Current and emerging nanotechnology for sustainable development of agriculture: Implementation design strategy and application.

Recently, agriculture systems have faced numerous challenges involving sustainable nutrient use efficiency and feeding, environmental pollution especially heavy metals (HMs), infection of harmful microorganisms, and maintenance of crop production quality during postharvesting and packaging. Nanotechnology and nanomaterials have emerged as powerful tools in agriculture applications that provide alternatives or support traditional methods. This review aims to address and highlight the current overarching issue and various implementation strategies of nanotechnology for sustainable agriculture development. In particular, the current progress of different nano-fertilizers (NFs) systems was analyzed to show their advances in enhancing the uptake and translocations in plants and improving nutrient bioavailability in soil. Also, the design strategy and application of nanotechnology for rapid detection of HMs and pathogenic diseases in plant crops were emphasized. The engineered nanomaterials have great potential for biosensors with high sensitivity and selectivity, high signal throughput, and reproducibility through various detection approaches such as Raman, colorimetric, biological, chemical, and electrical sensors. We obtain that the development of microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip (LoC) technologies offers the opportunity to create on-site portable and smart biodevices and chips for real-time monitoring of plant diseases. The last part of this work is a brief introduction to trends in nanotechnology for harvesting and packaging to provide insights into the overall applications of nanotechnology for crop production quality. This review provides the current advent of nanotechnology in agriculture, which is essential for further studies examining novel applications for sustainable agriculture.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Helicteres hirsuta Lour. 1790 (Helicteriodeae: Malvaceae).

Helicteres hirsuta Lour. 1790 is a precious medicinal plant species, especially for treating chronic liver diseases. Genomic data on H. hirsuta are limited. Therefore, this current study aimed to characterize the chloroplast genome of H. hirsuta and reconstruct the phylogenetic relationship among Helicteroideae taxa. Consequently, the complete chloroplast genome of H. hirsuta was 163,404 bp in length and contained 113 unique genes (79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes). Notably, two introns of clpP gene of H. hirsuta were lost in comparison to that of other Helicteroideae species. The phylogenetic tree based on chloroplast genomes of eleven Helicteroideae species revealed that H. hirsuta was closely related to Reevesia species. In conclusion, our study described the first complete chloroplast genome of H. hirsuta, which is essential for tracing evolutionary history in the Helicteroideae subfamily.

The complete chloroplast genome of Durio zibethinus L. cultivar Ri6 (Helicteroideae, Malvaceae).

Durian, a member of the Malvaceae family, is famous for its delicious fruits, which have strong scents and are rich in nutrients. In this study, we sequenced and characterized the complete chloroplast genome of Durio zibethinus L. 1774 cultivar Ri6, a popular durian cultivar in Vietnam, using the Illumina Hiseq platform. The results showed a circular chloroplast genome composed of a large single copy of 96,115 bp, a small single copy of 20,819 bp, and two inverted repeat regions of 24,185 bp. This genome consisted of 79 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA genes, and four ribosomal RNA genes. The overall GC content of this genome was 35.7%. Phylogenetic analysis inferred from 78 protein-coding regions revealed monophyly of Durio species and a close relationship between D. zibethinus cultivar Ri6 and cultivar Mongthong. This study provides essential information for further studies examining genetic population, breedings, and species identification among Durio taxa and cultivars.

Supplementation of Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus casei to increase growth performance and immune system of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) due to Aeromonas hydrophila infection.

