Showing papers by "Department of Biotechnology published in 2014"
TL;DR: This review aims to discuss AgNPs applied in biomedicine and as promising field for insertion and development of new compounds related to medical and pharmacy technology and addresses drug delivery, toxicity issues, and the safety rules concerning biomedical applications of silver nanoparticles.
376 citations
TL;DR: Results indicate that fungal consortium with weekly turning frequency of open windrows were more cost-effective in comparison with other technologies for efficient composting and yield safe end products.
265 citations
TL;DR: Biotechnological potentials of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms from mangrove environment which is a unique saline costal ecosystem of tropical and subtropical regions of the world are reported.
Abstract: Phosphorus (P) is one of the major essential macronutrients for biological growth and development of plants. Phosphorous in soil is mainly found as mineral phosphorous or organic phosphorous which is however insoluble and unavailable to the plants. Microorganisms, both bacteria and fungi play a central role in the natural phosphorus cycle and convert insoluble forms of phosphorus to an accessible form which is an important trait for the growth and survival of plants. Among the phosphate solubilizing microbes, strains from the bacterial genera Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Rhizobium and fungi such as Pencillium, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Helminthosparium, Alternaria, etc. are the most powerful phosphate solubilizers. Phosphorous solubilization by microorganisms is a complex phenomenon, which depends on many factors such as nutritional, physiological and growth condition of the culture. The principal mechanism for mineral phosphate solubilization is the production of organic acids where the enzyme phosphatases play a major role in the mineralization of organic phosphorous in soil. In recent years several phosphatases encoding genes have been cloned and characterized and a few genes involved in mineral phosphate solubilization have been isolated. Therefore, genetic manipulation for improvement of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria to improve plant growth may include cloning genes involved in both mineral and organic phosphate solubilization, followed by their expression in selected rhizobacterial strains is an interesting approach. Besides phosphate solubilizing activity of microorganisms, the present paper also reports biotechnological potentials of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms from mangrove environment which is a unique saline costal ecosystem of tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
167 citations
TL;DR: The effectiveness of transgenic tobacco plants expressing siRNA to silence v-ATPaseA gene expression for the control of whitefly infestation is reported, mounting a significant silencing response, leading to their mortality.
Abstract: Background
Expression of double strand RNA (dsRNA) designed against important insect genes in transgenic plants have been shown to give protection against pests through RNA interference (RNAi), thus opening the way for a new generation of insect-resistant crops. We have earlier compared the efficacy of dsRNAs/siRNAs, against a number of target genes, for interference in growth of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) upon oral feeding. The v-ATPase subunit A (v-ATPaseA) coding gene was identified as a crucial target. We now report the effectiveness of transgenic tobacco plants expressing siRNA to silence v-ATPaseA gene expression for the control of whitefly infestation.
Methodology/Principal Findings
Transgenic tobacco lines were developed for the expression of long dsRNA precursor to make siRNA and knock down the v-ATPaseA mRNA in whitefly. Molecular analysis and insecticidal properties of the transgenic plants established the formation of siRNA targeting the whitefly v-ATPaseA, in the leaves. The transcript level of v-ATPaseA in whiteflies was reduced up to 62% after feeding on the transgenic plants. Heavy infestation of whiteflies on the control plants caused significant loss of sugar content which led to the drooping of leaves. The transgenic plants did not show drooping effect.
Conclusions/Significance
Host plant derived pest resistance was achieved against whiteflies by genetic transformation of tobacco which generated siRNA against the whitefly v-ATPaseA gene. Transgenic tobacco lines expressing dsRNA of v-ATPaseA, delivered sufficient siRNA to whiteflies feeding on them, mounting a significant silencing response, leading to their mortality. The transcript level of the target gene was reduced in whiteflies feeding on transgenic plants. The strategy can be taken up for genetic engineering of plants to control whiteflies in field crops.
166 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reviewed the technical aspects of various biodiesel production methods from diverse oil feedstocks, their importance and significance of micro-algae, process availability, commercialization potential of various processes.
