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Bioactive nanoparticles derived from marine brown seaweeds and their biological applications: a review
The biosynthesis of novel nanoparticles with varied morphologies, which has good implications for their biological capabilities, has attracted increasing attention in the field of nanotechnology. Bioactive compounds present in the extract of fungi, bacteria, plants and algae are responsible for nanoparticle synthesis. In comparison to other biological resources, brown seaweeds can also be useful to convert metal ions to metal nanoparticles because of the presence of richer bioactive chemicals. Carbohydrates, proteins, polysaccharides, vitamins, enzymes, pigments, and secondary metabolites in brown seaweeds act as natural reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents in the nanoparticles synthesis. There are around 2000 species of seaweed that dominate marine resources, but only a few have been reported for nanoparticle synthesis. The presence of bioactive chemicals in the biosynthesized metal nanoparticles confers biological activity. The biosynthesized metal and non-metal nanoparticles from brown seaweeds possess different biological activities because of their different physiochemical properties. Compared with terrestrial resources, marine resources are not much explored for nanoparticle synthesis. To confirm their morphology, characterization methods are used, such as absorption spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscopy. This review attempts to include the vital role of brown seaweed in the synthesis of metal and non-metal nanoparticles, as well as the method of synthesis and biological applications such as anticancer, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and other functions. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.). The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
Bioactive Phytochemicals from DatePalm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Seed Oil Processing By-products
Humans cultivate plants for their daily commodities, like food and medicines. Innumerable varieties of crops and plant-derived products like cotton, fruits, vegetables, grains, pulses, and oils have been developed. A variety of seed oils have been used by humankind in dietary supplements and regarded as feedstock for the production of biofuels. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is one such plant used in the production of oil. Date palm is a commercial fruit that is primarily cultivated in South Mediterranean countries. Date palm fruit and its processed products such as jams, jellies, and syrup are globally consumed. However, tons of seed waste is generated after processing and raises environmental problems due to poor seed waste disposal practices. Scientific reports suggest that date palm seed oil is a rich in minerals, fatty acids, and various phytochemicals like phenols, flavonoids, sterols, and tocopherols. These bioactive molecules possess significant pharmacological activities like antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotectivity. This chapter summarizes the phytochemicals present in the date palm seed oil, discusses the fatty acid composition in various date palm cultivars worldwide, and highlights the pharmacological activities exhibited by the date seed oil. The chapter also discusses the effective utilization of date seed oil in the food and pharmaceutical industry and the seed oil by-products in biofuel production. Pharmaceuticals and biofuel production presents an excellent opportunity for the valorization of date palm cultivation and economic returns. 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG. -
Biocidal activities of nickel oxide nanoparticles modified by copper and manganese, synthesized by green process
In recent years, the development of dual dopant-based nanoparticles (NPs) has gained significant attention as they possess exceptional physico-chemical and biomedical properties, making them potential candidates for antimicrobial and anticancer uses. In this research, we successfully synthesized nickel oxide (NiO) and copper, manganese-doped NiO (CuMn:NiO) NPs using a green synthesis method. The synthesis process involved Trigonella foenum-graecum (T.f.graecum) leaves extract as a nucleating agent. The synthesized nanoparticles were confirmed by various physico-chemical studies. Based on X-ray diffraction analysis, the median size was determined as 36 nm for NiO and 32 nm for CuMn:NiO NPs. The antibacterial study revealed that CuMn:NiO NPs exhibited a higher zone of inhibition in contrast to both Gram-positive (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium) and Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae) compared with NiO NPs and commercial amoxicillin. The antifungal studies conducted against Candida albicans demonstrated that CuMn:NiO NPs exhibited enhanced efficacy in comparison to NiO NPs. In vitro testing against human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) demonstrated the anticancer potential of NiO and CuMn:NiO NPs, supported by IC50 concentrations of 11 and 9?g/mL, respectively. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of NiO and CuMn:NiO NPs exhibited a green emission at 508 and 518 nm, respectively, which indicated the generation of active free radicals by the NPs. These findings suggest that CuMn:NiO NPs hold promise in the healthcare industry. 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Biocontrol of Aedes aegypti using Talaromyces islandicus Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles
