Zohra Khatoon

Bio: Zohra Khatoon is an academic researcher from University of Ottawa. The author has contributed to research in topics: Skin repair & Wound healing. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 4 publications receiving 345 citations.

Optofluidic label-free SERS platform for rapid bacteria detection in serum

Abstract: The prevalence of hospital acquired infections and antibiotic resistant pathogens necessitates the development of bacteria sensing systems that do not require sample amplification via conventional cell culturing, which can be prohibitively time-consuming. To meet this need, we designed an optofluidic Raman detection platform which utilized a microfluidic driven hollow-core photonic crystal fiber, which in combination with silver nanoparticles, provides a large enhancement to the Raman signal. By confining both light and cells within this fiber, spectral events generated by the flowing cells facilitates a novel method of cell counting to simultaneously quantify and qualify infections. Counting is performed automatically by a genetically optimized support vector machine learning algorithm that was previously developed by our group. The microfluidic system can be regenerated multiple times, and allows for online detection of planktonic bacteria to levels as low as 4 CFU/mL in 15 min. This compares favourably to other methods currently under development such as qPCR and biosensing techniques. Furthermore, Raman spectral differences between bacteria allow for inherent multiplexed detection in serum, by adding another layer to the learning algorithm. Further development of this device has promising potential as a rapid point-of-care system for infection management in the clinic.

Multifunctional Nano and Collagen-Based Therapeutic Materials for Skin Repair

Abstract: A novel strategy is needed for treating nonhealing wounds, which is able to simultaneously eradicate pathogenic bacteria and promote tissue regeneration. This would improve patient outcome and reduce the number of lower limb amputations. In this work, we present a multifunctional therapeutic approach able to control bacterial infections, provide a protective barrier to a full-thickness wound, and improve wound healing in a clinically relevant animal model. Our approach uses a nanoengineered antimicrobial nanoparticle for creating a sprayable layer onto the wound bed that prevents bacterial proliferation and also eradicates preformed biofilms. As a protective barrier for the wound, we developed a thermoresponsive collagen-based matrix that has prohealing properties and is able to fill wounds independent of their geometries. Our results indicate that using a combination of the matrix with full-thickness microscopic skin tissue columns synergistically contributed to faster and superior skin regeneration in a nonhealing wound model in diabetic mice.

Nanoengineering the surface of corneal implants: towards functional anti-microbial and biofilm materials

Abstract: We report the development and use of a light-mediated in situ grafting technology for the surface modification of biosynthetic corneal implants with peptide-capped nanoparticles (15–65 nm). The resulting materials have antimicrobial properties in bacterial suspension and also reduced the extent of biofilm formation. Our in situ grafting technology offers a rapid route for the introduction of antimicrobial properties to premoulded corneal implants, and potentially other soft implant targets.

Beyond Risk: Bacterial Biofilms and Their Regulating Approaches.

Abstract: Bacterial biofilms are complex surface attached communities of bacteria held together by self-produced polymer matrixs mainly composed of polysaccharides, secreted proteins, and extracellular DNAs. Bacterial biofilm formation is a complex process and can be described in five main phases: (i) reversible attachment phase, where bacteria non-specifically attach to surfaces; (ii) irreversible attachment phase, which involves interaction between bacterial cells and a surface using bacterial adhesins such as fimbriae and lipopolysaccharide (LPS); (iii) production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) by the resident bacterial cells; (iv) biofilm maturation phase, in which bacterial cells synthesize and release signaling molecules to sense the presence of each other, conducing to the formation of microcolony and maturation of biofilms; and (v) dispersal/detachment phase, where the bacterial cells depart biofilms and comeback to independent planktonic lifestyle. Biofilm formation is detrimental in healthcare, drinking water distribution systems, food, and marine industries, etc. As a result, current studies have been focused toward control and prevention of biofilms. In an effort to get rid of harmful biofilms, various techniques and approaches have been employed that interfere with bacterial attachment, bacterial communication systems (quorum sensing, QS), and biofilm matrixs. Biofilms, however, also offer beneficial roles in a variety of fields including applications in plant protection, bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and corrosion inhibition amongst others. Development of beneficial biofilms can be promoted through manipulation of adhesion surfaces, QS and environmental conditions. This review describes the events involved in bacterial biofilm formation, lists the negative and positive aspects associated with bacterial biofilms, elaborates the main strategies currently used to regulate establishment of harmful bacterial biofilms as well as certain strategies employed to encourage formation of beneficial bacterial biofilms, and highlights the future perspectives of bacterial biofilms.

