The present study details the development of biotin tagged avidin functionalized Zinc Sulphide [ZnS] nanocrystals through a simple aqueous chemistry route at room temperature for targeted imaging applications. Surface functionalization of Manganese doped ZnS nanocrystals with L-cysteine provided functional groups that facilitated its conjugation to avidin. Further biotinylation of these particles through the strong non-covalent interaction between biotin and avidin enabled highly specific labeling of the biotin receptors on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. The nanobioconjugates thus developed exhibited stable and brilliant fluorescence upon labeling the biotin receptors on cells as observed through fluorescence microscopy. Characterization studies using X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering as well as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the bioconjugated particles to be appropriately functionalized and stable, with size ranging from 50 to 80 nm. Cytotoxicity of this material system evaluated using MTT, LDH leakage and apoptosis assay revealed its non-toxic nature even for high concentrations extending upto 250 microM and 48 hours of incubation. Our results confirmed that biotinylated ZnS nanocrystals offer great potential for highly specific labeling and targeted imaging of cancer cells.

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Highlights • In vitro culture, field establishment of Begonia malabarica Lam. • Evaluation of its genetic fidelity using anatomical, molecular markers using twelve RAPD and seven ISSR primers among in vitro and in vivo plants. • Callus induction and establishment of cell suspension.

Anthocyanins are water-soluble secondary metabolites, belonging to flavonoids, polyphenolic molecules containing 15 C chains with an aromatic ring, and one or more sugar groups attached at diverse positions to form hydroxylated basic structure. They occur mainly as glycosides of anthocyanidins. Six anthocyanidins are common in leaves, stems, roots, flowers and fruit such as pelargonidin, cyanidin, peonidin, delphinidin, petunidin and malvidin. Due to dietary antioxidant properties, many works have been attempted to analyse the properties of anthocyanins extracts from many plant species.In vitro cell cultures are capable of synthesizing and accumulating diverse phytochemicals with medicinal or nutritional value. Alkaloids, saponins, anthraquinones, polyphenols and terpenes have been synthesized via in vitro culture. Among them anthocyanins have significance as natural dye and as antioxidant [1] . Characterization of promoter sequences, regulatory genes and transcription factors involved in anthocyanin synthesis facilitates the in vitro synthesis effectively [2] . Genetic engineering of anthocyanin

Background: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is characterized histologically by epithelial basal cell destruction and a dense subepithelial lymphocytic infiltrate. Mast cells (MCs) play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of the disease causing changes in the basement membrane (BM). BM is seen as continuous or fragmented, distinct or indistinct, and afibrillar or fibrillar extensions. Aims and Objectives: This study was done to demonstrate the BM using acriflavine stain in addition to hematoxylin and eosin (H-E) stain. An attempt was also made to study MC using Azure A stain and assess the degree of changes in the thickness of BM associated with degranulated MC in patients with OLP. Materials and Methods: A total of 66 paraffin-embedded tissue sections which included 30 inflamed gingival mucosa (IGM) and 36 OLP were stained with H-E stain, Azure A, and fluorescent periodic acid–acriflavine stain. Results: MC density was higher in OLP when compared with MC in IGM. Degranulated MCs were found in abundance in OLP. Thickness of BM was significantly less in OLP when compared with IGM. Significant fragmentation was seen in OLP when compared with BM of IGM. Conclusion: Degranulated MC in OLP may or may not alter the quality of BM but definitely seems to influence the thickness of the BM both directly and indirectly.