Faculty readiness for online teaching at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University during the COVID-19 crisis: a cross-sectional study

Background: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the education sector around the world. In order to control the spread of the virus, eLearning practice has been introduced in Saudi higher education. Such online communication has become an important tool to narrow the teaching practice gap. This study assessed the characteristics of eLearning and distance learning and the inclination of Imam Abdulrahman BinFaisal University (IAU) faculty members in terms of skills, and managing classes and tests using online learning tools. Methods: A QuestionPro questionnaire with 22 questions on eLearning experience, training experience, and skills and knowledge in the educational process of IAU teaching faculty was conducted through the online university e-mail domain. The questionnaire was sent to the IAU's teaching faculty. The questionnaire's reliability was studied using Cronbach's a coefficient. The criterion value was statistically studied using the KMO (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin) and Bartlett's test. The variables associated with the present survey model were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Results: The study showed positive responses and readiness (skills and abilities) and the effectiveness of IAU's faculty members to perform e-learning activities during COVID-19. IAU faculty received a strong positive response, and the respondents were also impressed with and agreed on trainer knowledge, session management, communication and expertise on training topics. Conclusions: The positive response indicates the readiness of IAU to provide the necessary support (tools, information and updates) required for a successful online educational process.

PEGylated green halloysite/spinel ferrite nanocomposites for pH sensitive delivery of dexamethasone: A potential pulmonary drug delivery treatment option for COVID-19

Dexamethasone (Dex) is used in drug regimen for treatment of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) fusion and entry into the cell occurs at pH 5.5. In our present study, we have identified a green, cheap clay based halloysite (Hal) nanoformulation with release capability of Dex at such interactive pH condition. 30%ZnFe₂O₄/Hal and 30%NiFe₂O₄/Hal were prepared by one-pot synthesis technique. Dex (5% wt/wt) was functionalized over both nanocomposites. Finally, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was coated over ZnFe₂O₄/Hal/Dex and NiFe₂O₄/Hal/Dex nanocomposite using lyophilization technique (0.08 μl/mg of nanocarrier). The release ability of Dex was studied under pulmonary infection and normal pH conditions (pH = 5.6 and 7.4). The characterization study using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-visible diffuse reflectance (DRS) spectra confirmed the presence of spinel ferrites over Hal. Nitrogen adsorption isotherm showed the surface area of ZnFe₂O₄/Hal (75 m²/g), pore volume (0.27 cm³/g) with average pore size (14.5 nm). Scanning electron microscope/Energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed a textural change in halloysite tubular type indicating drug adsorption and PEG adhesion. DRS spectra indicated an intergrowth of zinc ferrite nanoparticles on the halloysite nanotubes. Interestingly, ZnFe₂O₄/Hal/Dex/PEG exhibited a high Dex release ability (17.5%, 168 h) at pH = 5.6 relevant to SARS-CoV-2 fusion entry into the cell pH condition of 5.5. Comparatively, the nanocomposite showed a less Dex release (<5%) release for 168 h at neutral pH = 7.4. The drug release kinetics were studied and the obtained data were fitted for the release constant and release exponent, using the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. To test the compatibility of our nanocomposites, we performed the cell viability assay (MTT) using HEK293 cells. Our results showed that at 0.3 mg/ml, Dex-loaded nanocomposite had a statistically significant improvement in cell viability compared to Dex alone. These results suggest that our nanocomposite has prevented the toxic effect of Dex and has huge potential to act as pulmonary drug delivery system for targeted lung infection therapeutics.

Synergistic action of curcumin and cisplatin on spinel ferrite/hierarchical MCM-41 nanocomposite against MCF-7, HeLa and HCT 116 cancer cell line

Background

Platinum-based drugs are widely used in cancer therapy, but are known for toxic side effects and resistance. Combinational drug delivery represents an effective chemotherapeutic strategy, but often leads to an increased toxicity. Aim of this study is to test the co-delivery of cisplatin with natural antioxidants on hierarchial porous large surface area hexagonal nanocarriers for synergistic action.

