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Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or Corona Virus Disease 19 (COVID-19) is playing havoc all over the world since December 2019. Despite being a family member of coronaviridae, which has previously affected mankind twice in last one decade, the novel corona virus, as it is named left medical practitioners and scientists defenseless. The major challenge is twofold identification and therapeutic intervention. Several approaches, including real-time PCR have already been taken for quick identification of Covid19. Due to very fast evolving rate, accurate identification is still a challenge for most of the detection methods developed in last three months. Several proposals for therapeutic intervention have also put forth by scientists, ranging from vaccine to RNA therapy. In this article, a comprehensive review is made from the scattered scientific literatures and is fine-tuned further with possible diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Drug-induced transformations in disease characteristics at the cellular and molecular level offers the opportunity to predict and evaluate the efficacy of pharmaceutical ingredients whilst enabling the optimal design of new and improved drugs with enhanced pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Machine learning is a promising in-silico tool used to simulate cells with specific disease properties and to determine their response toward drug uptake. Differences in the properties of normal and infected cells, including biophysical, biochemical and physiological characteristics, plays a key role in developing fundamental cellular probing platforms for machine learning applications. Cellular features can be extracted periodically from both the drug treated, infected, and normal cells via image segmentations in order to probe dynamic differences in cell behavior. Cellular segmentation can be evaluated to reflect the levels of drug effect on a distinct cell or group of cells via probability scoring. This article provides an account for the use of machine learning methods to probe differences in the biophysical, biochemical and physiological characteristics of infected cells in response to pharmacokinetics uptake of drug ingredients for application in cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative disease therapies.

“Pollution” is a term used for the existence, release, and introduction of toxic or hazardous substances or elements into the environment, which includes land (soil), air, and water. Soil is the most significant component in the environment as it supports the life of plants, which serve as a producer of food (autotrophs) in the first trophic level of the food chain. Hence, pollution in the soil will affect the growth and development of plants, which may have an adverse effect on the whole ecosystem. There are several methods to process the polluted soil to eliminate pollutants, improve fertility, and reuse the soil for agriculture. Ecological restoration is one such effective soil-processing approach to eliminate pollutants, which are widely used to convert polluted soil into useful land for either agriculture or commercial applications. One of the most significant biological techniques that could be utilized for the biological restoration of heavily polluted soil is through the incorporation of biosurfactant. Therefore, this chapter intends to provide ecological restoration techniques that could be utilized for the management of polluted soil using biosurfactants. Special highlights are reported on the application of biosurfactant for the bioremediation of heavy metal, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, pesticides, nuclear wastes, petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated and nitrogenized compounds, and oxidized pollutants. Their validation in greenhouse and field trials are also discussed.

This chapter archives the state of the art concerning crucial drug delivery strategies aiding in cardiovascular therapies, including their benefits and associated challenges. The aspects which govern vascular transport and cardiovascular drug targeting have been reviewed, both from configuration and flow perspectives. In addition, the role of extracellular vesicles and exosomes, as well as the suitability of ultrasound and microbubble-mediated delivery, has been discussed. Current advancements made in the nanomedicine domain, with relevant applications pertaining to diverse categories, have been collated and discussed. A special focus has been laid on the applications of aptamers in cardiovascular drug targeting, particularly with respect to conjugation with specific coagulation factors and proteins. It also captures the potential and promises of the next generation of targeted strategies, with an eye on the foreseeable future.

Advances in the field of biotechnology have resulted in the emergence of genetic engineering methods whereby the genetic material of an organism can be manipulated or redesigned to yield desired products. Recently, there has been an increasing trend to elevate the existence of specific nutrients in edible genetically modified (GM) crops to be utilized as therapeutic agents. In this case, GM crops serve as a cell factory to generate such nutrients or necessary biomolecules and can be delivered to patients as a novel oral delivery approach for drugs and vaccines. On the other hand, GM foods are fraught with significant challenges with regard to human and animal health and disruption of the ecosystem. This chapter aims to provide an overview of GM foods, methods to produce therapeutic proteins in GM foods and various types of therapeutic proteins produced via GM crops or foods. The limitations, potential allergenicity and future of GM foods are also discussed.

