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Biowaste-based porous carbon nanoparticle doped polymer dispersed ferroelectric liquid crystal composites: an impact on optical and electrical properties
Bio-waste-based porous carbon nanoparticles (PCNPs) were synthesized using green synthesis and investigated their doping effect on the optical and electrical properties of polymer-dispersed ferroelectric liquid crystals (PDFLCs) composites. Here we employed the polymerization-induced phase separation (PIPS) approach for constructing the PDFLCs. Our results indicate that the dispersion of PCNPs into the PDFLC material results in an alteration to several physical parameters, including morphology, dielectric permittivity, conductivity and optical band gap. A decrease in the ac conductivity of the doped samples was seen. Additionally, UV-Visible study reveals that inclusion of PCNPs resulted in a decrease in the optical band gap of PDFLC, with a value of approximately 3.1 eV. These findings demonstrate the potential of using PCNPs as dopants in PDFLCs for various applications, including sensing, energy storage and optoelectronics. 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Biowaste modified biosensor for determining projester one /
Patent Number: 201941029973, Applicant: Christ University.
The present invention relates to a technical field in the detection of hormones, particularly relates to the formation of a sensor for detecting progestrone, the sensor comprising; a biosensor, the biosensor is an electro chemical sensor. -
Biowaste derived graphene quantum dots interlaced with SnO2 nanoparticles-a dynamic disinfection agent against: Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Highly resilient antibacterial strains are a major cause of concern in the modern sewage treatment and sanitation industry. Hence, development of efficient, low-cost disinfectant agents is essential. In this study, synthesis of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) from expended sugarcane bagasse via surface functionalization and the subsequent production of GQD/SnO2 nanocomposites via a facile hydrothermal route is demonstrated for the first time. The synthesized nanostructures are found to be studded with various oxygen moieties and exhibit an excitation independent fluorescence behaviour implying the existence of quantum confinement effects. Nanoparticles obtained after the hydrothermal treatment are found to possess spherical morphology with an average particle size of 4.5 nm. Antibacterial activity of the synthesized product is tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the disc diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentration assay. A marked rise in the antibacterial performance is seen in the nanocomposite compared to its carbonized and GQD counterparts. This can be attributed to the presence of surface defects and smaller uniform sized particles. These cost-effective nanostructures are photo stable for extended periods of storage and may find excellent utility in the sanitation and disinfectant industry. 2019 The Royal Society of Chemistry and the Centre National De la Recherche Scientifique. -
Biotransformation of bovine tannery fleshing into utilizable product with multifunctionalities
Leather industries aim at the transformation of putrescible animal raw hides and skins into a stable non-putrescible material (leather), ultimately resulting in solid wastes generation. Storage of limed bovine fleshing, a predominant proteinaceous solid waste material from pre-tanning processes is highly discouraged due to their putrescible nature. Diversely, bio-conversion of solid waste into a saleable product could be achieved by bacterial fermentation process. Lactic acid (LA) fermentation with Delimed Bovine Tannery Fleshing (DBTF) by Lactobacillus plantarum was experimented; incubation time, tapioca flour and lactose were the three prime independent variables studied. Maximum LA production in steam cooked DBTF medium was achieved with pH 6; inoculum 12.5% (v/w); lactose 8.81% (w/w) and tapioca flour 8.9% (w/w) at 96 hours of fermentation. Initial yield of about 4.56 g/L of LA (p <.05), upon statistical manipulation of the medium composition marked up to 12.36 g/L, enabling 2.7-fold increase in the LA production with DBTF as a relatively cut-rate substrate. Fermentation resulted in Fermented Fleshing Flour (FFF) with marked protein level of 76.32% and lower fibre content. Formation of protein hydrolysates and new acid groups in FFF were authenticated via Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopic (FE-SEM) and Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopic (FTIR) analyses respectively. In situ acid (LA) generation and formation of protein hydrolysates/free amino acids during LA fermentation points to the antibacterial (against Gram-negative bacteria, followed by Gram-positive bacteria) and invitro antioxidative properties with dose dependency, of FFF, favouring its possible utilization in aqua feed industries as a superior grade proteinaceous feed ingredient with inbuilt bio-functionalities.. 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Biotic elicitors: a boon for the in-vitro production of plant secondary metabolites
