Showing papers by "Department of Biotechnology published in 2017"

Nitric Oxide Ameliorates Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Phytotoxicity in Wheat Seedlings: Implication of the Ascorbate-Glutathione Cycle.

Abstract: The present study investigates ameliorative effect of nitric oxide (NO) against zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) phytotoxicity in wheat seedlings. ZnONPs exposure hampered growth of wheat seedlings which was coincided with reduced photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm and qP) due to increased accumulation of zinc (Zn) in xylem and phloem saps. However, SNP supplementation has partially mitigated the ZnONPs-mediated toxicity by modulation of photosynthetic activity and Zn accumulation in xylem and phloem sap. Further, the results reveal that ZnONPs treatments enhanced level of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hence lipid peroxidation (as malondialdehyde; MDA) due to severely inhibited activities of the ascorbate-glutatione cycle (AsA-GSH) enzymes: ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), and its associated metabolites: reduced ascorbate and glutathione. In contrast to this, the addition of SNP together with ZnONPs maintained the cellular functioning of the AsA-GSH cycle properly, hence lesser damage was noticed in comparison to ZnONPs treatments alone. The protective effect of SNP against ZnONPs toxicity on fresh weight (growth) can be reversed by 2-(4carboxy-2-phenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl- imidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide, a NO scavenger, suggesting role of NO released from SNP in ameliorating ZnONPs toxicity. Overall the results of the present study have shown about implication of NO in the reducing ZnONPs toxicity through the regulation of accumulation of Zn, and functioning of the AsA-GSH cycle.

Frequently asked questions about chlorophyll fluorescence, the sequel

Abstract: Using chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence many aspects of the photosynthetic apparatus can be studied, both in vitro and, noninvasively, in vivo. Complementary techniques can help to interpret changes in the Chl a fluorescence kinetics. Kalaji et al. (Photosynth Res 122:121–158, 2014a) addressed several questions about instruments, methods and applications based on Chl a fluorescence. Here, additional Chl a fluorescence-related topics are discussed again in a question and answer format. Examples are the effect of connectivity on photochemical quenching, the correction of F V /F M values for PSI fluorescence, the energy partitioning concept, the interpretation of the complementary area, probing the donor side of PSII, the assignment of bands of 77 K fluorescence emission spectra to fluorescence emitters, the relationship between prompt and delayed fluorescence, potential problems when sampling tree canopies, the use of fluorescence parameters in QTL studies, the use of Chl a fluorescence in biosensor applications and the application of neural network approaches for the analysis of fluorescence measurements. The answers draw on knowledge from different Chl a fluorescence analysis domains, yielding in several cases new insights.

Strategies for Fermentation Medium Optimization: An In-Depth Review.

Abstract: Optimization of production medium is required to maximize the metabolite yield. This can be achieved by using a wide range of techniques from classical "one-factor-at-a-time" to modern statistical and mathematical techniques, viz. artificial neural network (ANN), genetic algorithm (GA) etc. Every technique comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, and despite drawbacks some techniques are applied to obtain best results. Use of various optimization techniques in combination also provides the desirable results. In this article an attempt has been made to review the currently used media optimization techniques applied during fermentation process of metabolite production. Comparative analysis of the merits and demerits of various conventional as well as modern optimization techniques have been done and logical selection basis for the designing of fermentation medium has been given in the present review. Overall, this review will provide the rationale for the selection of suitable optimization technique for media designing employed during the fermentation process of metabolite production.

Biobutanol – An impending biofuel for future: A review on upstream and downstream processing tecniques

Abstract: Driven by the increase in industrialization and population, the global demand for energy and material products is steadily growing. Since the world primary sources for energy and chemicals are fossil fuels, this growth raises significant issues at environmental, economic and social levels. To meet the increasing demand of energy sources, biomass resources are extremely promising. For the sustainable production of renewable energy, the production of biobutanol through ABE fermentation was investigated by upstream and downstream processing techniques. ABE fermentation was achieved using Clostridium species whose genes help in the conversion of biomass into butanol. Further, genetic engineering techniques are used to modify these organisms to increase the yield of butanol. Biobutanol is found to be efficient fuel compared to other known biofuels both by physical and chemical properties. In order to accomplish the increasing demand of this fuel; selection of species, identification of subtrates, pre-treatment, genetic engineering techniques and various downstream processing techniques (pervaporation, gas stripping, etc.) are inculcated which are been discussed in this review. This review also focuses on economics of biobutanol across the globe.

Functional Characterization of Endophytic Fungal Community Associated with Oryza sativa L. and Zea mays L.

