Pharma pulse -

Pharma pulse -

Linu mohan.P

Asst prof

Alshifa college of pharmacy

BIOSENSOR FOR DETECTION OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE 

Antibiotics, antivirals, and other antimicrobials have saved millions of lives worldwide, but these drugs are losing their effectiveness because of antimicrobial resistance. Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch first characterized antibiosis, the ability for a chemical to kill bacterial cells, in 1877. Since then, in the treatment of bacterial infections the medical and biochemical communities have made great advances. These advances have helped in producing better treatment output.

Antibiotic resistant bacteria become a serious problem because infections caused by resistant microorganisms often fail to respond to the standard treatment, resulting in prolonged illness and greater risk of death.   Continued exposure of antibiotics results in evolution of “super bugs” which are resistant to multiple types of antibiotics. So detection of normal and resistant bacteria is important for rational antibiotic treatment. The scientists have developed a new technique to identify bacterial antibiotic resistance. This technique uses bacteriophage(Viruses targets and kill bacteria). A bacteriophage, when combined with specific antibodies, can be used to produce a physical colour change in a sample that indicates antibiotic resistance. The existing methods need time for the detection of resistance. But this new technique determines resistance within 10 to 12 minutes. Specifically, this technique targets antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus, one of the first pathogens characterized as a superbug.

         

AMNIOTIC FLUID LEAK- EASY DETECTION

Amniotic fluid is a clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn baby (fetus) during pregnancy. It is contained in the amniotic sac. During Pregnancy amniotic fluid helps in the movement of the fetus, along with development of the fetal muscles and its proper growth. It keeps a relatively constant temperature around the baby, and protecting from heat loss, it also protect the baby from outside injury. So the reduction in the amniotic fluid through leak interferes with these important functions, results in prenatal morbidity and mortality. Leakage of amniotic fluid also increases the risk of infection from mother to fetus.

Leakage of amniotic fluid is a common issue during pregnancy. Hence its early detection, can help in preventing complications of pregnancy and premature labour. This detection also confirms that, membrane have ruptured, so that the patient can reach in the hospital, for safe delivery in right time.

There are some methods available for this purpose, which include speculum examination, microscopic technique, ultrasonograph etc. But these methods have some limitations in terms of accuracy and cost. To overcome all the limitations there is a new method, known as amniotic fluid leakage detection kit for the diagnosis of fluid leakage. It consists of a panty liner with indicator strip assembled on it. The indicator changes the colour, when it comes in contact with fluid of pH greater than 5. The strip is removed after use and dried for 30 minuts.If leakage is there, the indicator shows a blue green colour change due to elevated pH of amniotic fluid. (pH 6)

MUTATION TEST KIT TO DETECT LUNG CELL CANCER

 Usually in normal tissue, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein transmits signals   in cells to regulate cell growth and cell death. Mutations in the EGFR gene result in abnormal functioning of the EGFR protein and stimulate cancer cell growth.

This Mutation Test kit used for automated molecular assay, which designed to detect the presence of mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene in cancer-spreading (metastatic) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

In the test, small amount of tumor tissue is taken from a patient’s NSCLC and examines it (biopsy). During the test the tumor tissue is embedded in a block of paraffin wax. A thin slice of the tumor tissue is then cut from the block for use in the test. DNA is isolated from a patient’s tumor cells and mixed with reagents that specifically detect, and bind to, and make copies of the tumor’s EGFR gene. The fluorescence, produced in this reaction is then measured to determine presence or absence of the specific EGFR mutations in a tumor sample.

This test aid physician in selecting patients with metastatic NSCLC .The presence of specific mutations in the EGFR gene indicates that a patient is eligible for treatment, which may prolong their life.

INTRAOCULAR LENS FOR CORRECTION OF ASTIGMATISM

Corneal astigmatism is a condition, where the curvature of the cornea is uneven, preventing light rays from focusing clearly on retina, resulting in blurred vision. Intraocular Lens (IOL) is an artificial lens used to correct corneal astigmatism and restore distance vision after removal of the natural lens of the eye during cataract surgery. A cataract is a gradual thickening, hardening and clouding of the eye's lens, resulting in loss of vision. Cataracts are often the result of aging, but can have other causes. It acts in place of the healthy eye lens to correctly focus light on the retina and restore vision.

The FDA now approved Tecnis Toric 1-which is an intra ocular lens. The device consists of a lens that is shaped to correct both irregularities to the shape of the eye and the shape of the cornea. It is designed to be positioned in the lens capsule where the lens should replace the optical function of the natural crystalline lens. It is used to restore vision in adult patients with corneal astigmatism and a cataract.

Clinical trial data shows that the device offers exceptional rotational stability while improving visual results. It also sharpens distance vision by minimizing imprecise light focusing