Plant secondary metabolites are produced naturally in the plant system as a defense mechanism to combat environmental stress factors. These metabolites are extensively used in food, cosmetics, agrochemicals and pharmaceutical sectors. With the applications of plant tissue culture, any particular organ which is the major site for secondary metabolite production can be targeted and cultured. Recently, a new strategy to increase the metabolite production in plants has been employed with the use of elicitors. These elicitors are the chemical substances that trigger the biosynthetic pathways by activating certain transcriptional factors and upregulating the genes. Hence the secondary metabolite production increases in the plant system due to the stress developed by the introduction of the elicitors. Generally, elicitors may be abiotically derived from non-living sources or biotically derived from the living sources. In the present review, the mechanism of biotic elicitation and the applications of biotic elicitors like bacterial, fungal, algal elicitors and other polysaccharides extracted from them has been discussed extensively. It has been noted that the addition of bacterial elicitors like Rhizobiumrhizogenes showed a 94% increase in genistein production while Escherichia coli showed a 9.1-fold increase in diosgenin production. Similarly, fungal elicitors like Aspergillus niger increased thiophene production by 85% and a 26-fold increase in sanguinarine production was seen when the cultures were treated with Botrytis sps. Algal extracts like Haematococcus pluvialis increased the betalain production by 2.28 folds while Botryococcus braunii elicited Vanillin, Vanillylamine and Capsaicin by 3-fold, 6-fold and 2.3-fold respectively. 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. -
Biotic elicitors influence boeravinone B production from cell suspension cultures of Boerhavia diffusa Linn.
Boerhavia diffusa L., (punarnava) is known for its rich, secondary metabolite content and potential pharmacological properties. Boeravinone B, a flavonoid, is a significant plant secondary metabolite found in punarnava, exhibiting various pharmacological properties that translate into anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and nephroprotective activities. However, the limited production of boeravinone B within the plant poses challenges in meeting market demands. In this study, various biotic components, including filtrates and supernatants of algae, fungi, and bacteria, are employed as elicitors to enhance the production of boeravinone B from the cell suspension cultures of punarnava. Fungal components like yeast extract, Aspergillus niger and Cordyceps militaris, bacteria like Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, as well as Algae such as Valonia utricularis and Spirulina platensis, are utilised to assess their efficiency as elicitors at different day intervals. Results indicate that among all the elicitor treatments, fungal components like yeast extract, C. militaris and A. niger at 100 mg/L, 1 % and 5 % concentrations, administered 6, 6 and 2, days before harvesting, exhibit increased production of boeravinone B by 1.13, 1.14 and 2.63 folds, respectively, when compared to control cultures. Similarly, algae V. utricularis and S. platensis, at 2.5 % concentration and treated before harvesting on Day 6, demonstrate enhanced production of boeravinone B by 1.74 and 4.40 folds compared to control cultures. In addition, the efficiency of various biotic elicitors is examined by quantifying total phenolics and flavonoids in treated cell suspension cultures. These findings have the potential to enhance production strategies and meet the growing demand for this valuable compound with medicinal properties, leveraging easily accessible biotic elicitors. 2024 SAAB -
Biotic elicitation mediated in vitro production of L-DOPA from Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. cell cultures
With the emerging rise in the need for drugs extracted from various plant sources, there also arises the need for the optimum production of the drugs on a larger scale and conservation of those medicinal plants using different in vitro techniques and biotechnological approaches. Plant tissue culture techniques play a prominent role in mass multiplication of the plant. Whereas, strategies such as precursor feeding, elicitation, increases the metabolite content several-fold. Thus, an attempt of using the biotic elicitors for enhancing L-DOPA production, the anti-Parkinsons drug from Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. cell cultures, has been reported in the present study. Aqueous extracts of algae [Amphiroa anceps (AA), Gracillaria ferogusonii (GF), Kappaphycus striatum (KS), and