Department of Biotechnology

About: Department of Biotechnology is a government organization based out in New Delhi, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Silver nanoparticle. The organization has 4800 authors who have published 5033 publications receiving 82022 citations.

Antibacterial activity of nanoparticles from Allium sp

Abstract: The plant material such as garlic and onion used in this study was collected from the nearby grocery, Thingal Nager, Kanyakumari District. The pathogens used in this study such as E.coli, Proteus sp., Klebsiella sp., Staphylococcus sp., Enterobacter sp., Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. were collected from Vivek Laboratory, Nagercoil. The plant material was ground in blender and extracted with distilled water. The plant extract were added with 3-10mm AgNO3 and incubated for the synthesis of plant silver nano particles and it was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy. After that the antimicrobial activity was determined by disc diffusion method. Antibacterial disc were prepared in 5 different concentrations such as 100μl, 200μl, 300μl, 400μl, 500μl respectively. The antimicrobial activity of particles from garlic (16.65±0.10) showed greater activity than particles from onion (12.93±0.15). This study showed that the extract reveals the concentration dependent activity. The study revealed that the silver nano particles from plant extracts could be as a therapeutic agent for human microbial infections. Key words: silver nano particles, pathogens, garlic, onion, antimicrobial activity.

Antidiabetic activity of Basella rubra and its relationship with the antioxidant property

Abstract: Oxidative stress induced by streptozotocin (STZ) has been shown to damage pancreatic beta cell and produce hyperglycemia in rats. In the present study an attempt was made to examine the action of Basella rubra against experimental diabetes as well as the antioxidant potential of the leaf extract. Aqueous extract of Basella rubra (400mg/kg body weight for 30 days) was found to significantly reduce the blood sugar level. The oxidative stress produced by streptozotocin was found to be significantly lowered when compared to control rats. This was evident from a significant decrease in blood sugar level and increased level of liver enzymatic (Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) and non enzymatic antioxidants (vitamin C, E and reduced glutathione). These results indicate that Basella rubra extract effectively reduced the oxidative stress induced by streptozotocin and potential reduction in blood sugar level.

In vitro propagation of Valeriana jatamansi

Abstract: Valeriana jatamansi Jones is an important medicinal plant. This wild herb is being exploited for its roots and rhizomes which contain valepotriates, which are highly effective against leprosy. The aim of this study was to establish a practical method for rapid and large-scale multiplication of V. jatamansi by induction of shoot proliferation from shoot buds. The sterilized explants were established on solid medium supplemented with benzyl adenine alone or in combination with indole-acetic acid or naphthalene acetic acid. The buds cultured on nutrient medium supplemented with BA and IAA or NAA formed shoots, which after 3-4 weeks produced roots on the same medium. One hundred per cent survival was obtained on hardening and field establishment of well rooted shoots.