A comparative study of the effects of graphite, wollastonite, and titanium dioxide fillers on the properties of starch-based biodegradable plastic film.

This research paper aims to explore the effect of graphite, wollastonite, and titanium dioxide as reinforcing fillers on starch-based biodegradable plastic (SBP) films. GF-SBP (graphite filler containing SBP), WF-SBP (wollastonite containing SBP), and TF-SBP (titanium dioxide containing SBP) films were developed and analyzed for various properties such as thickness, density, tensile strength, elongation break, morphology, thermal stability, solubility, moisture content, moisture absorbance, biodegradability, and antibacterial activity. The results reveal that WF-SBP films had the highest tensile strength of 5.43 MPa and greatest elongation break value of 22% as compared to other films. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that SBP films with and without filler degraded slowly between 150 and 600°C. The highest thermal stability was recorded for TF-SBP films which showed stability (11% mass loss) up to 150°C. The biodegradability test conducted using soil burial method suggested that TF-SBP film degraded within 90 days, GF-SBP films degraded completely in 120 days, and WF-SBP films took more than 120 days to degrade. The synthesized SBP films were analyzed for their antibacterial potential against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and results showed that WF-SBP film exhibited the best antibacterial activity by producing a large zone of inhibition against Escherichia coli.

Whole-genome sequencing of marine water-derived Curvularia verruculosa KHW-7: a pioneering study.

Marine microorganisms are renowned for being a rich source of new secondary metabolites that are significant to humans. The fungi strain KHW-7 was isolated from the seawater collected from the Gulf of Khambhat, India, and identified as Curvularia verruculosa KHW-7. On a next-generation sequencing platform, C. verruculosa KHW-7's whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and gene annotation were carried out using several bioinformatic methods. The 31.59 MB genome size, 52.3% GC, and 158 bp mean read length were discovered using WGS. This genome also contained 9,745 protein-coding genes, including 852 secreted proteins and 2048 transmembrane proteins. The antiSMASH algorithm used to analyze genomes found 25 secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) that are abundant in terpene, non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS), and polyketides type 1 (T1PKS). To our knowledge, this is the first whole-genome sequence report of C. verruculosa. The WGS analysis of C. verruculosa KHW-7 indicated that this marine-derived fungus could be an efficient generator of bioactive secondary metabolites and an important industrial enzyme, both of which demand further investigation and development.

Bacteriogenic synthesis of morphologically diverse silver nanoparticles and their assessment for methyl orange dye removal and antimicrobial activity.

Nanotechnology and nanoparticles have gained massive attention in the scientific community in recent years due to their valuable properties. Among various AgNPs synthesis methods, microbial approaches offer distinct advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness, biocompatibility, and eco-friendliness. In the present research work, investigators have synthesized three different types of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), namely AgNPs-K, AgNPs-M, and AgNPs-E, by using Klebsiella pneumoniae (MBC34), Micrococcus luteus (MBC23), and Enterobacter aerogenes (MBX6), respectively. The morphological, chemical, and elemental features of the synthesized AgNPs were analyzed by using UV-Vis spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). UV-Vis absorbance peaks were obtained at 475, 428, and 503 nm for AgNPs-K, AgNPs-M, and AgNPs-E, respectively. The XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of the synthesized AgNPs, having peaks at 26.2°, 32.1°, and 47.2°. At the same time, the FTIR showed bands at 599, 963, 1,693, 2,299, 2,891, and 3,780 cm-1 for all the types of AgNPs indicating the presence of bacterial biomolecules with the developed AgNPs. The size and morphology of the AgNPs varied from 10 nm to several microns and exhibited spherical to porous sheets-like structures. The percentage of Ag varied from 37.8% (wt.%) to 61.6%, i.e., highest in AgNPs-K and lowest in AgNPs-M. Furthermore, the synthesized AgNPs exhibited potential for environmental remediation, with AgNPs-M exhibiting the highest removal efficiency (19.24% at 120 min) for methyl orange dye in simulated wastewater. Further, all three types of AgNPs were evaluated for the removal of methyl orange dye from the simulated wastewater, where the highest dye removal percentage was 19.24% at 120 min by AgNPs-M. Antibacterial potential of the synthesized AgNPs assessment against both Gram-positive (GPB) Bacillus subtilis (MBC23), B. cereus (MBC24), and Gram-negative bacteria Enterococcus faecalis (MBP13) revealed promising results, with AgNPs-M, exhibiting the largest zone of inhibition (12 mm) against GPB B. megaterium. Such investigation exhibits the potential of the bacteria for the synthesis of AgNPs with diverse morphology and potential applications in environmental remediation and antibacterial therapy-based synthesis of AgNPs.

