To design versatile ordered nanomorphologies from the alternating sequence-controlled amphiphilic copolymers, in the current work, we have investigated the self-assembly behavior of a series of alternating copolymers, prepared through the reversible addition− fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) functionalized styrene (VBP) and fatty acid attached maleimide (MF) monomers. The copolymers efficiently induced self-aggregation of the pendant side chains to afford both micelle and vesicle nanostructures in aqueous medium depending on the amphiphilicity of the side chains, as evident from dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. The copolymers also induced thermoresponsive phase transition in water with lower critical solution temperatures (LCST) in the range of 69−88 °C depending on the mPEG side chain lengths, as determined from UV−vis spectroscopy. The hydrophobic dye and hydrophilic drug loading abilities of the synthesized copolymers were investigated using nile red and doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX•HCl) as model compounds, respectively. The copolymers further formed reverse micelles in hexane owing to the presence of hydrophobic fatty acid pendants in the side chains, for which hexane is a good solvent. Additionally, the in vitro cytotoxicity study was performed for the synthesized alternating copolymers which revealed their nontoxic nature up to 500 μg/mL polymer concentration. Thus, the current work represents a fundamental strategy to construct biocompatible polymeric nanostructures from amphiphilic alternating copolymers, endowing noteworthy features for potential advantages.
Aim: Preparation of a herbometallic nano-drug, Rasa Manikya nanoparticle (RMNP) and investigation of its antimicrobial, and anticancer activity. Materials & methods: Physicochemical characterizations of RMNP were performed using different analytical methods. The antimicrobial and anticancer potential of RMNPs were assessed by an in vitro cellular assay. Bacterial cell wall lysis was observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy and mitochondrial metabolism alteration factor was measured via standard method. Results: Physicochemical analysis confirmed that RMNP was rich in mineral constituents. Synergistic effect of RMNPs enhanced lysis of bacterial peptidoglycan layers and impaired cellular redox balance, GSH/NADPH level followed by induction of cell apoptosis. Conclusion: The present study confirms that RMNP can be used as a dual therapeutic option for combating drug-resistant microbial strains and breast cancer.
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been declared a pandemic. Global research updates confirm that the infected patients manifest a range of clinical symptoms and sometimes remain entirely asymptomatic, posing a greater threat to the people coming in contact. Despite several case reports coming up every day, our knowledge about the neurotropic mechanism of the SARS-CoV-2, immunological responses, and the mode of disease progression and mechanism of crosstalk between the central nervous system (CNS), heart, lungs, and other major organs is not complete. Report of anosmia, ataxia, dysgeusia, and altered psychological status of the infected COVID-19 patients offers some clue to the possible route of viral entry and multiplication. In this review, we have critically assessed the involvement of CNS dysregulation in COVID-19 patients. The probable mechanism of immunological responses, the impairment of the coagulation pathway, the onset of cytokine storm, its interplay with the HPA axis, and hypoxia are discussed in detail here. Based on the latest research findings and some case reports of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, it is evident that the CNS involvement in disease progression is alarming. Accurate and timely detection of viral load in CNS is necessary to allow prompt and effective treatment modalities.
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