Development and evaluation of a vacuum impregnation system for enhancement of biochemical properties of food materials.

Vacuum impregnation is a novel methodology for adding various substances to porous foods. This study aimed to develop a cost effective automate system for vacuum impregnation of food materials to enhance their nutritional, functional and sensory properties depending on the functionality of the impregnation solution. The developed vacuum impregnation system includes a vacuum chamber, vacuum pump and an automation setup for creating and maintaining vacuum conditions, feeding impregnated solutions to the samples and releasing vacuum. Fresh-cut spinach leaves were impregnated with ascorbic acid (AsA) and calcium chloride (Cacl2) (10% concentration) in the setup in order to test the effect of the process on some biochemical properties. Statistical analysis revealed significant effect of vacuum impregnation on the biochemical properties (total soluble solids, total phenolic content, flavonoid content and free radical scavenging activity) and color of spinach leaves during storage up to 4 days. Impregnation process showed significant increase in the total phenolic and flavonoid content of the spinach leaves. Increment up to 78% in antioxidant activity was seen for the uncoated impregnated leaves as compared to 59% activity in untreated samples. Thus, products with desired parameters can be produced with this process with minimal impact on their properties at a lower cost and in a shorter time period.

Strain distribution in WS2 monolayers detected through polarization-resolved second harmonic generation.

Two-dimensional (2D) graphene and graphene-related materials (GRMs) show great promise for future electronic devices. GRMs exhibit distinct properties under the influence of the substrate that serves as support through uneven compression/ elongation of GRMs surface atoms. Strain in GRM monolayers is the most common feature that alters the interatomic distances and band structure, providing a new degree of freedom that allows regulation of their electronic properties and introducing the field of straintronics. Having an all-optical and minimally invasive detection tool that rapidly probes strain in large areas of GRM monolayers, would be of great importance in the research and development of novel 2D devices. Here, we use Polarization-resolved Second Harmonic Generation (P-SHG) optical imaging to identify strain distribution, induced in a single layer of WS2 placed on a pre-patterned Si/SiO2 substrate with cylindrical wells. By fitting the P-SHG data pixel-by-pixel, we produce spatially resolved images of the crystal armchair direction. In regions where the WS2 monolayer conforms to the pattern topography, a distinct cross-shaped pattern is evident in the armchair image owing to strain. The presence of strain in these regions is independently confirmed using a combination of atomic force microscopy and Raman mapping.

Impact of LAB Fermentation on the Nutrient Content, Amino Acid Profile, and Estimated Glycemic Index of Sorghum, Pearl Millet, and Kodo Millet.

INTRODUCTION: Millets, owing to their rich nutritional and low-to-moderate glycemic index values, are termed superfoods; however, some anti-nutritional factors, such as tannins, limit the absorption of micro and macronutrients. Non-thermal processing technologies, such as fermentation, can improve nutrient content and reduce these anti-nutritional factors. METHODS: The effect of a controlled submerged fermentation of whole grain sorghum, pearl millet, and dehusked Kodo millet using mixed lactic acid bacteria (LAB) culture in tofu whey-based media on the proximate, antioxidant, tannin content, vitamin B, amino acids profile and estimated glycemic index (eGI) of different millets were evaluated. RESULTS: The protein content (2-12.5%), carbohydrate content (2-13.6%), antioxidant activity (3-49%), vitamin B complex, amino acid profile (89-90%), and eGI of whole grain sorghum, pearl millet, and dehusked Kodo millet improved due to LAB-assisted submerged fermentation. In contrast, fat (4-15%), ash (56-67%), crude fiber (5-34%), minerals, tannin and resistant starch content decreased due to LAB fermentation. CONCLUSION: Controlled LAB fermentation can improve the nutritional quality of sorghum and millets while reducing anti-nutritional factors. This non-thermal process can be adopted industrially to produce more palatable and nutritionally superior millet products.

Optimization of process parameters of refractance window drying for aonla slices and comparison with other drying techniques.