A systematic review on microplastic contamination in marine Crustacea and Mollusca of Asia: Current scenario, concentration, characterization, polymeric risk assessment, and future Prospectives.

Microplastics (MPs) pollution has wreaked havoc on biodiversity and food safety globally. The false ingestion of MPs causes harmful effects on organisms, resulting in a decline in biodiversity. The present review comprehended the current knowledge of MP contamination in Crustacea and Mollusca from 75 peer-reviewed articles published in Asia between 2015 and 2023. A total of 79 species (27 Crustacea and 52 Mollusca) have been recorded to be contaminated with MPs. Out of the total 27 species of Crustacea, Metopograpsus quadridentatus (327.56 MPs/individual) and Balanus albicostatus (0.42 MPs/individual) showed the highest and lowest contamination, respectively. Out of the total 52 species of Mollusca, Dolabella auricularia (2325 MPs/individual) and Crassostrea gigas and Mytilus edulis (0.2 MPs/individual) showed the highest and lowest contamination, respectively. In terms of country-wise MP contamination, China has the highest number of contaminated species in both phylums among Asia. Findings of pollution indices revealed a very high risk of MP contamination in all the countries. Fiber was reported predominantly in both groups. Blue and black-colored MPs having <500 µm and <500 µm-1 mm size were found dominantly in Crustacea and Mollusca, respectively. Polypropylene was recorded as the dominant plastic polymer in both Crustacea and Mollusca. In essence, this review has provided a comprehensive insight into MP concentration in Crustacea and Mollusca of Asia, highlighting variations among species and geographic locations. This understanding is crucial for tackling urgent environmental challenges, safeguarding human health, and promoting global sustainability initiatives amid the escalating issue of plastic pollution. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Microplastic pollution has created havoc on biodiversity and food safety. A total of 27 and 52 species of crustaceans and Mollusca have been recorded to be contaminated with MPs. Metopograpsus quadridentate and Dolabella auricularia have shown higher MPs contamination. Polypropylene was recorded as the dominant plastic polymer in both crustacean and Mollusca. Findings of pollution indices revealed a very high risk of MP contamination in all the countries.

Bacteriophages as a potential substitute for antibiotics: A comprehensive review.

Over the years, the administration of antibiotics for the purpose of addressing bacterial infections has become increasingly challenging due to the increased prevalence of antimicrobial resistance exhibited by various strains of bacteria. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial species are rising due to the unavailability of novel antibiotics, leading to higher mortality rates. With these conditions, there is a need for alternatives in which phage therapy has made promising results. Phage-derived endolysins, phage cocktails, and bioengineered phages are effective and have antimicrobial properties against MDR and extensively drug-resistant strains. Despite these, it has been observed that phages can give antimicrobial activity to more than one bacterial species. Thus, phage cocktail against resistant strains provides broad spectrum treatment and magnitude of effectivity, which is many folds higher than antibiotics. Many commercially available endolysins such as Staphefekt SA.100, Exebacase (CF-301), and N-Rephasin®SAL200 are used in biofilm penetration and treating plant diseases. The role of CMP1 phage endolysin in transgenic tomato plants in preventing Clavibacter michiganensis infection and the effectiveness of phage in protecting Atlantic salmon from vibriosis have been reported. Furthermore, phage-derived endolysin therapy, such as TSPphg phage exogenous treatment, can aid in disrupting cell walls, leading to bacterial cell lysis. As animals in aquaculture and slaughterhouses are highly susceptible to bacterial infections, effective phage therapy instead of antibiotics can help treat poultry animals, preserve them, and facilitate disease-free trade. Using bioengineered phages and phage cocktails enhances the effectiveness by providing a broad spectrum of phages and target specificity. Research is currently being conducted on clinical trials to confirm the efficacy of engineered phages and phage cocktails in humans. Although obtaining commercial approval may be time-consuming, it will be beneficial in the postantibiotic era. This review provides an overview of the significance of phage therapy as a potential alternative to antibiotics in combating resistant bacterial strains and its application to various fields and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding and ensuring treatment efficacy.

