Aligarh Muslim University

About: Aligarh Muslim University is a education organization based out in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Adsorption. The organization has 8218 authors who have published 16416 publications receiving 289068 citations. The organization is also known as: AMU.

Obliteration of bacterial growth and biofilm through ROS generation by facilely synthesized green silver nanoparticles.

Abstract: Mangifera indica inflorescence aqueous extract was utilized for production of green AgNPs. Synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometry, XRD, TEM, FESEM and particles size analyzer. AgNPs showed minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 8 μg ml-1 and 16 μg ml-1 for Gram negative (K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and E. coli) and Gram positive (S. mutans and S. aureus) strains, respectively which was relatively quite low compared to chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles. AgNPs inhibited 80% and 75% biofilms of E. coli and S. mutans respectively as observed quantitatively by crystal violet assay. Qualitative biofilm inhibition was observed using SEM and CLSM. AgNPs adsorbed catheter also resisted the growth of biofilm on its surface displaying its possible future applications. AgNPs interaction with bacteria lead to bacterial membrane damage as observed by SEM and TEM. The membrane damage was confirmed by detecting leakage of proteins and reducing sugars from treated bacterial cells. AgNPs generated ROS on interaction with bacterial cells and this ROS production can be one of the possible reasons for their action. AgNPs exhibited no toxic effect on the cell viability of HeLa cell line.

Global economic impact of antibiotic resistance: A review.

Abstract: The pandemic of antibiotic resistance has become a serious threat to the therapeutic efficacy of the available antibiotics and their prescribed regimens. The problem is multifaceted as it encompasses medical, social, economic and anthropogenic spheres. The present review reports the global economic impact of antibiotic resistance among humans on the basis of published research as well as reports of national and international organisations. The impact is catastrophic because it includes patients, healthcare providers, researchers, pharmaceutical organisations, healthcare businesses and, moreover, national and international policy-makers. We found very serious economic impacts of the existing and emerging antibiotic resistance conditions. This study is divided into geographical regions to see the total impact. The risk of medical poverty trap is more significant in low-resource settings.

Synthesis, characterization and optimization of photocatalytic activity of TiO2/ZrO2 nanocomposite heterostructures

Abstract: a b s t r a c t Titanium dioxide/zirconium dioxide nanocomposites were synthesized using a simple and modified sol–gel method. The synthesized particles were characterized through SEM, TEM, XRD, and DTA/TGA. SEM analysis shows micrographs with irregular and sharp edged particles. TEM analysis shows spherical particles of average diameter 10.5 nm. Tetragonal structure of TiO2/ZrO2 nanocomposite particles with stabilized anatase phase was confirmed by XRD studies. The average crystallite size was calculated from XRD, using Scherrer’s formula. Band gap was calculated from the DRS spectra using Kubelka-Munk function and Photoluminescence (PL) was done to study the recombination rate of charge carriers. Results showed a considerable increase in band gap on ZrO2 addition and subsequent decrease in recombination rate. Impedance study showed a significant decrease in dielectric characteristics on ZrO2 addition. Photocatalytic activity of the synthesized catalysts was studied by degradation of an azo-dye, Ponceau BS, using ultra-violet source of light. Optimum activity was observed on 6.0% ZrO2 loading. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Role of Salicylic Acid in Promoting Salt Stress Tolerance and Enhanced Artemisinin Production in Artemisia annua L.

Abstract: In the present investigation, the role of salicylic acid (SA) in inducing salinity tolerance was studied in Artemisia annua L., which is a major source of the antimalarial drug artemisinin. SA, when applied at 1.00 mM, provided considerable protection against salt stress imposed by adding 50, 100, or 200 mM NaCl to soil. Salt stress negatively affected plant growth as assessed by length and dry weight of shoots and roots. Salinity also reduced the values of photosynthetic attributes and total chlorophyll content and inhibited the activities of nitrate reductase and carbonic anhydrase. Furthermore, salt stress significantly increased electrolyte leakage and proline content. Salt stress also induced oxidative stress as indicated by the elevated levels of lipid peroxidation compared to the control. A foliar spray of SA at 1.00 mM promoted the growth of plants, independent of salinity level. The activity of antioxidant enzymes, namely, catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase, was upregulated by salt stress and was further enhanced by SA treatment. Artemisinin content increased at 50 and 100 mM NaCl but decreased at 200 mM NaCl. The application of SA further enhanced artemisinin content when applied with 50 and 100 mM NaCl by 18.3 and 52.4%, respectively. These results indicate that moderate saline conditions can be exploited to obtain higher artemisinin content in A. annua plants, whereas the application of SA can be used to protect plant growth and induce its antioxidant defense system under salt stress.