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.

Bio-inspired ZnO nanoparticles from Ocimum tenuiflorum and their in vitro antioxidant activity

Abstract: Nanobiotechnology is emerging as a rapid growing field with its applications in nanoscience and technology for the purpose of built-up new materials at the nanoregime. Nanoparticles produced by plant extracts are more stable, and the rate of synthesis is faster than that in the case of other organisms. In this paper we report the biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). Structural, morphological, particle size, and optical properties of the synthesized nanoparticles have been characterized by using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, atomic-force microscopy, zeta potential, X-ray diffraction, and photoluminescence intensity. The UV–Vis spectrum showed an absorption peak at 380 nm that reflects surface plasmon resonance. The optical measurements were attributed to the band gap 3.19 eV at pH 12. The zeta potential value of −36.4 eV revealed the surface charge of green synthesized ZnO NPs. The antioxidant activity was estimated by both 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and reducing power assay. Green synthesized ZnO NPs showed maximum inhibition (65.23 %) and absorbance (0.6 a.u). This approach offers environmentally beneficial alternative by eliminating hazardous chemicals and promotes pollution prevention by the production of nanoparticles in their natural environment.

Estimation of genetic diversity of commercial mango (Mangifera indica L.) cultivars using RAPD markers

Abstract: SummaryFifty mango cultivars were screened using Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers with decamer primers of arbitrary sequence. Out of the 80 primers screened, ten were selected which gave 139 clear and bright fragments. A dendrogram based on Jaccard’s co-efficient of similarity implied a moderate degree of genetic diversity among the cultivars used for experimentation. The hybrids which had one parent in common were placed together. In the cluster, alternate bearers and regular bearers formed separate groups, and the members in each group were very closely linked. Another analysis based on Pearson's co-efficient of similarity revealed a high degree of genetic diversity. In both the analyses, ‘Mulgoa’ was found to be very distinct. This study showed clearly that cultivars from South India unveiled maximum diversity and indicated the potential of RAPD markers for the identification and management of mango germplasm for breeding purposes.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles mediated by Coccinia grandis and Phyllanthus emblica : a comparative comprehension

Abstract: Fruit extracts also have the potentiality to synthesize silver nanoparticles, which serve as antimicrobial agent in the biological field. At present, the field of biomedical largely depends on the biosynthesized NPs to fight against the multi-drug-resistant pathogens. The fruit residue of Coccinia grandis and Phyllanthus emblica are employed for synthesizing AgNPs by green method. The NPs are further subjected to UV, FTIR, SEM, and XRD measurements. The ten different pathogens were tested against the AgNPs synthesized. The same were tested for early growth of some seed variety too, so as to check the advantages of AgNPs. The UV spectrum analysis showed 442 nm and 423 nm, respectively, and FTIR peaks for the functional group that is responsible for the conversion of NPs were observed at 1640.02 for N–H bond amines (Coccinia grandis) and at 1637.45 for N–H bond amines (Phyllanthus emblica). The SEM results also illustrated that AgNPs are spherical in shape. The XRD patterns indicate the crystalline nature of the AgNPs formed with both these plants. The antimicrobial assay of AgNPs from Coccinia grandis shows maximum zone of inhibition (14 mm) for Vibrio cholerae whereas the AgNPs from Phyllanthus emblica show maximum inhibition at distinct points, namely for Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella typhi, and Proteus mirabilis (12 mm). Seed germination initiated by AgNPs is quiet effective and healthier compared to the water-induced seeds. Hence, biogenic AgNPs have various applications in favour of human society.

Plant microRNAs: biogenesis, gene silencing, web-based analysis tools and their use as molecular markers.

Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are tiny (20–24 nt bp) regulatory non-protein-coding RNA molecules that have been extensively characterized and found important for many physiological and developmental processes. The miss-expression of miRNAs leads to various defects in plants. MicroRNAs repress gene expression by directing mRNA degradation or translational arrest. Several proteins such as PP43A, HYL1, DCL, HST are indispensable role players in promoting miRNA biogenesis in plants. During miRNA biogenesis, lariat RNAs are produced as by-products of pre-mRNA splicing which have a negative role in regulation of miRNA homeostasis. By acting as a decoy and by sequestering to the dicing complex, lariat RNA can prevent the processing of miRNAs. A number of bioinformatic tools with different methodologies are available to identify and validate miRNAs and their targets. Many miRNAs have been reported in different crops for different traits; however, no reports are available on their use in plant breeding. Recently, researchers have developed trait specific miRNA-based molecular markers (miRNA-SSRs/SNP) for many quantitative traits in different plant species. In the future, these molecular markers can be used for plant breeding programs. In this review, a comprehensive up-to-date information is provided on the bioinformatic tools used for analysis of plant miRNAs and their targets, the number of miRNAs, their biogenesis, gene silencing mechanism and miRNA-based molecular markers.