Secretory molecules from secretion systems fine-tune the host-beneficial bacteria (PGPRs) interaction.

Numerous bacterial species associate with plants through commensal, mutualistic, or parasitic association, affecting host physiology and health. The mechanism for such association is intricate and involves the secretion of multiple biochemical substances through dedicated protein systems called secretion systems SS. Eleven SS pathways deliver protein factors and enzymes in their immediate environment or host cells, as well as in competing microbial cells in a contact-dependent or independent fashion. These SS are instrumental in competition, initiation of infection, colonization, and establishment of association (positive or negative) with host organisms. The role of SS in infection and pathogenesis has been demonstrated for several phytopathogens, including Agrobacterium, Xanthomonas, Ralstonia, and Pseudomonas. Since there is overlap in mechanisms of establishing association with host plants, several studies have investigated the role of SSs in the interaction of plant and beneficial bacteria, including symbiotic rhizobia and plant growth bacteria (PGPB). Therefore, the present review updates the role of different SSs required for the colonization of beneficial bacteria such as rhizobia, Burkholderia, Pseudomonas, Herbaspirillum, etc., on or inside plants, which can lead to a long-term association. Most SS like T3SS, T4SS, T5SS, and T6SS are required for the antagonistic activity needed to prevent competing microbes, including phytopathogens, ameliorate biotic stress in plants, and produce substances for successful colonization. Others are required for chemotaxis, adherence, niche formation, and suppression of immune response to establish mutualistic association with host plants.

Zero budget natural farming components Jeevamrit and Beejamrit augment Spinacia oleracea L. (spinach) growth by ameliorating the negative impacts of the salt and drought stress.

The growth of crop plants, particularly spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), can be significantly impeded by salinity and drought. However, pre-treating spinach plants with traditional biofertilizers like Jeevamrit and Beejamrit (JB) substantially reverses the salinity and drought-induced inhibitory effects. Hence, this study aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that govern the efficacy of traditional fertilizers. The present work employed comprehensive biochemical, physiological, and molecular approaches to investigate the processes by which JB alleviates abiotic stress. The JB treatment effectively boosts spinach growth by increasing nutrient uptake and antioxidant enzyme activity, which mitigates the detrimental effects of drought and salinity-induced stress. Under salt and drought stress conditions, the application of JB resulted in an impressive rise in germination percentages of 80 and 60%, respectively. In addition, the application of JB treatment resulted in a 50% decrease in electrolyte leakage and a 75% rise in the relative water content of the spinach plants. Furthermore, the significant reduction in proline and glycine betaine levels in plants treated with JB provides additional evidence of the treatment's ability to prevent cell death caused by environmental stressors. Following JB treatment, the spinach plants exhibited substantially higher total chlorophyll content was also observed. Additionally, using 16S rRNA sequencing, we discovered and characterized five plant-beneficial bacteria from the JB bio-inoculants. These bacterial isolates comprise a number of traits that contribute to growth augmentation in plants. These evidences suggest that the presence of the aforesaid microorganisms (along with additional ones) is accountable for the JB-mediated stimulation of plant growth and development.

On population structure and breeding biology of burrowing crab Dotilla blanfordi Alcock, 1900.

