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Past decade of supercapacitor research Lessons learned for future innovations
Due to their high power density, long cycle stability, and quick charge/discharge rates, supercapacitors are gaining popularity in the field of energy storage devices. These distinct features have enabled supercapacitors to create their own space in the energy storage device realm. This review addresses contemporary ways to increase not just the power density, rate capability, cycle stability, and other properties of supercapacitors, but also their energy density utilising hybrid topologies. Because electrodes are the most significant component of a supercapacitor cell and the last decade mainly focused on the material realm, this paper focuses on the design of hybrid supercapacitor electrodes with high specific capacitance, as well as the explication of the mechanisms involved. We have also given an insight about the merits and demerits of various electrode materials that have been employed till date. The new trends and improvement in supercapacitor development are also summarized. 2023 Elsevier Ltd -
A Review on Recent Trends in Biological Applications of Non-conjugated Polymer Dots
With the advancement of zero-dimensional carbon materials, carbon dots (CDs) have received immense attention owing to their exceptional optical properties, tailoring of size, and ease of functionalization. They have wide applications in fluorescent sensing, chemical sensing, bioimaging, photocatalysis, etc. Zero-dimensional polymer nanoparticles are called polymer dots (PDs) and are classified into conjugated and non-conjugated PDs based on their conjugated system. Non-conjugated polymer dots (NCPDs) do not have specific conjugated fluorophore groups, but they have superior chemical stability and water solubility than the conjugated PDs. The carbon core of NCPDs is surrounded by polymer chains containing ample functional groups such as C=O, N=O, and C=N, which are responsible for the luminescent PDs. NCPDs are less toxic, photostable, and biocompatible and are relevant in biological explorations in bioimaging, drug delivery, biosensing, etc. This mini-review provides a systematic overview of the inherent properties and the biological applications of NCPDs. It also emphasises the synergistic impacts on the optical performance of modified PDs and significant future research concerns. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature. -
A road map on synthetic strategies and applications of biodegradable polymers
Biodegradable polymers have emerged as fascinating materials due to their non-toxicity, environmentally benign nature and good mechanical strength. The toxic effects of non-biodegradable plastics paved way for the development of sustainable and biodegradable polymers. The engineering of biodegradable polymers employing various strategies like radical ring opening polymerization, enzymatic ring opening polymerization, anionic ring opening polymerization, photo-initiated radical polymerization, chemoenzymatic method, enzymatic polymerization, ring opening polymerization and coordinative ring opening polymerization have been discussed in this review. The application of biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles in the biomedical field and cosmetic industry is considered to be an emerging field of interest. However, this review mainly highlights the applications of selected biodegradable polymers like polylactic acid, poly(?-caprolactone), polyethylene glycol, polyhydroxyalkanoates, poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and polytrimethyl carbonate in various fields like agriculture, biomedical, biosensing, food packaging, automobiles, wastewater treatment, textile and hygiene, cosmetics and electronic devices. 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. -
Breast cancer detection: A comparative review on passive and active thermography
Breast cancer is the main cause of death among women due to cancer. Early detection is crucial in controlling the disease. Thermography is a non-invasive imaging method that uses temperature differences on the breast surface to identify tumors. This paper focuses on the various aspects of thermography as a diagnostic tool for detecting breast cancer. It includes a review of the currently existing active thermography approaches used to energize the tumor cell to enhance the thermal contrast on the surface. The comparison of passive and active thermography showed that active thermography was more effective, increasing depth-dependent performance from 3 mm to 9 mm for 1.5 mm sized tumors and accuracy from 54% to 82% without a rise in false positive rates. The contrast between malignant and benign tissue also improved from 0.6 C to 0.9 C, indicating that active thermography increases the performance of passive thermography in various aspects. A comparative study of active thermography reveals that healthy tissues are likely to be damaged if the input parameters are not regulated properly. A comprehensive comparison of various tumor estimation algorithms in the paper concludes that the dynamic analysis using an active approach outperforms static analysis due to a significant decrease in error percentage. 2023 Elsevier B.V. -
A review on the immunomodulatory properties of functional nutraceuticals as dietary interventions for children to combat COVID-19 related infections
