Browsing by Author "Prasoon Madhukar"

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Amine-Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dots Conjugated with Amphotericin B: Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation for Visceral Leishmaniasis Treatment
(American Chemical Society, 2025) Prasoon Madhukar; Rashmi Kesarwani; Sundaram Pandey; Vishal K. Singh; Mallikarjuna Rao Gedda; Omprakash Singh; Mohammad R. Shaz; Rajiv Kumar; Santhanam Sundar
Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a life-threatening parasitic disease primarily affecting populations in resource-limited, endemic regions. Existing treatments for VL face limitations such as toxicity, high costs, and suboptimal efficacy in specific patient groups. Given the lack of a vaccine, chemotherapy remains the only option, emphasizing the urgent need for safer and more effective treatments. Nanotechnology offers promising avenues to overcome these challenges. This study introduces a novel approach involving amine-functionalized graphene quantum dots (fGQDs) conjugated with Amphotericin B (fGQDAmB) to enhance targeted drug delivery to Leishmania-infected macrophages. This novel approach, which could lead to a safer and more effective treatment for VL, is a significant contribution to the field. Structural characterization by XRD and FTIR confirmed successful GQD synthesis and functionalization, while cellular assays demonstrated significantly higher macrophage uptake and enhanced antileishmanial efficacy. fGQDAmB demonstrated approximately 4.2-fold greater potency against intracellular amastigotes and 2-fold higher efficacy against promastigotes, while also exhibiting reduced cytotoxicity compared to conventional AmB. The safety and effectiveness of fGQDAmB were further validated through hemolysis assay, providing reassurance and confidence about its potential use and instilling confidence in the potential of Quantum Dot-based Nanomedicine formulations. © 2025 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.
Anti-leishmanial therapies: overcoming current challenges with emerging therapies
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2025) Santhanam Sundar; Prasoon Madhukar; Rajiv Kumar
Introduction: Leishmaniasis, including visceral, cutaneous, and mucocutaneous forms, present a major health challenge in tropical regions. Current antileishmanial medications has significant limitations, creating a critical need for novel therapies that are safe and cost-effective with a shorter duration of treatment. Areas Covered: This review explores the critical aspects of existing antileishmanial therapy and targets for future therapeutic developments. It emphasizes the need for new treatment options due to drug resistance, low success rates, toxicity, and high prices associated with current medications. The different forms of leishmaniasis, their clinical manifestations, the challenges associated with their treatment and emerging treatment options are explored in detail. Expert Opinion: The first anti-leishmanial drug pentavalent antimony (SbV) was invented more than 100 years back. Since then, this compound has been used for all forms of leishmaniasis worldwide. For more than 70–80 years after discovery of SbV, no new antileishmanial drugs were developed, reflecting the lack of interest from academia or pharma industry. All three new treatments (Amphotericin-B, paromomycin and miltefosine) which underwent the clinical trials were repurposed drugs. The current pipeline for antileishmanial drugs is empty, with LXE 408 being the only potential drug reaching phase II clinical trial. © 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Blood biomarkers for the differentiation of cardiac ischemic stroke subtypes: A systematic review
(Bentham Science Publishers, 2019) Abhishek Pathak; Surya P. Pandey; Prasoon Madhukar; Priya Dev; Deepika Joshi; Vijay N. Mishra; Rameshwar N. Chaurasia
Background: Blood biomarkers are a cost-effective and valid method to diagnose ischemic stroke and differentiate its subtypes in countries with poor resources. Objective: To perform a systematic review of published literature evaluating the diagnostic utility of blood-based biomarkers to diagnose and differentiate the etiology of ischemic stroke. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was carried out till December 2017 in major scientific and medical databases including PubMed, Cochrane, OVID and Google Scholar. Modified Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies questionnaire was used to assess the methodological quality of each study. Results: Twenty-six studies were identified relevant to our systematic review. Various biomarkers have been studied, though only a few biomarkers such as a B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and Ddimer have proved their clinical utility. None of the other tested biomarkers appeared to have consistent results to diagnose ischemic stroke subtypes. Most of the studies had limitations in the classification of ischemic stroke, sample size, sample collection time, methods, biomarker selection and data analysis. Conclusion: Our systematic review does not recommend the use of any blood biomarker for clinical purposes based on the studies conducted to date. BNP and D-dimer may present optimal biomarker for diagnosis and differentiation of ischemic stroke. However, large well-designed clinical studies are required to validate utility of these biomarkers to differentiate subtypes of ischemic stroke. © 2019 Bentham Science Publishers.