Background and Aim: Catfish has a high economic value and is popular among consumers. To ensure well-stocked catfish stocks, good fisheries management must also be ensured. The high demand for catfish must be supplemented by preventive measures against pathogenic bacterial infections using probiotics with high potential for Lactobacillus casei and Bacillus subtilis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of probiotic supplementation consisting of a combination of L. casei and B. subtilis probiotics on the growth, immune system, water quality, proximate value of feed, and body composition of catfish infected with Aeromonas hydrophila. Materials and Methods: This study used a completely randomized study with eight treatments and three replications. The manipulated factor was the probiotic concentration [0% (A), 0.5% (B), 10% (C), and 15% (D)] in groups of catfish infected and uninfected with A. hydrophila. Combination of B. subtilis, and L. casei that were used in a 1:1 ratio of 108 colony forming unit/mL. The study lasted for 42 days. On the 35th day, A. hydrophila was infected by intramuscular injection into fish. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 23.0 (IBM SPSS Statistics) was used to analyze data on growth, immune system, and water quality. Results: Providing probiotics in feed can increase the nutritional value of feed based on proximate test results. There were significant differences in average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and survival rate (SR) parameters in the group of catfish infected with A. hydrophila (p > 0.05); however, there were no significant differences in final body weight, specific growth rate (SGR), and percentage weight gain. Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) levels were significantly different between treatments C and D. The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α parameters were significantly different between treatments A and C, whereas the phagocytic activity of treatment A was significantly different from that of treatment D. There was a significant difference (p > 0.05) in the growth parameters of SGR, ADG, and FCR in the group of fish that were not infected with A. hydrophila, with the best treatment being a probiotic concentration of 15%, but there was no significant difference in the SR parameters. IL-1ß and TNF-α levels significantly differed between E and E0 (15% probiotics) but were not significantly different in terms of phagocytosis parameters. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that using a combination of probiotics L. casei and B. subtilis can improve the growth, immune system, water quality, proximate value of feed, and body composition of catfish infected with A. hydrophila.

Classification and application of metal-based nanoantioxidants in medicine and healthcare.

Antioxidants play an important role in the prevention of oxidative stress and have been widely used in medicine and healthcare. However, natural antioxidants have several limitations such as low stability, difficult long-term storage, and high cost of large-scale production. Along with significant advances in nanotechnology, nanomaterials have emerged as a promising solution to improve the limitations of natural antioxidants because of their high stability, easy storage, time effectiveness, and low cost. Among various types of nanomaterials exhibiting antioxidant activity, metal-based nanoantioxidants show excellent reactivity because of the presence of an unpaired electron in their atomic structure. In this review, we summarize some novel metal-based nanoantioxidants and classify them into two main categories, namely chain-breaking and preventive antioxidant nanomaterials. In addition, the applications of antioxidant nanomaterials in medicine and healthcare are also discussed. This review provides a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of metal-based nanoantioxidants and a guideline for using these nanomaterials in medicine and healthcare.

Rapid identification of SARS-CoV-2 strains via isothermal enzymatic recombinase amplification and nanopore sequencing.

Surveillance of the SARS-CoV-2 genome has become a crucial technique in the management of COVID-19, aiding the pandemic response and supporting effective public health interventions. Typically, whole-genomic sequencing is used along with PCR-based target enrichment techniques to identify SARS-CoV-2 variants, which is a complicated and time-consuming process that requires central laboratory facilities. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop rapid and cost-effective tools for precise on-site detection and identification of SARS-CoV-2 strains. In this study, we demonstrate the rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 and identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants by amplification and sequencing of the entire SARS-CoV-2 S gene using isothermal enzymatic recombinase amplification combined with the advanced Oxford nanopore sequencing technique. The entire procedure, from sampling to sequencing, takes less than 8 hours and can be performed with limited resources. The newly developed method has noteworthy implications for examining the transmission dynamics of the virus, detecting novel genetic variants, and assessing the effect of mutations on diagnostic approaches, antiviral treatments, and vaccines.

Genomic and vaccine preclinical studies reveal a novel mouse-adapted Helicobacter pylori model for the hpEastAsia genotype in Southeast Asia.

