Adesh University

Introduction: Nanotechnology has revolutionized various sectors, particularly in biomedical sciences and drug delivery. Among metal oxide nanoparticles, Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have emerged as a multifunctional agent due to their well-documented antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. However, the conventional synthesis of ZnO NPs often involves hazardous reagents, high energy input, and the generation of toxic byproducts, posing risks to both human health and the environment. These challenges necessitate the development of eco-friendly alternatives, such as green synthesis methods employing biological sources. Methods: This review analyzes recent studies on the green synthesis of ZnO NPs using biological sources such as plant extracts, bacteria, and fungi. The pharmacological activities of these biogenically synthesized ZnO NPs were evaluated through in vitro and in vivo experiments, focusing on antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. Mechanisms of action were also explored. Results: Green synthesis methods effectively produced ZnO NPs with improved biocompatibility and therapeutic efficacy. Biological entities influenced nanoparticle size, shape, and stability. Antibacterial activity was attributed to membrane disruption and the induction of oxidative stress. Anticancer effects were observed via ROS generation and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to apoptosis. Antioxidant properties were linked to free radical scavenging capabilities. Discussion: The review highlights the potential of green synthesis as a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to producing pharmacologically active ZnO NPs. Biological agents not only simplify synthesis but also enhance the therapeutic potential of the nanoparticles. Conclusion: Green-synthesized ZnO NPs offer promising biomedical applications due to their enhanced biocompatibility and multifunctional activity. Despite their potential, challenges such as synthesis variability, toxicity concerns, and scalability must be addressed through further toxicological evaluations and clinical studies.

Platelet transfusions are essential for managing thrombocytopenia and bleeding disorders, with single donor platelets (SDP) and random donor platelets (RDP) being the primary products available. While SDPs are often preferred for their reduced donor exposure and theoretically superior outcomes, evidence comparing their post-transfusion increments remains inconclusive. This study aims to compare post-transfusion platelet count increments between patients receiving SDPs versus RDPs. This study included 256 platelet transfusions (97 SDP, 159 RDP). Post-transfusion platelet counts were measured at 6 and 24 h. Absolute count increment (ACI), corrected count increment (CCI), and percentage platelet recovery (PPR) were calculated. Statistical analysis included paired and unpaired t -tests for comparing outcomes between and within groups, with secondary analysis of increment efficacy across different clinical diagnoses. The mean pre-transfusion platelet counts were 39,226 ± 28,412/μL for SDP and 37,849 ± 27,921/μL for RDP ( P = 0.708). ACI at 24 h was significantly higher in the SDP group (44,286 ± 23,982/μL) compared to the RDP group (23,491 ± 17,623/μL; P < 0.001). However, when adjusted for body surface area and number of platelets transfused, CCI showed no significant difference between SDP (17,180 ± 7,918) and RDP (16,095 ± 7,356; P = 0.285). PPR was also comparable between SDP (46.54 ± 19.82%) and RDP (42.49 ± 20.13%; P = 0.117). Clinical conditions including chronic liver disease, extensive burns, and severe infections were associated with poor increments regardless of product type. While SDPs provide significantly higher ACIs, the efficiency as measured by CCI and PPR is comparable between SDPs and RDPs when appropriately dosed. This finding challenges the preference for SDPs based solely on increment considerations. The choice should be guided by patient-specific factors, resource availability, and cost considerations rather than expected increments alone.

The Ziehl–Neelsen (ZN) staining technique, first developed in the late 19 th century, remains a cornerstone in microbiological identification of acid–fast bacilli (AFB). This review explores the historical development, principle, and procedure of the ZN staining method and also highlights its role in diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) and related infections. In addition to standard (hot) ZN staining, numerous modifications have been introduced to accommodate diverse clinical specimens and organisms. The review also discusses alternative techniques such as auramine fluorochrome staining and their comparative advantages. A significant recent advancement is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into AFB detection workflows, offering improved accuracy, reduced workload, and faster diagnostics through automated image analysis. Studies demonstrate high sensitivity and specificity of AI-based tools in identifying AFB in ZN-stained slides, suggesting strong potential for implementation in resource-limited settings. As global health efforts intensify against TB and related diseases, the ZN staining method, accompanied by digital innovation, continues to evolve as a pivotal diagnostic tool.

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive malignancy associated with limited targeted therapeutic options, high relapse rates, and considerable toxicity from conventional chemotherapy. Doxorubicin (DOX) remains an important therapeutic agent, but its clinical utility is limited by systemic toxicity and nonspecific distribution. The present study aimed to develop and optimize a macrophage membrane-camouflaged, redox-sensitive liposomal nanocarrier co-encapsulating doxorubicin and indocyanine green (MM-RSL/DOX/ICG) for combined chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, and fluorescence imaging of breast cancer. Methods: MM-RSL/DOX/ICG was prepared by incorporating DOX and ICG into disulfide-containing liposomes followed by macrophage membrane coating. A 3² full factorial design was employed to optimize the lipid-to-drug molar ratio and DSPE-PEG-SS content using particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and DOX and ICG encapsulation efficiencies as responses. The optimized formulation was characterized for physicochemical properties, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, colloidal stability, glutathione (GSH)-responsive drug release, in-vitro cytotoxicity, and chemo-photothermal activity. Its therapeutic performance was further evaluated in a 4T1 breast cancer model, including survival and safety assessments. Results: The factorial design identified a lipid-to-drug molar ratio of 10:1 and DSPE-PEG-SS content of 12.5 mol% as the optimum formulation conditions. The optimized MM-RSL/DOX/ICG exhibited a particle size of 158.4 ± 6.1 nm, PDI of 0.262 ± 0.022, and zeta potential of −21.3 ± 1.1 mV, with DOX and ICG encapsulation efficiencies of 80.4 ± 2.4% and 77.6 ± 2.3%, respectively. The formulation maintained satisfactory colloidal stability for 30 days. GSH markedly accelerated drug release, with cumulative release at 48 h reaching 88.0% for DOX and 84.0% for ICG under GSH-rich conditions, compared with substantially lower release under physiological conditions. In 4T1 cells, MM-RSL/DOX/ICG combined with 808-nm laser irradiation showed enhanced cytotoxicity, with an IC₅₀ of 0.18 µg/mL and combination-index values below 1, indicating synergistic chemo-photothermal activity. In vivo, the combined formulation with laser irradiation increased median survival to 58 days, compared with 24 days for saline controls, while maintaining body weight and showing comparatively favorable biochemical, hematological, and histopathological safety profiles. Conclusion: The optimized macrophage membrane-camouflaged redox-sensitive liposome demonstrated efficient co-delivery of DOX and ICG, GSH-responsive release, enhanced in-vitro chemo-photothermal cytotoxicity, prolonged survival, and an improved safety profile in the experimental breast cancer model. The findings support MM-RSL/DOX/ICG as a promising multifunctional theranostic platform for TNBC, although further validation in advanced tumor models, comprehensive toxicological studies, and translational investigations are required before clinical application.