Results

A series of structured mesoporous materials were impregnated with magnetic spinel ferrite (30% CuFe2O4) and then coated with curcumin (25% wt/wt). Mesosilicalite and MCM-41 with high curcumin release abilities were functionalized with cisplatin (5% wt/wt) for synergistic effect of combinational drugs. The cytotoxic efficiency of our nanocomposites was tested on cell viability of MCF7 (human breast cancer), human cervical cancer (HeLa), colorectal cancer (HCT116), and HFF (human foreskin fibroblasts) cell lines using the MTT cell viability assay. At a concentration of 0.1 mg/ml, CuFe2O4/mesosilicalite/curcumin/cisplatin resulted in 89.53% reduction in viability in MCF7, 94.03% in HeLa, 64% in HCT116 and 87% in HFF; whereas, CuFe2O4/MCM-41/curcumin/cisplatin resulted in 76% reduction in viability in MCF7, 64.46% in HeLa, 64% in HCT116 and 24% in HFF. The EC50 for CuFe2O4/mesosilicalite/curcumin/cisplatin was 81.23 µg/ml in MCF7, 47.55 µg/ml in HeLa, 48.96 µg/ml in HCT116 and 76.83 µg/ml in HFF. The EC50 for CuFe2O4/MCM-41/curcumin/cisplatin was 72.51 µg/ml in MCF7, 58.6 µg/ml in HeLa, 62.58 µg/ml in HCT116 and 154.2 µg/ml in HFF. Furthermore, cells treated with both nanocomposites had a high number of cleaved Caspase 3-positive cells suggesting that the reduction in cell viability was triggered by activating the apoptotic signaling pathway.

Conclusion

Our results show that CuFe2O4/MCM-41/curcumin/cisplatin is a better candidate for combinational drug therapy due to its lowest EC50 value and the wider difference in EC50 (a fold change) between cancerous and non-cancerous cell line.

Immunity, Sex Hormones, and Environmental Factors as Determinants of COVID-19 Disparity in Women

The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has resulted in a major global pandemic, causing extreme morbidity and mortality. Few studies appear to suggest a significant impact of gender in morbidity and mortality, where men are reported at a higher risk than women. The infectivity, transmissibility, and varying degree of disease manifestation (mild, modest, and severe) in population studies reinforce the importance of a number of genetic and epigenetic factors, in the context of immune response and gender. The present review dwells on several contributing factors such as a stronger innate immune response, estrogen, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 gene, and microbiota, which impart greater resistance to the SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease progression in women. In addition, the underlying importance of associated microbiota and certain environmental factors in gender-based disparity pertaining to the mortality and morbidity due to COVID-19 in women has also been addressed.

Emerging insights into mitochondria-specific targeting and drug delivering strategies: Recent milestones and therapeutic implications

Mitochondria are a major intracellular organelle for drug targeting due to its functional roles in cellular metabolism and cell signaling for proliferation and cell death. Mitochondria-targeted treatment strategy could be promising to improve the therapeutic efficacy of cancer while minimizing the adverse side effects. Over the last decades, several studies have explored and focused on mitochondrial functions, which has led to the emergence of mitochondria-specific therapies. Molecules in the mitochondria are considered to be prime targets, and a wide range of molecular strategies have been designed for targeting mitochondria compared with that of the cytosol. In this review, we focused on the molecular mechanisms of mitochondria-specific ligand targeting and selective drug action strategies for targeting mitochondria, including those premised on mitochondrial targeting of signal peptides (MTS), cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), and use of lipophilic cations. Furthermore, most research has concentrated on specific conjugation of ligands to therapeutic molecules to enhance their effectiveness. There are several variations for the ideal design and development for mitochondrial-targeted drugs, such as selecting a suitable ligand and linker targets. However, some challenges related to drug solubility and selectivity could be resolved using the nanocarrier system. Nanoparticles yield excellent advantages for targeting and transmitting therapeutic drugs, and they offer elegant platforms for mitochondria-specific drug delivery. We explain many of the advanced and proven strategies for multifunctional mitochondria-specific targets, which should contribute to achieving better anticancer therapies in a promising future.

