Robin Augustine

Insufficient cell proliferation, cell migration, and angiogenesis are among the major causes for nonhealing of chronic diabetic wounds. Incorporation of cerium oxide nanoparticles (nCeO 2) in wound dressings can be a promising approach to promote angiogenesis and healing of diabetic wounds. In this paper, we report the development of a novel nCeO 2 containing electrospun poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) membrane for diabetic wound healing applications. In vitro cell adhesion studies, chicken embryo angiogenesis assay, and in vivo diabetic wound healing studies were performed to assess the cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and wound healing potential of the developed membranes. The experimental results showed that nCeO 2 containing PHBV membranes can promote cell proliferation and cell adhesion when used as wound dressings. For less than 1% w/w of nCeO 2 content, human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC) were adhered parallel to the individual fibers of PHBV. For higher than 1% w/w of nCeO 2 content, cells started to flatten and spread over the fibers. In ovo angiogenic assay showed the ability of nCeO 2 incorporated PHBV membranes to enhance blood vessel formation. In vivo wound healing study in diabetic rats confirmed the wound healing potential of nCeO 2 incorporated PHBV membranes. The study suggests that nCeO 2 incorporated PHBV membranes have strong potential to be used as wound dressings to enhance cell proliferation and vascularization and promote the healing of diabetic wounds.

In situ tissue engineering is emerging as a novel approach in tissue engineering to repair damaged tissues by boosting the natural ability of the body to heal itself. This can be achieved by providing suitable signals and scaffolds that can augment cell migration, cell adhesion on the scaffolds and proliferation of endogenous cells that facilitate the repair. Lack of appropriate cell proliferation and angiogenesis are among the major issues associated with the limited success of in situ tissue engineering during in vivo studies. Exploitation of metal oxide nanoparticles such as yttrium oxide (Y 2 O 3) nanoparticles may open new horizons in in situ tissue engineering by providing cues that facilitate cell proliferation and angiogenesis in the scaffolds. In this context, Y 2 O 3 nano-particles were synthesized and incorporated in polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds to enhance the cell proliferation and angiogenic properties. An optimum amount of Y 2 O 3-containing scaffolds (1% w/w) promoted the proliferation of fibroblasts (L-929) and osteoblast-like cells (UMR-106). Results of chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay and the subcutaneous implantation studies in rats demonstrated the angiogenic potential of the scaffolds loaded with Y 2 O 3 nanoparticles. Gene expression study demonstrated that the presence of Y 2 O 3 in the scaffolds can upregulate the expression of cell proliferation and angiogenesis related biomolecules such as VEGF and EGFR. Obtained results demonstrated that Y 2 O 3 nanoparticles can perform a vital role in tissue engineering scaffolds to promote cell proliferation and angiogenesis.

Electrospun membranes have the potential to act as an effective barrier for wounds from the external environment to prevent pathogens. In addition, materials with good antibacterial properties can effectively fight off the invading pathogens. In this paper, we report the development of a novel electrospun polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membrane containing biosynthesized silver nanoparticle (bAg) for wound dressing applications. Plant extract from a medicinal plant Mimosa pudica was utilized for the synthesis of bAg. Synthesized bAg were characterized by Ultraviolet-Visible (UV) Spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The morphology of bAg was obtained from Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and found that they were spherical in morphology with average particle size 7.63 ± 1.2 nm. bAg nanoparticles incorporated PVA membranes were characterized using several physicochemical techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. Experimental results confirmed the successful incorporation of bAg in PVA fibers. PVA nanofiber membranes incorporated with bAg showed good mechanical strength, excellent exudate uptake capacity, antibacterial activity, blood compatibility and cytocompatibility. Graphical Abstract * Robin Augustine robin@robinlab.in

Electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) tissue engineering scaffolds have been developed and used for a wide range of tissue engineering applications, where successful incorporation and conservation of the therapeutic activity of the embedded nanoparticles into scaffolds is critically needed for effective tissue engineering. Incorporation of pro-angiogenic nanomaterials to promote vascularization is a novel approach. Our group has well-demonstrated the potent pro-angiogenic properties of europium hydroxide nanorods (EHNs) using in vitro and in vivo systems. In the present study, electrospun PCL tissue engineering scaffolds containing EHNs were fabricated and characterized for various morphological and physico-chemical properties. Furthermore, biological studies showed enhanced cell growth and a greater density of endothelial cells grown on the scaffolds incorporated with EHNs (PCL-EHNs). The PCL-EHNs also exhibited good hemo-compatibility towards blood cells. Fluorescence microscopy and SEM observations showed good endothelial cell adhesion over these scaffolds. The PCL-EHNs demonstrated augmented growth of blood vessels in an in vivo chick embryo angiogenesis model. Furthermore, protein expression studies illustrated promoted angiogenesis of HUVECs on scaffolds in a VEGFR2/Akt mediated signaling cascade. Together, the above observations strongly suggest potent applications of EHN-incorporated PCL scaffolds in promoting angiogenesis/vascularization and their effective use in tissue engineering and vascular disease therapy.

Piezoelectric materials that generate electrical signals in response to mechanical strain can be used in tissue engineering to stimulate cell proliferation. Poly (vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)), a piezoelectric polymer, is widely used in biomaterial applications. We hypothesized that incorporation of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles into the P(VDF-TrFE) matrix could promote adhesion, migration, and proliferation of cells, as well as blood vessel formation (angiogenesis). In this study, we fabricated and comprehensively characterized a novel electrospun P(VDF-TrFE)/ZnO nanocomposite tissue engineering scaffold. We analyzed the morphological features of the polymeric matrix by scanning electron microscopy, and utilized Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry to examine changes in the crystalline phases of the copolymer due to addition of the nanoparticles. We detected no or minimal adverse effects of the biomaterials with regard to blood compatibility in vitro, biocompatibility, and cytotoxicity, indicating that P(VDF-TrFE)/ZnO nanocomposite scaffolds are suitable for tissue engineering applications. Interestingly, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured on the nanocomposite scaffolds exhibited higher cell viability, adhesion, and proliferation compared to cells cultured on tissue culture plates or neat P(VDF-TrFE) scaffolds. Nanocomposite scaffolds implanted into rats with or without hMSCs did not elicit immunological responses, as assessed by macroscopic analysis and histology. Importantly, nanocomposite scaffolds promoted angiogenesis, which was increased in scaffolds pre-seeded with hMSCs. Overall, our results highlight the potential of these novel P(VDF-TrFE)/ZnO nanocomposites for use in tissue engineering, due to their biocompatibility and ability to promote cell adhesion and angiogenesis.