BACKROUND: Aonla is as a good source of antioxidants due to its high ascorbic acid and polyphenol contents. However, because of its high acidity and astringent taste, aonla is rarely consumed in its fresh form. As the constituents in aonla are heat sensitive, it is essential to find a suitable drying method for preservation. Therefore, refractance window drying (RWD) of aonla slices was studied as it has the potential of retaining heat-sensitive compounds. RESULTS: The effect of RWD process variables, namely water temperature (75, 82.5, 90 °C) and slice thickness (2, 4, 6 mm), on different quality parameters of dehydrated aonla was studied. Increasing water temperature resulted in significantly higher ascorbic acid content, titratable acidity and product temperature, while total phenolic content, free radical scavenging activity and moisture content decreased. With the exception of product temperature, higher slice thickness led to an increase in the values of all the parameters. At the optimized processing conditions of 83 °C water temperature and 4 mm slice thickness, the ascorbic acid content, total phenolic content, free radical scavenging activity, titratable acidity and moisture content values were found to be 269.03 mg (100 g)-1, 242.33 mg (100 g)-1, 87.11%, 3.62% and 4% respectively. The aonla slices subjected to RWD also possessed 4-6% higher phytochemical content than osmotically dried and hot-air-dried samples. CONCLUSION: This research highlights the effectiveness of RWD in preserving heat-sensitive compounds in food like aonla. The RW-dried slices had a smoother and more uniform microstructure compared to osmotically dried and hot-air-dried samples. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Tunable 2D Conjugated Porous Organic Polymer Films for Precise Molecular Nanofiltration and Optoelectronics.

Structural design of 2D conjugated porous organic polymer films (2D CPOPs), by tuning linkage chemistries and pore sizes, provides great adaptability for various applications, including membrane separation. Here, four free-standing 2D CPOP films of imine- or hydrazone-linked polymers (ILP/HLP) in combination with benzene (B-ILP/HLP) and triphenylbenzene (TPB-ILP/HLP) aromatic cores are synthesized. The anisotropic disordered films, composed of polymeric layered structures, can be exfoliated into ultrathin 2D-nanosheets with layer-dependent electrical properties. The bulk CPOP films exhibit structure-dependent optical properties, triboelectric nanogenerator output, and robust mechanical properties, rivaling previously reported 2D polymers and porous materials. The exfoliation energies of the 2D CPOPs and their mechanical behavior at the molecular level are investigated using density function theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, respectively. Exploiting the structural tunability, the comparative organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) performance of six membranes having different pore sizes and linkages to yield valuable trends in molecular weight selectivity is investigated. Interestingly, the OSN performances follow the predicted transport modeling values based on theoretical pore size calculations, signifying the existence of permanent porosity in these materials. The membranes exhibit excellent stability in organic solvents at high pressures devoid of any structural deformations, revealing their potential in practical OSN applications.

α-Amylase inhibitory, antioxidant and emulsification potential of glycoproteinaceous bioactive molecule from Lactobacillus delbrueckii.

The bioactive components of microbial origin have been extensively applied to restrict the enormous enzyme-catalyzed processes. Hence, the present study was executed to explore the α -amylase inhibition (AAI) potential of glycoprotein isolated from Lactobacillus delbrueckii (LGp) to regulate in vitro starch hydrolysis. As a non-competitive inhibitor, the protein exhibited AAI (85%) with, IC50 135 ± 0.55 µg/mL. It was stable over a broad range of pH (3-11) and temperature (25-75 °C). Furthermore, LGp was significantly effective against amylase and starch from different sources. In addition, it also exhibited antioxidant and emulsifying potential. The UV, FT-IR and fluorescence analysis affirm the alterations in amylase molecular conformation after interaction with the LGp inhibitor. These results provide a substantial basis for the future use of LGp for controlled starch hydrolysis in vitro and as an antioxidant and emulsifying agent in the food industry.

Quantum Gas-Enabled Direct Mapping of Active Current Density in Percolating Networks of Nanowires.

Electrically percolating nanowire networks are among the most promising candidates for next-generation transparent electrodes. Scientific interest in these materials stems from their intrinsic current distribution heterogeneity, leading to phenomena like percolating pathway rerouting and localized self-heating, which can cause irreversible damage. Without an experimental technique to resolve the current distribution and an underpinning nonlinear percolation model, one relies on empirical rules and safety factors to engineer materials. We introduce Bose-Einstein condensate microscopy to address the longstanding problem of imaging active current flow in 2D materials. We report on performance improvement of this technique whereby observation of dynamic redistribution of current pathways becomes feasible. We show how this, combined with existing thermal imaging methods, eliminates the need for assumptions between electrical and thermal properties. This will enable testing and modeling individual junction behavior and hot-spot formation. Investigating both reversible and irreversible mechanisms will contribute to improved performance and reliability of devices.

