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Eggshell-derived nanoparticles can be used for drug delivery

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8 years ago

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Eggshell-derived nanoparticles can be used for drug delivery

By DrShikha T Malik

Eggshells are among the most commonly discarded kitchen waste. Now scientists are putting eggshells to some novel use – drug delivery – by deriving nanoparticles out of them.

A team of scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras have developed a method to use eggshells for synthesizing nanoparticles. These nanoparticles could be potential candidatesfor local drug delivery as well as a material for bone grafts.

Research team at IIT-Madras.

Research team at IIT-Madras.

Nanoparticles are extremely tiny particles which can be customized for various biomedical applications like diagnostics, drug delivery etc. Researchers feel eggshell-derived nanoparticles may be suitable for use in humans asthey have tested biocompatibility of calcium phosphate cement made from eggshells as dental implants in preliminary studies in humans. However, eggshell-derived nanoparticles are yet to be tested in humans.

Using microwaves, scientists synthesized carbonated calcium deficient hydroxyapatite (ECCDHA) nanoparticles from egg waste. These nanoparticles are similar to human bone in mineral composition.

In order to check drug delivery efficacy of these nanoparticles, researchers compared them with synthetic hydroxyapatite nanoparticles and found them to be more efficient. They are better in loadingand releasing drugs in a sustained mannercompared to the synthetic nanoparticles.A higher drug-loading capacity means lesser quantity of nanoparticle material is needed for drug delivery.

The efficacy of these particles was analyzed using an antibiotic as a test drug.“Apart from their ability to deliver the antibiotic, eggshell derived apatite nanoparticles also showed higher amount of bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein delivery, which means they may be employed for delivering growth factors for bone regeneration”, Prof. Sampath Kumar, who led the team, told India Science Wire.

In addition to drug delivery, the presence of ions like strontium, magnesium, fluoride and sodium in small amounts in these nanoparticles makes them potentially useful as graft materials for bone regeneration. “Since these eggshell derived particles are very similar to human bone with respect to their mineral composition, we propose that these may be potential candidates for bone substitutesand may be used for treatment of infections associated with bone loss,” said Kumar.

Hydroxyapatite is a major mineral base of human bone and is one of the most studied biomaterials for more than half a century. However, synthetic hydroxyapatite drastically varies from biological apatite found in human bone. It lacks the trace elements, which are highly essential for bone growth and remodeling. “Hydroxyapatite with chemical composition similar to biological apatite would be beneficial for bone applications”, pointed out Dr. M Ramalingam, co-author of the study.

The research team has tested eggshell derived calcium phosphate cements in humans. “Preliminary clinical studies with six patients have indicated clinical efficacy of eggshell derived cements in treating bone (dental) defects, demonstrating complete resorption with new bone formation”, Kumar said. These studies suggest that the eggshell nanoparticles have better physical and biological properties than synthetically derived ones.

The team included R. Jayasree, K. Madhumathi, Rakesh P. Nankar, MukeshDoble, and T. S. Sampath Kumar at IIT Madras;Deepti Rana and MuruganRamalingamfrom CMC Vellore. The study has been published in Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and was funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).– India Science Wire

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Samsung Galaxy S25 FE India price leak suggests launch similar to S24 FE

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE India price has surfaced online, hinting at a similar launch price as the S24 FE. The phone brings a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, Exynos 2400 chip, triple rear cameras, and a 4,900mAh battery.

Published

3 months ago

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September 11, 2025

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Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, which was unveiled globally on September 4, is yet to receive official pricing for the Indian market. However, a fresh leak indicates that the handset could debut in India at the same price point as its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 FE.

Expected price and availability in India

According to tipster Yogesh Brar, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE may be priced at ₹59,999 for the base 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant in India. This matches the launch price of last year’s Galaxy S24 FE, which started at ₹59,999 for the same configuration. The higher 8GB RAM + 256GB model of the S24 FE was earlier priced at ₹65,999.

Globally, the Galaxy S25 FE has been introduced at $650 (around ₹58,000) for the base variant and $710 (around ₹63,000) for the 8GB + 256GB version. In India, the smartphone is expected to go on sale in October, similar to last year’s rollout schedule for the S24 FE.

The phone is offered in Icyblue, Jetblack, Navy, and White colour options.

