ~450 nm and 10 µm, respectively. Biosensing studies have showed a linear fluorescent response in oxygen concentrations ranging from of 0–6 mM (R2 = 0.992). The Oxygen sensitivity was transformed into a linear response of glucose catalytic reaction in the range of 0–10 mM (R2 = 0.968) with a response time of 4 minutes and a stability over 15 days. We believe that the investigated NIR fluorophores like Pt-Porphyrin based nano/nano-micro hybrid carrier systems are novel means of developing biocompatible biodegradable carriers for developing implantable glucose biosensors which can efficiently manage glucose levels in diabetes.

Kidney diseases remain often undiagnosed due to inefficient screening methods available at patient’s disposal. Early diagnosis and effective management of kidney problems can best be addressed by the development of biosensors for commonly occurring clinical biomarkers. Here we report the development of single fluorophore and dual fluorophore ratiometric biosensors based on alginate microspheres for pH and urea analysis in urine samples. A facile method of air driven atomization was used for developing these polymeric fluorophore and enzyme based biosensors. Ratiometric biosensors were developed using layer-by-layer coating of polyelectrolyte conjugated to reference fluorophores. Biosensing studies using these biosensors showed that samples in pathophysiological range can be measured having pH range of 4–8 and urea levels between 0–50 mM. Testing of urine samples using these biosensors showed that both pH and urea detection can be accurately performed without interference. Thus, we believe that FITC-Dextran and FITC-Dextran/RuBpy based pH and urea biosensors show a great potential to be translated as a point of care device for pH and urea biosensing in early detection and continuous monitoring of kidney diseases.

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Gene therapy encompasses the development of proficient and safe vectors, which remains the topmost challenge. Employment of viral vectors is efficient but it is accompanied with safety risks, which highlights the need for non-viral vectors. Currently, several studies are being done on the development of non-viral vectors, which could enhance delivery and uptake of foreign genetic material by target cells, and facilitate their transport to nucleus. Viral vectors are efficient candidates of gene therapy but are limited due to their toxicity, carcinogenesis, immunogenicity, and low target tissue penetration. In order to avoid the risk, the development of non-viral vectors is being explored for gene delivery applications. Among the potent non-viral vectors, hydrogels seem to be promising due to their adapting chemical and three-dimensional structures, mechanical properties, proficient water retaining capacity and biocompatibility. This chapter will highlight the recent developments and potential of nanogels as gene delivery carriers for genetic and clinical applications.

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