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Inflammation targeted chitosan-based hydrogel for controlled release of diclofenac sodium

Gull N, Khan SM, Butt OM, Islam A, Shah A, Jabeen S, et al.

Int J Biol Macromol, 2020 Nov 01;162:175-187.
PMID: 32562726 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.06.133

Inflammation is a key challenge in the treatment of chronic diseases. Spurred by topical advancement in polymer chemistry and drug delivery, hydrogels that release a drug in temporal, spatial and dosage controlled fashion have been trendy. This research focused on the fabrication of hydrogels with controlled drug release properties to control inflammation. Chitosan and polyvinyl pyrrolidone were used as base polymers and crosslinked with epichlorohydrin to form hydrogel films by solution casting technique. Prepared hydrogels were analyzed by swelling analysis in deionized water, buffer and electrolyte solutions and gel fraction. Functional groups confirmation and development of new covalent and hydrogen bonds, thermal stability (28.49%) and crystallinity were evaluated by FTIR, TGA and WAXRD, respectively. Rheological properties including gel strength and yield stress, elasticity (2309 MPa), porosity (75%) and hydrophilicity (73°) of prepared hydrogels were also evaluated. In vitro studies confirmed that prepared hydrogels have good biodegradability, excellent antimicrobial property and admirable cytotoxicity. Drug release profile (87.56% in 130 min) along with the drug encapsulation efficiency (84%) of prepared hydrogels was also studied. These results paved the path towards the development of hydrogels that can release the drugs with desired temporal patterns.

Matched MeSH terms: Water/chemistry
Characterization of aluminum resistant Anoxybacillus sp. SK 3-4 isolated from a hot spring

Lim JC, Goh KM, Shamsir MS, Ibrahim Z, Chong CS

J Basic Microbiol, 2015 Apr;55(4):514-9.
PMID: 25523650 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201400621

The Anoxybacillus sp. SK 3-4, previously isolated from a hot spring, was screened for its heavy metals resistance (Al(3+), Mn(2+), Cu(2+), Co(2+), Zn(2+), and Ni(2+)) and the strain was found to be most resistant to aluminum. Significant growth of the strain was observed when it was grown in medium containing aluminum (200 mg L(-1)-800 mg L(-1)) with relative growth rates ranging between 77% and 100%. A gene encoding the aluminum resistance protein (accession number: WP_021095658.1) was found in genome of strain SK 3-4, which revealed high sequence identity (>95%) to its homologues from Anoxybacillus species. Sequence comparisons with two functionally characterized aluminum resistance proteins, namely G2alt and ALU1-P, showed 97% and 81% of sequence identity, respectively. Four putative metal binding sites were detected in SK 3-4 aluminum resistance protein and G2alt at same amino acid residue positions of 186, 195, 198, and 201. Strain SK 3-4 was found to be able to remove aluminum from aqueous solution. This study demonstrated that Anoxybacillus sp. SK 3-4 could be applied in the treatment of aluminum contaminated wastewater.

Matched MeSH terms: Waste Water/microbiology*
First molecular epidemiology of Entamoeba histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii infections in Yemen: different species-specific associated risk factors

Al-Areeqi MA, Sady H, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Anuar TS, Al-Adhroey AH, Atroosh WM, et al.

Trop Med Int Health, 2017 04;22(4):493-504.
PMID: 28151567 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12848

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the molecular epidemiology of Entamoeba histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii infections among rural communities in Yemen.
METHODS: In a community-based study, faecal samples were collected from 605 participants and examined by wet mount, formalin-ether sedimentation, trichrome staining and nested multiplex PCR techniques. Demographic, socio-economic and environmental information was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire.
RESULTS: Overall, 324 (53.6%) of the samples were positive for Entamoeba cysts and/or trophozoites by microscopic examination. Molecular analysis revealed that 20.2%, 15.7% and 18.2% of the samples were positive for E. histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed different sets of species-specific risk factors among these communities. Educational level was identified as the significant risk factor for E. histolytica; age and gender were the significant risk factors for E. moshkovskii; and sources of drinking water and consumption of unwashed vegetables were the significant risk factors for E. dispar. Moreover, living in coastal/foothill areas and presence of other infected family members were risk factors for both E. histolytica and E. moshkovskii infections.
CONCLUSION: The study reveals that Entamoeba spp. infection is highly prevalent among rural communities in Yemen, with E. histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii differentiated for the first time. Identifying and treating infected family members, providing health education pertinent to good personal and food hygiene practices and providing clean drinking water should be considered in developing a strategy to control intestinal parasitic infections in these communities, particularly in the coastal/foothill areas of the country.

