Showing papers by "Davangere University published in 2015"

Degradation of polyethylene by Penicillium simplicissimum isolated from local dumpsite of Shivamogga district

Abstract: Penicillium simplicissimum was isolated from a local dumpsite of Shivamogga district for use in the biodegradation of polyethylene. Degradation was carried out using autoclaved, UV-treated and surface-sterilized polyethylene. Degradation was monitored by observing weight loss and changes in physical structure by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. P. simplicissimum was able to degrade treated polyethylene (38 %) more efficiently than autoclaved (16 %) and surface-sterilized polyethylene (7.7 %). Enzymes responsible for polyethylene degradation were screened from P. simplicissimum. Enzymes were identified as laccase and manganese peroxidase. These enzymes were produced in large amount, enzyme activity was calculated using spectrophotometric method, and crude extraction of enzymes was carried out. Molecular weight of laccase was determined as 66 kDa and that of manganese peroxidase was 60 kDa. Capacity of crude enzymes to degrade polyethylene was also determined. By observing these results, we can conclude that P. simplicissimum may act as solution for the problem caused by polyethylene in nature.

Polyethylene Degradation by Fungal Consortium

Abstract: Polyethylene is a synthetic polymer which is used in our daily life for different purposes. Increased use of polyethylene causes severe environmental problems. There are different methods to decrease problem caused by polyethylene for example source reduction, incineration and land filling and all of them have their own drawbacks. So, the best way to reduce the problem caused by polyethylene is its biodegradation. In our work we isolated, Curvularia lunata, Alternaria alternata, Penicillium simplicissimum and Fusarium sp. from local dumpsites of Shivamogga Dist. Degradation experiment was carried out using surface sterilized polyethylene for a period of 3 months and degradation was confirmed by weight loss, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy studies. Individual weight loss shown by Curvularia lunata (1.2%), Alternaria alternata (0.8%), Penicillium simplicissimum (7.7%) and Fusarium sp. (0.7%) was less compared to their combination (27%). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy results confirmed degradation. Enzymes responsible for polyethylene degradation were also screened and were identified as laccase and manganese peroxidase. So, the results confirm the significant role of consortium in polyethylene degradation compared to single microorganisms. Microbial consortium can be used to solve problem caused by polyethylene in the environment and it is also eco friendly method without any side effects.

DNA intercalative 4-butylaminopyrimido[4',5':4,5]thieno(2,3-b)quinoline induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells.

Abstract: DNA intercalators are one of the interesting groups in cancer chemotherapy. The development of novel anticancer small molecule has gained remarkable interest over the last decade. In this study, we synthesized and investigated the ability of a tetracyclic-condensed quinoline compound, 4-butylaminopyrimido4',5':4,5]thieno(2,3-b)quinoline (BPTQ), to interact with double-stranded DNA and inhibit cancer cell proliferation. Circular dichroism, topological studies, molecular docking, absorbance, and fluorescence spectral titrations were employed to study the interaction of BPTQ with DNA. Cytotoxicity was studied by performing 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. Further, cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry, annexin V staining, mitochondrial membrane potential assay, DNA fragmentation, and western blot analysis were used to elucidate the mechanism of action of BPTQ at the cellular level. Spectral, topological, and docking studies confirmed that BPTQ is a typical intercalator of DNA. BPTQ induces dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the proliferation of cancer cells by arresting cells at S and G2/M phase. Further, BPTQ activates the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway, as explicated by a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, increase in the Bax:Bcl-2 ratio, and activation of caspases. These results confirmed that BPTQ is a DNA intercalative anticancer molecule, which could aid in the development of future cancer therapeutic agents.

Degradation of 2,4 Dichlorobiphenyl Via Meta-cleavage Pathway by Pseudomonas spp. Consortium

Abstract: Two bacterial isolates (Pseudomonas sp. GSa and Pseudomonas sp. GSb) were in close association able to assimilate 2,4 dichlorobiphenyl (2,4 CB), a PCB congener. GC–MS analysis of spent culture medium of the consortium with 2,4 CB as substrate showed 90 % degradation (according to Electron capture detection values) with catechol as one of the important intermediate compounds through meta-cleavage pathway. Further, ability of the consortium to utilise PCB congeners, Methoxychlor, Aroclor 1016, Chlorobenzoic acids and Monoaromatic compounds indicated that the consortium of GSa and GSb would be an ideal candidate for in situ bioremediation of PCB.

Cell Cycle Arrest and Induction of Apoptosis in Colon Adenocarcinoma Cells by a DNA Intercalative Quinoline Derivative, 4-Morpholinopyrimido [4′,5′:4,5] Selenolo (2,3-b) Quinoline

Abstract: Circular dichroism, topological studies, molecular docking, absorbance, and fluorescence spectral titrations were employed to study the interaction of 4-morpholinopyrimido [4′,5′:4,5] selenolo (2,3-b) quinoline (MPSQ) with DNA. The association constants of MPSQ–DNA interactions were of the order of 104 M−1. Melting temperature, topological, and docking studies confirmed that the mode of interaction was by intercalation with preference to d(GpC)–d(CpG) site of DNA. Cytotoxicity studies showed the MPSQ-induced dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the proliferation of different cancer cells. Colon adenocarcinoma (COLO 205) cells are more sensitive among the cell lines tested, with an IC50 value of 15 μM. Flow cytometry revealed that MPSQ affects the cell cycle progression by arresting at G2M phase. Further, Annexin V staining, mitochondrial membrane potential assay, and caspase-3 activity assay confirmed that MPSQ leads to mitochondria-mediated apoptotic cell death in COLO 205 cells.