Aedes aegypti is the vector that spreads the dengue virus, causing dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever. With more than half the worlds population at the risk of acquiring this infection, controlling the Aedes mosquitoes is the only path to limit the spread of the fatal disease. The emergence of insect resistance in mosquitoes raised the need for developing novel insecticides. Present research is focused on using fungus (Talaromyces islandicus) as the biosystem in the synthesis of nanoparticles. Myco-synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectrometry that exhibited a peak at 429 nm. The XRD spectral peaks were in the range of 27.83, 32.27, 38.23and 65.01. The FTIR spectrum showed peaks corresponding to O-H, N-O, S=O, etc. representing the silver nanoparticles. SEM and EDAX represent the formation of silver ions that are spherical in shape with a size range of 23 to 26 nm. The antioxidant activity of silver nanoparticles and the extract of Talaromyces islandicus were assessed by DPPH assay, reducing power assay and hydrogen peroxide assay. The nanoparticles studied for its bio efficacy against the larval stages of Aedes aegypti indicated the LC50 value of 352.03, 389.86, 397.72 and 443.50 when tested against first, second, third and fourth instar larvae. respectively. The LC50 value of 540.41 was determined against the pupae of Aedes. The predatory efficiency of P. reticulata indicated the positive feeding behaviour of the fish when exposed to the silver nanoparticles. The cell toxicity assay was conducted against C6/36 insect cell lines and the cell viability inhibition was calculated. A toxic free, environmentally acceptable approach for controlling the mosquito vector by utilizing fungal nanoparticles was assessed and their efficacy in vector control was analyzed in this study. 2022 Chemical Publishing Co.. All rights reserved. -
Bioconvection in buoyancy induced flow of Williamson nanofluid over a Riga Plate-DTM-Padapproach
The buoyancy induced flow of Williamson nanofluid containing Gyrotactic microorganisms along a vertical Riga plate has been investigated. This research aims at analysing the heat and mass transfer characteristics of Williamson Nanofluid in the presence of Gyrotactic microorganisms that helps in avoiding the agglomeration of nanoparticles during the nanofluid flow. The Gyrotactic microorganisms act as active mixers that help in stabilising the nanoparticles in the suspension. Also, the movement of these cells gives rise to a macro phenomenon called bioconvection that helps in preventing the agglomeration of nanoparticles. Furthermore, the magnetic field generated due to the flow of nanofluid is considered in addition to Thermophoresis and Brownian Motion to make the results more appropriate. Buongiornos Model has been incorporated to frame the system of equations that govern the fluid flow. Later, lie group analysis is performed to transform these equations into ordinary differential equations that are further solved using the differential transform method with Padapproximant. It is observed that the Lorentz force generated by the Riga plate in parallel to the flow helps in increasing the velocity of the nanofluid. It is also noticed that bioconvection reduces the flow speed and enhances the heat transfer rate. 2020 by American Scientific Publishers All rights reserved. -
Bioconvection of a radiating hybrid nanofluid past a thin needle in the presence of heterogeneous-homogeneous chemical reaction
The photocatalytic nature of TiO2 finds applications in medicinal field to kill cancer cells, bacteria, and viruses under mild ultraviolet illumination and the antibacterial characteristic of Ag makes the composition Ag - TiO2 applicable for various purposes. It can also be used in other engineering appliances and industries such as humidity sensor, coolants, and in footwear industry. Hence, this study deals with the analysis of the effects of magnetic field, thermal radiation, and quartic autocatalysis of heterogeneous-homogeneous reaction in an electrically conducting Ag - TiO2 - H2O hybrid nanofluid. Furthermore, the gyrotactic microorganisms are used as active mixers to prevent agglomeration and sedimentation of TiO2 that occurs due to its hydrophobic nature. The mathematical model takes the form of partial differential equations with viscosity and thermal conductivity being the functions of volume fraction. These equations are converted to ordinary differential equations by using similarity transformation and are solved by RKF-45 method with the aid of shooting method. It is observed that the increase in the size of the needle enhances the overall performance of the hybrid nanofluid. Furthermore, the temperature of the hybrid nanofluid increases with the increase in volume fraction. It is observed that the friction produced by the Lorentz force increases the temperature of the nanofluid. It is further observed that the heterogeneous reaction parameter has more significant effect on the concentration of bulk fluid than the homogeneous reaction parameter. Copyright 2021 by ASME. -
Bioconvective DarcyFrochherimer flow of the ReeEyring nanofluid through a stretching sheet with velocity and thermal slips