COVID-19 is a significant threat to humanity in the present day due to the rapid increase in the number of infections worldwide. While most children may be spared of the direct mortality effects of the disease, those with weak immune systems are prone to adverse effects. Child mortality increases due to the stress caused to the health care system that disrupts essential health care needs such as immunisation and antenatal care. The use of functional foods (FF) aids in disease-prevention as they are known to have protective effects against COVID-19 by boosting childrens cellular and humoral immunity. Plant components such as glycyrrhizin, epigallocatechin gallate, allicin, and fucoidan exhibit antiviral properties against various viruses, including SARS-CoV 2. Microbial foods that are made of probiotics, can enhance immunity against various respiratory viruses. Food enriched with additives such as lactoferrin, piperine, and zinc can boost immunity against COVID-19. With proper definitive drug therapy not available for treating COVID-19 and most of the disease management tools rely on symptoms and non-specific supportive care, developing a functional paediatric formulation will prevent further deterioration in infant health. It is wise to investigate the toxicological aspects of Functional Foods components especially when formulating for children. The safe limits of ingredients should be strictly followed during FFs formulation. Stronger regulations with advanced analytical techniques can help to formulate functional foods into the mainstream in child nutraceuticals. The purpose of this review is to compile collective information on the functional nutraceuticals specifically for infants and children up to the age of 10 years that could confer immunity against COVID-19 and other related viruses. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. 2023, The Author(s). -
A comprehensive review on energy management strategy of microgrids
Renewable energy resources are a one-stop solution for major issues that include drastic climate change, environmental pollution, and the depletion of fossil fuels. Renewable energy resources, their allied storage devices, load supplied, non-renewable sources, along with the electrical and control devices involved, form the entity called microgrids. Energy management systems are essential in microgrids with more than one energy resource and storage system for optimal power sharing between each component in the microgrid for efficient, reliable and economic operation. A critical review on energy management for hybrid systems of different configurations, the diverse techniques used, forecasting methods, control strategies, uncertainty consideration, tariffs set for financial benefits, etc. are reviewed in this paper. The novelty of reformer based fuel cells, which generates hydrogen on demand, thereby eliminating the requirement of hydrogen storage and lowest carbon footprint is discussed for the first time in this paper. The topics requiring extended research and the existing gap in literature in the field of energy management studies are presented in the authors perspective, which will be helpful for researchers working in the same specialization. Papers are segregated based on multiple aspects such as the configuration, in particular, grid-tied, islanded, multi microgrids, the control strategies adopted besides the identification of limitations/factors not considered in each work. Moreover, at the end of each section, the literature gap related to each category of segregated group is identified and presented. 2023 The Author(s) -
The Renaissance of Ferrocene-Based Electrocatalysts: Properties, Synthesis Strategies, and Applications
The fascinating electrochemical properties of the redox-active compound ferrocene have inspired researchers across the globe to develop ferrocene-based electrocatalysts for a wide variety of applications. Advantages including excellent chemical and thermal stability, solubility in organic solvents, a pair of stable redox states, rapid electron transfer, and nontoxic nature improve its utility in various electrochemical applications. The use of ferrocene-based electrocatalysts enables control over the intrinsic properties and electroactive sites at the surface of the electrode to achieve specific electrochemical activities. Ferrocene and its derivatives can function as a potential redox medium that promotes electron transfer rates, thereby enhancing the reaction kinetics and electrochemical responses of the device. The outstanding electrocatalytic activity of ferrocene-based compounds at lower operating potentials enhances the specificity and sensitivity of reactions and also amplifies the response signals. Owing to their versatile redox chemistry and catalytic activities, ferrocene-based electrocatalysts are widely employed in various energy-related systems, molecular machines, and agricultural, biological, medicinal, and sensing applications. This review highlights the importance of ferrocene-based electrocatalysts, with emphasis on their properties, synthesis strategies for obtaining different ferrocene-based compounds, and their electrochemical applications. 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG. -
Two-dimensional Ti3C2 MXene for photocatalytic hydrogen production: A review
This study focuses on the utilization of two-dimensional Ti3C2 MXene as a catalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen production. MXenes, a class of transition metal carbides/nitrides, exhibit exceptional properties conducive to enhancing photocatalytic reactions. This research explores the performance of Ti3C2 MXene as a cocatalyst in photocatalytic systems, aiming to improve charge separation, inhibit recombination, and facilitate efficient hydrogen evolution from water under light irradiation. The synthesis methods, catalyst-loading strategies, and overall photocatalytic mechanisms are investigated, shedding light on the potential of Ti3C2 MXene as a promising material for advancing hydrogen production through sustainable means. 2023 Korean Chemical Society, Seoul & Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Cadmium as an Endocrine Disruptor That Hinders the Reproductive and Developmental Pathways in Freshwater Fish: A Review
Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential element with sub-lethal effects even at low concentrations. The persistent nature of Cd and its tendency to bioaccumulate eventually create harmful effects on water biota, including fish. Cd affects various aspects of hormonal action in fish since it bioaccumulates in the endocrine system and hinders the synthesis, secretion, and metabolic activity of hormones, causing severe damage along the hypothalamuspituitarygonadal axis. Linking reproductive and developmental impairments in fish with ecologically relevant concentrations of individual metals can be challenging due to the complexity of aquatic ecosystems. This review deliberated the significant and novel trends of toxicological difficulties and approaches, including elucidating environmental sources bioavailability and Cd-induced toxic effects in freshwater fish. Both acute and chronic exposure to Cd can cause a range of adverse effects, such as growth inhibition, impaired reproductive capacity, endocrine disruption, and developmental abnormalities in freshwater fish, as evidenced by the present review. These investigations support the concept of Cd as a naturally available pollutant that causes irreversible damage in fish. These findings will help to understand the etiology of environmental circumstances that pose substantial dangers to fish health and are also crucial for preventing and treating exposure-related reproductive disturbances in freshwater fish due to environmental pollution. 2023 by the authors. -
Mediating and moderating variables of employee relations and sustainable organizations: a systematic literature review and future research agenda
Purpose: This study aims to perform a systematic literature review to organize the abundance of information on employee relations (ER) and sustainable organizations. Moreover, this study identifies the research gaps by investigating the review of ER mediating and moderating variables and the relationship between ER and sustainable organizations. Design/methodology/approach: This study is based on the systematic literature review methodology involving 257 studies in the final stage. The Scopus and Google Scholar databases with search criteria employee relations and employee relations and sustainable organization were used to achieve the research objective. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, researchers come to the distribution of the articles based on the subthemes, geographical region, types of methods, top authors with affiliation and complete research articles based on the citation. In the final stage, this study concluded with the conceptual model comprising mediators and moderators of ER as well as the mediating and moderating variables of the relationship between ER and sustainable organizations. Findings: The reviewed literature shows that employee relation is an optimal strategy for retaining employees via proper disclosure of human resources (HRs) and ER Index. This study included the top six publishers, namely, Emerald, Elsevier, Sage, Springer, Taylor and Francis and Wiley Online Library, to do an exhaustive review on a specific topic. The findings indicate that after COVID-19, the ER index, HR disclosures and the sustainability of ER are among the new and required paradigm shifts needed to manage a crisis impact and perform productively. The mediator and moderator variables that can improve employeeemployer relationships are organizational trusts, organizational justice, perceived job satisfaction, organizational structure and firm ownership. On the other hand, variables that mediate and moderate the relationship between ER and sustainable organizations are organizational climate, organization trust, organization culture, perceived organization support, psychological empowerment, firm ownership, leadership behavior and attitude, respectively. The findings concluded that harmonious and cordial ER are pertinent in building sustainable organizations and accomplishing organizational goals. Practical implications: The mediating and moderating variables that have been identified can be helpful for enthusiastic researchers in contributing to empirical research. Practitioners and managers can use the findings in making an effective organizational model that develops good employeeemployer relationships and helps create a culture of trust and harmony. This study focuses on exploring the variables of ER, which strengthens employeeemployer relationships and supports organizations to stay agile and attain sustainability to endure in the future. Originality/value: This study insights on the specific mediating and moderating variables of ER and sustainable organizations. Till date, studies exploring constructs of ER and sustainable organizations are still in deficit. Better employee relation reflects and leads to a more resilient organization. Future researchers should explore the connection between pandemics and ER which is done insufficiently in the present time. 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Comprehensive understanding of biomedical usages of metal and non metal doped carbon dots
