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.

GC-MS analysis of bio-active compounds in methanolic extract of Lactuca runcinata DC.

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.

Jatropha curcas L., a multipurpose stress resistant plant with a potential for ethnomedicine and renewable energy.

Abstract: Jatropha curcas is a stress--resistant perennial plant growing on marginal soils. This plant is widespread throughout arid and semiarid tropical regions of the world and has been used as a traditional folk medicine in many countries. J.curcas is a source of several secondary metabolites of medicinal importance. The leaf, fruits, latex and bark contain glycosides, tannins, phytosterols, flavonoids and steroidal sapogenins that exhibit wide ranging medicinal properties. The plant products exhibit anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities. The paper highlights the ability of various metabolites present in the plant to act as therapeutic agents and plant protectants. The plant is designated as an energy plant and use of J.curcas oil as biodiesel is a promising and commercially viable alternative to diesel oil. The seeds of the plant are not only a source of biodiesel but also contain several metabolites of pharmaceutical importance. Commercial exploitation for biopharmaceuticals and bio-energy production are some of the prospective future potential of this plant. Further reclamation of wastelands and dry lands is also possible with J.curcas cultivation.

Magnetic Chitosan-Glutaraldehyde/Zinc Oxide/Fe3O4 Nanocomposite: Optimization and Adsorptive Mechanism of Remazol Brilliant Blue R Dye Removal

Abstract: A magnetic Schiff’s base chitosan-glutaraldehyde/Fe3O4 composite (CHT-GLA/ZnO/Fe3O4) was developed by incorporating zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles into its structure to prepare an efficient adsorbent for the removal of remazol brilliant blue R (RBBR) dye. The CHT-GLA/ZnO/Fe3O4 was characterized by the following methods: CHN, BET, FTIR, XRD, SEM–EDX, pHpzc, and potentiometric titrations. Box-Behnken design based on response surface methodology was used to optimize the effects of the A: ZnO nanoparticles loading (0–50%), B: dose (0.02–0.1 g), C: pH (4–10), D: temperature (30–60 °C), and time E: (10–60 min) on the synthesis of the magnetic adsorbent and the RBBR dye adsorption. The experimental data of kinetics followed the pseudo-second order model, while isotherms showed better fit to Freundlich and Temkin models. The maximum adsorption capacity of the target nanocomposite (CHT-GLA/Fe3O4 containing 25% ZnO or CHT-GLA/ZnO/Fe3O4-25) was reached of 176.6 mg/g at 60 °C. The adsorption mechanism of RBBR onto CHT-GLA/ZnO/Fe3O4 nanocomposite can be attributed to multi-interactions including electrostatic attractions, hydrogen bonding, Yoshida H-bonding, and n-π interactions. This study offers a promising hybrid nanobiomaterial adsorbent in environmental nanotechnology to separate and remove the contaminants such as organic dyes from wastewater.