Anaesthetic Management and Physiologic Effects of Pneumoperitoneum in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the physiological changes and clinical outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 50 patients of the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status I and II with mild to moderate COPD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage I-II) scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We monitored heart rate, mean arterial pressure, end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2), arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2), and bicarbonate (HCO3) levels at baseline, 30 minutes after induction or 15 minutes post-insufflation, 15 minutes post-deflation, and 60 minutes post-operative. Perioperative complications and post-operative recovery characteristics were also observed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients. The correlation between HCO3 and EtCO2 was plotted on a scatterplot, and Pearson's correlation 'r' was calculated. The changes in physiological parameters over time were analysed using a paired t-test. A p-value of less than 0.05 is considered statistically significant. RESULTS: We observed a statistically significant but transient increase in heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and EtCO2 at 30 minutes after induction or 15 minutes post-insufflation, which returned to baseline levels within 15 minutes of deflation. Similarly, arterial CO2 and bicarbonate levels were also significantly increased at 15 minutes post-insufflation, yet remained within the normal physiological range. The study reported no serious perioperative complications, and all patients had an uneventful recovery. CONCLUSION: While patients with mild to moderate COPD can experience transient physiological changes during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, these changes are generally well-tolerated and not associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Therefore, laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be considered a safe procedure in these patients. Future research should focus on the implications and safety of this procedure in patients with severe COPD.

Exploring the Impact of Prior Beta-Blocker and Calcium Channel Blocker Usage on Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients With Sepsis: An Observational Study.

Background Sepsis is associated with increased Ca++ levels in many cell types that can cause cytotoxicity and cell death through multiple mechanisms. In patients with sepsis, limiting beta-adrenergic stimulation may also be beneficial. The intense adrenergic stimulation of sepsis results in cardiac and extra-cardiac effects. In the intensive care unit (ICU), the question of whether to continue calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and beta-blockers in patients with sepsis who were using these medications before ICU admission is of significant concern. Methodology In this prospective observational study, we have included 114 patients who met the inclusion criteria of being diagnosed as having sepsis, aged 18 to 65 years, and expected to stay in the ICU for more than 72 hours. These patients were divided into three groups: group 1 consisted of patients taking CCBs before admission, group 2 included those taking beta-blockers before admission, and group 3 served as the control group, comprising patients who had not taken either of these medications before admission. Disease severity in the ICU was assessed and documented by the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. Clinical outcomes among three groups were compared regarding the need for vasopressor support, serum procalcitonin (PCT), serum lactate, serum quantitative C-reactive protein (qCRP), SOFA score, and 28 days mortality. Parametric data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyze parametric data between the two groups and among three groups. Results Mortality was found lower in group 1 (21.05%) and group 2 (26.31%) than in group 3 (47.36%), and this association was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.033). We also found a significant difference in mortality between groups 1 and 3 (P = 0.015) and no significant difference between groups 2 and 3 (P = 0.057). Mortality was found to be significantly associated with high SOFA scores on days 1, 3, and 7. Conclusions From the aforementioned results, we concluded that the mortality rate in patients with sepsis was improved when they were pretreated with beta-blockers or CCBs before admission to the ICU and that medication should be continued if not contraindicated in the ICU course.

Enhancing phytochemical parameters in broccoli through vacuum impregnation and their prediction with comparative ANN and RSM models.

Amidst increasing demand for nutritious foods, the quest for effective methods to enhance health-promoting attributes has intensified. Vacuum impregnation (VI) is a promising technique to augment produce properties while minimizing impacts on biochemical attributes. In light of broccoli's growing popularity driven by its nutritional benefits, this study explores the impact of VI using ascorbic acid and calcium chloride as impregnation agents on enhancing its phytochemical properties. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for optimization of the vacuum impregnation process with Vacuum pressure (0.6, 0.4, 0.2 bar), vacuum time (3, 7, 11 min), restoration time (5, 10, 15 min), and concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5%) as independent parameters. The influence of these process parameters on six targeted responses viz. total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ascorbic acid content (AAC), total chlorophyll content (TCC), free radical scavenging activity (FRSA), and carotenoid content (CC) were analysed. Levenberg-Marquardt back propagated neural network (LMB-ANN) was used to model the impregnation process. Multiple response optimization of the vacuum impregnation process indicated an optimum condition of 0.2 bar vacuum pressure, 11 min of vacuum time, 12 min of restoration time, and 1.5% concentration of solution for vacuum impregnation of broccoli. The values of TPC, TFC, AAC, TCC, FRSA, and CC obtained at optimized conditions were 291.20 mg GAE/100 g, 11.29 mg QE/100 g, 350.81 mg/100 g, 1.21 mg/100 g, 79.77 mg, and 8.51 mg, respectively. The prediction models obtained through ANN was found suitable for predicting the responses with less standard errors and higher R2 value as compared to RSM models. Instrumental characterization (FTIR, XRD and SEM analysis) of untreated and treated samples were done to see the effect of impregnation on microstructural and morphological changes in broccoli. The results showed enhancement in the TPC, TFC, AAC, TCC, FRSA, and CC values of broccoli florets with impregnation. The FTIR and XRD analysis also supported the results.