Introduction. Helicobacter pylori infection is a major global health concern, linked to the development of various gastrointestinal diseases, including gastric cancer. To study the pathogenesis of H. pylori and develop effective intervention strategies, appropriate animal pathogen models that closely mimic human infection are essential.Gap statement. This study focuses on the understudied hpEastAsia genotype in Southeast Asia, a region marked by a high H. pylori infection rate. No mouse-adapted model strains has been reported previously. Moreover, it recognizes the urgent requirement for vaccines in developing countries, where overuse of antimicrobials is fuelling the emergence of resistance.Aim. This study aims to establish a novel mouse-adapted H. pylori model specific to the hpEastAsia genotype prevalent in Southeast Asia, focusing on comparative genomic and histopathological analysis of pathogens coupled with vaccine preclinical studies.Methodology. We collected and sequenced the whole genome of clinical strains of H. pylori from infected patients in Vietnam and performed comparative genomic analyses of H. pylori strains in Southeast Asia. In parallel, we conducted preclinical studies to assess the pathogenicity of the mouse-adapted H. pylori strain and the protective effect of a new spore-vectored vaccine candidate on male Mlac:ICR mice and the host immune response in a female C57BL/6 mouse model.Results. Genome sequencing and comparison revealed unique and common genetic signatures, antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors in strains HP22 and HP34; and supported clarithromycin-resistant HP34 as a representation of the hpEastAsia genotype in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. HP34-infected mice exhibited gastric inflammation, epithelial erosion and dysplastic changes that closely resembled the pathology observed in human H. pylori infection. Furthermore, comprehensive immunological characterization demonstrated a robust host immune response, including both mucosal and systemic immune responses. Oral vaccination with candidate vaccine formulations elicited a significant reduction in bacterial colonization in the model.Conclusion. Our findings demonstrate the successful development of a novel mouse-adapted H. pylori model for the hpEastAsia genotype in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Our research highlights the distinctive genotype and pathogenicity of clinical H. pylori strains in the region, laying the foundation for targeted interventions to address this global health burden.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Siganus virgatus Valenciennes (Siganidae: Acanthuriformes).

Siganus virgatus Valenciennes 1835 is an essential species for examining reef ecosystems; however, its mitochondrial genome has not been studied. In this research, the mitogenome of S. virgatus was sequenced and characterized. The results revealed a circular genome of 16,505 bp that was composed of A (28.1%), C (31.3%), G (14%), and T nucleotides (26.6%). The genome contained 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and two ribosomal RNA genes. Most genes of the mitogenome were transcribed on the heavy strand (H-strand), whereas ND6 and eight tRNA genes (including tRNA-Ala, -Asn, -Cys, -Gln, -Glu, -Ser (1), -Pro, and -Tyr) were transcribed on the light strand (L-strand). Comparative analysis revealed a high degree of conservation of gene content and order among the Siganus mitogenomes. Phylogenetic analysis inferred from whole mitogenomes exhibited a close relationship between S. virgatus and S. guttatus. The newly completed mitogenome of S. virgatus provides essential genomic data for further studies on population genetics and the evolution of the Siganus genus and the Siganidae family.

New Insights Into The Evolution of Chloroplast Genomes in Ochna Species (Ochnaceae, Malpighiales).

Ochnaceae DC. includes more than 600 species that exhibit potential values for environmental ecology, ornamental, pharmaceutical, and timber industries. Although studies on phylogeny and phytochemicals have been intensively conducted, chloroplast genome data of Ochnaceae species have not been fully explored. In this study, the next-generation sequencing method was used to sequence the chloroplast genomes of Ochna integerrima and Ochna serrulata which were 157 329 and 157 835 bp in length, respectively. These chloroplast genomes had a quadripartite structure and contained 78 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNAs, and 4 rRNAs. Comparative analysis revealed 8 hypervariable regions, including trnK_UUU-trnQ_UUG, rpoB-psbM, trnS_GGA-rps4, accD-psaI, rpl33-rps18, rpl14-rpl16, ndhF-trnL_UAG, and rps15-ycf1 among 6 Ochnaceae taxa. Additionally, there were shared and unique repeats among 6 examined chloroplast genomes. The notable changes were the loss of rpl32 in Ochna species and the deletion of rps16 exon 2 in O. integerrima compared to other taxa. This study is the first comprehensive comparative genomic analysis of complete chloroplast genomes of Ochna species and related taxa in Ochnaceae. Consequently, the current study provides initial results for further research on genomic evolution, population genetics, and developing molecular markers in Ochnaceae and related taxa.