Abstract: The indiscriminate extraction and consumption of fossil fuels have left the world with a corner kick into the area of exponential fuel demand and now the race is on for alternate energy source. The fortunate improvements in Biodiesel fuel production techniques has been the heading topic of economic and environment sustainability so far. Biodiesel have the potential to replace diesel in vehicle engines. It has been tested and proved that engines running on biodiesel have shown low smoke emission and low toxic gas emission. Biodiesel properties such as oxidation stability, cloud point, iodine value, linoleic acid and poly-unsaturated fatty acid methyl ester content of biodiesel are dependent upon the quality of the feedstock. Processing parameters such as density, viscosity, acid value, distillation property are dependent on feedstock as well as the reaction conditions or the extent of reaction. Combustion property greatly varies with the substrates used and almost all the varieties have been proven to be as superior as that of conventional diesel fuel. Though the existing fossil and terrestrial biomass based oil cannot realistically satisfy the existing demands, algal oil source scores the most out of demanded factors like oil content, extractability, comfortable cultivation and efficient biomass production. Algae are a diverse group of plant like microorganisms, prokaryotic and eukaryotic, mostly autotrophic in nature with basic requirement such as CO 2 and light for their normal growth and metabolic activity. Being micro scaled in physiology, most species of algae have less doubling time and the oil productivity greatly exceeds the outcome of best oil producing crops which clearly portrays that microalgae acts as a renewable source and can yield enough amount of oil for biodiesel production to meet the present intensifying demands. This article aims at reviewing the technical aspects of various biodiesel production methods from diverse oil feedstocks, their importance and significance of microalgal, process availability, commercialization potential of various processes.
145 citations
TL;DR: The synthesized DdAgNPs showed potent larvicidal activity against second instar larvae of dengue vector Aedes aegypti with a LC50 value of 9.6ppm and particles were polydispersed in nature, spherical in shape and the size of the particle obtained was⩽85nm.
134 citations
TL;DR: This review compiles the recent data on biochemical and molecular properties of microbial tyrosinases, underlining their importance in the industrial use of these enzymes.
Abstract: Tyrosinase is a natural enzyme and is often purified to only a low degree and it is involved in a variety of functions which mainly catalyse the o-hydroxylation of monophenols into their corresponding o-diphenols and the oxidation of o-diphenols to o-quinones using molecular oxygen, which then polymerizes to form brown or black pigments. The synthesis of o-diphenols is a potentially valuable catalytic ability and thus tyrosinase has attracted a lot of attention with respect to industrial applications. In environmental technology it is used for the detoxification of phenol-containing wastewaters and contaminated soils, as biosensors for phenol monitoring, and for the production of L-DOPA in pharmaceutical industries, and is also used in cosmetic and food industries as important catalytic enzyme. Melanin pigment synthesized by tyrosinase has found applications for protection against radiation cation exchangers, drug carriers, antioxidants, antiviral agents, or immunogen. The recombinant V. spinosum tryosinase protein can be used to produce tailor-made melanin and other polyphenolic materials using various phenols and catechols as starting materials. This review compiles the recent data on biochemical and molecular properties of microbial tyrosinases, underlining their importance in the industrial use of these enzymes. After that, their most promising applications in pharmaceutical, food processing, and environmental fields are presented.
126 citations
TL;DR: Simple, unprecedented, nontoxic, eco-friendly, green synthesis of AgNPs using an Indian traditional farming formulating agent, panchakavya is described, which extensively reduced the growth rate of antibiotic resistant bacteria according to the increasing concentration ofAgNPs.
Abstract: Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with biological properties is of vast significance in the development of scientifically valuable products. In the present study, we describe simple, unprecedented, nontoxic, eco-friendly, green synthesis of AgNPs using an Indian traditional farming formulating agent, panchakavya. Silver nitrate (1 mM) solution was mixed with panchakavya filtrate for the synthesis of AgNPs. The nanometallic dispersion was characterized by surface plasmon absorbance measuring 430 nm. Transmission electron microscopy showed the morphology and size of the AgNPs. Scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the presence of AgNPs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed that proteins in the panchakavya were involved in the reduction and capping of AgNPs. In addition, we studied the antibacterial activity of synthesized AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs (1-4 mM) extensively reduced the growth rate of antibiotic resistant bacteria such as Aeromonas sp., Acinetobacter sp., and Citrobacter sp., according to the increasing concentration of AgNPs.