In recent years, carbon dots have garnered significant attention, particularly within the biomedical realm, owing to their exceptional characteristics. The unique attributes of carbon dots can be further enhanced through the introduction of heteroatom via doping. Various techniques have been devised by researchers to facilitate the doping of carbon dots, with both metallic and non-metallic elements. Elements such as nitrogen (81%), sulfur (67%), and silicon (64.1%) have been successfully employed for doping carbon dots leading to heightened quantum yields. This review compiles the diverse methodologies and elements employed in doping of carbon dots, and their applications in the biomedical domain in recent times. This review discusses the uses of doped carbon dots, both metal and non-metal-doped variants, elucidating their manifold utilities in various biomedical sectors, notably bioimaging, wound healing, and cancer therapy. The discussion culminates by addressing present challenges and offering insights into future prospects of doped carbon dots. 2023 Elsevier Ltd -
Stability Analysis and Navigational Techniques of Wheeled Mobile Robot: A Review
Wheeled mobile robots (WMRs) have been a focus of research for several decades, particularly concerning navigation strategies in static and dynamic environments. This review article carefully examines the extensive academic efforts spanning several decades addressing navigational complexities in the context of WMR route analysis. Several approaches have been explored by various researchers, with a notable emphasis on the inclusion of stability and intelligent capabilities in WMR controllers attracting the attention of the academic community. This study traces historical and contemporary WMR research, including the establishment of kinetic stability and the construction of intelligent WMR controllers. WMRs have gained prominence in various applications, with precise navigation and efficient control forming the basic prerequisites for their effective performance. The review presents a comprehensive overview of stability analysis and navigation techniques tailored for WMRs. Initially, the exposition covers the basic principles of WMR dynamics and kinematics, explaining the different wheel types and their associated constraints. Subsequently, various stability analysis approaches, such as Lyapunov stability analysis and passivation-based control, are discussed in depth in the context of WMRs. Starting an exploration of navigation techniques, the review highlights important aspects including path planning and obstacle avoidance, localization and mapping, and trajectory tracking. These techniques are carefully examined in both indoor and outdoor settings, revealing their benefits and limitations. Finally, the review ends with a comprehensive discussion of the current challenges and possible routes in the field of WMR. The discourse includes the fusion of advanced sensors and state-of-the-art control algorithms, the cultivation of more robust and reliable navigation strategies, and the continued exploration of novel WMR applications. This article also looks at the progress of mobile robotics during the previous three decades. Motion planning and path analysis techniques that work with single and multiple mobile robots have been discussed extensively. One common theme in this research is the use of soft computing methods to give mobile robot controllers cognitive behaviors, such as artificial neural networks (ANNs), fuzzy logic control (FLC), and genetic algorithms (GAs). Nevertheless, there is still a dearth of applications for mobile robot navigation that leverage nature-inspired algorithms, such as firefly and ant colony algorithms. Remarkably, most studies have focused on kinematics analysis, with a small number also addressing dynamics analysis. 2023 by the authors. -
Synthesis, mechanisms, challenges, and future prospects of Ti3C2 MXene and its heterojunctions for photocatalytic dye degradation efficiency: a comprehensive review
In recent years, significant attention has been given to developing novel two-dimensional (2D) materials, including MXenes. Titanium carbide (Ti3C2) is one such MXene with a bandgap ranging from 0.92 eV to 1.75 eV. MXenes possess unique physical and chemical properties that make them useful in various applications, including electrocatalysis, supercapacitors, semiconductors, batteries, sensing, biomedicine, water splitting, and photocatalysis. Research on environmental photocatalysis has focused on enhancing properties such as high conductivity, structural stability, and morphology. However, a single catalytic material may not be sufficient to achieve high catalytic efficiency. Hence, there is a need to modify MXenes. This review provides an overview of the various synthesis methods of MXene and their remarkable properties. It also discusses recent advances in MXene composites and catalytic mechanisms for dye degradation. To improve the catalytic performance of MXene, a heterojunction and Schottky junction are proposed. 2023 Elsevier Ltd -
Short-chain fatty acid: An updated review on signaling, metabolism, and therapeutic effects
