Diversity, Distribution and Bioprospecting Potentials of Manglicolous Yeasts: A Review.

Manglicolous yeasts are those that inhabit mangroves. Being adapted to survive extreme environmental variations, these yeasts possess traits that are desirable in terms of bioprospecting potential. Yeasts have been successfully isolated from different microhabitats within the mangrove ecosystem, including vegetation, water, sediments, and invertebrates. They have been found to be most abundant in sediments and water. Manglicolous yeasts are highly diverse unlike previously assumed. Yeasts belonging to the phyla Ascomycetes are more common in mangrove ecosystems than Basidiomycetes. Candida, Cryptococcus, Debaryomyces, Geotrichum, Kluyveromyces, Rhodotorula, Saccharomyces, and Pichia were some of the dominant yeast genera which are cosmopolitan in distribution. New species yeasts such as Vishniacozyma changhuana and V.taiwanica are also known from mangroves. A compilation of isolation and identification methods employed for manglicolous yeast culture is provided in this review. Culture-independent approaches to understanding yeast diversities have also been introduced. The bioprospecting potentials of manglicolous yeasts have been highlighted these include enzymes, xylitol, biofuel, single-cell oil, anti-cancer agents, antimicrobials, and biosurfactants. Manglicolous yeast also finds application as biocontrol agents, bio-remediators, single-cell proteins, food and feed, and immunostimulants. Our knowledge of the diversity and economical prospects of manglicolous yeasts is limited and likely to remain so as mangroves are disappearing fast. Therefore, this review is an attempt to give insight into these aspects.

Enhanced cancer therapy with pH-dependent and aptamer functionalized doxorubicin loaded polymeric (poly D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles.

Aptamer based drug delivery systems are gaining the importance in anticancer therapy due to their targeted drug delivery efficiency without harming the normal cells. The present work formulated the pH-dependent aptamer functionalized polymer-based drug delivery system against human lung cancer. The prepared aptamer functionalized doxorubicin (DOX) loaded poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), poly (N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) nanoparticles (APT-DOX-PLGA-PVP NPs) were spherical in shape with an average size of 87.168 nm. The crystallography and presence of the PLGA (poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid)) and DOX (doxorubicin) in APT-DOX-PLGA-PVP NPs were indicated by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (NMR). The pH-dependent aptamer AS1411 based drug release triggered the cancer cell death was evidenced by cytotoxicity assay, flow cytometry, and fluorescent microscopic imaging. In addition, the cellular uptake of the DOX was determined and the apoptosis-related signaling pathway in the A549 cells was studied by Western blot analysis. Further, the in vivo study revealed that mice treated with APT-DOX-PLGA-PVP NPs were significantly recovered from cancer as evident by mice weight and tumor size followed by the histopathological study. It was reported that the APT-DOX-PLGA-PVP NPs induced the apoptosis through the activation of the apoptosis-related proteins. Hence, the present study revealed that the APT-DOX-PLGA-PVP NPs improved the therapeutic efficiency through the nucleolin receptor endocytosis targeted drug release.

Unveiling the potentials of biocompatible silver nanoparticles on human lung carcinoma A549 cells and Helicobacter pylori.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are gaining importance in health and environment. This study synthesized AgNPs using the bark extract of a plant, Toxicodendron vernicifluum (Tv) as confirmed by a absorption peak at 420 nm corresponding to the Plasmon resonance of AgNPs. The AgNPs were spherical, oval-shaped with size range of 2-40 nm as evident by field emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM) and particle size analysis (PSA). The particles formed were crystalline by the presence of (111), (220) and (200) planes, as revealed by X ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The presence of amine, amide, phenolic, and alcoholic aromatics derived from Tv extract was found to be capping and or reducing agents as evident by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra. The Tv-AgNPs were observed to be biocompatible to chick embryonic and NIH3T3 cells at various concentrations. Interestingly, Tv-AgNPs at the concentration of 320 µg. mL-1 induced 82.5% of cell death in human lung cancer, A549 cells and further 95% of cell death with annexin V FITC/PI based apoptosis. The Tv-AgNPs selectively targeted and damaged the cancer cells through ROS generation. The Tv-AgNPs displayed minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 8.12 µg.mL-1 and 18.14 µg.mL-1 against STEC and H. pylori respectively. This multi-potent property of Tv-AgNPs was due to shape and size specific property that facilitated easy penetration into the bacterial and cancer cells for targeted therapy.