Matched MeSH terms: Drinking Water/parasitology
Identification of reference genes for real-time polymerase chain reaction gene expression studies in Nile rats fed Water-Soluble Palm Fruit Extract

Leow SS, Lee WK, Khoo JS, Teoh S, Hoh CC, Fairus S, et al.

Mol Biol Rep, 2020 Dec;47(12):9409-9427.
PMID: 33222119 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-06003-3

The Nile rat (Arvicanthis niloticus) is a novel diurnal carbohydrate-sensitive rodent useful for studies on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the metabolic syndrome. Hepatic responses to T2DM and any interventions thereof can be evaluated via transcriptomic gene expression analysis. However, the study of gene expression via real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) requires identification of stably expressed reference genes for accurate normalisation. This study describes the evaluation and identification of stable reference genes in the livers from Control Nile rats as well as those supplemented with Water-Soluble Palm Fruit Extract, which has been previously shown to attenuate T2DM in this animal model. Seven genes identified as having stable expression in RNA-Sequencing transcriptome analysis were chosen for verification using real-time RT-qPCR. Six commonly used reference genes from previous literature and two genes from a previous microarray gene expression study in Nile rats were also evaluated. The expression data of these 15 candidate reference genes were analysed using the RefFinder software which incorporated analyses performed by various algorithms. The Hpd, Pnpla6 and Vpp2 genes were identified as the most stable across the 36 samples tested. Their applicability was demonstrated through the normalisation of the gene expression profiles of two target genes, Cela1 and Lepr. In conclusion, three novel reference genes which can be used for robust normalisation of real-time RT-qPCR data were identified, thereby facilitating future hepatic gene expression studies in the Nile rat.

Matched MeSH terms: Water/chemistry*
Three stage cultivation process of facultative strain of Chlorella sorokiniana for treating dairy farm effluent and lipid enhancement

Hena S, Fatihah N, Tabassum S, Ismail N

Water Res, 2015 Sep 1;80:346-56.
PMID: 26043271 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2015.05.001

Reserve lipids of microalgae are promising for biodiesel production. However, economically feasible and sustainable energy production from microalgae requires optimization of cultivation conditions for both biomass yield and lipid production of microalgae. Biomass yield and lipid production in microalgae are a contradictory problem because required conditions for both targets are different. Simultaneously, the mass cultivation of microalgae for biofuel production also depends extremely on the performance of the microalgae strains used. In this study a green unicellular microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana (DS6) isolated from the holding tanks of farm wastewater treatment plant using multi-step screening and acclimation procedures was found high-lipid producing facultative heterotrophic microalgae strain capable of growing on dairy farm effluent (DFE) for biodiesel feedstock and wastewater treatment. Morphological features and the phylogenetic analysis for the 18S rRNA identified the isolated strains. A novel three stage cultivation process of facultative strain of C. sorokiniana was examined for lipid production.

Matched MeSH terms: Waste Water/microbiology*
Fulltext Stool patterns of Malaysian adults with functional constipation: association with diet and physical activity

Mazlyn MM, Nagarajah LH, Fatimah A, Norimah AK, Goh KL

Malays J Nutr, 2013 Apr;19(1):53-64.
PMID: 24800384 MyJurnal

Diet and lifestyle modification is commonly used in constipation management. As there is a dearth of studies on this topic in Malaysia, we aim to elucidate the relations between stool patterns, dietary intake and physical activity levels among adults with functional constipation.