Fatty acids are good energy sources (9 kcal per gram) that aerobic tissues can use except for the brain (glucose is an alternative source). Apart from the energy source, fatty acids are necessary for cell signaling, learning-related memory, modulating gene expression, and functioning as cytokine precursors. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are saturated fatty acids arranged as a straight chain consisting minimum of 6 carbon atoms. SCFAs possess various beneficial effects like improving metabolic function, inhibiting insulin resistance, and ameliorating immune dysfunction. In this review, we discussed the biogenesis, absorption, and transport of SCFA. SCFAs can act as signaling molecules by stimulating G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and suppressing histone deacetylases (HDACs). The role of SCFA on glucose metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and its effect on the immune system is also reviewed with updated details. SCFA possess anticancer, anti-diabetic, and hepatoprotective effects. Additionally, the association of protective effects of SCFA against brain-related diseases, kidney diseases, cardiovascular damage, and inflammatory bowel diseases were also reviewed. Nanotherapy is a branch of nanotechnology that employs nanoparticles at the nanoscale level to treat various ailments with enhanced drug stability, solubility, and minimal side effects. The SCFA functions as drug carriers, and nanoparticles were also discussed. Still, much research was not focused on this area. SCFA functions in host gene expression through inhibition of HDAC inhibition. However, the study has to be focused on the molecular mechanism of SCFA against various diseases that still need to be investigated. 2022 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Recent advances in the development, design and mechanism of negative electrodes for asymmetric supercapacitor applications
Continuous technical advancements in a variety of industries, such as portable electronics, transportation, green energy, are frequently hampered by the inadequacy of energy-storage technologies. Asymmetric supercapacitors can expand their operating voltage window past the thermodynamic breakdown voltage of electrolytes by utilizing two distinct electrode materials, providing a workaround for the symmetric supercapacitors energy storage constraints. This evaluation offers a thorough understanding of this area. To comprehend the extensive research done in this field, we first examine the fundamental energy-storage mechanisms and performance evaluation standards for asymmetric supercapacitors. The most recent developments in the design and manufacture of electrode materials as well as the general structure of asymmetric supercapacitors. We have also discussed a number of significant scientific issues and offer our opinions on how to improve the electrochemical properties of future asymmetric energy storage devices. First, methods for designing high-performance electrode materials for supercapacitors must be developed; next, controllably built supercapacitor types must be attained (such as symmetric capacitors including double-layer and pseudocapacitors, asymmetric capacitors, and Li-ion capacitors). This review is timely because of the rapid expansion of research in this area. It summarizes recent developments in the study and creation of high-performance electrode materials with high supercapacitors. A number of crucial topics for enhancing the energy density of supercapacitors are examined, along with some reciprocal correlations between the main impacting parameters. Difficulties and prospects in this fascinating field are also covered. This offers a fundamental understanding of supercapacitors and serves as a crucial design rule for enhanced next-generation supercapacitors that will be used in both industrial and consumer applications. In this context, we extensively reviewed the classification of supercapacitor, EDLC (activated carbon, carbon aerogel, carbon nanotube), Pseudocapacitors, conducting polymers, metal oxides, hybrid materials, composite hybrids, rechargeable batteries, asymmetric devices and its design, aqueous solid state, fiber based asymmetric device, graphene based asymmetric device, terminologies used during the electrode selection, positive and negative electrodes in asymmetric device, material used for fabrication of negative electrodes, electrochemical performance of various devices which are fabricated by different electrode materials. Performance of material for various asymmetric device applications, conclusions outlook, recent developments in asymmetric devices. The current review may offer a thorough understanding and future prospects for developing negative electrodes to enhance asymmetric supercapacitor performance. 2023 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Extrinsic pseudocapacitance: Tapering the borderline between pseudocapacitive and battery type electrode materials for energy storage applications
Extrinsic pseudocapacitance, which can also be referred to as induced pseudocapacitance, is, at present, one of the most widely explored fields in energy storage. Extrinsic pseudocapacitive mechanism can be imparted to an otherwise diffusion-controlled faradaic energy storage material by external methods like size engineering, compositional modification, doping, anion intercalation, and morphological modifications. As a significant mechanism that plays a borderline role between battery-type and pseudocapacitive nature of energy storage, extrinsic pseudocapacitance tends to narrow down the boundary between these conventionally diverse systems, which in turn would contribute a lot to the development of hybrid energy storage technologies. For effective utilization in upcoming energy storage technologies, a critical analysis on the effect of this mechanism on reported devices shall turn into a valid account. This review gives a detailed insight into extrinsic pseudocapacitance, its significance, and recently reported materials, methods, and devices. The future outlook and challenges in transforming extrinsic pseudocapacitive mechanisms into a promising strategy for next-generation energy storage devices are also discussed. 2023 Elsevier Ltd -