Characterization techniques for mesoporous silicon nanoparticles
(Elsevier, 2025) Prasoon Madhukar; Shambhavi Kashyap; Priya Maurya; Santhanam Sundar
The characterization of mesoporous silicon nanoparticles (MSNs) is essential for understanding their unique properties and potential applications. It helps us to gain an insight into the morphology, structure, and surface characteristics of these particles, which aids in the development of novel technologies and materials. Characterization additionally enables us to tailor the synthesis and processing of these nanoparticles for particular purposes. MSNs typically have pore size ranges of the order of 2–6 nm and particle sizes in the range of 50–300 nm. The MSNs’ high surface area and pore volumes, which result from their controlled structure and morphology at both the nanometer and micrometer scales, allow for a high cargo-carrying capacity. By employing various types of templates and altering the reaction settings, the pore size of the mesoporous material for such an application can be adjusted. Various techniques have been developed to characterize these nanoparticles, including electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and surface area analysis using nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis. Each technique provides different information about the morphology, structure, and surface properties of the nanoparticles. This chapter aims to review the different characterization techniques for mesoporous silicon nanoparticles, highlighting their strengths and limitations. © 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Dual Drug Delivery for Augmenting Bacterial Wound Complications via Tailored Ultradeformable Carriers
(American Chemical Society, 2024) Kanika Arora; Bharti Dhruw; Sherilraj Pm; Prasoon Madhukar; Shyam Sundar; Shyam Lal Mudavath
Addressing the complex challenge of healing of bacterially infected wounds, this study explores the potential of lipid nanomaterials, particularly advanced ultradeformable particles (UDPs), to actively influence the wound microenvironment. The research introduces a novel therapeutic approach utilizing silver sulfadiazine (SSD) coupled with vitamin E (VE) delivered through UDPs (ethosomes/transferosomes/transethosomes). Comparative physicochemical characterization of these nanosized drug carriers reveals the superior stability of transethosomes, boasting a zeta potential of −36.5 mV. This method demonstrates reduced side effects compared to conventional therapies, with almost 90% SSD and 72% VE release achieved in wound pH in a sustained manner. Cytotoxicity assessment shows 60% cell viability even at the highest concentration (175 μg/mL), while hemolysis test demonstrates RBC lysis below 5% at a concentration of 250 μg/mL. Vitamin E-SSD-loaded transethosomes (VSTEs) significantly enhance cellular migration and proliferation, achieving 95% closure within 24 h, underscoring their promising efficacy. The synergistic method effectively reduces bacterial burden, evidenced by an 80% reduction in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus within the wound microenvironment. This approach offers a promising strategy to address complications associated with skin injuries. © 2024 American Chemical Society.
Epigenetic aspects of engineered nanomaterials: Is the collateral damage inevitable?
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2019) Mallikarjuna Rao Gedda; Piyoosh Kumar Babele; Kulsoom Zahra; Prasoon Madhukar
The extensive application of engineered nanomaterial (ENM) in various fields increases the possibilities of human exposure, thus imposing a huge risk of nanotoxicity. Hence, there is an urgent need for a detailed risk assessment of these ENMs in response to their toxicological profiling, predominantly in biomedical and biosensor settings. Numerous “toxico-omics” studies have been conducted on ENMs, however, a specific “risk assessment paradigm” dealing with the epigenetic modulations in humans owing to the exposure of these modern-day toxicants has not been defined yet. This review aims to address the critical aspects that are currently preventing the formation of a suitable risk assessment approach for/against ENM exposure and pointing out those researches, which may help to develop and implement effective guidance for nano-risk assessment. Literature relating to physicochemical characterization and toxicological behavior of ENMs were analyzed, and exposure assessment strategies were explored in order to extrapolate opportunities, challenges, and criticisms in the establishment of a baseline for the risk assessment paradigm of ENMs exposure. Various challenges, such as uncertainty in the relation of the physicochemical properties and ENM toxicity, the complexity of the dose-response relationships resulting in difficulty in its extrapolation and measurement of ENM exposure levels emerged as issues in the establishment of a traditional risk assessment. Such an appropriate risk assessment approach will provide adequate estimates of ENM exposure risks and will serve as a guideline for appropriate risk communication and management strategies aiming for the protection and the safety of humans. © 2019 Gedda, Babele, Zahra and Madhukar.