116 citations
TL;DR: This research combines the inherent antimicrobial activity of silver metals with the A. leucophloea extract, yielding antibacterial activity-enhanced AgNPs, which could easily be scaled up for additional biomedical applications.
Abstract: The immense potential of nanobiotechnology makes it an intensely researched field in modern medicine. Green nanomaterial synthesis techniques for medicinal applications are desired because of their biocompatibility and lack of toxic byproducts. We report the toxic byproducts free phytosynthesis of stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the bark extract of the traditional medicinal plant Acacia leucophloea (Fabaceae). Visual observation, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the synthesized AgNPs. The visible yellow-brown color formation and surface plasmon resonance at 440 nm indicates the biosynthesis of AgNP. The TEM images show polydisperse, mostly spherical AgNP particles of 17-29 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that primary amines, aldehyde/ketone, aromatic, azo, and nitro compounds of the A. leucophloea extract may participate in the bioreduction and capping of the formed AgNPs. X-ray diffraction confirmed the crystallinity of the AgNPs. The in vitro agar well diffusion method confirmed the potential antibacterial activity of the plant extract and synthesized AgNPs against the common bacterial pathogens Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 737), Bacillus cereus (MTCC 1272), Listeria monocytogenes (MTCC 657), and Shigella flexneri (MTCC 1475). This research combines the inherent antimicrobial activity of silver metals with the A. leucophloea extract, yielding antibacterial activity-enhanced AgNPs. This new biomimetic approach using traditional medicinal plant (A. leucophloea) barks to synthesize biocompatible antibacterial AgNPs could easily be scaled up for additional biomedical applications. These polydisperse AgNPs green-synthesized via A. leucophloea bark extract can readily be used in many applications not requiring high uniformity in particle size or shape.
104 citations
TL;DR: Providencia sp.
83 citations
TL;DR: In vitro drug release profiles showed enhanced release profiles for thin films compared to pure drug and Antibacterial activity was found to be dose dependent and maximum susceptibility was found on Klebsiella pneumonia making this preparation more suitable for respiratory infections.
TL;DR: In this paper, a UV-Vis spectrum of the aqueous medium containing silver nanoparticles demonstrated a peak at 458 nm corresponding to the plasmon absorbance of rapidly synthesized silver nanoparticle that was characterized by UV spectrophotometer.
TL;DR: It is evident that Lactuca runcinata contains various phytocomponents and is recommended as a plant of phytopharmaceutical importance.
Abstract: Background: The presence of phytochemical constitutes has been reported from species of the Compositae (Asteraceae). Hitherto no reports exist on the phytochemical components and biological activity of Lactuca runcinata DC. Objective: The present study was designed to determine the bioactive compounds in the whole plant methanol extract of Lactuca runcinata. Materials and Methods: Phytochemical screening of the entire herb of Lactuca runcinata DC revealed the presence of some bio-active components. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the whole plant methanol extract of Lactuca runcinata was performed on a GC-MS equipment (Thermo Scientific Co.) Thermo GC-TRACE ultra ver.: 5.0, Thermo MS DSQ II. Results: The phytochemical tests showed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, phlobatannin, reducing sugars, saponins, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, volatile oils, carbohydrates, and protein/amino acids in methanolic extract of L. runcinata . The GC-MS analysis has shown the presence of different phytochemical compounds in the methanolic extract of Lactuca runcinata . A total of 21 compounds were identified representing 84.49% of total methanolic extract composition. Conclusion: From the results, it is evident that Lactuca runcinata contains various phytocomponents and is recommended as a plant of phytopharmaceutical importance.
TL;DR: Only SBER3 isolate was able to metabolize wide range of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and other hydrocarbon used in the study i.e. anthracene, naphthalene, benzene, toluene and xylene on minimal salt basal medium (MSB) as sole source of carbon and energy.
TL;DR: In this article, cow dung was used as the substrate for the production of alkaline protease by Bacillus cereus strain AT, and the enzyme was stable over a temperature range of 40-50°C and pH 6-9.