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) doped TiZSM-5 and Mesoporous carbon for antibacterial characterization

Drug resistant bacteria affects millions worldwide and remains a serious threat to health care system. The study reports the first application of hybrid nanocomposites based on zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) with MFI structured zeolite Ti-ZSM-5 (TiZ5) and mesoporous carbon (MC). The composite was designated as TiZ5/ZIF-8 and MC/ZIF-8 was studied for antibacterial activity. Bioactive components Zn2+ and 2-methyl imidazole present in ZIF-8 was found to exert significant antibacterial effect on Escherchia. coli and Staphyloccocus. No other antibiotic drugs are required. For comparative purpose, Fe-BTC MOF (BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate) was used as second set of nanoformulations (TiZ5/Fe-BTC and MC/Fe-BTC) but showed a lower antibacterial activity. The phase (X-ray diffraction), texture (BET surface area), coordination (DRS-UV-Vis), and morphology (TEM) was investigated. XRD showed the presence of nanosized ZIF-8 over TiZ5 and MC. Surface area calculation using N2 adsorption isotherm showed a reduction in the micropore surface area of ZIF-8 from 1148 m2/g to 224 m2/g (80%) and an increased meso surface area from 31 m2/g to 59 m2/g (90%). The mesopore pore volume increased significantly from 0.05 cm3/g to 0.12 m2/g. MC/ZIF-8 showed similar textural modifications. FT-IR spectra and DRS-UV-Vis spectra showed distinct composite formation with TiZ5, while a weak absorption of ZIF-8 observed over MC. TEM revealed the presence of nanocomposite MC/ZIF-8 and TiZ5/ZIF-8 distributed in nanosize ranging between 25 and 50 nm. TiZ5/ZIF-8 showed the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 0.5 and 1 mg/ml, respectively against E. coli. The MIC and MBC of TiZ5/ZIF-8 against S. aureus were 1 and 2 mg/ml, respectively. MC/ZIF-8 composite had second best antibacterial activity. This study shows that ZIF-8 based composite holds a great potential against E. coli and S. aureus.

Application of Three-dimensional (3D) Tumor Cell Culture Systems and Mechanism of Drug Resistance

The in-vitro experimental model for the development of cancer therapeutics has always been challenging. Recently, the scientific revolution has improved cell culturing techniques by applying three dimensional (3D) culture system, which provides a similar physiologically relevant in-vivo model for studying various diseases including cancer. In particular, cancer cells exhibiting in-vivo behavior in a model of 3D cell culture is a more accurate cell culture model to test the effectiveness of anticancer drugs or characterization of cancer cells in comparison with two dimensional (2D) monolayer. This study underpins various factors that cause resistance to anticancer drugs in forms of spheroids in 3D in-vitro cell culture and also outlines key challenges and possible solutions for the future development of these systems.

Developmental lead (Pb)-induced deficits in redox and bioenergetic status of cerebellar synapses are ameliorated by ascorbate supplementation

Neurotoxicity induced by exposure to heavy metal lead (Pb) is a concern of utmost importance particularly for countries with industrial-based economies. The developing brain is especially sensitive to exposure to even minute quantities of Pb which can alter neurodevelopmental trajectory with irreversible effects on motor, emotive-social and cognitive attributes even into later adulthood. Chemical synapses form the major pathway of inter-neuronal communications and are prime candidates for higher order brain (motor, memory and behavior) functions and determine the resistance/susceptibility for neurological disorders, including neuropsychopathologies. The synaptic pathways and mechanisms underlying Pb-mediated alterations in neuronal signaling and plasticity are not completely understood. Employing a biochemically isolated synaptosomal fraction which is enriched in synaptic terminals and synaptic mitochondria, this study aimed to analyze the alterations in bioenergetic and redox/antioxidant status of cerebellar synapses induced by developmental exposure to Pb (0.2 %). Moreover, we test the efficacy of vitamin C (ascorbate; 500 mg/kg body weight), a neuroprotective and neuromodulatory antioxidant, in mitigation of Pb-induced neuronal deficits. Our results implicate redox and bioenergetic disruptions as an underlying feature of the synaptic dysfunction observed in developmental Pb neurotoxicity, potentially contributing to consequent deficits in motor, behavioral and psychological attributes of the organisms. In addition, we establish ascorbate as a key ingredient for therapeutic approach against Pb induced neurotoxicity, particularly for early-life exposures.

