Nanomaterials serving as artificial enzymes of the new generation (nanozymes), exhibit enhanced catalytic performance, excellent stability, low cost of production, and other associated properties of nanoparticles. This emerging field of nanozymes has broad-spectrum potential applications in the bridging area nanotechnology and biomedicine. Among metal-based nanozymes, bimetallic nanoparticles have been found to show enhanced catalytic performance and display ability to catalyze multistep reactions typically not observed in their monometallic counterparts. Herein, we report the synthesis of CuÀ Pt based bimetallic nanoalloys coated with a nonionic surfactant polyoxyethylene cholesteryl ether. The characterization data sug-gest that the developed nanoalloys have an almost uniform distribution of Cu and Pt (1:1) elements; therefore, this novel technique could be used for the large-scale synthesis of CuÀ Pt based nanozymes in a one-step procedure. Further investigations showed that these bimetallic nanoalloys possess excellent biological oxidase enzyme-like activity and the catalytic activity could be performed at harsh conditions of pH and temperature. Oxidase activity of CuÀ Pt nanoalloys was utilized for the sensitive detection of ascorbic acid in the sub-micromolar concentration range. Supplementing ATP in the oxidase reaction, the nanozyme showed enhanced catalytic activity, which was used for the detection of human liver cells.

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Introduction: The existing screening process of patients and sterilization protocols followed in routine Orthodontic practice have proven to be incapable of limiting the exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Newer and more sophisticated protocols are established and being followed to provide maximum safety to everyone involved in orthodontic procedure. This survey was done to assess knowledge and overall preparedness of orthodontists towards the changes made in the daily Orthodontic practice due to COVID-19 pandemic. Method: An online questionnaire in English language consisting of 17 close ended questions was circulated amongst the Orthodontists across different regions of India. It contained questions regarding various aspects such as personal safety, psychological and financial burden, and patients’ responses to delay in treatment. Out of 90 questionnaires that were circulated, 70 responses were received that matched the inclusion criteria. Forms were filled directly onto the Google-form platform online. Results: Number and percentage were used to compute results on categorical measurements. SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) (Version 22.0) software was then used to perform statistical analyses. Chi-square test was used to compare the difference in the distribution of responses for the questionnaire. The level of significance (p-value) was set at p < 0.0001. Conclusion: All the respondents emphasized the need for diligent sterilization protocols; spirit, natural ventilation, gloves, mask and face shield along with patient screening was given utmost importance. Orthodontic emergencies were present and virtual orthodontic consultation emerged as a useful tool. Patients’ response to impact of lockdown in on-going treatment was largely negative to neutral. All the responses were statistically significant except personal hygiene and disinfection protocols.