Comprehensive review on lignocellulosic biomass derived biochar production, characterization, utilization and applications.

Biochar is an ample source of organic carbon prepared by the thermal breakdown of biomass. Lignocellulosic biomass is a promising precursor for biochar production, and has several applications in various industries. In addition, biochar can be applied for environmental revitalization by reducing the negative impacts through intrinsic mechanisms. In addition to its environmentally friendly nature, biochar has several recyclable and inexpensive benefits. Nourishing and detoxification of the environment can be undertaken using biochar by different investigators on account of its excellent contaminant removal capacity. Studies have shown that biochar can be improved by activation to remove toxic pollutants. In general, biochar is produced by closed-loop systems; however, decentralized methods have been proven to be more efficient for increasing resource efficiency in view of circular bio-economy and lignocellulosic waste management. In the last decade, several studies have been conducted to reveal the unexplored potential and to understand the knowledge gaps in different biochar-based applications. However, there is still a crucial need for research to acquire sufficient data regarding biochar modification and management, the utilization of lignocellulosic biomass, and achieving a sustainable paradigm. The present review has been articulated to provide a summary of information on different aspects of biochar, such as production, characterization, modification for improvisation, issues, and remediation have been addressed.

Pharmacological analysis of hydroethanolic extract of Senna alata (L.) for in vitro free radical scavenging and cytotoxic activities against HepG2 cancer cell line.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the hydroethanolic extract of Senna alata for the possible free radical scavenging and cytotoxic properties. Using such hydroethanolic extract, various in vitro antioxidant assays at different concentrations were performed and analyzed. In all the assays, plant extract has good inhibitory effect. Ethanolic extract of Senna alata was further subjected into cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell line. Accordingly, it was also found that the plant extract has appreciable potency against cancer cell lines.