Thomas Theodore

Bio: Thomas Theodore is an academic researcher from Siddaganga Institute of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Fluoride & Biosorption. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 15 publications receiving 157 citations. Previous affiliations of Thomas Theodore include Indian Institute of Technology Madras.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles.

Abstract: Metal nanoparticles have unique optical, electronic, and catalytic properties. There exist well-defined physical and chemical processes for their preparation. Those processes often yield small quantities of nanoparticles having undesired morphology, and involve high temperatures for the reaction and the use of hazardous chemicals. Relatively, the older technique of bioremediation of metals uses either microorganisms or their components for the production of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles obtained from bacteria, fungi, algae, plants and their components, etc. appear environment-friendly, as toxic chemicals are not used in the processes. In addition to this, the formation of nanoparticles takes place at almost normal temperature and pressure. Control of the shape and size of the nanoparticles is possible by appropriate selection of the pH and temperature. Three important steps are the bioconversion of Ag+ ions, conversion of desired crystals to nanoparticles, and nanoparticle stability. Generally, nanoparticles are characterized by the UV-visible spectroscopy and use of the electron microscope. Silver nanoparticles are used as antimicrobial agents and they possess antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic properties. This review highlights the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by various organisms, possible mechanisms of their synthesis, their characterization, and applications of silver nanoparticles.

Biosorption of Fluoride from Synthetic and Ground Water Using Chlorella vulgaris Immobilized in Calcium Alginate Beads in an Upflow Packed Bed Column

Abstract: The potential of immobilized Chlorella vulgaris to remove fluoride from synthetic and real ground water samples in a fixed bed was investigated. The effect of important kinetic parameters including column bed height, feed flow rate and influent fluoride concentration of solution on fluoride removal was studied. Thomas, Yoon-Nelson, and BDST models were used to analyze the experimental data and understand the influence on biosorption performance. The models’ predictions were in good agreement with the experimental data for all the process parameters studied, indicating that the models were suitable for fixed-bed column design. Fluoride adsorption was reversible. Desorption of fluoride ions was accomplished by pumping 0.1 N HCl solution. The reusability of adsorbent was studied by subjecting column to repeated cycles of fluoride adsorption and desorption. The suitability of immobilized C. vulgaris adsorbent for fluoride removal from ground water samples of Pavagada taluk, Tumakuru district was studied in the packed column.

Modelling of fluoride sorption from aqueous solution using green algae impregnated with zirconium by response surface methodology

Abstract: In the present work, an economical, more selective and a bio-compatible fluoride removal technique has been developed by using zirconium impregnated Chlorella protothecoides and Nannochloropsis ocu...

Lovastatin Nanoparticle Synthesis and Characterization for Better Drug Delivery

Abstract: Nano drug delivery system is the latest technology employed in various medicinal applications. This technol- ogy can be adapted to the conventional drug administration due to its site-specific targeting phenomena. The oral lipo- philic drug administration has its drawbacks due to poor solubility and bioavailability. Lipid-based carrier systems are now widely popular due to improved efficiency, especially for lovastatin delivery. Lovastatin is an important drug which arrests the rate-limiting step of the cholesterol cascade. This drug has short half-lives, poor oral-administered bioavailabil- ity, poor solubility, and is rapidly metabolizable. Based on the composition, the drug delivery carriers are classified into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), lipid emulsions (LEs), and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). Among them, NLCs are a smarter generation of drug delivery carriers for lovastatin. The selection of various lipid systems and their formulation are discussed in this paper. Moreover, the characterization of these carrier systems to achieve the optimal characteristic features is discussed in a concise manner.

Quantification of Lovastatin Produced by Monascus purpureus

Abstract: Development of a novel method for the quantification of lovastatin is an interesting problem in the analytical field. In the literature, many reports use spectrophotometric method for the quantification of lovastatin. However, the analysis of fermentation broth containing lovastatin appears to be inaccurate using spectrophotometric method. Hence, the estimation of lovastatin produced by Monascus purpureus and pure lovastatin was attempted by UV-visible spectrophotometer as well as HPLC. It was observed that the analogues and/or intermediates of lovastatin synthesized in the fermentation broth and the products of fermentation caused superimposition effect on the absorption spectrum. Phosphate is a medium constituent for the production of lovastatin by the organism which contributed significantly to the superimposition of absorption spectrum. On the other hand, HPLC analysis consistently gave reliable results for the estimation of lovastatin under all the experimental conditions studied.

Mechanistic Basis of Antimicrobial Actions of Silver Nanoparticles.