Ethyl Acetate Extract of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Promotes Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer Cells
(American Chemical Society, 2023) Nilesh Rai; Priyamvada Gupta; Ashish Verma; Rajan Kumar Tiwari; Prasoon Madhukar; Swapnil C. Kamble; Ajay Kumar; Rajiv Kumar; Santosh Kumar Singh; Vibhav Gautam
Fungal endophytes are known to be a paragon for producing bioactive compounds with a variety of pharmacological importance. The current study aims to elucidate the molecular alterations induced by the bioactive compounds produced by the fungal endophyte Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in the tumor microenvironment of human breast cancer cells. GC/MS analysis of the ethyl acetate (EA) extract of C. gloeosporioides revealed the presence of bioactive compounds with anticancer activity. The EA extract of C. gloeosporioides exerted potential plasmid DNA protective activity against hydroxyl radicals of Fenton’s reagent. The cytotoxic activity further revealed that MDA-MB-231 cells exhibit more sensitivity toward the EA extract of C. gloeosporioides as compared to MCF-7 cells, whereas non-toxic to non-cancerous HEK293T cells. Furthermore, the anticancer activity demonstrated by the EA extract of C. gloeosporioides was studied by assessing nuclear morphometric analysis and induction of apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. The EA extract of C. gloeosporioides causes the alteration in cellular and nuclear morphologies, chromatin condensation, long-term colony inhibition, and inhibition of cell migration and proliferation ability of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. The study also revealed that the EA extract of C. gloeosporioides treated cells undergoes apoptosis by increased production of reactive oxygen species and significant deficit in mitochondrial membrane potential. Our study also showed that the EA extract of C. gloeosporioides causes upregulation of pro-apoptotic (BAX, PARP, CASPASE-8, and FADD), cell cycle arrest (P21), and tumor suppressor (P53) related genes. Additionally, the downregulation of antiapoptotic genes (BCL-2 and SURVIVIN) and increased Caspase-3 activity suggest the induction of apoptosis in the EA extract of C. gloeosporioides treated MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. Overall, our findings suggest that the bioactive compounds present in the EA extract of C. gloeosporioides promotes apoptosis by altering the genes related to the extrinsic as well as the intrinsic pathway. Further in vivo study in breast cancer models is required to validate the in vitro observations. © 2023 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.
Evaluation of blood based quantitative PCR as a molecular diagnostic tool for post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL)
(Springer Science and Business Media B.V., 2024) Awnish Kumar; Vishal K. Singh; Prasoon Madhukar; Rahul Tiwari; Ritirupa Roy; Rajneesh; Sanjana Mehrotra; Shyam Sundar; Rajiv Kumar
Background: Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a consequential dermal manifestation of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), serving as a parasite reservoir. The traditional diagnostic approach, which requires an invasive skin biopsy is associated with inherent risks and necessitates skilled healthcare practitioners in sterile settings. There is a critical need for a rapid, less invasive method for Leishmania detection. The main objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the diagnostic efficacy of PCR and qPCR in detecting PKDL, utilizing both skin and blood samples and to assess the utility of blood samples for molecular diagnosis. Methods and results: 73 individuals exhibiting clinical symptoms of PKDL and who had tested positive for rK39 rapid diagnostic test (RDT) were enrolled in this study. For the diagnosis of PKDL, both PCR and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), employing SYBR Green and TaqMan assays, were performed on blood and skin matched samples. qPCR results using both TaqMan and SYBR Green assay, indicated higher parasite loads in the skin compared to blood, as evident by the Ct values. Importantly, when blood samples were used for PKDL diagnosis by qPCR, an encouraging sensitivity of 69.35% (TaqMan assay) and 79.36% (SYBR Green) were obtained, compared to 8.2% with conventional PCR. Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest the potential utility of blood for molecular diagnosis by qPCR, offering a less invasive alternative to skin biopsies in field setting for the early detection of parasitaemia in PKDL patients and effective management and control of the disease. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2024.