Matched MeSH terms: Water/administration & dosage
Fulltext Histological study of gonadal tissues of adult Artemia salina (Linnaeus 1758) and immunohistochemistry by Caspase 3 and HSP70 to detect specific apoptosis markers on gonadal tissues after exposure to TBTCl

Abushaala NM, Elfituri AM, Zulkifli SZ

Open Vet J, 2021 02 08;11(1):112-120.
PMID: 33898292 DOI: 10.4314/ovj.v11i1.17

Background: Several types of research have been recently carried out on the biological effects of TBTs, including investigations of genitals in invertebrates in response to exposure to TBTs in marine water.
Aim: The objective of this research was to investigate the acute effects of tributyltin chloride (TBTCl) on gonads in the adult stage of Artemia salina by use normal histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) (Caspase 3 and HSP70) to see specific apoptosis markers.
Methods: After exposure of A. salina to different concentrations of TBTCl (25, 50, 100, 200, and 300 ng.l-1), 50 adult A. salina (25 male and 25 female) were selected randomly from each concentration to histologically study the gonads. The gonad tissue was sectioned (5 μm) and some slides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and others were stained with IHC avidin-biotin complex, and were examined under a light microscope.
Results: The results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in histological lesions between different concentrations of TBTCl. The histological lesions in the testis and ovary section were undifferentiated cells, degenerating yolk globules, and follicle cells enveloping the oocyte which was then compared with control tissue, and these effects were found to be increased in females more than in males with the highest concentration of TBTCl. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed that positive immunostaining was observed in the testis and ovary as brownish deposits to Caspase 3 and HSP70 antibody after exposure to TBTCl, while the testis and ovary section in control tissue had no immunoreactivity to Caspase 3 and HSP70 antibody; these effects were profoundly increased with the highest concentration of TBTCl in females more than in males. Finally, the histological lesions and IHC (Caspase 3 and HSP70) revealed that the apoptosis and immune system stress of A. salina gonad tissue damage in females were more sensitive to TBTCl toxicity as compared to white males.
Conclusion: In general, the present study aimed to observe the effects TBTCl on A. salina gonads by using histological sections and IHC (Caspase 3 and HSP70), which were evaluated for the first time and have been proven to possess an important function in apoptosis marker and immune system stress in Artemia. Finally, the specific mechanisms through which TBTCl affects A. salina Caspase 3 and HSP70 expression need further investigation.

Matched MeSH terms: Water Pollutants, Chemical/adverse effects*
Fulltext A/T Run Geometry of B-form DNA Is Independent of Bound Methyl-CpG Binding Domain, Cytosine Methylation and Flanking Sequence

Chia JY, Tan WS, Ng CL, Hu NJ, Foo HL, Ho KL

Sci Rep, 2016 08 09;6:31210.
PMID: 27502833 DOI: 10.1038/srep31210

DNA methylation in a CpG context can be recognised by methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) via its methyl-CpG binding domain (MBD). An A/T run next to a methyl-CpG maximises the binding of MeCP2 to the methylated DNA. The A/T run characteristics are reported here with an X-ray structure of MBD A140V in complex with methylated DNA. The A/T run geometry was found to be strongly stabilised by a string of conserved water molecules regardless of its flanking nucleotide sequences, DNA methylation and bound MBD. New water molecules were found to stabilise the Rett syndrome-related E137, whose carboxylate group is salt bridged to R133. A structural comparison showed no difference between the wild type and MBD A140V. However, differential scanning calorimetry showed that the melting temperature of A140V constructs in complex with methylated DNA was reduced by ~7 °C, although circular dichroism showed no changes in the secondary structure content for A140V. A band shift analysis demonstrated that the larger fragment of MeCP2 (A140V) containing the transcriptional repression domain (TRD) destabilises the DNA binding. These results suggest that the solution structure of MBD A140V may differ from the wild-type MBD although no changes in the biochemical properties of X-ray A140V were observed.

Matched MeSH terms: Water/chemistry
Biomacromolecule immobilization: grafting of fish-scale collagen peptides onto aminolyzed P(3HB-co-4HB) scaffolds as a potential wound dressing

Vigneswari S, Murugaiyah V, Kaur G, Abdul Khalil HP, Amirul AA

Biomed Mater, 2016 10 06;11(5):055009.
PMID: 27710927

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is a microbial polymer that has been at the forefront of many attempts at tissue engineering. However, the surface of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB-co-4HB)) is hydrophobic with few recognition sites for cell attachment. Various concentrations of fish-scale collagen peptides (FSCPs) were incorporated into P(3HB-co-4HB) copolymer by aminolysis. Later, FSCPs were introduced onto the aminolyzed P(3HB-co-4HB) scaffolds. Introduction of the FSCP groups was verified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the ninhydrin method. The effect of the incorporation of FSCPs on hydrophilicity was investigated using the water contact angle. As the concentration of FSCPs increased, the water contact angle decreased. In vitro study demonstrated that P(3HB-co-4HB)/FSCP scaffolds provided better cell attachment and growth of L929 mouse fibroblast cells and better cell proliferation. In vivo study showed that P(3HB-co-4HB)/1.5 wt% FSCPs had a significant effect on wound contractions, with the highest percentage of wound closure (61%) in 7 d.

