Background The global pandemic caused by an RNA virus capable of infecting humans and animals, has resulted in millions of deaths worldwide. Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infects the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract to some extent. Rapid structural mutations have increased the virulence and infectivity of the virus drastically. One such mutated strain known as the UK variant has caused many deaths in the United Kingdom. Hypothesis Among several indigenous natural ingredients used for prevention and cure of many diseases, the catechins have been reported for their antiviral activity, even against SARS-CoV-2. Characteristic mutations present on the spike protein have presented the newer strain its enhanced infectivity. The spike protein helps the virus bind to ACE2 receptor of the host cell and hence is a drug target. Catechins have been reported for their entry-inhibitory activity against several viruses. Method In this study, we performed molecular docking of different catechins with the wild and mutant variants of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. The stability of the best docked complexes was validated using molecular dynamics simulation. Results The in-silico studies show that the catechins form favourable interactions with the spike protein and can potentially impair its function. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) showed the best binding among the catechins against both the strains. Both the protein-ligand complexes were stable throughout the simulation time frame. Conclusion The outcomes should encourage further exploration of the antiviral activity of EGCG against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) -the most common autoimmune disease of the central nervous system -is traditionally diagnosed by methods mainly using magnetic resonance techniques to detect the lesions. Use of nanoparticles as the contrast agents can help in better diagnosis of the damaged cells. Iron nanoparticles are used in various advanced techniques like superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and ultra-small SPIONs (USPIONs). The major challenge in treatment of MS is the delivery of the drug into the brain, crossing the blood brain barrier (BBB). Nanoparticles like liposomes, nanoshells, dendrimers, nanogels, micelles have potential applications in the same. Presently, no significant treatment is devoid of side effects like fever, headache and fatigue, Use of nanoscience in MS in drug delivery and treatment can help solve the prevailing inadequacies. Administered quantum dots conjugated with self-antigens act on lymph nodes and spleen. These assemblies produce regulatory T-cells which prevent degeneration of myelin sheath. New studies study modifications to produce inflammation-resistant myelin by inducing response in lymph nodes during T-cell priming. This review aims to briefly describe the application of nanotechnology in diagnosis, drug delivery and treatment of MS.

Microencapsulation is a process of coating tiny solid particles or droplets of liquid or gaseous material with a continuous film of polymeric material. By microencapsulation, the core material is prevented from coming in to direct contact with the surrounding atmosphere. This process offers advantages like sustained release, taste masking, increased stability and smaller particle size. Its applications are commonly found in nutraceutics, cosmetics, perfumery, textiles, paint industry and especially in pharmaceutical and food industries. Biologically active species need to be protected from enzymes present in the body as degradation prior to reaching their targeted site can lead to decreased bioavailability. One of the most trending research areas in this regard is microencapsulation of probiotics. Probiotics are microorganisms found in the digestive system and are known to provide immunity and health benefits. However, when consumed orally, they are reported to have poor viability against the gastric pH, with almost 65% of strains of probiotics having low or moderate tolerance. This emphasizes on the need to develop effective delivery systems of probiotics into the gastrointestinal tract by bypassing the highly acidic gastric conditions, which is the major degradation site of these bacteria. Different microencapsulation techniques, like spray drying, spray congealing, extrusion method, complex coacervation and materials like chitosan, carrageenan, alginate, starch have been explored for the effective delivery of probiotics. Synthetic polymers like ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, acrylates and polyvinyl acetate phthalate are also promising coating agents in microencapsulation. More techniques and material are under study to develop effective systems for delivery of probiotics. This review presents the recent advances in microencapsulation process and the coating materials being studied for increased survival and targeted delivery of probiotics.

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