TL;DR: The results showed that the plants used for the study are the richest source for antimicrobial proteins and peptides and they may be used for industrial extraction and isolation of antimicrobial compounds which may find a place in medicine industry as constituents of antibiotics.
TL;DR: The use of Triphala and its three individual constituents as potential immunostimulants and/or immunosuppressants further suggests them to be a better alternative for allopathic immunomodulators.
Abstract: The role of plant extracts and Ayurvedic polyherbal preparations in treating various ailments has been acknowledged since time immemorial. Studies based on the effect of these extracts in treatment of different diseases have also been well documented. Indian medicinal literature also emphasizes the synergistic effect of polyherbal drugs in restoring and rejuvenating immune system. This review focuses on the immunomodulatory potential of the polyherbal preparation, Triphala and its three constituents, Terminalia bellerica, Terminalia chebula and Emblica officinalis. The role of Triphala and its extract has been emphasized in stimulating neutrophil function. Under stress condition such as noise, Triphala significantly prevents elevation of IL-4 levels as well as corrects decreased IL-2 and IFN-γ levels. Under the condition of inflammatory stress its immunosuppressive activity is attributed to its inhibitory action on complement system, humoral immunity, cell mediated immunity and mitogen-induced T-lymphocyte proliferation. The aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the individual constituents reportedly enhance especially the macrophage activation due to their free radical scavenging activity and the ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species. This study thus concludes the use of Triphala and its three individual constituents as potential immunostimulants and/or immunosuppressants further suggests them to be a better alternative for allopathic immunomodulators.
TL;DR: This study suggests that supplementation of astaxanthin at 50 and 100 mg kg(-1) with the basal diet significantly promotes the growth restores hematology and modulates the immune system in C. carpio against A. hydrophila.
TL;DR: This study clearly shows that all the elicitors had the potential to increase the accumulation of psoralen but the A. niger elicitor at 1.0% v/v induced maximum accumulation.
TL;DR: The results propose the effectiveness of capsaicin in down-regulating VEGF expression in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells in hypoxic environment and advocate the candidature of capsicin in exclusively targeting angiogenesis by down- Regulating V EGF in tumor cells to achieve more efficient and cogent therapy of resistant NSCLC.
Abstract: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite decades of research, the treatment options for lung cancer patients remain inadequate, either to offer a cure or even a substantial survival advantage owing to its intrinsic resistance to chemotherapy. Our results propose the effectiveness of capsaicin in down-regulating VEGF expression in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells in hypoxic environment. Capsaicin-treatment re-activated p53-SMAR1 positive feed-back loop in these cells to persuade p53-mediated HIF-1α degradation and SMAR1-induced repression of Cox-2 expression that restrained HIF-1α nuclear localization. Such signal-modulations consequently down regulated VEGF expression to thwart endothelial cell migration and network formation, pre-requisites of angiogenesis in tumor micro-environment. The above results advocate the candidature of capsaicin in exclusively targeting angiogenesis by down-regulating VEGF in tumor cells to achieve more efficient and cogent therapy of resistant NSCLC.
TL;DR: Results suggest that this pectin-CLEA is potentially usable in industrial applications and retained 55% initial activity and glutaraldehyde-CLEAs retained only 29%Initial activity upon 10 consecutive uses.
Abstract: Pectin cross-linked enzyme aggregates (pectin-CLEAs) of glucoamylase were prepared for the first time with pectin as cross-linking agent. Pectin as a biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic, renewable and macromolecular cross-linker was used instead of traditional micro-molecular glutaraldehyde cross-linker. The cross-linker was prepared by controlled sodium metaperiodate oxidation of native pectin. The effects of precipitant type, amount of precipitant and cross-linking on activity recovery of glucoamylase in pectin-CLEAs were studied. After aggregation of glucoamylase with ammonium sulphate, when formed aggregates were cross-linked by pectin, 83% activity recovery was achieved in pectin-CLEAs, whereas when cross-linked by traditional cross-linker glutaraldehyde, 64% activity recovery was achieved in glutaraldehyde-CLEAs. After formation of pectin-CLEAs and glutaraldehyde-CLEAs, the optimum temperature for glucoamylase activity was shifted from 50 to 55 °C. The free enzyme and pectin-CLEAs displayed an optimal pH of 5, whereas the optimal pH of glutaraldehyde-CLEAs was shifted to pH 6. Compared with the free enzyme and glutaraldehyde-CLEAs, lower inactivation rate constant of glucoamylase in pectin-CLEAs within the temperature range of 50–70 °C was observed. Moreover, the activation energy required for denaturation of glucoamylase in pectin-CLEAs was higher than glutaraldehyde-CLEAs and free enzyme. Kinetic studies show that the Km and Vmax of glucoamylase remained unchanged after pectin-CLEAs formation, whereas Km was increased and Vmax was decreased after glutaraldehyde-CLEAs formation. Finally upon 10 consecutive uses, pectin-CLEAs retained 55% initial activity and glutaraldehyde-CLEAs retained only 29% initial activity. These results suggest that this pectin-CLEA is potentially usable in industrial applications.