Background: The present study investigated the population structure and breeding biology of the burrowing brachyuran crab species Dotilla blanfordi Alcock, 1900, which is commonly found on the sandy beach of Bhavnagar, located on the Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat coast, India. Methods: Monthly sampling was conducted from February 2021 to January 2022 at the time of low tide using three line transects perpendicular to the water line, intercepted by a quadrate (0.25 m2) each at three different levels of the middle intertidal region: 20 m, 70 m, and 120 m. The quadrate area was excavated up to 30 cm and sieved for specimen collection. The collected specimens were categorised into different sexes viz., male, non-ovigerous female, or ovigerous female. For the fecundity study of D. blanfordi, the carapace width (mm) as a measure of size as well as their wet weight (g), size, number, and mass of their eggs were also recorded. Results: The study revealed sexual dimorphism among the population, with females having significantly smaller sizes as compared to males. The overall population was skewed towards females, with a bimodal distribution of males and females. The occurrence of ovigerous females throughout the year suggests that the population breeds incessantly throughout the year, with the highest occurrence in August and September. A positive correlation was observed between the morphology of crabs (carapace width and wet body weight) and the size, number, and mass of eggs.

Exploring the role of antioxidants in sepsis-associated oxidative stress: a comprehensive review.

Sepsis is a potentially fatal condition characterized by organ dysfunction caused by an imbalanced immune response to infection. Although an increased inflammatory response significantly contributes to the pathogenesis of sepsis, several molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of sepsis are associated with increased cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and exhausted antioxidant pathways. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the involvement of ROS in the pathophysiology of sepsis and the potential application of antioxidants with antimicrobial properties as an adjunct to primary therapies (fluid and antibiotic therapies) against sepsis. This article delves into the advantages and disadvantages associated with the utilization of antioxidants in the therapeutic approach to sepsis, which has been explored in a variety of animal models and clinical trials. While the application of antioxidants has been suggested as a potential therapy to suppress the immune response in cases where an intensified inflammatory reaction occurs, the use of multiple antioxidant agents can be beneficial as they can act additively or synergistically on different pathways, thereby enhancing the antioxidant defense. Furthermore, the utilization of immunoadjuvant therapy, specifically in septic patients displaying immunosuppressive tendencies, represents a promising advancement in sepsis therapy.

Microbial dysbiosis and the aging process: a review on the potential age-deceleration role of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.

Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been a serious risk factor for several gastric and systemic diseases. Recently, gut microbiota's role in aging was discussed. Available preclinical evidence suggests that the probiotic bacteria Lactiplantibacillus plantarums (LP) may influence the aging process via modulation of the gut microbiota. The present review summarized compelling evidence of LP's potential effect on aging hallmarks such as oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA methylation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. LP gavage modulates gut microbiota and improves overall endurance in aging animal models. LP cell constituents exert considerable antioxidant potential which may reduce ROS levels directly. In addition, restored gut microbiota facilitate a healthy intestinal milieu and accelerate multi-channel communication via signaling factors such as SCFA and GABA. Signaling factors further activate specific transcription factor Nrf2 in order to reduce oxidative damage. Nrf2 regulates cellular defense systems involving anti-inflammatory cytokines, MMPs, and protective enzymes against MAPKs. We concluded that LP supplementation may be an effective approach to managing aging and associated health risks.

Untargeted metabolomics-based identification of bioactive compounds from Mangifera indica L. seed extracts in drug discovery through molecular docking and assessment of their anticancer potential.

BACKGROUND: Mangifera indica L. (mango), a medicinal plant rich in biologically active compounds, has potential to be used in disease-preventing and health-promoting products. The present investigation reveals and uncovers bioactive metabolites with remarkable therapeutic efficiency from mango (family: Anacardiaceae) seeds. RESULTS: Biological activity was determined by antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer assays, and metabolite profiling was performed on gas chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-QTOF-MS) and liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) platforms. Validation of active metabolites was carried out by in silico molecular docking (Molinspiration Cheminformatics Server and PASS). Extracted and identified metabolites were screened; 54 compounds associated with various groups were selected for the in silico interaction study. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular docking revealed lead molecules with a potential binding energy score, efficacy and stable modulation with a selected protein domain. Investigation, directed by in vitro and in silico analysis, confirms mango seeds as an excellent source of potential metabolites as a therapeutic agent. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

A Systematic Review on Microplastic Contamination in Fishes of Asia: Polymeric Risk Assessment and Future Prospectives.

