Showing papers by "Kavita Shah published in 2018"

Epitope imprinting of iron binding protein of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria through multiple monomers imprinting approach.

Abstract: Epitope imprinting is a promising technique for fabrication of novel diagnostic tools. In this study, an epitope imprinted methodology for recognition of target epitope sequence as well as targeted protein infused by bacterial infection in blood samples of patients suffering from brain fever is developed. Template sequence chosen is a ferric iron binding fbp A protein present in Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. To orient the imprinting template peptide sequence on gold surface of electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM), thiol chemistry was utilized to form the self-assembled monolayer on EQCM electrode. Here, synergistic effects induced by various noncovalent interactions extended by multiple monomers (3-sulfopropyl methacrylate potassium-salt and benzyl methacrylate) were used in fabricating the imprinting polymeric matrix with additional firmness provided by N,N-methylene-bis-acrylamide as cross-linker and azo-isobutyronitrile as initiator. Extraction of template molecule was carried out with phosphate buffer solution. After extraction of epitope molecules from the polymeric film, epitope molecularly imprinted polymeric films were fabricated on EQCM electrode surface. Nonimprinted polymers were also synthesized in the similar manner without epitope molecule. Detection limit of epitope molecularly imprinted polymers and imprinting factor (epitope molecularly imprinted polymers/nonimprinted polymers) was calculated 1.39 ng mL-1 and 12.27 respectively showing high binding capacity and specific recognition behavior toward template molecule. Simplicity of present method would put forward a fast, facile, cost-effective diagnostic tool for mass health care.

Mycotoxins and Pesticides: Toxicity and Applications in Food and Feed

Abstract: Toxins are most abundant and active compound of fungi and it produces nearly 1.2–2.1 μg/mg dry matter of fungal tissue. In some of the phytopathogenic fungi prehelminthosporol and helminthosporol affects fungal hyphae, germinated conidia and membrane permeability, thereby, inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation, β-1,3-glucan synthase enzyme and proton pumping across plasma membrane by killing or weakening plant cells. Mycotoxins are low molecular weight secondary metabolites synthesized by filamentous fungi. It produced by fungi in raw matter of food and feed all around the world. Mycotoxins are of prime concern in cereals, dried fruit, nuts, infant preparations, coffee, fruit juice milk and wine, which may include aflatoxins, ochratoxins, zearalenone, fumonisins, doxynivalenol, patulin and T-n 2/HT-2 toxins. Mycotoxins affect DNA, RNA, protein synthesis and metabolic reactions in human and animal causing thereby an ongoing risk to food and feed supply security. The best strategy for detoxification of mycotoxins from feedstuff is by biodegradation using enzymes and microorganisms. However, pesticides are also being used to overcome the problems of the toxin and for improved human and animal health. Use of pesticides are beneficial for the food crops to protect them from various pests but, their residues in the food materials are harmful to the human and animal health. Fungal cells contain melanin pigment in the outer layer of the wall which acts as defense against adverse environmental factors and pesticide applications. To overcome the problem of pathogenesis during crop production, melanin inhibitors as tricyclazole, acibenzolar, phthalide, proquinazid and pyroquilon etc. are commonly used to interrupt the plant-pathogen interactions. In past decades European Union (EU) reported more than 3000 pesticide used in crop protection. Among these tricyclazole is considered to be the safest fungicide. For a more comprehensive understanding about toxins and pesticides in food crops and foodstuff, a detailed study for purity of food and food crops for human welfare is needed employing modern analytical techniques including ELISA, TLC, GC, HPLC, etc. Therefore, analysing relevant chemical contaminants and mycotoxins is an essential part of food safety to ensure animal and human health and comply with regulatory limits. An overview of the known mycotoxins and pesticides toxicity and applications in food and feed is presented herein.