Zero dimensional nanostructures that are electronically confined in all directions are called quantum dots. These nanosized dots are usually crystallized semiconductor with enhanced properties of fluorescence. Unlike the one- and two-dimensional nanoparticles such as thin films and rods, quantum dots can be fabricated from a widespread range of elements such as metals, metal complexes, carbon, and rare earth elements. Quantum dots can be used as molecular carriers without any loss of energy whilst enhancing the properties and functional characteristics of the foreign molecule. Thus, quantum dots are utilized in applications including electronics, delivery of drugs, solar panels, medical imaging and waste treatment. The present chapter discusses various approaches for synthesizing quantum dots and their associated physical and chemical properties. In addition, nanocomposites are discussed along with their recent applications in various fields as they are synthesized by blending different materials with quantum dots.

In recent times, the search for innovative material to fabricate smart textiles has been increasing to satisfy the expectation and needs of the consumers, as the textile material plays a key role in the evolution of human culture. Further, the textile materials provide an excellent environment for the microbes to grow, because of their large surface area and ability to retain moisture. In addition, the growth of harmful bacteria on the textile material not only damages them but also leads to intolerable foul odour and significant danger to public health. In particular, the pathogenic bacteria present in the fabric surface can cause severe skin infections such as skin allergy and irritation via direct human contact and even can lead to heart problems and pneumonia in certain cases. Recently, nanoparticles and nanomaterials play a significant role in textile industries for developing functional smart textiles with self-cleaning, UV-protection, insect repellent, waterproof, anti-static, flame-resistant and antimicrobial-resistant properties. Thus, this review is an overview of various textile fibres that favour bacterial growth and potential antibacterial nanoparticles that can inhibit the growth of bacteria on fabric surfaces. In addition, the probable antibacterial mechanism of nanoparticles and the significance of the fabric surface modification and fabric finishes in improving the long-term antibacterial efficacy of nanoparticle-coated fabrics were also discussed.

Ever since the inception of the industrial revolution, artificial acceleration of swift economic development has contributed to the continuous and ever-increasing demand for energy. Fuel consumption, especially conventional fossil fuels, is increasing continuously to meet the energy demand as a consequence. This has two consequences on living things—such as consumption of oxygen and emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) that causes global warming. Two approaches, namely active and passive, are being considered and implemented by different countries to decrease their CO2 emission. The passive approach involves in encouraging energy conservation and refining efficiency of the energy, utilization of fuels with low carbon, improve the consumption of renewable energy, and adopting a greener approach to increase the forest area, while the active approaches involve capturing carbon and storing them in other forms. Due to improvements in the field of nanotechnology, one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures are highly explored to effectively capture carbon. There are several 1D nanostructures namely nanorods, nanofibers, nanotubes, nanowires, nanocylinders, and nanowhiskers. Each morphology exhibits a unique carbon capturing property which makes them superior to other nanoparticles in reducing carbon emission. This chapter is an overview of various 1D nanostructures that are synthesized using several methods. In addition, information about different 1D nanostructures that are used for carbon capturing application and in maintaining the environmental sustainability via carbon storage, sustainable energy production, and pollution control are also discussed.

Alopecia or hair loss is a worldwide unisex dermatological problem which affects aesthetic lifestyle qualities in humans. In recent years, drug discovery for hair loss has gained significant pharmaceutical research attention. Synthetic drugs such as minoxidil, oral finasteride, anthralin cream, and ketoconazole-based antifungal shampoos are some of the commercially available product formulations for hair loss treatment. As these products are mostly chemically derived, their long-term exposure to the skin could result in various side effects and skin disorders. As traditional medicine relies on herbs to treat alopecia, in recent times, different species of herbs are being extracted to generate functional bioactive chemicals as active ingredients to treat hair loss. These biologically derived phytochemicals may offer improved long-term biocompatibility with the skin. This chapter presents an overview of various phytochemicals with antialopecia properties and discusses their modes of action. Additionally, the efficiency of flavonoids, which is a major phytochemical constituent of several herbs and a potential 5α-reductase enzyme inhibitor, as a potential drug for alopecia treatment is also discussed.