Microplastics (MPs) have attracted global concern because of their harmful effects on marine biota; their toxic properties can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems. Fish is an essential source of protein for humans, playing a crucial role in daily food intake. Until recently, MPs were addressed primarily as environmental pollutants, but they are now increasingly recognized as contaminants in the food supply. The present review has comprehended the current knowledge of MP contamination in freshwater and marine fishes of Asia, including 112 peer-reviewed sources from 2016 to 2023. The review recorded 422 Asian fishes (345 marine and 77 freshwater) to be contaminated with MPs. Clarias gariepinus and Selaroides leptolepi have shown maximum MP contamination in the freshwater and marine environments of Asia, respectively. Omnivorous and carnivorous fishes exhibited higher susceptibility to ingesting MPs. Benthopelagic, demersal, and reef-associated habitats were identified as more prone to MP accumulation. In both freshwater and marine environments, China has the highest number of contaminated species among all the countries. Pollution indices indicated high MP contamination in both freshwater and marine environments. A prevalence of fibers was recorded in all fishes. Black- and blue-colored MPs of <500 µm-1 mm size were found dominantly. Polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene were recorded as the prevalent plastic polymers in freshwater and marine fish, respectively. Overall, the review served as a comprehensive understanding of MP concentrations and variations between species, between feeding habits, and between geographic locations, which can be pivotal for addressing pressing environmental challenges, protecting human health, and fostering global sustainability efforts in the face of escalating plastic pollution. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:671-685. © 2024 SETAC.

Recent advances in Bacillus-mediated plant growth enhancement: a paradigm shift in redefining crop resilience.

The Bacillus genus has emerged as an important player in modern agriculture, revolutionizing plant growth promotion through recent advances. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the critical role Bacillus species play in boosting plant growth and agricultural sustainability. Bacillus genus bacteria benefit plants in a variety of ways, according to new research. Nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, and the production of growth hormones are examples of these. Bacillus species are also well-known for their ability to act as biocontrol agents, reducing phytopathogens and protecting plants from disease. Molecular biology advances have increased our understanding of the complex interplay between Bacillus species and plants, shedding light on the genetic and metabolic underpinnings of these interactions. Furthermore, novel biotechnology techniques have enabled the development of Bacillus-based biofertilizers and biopesticides, providing sustainable alternatives to conventional chemical inputs. Apart from this, the combination of biochar and Bacillus species in current biotechnology is critical for improving soil fertility and encouraging sustainable agriculture through enhanced nutrient retention and plant growth. This review also emphasizes the Bacillus genus bacteria's ability to alleviate environmental abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity, hence contributing to climate-resilient agriculture. Moreover, the authors discuss the challenges and prospects associated with the practical application of Bacillus-based solutions in the field. Finally, recent advances in Bacillus-mediated plant growth promotion highlight their critical significance in sustainable agriculture. Understanding these improvements is critical for realizing the full potential of Bacillus genus microorganisms to address current global food production concerns.

A review on fluoride contamination in groundwater and human health implications and its remediation: A sustainable approaches.

Contamination of drinking water due to fluoride (F-) is a major concern worldwide. Although fluoride is an essential trace element required for humans, it has severe human health implications if levels exceed 1.5 mg. L-1 in groundwater. Several treatment technologies have been adopted to remove fluoride and reduce the exposure risk. The present article highlights the source, geochemistry, spatial distribution, and health implications of high fluoride in groundwater. Also, it discusses the underlying mechanisms and controlling factors of fluoride contamination. The problem of fluoride-contaminated water is more severe in India's arid and semiarid regions than in other Asian countries. Treatment technologies like adsorption, ion exchange, precipitation, electrolysis, electrocoagulation, nanofiltration, coagulation-precipitation, and bioremediation have been summarized along with case studies to look for suitable technology for fluoride exposure reduction. Although present technologies are efficient enough to remove fluoride, they have specific limitations regarding cost, labour intensity, and regeneration requirements.

