Evaluation of Palm PCRTM G1-12 System: a portable battery-operated PCR thermal cycler

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the basis of recombinant and other molecular biological techniques. Availability of cheap and robust PCR platforms enables the tests to be performed easily, even in resource constrained settings. Herein we compared the efficacy of a portable thermal cycler ( Palm PCRTM G1-12 System) for rapid DNA amplification against the standard Peltier-based thermal cycler using plasmid DNA and genomic DNA in single and multiplex PCR experiments. Our study revealed that the Palm PCRTM G1-12 System could be a portable DNA amplification system to conduct various molecular techniques, especially in places where resources are limited

Deep eutectic solvents-halophilic cellulase system: An efficient route for in situ saccharification of lignocellulose

Pre-treatment of lignocellulosic biomass is essential for the cost-effective saccharification process to produce fermentable sugars. In this study, Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) and halophilic cellulase system were used as a new green and cost-effective approach for lignocellulose hydrolysis. The stability and compatibility between DES and halophilic cellulase for lignocellulose hydrolysis were investigated by monitoring the stability of halophilic cellulase in the occurrence of different concentrations of DESs. It was found that halophilic cellulase showed higher stability in the occurrence of 10–20% (v/v) DES. It has been noticed that 20% of DESs, enhanced 2–3 folds in the release of glucose. The compatibility of the DES-halophilic cellulase system has been further evaluated and improved the saccharification efficiency even at high solid loadings. Using the system , saccharification of the rice husk produced three folds of glucose higher than the untreated sample. The yield was estimated to be higher than 1 mM of glucose using the halophilic cellulase -DES system with the hydrolysis for 36 h. DESs-halophilic cellulase system offers a good alternative compared to the available lignocelluloses pre-treatment method in terms of cost, environmental an

Semiconductor Nanowires Biosensors for Highly Selective and Multiplexed Detection of Biomolecules

The surface modification of Nano-structure has allowed specific and selective detection to be made on nano structures devices. Current study, a nanowire was surface engineered with the potential of silicon nanowires biosensors (SiO2) which enhance the biosensor activity especially identifying single-stranded bio-molecular such as E.coli DNA. The device's capabilities were studied based on it response n electrochemical activities of the terminal group of the surface modification agent. NH2 -terminated APTES) to provide rigid chemistry between the DNA organic and Si inorganic link of a biomolecule single_stranded ssDNA probe and SiO2_APTES link nanostructure. Thus, the study demonstrates that silicon nanowire sensing capability to discriminate molecular probe to that of molecule target of supra-genome 21 mers salmonella due to sensitive surface chemistries that made distinguishing the two species. The device captured the molecule precisely; the approach took the advantages of strong binding chemistry created between APTES and biomolecule. The results indicated how modifications of the nanowires provide sensing capability with strong surface chemistries that can lead to specific and selective target detection

Effect of heating duration on the synthesis of silicon carbide nanotubes by microwave heating of MWCNTs and silica

In this article, the effect of heating duration on the synthesis of silicon carbide nanotubes (SiCNTs) was reported. SiCNTs were synthesized from blend of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the ratio of 1:3 by using the microwave heating at 1400°C and maintained at duration of 20, 40 and 60 min, respectively. SiCNTs synthesized at heating duration of 40 and 60 min showed the presence of single phase β-SiC in X-ray diffraction patterns. Meanwhile, field emission scanning electron microscope images showed that SiCNTs were formed and no residual of SiO2 and MWCNTs was observed for SiCNTs formed at heating duration of 40 and 60 min. Transmission electron microscopy images showed the SiCNTs have inter-planar spacing of 0.263 nm and tubular structure of nanotube were retained. The peak corresponded to β-SiC was observed at wavelength of 465 nm from the photoluminescence spectroscopy and associated with energy band gap of 2.67 eV. Absorption bands of Si-C bond were detected at 806.23 cm-1 from the Fourier transform infrared spectra. High purity SiCNTs was obtained at 40 and 60 min as indicated by low weight loss by thermo-gravimetric analysis. 40 min is the most suitable heating duration for the synthesis of single phase β-SiCNTs

Insights on anticancer activities, associated phytochemicals and potential molecular mechanisms of Quisqualis indica: a mini review

