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.

Irisin/FNDC5--An updated review.

Abstract: Objective The irisin, recently identified novel molecule, has been shown to be secreted from fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (FNDC5) of skeletal muscle by an unknown protease. It has been proposed that this molecule plays an important role in converting the white adipose tissue to brown adipose tissue and regulating the energy expenditure. Apart from this, its expression and role in various other conditions such as inflammation, hippocampal neurogenesis, aging and other metabolic conditions have been reported. However, due to conflicting results, several issues have been raised regarding its expression, cleavage, circulating levels, detection, excretion, designation, etc. Materials and methods Complete literature survey was performed using PubMed database search to gather available information regarding FNDC5/irisin. Results and conclusions The present review discussed on the discovery of irisin, its possible role in physiological and pathological conditions and controversies. It also discussed the current challenges and future perspectives.

Zingiber officinalis an herbal appetizer in the tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon (Fabricius) larviculture

Abstract: Penaeus monodon postlarvae were fed with different percentages (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) of the herbal appetizer Zingiber officinalis enriched Artemia. After 30 days of culture (i.e. PL-1-30), a very positive result was found in Z. officinalis-enriched Artemia-fed postlarvae. The unenriched Artemia-fed postlarvae consumed 91.0 mg/animal/30 days of feed, whereas the Z. officinalis-enriched Artemia increased their consumption to 127.9 mg/animal/30 days. A similar pattern was noticed in feed absorbed (110.2 mg), dry weight growth (26.7 mg) and feed catabolized (83.2 mg) in Z. officinalis-enriched Artemia because of enzymatic activities. The conversion efficiency of unenriched postlarva was 17.19%, whereas in 100% Z. officinalis-enriched Artemia, the maximum conversion efficiency was 20.85%. The net production efficiency increased significantly (P < 0.05) to 22% from that of the unenriched Artemia-fed postlarvae. The administration of Z. officinalis in all levels produced significantly (P < 0.05) higher weight gain and specific growth rate. The utilization efficiency of feed increased proportionately to the percentages of Z. officinalis. Digestive enzyme activity (amylase, protease and lipase) increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the 50%, 75% and 100% enrichment. Among the different percentages of enrichment, the 100% Z. officinalis-enriched Artemia-fed postlarvae performed better in the overall status.

Synthesis and characterization of Solanum nigrum-mediated silver nanoparticles and its protective effect on alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Abstract: Solanum nigrum, a medicinal plant, traditionally used in treating diabetes mellitus. In this study, we used the leaf extract of the plant to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), as a proposition to treat alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The phytosynthesised AgNPs were analyzed using UV–visible and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy for their functional groups. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that, the synthesized particles are found to be 4–25 nm in size. Monodispersed and spherical nature of synthesized AgNPs were shown by scanning electron microscope and the presence of Ag in the AgNPs was confirmed by energy dispersive spectrum. The phytosynthesised AgNPs were evaluated for its antidiabetic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. AgNPs-treated diabetic rats found to be significantly improved the dyslipidemic condition as seen in the diabetic control. Furthermore, it also reduced the blood glucose level over the period of treatment. The improvement in body weight was also found to be evidence for S. nigrum extract-mediated AgNPs as a potential antidiabetic agent against alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Optimization of solid state fermentation conditions for the production of cellulase by Trichoderma reesei.

Abstract: Cellulase production studies have been carried out using the fungal strain Trichoderma reesei NCIM 992 by using three different lignocellulosic materials by solid state fermentation (SSF). The effect of basic fermentation parameters (pH, temperature, moisture content, particle size of substrate and moistening agent) on enzyme production was studied. Maximum cellulase production was 2.63 U ml(-1) using wheat bran as substrate. The optimal conditions forcellulase production forwheat bran were found to be: initial moisture content - 70%, initial medium pH-5.0, temperature-30 degrees C, moistening agents (MSS) and particle size of substrate (500 microm).The optimal incubation time for production was six days. Results indicate the scope for further optimization of the production conditions to obtain higher cellulase titres using the strain under SSF.