Lignolytic Enzymes Production from Selected Mushrooms

Abstract: In this paper, ligninase enzymes produced by selected mushrooms have been reported. We collected mushrooms from Western Ghats, most of them were edible food. Thirty samples isolated were tested using a plate assay through direct agar plate assay by using ABTS, decolourisation containing the fifteen isolates were able to decolourise the dye, indicating a lignin-degrading ability. Spectrophotometric enzyme assays from all selected isolates were carried out to examine the production of Ligninolytic enzymes (Laccase, lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase). Ten selected isolates produced all three kinds of enzymes tested. Lignolytic enzymes are groups of enzymes these are actively involved in bioremediation. Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(2): 308-313 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i2.12732

Biochemical Changes during Plantlet Regeneration in Two Accessions of Mucuna pruriens

Abstract: The genus Mucuna is an important medicinal herb and is extensively used in traditional Indian systems of medicine for various ailments. In vitro culture technique provides an alternative to plant propagation and germplasm conservation. Our aim was to study the biochemical changes occurring during regeneration of shoots (plantlets) from explants of two accessions of Mucuna pruriens , by monitoring the efficiency of nitrogen utilization and changes in levels of some hydrolytic enzymes. A rapid micropropagation system was developed using Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium supplemented with BAP and IAA combined. In both the accessions, 3.0mg l -1 6-BAP, in combination with 0.2mg l -1 IAA, induced shoot buds and shoot elongation; however for multiple-shoot induction, a slightly higher concentration of cytokinin, i.e., 3.5mg l -1 6-BAP, in combination with 0.2mg l -1 IAA, was required. Results of the present study confirm an active growth of explants revealed by nitrate assimilation enzymes and hydrolytic enzymes. It is concluded that medium composition, growth regulator combination and culture incubation conditions are all vital in both the accessions of Mucuna pruriens for induction of in vitro plant regeneration.

Role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Higher Education of SC/ST

Abstract: Globalization process has affected many aspects of human life. Education in general and higher education in particular is no exception to it. Globalization gathered momentum in higher education in the second half of 1990. Education as a service industry is a part of globalization process becoming commodity in the third world (TW) countries like India. Universities and higher education system in India and Asia have become the agents of both internationalization and globalization. Indian society which is historically characterized by high degree of social stratification and institutional in equally governed by caste system where a huge section of SC/STs population stand at the bottom of caste hierarchy and denied equal rights in education. The objective of this paper is to find out the role of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) in promoting higher education among SC/STs and also to find out whether SC/STs are able to transform themselves to fit into the current education system and are they able to place themselves in this new knowledge economy which is the result of globalization and Information communication and Technology development in India. The findings show that SC/STs still remain discriminated in education and there are major constraints for them in taking up higher education. Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol-2, issue-4: 304-307

Media Availability and Utilization in Education Institution

Abstract: Media plays a vital role in educational programs, health communication and agricultural development. Without a vibrant media no society can function well. The Media plays a significant role in forming and influencing people’s attitudes and behaviour. Gone are the days of chalks and blackboard and the technological changes have brought in digital projection and interactive classrooms. In this new world of interactive media networks, traditional education technology and ignorance of new media are looked down upon. In schools and colleges some of the media are used in teaching and learning. Educational media is a systematic way of designing, carrying out and evaluating the total process of learning and teaching in terms of specific objectives, based on research in human learning and communication In the present age, when scientific developments have made the human life comfortable, media education has gained much importance. Many authors and philosophers have made valuable observations about media and their utilization in schools. So, today Media is very essential tool in education institutions. Without media we can’t imagine the life of the future generation and their knowledge. In this way the present study is an effort to focus on availability of media and their utilization in education institution. In the present study researcher used the survey based on Questionnaire and Interview. Survey based on Questionnaire was used for students to get the information and Interviews were conducted with teachers and administrators of the schools. The researcher chose four schools in Bhadravathi City. The study is located in Bhadravathi Taluk of Shimoga District in Karnataka State. Two Government schools of Kannada medium and two private institutions of English medium are chosen to analyze the impact of language on education and utilizing media. The study also explain the authorities interest and teachers knowledge, weather they have a sufficient training to operate media devices, and know how to effectively link with curriculum and co-curricular activities of the school. This paper also brings out the procedural and pattern wise issues with regard to media availability and utilization in educational institutions. Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol-2, issue-3: 244-249 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v2i3.12824

In vitro cytotoxicity and free radical scavenging potential of ethyl pyruvate derived copper complexes of thiosemicarbazone

Abstract: Objective : The present study was aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and antioxidant properties of copper complexes of thiosemicarbazone (TSC-Cu) using different in vitro models. Method s: In vitro MTT assay was carried out against the HL-60 cell line to check the cytotoxic potency of TSC-Cu. In vitro radical scavenging activity of TSC-Cu was evaluated by checking its role in scavenging DPPH, hydroxyl radical and lipid peroxidation. Results : Among the test molecules studied, TSC-Cu with choride side chain (TSC-Cu-Cl) showed dose and time dependent increased cytotoxic activity on HL-60 cell line compared to TSC-Cu with hydroxyl side chain (TSC-Cu-OH). Further, TSC-Cu-Cl exhibited promising radical scavenging activities against hydroxyl radical, 2,2-diphenyl, 2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), and also effectively inhibited lipid peroxidation. Conclusion: The results of the present investigation confirm that the TSC-Cu-Cl complex can be considered as a novel metal complex with potent anti-oxidant and cytotoxic ability.