In the current study, the bioconvective flow of ReeEyring through an expanding sheet with the porous medium is analyzed by considering the inclined magnetic field and gyrotactic microorganisms. Buongiorno's model, which defines the two major mechanisms; thermophoresis and Brownian motion is used to frame the mathematical model. The presence of motile cells helps in stabilizing the nanoparticle and avoids the sedimentation due to nanoparticles. The mathematical model with these assumptions is framed using partial differential equations (PDE) that are later remodeled to ordinary nonlinear differential equations by incorporating desirable similarity transformation. The equations so obtained shall be solved using DTM and the outcomes are described through graphs and tables. The graphs indicated that the velocity of the nanofluid flow reduces with the increase in the porosity and similarly, the higher values of Peclet number (Pe) are found to diminish the motile density. Whereas the increase in the thermophoresis parameter enhances the thermal and mass profiles of the nanofluid. 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Bioconvective flow of bi-viscous Bingham nanofluid subjected to Thompson and Troian slip conditions
This paper describes the bioconvection phenomenon and its significant influence on the thermal features of the flow of bi-viscous Bingham (BVB) nanofluid past a vertically stretching flat surface. The analysis of the impact of convection parameters is considered along with various other forces. Meanwhile, the flow of BVB nanofluid is put through the slip conditions defined by Thompson and Troian for the velocity at the boundary. The flow of BVB nanofluid is modeled using the partial differential equations (PDEs) under the assumptions of thermophoresis and Brownian motion which occur due to the movement of nanoparticles. Along with these forces, the radiation is also considered so that the obtained results are close to the practical scenarios. Thus, using the proper Lie group similarity transformations, the intended mathematical model is converted into ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The resulting equation system is encoded using the RKF-45 technique, and the outcomes are explained using graphs and tables. The solutions found for the model showed that, for higher ranges of the non-Newtonian fluid parameter, the velocity decreases while the heat transferred by the nanofluid increases. The availability of motile density at the surface grows as the Plet number rises, whereas the Schmidt numbers decline in their respective profiles. 2023 World Scientific Publishing Company. -
Bioconversion of chicken feather waste into feather hydrolysate by multifaceted keratinolytic Bacillus tropicus LS27 and new insights into its antioxidant and plant growth-promoting properties
Abstract: Keratin, the main structural constituent of feathers, contains a lot of valuable amino acids which are potential bioactive compounds as well. Since conventional methods are not efficient enough to achieve complete removal of chicken feather waste, biological mode of feather degradation is one of the most appropriate ways to utilize feathers, thereby reducing wastes as well as generating value-added products from feathers. This study was focussed on valorizing chicken feather into feather hydrolysate (FH) containing bioactive compounds for plant growth promotion. Keratinolytic bacteria capable of degrading chicken feathers were isolated from the poultry waste dumping site of Russell Market, Shivajinagar, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. The isolated bacteria was identified as Bacillus tropicus LS 27. A minimal media with chicken feather as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen was prepared and inoculated with Bacillus tropicus LS 27 [5% (v/v)]. Degradation of keratin protein by bacteria caused the solubilization of amino acids which was confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis where an appreciable amount of amino acids like cysteine, valine, isoleucine, proline, lysine, methionine, and phenylalanine was detected. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of hydrolysed chicken feathers showed C=0 stretching, S-H bond stretching, and formation of carboxylic acid groups indicating effective degradation of chicken feathers. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed the degradation pattern of feathers showing complete degradation of barbs and barbules with a portion of rachis remaining. Feather hydrolysate was further explored for its antioxidant activity using DPPH scavenging assay, and the value was found to be 1.5 mg/mL. The bacterial cells when screened for heavy metal tolerance showed significant metal tolerance to lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr). Since Bacillus tropicus LS27 showed indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), siderophore, and ammonia production, the prepared feather hydrolysate along with the bacterial cells were used as soil amendment for plant growth studies over Spinacia oleracea L. The study revealed that plants supplemented with 20% (v/v) FH showed elevated plant growth, therefore proving to be optimum for the support of plant growth. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. -
Bioconversion of Feather Composts using Proteolytic Bacillus mycoides for their Possible Application as Biofertilizer in Agriculture