Nanonization has been extensively investigated to increase the oral bioavailability of hydropho-bic drugs in general and antiretrovirals (ARVs) used in the therapy of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in particular. We anticipated that in the case of protease inhibitors, a family of pH-dependent ARVs that display high aqueous solubility under the acid conditions of the stomach and extremely low solubility under the neutral ones of the small intestine, this strategy might fail owing to an uncontrolled dissolution-re-precipitation process that will take place along the gastrointestinal tract. To tackle this biopharmaceutical challenge, in this work, we designed, produced and fully characterized a novel Nanoparticle-in-Microparticle Delivery System (NiMDS) comprised of pure nanoparticles of the-first-line protease inhibitor darunavir (DRV) and its boosting agent ritonavir (RIT) encapsulated within film-coated microparticles. For this, a clinically relevant combination of pure DRV and RIT nanoparticles was synthesized by a sequential nanoprecipitation/solvent diffusion and evaporation method employing sodium alginate as viscosity stabilizer. Then, pure nanoparticles were encapsulated within calcium alginate/chitosan microparticles that were film-coated with a series of poly(methacrylate) copolymers with differential solubility in the gastrointestinal tract. This coating ensured full stability under gastric-like pH and sustained drug release under intestinal one. Pharmacokinetic studies conducted in albino Sprague Dawley rats showed that DRV/RIT-loaded NiMDSs containing 17% w/w drug loading based on dry weight significantly increased the oral bioavailability of DRV by 2.3-fold with respect to both the unprocessed and the nanonized DRV/RIT combinations that showed statistically similar performance. Moreover, they highlighted the limited advantage of only drug nanonization to improve the oral pharmacokinetics of protease inhibitors and the potential of our novel delivery approach to improve the oral pharmacokinetics of nanonized poorly water-soluble drugs displaying pH-dependent solubility. Statement of significance Protease inhibitors (PIs) are gold-standard drugs in many ARV cocktails. Darunavir (DRV) is the latest approved PI and it is included in the 20th WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. PIs poorly-water soluble at intestinal pH and more soluble under gastric conditions. Drug nanonization represents one of the most common nanotechnology strategies to increase dissolution rate of hydrophobic drugs and thus, their oral bioavailability. For instance, pure drug nanosuspen-sions became the most clinically relevant nanoformulation. However, according to the physicochemical properties of PIs, nanonization does not appear as a very beneficial strategy due to the fast dissolution rate anticipated under the acid conditions of the stomach and their uncontrolled recrystallization and precipitation in the small intestine that might result in the formation of particles of unpredictable size and structure (e.g., crystallinity and polymorphism) and consequently, unknown dissolution rate and bioavailability. In this work, we developed a sequential nanoprecipitation method for the production of pure nanopar-ticles of DRV and its boosting agent ritonavir in a clinically relevant 8:1 wt ratio using alginate as viscosity stabilizer and used this nanosuspension to produce a novel kind of nanoparticle-in-microparticle delivery system that was fully characterized and the pharmacokinetics assessed in rats. The most significant points of the current manuscript are: 1) Development of a sequential nanoprecipitation method to produce a fixed-dose combination of two antiretrovirals 2) Design and characterization of a novel kind of nanoparticle-in-microparticle drug delivery system with high stability and low drug release in the stomach 3) Demonstration for the first time of the lack of benefit of only drug nanonization in protease inhibitors 4) Design of a new protocol for oral administration of solid formulations in rodents 5) Achievement of significant increase of the oral bioavailability of darunavir 6) Opening of new opportunities for more efficacious oral delivery of hydrophobic drug

Next-generation tissue engineering exploits the body's own regenerative capacity by providing an optimal niche via a scaffold for the migration and subsequent proliferation of endogenous cells to the site of injury, enhancing regeneration and healing and bypassing laborious in vitro cell-culturing procedures. Such systems are also required to have a sufficient angiogenic capacity for the subsequent patency of implanted scaffolds. The exploitation of redox properties of nanodimensional ceria (nCeO 2) in in situ tissue engineering to promote cell adhesion and angiogenesis is poorly investigated. As a novel strategy, electrospun polycaprolactone based tissue-engineering scaffolds loaded with nCeO 2 were developed and evaluated for morphological and physicomechanical features. In addition, in vitro and in vivo studies were performed to show the ability of nCeO 2-containing scaffolds to enhance cell adhesion and angiogenesis. These studies confirmed that nCeO 2-containing scaffolds supported cell adhesion and angiogenesis better than bare scaffolds. Gene-expression studies had shown that angiogenesis-related factors such as HIF1α and VEGF were up-regulated. Overall results show that incorporation of nCeO 2 plays a key role in scaffolds for the enhancement of angiogenesis, cell adhesion, and cell proliferation and can produce a successful outcome in in situ tissue engineering.

Significant progress has been made over the past few decades in the development of in vitro-engineered substitutes that mimic human skin, either as grafts for the replacement of lost skin, or for the establishment of in vitro human skin models. Tissue engineering has been developing as a novel strategy by employing the recent advances in various fields such as polymer engineering, bioengineering, stem cell research and nanomedicine. Recently, an advancement of 3D printing technology referred as bioprinting was exploited to make cell loaded scaffolds to produce constructs which are more matching with the native tissue. Bioprinting facilitates the simultaneous and highly specific deposition of multiple types of skin cells and biomaterials, a process that is lacking in conventional skin tissue-engineering approaches. Bioprinted skin substitutes or equivalents containing dermal and epidermal components offer a promising approach in skin bioengineering. Various materials including synthetic and natural biopolymers and cells with or without signalling molecules like growth factors are being utilized to produce functional skin constructs. This technology emerging as a novel strategy to overcome the current bottlenecks in skin tissue engineering such as poor vascularization, absence of hair follicles and sweat glands in the construct.