TL;DR: 'Indian Bison Type' was the dominant biotype, irrespective of domestic livestock species and the geographical zone, and bio-load of MAP was high in farm animals.
Abstract: Bio-load and bio-profile of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis was studied in the domestic livestock population of the country. Of the 23,429 farm and farmer's animals screened, average bio-load was 23.3% (Period of study; 28 years for goats; 13 years for sheep, cattle and buffaloes). Species-wise, bio-load was 20.1, 32.7, 39.3 and 28.3% in goats, sheep, cattle and buffaloes, respectively. Bio-load was significantly lower in time period A (P < 0.001) and B (P < 0.03), compared with period C. Geographical zone-wise, bio-load of MAP was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Central zone compared with South, West, East and North zones. Bio-load in 11 states ranged from 16.2 to 87.8%. Of 8450, 5643, 8185 and 1151 samples screened by microscopy, culture, indigenous ELISA and IS900 blood PCR, 20.0, 10.6, 35.1 and 26.6% samples were positive, respectively. Bio-load was 32.8 and 31.6% in farm and farmer's goats and sheep, respectively, and 62.1% in farmer's cattle. MAP bio-load was also monitored in four farm units (three goats and one sheep) for breed improvement and three farm goats units for experimental purposes at Central Institute for Research on Goats in Mathura district. Of the 8025 goats and 1525 sheep that died from 1988 to 2013, 10.9 and 3.0% deaths were due to JD, respectively. On the basis of JD and suspected JD, 10.0 and 28.4% goats and 2.2 and 40.9% sheep, respectively were culled from the farm units in 25 years. Microscopic examination of 214 tissues (mesenteric lymph nodes and intestines) of 107 animals, it was observed that bio-load of MAP was high (25.0-60.0%) in farm animals. 'Indian Bison Type' was the dominant biotype, irrespective of domestic livestock species and the geographical zone.
TL;DR: The oil has a maximum zone of inhibition ability against Corynebacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumonia and Enterobacter aerogenes and the antibacterial activity of essential oil has pronounced by Disc Diffusion Method against various pathogenic microbes.
Abstract: Objective: This study is designed to extract and examine chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of the hydro-distillated essential oil of Murraya koenigii leaves from the south region of Tamilnadu, India. Matherials and Methods: Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the essential oil result was indicates the 33 different compounds representing 97.56 % of the total oil. Results: Major compounds detected in the oil were Linalool (32.83%), Elemol (7.44%), Geranyl acetate (6.18%), Myrcene (6.12%), Allo-Ocimene (5.02), α-Terpinene (4.9%), and (E)-β-Ocimene (3.68%) and Neryl acetate (3.45%). From the identified compounds, they were classified into four groups that are oxygenated monoterpenes (72.15%), monoterpene hydrocarbons (11.81%), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (10.48%) and sesquiterpenes hydrocarbons (03.12%). The antibacterial activity of essential oil has pronounced by Disc Diffusion Method against various pathogenic microbes. Conclusion: The oil has a maximum zone of inhibition ability against Corynebacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumonia and Enterobacter aerogenes. The antioxidant profile of the sample was determined by different test systems. In all the systems, essential oil showed a strongest activity profile within the concentration range.
TL;DR: The ability to predict surface accessibility of hydrophobic residues directly from the sequence is of great help in choosing the sites of chemical modification or specific mutations and in the studies of protein stability and molecular interactions.