The complete chloroplast genome of Elephantopus scaber L. (Vernonioideae, Asteraceae), a useful ethnomedicinal plant in asia.

Elephantopus scaber L. is a useful medicinal plant and has been used as a traditional medicine for various diseases in Asia. In this study, we completed and characterized the chloroplast genome of E. scaber of which the length was 152,375 bp. This circular genome had a large-single copy (LSC, 83,520 bp), a small-single copy (SSC, 18,523 bp), and two inverted repeat regions (IR, 25,166 bp). There were 80 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes in the chloroplast genome of E. scaber. Phylogenetic analysis inferred from 80 protein-coding regions revealed a close relationship between E. scaber and Cyanthillium cinereum (L.) H.Rob. and a sister relationship between Vernonioideae and Cichorioideae subfamilies. The genomic data of E. scaber provide useful information to explore the molecular evolution of not only Elephantopus genus but also the Asteraceae family.

Droplet-Based Microfluidics: Applications in Pharmaceuticals.

Droplet-based microfluidics offer great opportunities for applications in various fields, such as diagnostics, food sciences, and drug discovery. A droplet provides an isolated environment for performing a single reaction within a microscale-volume sample, allowing for a fast reaction with a high sensitivity, high throughput, and low risk of cross-contamination. Owing to several remarkable features, droplet-based microfluidic techniques have been intensively studied. In this review, we discuss the impact of droplet microfluidics, particularly focusing on drug screening and development. In addition, we surveyed various methods of device fabrication and droplet generation/manipulation. We further highlight some promising studies covering drug synthesis and delivery that were updated within the last 5 years. This review provides researchers with a quick guide that includes the most up-to-date and relevant information on the latest scientific findings on the development of droplet-based microfluidics in the pharmaceutical field.

Metagenomics: An Effective Approach for Exploring Microbial Diversity and Functions.

Various fields have been identified in the "omics" era, such as genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, phenomics, and metagenomics. Among these, metagenomics has enabled a significant increase in discoveries related to the microbial world. Newly discovered microbiomes in different ecologies provide meaningful information on the diversity and functions of microorganisms on the Earth. Therefore, the results of metagenomic studies have enabled new microbe-based applications in human health, agriculture, and the food industry, among others. This review summarizes the fundamental procedures on recent advances in bioinformatic tools. It also explores up-to-date applications of metagenomics in human health, food study, plant research, environmental sciences, and other fields. Finally, metagenomics is a powerful tool for studying the microbial world, and it still has numerous applications that are currently hidden and awaiting discovery. Therefore, this review also discusses the future perspectives of metagenomics.

Antioxidant Nanozymes: Mechanisms, Activity Manipulation, and Applications.

Antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase play important roles in the inhibition of oxidative-damage-related pathological diseases. However, natural antioxidant enzymes face some limitations, including low stability, high cost, and less flexibility. Recently, antioxidant nanozymes have emerged as promising materials to replace natural antioxidant enzymes for their stability, cost savings, and flexible design. The present review firstly discusses the mechanisms of antioxidant nanozymes, focusing on catalase-, superoxide dismutase-, and glutathione peroxidase-like activities. Then, we summarize the main strategies for the manipulation of antioxidant nanozymes based on their size, morphology, composition, surface modification, and modification with a metal-organic framework. Furthermore, the applications of antioxidant nanozymes in medicine and healthcare are also discussed as potential biological applications. In brief, this review provides useful information for the further development of antioxidant nanozymes, offering opportunities to improve current limitations and expand the application of antioxidant nanozymes.