Abstract: In a natural ecosystem, the plant is in a symbiotic relationship with beneficial endophytes contributing huge impact on its host plant. Therefore, exploring beneficial endophytes and understanding its interaction is a prospective area of research. The present work aims to characterize the fungal endophytic communities associated with healthy maize and rice plants and to study the deterministic factors influencing plant growth and biocontrol properties against phytopathogens, viz, Pythium ultimum, Sclerotium oryzae, Rhizoctonia solani, and Pyricularia oryzae. A total of 123 endophytic fungi was isolated using the culture-dependent approach from different tissue parts of the plant. Most dominating fungal endophyte associated with both the crops belong to genus Fusarium, Sarocladium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium and their occurrence was not tissue specific. The isolates were screened for in vitro plant growth promotion, stress tolerance, disease suppressive mechanisms and based on the results, each culture from both the cereal crops was selected for further study. Acremonium sp. (ENF 31) and Penicillium simplicisssum (ENF22), isolated from maize and rice respectively could potentially inhibit the growth of all the tested pathogens with 46.47 ± 0.16 mm to 60.09 ± 0.04 mm range zone of inhibition for ENF31 and 35.48 ± 0.14 to 62.29 ± 0.15 mm for ENF22. Both significantly produce the defensive enzymes, ENF31 could tolerate a wide range of pH from 2 to 12, very important criteria, for studying plant growth in different soil types, especially acidic as it is widely prevalent here, making more land unsuitable for cultivation. ENF22 grows in pH range 3-12, with 10% salt tolerating ability, another factor of consideration. Study of root colonization during 7th to 30th days of growth phase reveals that ENF31 could colonize pleasantly in rice, though a maize origin, ranging from 1.02 to 1.21 log10 CFU/g root and in maize, it steadily colonizes ranging from 0.95 to 1.18 log10 CFU, while ENF22 could colonize from 0.98 to 1.24 Log10CFU/g root in rice and 1.01 to 1.24Log10CFU/g root in maize, just the reverse observed in Acremonium sp. Therefore, both the organism has the potency of a promising Bio-resource agent, that we must definitely explore to fill the gap in the agriculture industry.

A review on characterization and bioremediation of pharmaceutical industries’ wastewater: an Indian perspective

Abstract: During the past few decades, pharmaceutical industries have registered a quantum jump contributing to high economic growth, but simultaneously it has also given rise to severe environmental pollution Untreated or allegedly treated pharmaceutical industrial wastewater (PIWW) creates a need for time to time assessment and characterization of discharged wastewater as per the standards provided by the regulatory authorities To control environmental pollution, pharmaceutical industries use different treatment plans to treat and reuse wastewater The characterization of PIWW using advanced and coupled techniques has progressed to a much advanced level, but in view of new developments in drug manufacture for emerging diseases and the complexities associated with them, better sophisticated instrumentation and methods of treatment are warranted The bioremediation process to treat PIWW has undergone more intense investigation in recent decade This results in the complete mineralization of pharmaceutical industries’ wastewater and no waste product is obtained Moreover, high efficiency and low operation cost prove it to be an effective tool for the treatment of PIWW The present review focuses on the characterization as well as bioremediation aspects of PIWW

A review: Natural products from plant associated endophytic fungi

Abstract: This review describes information on the role of endophytic microorganisms and some of naturally occurring bioactive compounds obtained from endophytic fungi isolated from various host plants. In the recent past years, a great deal of information on the role of endophytes in nature has been collected. The main topics addressed are isolation of endophytes, host endophyte relationship, fungal endophyte, their diversity, physiological role of endophyte, biological activities and chemistry. Key words: Endophytic microorganisms, biological activity, endophyte diversity, antioxidation activity.

Application of pretreatment, fermentation and molecular techniques for enhancing bioethanol production from grass biomass – A review

Abstract: Grasses as lignocellulose biomass are promising feed stocks for renewable bioethanol production, since these raw materials have high productivity, require low agricultural inputs, have positive environmental impacts, are easy to process and do not compete with the food crops. However, bioethanol production from grass biomass requires efficient pre-treatment, enzymatic hydrolysis and microbial fermentation processes which varies with types of grass species and the microorganisms used. Pretreatment is an important process for delignification of lignocellulose biomass and is dependent on the type of lignin present in the biomass and the degradation pathway employed for removal of the specific type of lignin. Further, enzymatic hydrolysis converts the cellulose and hemicellulose into monomers, making it feasible for the fermenting microorganisms to convert it into bioethanol where use of improved strain and biomass can yield higher ethanol on industrial scale. This review paper presents an overview of the types of grass species, their composition and cultivation practices, fermentation process used for bioethanol production and genetic tools used for improvement in bioethanol production from grass biomass on a sustainable basis. The current knowledge and future prospect for industrial bioethanol production from grass biomass along with its economic aspects have also been discussed in this review.

