We demonstrate a benign and straightforward method to modify the chitosan (CH) by carbamoylation. The free amines on CH are converted into carbamyl functionalities by reacting with potassium cyanate (KCNO). One wt% CH solution, when reacted with KCNO ⩾ 0.1 M, leads to the sol–gel transition of CH through the hydrogen bonding to form carbamoylated chitosan (CCH) hydrogel. Gelation time of CCH decreases with an increase in the KCNO concentration and an interconnected porous network is formed as observed under SEM. Rheological studies show that while one wt% CH solution is a viscous liquid, the CCH hydrogel with 0.5 M KCNO has a storage modulus (G') of 104 Pa. The CCH hydrogel is proved to be non-cytotoxic and promotes the attachment and growth of the small lung cancer model A549, and the neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell lines. CCH hydrogel also promotes the differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells into neuronal cells, as supported by immunostaining and thus demonstrating its utility as a versatile scaffold for three-dimensional cell-culture systems.

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Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability with ~80% of post-stroke survivors suffering from gait-related deficits. Conventional gait rehabilitation settings are labor-intensive and need rigorous involvement of clinicians (who use their expertise to decide the dosage of exercise intensity based on patient’s capability). This demands a technology-assisted individualized exercise platform that can offer varying dosage of exercise intensity based on one’s capability. Here, we have used an individualized physiology-sensitive treadmill-assisted gait exercise platform. We wanted to investigate the implications of this platform on one’s lower limb muscle strength and muscle fatigue by analyzing surface Electromyogram (sEMG)-related indices and standard gait-related clinical measures. Methods: We designed a feasibility study involving post-stroke patients (n=9; 44.4(±15)years; post-stroke period=3.1(±3)years) and gave them multiple exposures to this exercise platform. We investigated the Gastrocnemius Lateralis and Tibialis Anterior muscle activation prior to and post multiple exposures to our exercise platform while they walked overground. The feasibility study ended with collecting feedback on the patients’ perception on the implications of having gait exercise using such a platform on their ambulation capability. Results: The results showed that repeated exposures to this gait exercise platform can contribute towards gait rehabilitation of post-stroke patients with rehabilitation outcomes measured in terms of group average improvement of (i)~14% in muscle strength and (ii)marginal (~6%) in functional mobility (as in our case). Conclusion: Such a physiology-sensitive treadmill-assisted gait exercise platform can hold promise towards contributing to post-stroke gait rehabilitation in low-resource settings with the rehabilitation outcomes being measured in terms of sEMG-based observations.

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In this article, intelligent line follower is designed and implemented using MSP430G2ET controller which is industry standard controller since it has much more capable libraries. It detects black line which the robot has to follow using infrared sensors on a white surface with a high contrasted color. Unlike normal black line follower, this robot is featured with obstacle detection and stop with alert using ultrasonic sensor and buzzer until its removed on black line which is predefined path for it and hence prevent itself from getting damaged by the obstacle on the predefined path. Unlike this , if any wireless protocol is used to stop upon finding obstacle, efficiency of the system degrades with draining of battery. This is an efficient with usage of ultrasonic sensor and robust with industry standard controller. This type of systems can perform lot of tasks in industries, like material handling and replace traditional conveyer belts. It also finds application in domestic tasks like health care management.