Validating the Nutraceutical Significance of Minor Millets by Employing Nutritional-Antinutritional Profiling.

Millets are group of underutilized cereal crops with higher nutritional values. The present investigation used different classes of minor millets, including barnyard (sava), little (kutki), finger (ragi), kodo and foxtail millets, for evaluation of their nutritional parameters, i.e., the content of proteins, total amino acids, total sugars, insoluble fibers, soluble fibers, total dietary fibers, iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), along with antinutritional and antioxidant parameters, viz., tannic acid, phytic acid, phenol, flavonoid, proline and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase activity were also thought to elevate millets as a viable staple meal. Foxtail millet showed the maximum inhibition, with an IC50 value of 20.46 ± 1.80 µg mL-1 with respect to α-amylase. The coefficient of correlation between nutritional and antinutritional compositions showed that the starch content was significantly and positively correlated with insoluble fiber (r = 0.465) and dietary fiber (r = 0.487). Moreover, sugar was positively correlated with the phytic acid (r = 0.707), Fe and Zn (r = 0.681) contents. To determine the peptides responsible for anticancer activity, the foxtail protein was subjected to ultrafiltration; it was found that the 3 kDa fraction retained the greatest anticancer activity. Selected millet germplasm line(s) that have the best nutraceutical properties could be used in millet improvement programs.

Prioritization of Physio-Biochemical Selection Indices and Yield-Attributing Traits toward the Acquisition of Drought Tolerance in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.).

Chickpea is widely grown in rainfed areas of developing countries because of its nutritional abundance and adaptability. To overcome the environmental effect of drought on yield, a characteristic-linked selection strategy is proved as well-thought-out and advantageous for the development of drought-tolerant cultivars. To precisely understand the contribution of various physio-biochemical and yield-attributing traits toward drought tolerance in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), forty chickpea genotypes were evaluated in the years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 under normal irrigated as well as drought-stressed conditions. Among the studied genotypes, genotype ICC4958 retained the highest chl content (0.55 mg g-1 FW), minimal electrolyte leakage, and superoxide dismutase (1.48 U/mg FW) and peroxidase (2.21 µmol/min/g FW) activities while cultivar JG11 maintained the maximum relative water content and proline accumulation. The principal-component-based biplots prioritized the physio-biochemical and yield-accrediting characteristics based on their association significance and contribution to terminal drought tolerance. Under drought stress, grain yield per plant was depicted to have a strongly positive association with canopy temperature depression, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase activities as well as total soluble sugar, proline, and chlorophyll content, along with the numbers of pods and biological yield per plant. These identified physio-biochemical and yield-attributing traits can be further deployed to select drought-tolerant chickpea genotypes for the breeding of climate-smart chickpea genotypes.

CRISPR/Cas mediated disruption of BMPR-1B gene and introduction of FecB mutation into the Caprine embryos using Easi-CRISPR strategy.

Bone Morphogenetic Proteins play a significant role in ovarian physiology and contribute to the reproductive fitness of mammals. The BMPR-1B/FecB mutation, a loss of function mutation increases litter size by 1-2 with each number of mutated alleles in sheep. Considering demand-supply gap of the meat industry, and low replacement rate of indigenous caprine species, the conservative BMPR-1B locus can be explored, and FecB mutated goats can be produced. The experiment one produced CRISPR/Cas mediated KO transferable caprine embryos, and experiment two generated caprine embryos with desired FecB mutation using Easi-CRISPR strategy. In the KO experiment, Cas9 and BMPR-1B guide RNA (100:100ng/ul) were electroporated into single stage caprine zygotes at 750V, 10 ms and 1pulse using Neon transfection system. In the second experiment, phosphorothioate (PS) modified single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotide (ssODN) was used as an HDR template along with CRISPR components (100:100ng/ul, ssODN 100ng/ul). The precise time and method of electroporation, RNP format of CRISPR components and PS modified asymmetric ssODN were the factors that affected the production of mosaicism free BMPR-1B edited caprine embryos. The editing efficiency of KO and KI experiments was 68.52 and 63.16% respectively, and successful production of goats with higher mean ovulation rate can be realized with addition of embryo transfer technology to these experiments.