Evaluation of Safety and Antileishmanial Efficacy of Amine Functionalized Carbon-Based Composite Nanoparticle Appended With Amphotericin B: An in vitro and Preclinical Study
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2020) Mallikarjuna Rao Gedda; Prasoon Madhukar; Alok Kumar Vishwakarma; Vimal Verma; Anurag Kumar Kushwaha; Ganesh Yadagiri; Shyam Lal Mudavath; Om Prakash Singh; Onkar Nath Srivastava; Shyam Sundar
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has been a major health concern in the developing world, primarily affecting impoverished people. It is caused by a protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani and is characterized by immune dysfunction that can lead to deadly secondary infections. Several adverse side effects limit the existing treatment options; hence, the need of the hour is some drug option with high efficacy and no toxicity. To make targeted delivery of Amphotericin B (AmB), we have used amine-functionalized versions of carbon nanostructures, namely f-CNT and f-Graphene (f-Grap). The results with f-Grap-AmB, because of a much larger surface area, were expected to be better. However, the results obtained by us showed only marginal improvement (IC50 f-Grap-AmB; 0.0038 ± 0.00119 μg/mL). This is, in all likelihood, due to the agglomeration effect of f-Grap-AmB, which is invariably obtained with graphene. To resolve this issue, we have synthesized a graphene-CNT composite (graphene 70% and CNT 30% by weight). Because CNT is dispersed in between graphene sheets, the agglomeration effect is avoided, and our study suggests that the f-Composite-AmB (f-Comp-AmB) showed no toxicity against the murine J774A.1 macrophage cell line and did not induce any hepatic or renal toxicity in Swiss albino mice. The f-Comp-AmB also showed a remarkable elevation in the in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial efficacy in comparison to AmB and f-CNT-AmB or f-Grap-AmB in J774A.1 and Golden Syrian hamsters, respectively. Additionally, we have also observed that the percentage suppression of parasite replication in the spleen of the hamster was significantly higher in the f-Comp-AmB (97.79 ± 0.2375) treated group in comparison with the AmB (85.66 ± 1.164) treated group of hamsters. To conclude, f-Comp-AmB could be a safe and reliable therapeutic option over the other carbon-based nanoparticles (NPs), i.e., f-CNT-AmB, f-Grap-AmB, and conventional AmB. © Copyright © 2020 Gedda, Madhukar, Vishwakarma, Verma, Kushwaha, Yadagiri, Mudavath, Singh, Srivastava and Sundar.