Antioxidant, Anti-Lung Cancer, and Anti-Bacterial Activities of Toxicodendron vernicifluum.

This work tested antioxidant, anti-lung cancer, and antibacterial activities by in vitro, in vivo, and computational experiments for the metabolites extracted from the bark, seed, and stem of Toxicodendron vernicifluum. The results showed that all the extracts significantly scavenged 1,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) in a dose-dependent manner. But, the total phenol content (TPC) ranged from 2.12 to 89.25% and total flavonoids content (TFC) ranged from 1.02 to 15.62% in the extracts. The methanolic bark extract (MBE) exhibited higher DPPH scavenging activity than the other extracts, probably due to the higher content of the TPC and TFC present in it. Among the extracts, only the MBE showed anti-lung cancer activity at an acceptable level with a therapeutic index value (22.26) against human lung carcinoma. This was due to the cancer cell death in A549 induced by MBE through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, and cell arrest in G1 phase and inhibition of anti-pro-apoptotic protein survivin. Among the extracts, MBE showed significantly higher antibacterial activity as evident through the higher zone of inhibition 13 ± 0.5 mm against methycilin resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Salmonila enteria subp. enterica, and P. aeruginosa, 11 ± 0.3 mm against E. coli and 10 ± 0.2 mm against B. cereus. The MBE also showed an excellent antibacterial activity with lower minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Particularly, the MBE showed more significant antibacterial activity in MRSA. The in vivo antibacterial activity of the MBE was further tested in C. elegans model. The treatment of the MRSA induced cell disruption, damage and increased mortality of C. elegans as compared to the untreated and MBE treated C. elegans with normal OP50 diet. Moreover, the MBE treatment enhanced the survival of the MRSA infected C. elegans. The compounds, such as 2,3,3-trimethyl-Octane and benzoic from the MBE, metabolized the novel bacterial topoisomerases inhibitor (NBTI) and MRSA related protein (PBP2a). Overall the T. vernicifluum is potentially bioactive as evident by antioxidant, anti-lung cancer, and antibacterial assays. Further studies were targeted on the purification of the novel compounds for the clinical evaluation.

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori through the inhibition of urease and peptide deformylase: Computational and biological studies.

This work tested anti- Helicobacter pylori, free radicals scavenging and toxicity property as well as chemical constituents in the extract of chloroform (CE) and ethyl acetate (EAE) from the pedicel of Diospyros kaki L. (PDK-CE and PDK-EAE). There were 33 and 36 chemical constituents respectively in the extracts of PDK-CE and PDK-EAE, belonging to the fatty acids methyl ester, fatty acids, and stearic acids, as revealed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The extracts did not exhibit any toxicity on NIH3T3 cells, but they significantly showed scavenging of NO, DPPH, and H2O2 free radicals. The extracts displayed in vitro anti-H. pylori activity. PDK-CE had the maximum inhibitory zone at a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 10 µg. ml-1 and the extract also triggered the cellular damage in the bacteria. PDK-CE extract had a high urease inhibitory activity (IC50 value of 8.5 µg). Further, in silico studies was performed by using 41 compounds against H. pylori urease (HPU) and H. pylori peptide deformylase (HPPD). The score value was the maximum (-19.58 kcal/mol) against HPU with 17-(5-ethyl-6-methylheptan-2-yl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol, while the score value was the maximum (-14.51 kcal/mol) against HPPD with hexadecanoic acid. The results demonstrated the importance of the pedicel extracts in future pharmaceutical drug development against H. pylori infections.

Novel metabolites from Trichoderma atroviride against human prostate cancer cells and their inhibitory effect on Helicobacter pylori and Shigella toxin producing Escherichia coli.