The Role of Bacterial Biofilm in Antibiotic Resistance and Food Contamination.

Abstract: Biofilm is a microbial association or community attached to different biotic or abiotic surfaces or environments. These surface-attached microbial communities can be found in food, medical, industrial, and natural environments. Biofilm is a critical problem in the medical sector since it is formed on medical implants within human tissue and involved in a multitude of serious chronic infections. Food and food processing surface become an ideal environment for biofilm formation where there are sufficient nutrients for microbial growth and attachment. Therefore, biofilm formation on these surfaces, especially on food processing surface becomes a challenge in food safety and human health. Microorganisms within a biofilm are encased within a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances that can act as a barrier and recalcitrant for different hostile conditions such as sanitizers, antibiotics, and other hygienic conditions. Generally, they persist and exist in food processing environments where they become a source of cross-contamination and foodborne diseases. The other critical issue with biofilm formation is their antibiotic resistance which makes medication difficult, and they use different physical, physiological, and gene-related factors to develop their resistance mechanisms. In order to mitigate their production and develop controlling methods, it is better to understand growth requirements and mechanisms. Therefore, the aim of this review article is to provide an overview of the role of bacterial biofilms in antibiotic resistance and food contamination and emphasizes ways for controlling its production.

COVID-19: A recommendation to examine the effect of mouthrinses with β-cyclodextrin combined with citrox in preventing infection and progression.

Abstract: Considered to be a major portal of entry for infectious agents, the oral cavity is directly associated with the evolutionary process of SARS-CoV-2 in its inhalation of ambient particles in the air and in expectorations. Some new generations of mouth rinses currently on the market have ingredients that could contribute to lower the SARS-CoV-2 viral load, and thus facilitate the fight against oral transmission. If chlorhexidine, a usual component of mouth rinse, is not efficient to kill SARS-CoV-2, the use of a mouth rinses and/or with local nasal applications that contain β-cyclodextrins combined with flavonoids agents, such as Citrox, could provide valuable adjunctive treatment to reduce the viral load of saliva and nasopharyngeal microbiota, including potential SARS-CoV-2 carriage. We urge national agencies and authorities to start clinical trials to evaluate the preventive effects of βCD-Citrox therapeutic oral biofilm rinses in reducing the viral load of the infection and possibly disease progression.

Bacteria Detection: From Powerful SERS to Its Advanced Compatible Techniques.

Abstract: The rapid, highly sensitive, and accurate detection of bacteria is the focus of various fields, especially food safety and public health. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), with the advantages of being fast, sensitive, and nondestructive, can be used to directly obtain molecular fingerprint information, as well as for the on-line qualitative analysis of multicomponent samples. It has therefore become an effective technique for bacterial detection. Within this progress report, advances in the detection of bacteria using SERS and other compatible techniques are discussed in order to summarize its development in recent years. First, the enhancement principle and mechanism of SERS technology are briefly overviewed. The second part is devoted to a label-free strategy for the detection of bacterial cells and bacterial metabolites. In this section, important considerations that must be made to improve bacterial SERS signals are discussed. Then, the label-based SERS strategy involves the design strategy of SERS tags, the immunomagnetic separation of SERS tags, and the capture of bacteria from solution and dye-labeled SERS primers. In the third part, several novel SERS compatible technologies and applications in clinical and food safety are introduced. In the final part, the results achieved are summarized and future perspectives are proposed.