Matched MeSH terms: Water/chemistry
Fingerprints of resistant Escherichia coli O157:H7 from vegetables and environmental samples

Abakpa GO, Umoh VJ, Kamaruzaman S, Ibekwe M

J Sci Food Agric, 2018 Jan;98(1):80-86.
PMID: 28543177 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8441

BACKGROUND: Some routes of transmission of Escherichia coli O157:H7 to fresh produce include contaminated irrigation water and manure polluted soils. The aim of the present study was to determine the genetic relationships of E. coli O157:H7 isolated from some produce growing region in Nigeria using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) DNA fingerprinting analysis. A total of 440 samples comprising leafy greens, irrigation water, manure and soil were obtained from vegetable producing regions in Kano and Plateau States, Nigeria. Genes coding for the quinolone resistance-determinant (gyrA) and plasmid (pCT) coding for multidrug resistance (MDR) were determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 16 isolates that showed MDR.
RESULTS: Cluster analysis of the ERIC-PCR profiles based on band sizes revealed six main clusters from the sixteen isolates analysed. The largest cluster (cluster 3) grouped isolates from vegetables and manure at a similarity coefficient of 0.72.
CONCLUSION: The present study provides data that support the potential transmission of resistant strains of E. coli O157:H7 from vegetables and environmental sources to humans with potential public health implications, especially in developing countries. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Matched MeSH terms: Water Microbiology*
Improvement of physicochemical properties of nanocolloidal carrier loaded with low water solubility drug for parenteral cancer treatment by Response Surface Methodology

Izadiyan Z, Basri M, Fard Masoumi HR, Abedi Karjiban R, Salim N, Kalantari K

Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl, 2019 Jan 01;94:841-849.
PMID: 30423770 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2018.10.015

Nanoemulsions have been used as a drug carrier system, particularly for poorly water-soluble drugs. Sorafenib is a poorly soluble drug and also there is no parenteral treatment. The aim of this study is the development of nanoemulsions for intravenous administration of Sorafenib. The formulations were prepared by high energy emulsification method and optimized by using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Here, the effect of independent composition variables of lecithin (1.16-2.84%, w/w), Medium-Chain Triglycerides (2.32-5.68%, w/w) and polysorbate 80 (0.58-1.42%, w/w) amounts on the properties of Sorafenib-loaded nanoemulsion was investigated. The three responses variables were particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index. Optimization of the conditions according to the three dependent variables was performed for the preparation of the Sorafenib-loaded nanoemulsions with the minimum value of particle size, suitable rage of zeta potential, and polydispersity index. A formulation containing 0.05% of Sorafenib kept its properties in a satisfactory range over the evaluated period. The composition with 3% Medium-Chain Triglycerides, 2.5% lecithin and 1.22% polysorbate 80 exhibited the smallest particle size and polydispersity index (43.17 nm and 0.22, respectively) with the zeta potential of -38.8 mV was the optimized composition. The fabricated nanoemulsion was characterized by the transmission electron microscope (TEM), viscosity, and stability assessment study. Also, the cytotoxicity result showed that the optimum formulations had no significant effect on a normal cell in a low concentration of the drug but could eliminate the cancer cells. The dose-dependent toxicity made it a suitable candidate for parenteral applications in the treatment of breast cancer. Furthermore, the optimized formulation indicated good storage stability for 3 months at different temperatures (4 ± 2 °C, 25 ± 2 °C and 45 ± 2 °C).