Proteolytic Bacillus strains were screened for highest protease production amongst which Bacillus mycoides (G2) was chosen as an assuring protease producer. Enzyme activity was maximum at 37C, pH-7, when the medium was supplemented with 0.5 and 0.75% of sucrose and beef extract respectively. Tapioca flour and soybean meal were capable of replacing commercial carbon and nitrogen sources respectively. Feather degradation studies revealed 62% of degradation with Quail feather (QF), followed by Chicken feather (CF) (58%), Guinea fowl feather (51%) and Pigeon feather (43%). Biodegradation of feather samples in soil evidenced degradation of Quail feather and Chicken feather at the following patternQF Treatment 1 (5%) ? CF Treatment 1 (5%) ? QF Treatment 2 (10%) ? CF Treatment 2 (10%). Maximum degradation of QF and sufficient release of free amino acids into the feather compost was obvious with Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopic (FE-SEM) and High Performance Thin Layer Chromatographic (HPTLC) analyses respectively. In vitro plant growth studies of tomato and chilly plants were accomplished with feather composts. Maximum growth of 26.44cm (shoot length) was achieved when feather compost prepared with degraded QF (5%) was utilized as plant growth substrate, than other treatment pots (P < 0.05). Plant growth was exemplary in the case of tomato when compared to that of chilly. Sound degradation of QF, followed by CF using Bacillus mycoides could strengthen the efficacy of microbial fermentation processes. This significant attempt could support poultry farms as well as organic agricultural sectors ecologically. Graphic Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. -
Biodegradable Organic Polymers for Environmental Protection and Remediation
As the era of urbanization and industrialization progressed, non-biodegradable polymers became a severe threat to the environment and the world's rapidly growing population. These synthetic polymers possess flexible applications and cost effectiveness which makes their usage more feasible and convenient. Today they are used from simple packaging to critical biomedical tools. Although these polymers possess many merits, all come to halt when it comes to biodegradability. The inherent mechanisms in nature are unable to degrade and decompose these synthetic polymers leading to their accumulation and persistence in nature for decades causing calamitous effects. In search of solutions for the adverse effects caused by synthetic polymers, the world turned toward biologically synthesized biodegradable organic polymers. These biopolymers have a diverse set of physical and chemical characteristics that can be easily manipulated, allowing for a wide range of applications. Biopolymers like polyhydroxyalkanoates and levan have adaptable qualities that resemble those of synthetic plastics which makes them a promising alternative to synthetic plastics. However, the setback in the large-scale usage of biopolymers is their high cost of production and commercialization. The biopolymers are broadly classified into three major classes based on their origin: plant-based biopolymers (cellulose, starch), animal-based biopolymers (chitin, chitosan, keratin), and microbial biopolymers (polyhydroxyalkanoates, levan). The extraction or synthesis of these biopolymers from their biological sources varies significantly from each other; however, in order to bring out the sustainable production, these polymers should be produced by coupling with waste valorization approaches. The waste materials from plants and animals, particularly agro-industrial wastes, can be used as inexpensive substrates for the commercial manufacture of these crucial biopolymers, thereby reducing the accumulation in the environment. Another field of biopolymer usage is in remediation of pollutants. Many biopolymers are currently being used in the active removal of heavy metal, dye, and other similar pollutants. The numerous physical, chemical, and biological processes for extraction or synthesis of industrially valuable biopolymers from the waste raw materials are discussed in this chapter, along with their application in remediation of pollutants and environmental protection. 2025 WILEY-VCH GmbH, Boschstra 12, 69469 Weinheim, Germany. All rights reserved. -
Biodegradation of polypropylene films by Bacillus paralicheniformis and Lysinibacillus fusiformis isolated from municipality solid waste contaminated soil
The fossil fuel or petroleum derived plastics are applied in our routine life because of their easy availability. Distribution and contamination of the plastics in the landfills are the major reasons for these biodegradation study. This current study reveals the biodegradation of polypropylene films and the growth of Bacillus paralicheniformis and Lysinibacillus fusiformis isolated from plastic contaminated soil collected from municipality solid waste management site. The degradation rate of PP films was confirmed by the results of biodegradation analysis. The growth of Bacillus paralicheniformis and Lysinibacillus fusiformis had shown OD values at 600nm after the degradation period of 4 weeks increasing from 0.131 to 0.334 and 0.148 to 0.213 respectively. The viable cell count increased from 804cells/ml to 1204cells/ml and 10.104cells/ml to 15.204cells/ml respectively. The physical and chemical changes of PP films were confirmed by FT-IR and XRD analysis. These analysis confirmed that the bacterial strains have the ability to change the chemical and physical nature of PP films and can utilize the PP films as sole carbon source. 2021 World Research Association. All rights reserved. -