An open wound is highly prone to bacterial colonization and infection. Bacterial barrier property is an important factor that determines the success of a wound coverage material. Apart from the bacterial barrier property , presence of antibacterial agents can successfully eliminate the invasion and colonization of pathogen in the wound. Silver nanoparticles are well-known antimicrobial agents against a wide range of microorganisms. Biosyn-thesized silver nanoparticles are more acceptable for medical applications due to superior biocompatibility than chemically synthesized ones. Presence of biomolecules on biosynthesized silver nanoparticles enhances its therapeutic efficiency. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a well-known material for biomedical applications including wound dress-ings. Electrospinning is an excellent technique for the fabrication of thin membranes for wound coverage applications with barrier property against microbes. In this paper , we report the fabrication and characterization of electrospun PCL membranes incorporated with biosynthe-sized silver nanoparticles for wound dressing applications.

Electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) tissue engineering scaffolds have been developed and used for a wide range of tissue engineering applications, where successful incorporation and conservation of the therapeutic activity of the embedded nanoparticles into scaffolds is critically needed for effective tissue engineering. Incorporation of pro-angiogenic nanomaterials to promote vascularization is a novel approach. Our group has well-demonstrated the potent pro-angiogenic properties of europium hydroxide nanorods (EHNs) using in vitro and in vivo systems. In the present study, electrospun PCL tissue engineering scaffolds containing EHNs were fabricated and characterized for various morphological and physico-chemical properties. Furthermore, biological studies showed enhanced cell growth and a greater density of endothelial cells grown on the scaffolds incorporated with EHNs (PCL-EHNs). The PCL-EHNs also exhibited good hemo-compatibility towards blood cells. Fluorescence microscopy and SEM observations showed good endothelial cell adhesion over these scaffolds. The PCL-EHNs demonstrated augmented growth of blood vessels in an in vivo chick embryo angiogenesis model. Furthermore, protein expression studies illustrated promoted angiogenesis of HUVECs on scaffolds in a VEGFR2/Akt mediated signaling cascade. Together, the above observations strongly suggest potent applications of EHN-incorporated PCL scaffolds in promoting angiogenesis/vascularization and their effective use in tissue engineering and vascular disease therapy.

Electrospun poly-ƹ-caprolactone/zinc oxide (PCL/ZnO) nanocomposite scaffolds were reported for tissue engineering and wound healing applications. Wound coverage materials should have good barrier property against invading microbes. Since wound coverage materials and tissue engineering scaffolds are in direct contact with blood, such materials should be blood compatible. Thus, blood compatibility of the fabricated scaffolds has been tested by RBC and WBC aggregation studies. Hemolysis assay and platelet activation study were also carried out. This study is promising in the sense that the fabricated scaffolds showed excellent microbial barrier property and were highly compatible with RBC and WBC and did not induce haemolysis. However, need to be vigilant regarding the possible platelet aggregation that can happen at higher concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles.