Matched MeSH terms: Water/chemistry*
Fabrication and preliminary in vitro evaluation of ultraviolet-crosslinked electrospun fish scale gelatin nanofibrous scaffolds

Beishenaliev A, Lim SS, Tshai KY, Khiew PS, Moh'd Sghayyar HN, Loh HS

J Mater Sci Mater Med, 2019 May 24;30(6):62.
PMID: 31127374 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-019-6264-4

This study aimed to explore a potential use of fish scale-derived gelatin nanofibrous scaffolds (GNS) in tissue engineering due to their biological and economical merits. Extraction of gelatin was achieved via decalcification, sonication and lyophilization of mixed fish scales. To fabricate nano-scale architecture of scaffolds analogous to natural extracellular matrix, gelatin was rendered into nanofibrous matrices through 6-h electrospinning, resulting in the average diameter of 48 ± 12 nm. In order to improve the water-resistant ability while retaining their biocompatibility, GNS were physically crosslinked with ultraviolet (UV) irradiation for 5 min (UGN5), 10 min (UGN10) and 20 min (UGN20). On average, the diameter of nanofibers increased by 3 folds after crosslinking, however, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed that no major alterations occurred in the functional groups of gelatin. A degradation assay showed that UGN5 and UGN10 scaffolds remained in minimum essential medium for 14 days, while UGN20 scaffolds degraded completely after 10 days. All UGN scaffolds promoted adhesion and proliferation of human keratinocytes, HaCaT, without causing an apparent cytotoxicity. UGN5 scaffolds were shown to stimulate a better growth of HaCaT cells compared to other scaffolds upon 1 day of incubation, whereas UGN20 had a long-term effect on cells exhibiting 25% higher cell proliferation than positive control after 7 days. In the wound scratch assay, UGN5 scaffolds induced a rapid cell migration closing up to 79% of an artificial wound within 24 h. The current findings provide a new insight of UGN scaffolds to serve as wound dressings in the future. In the wound scratch assay, UGN5 induced a rapid cell migration closing up to 79% of an artificial wound within 24 h.

Matched MeSH terms: Water/chemistry
Native κ-carrageenan induced-colitis is related to host intestinal microecology

Mi Y, Chin YX, Cao WX, Chang YG, Lim PE, Xue CH, et al.

Int J Biol Macromol, 2020 Mar 15;147:284-294.
PMID: 31926226 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.01.072

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, has gradually emerged as a public health challenge worldwide. Carrageenan is a popular food additive that has been in use for decades. However, controversy exists regarding to the safety of carrageenan due to its exacerbation of colitis in experimental models. In this study, we studied the effects of vehicle and host intestinal microflora on carrageenan inflammatory properties in C57BL/6 J mice. We found that in high-fat diet model, native carrageenan in drinking water increased the disease activity index (DAI), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and the mRNA expression of TLR4 in colon, whereas carrageenan-supplemented diet has no visible effects. However, no signs of colitis were observed under low-fat diet regardless of the mode of vehicle used. Moreover, we discovered that carrageenan-induced colitis in high-fat diet model was robustly correlated with changes in the composition of gut microbiota, specifically Alistipes finegoldii and Bacteroides acidifaciens. Hence, we propose that the inflammatory property of carrageenan is influenced greatly by its intake form via modification of host intestinal microecology.

Matched MeSH terms: Drinking Water/chemistry
Synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles from aqueous leaf extract of Alternanthera sessilis and its anticancer activity on cervical cancer cells (HeLa)

Qian L, Su W, Wang Y, Dang M, Zhang W, Wang C

Artif Cells Nanomed Biotechnol, 2019 Dec;47(1):1173-1180.
PMID: 30942109 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2018.1549064

Cervical cancer is the third most common highest mortality in women worldwide. The use of standard chemotherapeutic drugs against cervical cancer patients received several side effects. Therefore, we focused phytoconsituents-mediated synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) considered as greatest attention in the treatment of cervical cancer. In this present study, we reported that green synthesis of AuNPs by using with Alternanthera Sessilis aqueous extract. Synthesis of AuNPs were characterized by UV visible spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), selected area diffraction pattern (SAED), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and atomic force microscope. Synthesized AuNPs confirmed by the UV absorption maximum at 535 and crystal structure of gold AuNPs was further confirmed by EDX and SAED. TEM and atomic force microscopy images show the size and morphological distribution of nanoparticles. FTIR analysis was confirmed the hydroxyl groups, amine and alkaline groups of biomolecules are present in the AuNPs. Moreover, AuNPs induce cytotoxicity in cervical cancer cells and also induce apoptosis through modulating intrinsic apoptotic mechanisms in cervical cancer cells. This green synthesis of AuNPs from Alternanthera sessilis approach was easy, large scaled up and eco-friendly.