Biodegradation studies of polyhydroxyalkanoates extracted from Bacillus subtilis NCDC 0671
The major characteristic feature that distinguishes polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from its synthetic counterparts is its biodegradability. PHAs are the only class of biopolymers reported to be 100% degradable under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions without production of any toxic residues. The biodegradability of PHAs is influenced by several factors like moisture, temperature, pH, surface area and molecular weight of the polymer. The rate of biodegradation varies greatly depending on the environment. Biodegradation studies were carried out using plating method and direct inoculation method using selected Bacillus strains. Fungal degradation of PHA sheets was assessed using Penicillium chrysogenum. Biodegradation of PHA sheets in different soil types like river valley, agricultural land and garden soil was investigated. The degree of PHA degradation in aqueous environment was studied by incubating the sheets in distilled water, sea water, fish tank water and pond water. The highest degradation rate was observed with agriculture land soil (35.47 0.13%) and fish tank soil (36.93 0.13%). The non-toxic nature of the soil incubated with PHA sheets was ensured using plant growth test. 2019, World Research Association. All rights reserved. -
Biodegradation studies of polyhydroxyalkanoates extracted from bacillus subtilis NCDC 0671 /
Research Journal of Chemistry And Environment, Vol.23, Issue 6, pp.107-114 -
Biodiversity and Indigenous Medicinal Knowledge of North-East India: Navigating Climate Change Impacts on Medicinal Plants for Conservation and Advancement
The northeastern region of India holds the sixth position among the world's 25 biodiversity hotspots, covering approximately 8% of the nation's total land area, which amounts to 262, 060 square kilometres. Situated in the eastern Himalayas, any alterations in this biodiversity-rich area can have significant and far-reaching consequences. Indigenous tribes of this region believe in the remarkable healing properties of certain medicinal plants, and within its diverse population of around 225 communities, each tribal and sub -tribal group possesses distinct traditional knowledge. Capturing and harnessing this indigenous wisdom by scientists and researchers could unlock new avenues for progress, particularly within the pharmaceutical sector. Climate change stands as one of the paramount global environmental challenges. Predictions indicate that by the close of the 21st century, the Earth's average temperature might rise by anywhere between 0.3 to 4.8 C, accompanied by a potential sea level increase of 26 to 82 cm. These climate shifts could have adverse effects on the abundance and accessibility of medicinal plants, potentially leading to species extinction. Moreover, the impact of climate change could extend beyond availability to also encompass alterations in the pharmacological properties of various plants, particularly those found in alpine environments. This discussion underscores the importance of existing knowledge, critical analyses, challenges, opportunities, and the immense value of medicinal plants. It emphasizes the intersection of changing climate and the vulnerability of medicinal plant resources, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of these effects in the context of the North Eastern region of India. To address these challenges, there is a pressing need for in-depth research on the geographical distribution of plant communities and strategies to enhance the secondary synthesis of critically endangered medicinal plants under the current climate change scenarios. The Author(s). -
Bioengineering of biowaste to recover bioproducts and bioenergy: A circular economy approach towards sustainable zero-waste environment
The inevitable need for waste valorisation and management has revolutionized the way in which the waste is visualised as a potential biorefinery for various product development rather than offensive trash. Biowaste has emerged as a potential feedstock to produce several value-added products. Bioenergy generation is one of the potential applications originating from the valorisation of biowaste. Bioenergy production requires analysis and optimization of various parameters such as biowaste composition and conversion potential to develop innovative and sustainable technologies for most effective utilization of biowaste with enhanced bioenergy production. In this context, feedstocks, such as food, agriculture, beverage, and municipal solid waste act as promising resources to produce renewable energy. Similarly, the concept of microbial fuel cells employing biowaste has clearly gained research focus in the past few decades. Despite of these potential benefits, the area of bioenergy generation still is in infancy and requires more interdisciplinary research to be sustainable alternatives. This review is aimed at analysing the bioconversion potential of biowaste to renewable energy. The possibility of valorising underutilized biowaste substrates is elaborately presented. In addition, the application and efficiency of microbial fuel cells in utilizing biowaste are described in detail taking into consideration of its great scope. Furthermore, the review addresses the significance bioreactor development for energy production along with major challenges and future prospects in bioenergy production. Based on this review it can be concluded that bioenergy production utilizing biowaste can clearly open new avenues in the field of waste valorisation and energy research. Systematic and strategic developments considering the techno economic feasibilities of this excellent energy generation process will make them a true sustainable alternative for conventional energy sources. 2023 Elsevier Ltd -