Abstract: The analysis of protein structures provides plenty of information about the factors governing the folding and stability of proteins, the preferred amino acids in the protein environment, the location of the residues in the interior/surface of a protein and so forth. In general, hydrophobic residues such as Val, Leu, Ile, Phe, and Met tend to be buried in the interior and polar side chains exposed to solvent. The present work depends on sequence as well as structural information of the protein and aims to understand nature of hydrophobic residues on the protein surfaces. It is based on the nonredundant data set of 218 monomeric proteins. Solvent accessibility of each protein was determined using NACCESS software and then obtained the homologous sequences to understand how well solvent exposed and buried hydrophobic residues are evolutionarily conserved and assigned the confidence scores to hydrophobic residues to be buried or solvent exposed based on the information obtained from conservation score and knowledge of flanking regions of hydrophobic residues. In the absence of a three-dimensional structure, the ability to predict surface accessibility of hydrophobic residues directly from the sequence is of great help in choosing the sites of chemical modification or specific mutations and in the studies of protein stability and molecular interactions.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Exposure to sodium arsenite and mercuric chloride lead to more pronounced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity while lead acetate caused significant alterations in haem synthesis pathway compared to two other thiol binding metal/metalloid.
Abstract: Globally, arsenic, mercury and lead constitutes as the three most hazardous environmental toxicants perturbing imbalance in pro—oxidant and antioxidant homeostasis. Individual toxicity of these environmental toxicants is well known but there is lack of comparative data on variables indicative of oxidative stress. We thus investigated the effects of chronic exposure to sodium arsenite, mercuric chloride and lead acetate on blood and tissue oxidative stress, metal concentration and metallothionein (MT) contents. Male rats were exposed to sodium arsenite, mercuric chloride and lead acetate (0.05 mg/kg each, orally, once daily) for 6 months. Arsenic, mercury and lead exposure led to a significant inhibition of blood δ—aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity and glutathione level supported by increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS). The level of inhibition was more pronounced in case of lead followed by mercury and arsenic. These metals/ metalloid significantly increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity accompanied by a decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG) levels in blood and tissues. Mercury alone produced a significant induction of hepatic and renal MT concentrations. Serum transaminases, lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activities increased significantly on exposure to arsenic and mercury exposure suggesting liver injury which was less pronounced in case of lead exposure. These biochemical alterations were supported by increased arsenic, mercury and lead concentrations in blood and soft tissues. The present study suggests that exposure to sodium arsenite and mercuric chloride lead to more pronounced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity while lead acetate caused significant alterations in haem synthesis pathway compared to two other thiol binding metal/metalloid.
TL;DR: The study suggests that T. ammi and F. vulgare seed extracts could contribute as a highly significant bioresource of antioxidants to be used in the authors' day-to-day life and in food and pharmaceutical industry.
Abstract: Oxidation of biomolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids results in generation of free radicals in an organism which is the major cause of onset of various degenerative diseases. Antioxidants scavenge these free radicals, thereby protecting the cell from damage. The present study was designed to examine the free radical scavenging potential and oxidative DNA damage preventive activity of traditionally used spices Trachyspermum ammi L. (carom) and Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (fennel). The aqueous, methanolic, and acetonic extracts of T. ammi and F. vulgare seeds were prepared using soxhlet extraction assembly and subjected to qualitative and quantitative estimation of phytochemical constituents. Free radical scavenging potential was investigated using standard methods, namely, DPPH radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay along with the protection against oxidative DNA damage. The results stated that acetonic seed extracts (AAcSE and FAcSE) of both the spices possessed comparatively high amount of total phenolics whereas methanolic seed extracts (AMSE and FMSE) were found to have highest amount of total flavonoids. At 1 mg/mL concentration, highest DPPH radical scavenging activity was shown by FMSE (96.2%), AAcSE was recorded with highest FRAP value (2270.27 ± 0.005 μmol/L), and all the seed extracts have been shown to mitigate the damage induced by Fenton reaction on calf thymus DNA. Therefore, the study suggests that T. ammi and F. vulgare seed extracts could contribute as a highly significant bioresource of antioxidants to be used in our day-to-day life and in food and pharmaceutical industry.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: A simple and eco-friendly biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Pomegranate peel extract as the reducing agent from 1 mM AgNO 3 had been investigated in this paper, which was characterized by UV-Vis spectrum, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) analysis.