A Wild Fomes fomentarius for Biomediation of One Pot Synthesis of Titanium Oxide and Silver Nanoparticles for Antibacterial and Anticancer Application

The present study offers an alternative method for green synthesis of the formation of two types of nanoparticles (NPs). These NPs, titanium oxide and silver NPs (TiO₂ and Ag NPs, respectively), were obtained from the amalgamation of intracellular extract of a wild mushroom, Fomes fomentarius, with aqueous solutions of titanium isopropoxide and silver nitrate, respectively. F. fomentarius was identified phenotypically and by 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing (Gene accession no: MK635351). The biosynthesis of TiO₂ and Ag NPs was studied and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance UV-Visible spectroscopy (DR-UV), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Success was achieved in obtaining NPs of differing sizes and shapes. The antibacterial and anticancer activity of the NPs was significant with morphological damage being caused by both, although Ag NPs (10–20 nm) were found to have profound effects on bacterial and cancer cells in comparison to TiO₂ NPs (100–120 nm). These metal NPs, synthesized using wild mushrooms, hold a great potential in biomedicinedue to an effective enzyme combination, which permits them to modify different chemical compounds to less toxic forms, which is required for ecofriendly and safe biomaterials.

Anticandidal and In vitro Anti-Proliferative Activity of Sonochemically synthesized Indium Tin Oxide Nanoparticles

The present work demonstrates the synthesis, characterization and biological activities of different concentrations of tin doped indium oxide nanoparticles (Sn doped In2O3 NPs), i.e., (Sn/In = 5%, 10% and 15%). We have synthesized different size (38.11 nm, 18.46 nm and 10.21 nm) of Sn doped In2O3 NPs. by using an ultra-sonication process. The Sn doped In2O3 NPs were characterized by by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) which confirmed the successful doping of tin (Sn) with Indium oxide (In2O3). Anticandidal activity was performed by standard agar dilution method using Candida albicans for the study. The minimum inhibitory/fungicidal concentration (MIC/MFC) values recorded were, 8 & >8 mg/ml for pure In2O3 NPs, 4 & 8 mg/ml for 5%, 2 & 8 mg/ml for 10%, whereas 1 & >4 mg/ml for 15% Sn doped In2O3 NPs, respectively. The topographical alteration caused by Sn doped In2O3 NPs on Candida cells, was clearly observed by SEM examination. A significant enhancement in anticandidal activity was seen, when Candida cells were exposed to (Sn/In = 5%, 10% and 15%). Moreover, we have also evaluated the impact of Sn-In2O3 NPs on human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT-116). The results demonstrated that Sn-In2O3 NPs (Sn/In = 5%, 10% and 15%), caused dose dependent decrease in the cancer cell viability as the low dosage (2.0 mg/mL) showed 62.11% cell viability, while 4.0, 8.0, 16.0, 32.0 mg/mL dosages showed 20.45%, 18.25%, 16.58%, and 15.58% cell viability. In addition, the treatment of Sn-In2O3 NPs also showed significant cellular and anatomical changes in cancer cells as examined by microscopes. We have also examined the impact of Sn-In2O3 NPs (5%, 10%, 15%) on normal cells (HEK-293) and the results demonstrate that Sn-In2O3 NPs did not reduce the cell viability of normal cells.

UsingFomitopsis pinicolafor bioinspired synthesis of titanium dioxide and silver nanoparticles, targeting biomedical applications

The current study proposes a bio-directed approach for the formation of titanium oxide and silver nanoparticles (TiO₂ and Ag NPs), using a wild mushroom, Fomitopsis pinicola, identified by 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing (gene accession no. MK635350) and phenotypic examination. NP synthesis was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), diffuse reflectance UV-visible spectroscopy (DR-UV), and scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM). Furthermore, the impact of NPs on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and a human colon cancer cell line (HCT) were evaluated by MIC/MBC and MTT assays, respectively, along with structural morphogenesis by different microscopy methods. The results obtained showed that TiO₂ and Ag NPs were found to be significantly active, however, slightly enhanced antibacterial and anticancer action was seen with Ag NPs (10–30 nm). Such NPs can be utilized to control and treat infectious diseases and colon cancer and therefore have potential in a range of biomedical applications.