The present study aimed to purify and identify the metabolites from T. atroviride using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (NMR) followed by analyzing their toxicological, antibacterial and anticancer properties. This work identified two metabolites - TM1 and TM2. TM1 was in two forms: (i) 1, 3-dione-5, 5-dimethylcyclohexane; and, (ii) 2-enone-3hydroxy -5,5-dimethylcylohex, while TM2 was 4H-1,3-dioxin-4-one-2,3,6-trimethyl. These metabolites did not exhibit any irritant or allergic reaction as revealed by HET- CAM test. TM2 significantly inhibited the growth of H. pylori and Shigella toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) as evident by in vitro and microscopic observations of bacterial cell death. TM2 also induced the cell death and cytotoxicity, as revealed by cell viability test and western blot analysis. According to microscopic, flow cytometer and western blot analysis, TM2 treated cells displayed higher ROS, cell death, and apoptosis-related protein expression than TM1 and control. This study concluded that TM2 derived from T. atroviride was a potential therapeutic agent for anti-prostate cancer and antibiotic agent against MDR- H. pylori and STEC and it is also recommended to carry out further in vivo animal model experiments with improved stability of the metabolites for future pharmaceutical trails.

Seasonal variation of atmospheric organochlorine pesticides and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in Parangipettai, Tamil Nadu, India: Implication for atmospheric transport.

Past studies have reported several persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in different environmental matrices from a tropical coastal site, Parangipettai (PI), located along the bank of the Vellar River in Tamil Nadu, south India. Hence to fill the data gap after the strict ban on several POPs, high volume air sampling was conducted in PI to study the variability of atmospheric organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) during summer, pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons. Emission source regions were tracked by using five days back trajectory analysis. Range of air concentrations in pg/m3 were: dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), 13 - 1976; hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), 260-1135, hexachlorocyclobenzene (HCB), 52-135, chlordanes, 36-135 and endosulfans, 66-1013. Six PBDE congeners ranged between 25 and 155 pg/m3 with the highest concentration in summer followed by pre-monsoon and monsoon. Atmospheric DDT and HCH in PI have drastically reduced from the past report thereby showing the strict ban on agricultural use of these compounds. During monsoon, fresh source of o,p'-DDT, trans-chlordane and α-endosulfan was evident. Higher level of endosulphan sulfate in PI seems to be likely affected by the air mass, originating from a neighbouring state Kerela, where endosulfan has been extensively used for cashew plantations. Similarly in summer, the day recorded with the highest level of PBDEs, the sample was concurrently impacted by air parcel comprised of two major clusters, 1 (25%) and 2 (49%) that traversed through the metropolitan cities like Bangalore and Chennai. Dominance of BDE-99 over BDE-47 in PI is in line with the PBDE profile reported from Chennai city during similar time frame. Average concentration of tetra and penta BDE congeners in summer samples were nearly 2-3 folds higher than pre-monsoon or monsoon. Given the fact that strong localised sources for heavier BDE congeners are lacking in PI, regional atmospheric transport from the strong emission source regions in Chennai might have impacted PBDE concentration in PI.

Biosynthesis and characterization of copper oxide nanoparticles from indigenous fungi and its effect of photothermolysis on human lung carcinoma.

In this report, copper oxide nanoparticles (TA-CuO NPs) were synthesized using cell-free extract of Trichoderma asperellum and assessed their photothermal induced anticancerous activity. The fungal mediated TA-CuO NPs was confirmed by the surface plasmon resonance at 285-295 nm. The amide (CO) and aromatic (CC) groups in secondary metabolites of the extract was found to be an encapsulating or reducing agents for TA-CuO NPs, as indicated by IR spectra. Crystalline nature by cubic face-centered structure of the TA-CuO NPs was confirmed by XRD and their size ranges from 10 to 190 nm and an average of 110 nm by particle size analyzer (PSA). The Ultra HRSEM study revealed spherical shaped TA-CuO NPs. The FETEM results were also in strong agreement with PSA and UHR SEM. The survey-scan spectrum of XPS indicated the presence of C1s (47.83%), Cu2p (16.11%), Na1s (2.2%) and O1s (33.86%). The cell death was significantly found higher in photothermal induced by near-infrared laser (TA-CuO NPs-NIR) treated than that of TA-CuO NPs treatment. The level of ROS (35.62%) was higher in the treated cells than that of the untreated control, in accordance with the nucleus damage and losses in the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). The upregulation of Bcl-2 in the untreated cells and Cas-3 in TA-CuO NPs-NIR treated cells was confirmed by western blot analysis. This work agreed with the potential biogenic TA-CuO NPs for promising in vitro photothermolysis of cancer cells, for the development of anticancer nanotherapeutics.