Abstract: Multidrug resistance of the pathogenic microorganisms to the antimicrobial drugs has become a major impediment toward successful diagnosis and management of infectious diseases. Recent advancements in nanotechnology-based medicines have opened new horizons for combating multidrug resistance in microorganisms. In particular, the use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a potent antibacterial agent has received much attention. The most critical physico-chemical parameters that affect the antimicrobial potential of AgNPs include size, shape, surface charge, concentration and colloidal state. AgNPs exhibits their antimicrobial potential through multifaceted mechanisms. AgNPs adhesion to microbial cells, penetration inside the cells, ROS and free radical generation, and modulation of microbial signal transduction pathways have been recognized as the most prominent modes of antimicrobial action. On the other side, AgNPs exposure to human cells induces cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and inflammatory response in human cells in a cell-type dependent manner. This has raised concerns regarding use of AgNPs in therapeutics and drug delivery. We have summarized the emerging endeavors that address current challenges in relation to safe use of AgNPs in therapeutics and drug delivery platforms. Based on research done so far, we believe that AgNPs can be engineered so as to increase their efficacy, stability, specificity, biosafety and biocompatibility. In this regard, three perspectives research directions have been suggested that include 1) synthesizing AgNPs with controlled physico-chemical properties, 2) examining microbial development of resistance towards AgNPs, and 3) ascertaining the susceptibility of cytoxicity, genotoxicity, and inflammatory response to human cells upon AgNPs exposure.

Alternative Antimicrobial Approach: Nano-Antimicrobial Materials

Abstract: Despite numerous existing potent antibiotics and other antimicrobial means, bacterial infections are still a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Moreover, the need to develop additional bactericidal means has significantly increased due to the growing concern regarding multidrug-resistant bacterial strains and biofilm associated infections. Consequently, attention has been especially devoted to new and emerging nanoparticle-based materials in the field of antimicrobial chemotherapy. The present review discusses the activities of nanoparticles as an antimicrobial means, their mode of action, nanoparticle effect on drug-resistant bacteria, and the risks attendant on their use as antibacterial agents. Factors contributing to nanoparticle performance in the clinical setting, their unique properties, and mechanism of action as antibacterial agents are discussed in detail.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles in aloe vera plant extract prepared by a hydrothermal method and their synergistic antibacterial activity

Abstract: Background There is worldwide interest in silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized by various chemical reactions for use in applications exploiting their antibacterial activity, even though these processes exhibit a broad range of toxicity in vertebrates and invertebrates alike. To avoid the chemical toxicity, biosynthesis (green synthesis) of metal nanoparticles is proposed as a cost-effective and environmental friendly alternative. Aloe vera leaf extract is a medicinal agent with multiple properties including an antibacterial effect. Moreover the constituents of aloe vera leaves include lignin, hemicellulose, and pectins which can be used in the reduction of silver ions to produce as AgNPs@aloe vera (AgNPs@AV) with antibacterial activity. Methods AgNPs were prepared by an eco-friendly hydrothermal method using an aloe vera plant extract solution as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. AgNPs@AV were characterized using XRD and SEM. Additionally, an agar well diffusion method was used to screen for antimicrobial activity. MIC and MBC were used to correlate the concentration of AgNPs@AV its bactericidal effect. SEM was used to investigate bacterial inactivation. Then the toxicity with human cells was investigated using an MTT assay. Results The synthesized AgNPs were crystalline with sizes of 70.70 ± 22-192.02 ± 53 nm as revealed using XRD and SEM. The sizes of AgNPs can be varied through alteration of times and temperatures used in their synthesis. These AgNPs were investigated for potential use as an antibacterial agent to inhibit pathogenic bacteria. Their antibacterial activity was tested on S. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa. The results showed that AgNPs had a high antibacterial which depended on their synthesis conditions, particularly when processed at 100 oC for 6 h and 200 oC for 12 h. The cytotoxicity of AgNPs was determined using human PBMCs revealing no obvious cytotoxicity. These results indicated that AgNPs@AV can be effectively utilized in pharmaceutical, biotechnological and biomedical applications. Discussion Aloe vera extract was processed using a green and facile method. This was a hydrothermal method to reduce silver nitrate to AgNPs@AV. Varying the hydrothermal temperature provided the fine spherical shaped nanoparticles. The size of the nanomaterial was affected by its thermal preparation. The particle size of AgNPs could be tuned by varying both time and temperature. A process using a pure AG phase could go to completion in 6 h at 200 oC, whereas reactions at lower temperatures required longer times. Moreover, the antibacterial effect of this hybrid nanomaterial was sufficient that it could be used to inhibit pathogenic bacteria since silver release was dependent upon its particle size. The high activity of the largest AgNPs might have resulted from a high concentration of aloe vera compounds incorporated into the AgNPs during hydrothermal synthesis.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Its Applications

Abstract: Silver nanoparticles possess unique properties which find myriad applications such as antimicrobial, anticancer, larvicidal, catalytic, and wound healing activities. Biogenic syntheses of silver nanoparticles using plants and their pharmacological and other potential applications are gaining momentum owing to its assured rewards. This critical review is aimed at providing an insight into the phytomediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles, its significant applications in various fields, and characterization techniques involved.