Impact and mitigation of lead, cadmium and micro/nano plastics in fragrant rice.

Heavy metals (HMs) and micro(nano)plastics (MNPs), represent a significant risk to global food supply as well as a potential risk to humankind. Over 50% of the worldwide population eat rice every day, and rice aroma is a significant qualitative trait that is highly valued by consumers and fetches premium prices in the global market. Despite the huge commercial importance of fragrant rice, limited studies were directed to investigate the influence of HMs and MNPs on yield related traits and 2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) compound, mainly responsible for aroma production in fragrant rice. In this review, we found that the interaction of HMs and MNPs in fragrant rice is complex and accumulation of HMs and MNPs was higher in root as compared to the grains. Nutrients and phytohormones mediated mitigation of HMs and MNPs were most effective sustainable strategies. In addition, monitoring the checkpoints of 2-AP biosynthesis and its interaction with HMs and MNPs is challenging. Finally, we explained the potential challenges that fragrant rice faces considering the continuous rise in environmental pollutants and discussed the future avenues of research to improve fragrant rice's yield and qualitative traits.

Biofuels and biorefineries: Development, application and future perspectives emphasizing the environmental and economic aspects.

The fossil fuel utilization adversely affected the environmental health due to the rising emission levels of greenhouse gases. Consequently, the challenges of climate change loaded great stress on renewable energy sources. It is noted that extreme consumption of fossil fuels increased the earth temperature by 1.9 °C that adversely influenced the life and biodiversity. Biorefinery is the sustainable process for the production of biofuels and other bio-products from biomass feedstock using different conversion technologies. Biofuel is an important component of renewable energy sources contributing to overall carbon-neutral energy system. Studies reported that on global scale, over 90% of petroleum goods could be produced from renewable resources by 2023, whereas, 33% chemicals, and 50% of the pharmaceutical market share is also expected to be bio-based. This study details the brief review of operation, development, application, limitations, future perspectives, circular bioeconomy, and life cycle assessment of biorefinery. The economic and environmental aspects of biofuels and biorefineries are briefly discussed. Lastly, considering the present challenges, the future perspectives of biofuels and biorefineries are highlighted.

Formulation and evaluation of hyaluronic acid-based mucoadhesive self nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) of tamoxifen for targeting breast cancer.

The present study was intended to develop a papain grafted S-protected hyaluronic acid-lithocholic acid co-block (PAP-HA-ss-LCA) polymeric excipient as an amphiphilic muco permeating stabilizer for targeting breast cancer epithelial cells overexpressed with CD44 receptors. The mucopermeating, stabilizing and targeting capability of the PAP-HA-ss-LCA polymeric excipient was investigated by manufacturing tamoxifen (TMX) loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS). TMX loaded PAP-HA-ss-LCA incorporated SNEDDS (TMX-PAP-HA-ss-LCA SNEDDS) were characterized for their surface chemistry, drug release, permeation enhancement, biocompatibility and antitumor activity. FTIR spectroscopic analysis showed successful synthesis of PAP-HA-ss-LCA polymer. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed the amorphous form of TMX inside SNEDDS. The observed hydrodynamic diameter of TMX-PAP-HA-ss-LCA SNEDDS was 367.5 nm. Furthermore, Hyaluronic Acid-based Mucoadhesive Self Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System (SNEDDS) of TMX showed homogeneity in synthesis with low polydispersity and negative zeta potential due to stabilization with PAP-HA-ss-LCA polymer. The distinct spherical shape of the nanodroplets was evident by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In vitro release kinetics indicated approximately >80% release within 48 h under sink conditions. Ex-vivo permeation study displayed 7.11-folds higher permeation of TMX by TMX-PAP-HA-ss-LCA in contrast to pure TMX. The biocompatibility study proved that SNEDDS formulation was safe and compatible against macrophages. In vitro cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that TMX-PAP-HA-ss-LCA SNEDDS could efficiently kill MCF-7 breast cancer cells as compared to the native TMX drug. Systemic toxicity studies proved the non-toxic nature of TMX-PAP-HA-ss-LCA in contrast to pure TMX. Based on these evidences, TMX-PAP-HA-ss-LCA SNEDDS formulation seems to be promising mucopermeating, augmented intracellular uptake with strong targeting potential for anti-proliferative activity.