This study proposes a bio-directed approach for the formation of titanium oxide and silver nanoparticles (TiO₂ and Ag NPs), using a wild mushroom, Fomitopsis pinicola, identified by 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing (gene accession no. MK635350) and phenotypic examination.

Cisplatin-functionalized three-dimensional magnetic SBA-16 for treating breast cancer cells (MCF-7)

The engineering of multifunctional therapeutics in an integrated single platform is demonstrated using three-dimensional SBA-16 (S-16). 10 wt% iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe) were loaded into the cage type of cubic pores through enforced adsorption technique. Fe/S-16 is then functionalized with amine-based silane (A), polyacrylic acid (P) and cisplatin (Cp). The physicochemical textural analysis showed the formation of nano metal oxide distributions at pore walls of S-16 with magnetization of 2.39 emu/g. S-16 based nanoformulations showed high percentage of Cp adsorption (90%) and percentage cumulative release (60%). in vitro study of Fe/S-16-A-Cp showed high toxicity against breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and normal cell line Human foreskin fibroblast (HFF-1) compared to Fe/S-16 indicating cisplatin profusion inside the cells than free cisplatin. While skin fibroblast seems to be resistant to Fe/S-16-AP-Cp with very high LC₅₀ in compare to MCF-7. This indicates the unrelease of cisplatin in skin fibroblast after Fe/S-16-AP-Cp treatment due to effective encapsulation inside the cubic pores and core blockage due to pH-sensitive polyacrylic acid. Also, these treatments resulted in morphological changes in the cells such as DNA condensation and nuclear fragmentation.

Targeted therapeutic effect against the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 with a CuFe2O4/silica/cisplatin nanocomposite formulation

The combination of magnetic nanoparticles with a porous silica is a composite that has attracted significant attention for potential multifunctional theranostic applications. In this study, 30 wt % CuFe₂O₄ was impregnated into a matrix of monodispersed spherical hydrophilic silica (HYPS) nanoparticles through a simple dry impregnation technique. The chemotherapy drug cisplatin was loaded through electrostatic equilibrium adsorption over 24 h in normal saline solution. The presence of cubic spinel CuFe₂O₄ on HYPS was confirmed through powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and diffuse reflectance UV-vis spectroscopy (DR UV-vis) analysis. The HYPS particles showed a surface area of 170 m²/g, pore size of 8.3 nm and pore volume of 0.35 cm³/g. The cisplatin/CuFe₂O₄/HYPS nanoformulation showed the accumulation of copper ferrite nanoparticles on the surface and in the pores of HYPS with a surface area of 45 m²/g, pore size of 16 nm and pore volume of 0.18 cm³/g. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping analysis showed the presence of homogeneous silica particles with nanoclusters of copper ferrite distributed on the HYPS support. Vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) analysis of CuFe₂O₄/HYPS showed paramagnetic behavior with a saturated magnetization value of 7.65 emu/g. DRS UV-vis analysis revealed the functionalization of cisplatin in tetrahedral and octahedral coordination in the CuFe₂O₄/HYPS composite. Compared to other supports such as mesocellular foam and silicalite, the release of cisplatin using the dialysis membrane technique was found to be superior when CuFe₂O₄/HYPS was applied as the support. An in vitro experiment was conducted to determine the potential of CuFe₂O₄/HYPS as an anticancer agent against the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. The results show that the nanoparticle formulation can effectively target cancerous cells and could be an effective tumor imaging guide and drug delivery system.

