Capacitance Polypyrrole‐based Impedimetric Immunosensor for Interleukin‐10 Cytokine Detection

In the present study, we developed a novel label‐free capacitance impedimetric immunosensor based on the immobilization of the human monoclonal antibody anti‐interleukin‐10 (anti‐IL‐10 mAb) onto polypyrrole (PPy)‐modified silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) substrates. The immunosensor was used for the detection of the recombinant interleukin‐10 antigen (rh IL‐10) that may be secreted in patients at the early stage of inflammation. The immunosensor was created by chemical deposition of PPy conducting layer on pyrrole?silane (SPy)‐treated Si/SiO₂/Si₃N₄ substrates (Si/SiO₂/Si₃N₄?SPy), followed by anti‐IL‐10 mAb immobilization through carboxyl‐functionalized diazonium (CMA) protocol and carbodiimide chemistry. The surface characterization and the biofunctionalization steps were characterized by SEM, FTIR and cyclic voltammetry (CV) while the detection process was carried out by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analyses. The created immunosensor showed two linear fittings (R²=0.999) for the detection of rh IL‐10 within the concentration range from 1–50 pg/mL. It exhibited high sensitivity (0.1128 (pg/mL)^?1) with a very low limit of detection (LOD)=0.347 pg/mL, more particularly, at the low concentration range (1–10 pg/mL). Thus, this developed polypyrrole‐based immunosensor represents a promising strategy for creation of miniaturized label‐free, fast and highly sensitive biosensors for diagnosis of inflammation biomarkers at very low concentrations with reduced cost.     

Silk Meshes Coated with Chitosan-Bioactive Phytochemicals Activate Wound Healing Genes In Vitro

Meshes from natural silk are hand knitted and surface functionalized to facilitate hernia repair and other load bearing, tissue applications. Purified organic silk is - hand knitted and then coated with chitosan (CH)/bacterial cellulose (BC) blend polymer using four phytochemicals such as pomegranate (PG) peel, Nigella sativa (NS) seed, Licorice root (LE), and Bearberry leaf extracts (BE) separately. Characterizations using GCMS analysis shows the presence of bioactive chemicals in the extracts. Scanning electron microcopy (SEM) shows that the surface is coated with the composite polymer t. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) shows significant elements found in CH, BC, and phytochemicals in plant extracts with no chemical changes. Tensile strength of the coated meshes is higher to support tissue as implants. The release kinetics suggest sustained release of phytochemical extracts. In vitro studies confirmed the noncytotoxic, biocompatible, wound healing potential of the meshes. Furthermore, gene expression analysis of 3-wound healing genes shows marked increase in the in vitro cell cultures due to the presence of extracts. These results suggest that the composite meshes can efficiently support hernia closure while facilitating wound/tissue healing and combating bacterial infections. Therefore, these meshes can be good candidates for fistula and cleft palate repair.     

Simultaneous Determination of Tranexamic Acid and Losartan Potassium in Dosage Formulations and Human Serum by RP-LC

Rapid liquid chromatographic procedure for analytical quality control of pharmaceutical preparations and human serum containing drugs, tranexamic acid together with losartan potassium are proposed, using acetonitrile: water (50:50), adjusting pH to 2.6 with phosphoric acid as a mobile phase, UV detection at 205 nm and propylparaben sodium was used as internal standard. The results obtained showed a good agreement with the declared contents. The method shows good linearity in the range of 40–10,000 ng mL^?1 for tranexamic acid serum concentrations with a correlation coefficient 0.9999 (inter- and intra-day CV <3.18) and in the range 5–10,000 ng mL^?1 for losartan potassium serum concentrations with a correlation coefficient 0.9999 (inter- and intra-day CV <3.61). The recovery was >97.8%. The proposed method may be used for the quantitative analysis of tranexamic acid and losartan potassium alone or in combination from raw materials, in bulk drugs, dosage formulations and in serum.     

Developing a Conceptual Model of STEAM Teaching Practices

STEAM, where the “A” represents arts and humanities, is considered a transdisciplinary learning process that has the potential to increase diverse participation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. However, a well‐defined conceptual model that clearly articulates essential components of the STEAM approach is needed to conduct empirical research on STEAM's efficacy–in particular, the teaching content that should be considered when enacting STEAM teaching practices. This paper proposes a conceptual model of STEAM, providing educators with the opportunity to teach effectively using transdisciplinary inquiry. The instructional content domain of the model includes problem‐based delivery, discipline integration, and problem‐solving skills.