Matched MeSH terms: Water/chemistry*
Increased aqueous solubility and proapoptotic activity of potassium koetjapate against human colorectal cancer cells

Jafari SF, Khadeer Ahamed MB, Iqbal MA, Al Suede FS, Khalid SH, Haque RA, et al.

J Pharm Pharmacol, 2014 Oct;66(10):1394-409.
PMID: 25039905 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12272

Recently, we have isolated koetjapic acid (KA) from Sandoricum koetjape and identified its selective anticancer potentiality against colorectal carcinoma. KA is quite likely to be useful as a systemic anticancer agent against colorectal malignancy. However, with extremely low solubility, KA has to be converted into a biocompatible solubilized form without compromising the bioefficacy. Objective of this study is to enhance solubility of KA and to evaluate anticancer efficacy of potassium koetjapate in human colorectal cancer cells.

Matched MeSH terms: Water/chemistry
Electrolyte profile of Malaysian mothers' milk

Alaudeen S, Muslim N, Faridah K, Azman A, Arshat H

Malays J Reprod Health, 1988 Dec;6(2):102-7.
PMID: 12342169

PIP: The influence of socioeconomic status (ethnicity, income and parity) on electrolyte composition (sodium and potassium) in human milk is little known. We have thus quantitatively analyzed approximately 700 samples of milk (1-90 days postpartum) obtained from healthy Malaysian mothers' (Malay, Chinese and Indians) of full term infants. Results show that the mean concentration (mmol/l) of sodium is highest (48.2+or-1.7, Mean+or-SEM) in the Malaysian mothers' colostrum and this value decreased by 30% in their transitional milk and remained constant throughout subsequent days of lactation (mature milk). Ethnically, it is found that the level of sodium in colostrum of Malay and Chinese mothers were similar while the Indian mothers' colostrum showed apparently higher value (52.7+or-3.4 mmol/l) that is statistically insignificant. The transitional milk of all 3 ethnic groups studied exhibited similar levels of sodium. On subsequent days of lactation (mature milk) the Malay mothers exhibited lowest concentration (25.9+or-2.6 mmol/l) of sodium that is significantly (P0.05) different from that of Chinese and Indian mothers. Income and parity do not significantly affect the sodium level in Malaysian mothers' milk during all stages of lactation studied. The level of potassium, however did not change significantly with days of lactation. Like sodium, potassium too was not influenced by income and parity. (Author's).

Matched MeSH terms: Water-Electrolyte Balance*
Modified Dioscorea hispida starch-based hydrogels and their in-vitro cytotoxicity study on small intestine cell line (FHS-74 Int)

Ashri A, Amalina N, Kamil A, Fazry S, Sairi MF, Nazar MF, et al.

Int J Biol Macromol, 2018 Feb;107(Pt B):2412-2421.
PMID: 29056465 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.10.125

Starch-based hydrogels are promising smart materials for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, which offer exciting perspectives in biophysical research at molecular level. This work was intended to develop, characterize and explore the properties of hydrogel from starch extracted from new source, Dioscorea hispida Dennst. Starch-mediated hydrogels were successfully synthesized via free radical polymerization method with varying concentrations of acrylic acid (AA),N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in aqueous system. The grafting reaction between starch and AA was examined by observing the decline in intensity peak of hydrogel FTIR spectrum at 3291cm-1 and peak around 1600-1680cm-1, indicating the stretching of hydroxyl group (OH) and stretching of carbon-carbon double bond (CC) respectively. The effects of cross-linker, monomer and NaOH concentration on swelling ratio and gel content in different medium and conditions were also evaluated. The thermal stability and structural morphology of as-synthesized hydrogels were studied by thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In-vitro cytotoxicity study using small intestine cell line (FHS-74 Int) revealed that the as-formulated eco-friendly-hydrogel was free from any harmful material and safe to use for future product development.