Abstract: In this report a simple and eco-friendly biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Pomegranate peel extract as the reducing agent from 1 mM AgNO 3 had been investigated. The formation of silver nanoparticles was characterized by UV-Vis spectrum, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) analysis. The UV-Vis spectra results show a strong resonance centered on the surface of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at 371 nm. The Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy spectral study demonstrates pomegranate peel extract acted as the reducing agent. The scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis shows nanoparticles with the average particles size ranges about 5-50 nm. Further the antibacterial activity of AgNPs was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus , Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli pathogens. This route is rapid, simple, without any hazardous chemicals as reducing or stabilizing agents and economical to synthesize AgNPs.
TL;DR: The analysis of genetic alterations in the D-loop region might help to identify patients at high risk for bad progression, thereby helping to refine therapeutic decisions in breast cancer.
Abstract: Background Mitochondrial displacement loop (D-loop) is the hot spot for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alterations which influence the generation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Association of D-loop alterations with breast cancer has been reported in few ethnic groups; however none of the reports were documented from Indian subcontinent. Methodology We screened the entire mitochondrial D-loop region (1124 bp) of breast cancer patients (n = 213) and controls (n = 207) of south Indian origin by PCR-sequencing analysis. Haplotype frequencies for significant loci, the standardized disequilibrium coefficient (D') for pair-wise linkage disequilibrium (LD) were assessed by Haploview Software. Principal findings We identified 7 novel mutations and 170 reported polymorphisms in the D-loop region of patients and/or controls. Polymorphisms were predominantly located in hypervariable region I (60%) than in II (30%) of D-loop region. The frequencies of 310'C' insertion (P = 0.018), T16189C (P = 0.0019) variants and 310'C'ins/16189C (P = 0.00019) haplotype were significantly higher in cases than in controls. Furthermore, strong LD was observed between nucleotide position 310 and 16189 in controls (D' = 0.49) as compared to patients (D' = 0.14). Conclusions Mitochondrial D-loop alterations may constitute inherent risk factors for breast cancer development. The analysis of genetic alterations in the D-loop region might help to identify patients at high risk for bad progression, thereby helping to refine therapeutic decisions in breast cancer.
TL;DR: The present results suggest that infected fish fed with 1% chitin or chitosan enriched diet modulates the immune system conferring disease resistance in C. mrigala against A. invadans.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used an enrichment culture technique to isolate bacteria and fungi from sites contaminated with heavy metals for higher tolerance and removal from wastewater, which indicated the potential of these identified fungi and bacteria as biosorbent for removal of high concentration metals from wastewater and industrial effluents.
Abstract: Microorganisms including fungi and bacteria have been reported to extract heavy metals from wastewater through bioaccumulation and biosorption. An attempt was, therefore, made to isolate bacteria and fungi from sites contaminated with heavy metals for higher tolerance and removal from wastewater. Bacterial and fungal isolates were obtained from the samples collected from Karnal, Ambala and Yamunanagar districts of Haryana using enrichment culture technique. Bacterial and fungal isolates with tolerant up to 100 ppm concentration of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr) were tested for their removal from liquid media containing 50 ppm concentration of Pb, Cd and Cr each. Five fungi (Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspegillus nidulans, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus arrhizus, Trichoderma viride) were also included in this study. Fungi Aspergillus nidulans, Rhizopus arrhizus and Trichoderma viride showed maximum uptake capacity of 25.67 mg/g for Pb, 13.15 mg/g for Cd and 2.55 mg/g of Cr, respectively. The maximum uptake capacity of tolerant bacterial isolates - BPb12 and BPb16, BCd5 and BCr14 were observed to be ~ 45 mg/g for Pb, 2.12 mg/g for Cd and 3.29 mg/g for Cr, respectively. This indicated the potential of these identified fungi and bacteria as biosorbent for removal of high concentration metals from wastewater and industrial effluents.