Mahmood Ahmad

Bio: Mahmood Ahmad is an academic researcher from Islamia University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Self-healing hydrogels & Controlled release. The author has an hindex of 24, co-authored 214 publications receiving 2225 citations. Previous affiliations of Mahmood Ahmad include University of Central Punjab & Aga Khan University.

Liposomal drug delivery: a versatile platform for challenging clinical applications.

Abstract: Liposomes are lipid based vesicular systems that offer novel platform for versatile drug delivery to target cell. Liposomes were first reported by Bangham and his co-workers in 1964 (1). Since then, liposomes have undergone extensive research with the prime aim to optimize encapsulation, stability, circulation time and target specific drug delivery. Manipulation of a liposome’s lipid bilayer and surface decoration with selective ligands has transformed conventional liposomes into adaptable and multifunctional liposomes. Development of liposomes with target specificity provide the prospect of safe and effective therapy for challenging clinical applications. Bioresponsive liposomes offer the opportunity to release payload in response to tissue specific microenvironment. Incorporation of novel natural and synthetic materials has extended their application from stable formulations to controlled release targeted drug delivery systems. Integration and optimization of multiple features into one system revolutionized research in the field of cancer, gene therapy, immunotherapy and infectious diseases. After 50 years since the first publication, this review is aimed to highlight next generation of liposomes, their preparation methods and progress in clinical applications. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW . Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.

Cross-linked β-cyclodextrin and carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogels for controlled drug delivery of acyclovir

Abstract: To explore the potential role of polymers in the development of drug-delivery systems, this study investigated the use of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), acrylic acid (AA) and N’ N’-methylenebis-acrylamide (MBA) in the synthesis of hydrogels for controlled drug delivery of acyclovir (ACV). Different proportions of β-CD, CMC, AA and MBA were blended with each other to fabricate hydrogels via free radical polymerization technique. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed successful grafting of components into the polymeric network. Thermal and morphological characterization confirmed the formation of thermodynamically stable hydrogels having porous structure. The pH-responsive behaviour of hydrogels has been documented by swelling dynamics and drug release behaviour in simulated gastrointestinal fluids. Drug release kinetics revealed controlled release behaviour of the antiviral drug acyclovir in developed polymeric network. Cross-linked β-cyclodextrin and carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogels can be used as promising candidates for the design and development of controlled drug-delivery systems.

Similarities and Differences

Abstract: Compare your culture to one of the cultures discussed in this unit. On a sheet of paper, list the cultures you are comparing and make one column titled “similarities,” and a second column titled “differences.” Now, list as many similarities and differences between the two as you can think of. Are there more similarities or differences between the two cultures you selected? Have you ever met anyone from this culture? How can you use this information to build greater respect between cultures?

Animal Tissue Techniques.

Abstract: Clearly, the possibility that Van Peenen's statements are correct exists, but no molecular geneticist would contend that these assertions have been established, in any but a very few cases, which appear at present to be atypical. The educated lavman, for whom this book is intended, will find the author's leaps from the level of the quoted material into sophisticated physical chemistry and back again disconcerting at least, if not completely confusing. It can be said, however, that the authors have assembled an excellent group of illustrations; lecturers in elementary genetics wishing to locate clear illustrations to use as slides would do well to look in this book first.