Recent Advances in Molecular and Immunological Diagnostic Platform for Virus Detection: A Review.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused an ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak and a rising demand for the development of accurate, timely, and cost-effective diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 as well as other viral infections in general. Currently, traditional virus screening methods such as plate culturing and real-time PCR are considered the gold standard with accurate and sensitive results. However, these methods still require sophisticated equipment, trained personnel, and a long analysis time. Alternatively, with the integration of microfluidic and biosensor technologies, microfluidic-based biosensors offer the ability to perform sample preparation and simultaneous detection of many analyses in one platform. High sensitivity, accuracy, portability, low cost, high throughput, and real-time detection can be achieved using a single platform. This review presents recent advances in microfluidic-based biosensors from many works to demonstrate the advantages of merging the two technologies for sensing viruses. Different platforms for virus detection are classified into two main sections: immunoassays and molecular assays. Moreover, available commercial sensing tests are analyzed.

Design Strategy and Application of Deep Eutectic Solvents for Green Synthesis of Nanomaterials.

The first report of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) was released in 2003 and was identified as a new member of ionic liquid (IL), involving innovative chemical and physical characteristics. Using green solvent technology concerning economical, practical, and environmental aspects, DESs open the window for sustainable development of nanomaterial fabrication. The DESs assist in different fabrication processes and design nanostructures with specific morphology and properties by tunable reaction conditions. Using DESs in synthesis reactions can reduce the required high temperature and pressure conditions for decreasing energy consumption and the risk of environmental contamination. This review paper provides the recent applications and advances in the design strategy of DESs for the green synthesis of nanomaterials. The strategy and application of DESs in wet-chemical processes, nanosize reticular material fabrication, electrodeposition/electrochemical synthesis of nanostructures, electroless deposition, DESs based nano-catalytic and nanofluidic systems are discussed and highlighted in this review.

Polysaccharide and ethanol extracts of Anoectochilus formosanus Hayata: Antioxidant, wound-healing, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities.

Introduction: Polysaccharide and alcohol extracts of Anoectochilus formosanus Hayata have attracted great attention as they exhibit noteworthy properties such as prebiotic and anti-hyperglycemic effects. However, the antioxidant and wound-healing activities of the polysaccharide extract as well as the antibacterial and cytotoxic effects of the ethanol extracts have not been thoroughly uncovered. Therefore, our study investigated these bioactivities of the two extracts prepared from Anoectochilus formosanus to broaden understandings of medical benefits of the plant. Methods: The monosaccharide composition was analyzed by HPAEC-PAD. The antioxidant and wound-healing activities of the polysaccharide extract were evaluated by ABTS and scratch assays, respectively. The broth dilution method was used to determine the antibacterial ability of the ethanol extract. Additionally, the cytotoxic and mechanistic effects of this extract against hepatocellular carcinoma HUH-7 cells was assessed by MTT assay, qRT-PCR and Western blotting methods. Results: The polysaccharide extract possessed an effective free radical scavenging ability in an ABTS assay (IC50 = 44.92 µg/ml). The extract also ameliorated wound recovery in a fibroblast scratch assay. Meanwhile, the ethanol extract was able to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 2500 µg/ml), Bacillus cereus (MIC = 2500 µg/ml), Escherichia coli (MIC = 2500 µg/ml), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 1250 µg/ml). Additionally, it repressed the viability of HUH-7 cells (IC50 = 53.44 µg/ml), possibly through upregulating the expression of caspase 3 (CASP3), CASP8, and CASP9 at both mRNA and protein levels. Conclusion: The polysaccharide extract of A. formosanus exhibited the antioxidant and wound-healing properties whereas the ethanol extract showed the antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity against HUH-7 cells. These findings specify notable biological effects of the two extracts which could be of potential use in human healthcare.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Mystus gulio Hamilton (Siluriformes: Bagridae) and its phylogenetic implication.