MicroRNAs-mediated regulation of immune responses in parasitic infection
(Elsevier, 2024) Ritirupa Roy; Prasoon Madhukar; Vishal Kumar Singh; Rahul Tiwari; Awnish Kumar; Rajneesh; Madhukar Rai; Vibhav Gautam; Shyam Sundar; Rajiv Kumar
Leishmaniasis is a group of diseases that predominantly affect impoverished individuals in developing regions. Recent research has highlighted the significant role of microRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNA molecules, in regulating gene expression and contributing to disease pathogenesis in leishmaniasis. Understanding the intricate miRNA-mediated interactions provides valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of leishmaniasis and facilitates the development of targeted interventions. Moreover, miRNAs demonstrate altered expression levels, and their presence in the bloodstream enables noninvasive detection, making them promising biomarker candidates for diagnosis and prognosis. This chapter focuses on the role of miRNAs in regulating the immune response during leishmania infection, emphasizing their potential as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Nanodiagnostics in leishmaniasis: A new frontiers for early elimination
(Wiley-Blackwell, 2021) Mallikarjuna Rao Gedda; Prasoon Madhukar; Ashish Shukla; Shyam Lal Mudavath; Onkar Nath Srivastava; Om Prakash Singh; Shyam Sundar
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is still a major public health concern in developing countries having the highest outbreak and mortality potential. While the treatment of VL has greatly improved in recent times, the current diagnostic tools are limited for use in the post-elimination setting. Although conventional serological methods of detection are rapid, they can only differentiate between active disease in strict combination with clinical criteria, and thus are not sufficient enough to diagnose relapse patients. Therefore, there is a dire need for a portable, authentic, and reliable assay that does not require large space, specialized instrument facilities, or highly trained laboratory personnel and can be carried out in primary health care settings. Advances in the nanodiagnostic approaches have led to the expansion of new frontiers in the concerned area. The nanosized particles are blessed with an ability to interact one-on-one with the biomolecules because of their unique optical and physicochemical properties and high surface area to volume ratio. Biomolecular detection systems based on nanoparticles (NPs) are cost-effective, rapid, nongel, non-PCR, and nonculture based that provide fast, one-step, and reliable results with acceptable sensitivity and specificity. In this review, we discuss different NPs that are being used for the identification of molecular markers and other biomarkers, such as toxins and antigens associated with leishmaniasis. The most promising diagnostic approaches have been included in the article, and the ability of biomolecular recognition, advantages, and disadvantages have been discussed in detail to showcase the enormous potential of nanodiagnostics in human and veterinary medicine. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Nanomedicine in Cardiovascular Diseases: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Innovations for Better Health
(Springer Science and Business Media B.V., 2024) Prasoon Madhukar; Vishal Kumar Singh; Shashi Bhushan Chauhan; Rahul Tiwari; Awnish Kumar; Rajneesh; Rajiv Kumar
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major cause of global mortality, responsible for approximately 17.9 million deaths in 2019 and 20.5 million deaths in 2021. Limited access to specialised testing, especially for marginalised population, complicate the diagnosis of cardiovascular conditions. Disparities in treatment, sub-optimal pharmaceuticals, toxicity from conventional drugs, diagnostic errors, and the underutilization of non-invasive diagnostic methods contribute to adverse outcomes. Additionally, cost and insurance barriers hinder access to necessary tests, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for improved therapies for CVDs. Additionally, cost and insurance barriers hinder access to necessary tests, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for improved therapies for CVDs. Nanotechnology, which involves the precise control and manipulation of materials at the atomic and molecular levels, shows promise in addressing cardiovascular diseases. Nanoparticles, with their unique properties such as ultra-small size, tunable physicochemical characteristics, and biocompatibility, offer potential for targeted drug delivery. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems can enhance therapeutic effectiveness, prolong drug action, improve drug absorption, target specific areas passively or actively, reduce drug resistance, and minimize adverse drug reactions. This chapter comprehensively examines the use of nanoparticle-based diagnostic methods, targeting strategies, and therapeutic interventions for cardiovascular diseases, providing a thorough explanation of the fundamental principles and key considerations in this field. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.
Nanotechnology-Based Strategies in Parasitic Disease Management: From Prevention to Diagnosis and Treatment
(American Chemical Society, 2023) Rahul Tiwari; Rohit P. Gupta; Vishal K. Singh; Awnish Kumar; None Rajneesh; Prasoon Madhukar; Shyam Sundar; Vibhav Gautam; Rajiv Kumar
Parasitic infections are a major global health issue causing significant mortality and morbidity. Despite substantial advances in the diagnostics and treatment of these diseases, the currently available options fall far short of expectations. From diagnosis and treatment to prevention and control, nanotechnology-based techniques show promise as an alternative approach. Nanoparticles can be designed with specific properties to target parasites and deliver antiparasitic medications and vaccines. Nanoparticles such as liposomes, nanosuspensions, polymer-based nanoparticles, and solid lipid nanoparticles have been shown to overcome limitations such as limited bioavailability, poor cellular permeability, nonspecific distribution, and rapid drug elimination from the body. These nanoparticles also serve as nanobiosensors for the early detection and treatment of these diseases. This review aims to summarize the potential applications of nanoparticles in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of parasitic diseases such as leishmaniasis, malaria, and trypanosomiasis. It also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of these applications and their market values and highlights the need for further research in this field. © 2023 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.
Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis in the Indian sub-continent: challenges and strategies for elimination
(Frontiers Media SA, 2023) Awnish Kumar; Vishal Kumar Singh; Rahul Tiwari; Prasoon Madhukar; Rajneesh; Shashi Kumar; Vibhav Gautam; Christian Engwerda; Shyam Sundar; Rajiv Kumar
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a severe and often fatal form of leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani in the Indian sub-continent. Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a late cutaneous manifestation of VL, typically occurring after apparent cure of VL, but sometimes even without a prior history of VL in India. PKDL serves as a significant yet neglected reservoir of infection and plays a crucial role in the transmission of the disease, posing a serious threat to the VL elimination program in the Indian sub-continent. Therefore, the eradication of PKDL should be a priority within the current VL elimination program aimed at achieving a goal of less than 1 case per 10,000 in the population at the district or sub-district levels of VL endemic areas. To accomplish this, a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of PKDL is essential, as well as developing strategies for disease management. This review provides an overview of the current status of diagnosis and treatment options for PKDL, highlighting our current knowledge of the immune responses underlying disease development and progression. Additionally, the review discusses the impact of PKDL on elimination programs and propose strategies to overcome this challenge and achieve the goal of elimination. By addressing the diagnostic and therapeutic gaps, optimizing surveillance and control measures, and implementing effective intervention strategies, it is possible to mitigate the burden of PKDL and facilitate the successful elimination of VL in the Indian sub-continent. Copyright © 2023 Kumar, Singh, Tiwari, Madhukar, Rajneesh, Kumar, Gautam, Engwerda, Sundar and Kumar.
Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis: A threat to elimination program
(Public Library of Science, 2020) Mallikarjuna Rao Gedda; Bhawana Singh; Dhiraj Kumar; Abhishek Kumar Singh; Prasoon Madhukar; Shreya Upadhyay; Om Prakash Singh; Shyam Sundar
Leishmaniasis remains a public health concern around the world that primarily affects poor folks of the developing world spanning across 98 countries with mortality of 0.2 million to 0.4 million annually. Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is the late skin manifestation of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). It has been reported that about 2.5% to 20% of patients recovered from VL develop PKDL having stilted macular or nodular lesions with parasites. In the Indian subcontinent (ISC), it manifests a few months after recovery from VL, though in Africa it can occur simultaneously with VL or a little later. New cases of PKDL are also observed without prior VL in the ISC. These individuals with PKDL represent an important but largely neglected reservoir of infection that perpetuates anthroponotic Leishmania donovani transmission in the ISC and can jeopardize the VL elimination program as these cases can infect the sand flies and spread the endemic. Therefore, it becomes imperative to eradicate PKDL as a part of the VL elimination program. With the limited treatment options besides little knowledge on PKDL, this review stands out in focusing on different aspects that should be dealt for sustained VL elimination. © 2020 Gedda et al.
Synthesis of porous silicon–based nanoparticles
(Elsevier, 2025) Prasoon Madhukar; Sarita Singh; Santhanam Sundar
The synthesis of porous silicon–based nanoparticles (NPs) is an important topic in the fields of nanotechnology and materials science. Porous silicon–based NPs have unique properties, including high surface area, biocompatibility, and tunable pore size, which make them useful for a variety of applications, such as drug delivery, biosensing, and energy storage. Therefore understanding the different methods for synthesizing these NPs is crucial for researchers and engineers who work in these fields. Some of the tradition methods for the synthesis of these particles are laser ablation, chemical or electrochemical reduction, chemical or physical deposition, and hydrothermal synthesis. These techniques have some drawbacks, including the use of dangerous chemicals, high temperatures and vacuums, and requirement of complicated equipments. In the current chapter, several methods for the synthesis of porous silicon–based NPs, such as metal-aided chemical etching, electrochemical etching, magnesium isothermic reduction, chemical vapor deposition, selective dealloying, and other synthetic methods, have been thoroughly discussed, and it has been clearly demonstrated that the structural parameters, such as pore size, particle size, and specific surface area, can be regulated by changing the synthesis conditions. © 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.