Biofuel production and characterization from waste chicken skin and pig fat
The biofuels are the most important alternative energy sources in future to fulfil the energy demands. The team of our students carried out an innovative process to convert waste to value-added products. The students have been visited many meat stalls and gathered the required amount of resources with and without cost. The collected waste chicken skin and pig tallow is heated and extracted fat, which is the primary sources to produce the biofuel. The fat extraction process was carried by shredding down the waste chicken skin and pig tallow. The obtained fat was filtered and heated up to 110C to remove all the impurities, water suspensions, blood cells and pieces of bones. The process called transesterification process was carried out to convert obtained fat into biofuel with methyl alcohol and KOH as a catalyst. Transesterification process carted with fat before acid wash and after acid wash to examine the effect of FFA on biofuel yield. The quantity of biofuel yield has been observed to be 62 to 68% for fat from waste chicken skin and 82 to 83 % for fat from pig tallow. The derived fuel from fat from both resources is combined with conventional diesel fuel to check the different properties on a volume basis varied by 10% up to 40%. The essential properties such as viscosity, density, flashpoint, fire point and calorific values were determined, and results show that the fuel combination CB20 and PB20 meets the all requirements of ASTM standards to fix as an additive fuel to CI engines. The clear biofuel from both the fat expressed higher viscosity, density, flash and fire point with a lesser value of energy density. BEIESP. -
Biofuel production and characterization from waste chicken skin and pig fat /
International Journal of Recent Technology And Engineering, Vol.8, Issue 3, pp.3598-3603, ISSN No: 2277-3878. -
Biofuels from bio-waste and biomass
The planet's limited natural fossil fuel reserves are anticipated to be very soon owing to massive usage. Biofuels would be a critical alternative source that may reduce global warming and CO2 emissions. The food-versus-fuel dilemma is, however, one of the key drawbacks of first-generation biofuels like corn ethanol, sugarcane ethanol, etc. Cellulose and hemicellulose, the primary constituents of lignocellulosic feedstocks, could be reduced to sugars by either thermochemical/biological processes before being fermented to generate biofuels. However, owing to structural heterogeneity, more complicated operational techniques are required before the production technology can be commercialized, and several challenges must be addressed. This chapter provided an assessment of various feedstocks, availability, various processing techniques, obstacles, and current technical developments in the generation of biofuels from biomass. 2023, IGI Global. -
Biogenesis and Green Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles and Their Pharmacological Applications
Nanomaterial innovation is the primary catalyst of advancement in nanotechnology. Although there are many known chemical processes for creating nanoparticles that use harmful substances, it is now more important than ever to use processes that are safer, greener, and more environmentally friendly. The goal of research in this field is to use diverse life forms as "nanoparticle factories." Phytochemicals can convert salt into the appropriate nanoparticles thanks to their regular biosynthetic routes. In recent years, green chemistry methods for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles have emerged as a fresh and exciting area of study. Metal nanoparticles, including gold (Au), silver (Ag), iron (Fe), and cadmium (Cd) along with certain oxides, can be synthesized using a variety of chemical and physical techniques as well as biological techniques carried out using plants. It has been discovered that methods involving plant-mediated synthesis are a more efficient and cost-effective way to create these metal nanoparticles. The plant-mediated nanoparticles are used as potential pharmaceutical agents for many diseases, including hepatitis, cancer, malaria, and HIV. Due to the higher efficacy and fewer side effects of nanodrugs compared to other commercial cancer drugs, the synthesis of nanoparticles targeting biological pathways has gained tremendous popularity. This review paper aims to cover the different green methods for the biogenesis of these nanoparticles, the different compounds and salts used, and the metals obtained. Ultimately, the significance and prospects of these metal nanoparticles especially in the fields of medicine, pharmacology, drug designing, and drug delivery engineering will also be commented on. The Author(s).