Mystus gulio Hamilton, also called long whiskers catfish, is an endemic fish and a common food in some Asian countries. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of M. gulio was sequenced using the MinION system (Oxford Nanopore Technologies). The mitochondrial genome is 16,518 bp in length (41.1% [G + C] content) and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and two ribosomal RNA genes. The results of phylogenetic analysis inferred from whole mitochondrial genomes of Mystus and related species in the family Bagridae revealed that M. gulio is closely related to Mystus cavasius.

Recent Progress in Nanotechnology-Based Approaches for Food Monitoring.

Throughout the food supply chain, including production, storage, and distribution, food can be contaminated by harmful chemicals and microorganisms, resulting in a severe threat to human health. In recent years, the rapid advancement and development of nanotechnology proposed revolutionary solutions to solve several problems in scientific and industrial areas, including food monitoring. Nanotechnology can be incorporated into chemical and biological sensors to improve analytical performance, such as response time, sensitivity, selectivity, reliability, and accuracy. Based on the characteristics of the contaminants and the detection methods, nanotechnology can be applied in different ways in order to improve conventional techniques. Nanomaterials such as nanoparticles, nanorods, nanosheets, nanocomposites, nanotubes, and nanowires provide various functions for the immobilization and labeling of contaminants in electrochemical and optical detection. This review summarizes the recent advances in nanotechnology for detecting chemical and biological contaminations in the food supply chain.

The complete chloroplast genome of Mimosa pigra L. (Fabaceae), a notorious invasive plant.

Mimosa pigra L., also called the giant sensitive tree, is native to tropical America and has invaded Africa, Asia, and Australia. Here, we report the complete chloroplast genome of M. pigra, which was 165,996 bp in length and composed of a large single-copy region (LSC; 93,299 bp), a small single-copy region (SSC; 17,989 bp) and two inverted repeat regions (IRs; 27,354 bp). The complete M. pigra chloroplast genome included 83 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNAs and 8 rRNAs. Phylogenetic analysis using the maximum likelihood method revealed the monophyly of M. pigra and related taxa of the subfamily Caesalpinioideae. In comparison, the members of Papilionoideae were paraphyletic.

Soil Mineral Composition and Salinity Are the Main Factors Regulating the Bacterial Community Associated with the Roots of Coastal Sand Dune Halophytes.

Soil salinity and mineral deficiency are major problems in agriculture. Many studies have reported that plant-associated microbiota, particularly rhizosphere and root microbiota, play a crucial role in tolerance against salinity and mineral deficiency. Nevertheless, there are still many unknown parts of plant-microbe interaction, especially regarding their role in halophyte adaptation to coastal ecosystems. Here, we report the bacterial community associated with the roots of coastal sand dune halophytes Spinifex littoreus and Calotropis gigantea, and the soil properties that affect their composition. Strong correlations were observed between root bacterial diversity and soil mineral composition, especially with soil Calcium (Ca), Titanium (Ti), Cuprum (Cu), and Zinc (Zn) content. Soil Ti and Zn content showed a positive correlation with bacterial diversity, while soil Ca and Cu had a negative effect on bacterial diversity. A strong correlation was also found between the abundance of several bacterial species with soil salinity and mineral content, suggesting that some bacteria are responsive to changes in soil salinity and mineral content. Some of the identified bacteria, such as Bacillus idriensis and Kibdelosporangium aridum, are known to have growth-promoting effects on plants. Together, the findings of this work provided valuable information regarding bacterial communities associated with the roots of sand dune halophytes and their interactions with soil properties. Furthermore, we also identified several bacterial species that might be involved in tolerance against stresses. Further work will be focused on isolation and transplantation of these potential microbes, to validate their role in plant tolerance against stresses, not only in their native hosts but also in crops.