Matched MeSH terms: Water/chemistry
Physicochemical Characterization of Mitragyna speciosa Alkaloid Extract and Mitragynine using In Vitro High Throughput Assays

Kong WM, Chik Z, Mohamed Z, Alshawsh MA

Comb Chem High Throughput Screen, 2017;20(9):796-803.
PMID: 29076424 DOI: 10.2174/1386207320666171026121820

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: Mitragynine, a major active alkaloid of Mitragyna speciosa, acts as an agonist on µ-opioid receptors, producing effects similar to morphine and other opioids. It has been traditionally utilized to alleviate opiate withdrawal symptoms. Besides consideration about potency and selectivity, a good drug must possess a suitable pharmacokinetic profile, with suitable absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADME-Tox) profile, in order to have a high chance of success in clinical trials.
MATERIAL AND METHOD: The purity of mitragynine in a Mitragyna speciosa alkaloid extract (MSAE) was determined using Ultra-Fast Liquid Chromatography (UFLC). In vitro high throughput ADMETox studies such as aqueous solubility, plasma protein binding, metabolic stability, permeability and cytotoxicity tests were carried out to analyze the physicochemical properties of MSAE and mitragynine. The UFLC quantification revealed that the purity of mitragynine in the MSAE was 40.9%.
RESULTS: MSAE and mitragynine are highly soluble in aqueous solution at pH 4.0 but less soluble at pH 7.4. A parallel artificial membrane permeability assay demonstrated that it is extensively absorbed through the semi-permeable membrane at pH 7.4 but very poorly at pH 4.0. Both are relatively highly bound to plasma proteins (> 85 % bound) and are metabolically stable to liver microsomes (> 84 % remained unchanged). In comparison to MSAE, mitragynine showed higher cytotoxicity against WRL 68, HepG2 and Clone 9 hepatocytes after 72 h treatment.
CONCLUSION: The obtained ADME and cytotoxicity data demonstrated that both MSAE and mitragynine have poor bioavailability and have the potential to be significantly cytotoxic.

Matched MeSH terms: Water/chemistry
Ionic liquid as a potential solvent for preparation of collagen-alginate-hydroxyapatite beads as bone filler

Iqbal B, Sarfaraz Z, Muhammad N, Ahmad P, Iqbal J, Khan ZUH, et al.

J Biomater Sci Polym Ed, 2018 07;29(10):1168-1184.
PMID: 29460709 DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2018.1443604

In this study, collagen/alginate/hydroxyapatite beads having different proportions were prepared as bone fillers for the restoration of osteological defects. Ionic liquid was used to dissolve the collagen and subsequently the solution was mixed with sodium alginate solution. Hydroxyapatite was added in different proportions, with the rationale to enhance mechanical as well as biological properties. The prepared solutions were given characteristic bead shapes by dropwise addition into calcium chloride solution. The prepared beads were characterized using FTIR, XRD, TGA and SEM analysis. Microhardness testing was used to evaluate the mechanical properties. The prepared beads were investigated for water adsorption behavior to ascertain its ability for body fluid uptake and adjusted accordingly to the bone cavity. Drug loading and subsequently the antibacterial activity was investigated for the prepared beads. The biocompatibility was assessed using the hemolysis testing and cell proliferation assay. The prepared collagen-alginate-HA beads, having biocompatibility and good mechanical properties, have showed an option of promising biologically active bone fillers for bone regeneration.

Matched MeSH terms: Water/chemistry
Isolation, characterization, and identification of potential Diuron-degrading bacteria from surface sediments of Port Klang, Malaysia

Hanapiah M, Zulkifli SZ, Mustafa M, Mohamat-Yusuff F, Ismail A

Mar Pollut Bull, 2018 Feb;127:453-457.
PMID: 29475685 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.12.015

Diuron is an alternative biocide suggested to replace organotin in formulating antifouling paints to be applied on water-going vessels hull. However, it is potentially harmful to various non-targeted marine organisms due to its toxic properties. Present study aimed to isolate, screen and identify the potential of Diuron-degrading bacteria collected from the marine sediments of Port Klang, Malaysia. Preliminary screening was conducted by exposing isolated bacteria to 430ng/L (background level), followed by 600ng/L and 1000ng/L of Diuron concentrations. Nine bacteria colonies survived the exposure of the above concentrations. However, only two strains can tolerate to survive up to 1000μg/L, which were then characterised and identified using phenotypic tests and the standard 16S rRNA molecular identification. The strains were identified as Comamonas jiangduensis SZZ 10 and Bacillus aerius SZZ 19 (GenBank accession numbers: KU942479 and KU942480, respectively). Both strains have the potential of Diuron biodegradation for future use.

Matched MeSH terms: Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis*

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