Graphene oxide-reinforced pectin/chitosan polyelectrolyte complex scaffolds.

Three-dimensional (3D) porous scaffolds based on graphene oxide (GO) incorporated pectin/chitosan polyelectrolyte complex (PCGO) were prepared by the freeze-drying technique. The chemical composition and microstructure of the prepared PCGO scaffolds were studied by FTIR and XRD analysis. The presence of GO and its uniform distribution within the polymer matrix was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and confocal Raman mapping analysis, respectively.

Three-dimensional porous scaffolds based on agarose/chitosan/graphene oxide composite for tissue engineering.

Three-dimensional (3D) porous scaffolds based on agarose/chitosan/graphene oxide (ACGO) composite were prepared by the freeze-drying technique. The prepared scaffolds were characterized by FTIR, XRD and SEM analysis. The effect of graphene oxide (GO) on the physicochemical and biological properties of the composite scaffolds was evaluated in terms of porosity, swelling, water retention, compressive strength, enzymatic degradation, cytotoxicity and cell attachment behaviors.

Preparation and characterization of three-dimensional scaffolds based on hydroxypropyl chitosan-graft-graphene oxide.

Hydroxypropyl chitosan (HPCH), a water soluble derivative of chitosan, is widely considered for tissue engineering and wound healing applications due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. Graphene oxide (GO) is a carbon-based nanomaterial which is capable of imparting desired properties to the scaffolds. Hence, the integration of GO into HPCH could allow for the production of HPCH-based scaffolds with improved swelling character, mechanical strength, and stability aimed at being used in tissue engineering.

Prospects of chitosan-based scaffolds for growth factor release in tissue engineering.

Tissue engineering is concerned about the rejuvenation and restoration of diseased and damages tissues/organs using man-made scaffolds that mimic the native environment of the cells. In recent years, a variety of biocompatible and biodegradable natural materials is employed for the fabrication of such scaffolds. Of these natural materials, chitosan is the most preferred one as it imitates the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the cells.

Peptides to Target Tumor Vasculature and Lymphatics for Improved Anti-Angiogenesis Therapy.

Cancer has become one of the leading causes of increased mortality. The currently employed diagnostic and therapeutic modality offers only minimal specificity towards cancerous cells and affects normal healthy cells. Targeted drug delivery systems have shown an improved efficiency in the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers, as the targeted molecules specifically reach the tumor cells without exerting any undesirable effects on the normal healthy cells.

Development of nanotheranostics against metastatic breast cancer--A focus on the biology & mechanistic approaches.

Treatment for metastatic breast cancer still remains to be a challenge since the currently available diagnostic and treatment strategies fail to detect the micro-metastasis resulting in higher mortality rate. Moreover, the lack of specificity to target circulating tumor cells is also a factor. In addition, currently available imaging modalities to identify the secondaries vary with respect to various metastatic anatomic areas and size of the tumor.

Snake venom derived molecules in tumor angiogenesis and its application in cancer therapy; an overview.

Snake venom is a complex mixture of biologically and pharmacologically active components, comprising hydrolytic enzymes, non-enzymatic proteins/peptides, and small amounts of organic and inorganic molecules. The venom components are known to vary with geographic location, season, species and age of the snakes. The role of the venom in the snake is not primarily for self-defense, but in prey immobilization and its subsequent digestion.

Homology modeling, molecular dynamics and atomic level interaction study of snake venom 5' nucleotidase.

5' Nucleotidase (5' NUC) is a ubiquitously distributed enzyme known to be present in snake venoms (SV) that is responsible primarily for causing dysregulation of physiological homeostasis in humans by inducing anticoagulant effects and by inhibiting platelet aggregation. It is also known to act synergistically with other toxins to exert a more pronounced anti-coagulant effect during envenomation. Its structural and functional role is not yet ascertained clearly.