A highly efficient photovoltaic nanocomposite device is demonstrated by fabrication of structural clusters of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on silicon solar cells via a boil deposition method. The efficiency of silicon solar cell was augmented by coating Ag NPs ultra-thin-film deposition on silicon solar cell. Chemically synthesized silver NP’s, their consumption on a silicon thin layer and the operation of photovoltaic nanocomposite device were characterized by using several electron probe microscopic pectroscopic and spectrometric techniques viz. x -ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Photoluminescence, UV–visible absorption, dielectric, current vs. voltage ( I ∼ V ) and capacitance vs. voltage ( C ∼ V ) characteristics. Poly-dispersed nature of ‘Ag’ nanoparticles established the anisotropy of these NPs when coated on silicon solar cells. Their efficiency enhancement was confirmed from HR-TEM image via time-domain finite-difference technique to deliberate the particle distribution effect on an ultra-thin film of silicon solar cell, indicating the sufficient enrichment in the efficiency of solar cell. Furthermore, the current work explores the developement of novel glass frits for utilization in next generation of high efficiency smart solar cells.

Medicinal plants are known to contain substances which could be useful for the treatment of diseases or for the production of drugs. These substances occur naturally in plants (leaves, stems, barks, and root) and are referred to as secondary metabolites because they are synthesized to protect the plant other than for growth just like the primary metabolites. Fortunately for humans, most of these secondary metabolites possess medicinal potentials which are active against many diseases. Before the advent of modern analytical techniques for the screening of plant actives, the traditional plants have been used primitively to alleviate symptoms of illnesses such as stomach ache, toothache, body pain and inflammation, diarrhea, malaria, typhoid, diabetes etc. This chapter presents an overview of the usefulness of medicinal plants as sources of drugs, the drug discovery process, the efficacy and safety of phytochemicals, current uses, advances in screening tools, problems and the way forward.

The emerging beneficial characteristics of bio-active peptides have made them suitable candidates for a wide range of applications. While their usage as potent nutraceutical and pharmaceutical agents has been well-documented, applications of bio-active peptides in addressing sustainable agricultural challenges relating to biotic and abiotic stresses, plant disease control, and nutrient use efficiency have not received much attention. Bio-active peptides are specific fragments of proteins with amino acid structures capable of enhancing molecular signaling in the rhizosphere to promote nodulation, nutrient uptake, and stress management. Bio-active peptides can be formulated with agrochemicals and assimilated through the leaf system in foliar treatments to achieve a wide range of plant benefits including coloring, nutrient delivery under drought conditions, plant health, and crop protection. Harnessing the maximum potential of bio-active peptides in sustainable agriculture is a rational contemplation, since the current years have witnessed a radical upsurge in the manufacturing scale of bio-active peptides under optimum economy. The present chapter discusses the unique potential of bio-active peptides in promoting sustainable agriculture. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms of bio-active peptides in influencing plant stress relief, disease control, and nutrient assimilation efficiency and signaling routes are also elaborated. Additionally, a few advanced standpoints pertaining to optimal utilization of bio-active peptides in advancing agricultural productivity are also discussed.

Algae possess inherent complex physiological photosynthetic mechanisms, which enable beneficial transformation of solar energy into other energy forms, for food and active metabolite synthesis. A number of active metabolites derived from algae, many of which demonstrate bioactive properties, have found profound, multifunctional applications in biofuels, nutraceuticals and functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics industries. In spite of the evolving global interests and market demand of algal biomass and metabolites, studies and applications pertaining to sustainable agriculture challenges, such as soil nutrient deficiency, drought stress, soil toxicity, leaf discoloration and plant growth stunts, are limited. The generation and functional determination of novel bioactive compounds from algal biomass may offer innovative opportunities to address some of the aforementioned challenges. This chapter profiles and discusses the prospects of key algal metabolites in addressing plant growth challenges. Additionally, research findings from specific studies based on the use of algal metabolites and phytohormones as biostimulants, their influence in host animal physiology, and protective mechanisms against adventitious organisms or foreign pathogens, have been discussed. The chapter lays down progressive perspectives for optimal exploitation of algal metabolites and phytohormones in enhancing agricultural outputs.

Nano-formulations of medicinal drugs have attracted the interest of many researchers for drug delivery applications. These nano-formulations enhance the properties of conventional drugs and are specific to the targeted delivery site. Dendrimers, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, nano-emulsions and micelles are some of the nano-formulations that are gaining prominence in pharmaceutical industry for enhanced drug formulation. Wide varieties of synthesis methods are available for the preparation of nano-formulations to deliver drugs in biological system. The choice of synthesis methods depend on the size and shape of particulate formulation, biochemical properties of drug, and the targeted site. This article discusses recent developments in nano-formulation and the progressive impact on pharmaceutical research and industries. Additionally, process challenges relating to consistent generation of nano-formulations for drug delivery are discussed.