Antimicrobial, Anticancer Drug Carrying Properties of Biopolymers-based Nanocomposites- A Mini Review.

Biopolymers are ubiquitous in biomedical and healthcare application. Its nanocomposites have gained more attention as antimicrobials, a drug carrier, sensors, disease diagnosis, tissue engineering, wound healing, and cancer therapy. These biopolymer composites are efficient in holding, protecting and releasing bioactive drugs such as pharmaceutics, nutraceuticals, enzymes, and probiotics. Several studies revealed a polymer-based drug delivery system in cancer therapy and microbial treatments. However, this mini-review emphasized the source, extraction, and characterizations of the biopolymers and their use in the fabrication of various drug or metals based nanocomposites followed by its utilization as drug carrier or drug to treat the various diseases such as antimicrobial infections and cancer.

Fungal enzyme-mediated synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles and its biocompatibility, antioxidant and bactericidal properties.

This paper reports the synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles (T-CSNPs) using the fungal enzyme of Trichoderma harzianum and its biocompatibility, antioxidant and bactericidal properties. The T-CSNPs synthesis was confirmed by absorbance at 280 nm using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. T-CSNPs were of spherical shape, as evident by field emission transmission electron microscopic (FETEM) analysis, and the average size of T-CSNPs was 90.8 nm, as calculated using particle size analyzer (PSA). The functional groups showed modifications of chitosan in T-CSNPs as evident by fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis. T-CSNPs were found soluble at the wide range of pH, showing 100% solubility at pH 1-3 and 72% at pH 10. The T-CSNPs exhibited antioxidant property in a dose-dependent manner with pronounced activity at 100 mg·mL-1. The T-CSNPs also showed bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica Typhimurium by causing detrimental effects on bacterial cells. The T-CSNPs (50 µg·mL-1) did not display any cytotoxic effect on murine fibroblast NIH-3T3 cells, as evident by cell viability and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining assays, which confirmed biocompatibility of the nanoparticles. This work suggested further investigations on the utilization of the mycosynthesized nanochitosan in biomedical applications.

Zinc-chitosan nanoparticles induced apoptosis in human acute T-lymphocyte leukemia through activation of tumor necrosis factor receptor CD95 and apoptosis-related genes.

Chitosan (CS), a novel biomaterial is widely used as a drug nano-carrier for cancer treatments. Towards this aim, anticancer and antibacterial activities of CS-nanoparticles-linked zinc (Zn-CSNPs) were evaluated. The particle size of CSNPs was lowered (113.09 nm) compared to Zn-CSNPs (160.7 nm). Both nanoparticles (CSNPs and Zn-CSNPs) were spherical in shape, polydispersive and homogenous. Fourier transforms infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis confirmed the different molecular arrangement of NPs and the presence of Zn in Zn-CSNPs and CS in both NPs, respectively. Zn-CSNPs had higher inhibitory activity against tested pathogens with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 9.25-13.5 µg·mL-1 and showed the complete inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Zn-CSNPs have triggered the apoptosis through activation of first apoptosis signal receptor/cluster of differentiation 95 (Fas/CD95), and apoptotic-regulatory genes and caused 65-70% of cellular damage in human acute T-lymphocyte leukemia (6T-CEM) cells. Overall, internalizing properties of Zn from CSNPs is a promising therapeutic approach to treat Zn-deficiency related diseases particularly human acute leukemia (HAL).

Green synthesis and characterization of biologically active nanosilver from seed extract of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis.