Isolation and characterization of a novel thermophile; Bacillus haynesii, applied for the green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles

The establishment of a benign system for the nanoparticle (NPs) synthesis, is a key in nanotechnology for the environmental and health care industries. Therefore, enrichment of novel biological systems for the green synthesis is in significant demand, to lift up these compounds in the biomedical industries. The present work, reports the green synthesis of ZnO NPs, employing a novel thermophile, identified as Bacillus haynesii (GeneBank: MG822851) isolated from the leaf of date palm plant (Phoenix dactylifera), as an eco-friendly nanobiofactory. Physiochemical characterization of ZnO NPs (50 ± 5 nm in size), was achieved by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance UV-Visible spectroscopy (DR UV-Vis spectroscopy), Thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmissiom electron microscopy (TEM). The morphogenesis and antimicrobial activity of synthesized ZnO NPs, was studied by evaluating the minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentration (MIC&MBC) against Escherchia coli (8 and 16 mg/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus (4 and 8 mg/mL), respectively. The present study encourages the use of B. haynesii for the green synthesis of ZnO NP. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the study of thermophilic, B. haynesii for green synthesis of NPs in general and ZnO NPs in particular.

SPIONs/3D SiSBA-16 based Multifunctional Nanoformulation for target specific cisplatin release in colon and cervical cancer cell lines

Multifunctional nanomaterials can be used for dual applications: drug delivery as well as in bioimaging. In current study, we investigated potential use of silica based supports; 3D cage type SiSBA-16 (S-16), monodispersed hydrophilic spherical silica (HYPS) and mesocellular foam (MSU-F) for cisplatin (Cp) delivery. To obtain magnetic resonance characteristics, 10 wt% iron oxide was loaded through enforced adsorption technique. For pH stimuli responsive release of Cp, 10 wt%SPIONs/S-16 was functionalized with 3-(Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (A) and poly acrylic acid (PAA) termed as 10 wt%SPIONs/S-16-A-Cp and 10 wt%SPIONs/S-16-APAA-Cp. By TEM analysis, the average diameter of the SPIONs was found to range between 10–60 nm. VSM analysis showed saturation magnetization over S-16, HYPS and MSU-F were in the following order: 10 wt%SPIONs/HYPS (4.08 emug⁻¹) > 10 wt%SPIONs /S-16 (2.39 emug⁻¹) > 10 wt%SPIONs/MSU-F (0.23 emug⁻¹). Cp release study using dialysis membrane in PBS solution over 10 wt%SPIONs/S-16 nanoformulations showed highest cumulative release (65%) than 10 wt%SPIONs/MSU-F-A-Cp (63%), 10 wt%SPIONs/HYPS-A-Cp (58%), and Cp-F127/S-16 (53%), respectively. 10 wt%SPIONs/S-16-A-Cp and 10 wt%SPIONs/S-16-APAA-Cp were evaluated for in vitro target anticancer efficiency in human cancer cell lines (colon cancer (HCT 116), cervical cancer (HeLa)) and normal cells (Human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) using MTT and DAPI staining. 10 wt%SPIONs/S-16-A-Cp treated Hela and HCT116 cancerous cell lines showed significant control of cell growth, apoptotic activity and less cytotoxic effect as compared to Cp and 10 wt%SPIONs/S-16. Target specific Cp release in the cells shows that 10 wt%SPIONs/S-16-A-Cp can be easily upgraded for magnetic resonance imaging capability.

Protein/ Hormone Based Nanoparticles as Carriers for Drugs Targeting Protein-Protein Interactions

BACKGROUND

In this review, protein-protein interactions (PPIs) were defined, and their behaviors in normal in disease conditions are discussed. Their status at nuclear, molecular and cellular level was underscored, as for their interference in many diseases. Finally, the use of protein nanoscale structures as possible carriers for drugs targeting PPIs was highlighted.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to suggest a novel approach for targeting PPIs. By using protein nanospheres and nanocapsules, a promising field of study can be emerged.

METHODS

To solidify this argument, PPIs and their biological significance was discussed, same as their role in hormone signaling.

RESULTS

We shed the light on the drugs that targets PPI and we suggested the use of nanovectors to encapsulate these drugs to possibly achieve better results.

CONCLUSION

Protein based nanoparticles, due to their advantages, can be suitable carriers for drugs targeting PPIs. This can open a new opportunity in the emerging field of multifunctional therapeutics.