In vitro meat: A future animal-free harvest

Abstract: In vitro meat production is a novel idea of producing meat without involving animals with the help of tissue engineering techniques. This biofabrication of complex living products by using various bioengineering techniques is a potential solution to reduce the ill effects of current meat production systems and can dramatically transform traditional animal-based agriculture by inventing “animal-free” meat and meat products. Nutrition-related diseases, food-borne illnesses, resource use and pollution, and use of farm animals are some serious consequences associated with conventional meat production methods. This new way of animal-free meat production may offer health and environmental advantages by reducing environmental pollution and resource use associated with current meat production systems and will also ensure sustainable production of designer, chemically safe, and disease-free meat as the conditions in an in vitro meat production system are controllable and manipulatable. Theoretically, this ...

Survey of High Throughput RNA-Seq Data Reveals Potential Roles for lncRNAs during Development and Stress Response in Bread Wheat.

Abstract: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a family of regulatory RNAs that play essential role in the various developmental processes and stress responses. Recent advances in sequencing technology and computational methods enabled identification and characterization of lncRNAs in certain plant species, but they are less known in Triticum aestivum (bread wheat). Herein, we analyzed 52 RNA seq data (>30 billion reads) and identified 44,698 lncRNAs in T. aestivum genome, which were characterized in comparison to the coding sequences (mRNAs). Similar to the mRNAs, lncRNAs were also derived from each sub-genome and chromosome, and showed tissue developmental stage specific and differential expression, as well. The modulated expression of lncRNAs during abiotic stresses like heat, drought and salt indicated their putative role in stress response. The co-expression of lncRNAs with vital mRNAs including various transcription factors and enzymes involved in Abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis, and gene ontology mapping inferred their regulatory roles in numerous biological processes. A few lncRNAs were predicted as precursor (19 lncRNAs), while some as target mimics (1047 lncRNAs) of known miRNAs involved in various regulatory functions. The results suggested numerous functions of lncRNAs in T. aestivum, and unfolded the opportunities for functional characterization of individual lncRNA in future studies.

Clinical, Prognostic and Therapeutic Significance of Heat Shock Proteins in Cancer.

Abstract: Background Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) constitute a group of proteins that play a crucial role in the process of protein folding. HSPs are also known to modulate a number of key apoptotic factors. High expression of these proteins is reported in an array of cancers, such as breast, prostate, colorectal, lung, ovarian, gastric, oral and esophageal cancer. Ample amount of investigations were carried out on a variety of cancers suggesting HSPs as a promising hallmark in cancers. Their expression profile in several tumors elucidates that they help in proliferation, invasion, metastasis and death of cancerous cells. Detection of the levels of heat shock proteins and their specific antibodies in the sera of diseased individuals can play an important role in cancer diagnosis. Objectives This review will present and summarize latest research being carried out on heat shock proteins. It will also highlight the clinical and prognostic features of HSP27, HSP60, HSP70, HSP90 and HSP110, and will discuss future implications of HSPs in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. Furthermore, the role of heat shock proteins as a therapeutic target in cancer will be discussed. In addition, the review article will report various studies, where HSPs have been targeted for their therapeutic potential. Conclusion In summary, multiple experimental investigations have been successful in suggesting the role of heat shock protein as a clinical biomarker and therapeutic target in cancer. HSPs are associated with a number of cancer hallmarks such as cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Inhibition of HSPs has resulted in successful therapeutic outcome in cancer. It has served as a novel anti-cancer therapy for the treatment of several cancer forms. However, more experimental studies are required to elucidate the reliability and efficacy of heat shock proteins in combination with other conventional markers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Novel and effective interventions through HSP inhibition are expected to decrease the burden of cancer in the near future.

Microbial Enzymatic Degradation of Biodegradable Plastics.

Abstract: Background The renewable feedstock derived biodegradable plastics are important in various industries such as packaging, agricultural, paper coating, garbage bags and biomedical implants The increasing water and waste pollution due to the available decomposition methods of plastic degradation have led to the emergence of biodegradable plastics and biological degradation with microbial (bacteria and fungi) extracellular enzymes The microbes utilize biodegradable polymers as the substrate under starvation and in unavailability of microbial nutrients Microbial enzymatic degradation is suitable from bioremediation point of view as no waste accumulation occurs Methods It is important to understand the microbial interaction and mechanism involved in the enzymatic degradation of biodegradable plastics under the influence of several environmental factors such as applied pH, thermo-stability, substrate molecular weight and/or complexity To study the surface erosion of polymer film is another approach for hydrolytic degradation characteristion Results The degradation of biopolymer is associated with the production of low molecular weight monomer and generation of carbon dioxide, methane and water molecule This review reported the degradation study of various existing biodegradable plastics along with the potent degrading microbes (bacteria and fungi) Patents available on plastic biodegradation with biotechnological significance is also summarized in this paper Conclusion This paper assesses that new disposal technique should be adopted for the degradation of polymers and further research is required for the economical production of biodegradable plastics along with their enzymatic degradation

PI3K/Akt/mTOR Intracellular Pathway and Breast Cancer: Factors, Mechanism and Regulation.