Drug resistance is the main issue causing the treatment failure of anticancer drugs. This issue has urged researchers to search for new substances from medicinal plants, which are widely reported as the good sources of anticancer agents. Quisqualis indica is a plant belongs to Combretaceae family, known as Rangoon Creeper, which can be found abundantly in tropical countries and distributed profusely as a wild shrub. It has been widely used traditionally and scientifically claimed to process various therapeutic activities. It has recently been reported to possess various potential anticancer activities against different cancers. Looking at its availability in almost all seasons and grow fast, it is an arising source of herbal medicine in the discovery of anticancer drugs economically. Besides, Q. indica is enriched with several secondary metabolites of interest, which are responsible for the positive findings for its anticancer potentials. In this review, we aim to decipher and discuss the anticancer activities of Q. indica crude extracts and isolated phytochemicals as evidenced in preclinical models, as well as the associated molecular mechanisms. More preclinical investigations on its anticancer potentials should be conducted before translation to clinical testing

Insights on Anticancer Activities, Associated Phytochemicals and Potential Molecular Mechanisms of Quisqualis indica: A Mini Review

Drug resistance is the main issue causing the treatment failure of anticancer drugs. This issue has urged researchers to search for new substances from medicinal plants, which are widely reported as the good sources of anticancer agents. Quisqualis indica is a plant belongs to Combretaceae family, known as Rangoon Creeper, which can be found abundantly in tropical countries and distributed profusely as a wild shrub. It has been widely used traditionally and scientifically claimed to process various therapeutic activities. It has recently been reported to possess various potential anticancer activities against different cancers. Looking at its availability in almost all seasons and grow fast, it is an arising source of herbal medicine in the discovery of anticancer drugs economically. Besides, Q. indica is enriched with several secondary metabolites of interest, which are responsible for the positive findings for its anticancer potentials. In this review, we aim to decipher and discuss the anticancer activities of Q. indica crude extracts and isolated phytochemicals as evidenced in preclinical models, as well as the associated molecular mechanisms. More preclinical investigations on its anticancer potentials should be conducted before translation to clinical testing

Molecular Targets of Aptamers in Gastrointestinal Cancers: Cancer Detection, Therapeutic Applications, and Associated Mechanisms

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are among the most common cancers that impact the global population, with high mortality and low survival rates after breast and lung cancers. Identifying useful molecular targets in GI cancers are crucial for improving diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment outcomes, however, limited by poor targeting and drug delivery system. Aptamers are often utilized in the field of biomarkers identification, targeting, and as a drug/inhibitor delivery cargo. Their natural and chemically modifiable binding capability, high affinity, and specificity are favored over antibodies and potential early diagnostic imaging and drug delivery applications. Studies have demonstrated the use of different aptamers as drug delivery agents and early molecular diagnostic and detection probes for treating cancers. This review aims to first describe aptamers’ generation, characteristics, and classifications, also providing insights into their recent applications in the diagnosis and medical imaging, prognosis, and anticancer drug delivery system of GI cancers. Besides, it mainly discussed the relevant molecular targets and associated molecular mechanisms involved, as well as their applications for potential treatments for GI cancers. In addition, the current applications of aptamers in a clinical setting to treat GI cancers are deciphered. In conclusion, aptamers are multifunctional molecules that could be effectively used as an anticancer agent or drug delivery system for treating GI cancers and deserve further investigations for clinical applications

Assessing respiratory complications by carbon dioxide sensing platforms: Advancements in infrared radiation technology and IoT integration

Respiratory illness demands pragmatic clinical monitoring and diagnosis to curb numerous fatal diseases in all aged groups. Due to the complicated instrumentation, long amplification periods, and restricted number of simultaneous detections, present clinically available multiplex diagnostic technologies are difficult to deploy the onsite diagnostic platforms. The futuristic assessment of medical diagnosis eases the respiratory monitoring using exhaled breath, due to the simple and comfort non-invasive detecting techniques. Carbon dioxide (CO2) stands as a promising biomarker and has been identified in exhaled breath samples that distinguish different respiratory issues. State-of-the-art CO2 gas sensing strategies are recognized with the growth of modern telecommunication technologies for real-time respiratory illness monitoring and diagnosis using exhaled breath. The presented article reviews the existing CO2 gas sensors and their developments towards medical applications. With that, the advancement of infrared (IR) CO2 gas sensors with distinguished light and sensing properties in detecting respiratory disorders are overviewed. The development of optimal CO2 gas sensing strategy incorporated with Internet of Things (IoT) technology is over-reviewed. The hurdles encountered in the existing research and future preference with real-time CO2 monitoring and diagnosing respiratory disorders with the advancement attained in IR sensing technology and IoT networking are highlighted