Recent advances in the development of multiplexed nanophotonic biosensors.

The field of nanophotonics has advanced and can be utilized as a method to detect different infectious diseases. The introduction of multiplex nanophotonic diagnostics has enabled the speedy and simultaneous detection of viral infections and specific biomarkers. The quick reaction times, high sensitivity, and specificity of multiplex nanophotonic diagnostics enable real-time identification of viruses without the need for nucleic acid amplification.

Evaluation of Aluminium Hydroxide Nanoparticles as an Efficient Adjuvant to Potentiate the Immune Response against Serotypes C and D Toxoid Vaccines.

serotypes C and D cause botulism in livestock, a neuroparalytic disease that results in substantial economic losses. Vaccination with aluminium-based toxoid vaccines is widely used to control the spread of botulism. Aluminium-based adjuvants are preferred owing to their apparent stimulation of the immune responses to toxoid vaccines when compared to other adjuvants.

Nanotechnology-Based Diagnostics for Diseases Prevalent in Developing Countries: Current Advances in Point-of-Care Tests.

The introduction of point-of-care testing (POCT) has revolutionized medical testing by allowing for simple tests to be conducted near the patient's care point, rather than being confined to a medical laboratory. This has been especially beneficial for developing countries with limited infrastructure, where testing often involves sending specimens off-site and waiting for hours or days for results. However, the development of POCT devices has been challenging, with simplicity, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness being key factors in making these tests feasible.

Barriers to the Intestinal Absorption of Four Insulin-Loaded Arginine-Rich Nanoparticles in Human and Rat.

Peptide drugs and biologics provide opportunities for treatments of many diseases. However, due to their poor stability and permeability in the gastrointestinal tract, the oral bioavailability of peptide drugs is negligible. Nanoparticle formulations have been proposed to circumvent these hurdles, but systemic exposure of orally administered peptide drugs has remained elusive.

Young Adults' Responses to an African and US-Based COVID-19 Edutainment Miniseries: Real-Time Qualitative Analysis of Online Social Media Engagement.

Background: In April 2020, as cases of the novel COVID-19 spread across the globe, MTV Staying Alive Foundation created the educational entertainment miniseries MTV Shuga: Alone Together. In 70 short episodes released daily on YouTube, Alone Together aimed to disseminate timely and accurate information to increase young people's knowledge, motivation, and actions to prevent COVID-19.

Objective: We sought to identify Alone Together viewer's perspectives on the global COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdowns by examining the words, conversations, experiences, and emotions expressed on social media in response to the Alone Together episodes.

Protamine nanocapsules as carriers for oral peptide delivery.

Peptides represent a promising therapeutic class with the potential to alleviate many severe diseases. A key limitation of these active molecules relies on the difficulties for their efficient oral administration. The objective of this work has been the rational design of polymer nanocapsules (NCs) intended for the oral delivery of peptide drugs.

The interaction of protamine nanocapsules with the intestinal epithelium: A mechanistic approach.

Single-layer protamine and double layer polysialic acid (PSA)/protamine nanocapsules (NCs) were designed in order to be used as carriers to facilitate the transport of macromolecules across the intestinal epithelium. The rational for the design of these NCs was based on that protamine is a non-toxic yet potent cell-penetrating peptide, capable of translocating protein cargos through cell membranes, while PSA is a low molecular weight polysaccharide used to enhance the stability of macromolecules and nanocarriers. The aim of this work was to study in vitro the mechanism of interaction of these NCs with different intestinal cell models (Caco-2, Caco-2/Raji mimicking follicle associated epithelium and Caco-2/HT29-MTX to study the effect of mucus).

Emerging delivery platforms for mucosal administration of biopharmaceuticals: a critical update on nasal, pulmonary and oral routes.

Protein and peptide-based drugs are preferred therapeutics due to their specificity but are mainly administered by injection. Alternative routes for peptide delivery are preferred because of their ease of administration and increased patient compliance. Areas covered: This review provides a critical overview of current strategies for non-invasive mucosal delivery routes of therapeutic proteins and peptides, with emphasis on their advantages and limitations.