Piezoelectric materials that generate electrical signals in response to mechanical strain can be used in tissue engineering to stimulate cell proliferation. Poly (vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)), a piezoelectric polymer, is widely used in biomaterial applications. We hypothesized that incorporation of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles into the P(VDF-TrFE) matrix could promote adhesion, migration, and proliferation of cells, as well as blood vessel formation (angiogenesis). In this study, we fabricated and comprehensively characterized a novel electrospun P(VDF-TrFE)/ZnO nanocomposite tissue engineering scaffold. We analyzed the morphological features of the polymeric matrix by scanning electron microscopy, and utilized Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry to examine changes in the crystalline phases of the copolymer due to addition of the nanoparticles. We detected no or minimal adverse effects of the biomaterials with regard to blood compatibility in vitro, biocompatibility, and cytotoxicity, indicating that P(VDF-TrFE)/ZnO nanocomposite scaffolds are suitable for tissue engineering applications. Interestingly, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured on the nanocomposite scaffolds exhibited higher cell viability, adhesion, and proliferation compared to cells cultured on tissue culture plates or neat P(VDF-TrFE) scaffolds. Nanocomposite scaffolds implanted into rats with or without hMSCs did not elicit immunological responses, as assessed by macroscopic analysis and histology. Importantly, nanocomposite scaffolds promoted angiogenesis, which was increased in scaffolds pre-seeded with hMSCs. Overall, our results highlight the potential of these novel P(VDF-TrFE)/ZnO nanocomposites for use in tissue engineering, due to their biocompatibility and ability to promote cell adhesion and angiogenesis.

Nanonization has been extensively investigated to increase the oral bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs in
general and antiretrovirals (ARVs) used in the therapy of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
in particular. We anticipated that in the case of protease inhibitors, a family of pH-dependent ARVs that display
high aqueous solubility under the acid conditions of the stomach and extremely low solubility under the
neutral ones of the small intestine, this strategy will fail owing to an uncontrolled dissolution-re-precipitation
process that will take place along the gastrointestinal tract. To tackle this biopharmaceutical challenge,
in this work, we designed, produced and fully characterized a novel Nanoparticle-in-Microparticle Delivery
System (NiMDS) comprised of pure nanoparticles of the first-line protease inhibitor darunavir (DRV)
and its boosting agent ritonavir (RIT) encapsulated within film-coated microparticles. For this, a clinically
relevant combination of pure DRV and RIT nanoparticles was synthesized by a sequential nanoprecipitation/
solvent diffusion and evaporation method employing sodium alginate as viscosity stabilizer. Then, pure
nanoparticles were encapsulated within calcium alginate/chitosan microparticles that were film-coated with
a series of poly(methacrylate) copolymers with differential solubility in the gastrointestinal tract. This coating
ensured full stability under gastric-like pH and sustained drug release under intestinal one. Pharmacokinetic
studies conducted in albino Sprague Dawley rats showed that DRV/RIT-loaded NiMDSs containing
17% w/w drug loading based on dry weight significantly increased the oral bioavailability of DRV by
2.3-fold with respect to both the unprocessed and the nanonized DRV/RIT combinations that showed statistically
similar performance. Moreover, they highlighted the limited advantage of drug nanonization to improve
the oral pharmacokinetics of protease inhibitors and the potential of our novel delivery approach to improve
the oral pharmacokinetics of nanonized poorly water-soluble drugs displaying pH-dependent solubility.

Nanoparticles exhibit properties different from their bulk counterparts and the unique properties make them highly appealing for wide variety of biomedical applications. Inorganic nanoparticles have attracted much interest in biology and medicine and particularly metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) have become versatile platforms for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. MONPs are well studied for their ability to induce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by cells in the presence and absence of irradiation under a wide range of conditions. ROS have been reported to trigger different pathological events due to oxidative stress including genotoxicity and fibrosis. Despite these adverse effects, recent reports on the effects of ROS have highlighted that MONPs are cytotoxic only at high concentrations and that at lower ones, they could play key roles in cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and the immune system. In addition to their proven beneficial role in wound healing, MONPs have been increasingly investigated in areas such as cell signaling and tissue engineering. First, this review comprehensively overviews the therapeutic potential of MONPs mediated by the generation of ROS. Then, it deals with their application in tissue engineering, wound healing, and cancer therapy with emphasis on the biomolecular signaling mechanisms. Finally, controversial aspects of these nanomaterials that emerge from the most recent scientific literature are discussed.