This article reports the utilization of seed extract (GSE) from Gardenia jasminoides Ellis. in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Gs-AgNPs) with versatile biological activities. The synthesized Gs-AgNPs were spherical in shape, crystal lattice with an average size of 20 nm as confirmed by UV-vis spectrum, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy with Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM-EDS) and particle size analyses (PSA). Phenolic compounds, proteins, and terpenoids were likely involved in the Gs-AgNPs synthesis, as indicated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the Gs-AgNPs was 12.5 µg·ml-1 for S. enterica Typhimurium and 10 µg·ml-1 for S. aureus. The MBC of the Gs-AgNPs induced >70% bacterial cell death within 60 min, as confirmed by growth curve analysis followed by Confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Gs-AgNPs showed the highest scavenging activity for 1, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl DPPH radical (92.3 ±â€¯0.86%), Nitric oxide (NO) radical (72.5 ±â€¯2.15%), and Hydrogen peroxide H2O2 radical (85.25 ±â€¯1.45%). Anticancer results revealed an IC50 of 15.625 ±â€¯1.3 µg·ml-1 for Gs-AgNPs, whereas it was 580.54 ±â€¯2.5 µg·ml-1 for GSE. The Gs-AgNPs generated high reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting in induced apoptosis as evident by up-regulation of apoptosis-related protein. In addition, the photocatalytic results revealed about 92% of the reduction in Coomassie Brilliant Blue dye color with Gs-AgNPs. Hence, this work provided economically viable and ecologically sustainable Gs-AgNPs as an alternative biomaterial for future therapeutic applications as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-cancer agents and in dye degradation for water remediation.

Antibacterial, and antioxidant potentials of non-cytotoxic extract of Trichoderma atroviride.

Trichoderma species are a rich source of metabolites, but less known for biomedical potential. This work deals with antibacterial and antioxidant potentials of intracellular non-cytotoxic metabolites, extracted from Trichoderma atroviride (KNUP001). A total of 53 fractions was collected by column chromatography and tested for cytotoxicity by MTT assay. Only one fraction (F41) was found to be non-toxic to Vero cells with 95.4 ±â€¯0.61% of survival. The F41 was then subjected to chemical analysis, antibacterial and antioxidant assays. The F41 at 500 µg ml-1 showed the total antioxidant of 48.70 ±â€¯2.90%, DPPH radical scavenging activity of 37.25 ±â€¯2.25, nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging activity of 54.55 ±â€¯1.95 and H2O2 radical scavenging activity of 43.75 ±â€¯3.21. The F41 at 25 µg ml-1 displayed antibacterial activity against E. coli (14.25 ±â€¯0.25 mm), Proteus mirabilis (10.40 ±â€¯0.60 mm), and Enterobacter aerogenes (5.60 ±â€¯0.40 mm). GC-MS analysis revealed the dominant presence of oleic acid C 18.1 (63.18%), n-hexadecanoic acid (6.17%), and ethyl oleate (4.93%) in the F41, and hence these fatty acids are likely responsible for the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of F41. Hence, further investigation deserves on purification and characterization of the active metabolites from T. atroviride strain KNUP001 towards developing molecular leads to effective antibacterial drugs, and non-toxic to host cells.

Preparation, characterization and antibacterial activity of chitosan and phosphorylated chitosan from cuttlebone of Sepia kobiensis (Hoyle, 1885).

Chitosan is a commercially available derivative of chitin that has been extensively studied for its antimicrobial properties. In order to improve the water solubility and its biological activity, the chemical modification or derivatisation is attempted. In the present investigation, the chitosan prepared from the cuttlebone of Sepia kobiensis was being chemically modified by reacting it with orthophosphoric acid so as to obtain phosphorylated chitosan. Then the chitosan and phosphorylated chitosan were structurally characterized through FT-IR spectroscopy. Further the antibacterial activity of chitosan and phosphorylated chitosan was tested against clinically isolated human pathogens (Gram-positive: Streptococcus sp., Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative: Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, V. alginolyticus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella sp. and Proteus vulgaris) by well diffusion method and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was also calculated. The results of the present study suggests that the chitosan and phosphorylated chitosan has concentration dependent antibacterial activity with variation against several pathogenic human pathogenic bacterial strains which indicates their possible use as antibacterial agents.

Bioremoval of the synthetic dye malachite green by marine Trichoderma sp.