Cardiovascular ailments are the foremost trigger of death in the world today, including myocardial infarction and ischemic heart diseases. To date, extraordinary measures have been prescribed, from the perspectives of both conventional medical therapies and surgeries, to enforce cardiac cell regeneration post cardiac traumas, albeit with limited long-term success. The prospects of successful heart transplants are also grim, considering exorbitant costs and unavailability of suitable donors in most cases. From the perspective of cardiac revascularization, use of nanoparticles and nanoparticle mediated targeted drug delivery have garnered substantial attention, attributing to both active and passive heart targeting, with enhanced target specificity and sensitivity. This review focuses on this aspect, while outlining the progress in targeted delivery of nanomedicines in the prognosis and subsequent therapy of cardiovascular disorders, and recapitulating the benefits and intrinsic challenges associated with the incorporation of nanoparticles. This article categorically provides an overview of nanoparticle-mediated targeted delivery systems and their implications in handling cardiovascular diseases, including their intrinsic benefits and encountered procedural trials and challenges. Additionally, the solicitations of aptamers in targeted drug delivery with identical objectives, are presented. This includes a detailed appraisal on various aptamer-navigated nanoparticle targeted delivery platforms in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular maladies. Despite a few impending challenges, subject to additional investigations, both nanoparticles as well as aptamers show a high degree of promise, and pose as the next generation of drug delivery vehicles, in targeted cardiovascular therapy.

Plants are a major source of medicine from which most drug compounds emanate. Therapeutic phytochemicals have been used as model candidates for the synthesis of chemical drugs and pharmaceuticals. Recent increase in scientific knowledge of the chemical composition and activity of plant compounds has resulted in potential opportunities to cure a wide variety of diseases. The antimicrobial property of most phytochemicals contributes significantly to its therapeutic efficiency through the inhibition of microbial growth. Plants contain compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, quinones, tannins, terpenoids, essential oils, and alkaloids, which act as antimicrobial agents individually or in combinations. Conventional chemical-based antimicrobial agents are mostly toxic to humans and the environment, nontarget specific, and often cause side effects. Phytochemicals as antimicrobials with chemomolecular formulation can overcome all these drawbacks with increased bioavailability. As plants contain a variety of phytochemicals, efficient extraction, isolation, and purification processes are required to obtain the desired antimicrobial phytochemical in order to specifically characterize its potential efficacy. Extraction methods such as solvent extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, solid phase extraction, and chromatographic techniques have been used to obtain phytochemicals from a wide range of plant sources. Modifications to these extraction methods have been performed by several researchers to increase extract yield and reduce extraction time and energy consumption. Though phytochemicals have successfully demonstrated antimicrobial properties against various microbes, including bacteria, fungi, algae, and virus, the performance efficiency is still lower than chemical antimicrobials. In order to make phytochemicals more effective against microbes, improved formulation is required to enhance stability, bioavailability, and efficiency. Research advances in nanoformulation using biocompatible materials create a significant opportunity to enhance the performance of phytochemicals as antimicrobials. Nanoformulation of antimicrobial phytochemicals using dendrimers, polymers, micelles, liposomes, and microemulsions has been demonstrated to improve antimicrobial performance in wastewater treatment, food processing, and medical applications as antibiotics. This chapter discusses biochemical process advancements in the extraction and purification of phytochemicals with antimicrobial properties. Various nanoformulation technologies essential to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of phytochemicals and possible applications are also discussed.

Diabetes mellitus has been a threat to humans for many years. Amongst the different diabetes types, type 2 diabetes mellitus is the most common, and this is due to drastic changes in human lifestyle such as lack of exercise, stressful life and so on. There are a large number of conventional treatment methods available for type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, most of these methods are curative and are only applicable when the patient is highly symptomatic. Effective treatment strategies should be geared towards interfering with cellular and bio molecular mechanisms associated with the development and sustenance of the disease. In recent years, research into the medical potential of nanoparticles has been a major endeavor within the pharmaceutical industries. Nanoparticles display unique and tuneable biophysical characteristics which are determined by their shape and size. Nanoparticles have been used to manifest the properties of drugs, and as carriers for drug and vaccine delivery. Notwithstanding, there are further opportunities for nanoparticles to augment the treatment of a wide range of life threatening diseases that are yet to be explored. This review article seeks to highlight the application of potential nano-formulations in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition, the activity of nanomedicine supplements in reversing insulin resistance is also discussed.