Phytonanofabrication of iron oxide particles from the Acacia jacquemontii plant and their potential application for the removal of brilliant green and Congo red dye from wastewater.

Phytonanofabrication is one of the most promising areas that has drawn the attention of scientists worldwide due to its eco-friendly nature and biocompatibility. In the current investigation, we reported the phyto-assisted formation of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) from a rare species of Acacia (Acacia jacquemontii). First, ethanolic extracts of the stem powder were analyzed by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) for the identification of phytochemicals in the stem sections of Acacia. Furthermore, IONPs were synthesized by a chemical co-precipitation method by using the stem extract. The phytonanofabricated iron oxide particles were investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) for elemental analysis. HPTLC confirmed the presence of several phenols and terpenoids in the ethanolic extracts of the stem. UV-Vis spectroscopy exhibited an absorbance peak at 380 nm, indicating the formation of IONPs, while FTIR spectroscopy showed the typical bands for Fe-O in the range of 599-1,000 cm-1 in addition to several functional groups of organic molecules at 1,596 cm-1, 2,313 cm-1, and 3,573 cm-1. XRD exhibits the amorphous nature of IONPs with peaks at 30.7, 35.5, and 62.7 nm. The IONPs were spherical-shaped, whose size varies from 10 to 70 nm, as confirmed by FESEM. EDS exhibited the presence of Fe, O, C, and NaCl. Finally, the phytonanofabricated iron oxide particles were utilized for the removal of brilliant green (BG) and Congo red (CR) dye from the aqueous solution. The removal efficiency of BG dye was up to 54.28%, while that of Congo red dye was up to 36.72% in 120 min and 60 min, respectively. Furthermore, the effect of pH and contact time was also assessed on both the dyes, where CR exhibited maximum removal at acidic pH, i.e., 47.5%, while BG showed maximum removal at pH 10, i.e., 76.59%.

Harnessing the power of nutritional antioxidants against adrenal hormone imbalance-associated oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress, resulting from dysregulation in the secretion of adrenal hormones, represents a major concern in human health. The present review comprehensively examines various categories of endocrine dysregulation within the adrenal glands, encompassing glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens. Additionally, a comprehensive account of adrenal hormone disorders, including adrenal insufficiency, Cushing's syndrome, and adrenal tumors, is presented, with particular emphasis on their intricate association with oxidative stress. The review also delves into an examination of various nutritional antioxidants, namely vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, selenium, zinc, polyphenols, coenzyme Q10, and probiotics, and elucidates their role in mitigating the adverse effects of oxidative stress arising from imbalances in adrenal hormone levels. In conclusion, harnessing the power of nutritional antioxidants has the potential to help with oxidative stress caused by an imbalance in adrenal hormones. This could lead to new research and therapeutic interventions.

Microbial synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and their importance in wastewater treatment and antimicrobial activities: a review.

Nanotechnology (NT) and nanoparticles (NPs) have left a huge impact on every field of science today, but they have shown tremendous importance in the fields of cosmetics and environmental cleanup. NPs with photocatalytic effects have shown positive responses in wastewater treatment, cosmetics, and the biomedical field. The chemically synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) utilize hazardous chemicals to obtain the desired-shaped TiO2. So, microbial-based synthesis of TiO2 NPs has gained popularity due to its eco-friendly nature, biocompatibility, etc. Being NPs, TiO2 NPs have a high surface area-to-volume ratio in addition to their photocatalytic degradation nature. In the present review, the authors have emphasized the microbial (algae, bacterial, fungi, and virus-mediated) synthesis of TiO2 NPs. Furthermore, authors have exhibited the importance of TiO2 NPs in the food sector, automobile, aerospace, medical, and environmental cleanup.

A Comparative Analysis of the Physico-Chemical Properties of Pectin Isolated from the Peels of Seven Different Citrus Fruits.