In the present study, a marine strain of Trichoderma sp was used for degradation of a synthetic dye, malachite green. Individual and interaction effects of the physical and chemical factors that influenced the percentage of dye degradation were tested by response surface methodology. For optimization, enzyme production and dye degradation were assessed under different temperatures (5-40°C), pH values (3-11), yeast extract (5-9 g L(-1)) and incubation period (0-15 days). The optimum conditions found for dye degradation, were 30°C, pH 5.8, 5.81 mg L(-1) yeast extract for an incubation period of 10 days. Whereas for laccase production they were 29°C, pH 5.3, 7.7 mg L(-1) yeast extract for an incubation period of 12 days. It was confirmed that laccase production required the higher nitrogen source. Degradation of dye was confirmed by using analytical techniques such as FTIR, UV-vis spectral and scanning electron microscope analysis. Furthermore, toxicity effect of degraded and undegraded dye solutions was tested with Artemia salina. Hundred percent mortality was observed in undegraded dye solution as against only 2-5% in degraded dye solution. This work proved the potential of marine strain of Trichoderma Hypocrea lixii on dye degradation.

Molecular understanding of lung cancers-A review.

Lung cancer is considered to be the most common cancer in the world. The purpose of this paper is to review scientific evidence, particularly epidemiologic evidence of overall lung cancer burden in the world. And molecular understanding of lung cancer at various levels by dominant and suppressor oncogenes.

Adenosine deaminase production by an endophytic bacterium (Lysinibacillus sp.) from Avicennia marina.

The present study was carried out with the following objectives: (1) to isolate the endophytic bacilli strains from the leaves of mangrove plant Avicennia marina, (2) to screen the potential strains for the production of adenosine deaminase, (3) to statistically optimize the factors that influence the enzyme activity in the potent strain, and (4) to identify the potent strain using 16S rRNA sequence and construct its phylogenetic tree. The bacterial strains isolated from the fresh leaves of a mangrove A. marina were assessed for adenosine deaminase activity by plating method. Optimization of reaction process was carried out using response surface methodology of central composite design. The potent strain was identified based on 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogeny. Of five endophytic strains, EMLK1 showed a significant deaminase activity over other four strains. The conditions for maximum activity of the isolated adenosine deaminase are described. The potent strain EMLK1 was identified as Lysinibacillus sp. (JQ710723) being the first report as a mangrove endophyte. Mangrove-derived endophytic bacillus strain Lysinibacillus sp. EMLK1 is proved to be a promising source for the production of adenosine deaminase and this enzyme deserves further studies for purification and its application in disease diagnosis.

Molecular understanding of lung cancers-A review

Lung cancer is considered to be the most common cancer in the world. The purpose of this paper is to review scientific evidence, particularly epidemiologic evidence of overall lung cancer burden in the world. And molecular understanding of lung cancer at various levels by dominant and suppressor oncogenes.

Anti-quorum sensing potential of the mangrove Rhizophora annamalayana.

The present study was carried out to assess the anti-quorum sensing (anti-QS) activity of bark extract obtained from the mangrove plant Rhizophora annamalayana Kathir. against Gram-negative bacteria. In microtitre plate assay, the bark extract at a concentration of 1 mg/ml inhibited the QS-dependent violacein production in Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472. Further, the QS-dependent bioluminescence production in the aquatic bacterial pathogen Vibrio harveyi MTCC 3438 was also reduced to the level of 99 % when treated with the same concentration of the extract. Gas chromatography-mass spectrum analysis identified the presence of seven different chemical constituents, 1H-purin-6-amine, cycloheptasiloxane, cyclooctasiloxane, cyclononasiloxane, cyclononasiloxane octadecamethyl, cyclodecasiloxane eicosamethyl and 1,1,1,5,7,7,7-heptamethyl-3,3-bis(trimethylsiloxy)tetrasiloxane. The molecular docking analysis of the identified compounds revealed that the compounds cyclononasiloxane octadecamethyl and cyclodecasiloxane eicosamethyl exhibited the best docking energy with the QS receptors of C. violaceum and V. harveyi with that of the natural ligand N -hexanoyl- L -homoserine lactone (C6-HSL) and furanosyl borate diester (AI-2). Similarly, another compound 1,1,1,5,7,7,7-heptamethyl-3,3-bis(trimethylsiloxy)tetrasiloxane showed best docking energy only against C6-HSL. Thus, the results of the present study divulge the activity of R. annamalayana bark extract to interfere with bacterial QS.