Publications by authors named "Ajinkya Nitin Nikam"
The evolution of genetic exploration tools, from laborious methods like radiationinduced mutations to the transformative CRISPR-Cas9 system, has fundamentally reshaped genetic research and gene editing capabilities. This journey, initiated by foundational techniques such as ZFNs and TALENs and culminating in the groundbreaking work of Doudna and Charpentier in 2012, has ushered in an era of precise DNA alteration and profound insights into gene functions. The CRISPR/Cas9 system uses the Cas9 enzyme and guides RNA (gRNA) to precisely target and cleave DNA, with subsequent repair via error-prone NHEJ or precise HDR, enabling versatile gene editing.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTopical drug delivery holds immense significance in dermatological treatments due to its non-invasive nature and direct application to the target site. Organogels, a promising class of topical drug delivery systems, have acquired substantial attention for enhancing drug delivery efficiency. This review article aims to explore the advantages of organogels, including enhanced drug solubility, controlled release, improved skin penetration, non-greasy formulations, and ease of application.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNano-Innovations in Cancer Therapy: The Unparalleled Potential of MXene Conjugates.
Materials (Basel)
March 2024
Article Synopsis
- MXenes are advanced 2D materials with exceptional mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties, making them significant in nanotechnology, particularly for biomedical applications like cancer treatment.
- Their unique characteristics enable MXene conjugates to be effective in anticancer therapies and offer capabilities for bioimaging and biosensing.
- The review discusses various synthesis methods, the potential benefits and risks related to toxicity, and the future challenges and opportunities for clinical use of these nanoconjugates in medicine.
Article Synopsis
- 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapy drug with low oral absorption and severe side effects when given intravenously, so researchers explored using topical microemulsions (MEs) to reduce these side effects.
- The study developed 5-FU MEs using a continuous manufacturing process called the Twin Screw Process (TSP), resulting in small particles that were confirmed to be effective for skin application without causing significant irritation.
- In tests on skin cancer treatment in rats, the 5-FU MEs demonstrated sustained drug release and effectiveness against squamous cell carcinoma, showcasing the advantages of this new preparation method over traditional techniques.
Article Synopsis
- Andrographolide (AG), a compound from Andrographis paniculata known for its health benefits, struggles with poor solubility and bioavailability, which limits its therapeutic use.
- This study focused on creating and optimizing AG-loaded nanoliposomes (AGL) and enhancing them with mannosylated chitosan (MCS) to improve AG's absorption when taken orally.
- Results showed that the MCS-AGL formulations provided sustained drug release, significantly improved AG's permeability, and enhanced its bioavailability and stability in vivo, highlighting MCS's potential as a valuable tool for boosting poorly soluble drugs.
Silybin (SIL) is a polyphenolic phytoconstituent that is commonly used to treat liver disorders. It is difficult to fabricate an orally delivered SIL product due to its low oral bioavailability (0.95%).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTopical drug delivery provides several benefits over other conventional routes by providing localizing therapeutic effects and also avoids the gastrointestinal tract circumventing the first-pass metabolism and enzymatic drug degradation. Being painless, the topical route also prevents the difficulties linked with the parenteral route. However, there are limitations to the current topical systems which necessitate the need for further research to find functional excipients to overcome these limitations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- * Biomimetic NPs show potential in various biomedical applications such as drug delivery, immune evasion, imaging, cancer targeting, and improving sensitivity to phototherapy.
- * This review discusses the types of biomimetic NPs, their methods of fabrication, applications in medicine, and recent advancements in biohybrid delivery systems that utilize cell membranes.
Article Synopsis
- - A core-shell metal organic framework (MOF) using zinc was developed, with lactoferrin (Lf) loaded with titanocene dichloride (TC) serving as the core for drug delivery.
- - The study utilized various designs and techniques to optimize the nanoparticles' size and yield, characterized by advanced methods like FTIR, SEM, and more.
- - The developed nanoplatform, containing an anticancer drug (5-Fluorouracil), showed promise in targeting Neuroblastoma, supported by in vitro and in vivo safety assessments.
Article Synopsis
- There is a growing demand for more effective and biocompatible drug delivery systems in healthcare, with nanotechnology's biomimetic nanoparticles emerging as promising candidates.
- These nanoparticles mimic cellular functions, increasing their circulation time in the body and reducing immune response, making them ideal for targeted drug delivery.
- The review focuses on the use of these biomimetic nanoparticles in cancer therapy and diagnosis, while also addressing potential toxicity and biocompatibility issues associated with their use.
Pandemic coronavirus disease-2019, commonly known as COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly contagious disease with a high mortality rate. Various comorbidities and their associated symptoms accompany SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among the various comorbidities like hypertension, cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes considered as one of the critical comorbidity, which could affect the survival of infected patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- * The review explores the structure and transmission of SARS-CoV-2, comparing it with similar viruses like SARS and MERS, while outlining potential therapeutic strategies, including drug repurposing.
- * It summarizes the current status of clinical trials for therapies and vaccines, along with insights into recent advancements and future research directions for combating COVID-19.