Molecular Advances to Combat Different Biotic and Abiotic Stresses in Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.): A Comprehensive Review.

Flax, or linseed, is considered a "superfood", which means that it is a food with diverse health benefits and potentially useful bioactive ingredients. It is a multi-purpose crop that is prized for its seed oil, fibre, nutraceutical, and probiotic qualities. It is suited to various habitats and agro-ecological conditions. Numerous abiotic and biotic stressors that can either have a direct or indirect impact on plant health are experienced by flax plants as a result of changing environmental circumstances. Research on the impact of various stresses and their possible ameliorators is prompted by such expectations. By inducing the loss of specific alleles and using a limited number of selected varieties, modern breeding techniques have decreased the overall genetic variability required for climate-smart agriculture. However, gene banks have well-managed collectionns of landraces, wild linseed accessions, and auxiliary Linum species that serve as an important source of novel alleles. In the past, flax-breeding techniques were prioritised, preserving high yield with other essential traits. Applications of molecular markers in modern breeding have made it easy to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for various agronomic characteristics. The genetic diversity of linseed species and the evaluation of their tolerance to abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, heavy metal tolerance, and temperature, as well as resistance to biotic stress factors, viz., rust, wilt, powdery mildew, and alternaria blight, despite addressing various morphotypes and the value of linseed as a supplement, are the primary topics of this review.

Genome Editing and Improvement of Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Crop Plants.

Genome editing aims to revolutionise plant breeding and could assist in safeguarding the global food supply. The inclusion of a 12-40 bp recognition site makes mega nucleases the first tools utilized for genome editing and first generation gene-editing tools. Zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) are the second gene-editing technique, and because they create double-stranded breaks, they are more dependable and effective. ZFNs were the original designed nuclease-based approach of genome editing. The Cys2-His2 zinc finger domain's discovery made this technique possible. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) are utilized to improve genetics, boost biomass production, increase nutrient usage efficiency, and develop disease resistance. Plant genomes can be effectively modified using genome-editing technologies to enhance characteristics without introducing foreign DNA into the genome. Next-generation plant breeding will soon be defined by these exact breeding methods. There is abroad promise that genome-edited crops will be essential in the years to come for improving the sustainability and climate-change resilience of food systems. This method also has great potential for enhancing crops' resistance to various abiotic stressors. In this review paper, we summarize the most recent findings about the mechanism of abiotic stress response in crop plants and the use of the CRISPR/Cas mediated gene-editing systems to improve tolerance to stresses including drought, salinity, cold, heat, and heavy metals.

Exotic Electronic Properties of 2D Nanosheets Isolated from Liquid Phase Exfoliated Phyllosilicate Minerals.

Spectrally inactive, electrically insulating, and chemically inert are adjectives broadly used to describe phyllosilicate minerals like mica and chlorite. Here, the above is disproved by demonstrating aqueous suspensions of liquid exfoliated nanosheets from five bulk mica types and chlorite schist. Nanosheet quality is confirmed via transmission electron and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies, as well as electron diffraction. Through Raman spectroscopy, a previously unreported size- and layer-dependent spectral fingerprint is observed. When analyzing the high-yield suspensions (≈1 mg mL-1 ) through UV-vis spectroscopy, all phyllosilicates present bandgap (Eg ) narrowing from ≈7 eV in the bulk to ≈4 eV for monolayers. Unusually, the bandgap is inversely proportional to the areal size (A) of the nanosheets, measured via atomic force microscopy. Due to an unrecorded quantum confinement effect, nanosheet electronic properties scale toward semiconducting behavior (bandgap ≈3 eV) as nanosheet area increases. Furthermore, modeling X-ray diffraction spectra shows that the root cause of the initial bandgap narrowing is lattice relaxation. Finally, with their broad range of isomorphically substituted ions, phyllosilicate nanosheets show remarkable catalytic properties for hydrogen production.

Screening and Selection of Drought-Tolerant High-Yielding Chickpea Genotypes Based on Physio-Biochemical Selection Indices and Yield Trials.