Development of novel drug delivery systems (DDS) represents a promising opportunity to overcome the various bottlenecks associated with the chronic antiretroviral (ARV) therapy of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Oral drug delivery is the most convenient and simplest route of drug administration that involves the swallowing of a pharmaceutical compound with the intention of releasing it into the gastrointestinal tract. In oral delivery, drugs can be formulated in such a way that they are protected from digestive enzymes, acids, etc. and released in different regions of the small intestine and/or the colon. Not surprisingly, with the exception of the subcutaneous enfuvirtide, all the marketed ARVs are administered orally. However, conventional (marketed) and innovative (under investigation) oral delivery systems must overcome numerous challenges, including the acidic gastric environment, and the poor aqueous solubility and physicochemical instability of many of the approved ARVs. In addition, the mucus barrier can prevent penetration and subsequent absorption of the released drug, a phenomenon that leads to lower oral bioavailability and therapeutic concentration in plasma. Moreover, the frequent administration of the cocktail (ARVs are administered at least once a day) favors treatment interruption. To improve the oral performance of ARVs, the design and development of more efficient oral drug delivery systems are called for. The present review highlights various innovative research strategies adopted to overcome the limitations of the present treatment regimens and to enhance the efficacy of the oral ARV therapy in HIV.

In the present study, we have fabricated electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone)-based membranes, characterized and studied the in vivo cell migration and proliferation and wound healing activity. Moreover, we did not seed any cells prior to the animal implantation and we could observe excellent fibroblast attachment and cell proliferation. Further full thickness excision wound on guinea pig completely healed within 35 days. We could reach in an assumption that the enhanced cell proliferation and wound healing might be due to the surface degradation of the polymer under physiological conditions and the formation of functional groups like hydroxyl and carboxyl groups that promoted cell proliferation in a cell adhesion protein mediated mechanism. This study is a novel tissue engineering concept for the reconstruction of a damaged tissue without the in vitro cell seeding and proliferation prior to the in vivo implantation.

This review gives a brief description on the skin and its essential functions, damages or injury which are common to the skin and the role of skin substitute to replace the functions of the skin soon after an injury. Skin substitutes have crucial role in the management of deep dermal and full thickness wounds. At present, there is no skin substitute in the market that can replace all the functions of skin ‘and the research is still continuing for a better alternative. This review is an attempt to recollect and report the past efforts including skin grafting and recent trends like use of bioengineered smart skin substitutes in wound care. Incorporation functional moieties like antimicrobials and wound healing agents are also described.
Progress in Biomaterials Progress in Biomaterials Look
Inside
Article Metrics
4 Citations
Other actions

    Export citation
    Register for Journal Updates
    About This Journal
    Reprints and Permissions
    Add to Papers

Share
Share this content on Facebook Share this content on Twitter Share this content on LinkedIn

Angiogenesis through tissue engineering scaffolds is an important factor that determines the success of a tissue engineering endeavor. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are well known for their ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) which have a potential role in biological systems. ROS can induce angiogenesis through growth factor mediated mechanisms. Here, we report the fabrication of electrospun polycaprolactone scaffolds incorporated with ZnO nanoparticles and their ability to induce angiogenesis. This study demonstrated that the induction of angiogenesis was by the expression of key proangiogenic factors, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), upregulated due to the presence of ZnO nanoparticles. This is the first report suggesting the use of a metal/metal oxide nanoparticle in tissue engineering scaffolds to enhance angiogenesis.

ZnO nanoparticles are well known for their ability to generate Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which has a potential role in biological system. ROS can enhance wound healing by improved cell adhesion and cell migration through growth factor mediated pathways. Here we report the fabrication of electrospun polycaprolactone scaffolds incorporated with ZnO nanoparticles and their ability to perform as skin substitute material which promote the healing process. The plain or ZnO nanoparticle incorporated PCL membranes were implanted subcutaneously in guinea pigs. Immunological, macroscopical and histological evaluations have shown that the use of membranes containing ZnO nanoparticles enhances the cell adhesion and migration. The ZnO embedded membranes do not show any significant sign of inflammation. The implant also enhanced the wound healing without any scar formation.