Abstract: Background: The most recurrent and considered second most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide in women is the breast cancer. The key to diagnosis is early prediction and a curable stage but still treatment remains a great clinical challenge. Origin of the Problem: A number of studies have been carried out for the treatment of breast cancer which includes the targeted therapies and increased survival rates in women. Essential PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway activation has been observed in most breast cancers. The cell growth and tumor development in such cases involve phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex intracellular pathway. Hypothesis: Through preclinical and clinical trials, it has been observed that there are a number of other inhibitors of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, which either alone or in combination with cytotoxic agents can be used for endocrine therapies. Conclusion: Structure and regulation/deregulation of mTOR provides a greater insight into the action mechanism. Also, through this review, one could easily scan first and second generation inhibitors for PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway besides targeted therapies for breast cancer and the precise role of mTOR.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from Spirulina microalgae and its antibacterial activity.

Abstract: The present work focuses on a low-cost, simple, and green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by mixing AgNO3 solution with the extract of Spirulina platensis (SP) without any chemical reducing and/or capping agents. The green synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed by the color change from colorless to yellowish brown. The biosynthesis of AgNPs was further confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), biological transmission electron microscopy (Bio-TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The UV-vis spectroscopy results showed the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of AgNPs around 450 nm. Bio-TEM analysis revealed that the Ag nanoparticles were well dispersed with average range of 5-50 nm. XRD results indicated that the green synthetic process produced face-centered cubic structure of AgNPs. FT-IR spectroscopy analysis showed that the bioactive molecules from the SP extract believed to be the responsible for the reduction of Ag ions. Furthermore, the synthesized AgNPs were evaluated against pathogens such as Staphylococcus sp. and Klebsiella sp. The AgNPs (1-4 mM) extensively reduced the growth rate of the pathogens.

Nanoparticles as Efflux Pump and Biofilm Inhibitor to Rejuvenate Bactericidal Effect of Conventional Antibiotics

Abstract: The universal problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotic reflects a serious threat for physicians to control infections. Evolution in bacteria results in the development of various complex resistance mechanisms to neutralize the bactericidal effect of antibiotics, like drug amelioration, target modification, membrane permeability reduction, and drug extrusion through efflux pumps. Efflux pumps acquire a wide range of substrate specificity and also the tremendous efficacy for drug molecule extrusion outside bacterial cells. Hindrance in the functioning of efflux pumps may rejuvenate the bactericidal effect of conventional antibiotics. Efflux pumps also play an important role in the exclusion or inclusion of quorum-sensing biomolecules responsible for biofilm formation in bacterial cells. This transit movement of quorum-sensing biomolecules inside or outside the bacterial cells may get interrupted by impeding the functioning of efflux pumps. Metallic nanoparticles represent a potential candidate to block efflux pumps of bacterial cells. The application of nanoparticles as efflux pump inhibitors will not only help to revive the bactericidal effect of conventional antibiotics but will also assist to reduce biofilm-forming capacity of microbes. This review focuses on a novel and fascinating application of metallic nanoparticles in synergy with conventional antibiotics for efflux pump inhibition.

In vitro antioxidant and anticancer activity of Leea indica leaf extracts on human prostate cancer cell lines

Abstract: Background To determine the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of Leea indica leaf extracts on DU-145 and PC-3 human prostate cancer cell lines. Methods Leaf sample was subjected to Soxhlet extraction method with increasing polarity of solvents, namely, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol, and aqueous. Phytochemical screening was done using different biochemical tests. Quantitative analysis for phenol was determined by Folin–Ciocalteu reagent method. The antioxidant activity was tested using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ferric ion reducing power assay, and phosphomolybdenum assay. In vitro anticancer activity on DU-145 and PC-3 human prostate cancer cell lines was evaluated by (3-(4, 5-dimethyl thiazole-2yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) MTT assay. Results Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of phyto-constituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, lignins, saponins, sterols, tannins, anthraquinone, and reducing sugar. Methanol and ethanol extracts exhibited higher phenolic content as compare to aqueous extract. Antioxidant capacities were shown highest in methanol and ethanol extracts based on the test performed. The methanol and ethanol leaf extracts were found to be selectively cytotoxic in vitro to (DU-145 and PC-3) prostate cancer cell lines with IC 50 values 529.44±42.07μg/mL and 677.11±37.01μg/mL for DU-145 and 547.55±33.52μg/mL and 631.99±50.24μg/mL for PC-3 respectively, while it had no cytotoxic effect on normal mice embryo fibroblast cells. Conclusion The results indicate that Leea indica was a promising antioxidant and anticancer agent for DU-145 and PC-3 human prostate cancer cell lines. However, further studies are needed to conclude its therapeutic use.