Cisplatin delivery, anticancer and antibacterial properties of Fe/SBA-16/ZIF-8 nanocomposite

Nanoformulation involving biocompatible MOFs and magnetic nanocarriers is an emerging multifunctional platform for drug delivery and tumor imaging in targeted cancer therapeutics. In this study, a nanocomposite has been developed comprising Fe/SBA-16 and ZIF-8 (Fe/S-16/ZIF-8) through ultrasonication. The drug delivery of cisplatin was studied using an automated diffusion cell system equipped with a flow type Franz cell. The anticancer activity of Fe/S-16/ZIF-8 was studied in vitro in MCF-7, HeLa cells and Human Foreskin Fibroblast (HFF-1) cells. XRD and d-spacing measurements of Fe/S-16/ZIF-8 using TEM revealed the presence of cubic-structured Fe₃O₄, γ-Fe₂O₄ (magnetite), and α-FeOOH (goethite) over an SBA-16/ZIF-8 nanocomposite. The composite showed a surface area of 365 m² g⁻¹, a pore size of 8.3 nm and a pore volume of 0.33 cm³ g⁻¹. VSM analysis of Fe/S-16/ZIF-8 showed that it possessed paramagnetic behavior with a saturated magnetization value of 2.39 emu g⁻¹. The Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ coordination environment was characterized using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The cisplatin drug delivery study clearly showed the synergistic effects present in Fe/S-16/ZIF-8 with over 75% of cisplatin release as compared to that of Fe/S-16 and ZIF-8, which showed 56% and 7.5%, respectively. The morphology analysis of CP/Fe/SBA-16/ZIF-8 using TEM showed an effective transit of nanoparticles into MCF-7 cells. The lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of Fe/SBA-16/ZIF-8 for MCF-7 and HeLa cells is 0.119 mg mL⁻¹ and 0.028 mg mL⁻¹ at 24 h, respectively. For HFF-1 cells, the LC₅₀ is 0.016 mg mL⁻¹. The antibiofilm activity of Fe/SBA-16/ZIF-8 was investigated against biofilm-forming strains of drug resistant P. aeruginosa and MRSA by a microtiter tissue culture plate assay. Overall, nanosized ZIF-8 with a bioactive alkaloid imidazole inside the 3D cage type of SBA-16 pores is found to exhibit both anticancer and antibacterial properties. A Fe/S-16/ZIF-8 composite could be effectively used as a drug and drug delivery system against cancer and promote antibacterial activity.

The role of nano ZIF-8 in a Fe/SBA-16/ZIF composite has been explored as a potential anticancer drug and drug delivery system.

Potential therapeutic role of Tridham in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line through induction of p53 independent apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths reported worldwide. The incidence is higher in Asia and Africa, where there is greater endemic prevalence of hepatitis B and C. The devastating outcome of cancer can be minimized only by the use of potent therapeutic agents. Tridham (TD) has been acknowledged since olden days for its wide spectrum of biological properties and was used by traditional practitioners of Siddha and other indigenous systems of medicine. The present study aims at investigating the mechanistic action of TD by assessing the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (Huh7).

METHODS

Cell viability and apoptosis assay using MTT analysis and trypan blue staining, DAPI staining, DNA fragmentation, cell cycle analysis, mitochondrial membrane potential, real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were determined in Huh7 cells.

RESULTS

Viability studies of TD treated Huh7 cells showed an inhibition in cell growth in time and dose dependent manner. Chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation and apoptotic bodies, which are structural changes characteristic of apoptosis, were found following TD treatment of Huh7 cells. DAPI staining and agarose gel electrophoresis confirmed the induction of apoptosis by TD. Cell cycle analysis of Huh7 cells treated with TD exhibited a marked accumulation of cells in the sub-G1 phase of the cell cycle in a dose dependent manner. Immunofluorescent staining for Ki-67 showed a higher level of expression in untreated cells as compared to TD treated cells. We observed a significant loss in the mitochondrial membrane potential and the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol in TD treated cells. Down regulation of Bcl-2, up regulation of Bax and Bad as well as activation of caspases-3 and 9 were also observed. The p53 gene expression was found to be unaltered in TD treated cells.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that TD induces apoptosis of Huh7 cells through activation of Bax and triggered caspase cascade, independent of p53 function. This study throws light on the mechanistic action of TD in triggering apoptosis in Huh 7 cells.