Chickpea production is seriously hampered by drought stress, which could be a great threat in the future for food security in developing countries. The present investigation aimed to screen the drought-tolerant response of forty desi chickpea genotypes against drought stress through various physio-biochemical selection indices and yield-attributing traits. Principle component-based biplot analysis recognized PG205, JG2016-44, JG63, and JG24 as tolerant genotypes based on physiological selection indices. These genotypes retained higher relative water content, stomatal conductance, internal CO2 concentration, and photosynthetic rate. ICC4958, JG11, JAKI9218, JG16, JG63, and PG205 were selected as tolerant genotypes based on biochemical selection indices. These genotypes sustained higher chlorophyll, sugar and proline content with enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities. With respect to yield trials, JAKI9218, JG11, JG16, and ICC4958 had higher seed yield per plant, numbers of pods, and biological yield per plant. Finally, JG11, JAKI9218, ICC4958, JG16, JG63, and PG205 were selected as tolerant genotypes based on cumulative physio-biochemical selection indices and yield response. These identified drought-tolerant genotypes may be further employed in climate-smart chickpea breeding programs for sustainable production under a changing climate scenario.

Spotting of Volatile Signatures through GC-MS Analysis of Bacterial and Fungal Infections in Stored Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.).

Potatoes inoculated with Pectobacterium carotovorum spp., Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger, along with healthy (control) samples, were stored at different storage temperatures (4 ± 1 °C, 8 ± 1 °C, 25 ± 1 °C) for three weeks. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were mapped using the headspace gas analysis through solid phase micro extraction-gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy every week. The VOC data were arranged into different groups and classified using principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) models. Based on a variable importance in projection (VIP) score > 2 and the heat map, prominent VOCs were identified as 1-butanol and 1-hexanol, which can act as biomarkers for Pectobacter related bacterial spoilage during storage of potatoes in different conditions. Meanwhile, hexadecanoic acid and acetic acid were signature VOCs for A. flavus, and hexadecane, undecane, tetracosane, octadecanoic acid, tridecene and undecene were associated with A. niger. The PLS-DA model performed better at classifying the VOCs of the three different species of infection and the control sample compared to PCA, with high values of R2 (96-99%) and Q2 (0.18-0.65). The model was also found to be reliable for predictability during random permutation test-based validation. This approach can be adopted for fast and accurate diagnosis of pathogenic invasion of potatoes during storage.

Breeding and Genomic Approaches towards Development of Fusarium Wilt Resistance in Chickpea.

Chickpea is an important leguminous crop with potential to provide dietary proteins to both humans and animals. It also ameliorates soil nitrogen through biological nitrogen fixation. The crop is affected by an array of biotic and abiotic factors. Among different biotic stresses, a major fungal disease called Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (FOC), is responsible for low productivity in chickpea. To date, eight pathogenic races of FOC (race 0, 1A, and 1B/C, 2-6) have been reported worldwide. The development of resistant cultivars using different conventional breeding methods is very time consuming and depends upon the environment. Modern technologies can improve conventional methods to solve these major constraints. Understanding the molecular response of chickpea to Fusarium wilt can help to provide effective management strategies. The identification of molecular markers closely linked to genes/QTLs has provided great potential for chickpea improvement programs. Moreover, omics approaches, including transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics give scientists a vast viewpoint of functional genomics. In this review, we will discuss the integration of all available strategies and provide comprehensive knowledge about chickpea plant defense against Fusarium wilt.

Localised strain and doping of 2D materials.

There is a growing interest in 2D materials-based devices as the replacement for established materials, such as silicon and metal oxides in microelectronics and sensing, respectively. However, the atomically thin nature of 2D materials makes them susceptible to slight variations caused by their immediate environment, inducing doping and strain, which can vary between, and even microscopically within, devices. One of the misapprehensions for using 2D materials is the consideration of unanimous intrinsic properties over different support surfaces. The interfacial interaction, intrinsic structural disorder and external strain modulate the properties of 2D materials and govern the device performance. The understanding, measurement and control of these factors are thus one of the significant challenges for the adoption of 2D materials in industrial electronics, sensing, and polymer composites. This topical review provides a comprehensive overview of the effect of strain-induced lattice deformation and its relationship with physical and electronic properties. Using the example of graphene and MoS2 (as the prototypical 2D semiconductor), we rationalise the importance of scanning probe techniques and Raman spectroscopy to elucidate strain and doping in 2D materials. These effects can be directly and accurately characterised through Raman shifts in a non-destructive manner. A generalised model has been presented that deconvolutes the intertwined relationship between strain and doping in graphene and MoS2 that could apply to other members of the 2D materials family. The emerging field of straintronics is presented, where the controlled application of strain over 2D materials induces tuneable physical and electronic properties. These perspectives highlight practical considerations for strain engineering and related microelectromechanical applications.