This book will enlighten on some of the recent progress in diabetic care and therapy.
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar,
either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because of the inability of cells
to respond to the insulin that is produced. According to the recent report of World Health
Organization, 346 million people worldwide are suffering from diabetes, and in 2004,
approximately 3.4 million people died as a result of high blood sugar.

The biological synthesis of nanoparticles is emerging as a potential method for
nanoparticle synthesis due to its non-toxicity and simplicity. We report the ability of Bacillus
subtilis strains isolated from rhizosphere soil to produce iron oxide nanoparticles. B. subtilis
strains having the potential for the extracellular biosynthesis of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were
isolated from rhizosphere soil, identified and characterized. A bactericidal protein subtilin
was isolated from all the isolates of B. subtilis, which is a characteristic for the species.

The Silver nanoparticles are well-known for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
wound healing abilities. We synthesized Silver nanoparticles using chemical reduction
method and the formation of the silver nanoparticles was characterized by UV-Vis
absorption spectroscopy, FT-IR and SEM techniques. The minimum inhibitory concentration
of the synthesized nanoparticles was determined for both gram negative and gram positive
bacteria. Then these nanoparticles were coated over an absorbable surgical gut suture

The diabetes has emerged as a major health problem worldwide, with serious
health-related and socioeconomic impacts on individuals and populations. Diabetes is a
complex disease linked with multiple factors and is associated with significant mortality and
morbidity, leads to loss of quality of life. Apart from glucose dysregulation, both type 1
diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are associated with
damaging effects on tissues, with eventual progression to devastating complications

In the present study we have investigated the effect of zinc oxide (ZnO)
nanoparticles on the fiber diameter, fiber morphology, antibacterial activity, and enhanced
cell proliferation of the electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) non-woven membrane. The
effect of the ZnO nanoparticle concentration on the fiber diameter and fiber morphology was
investigated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis was carried out to determine the nature of the interaction

Green synthesis of nanoparticles is widely accepted due to the less toxicity in
comparison with chemical methods. But there are certain drawbacks like slow formation of
nanoparticles, difficulty to control particle size and shape make them less convenient. Here
we report a novel cost-effective and eco-friendly method for the rapid green synthesis of
silver nanoparticles using leaf extracts of Piper nigrum. Our results suggest that this method
can be used for obtaining silver nanoparticles with controllable size within a few minutes

Food infections are among the most serious public health concerns and are one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality. Monitoring and separation of such contaminants is an instrumental component in understanding and managing risks to human health and the environment. Many researchers and engineers have indulged on this important and difficult task and have developed technologies aiming the detection and removal of pathogenic organisms in processed as well as raw food products. Application of nanotechnology for monitoring and separation of food-borne pathogens is an active area of research. The magnetic nanoparticles are introduced into conventional pathogen detection techniques to make them simple, rapid, highly selective and sensitive. The principle employed is that magnetic nanoparticles are often immobilized with various biomolecules like antibodies which have high selectivity to target analytes. Due to their large specific surface area and specific bonding, the modified magnetic nanoparticles recognize and capture the analytes from crude samples to form a complex which can be detected and separated quickly and efficiently. Biofunctional Magnetic Nanoparticles Citation: Robin Augustine, Ann Rose Abraham, Nandakumar Kalarikkal, Sabu Thomas, Monitoring and separation of food-borne pathogens using magnetic nanoparticles. In: 2 (BMNPs), are used to facilitate the rapid separation of E.coli from beef, ground water and milk samples. Magnetic nanoparticles when integrated with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), immunoassay, spectrometry and biosensors, make a rapid or an online analysis/detection of pathogens. Superparamagnetic nanoparticles has improved the detection sensitivity of pathogens using PCR technique by 10-100 times. In this chapter, exploitation of magnetic nanoparticles for the monitoring and separation of various pathogens in the processed food and raw food materials including milk, meat, fruits and vegetables has been detailed. The state of the art of sensor based monitoring of microorganisms, strategies adopted to enhance the sensitivity of such devices are also discussed. Recent advancements in the functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles for the specific detection and separation of various pathogens are also taken into account.