In the present research work, pectin was isolated from the peels of seven citrus fruits (Citrus limon, Citrus limetta, Citrus sinensis, Citrus maxima, Citrus jambhiri, Citrus sudachi, and Citrus hystrix) for a comparison of its physicochemical parameters and its potential use as a thickening agent, gelling agent, and food ingredient in food industries. Among the seven citrus fruits, the maximum yield of pectin was observed from Citrus sudachi, and the minimum yield of pectin was observed from Citrus maxima. The quality of each pectin sample was compared by using parameters such as equivalent weight, anhydrouronic acid (AUA) content, methoxy content, and degree of esterification. It was observed that all seven pectin samples had a high value of equivalent weight (more than 1000), suggesting that all the pectin samples had a high content of non-esterified galacturonic acid in the molecular chains, which provides viscosity and water binding properties. The methoxy content and degree of esterification of all the pectins was lower than 50%, which suggests that it cannot easily disperse in water and can form gel only in presence of divalent cations. The AUA content of all isolated pectins samples was above 65%, which suggests that the pectin was pure and can be utilized as a food ingredient in domestic foods and food industries. From the FTIR analysis of pectin, it was observed that the bond pattern of Citrus maxima, Citrus jambhiri, and Citrus hystrix was similar. The bond pattern of Citrus limon, Citrus limetta, and Citrus sinensis was similar. However, the bond pattern of Citrus sudachi was different from that of all other citrus fruits. The difference in the bond pattern was due to the hydrophobic nature of pectin purified from Citrus limon, Citrus limetta, Citrus sudachi, and Citrus sinensis and the hydrophilic nature of pectin purified from Citrus maxima, Citrus jambhiri, and Citrus hystrix. Hence, hydrophobic pectin can be utilized in the preparation of hydrogels, nanofibers, food packaging material, polysoaps, drug delivery agents, and microparticulate materials, whereas hydrophilic pectin can be utilized for the preparation of gelling and thickening agents.

Deeper insight into ferroptosis: association with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and brain tumors and their possible treatment by nanomaterials induced ferroptosis.

Ferroptosis is an emerging and novel type of iron-dependent programmed cell death which is mainly caused by the excessive deposition of free intracellular iron in the brain cells. This deposited free iron exerts a ferroptosis pathway, resulting in lipid peroxidation (LiPr). There are mainly three ferroptosis pathways viz. iron metabolism-mediated cysteine/glutamate, and LiPr-mediated. Iron is required by the brain as a redox metal for several physiological activities. Due to the iron homeostasis balance disruption, the brain gets adversely affected which further causes neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, strokes, and brain tumors like glioblastoma (GBS), and glioma. Nanotechnology has played an important role in the prevention and treatment of these NDDs. A synergistic effect of nanomaterials and ferroptosis could prove to be an effective and efficient approach in the field of nanomedicine. In the current review, the authors have highlighted all the latest research in the field of ferroptosis, specifically emphasizing on the role of major molecular key players and various mechanisms involved in the ferroptosis pathway. Moreover, here the authors have also addressed the correlation of ferroptosis with the pathophysiology of NDDs and theragnostic effect of ferroptosis and nanomaterials for the prevention and treatment of NDDs.

Deciphering the key pathway for triterpenoid biosynthesis in Azadirachta indica A. Juss.: a comprehensive review of omics studies in nature's pharmacy.

Since ancient times, Azadirachta indica, or Neem, has been a well-known species of plant that produces a broad range of bioactive terpenoid chemicals that are involved in a variety of biological functions. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for the biosynthesis and control of terpenoid synthesis is majorly dependent on successfully identifying the genes that are involved in their production. This review provides an overview of the recent developments concerning the identification of genes in A. indica that are responsible for the production of terpenoids. Numerous candidate genes encoding enzymes that are involved in the terpenoid biosynthesis pathway have been found through the use of transcriptomic and genomic techniques. These candidate genes include those that are responsible for the precursor synthesis, cyclization, and modification of terpenoid molecules. In addition, cutting-edge omics technologies, such as metabolomics and proteomics, have helped to shed light on the intricate regulatory networks that govern terpenoid biosynthesis. These networks are responsible for the production of terpenoids. The identification and characterization of genes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis in A. indica presents potential opportunities for genetic engineering and metabolic engineering strategies targeted at boosting terpenoid production as well as discovering novel bioactive chemicals.