A Comprehensive Review on the Antimicrobial and Photocatalytic Properties of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles
With the advancement of technology, there is a growing demand for new nanoparticles that are viable, eco-friendly, non-toxic, and non-hazardous, as well as having unique chemical and physical properties. Silver nanoparticles are currently promising for antibacterial, antimicrobial, and photocatalytic applications. Because of their toxicity, nanosilver particles are now widely used in various applications, including cosmetics, clothing, sunscreen, medicinal, sensing, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and photocatalytic. The importance of plant extracts in the synthesis of AgNPs is emphasized. The various mechanisms and characterization techniques used in the study of silver nanoparticles will also be covered. This review also discusses the role of green synthesized AgNPs in antimicrobial and photocatalytic applications, which adds to our understanding of improving health, and the environment and preventing contagious diseases. 2022 by the authors. -
Biopolymers as promising vehicles for drug delivery to the brain
The brain is a privileged organ, tightly guarded by a network of endothelial cells, pericytes, and glial cells called the blood brain barrier. This barrier facilitates tight regulation of the transport of molecules, ions, and cells from the blood to the brain. While this feature ensures protection to the brain, it also presents a challenge for drug delivery for brain diseases. It is, therefore, crucial to identify molecules and/or vehicles that carry drugs, cross the blood brain barrier, and reach targets within the central nervous system. Biopolymers are large polymeric molecules obtained from biological sources. In comparison with synthetic polymers, biopolymers are structurally more complex and their 3D architecture makes them biologically active. Researchers are therefore investigating biopolymers as safe and efficient carriers of brain-targeted therapeutic agents. In this article, we bring together various approaches toward achieving this objective with a note on the prospects for biopolymer-based neurotherapeutic/neurorestorative/neuroprotective interventions. Finally, as a representative paradigm, we discuss the potential use of nanocarrier biopolymers in targeting protein aggregation diseases. 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Greener Assembly of Nano Catalysts and Sustainable Applications of Magnetically Retrievable and Plasmonic Nano Catalysts
Since ages, catalysts have played a pivotal role in accelerating the production and lowering the cost of a plethora of industrially important commodities. The latest in the scenario are nanocatalysts, which offer a wide array of advantages ranging from improved reaction rates to higher rates of recyclability. However, factors such as stability and support systems must be fine-tuned to achieve maximum efficiency. In accordance with the principle of sustainability, green synthesis methods have propelled the development of a range of nanocatalysts that can be applied in various domains, such as the food industry and biofuel production. Simultaneously, heterogeneous catalysis is gaining more attention globally, primarily due to the ease of recoverability of the nanocatalysts and in this context, magnetically retrievable nanocatalysts are indeed a boon for the green synthesis and sustainable production. Nanocomposites combining plasmonic and catalytic components with noble metal nanoparticles (Au and Ag) and doped semiconductor nanostructures have gained interest in recent years owing to their utility in multiple sectors by virtue of their ability to convert sunlight to chemical energy. The current review describes some methods for the synthesis of such nanocatalysts and their applications in diverse domains. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.) The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2023. -
Bioactive compounds from Cordyceps and their therapeutic potential
The Clavicipitaceae familys largest and most diverse genus is Cordyceps. They are most abundant and diverse in humid temperate and tropical forests and have a wide distribution in: Europe, North America, and East and Southeast Asian countries, particularly: Bhutan, China, Japan, Nepal, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Tibet, and the Himalayan region of India, and Sikkim. It is a well-known parasitic fungus that feeds on insects and other arthropods belonging to 10 different orders. Over 200 bioactive metabolites, that include: nucleotides and nucleosides, polysaccharides, proteins, polypeptides, amino acids, sterols, and fatty acids, among others have been extracted from Cordyceps spp. demonstrating the phytochemical richness of this genus. These components have been associated with a variety of pharmacological effects, including: anti-microbial, anti-apoptotic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities. In this paper, the bioactivity of various classes of metabolites produced by Cordyceps spp., and their therapeutic properties have been reviewed in an attempt to update the existing literature. Furthermore, one of its nucleoside and a key bioactive compound, cordycepin has been critically elaborated with regard to its biosynthesis pathway and the recently proposed protector-protmechanism as well as various biological and pharmacological effects, such as: suppression of purine and nucleic acid biosynthesis, induction of apoptosis, and cell cycle regulation with their mechanism of action. This review provides current knowledge on the bioactive potential of Cordyceps spp. 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.