Short communication
, Volume: 21( 4)A need for an integrated approach with Ayurveda for the management of chronic diseases
Maria Santos* Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Brazil *Corresponding author: Maria Santos, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Brazil, E-Mail: m.santos@usp.br Received: January 6, 2025; Accepted: January 12, 2025; Published: January 22, 2025
Abstract
The use of plant extracts is attracting much attention as a simple, environmentally friendly route to obtain metal, metal oxide, non-metal and even organic nanoparticles; considered an example of green chemistry, these extracts replace expensive and toxic compounds used as reducing and/or capping agents during the synthesis of the nanoparticles. These green nanoparticles have applications in a wide range of fields, such as medicine, biosensors, pollutants treatment, agriculture, and catalysis and energy storage. In this chapter, preparation and characterization of silver, gold and iron nanoparticles prepared from plant extracts and inorganic salts of the metals are described, together with their main actual and potential uses. One of the most significant developments of 2009, indeed, medically speaking, of the millennium, has been the formation of the Global Alliance for Non-Communicable Diseases. The Alliance has been established by agreement between the heads of the world's top agencies directing publicly funded medical research: the US National Institutes of Health, the UK's Medical Research Council (MRC), similar agencies in Canada, Australia and China, and most importantly for J-AIM, the Indian Council of Medical Research. Other Thought Leadership articles in this issue have treated validation of Ayurveda treatments, and its use to reduce drug development costs and lead times – things of concern to many industries and scientists. Each J-AIM Editorial Board member is offering leadership in the field they know best. This article concerns fundamental concepts in Ayurveda, and how translating them into terminologies that biomedical scientists can accept, may be a significant way to assist its acceptance as a means to tackle the global chronic disease problem. The challenge of the mystery has one possible implication. In the very differences making Ayurveda and western thought so different may lay its ability to restore health to those chronically ill. Indeed, Ayurveda's potential for treating chronic diseases, even cure them, and provides strong motivation to try to make progress on the problem. Article summarizes important ways that integrative medicine can contribute to resolving the global health crisis with special reference to the US. Research using modern methods of analysis of cellular changes at the epigenetic level has shown that diet and lifestyle interventions greatly improve the state of patients’ health. Estimates have been given that up to 75% of all US health costs can be saved by these methods, particularly if applied preventatively. It is thus vital that active steps are taken to implement such programs, to reduce costs to citizens and society alike, as well as to Government.
Abstract Electrochemical sensors provide sensitive detection of chemical species. This article reviews sensor principles, materials, and applications. Electrochemical reactions govern energy conversion and material synthesis. This article discusses reaction mechanisms, kinetics, and influencing factors. This article reviews the development of liquid, polymer, and solid-state conductive electrolytes, highlighting their physicochemical properties and electrochemical performance. The role of ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability windows, and compatibility with electrode materials is discussed. Emerging electrolyte systems are evaluated for their potential in next-generation batteries and sensors. Charge transfer resistance is a critical parameter governing the efficiency of electrochemical reactions at electrode–electrolyte interfaces. This article examines the theoretical foundations, measurement techniques, and practical implications of charge transfer resistance in diverse electrochemical systems. Emphasis is placed on its role in batteries, fuel cells, and corrosion processes. Factors such as electrode material composition, surface morphology, and electrolyte properties are discussed in detail. Understanding and minimizing charge transfer resistance is essential for enhancing electrochemical device performance. Keywords: Cyclic voltammetry, Redox reactions, Electrochemical analysis, Electrochemical cells, Redox reactions, Energy conversion, Electrochemical sensors, Biosensors, Detection Citation: Maria Santos. Electrochemical Sensors for Environmental and Biomedical Applications. 2023;13(1):259. © 2023 Trade Science Inc. Introduction Electrochemical sensors convert chemical signals into electrical responses (1). They offer high sensitivity and selectivity (2). Advances in nanomaterials improve performance (3). Applications include healthcare and environment (4). Integration with electronics expands usability (5). Peak shapes and separations reveal kinetic and thermodynamic parameters (3). The technique has been instrumental in battery research and sensor development (4). Advances in instrumentation continue to expand its analytical capabilities (5). Corrosion is an electrochemical process involving anodic metal dissolution and cathodic reduction reactions (1). It poses significant economic and safety challenges across industries (2). Electrochemical techniques such as polarization studies provide insights into corrosion kinetics and mechanisms (3). Environmental factors, including pH and ionic composition, strongly influence corrosion behavior (4). Advances in electrochemical analysis have enabled more effective corrosion mitigation strategies (5). Electrolytes play a fundamental role in electrochemical devices by enabling ionic transport between electrodes (1). Traditional liquid electrolytes offer high conductivity but pose safety and leakage concerns (2). Polymer and solid-state electrolytes have emerged as promising alternatives, providing improved thermal stability and mechanical robustness (3). The conductivity of electrolytes depends on ion mobility, solvation effects, and structural characteristics (4). Recent research focuses on tailoring electrolyte composition to enhance conductivity while maintaining electrochemical stability (5). Conclusion Electrochemical sensors are vital analytical tools. Continued material innovation will enhance their impact. Electrochemical diagnostics combined with innovative coatings and inhibitors offer effective solutions to minimize corrosion-related losses. Through careful electrode design and electrolyte selection, it is possible to significantly reduce kinetic barriers and improve device efficiency. Continued research combining experimental diagnostics and theoretical modeling will enable more precise control of interfacial charge transfer processes. Advances in batteries and energy storage systems are fundamentally linked to progress in electrochemistry. Improvements in electrode materials, electrolytes, and interface stability continue to push the limits of performance and reliability. As energy demands grow and sustainability becomes a global priority, electrochemical energy storage will remain a critical research focus. Future developments will depend on interdisciplinary collaboration that integrates electrochemical theory with practical engineering solutions. Oppositely charged ions from radioactive decaying elements theoretically should provide enough current (charged particles per second), and an electrical potential difference, to perform electrical work. From micro-amps to milliamps. 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