Key specifications

  • Display: 6.7-inch full-HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz refresh rate, 1,900 nits peak brightness, Vision Booster, Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection.
  • Processor: Exynos 2400 SoC.
  • RAM & Storage: 8GB RAM standard, up to 512GB UFS 4.0 storage.
  • Rear Cameras: 50MP wide-angle + 8MP telephoto + 12MP ultrawide; 8K video recording at 30fps.
  • Front Camera: 12MP selfie shooter.
  • Battery: 4,900mAh with 45W wired and 15W wireless charging.
  • Build: 7.4mm thick, 190g weight, IP68-rated water and dust resistance.
  • Cooling: 10% larger vapour chamber compared to the Galaxy S24 FE.

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iPhone 17 series launched in India: Price starts at Rs 82,900, goes up to Rs 2.29 lakh

Apple has launched the iPhone 17 series in India with prices starting at Rs 82,900. Pre-booking begins on 12 September, and the phones will be available from 19 September.

Published

3 months ago

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September 10, 2025

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iphone 17

Apple has officially launched its much-awaited iPhone 17 series in India, introducing four models – iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The series comes with advanced features, multiple storage variants, and a starting price of Rs 82,900. Pre-bookings will open from 12 September, while sales begin on 19 September.

iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air price in India

The standard iPhone 17 is priced at Rs 82,900 for the 256GB base variant. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Air, designed with a slimmer and more premium look, starts at Rs 1,19,900.

Key features of iPhone 17

  • Display: 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion, up to 3000 nits brightness with Ceramic Shield 2 protection.
  • Camera: Dual 48MP setup (Fusion main + Ultra Wide) with 2X telephoto capability, along with a new Centre Stage front camera.
  • Performance: Powered by the A19 chipset, runs on iOS 26, 40% faster than iPhone 16.
  • Battery: Up to 8 hours longer backup compared to its predecessor.

iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max price in India

The premium segment begins with iPhone 17 Pro priced at Rs 1,34,900, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at Rs 1,49,900. The top-end Pro Max with the highest storage option goes up to Rs 2,29,900. These models are available in Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, and Silver colours.

Key features of Pro models

  • Display: iPhone 17 Pro with 6.3-inch and Pro Max with 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, both featuring 120Hz refresh rate and 3000 nits brightness.
  • Chipset: New A19 Pro with Vapour Chamber Cooling for heavy usage.
  • Camera: Triple 48MP system including an advanced telephoto lens with 8X optical zoom and 40X digital zoom, plus an 18MP front camera.
  • Battery & Charging: Best-ever battery backup on Pro Max, with USB-C fast charging – 50% charge in just 20 minutes.

Why the iPhone 17 series stands out

The new iPhones not only bring improved design and performance but also integrate Apple Intelligence AI features for messaging, calls and visual tools.

Offers and EMI options

  • No-cost EMI: Available for up to 6 months.
  • Cashback: ICICI Bank users can avail up to Rs 5,000 instant cashback.
  • For instance, buying the iPhone 17 Pro Max (Rs 1,49,900) on a 6-month no-cost EMI plan brings effective savings of Rs 11,525, including cashback and EMI benefits.

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Lava Yuva Smart 2 launched in India with 5,000mAh battery and dual cameras

Lava has launched the Yuva Smart 2 in India with a 5,000mAh battery, dual cameras, Android 15 Go Edition, and a price tag of Rs 6,099.

Published

3 months ago

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September 4, 2025

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Lava phone

Lava has introduced its latest entry-level smartphone, the Lava Yuva Smart 2, in India. Priced at Rs 6,099, the device offers a large display, a massive battery, and dual cameras, making it a budget-friendly choice for first-time smartphone buyers.

Lava Yuva Smart 2 price and availability

The Yuva Smart 2 is priced at Rs 6,099 for the single 3GB RAM + 64GB storage variant. It will be available in Crystal Blue and Crystal Gold colour options. Lava has announced doorstep service across India, though official sale dates are yet to be disclosed.

Lava Yuva Smart 2 specifications

The smartphone runs on Android 15 Go Edition and is powered by the Unisoc 9863a octa-core chipset. It comes with 3GB RAM (expandable up to 6GB with virtual RAM) and 64GB internal storage.

It features a 6.75-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate. For photography, the phone sports a 13MP AI dual rear camera housed in a square module, along with a 5MP front camera for selfies.

Backed by a 5,000mAh battery with 10W wired charging via USB Type-C, the device also includes a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and face unlock support for security.

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