Sargassum lanceolatum (SL)], fungus [Aspergillus sps. (AS), Penicillium sps. (PE), and Cordyceps sps (CO)], and polysaccharide [Chitosan (CH)] solution were exposed to the cell cultures for 3, 6, and 9 d, respectively, and their effect on biomass and L-DOPA production was noted. This is the first report demonstrating the enhancement of biomass and L-DOPA from M. pruriens cell cultures with the use of various algal and fungal elicitors. Based on productivity (L-DOPA concentration biomass volume), it was observed that Cordyceps showed the best result and enhanced both biomass and metabolite to a greater scale. The elicitors, which showed a significant increase, are as follows: CO > AS > PE > CH > AA > KS > GF > SL. On the whole, it was noted that fungal extracts showed better results than algae. 2022, The Society for In Vitro Biology. -
Biotic and Abiotic Elicitation for Enhanced Production of Stilbenes
Stilbenes are a class of phytoalexins with important pharmacological characteristics, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. These substances have drawn interest due to their possible uses in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic sectors. Nevertheless, the endogenous production of stilbenes in plants is often limited, necessitating the development of strategies to boost their yield. Elicitation has been shown to be a viable strategy for increasing stilbene biosynthesis in plants by utilizing both biotic and abiotic elicitors. This review delves deeply into the most recent developments in biotic and abiotic elicitation methods used to boost stilbene production. The mechanisms by which different biotic elicitors, including plantmicrobe symbiosis, pathogen infection, and microbial interactions, stimulate the biosynthesis of stilbenes are discussed. Discussion of the molecular mechanisms behind elicitor-induced stilbene biosynthesis emphasizes the activation of key biosynthetic pathways, regulatory genes, and transcription factors. It has been demonstrated that elicitors like methyl jasmonate, chitosan, and fungal extracts, as well as UV-C light and cyclodextrins, increase the expression of key enzymes like resveratrol synthase (RS), stilbene synthase (STS), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), which, in turn, increases the accumulation of stilbenes. Recent developments in metabolic engineering are emphasized as promising methods to further increase stilbene yields, such as gene editing and overexpressing biosynthetic genes. By integrating these strategies, we focus on offering a thorough insight into the elicitation processes that can be harnessed to optimize stilbene production, thereby contributing to the development of sustainable and efficient production systems for these valuable phytochemicals. To aid in the development of superior and scalable methods for producing these valuable compounds, this review attempts to provide a thorough understanding of how to improve stilbene production biotechnologically by integrating insights on biotic and abiotic elicitation. 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Biotechnological Research Progress in Jatropha, a Biodiesel-Yielding Plant
Environmental pollution is one of the most pressing challenges in todays world. The main cause of this pollution is fuel emissions from automobiles and other sources. As industrialization progresses, we will be unable to compromise on the use of energy to power heavy machines and will be forced to seek out the best options. As a consequence, utilizing green fuel, such as biodiesel derived from natural sources, is a realistic option. Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) is recognized as the greatest feedstock for biodiesel production throughout the world, and it has gained a huge market value in the recent years. Conventional cultivation alone will not be sufficient to meet the global need for the plants biomass for the production of biodiesel. Adoption of plant tissue culture techniques that improve the biomass availability is an immediate need. The present review provides detailed information regarding in-vitro plant propagation (direct and indirect organogenesis), somatic embryogenesis, and acclimatization protocols of plantlets for stabilized production of biomass. The review also focuses on biotechnological approaches such as gene transformation studies, production of haploids, and double haploids for developing elite germplasm for high biomass and improved traits for the production of biodiesel. 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. -
Biotechnological approaches for the production of hypericin and other important metabolites from the genus Hypericum
Hypericin, a polycyclic naphthodianthrone and active plant pigment with the molecular formula C30H16O8, is a crucial phytochemical extracted from the dark-colored glands present on the aerial parts of the genus Hypericum. It is biosynthesized through the polyketide pathway by plant-specific type III polyketide synthases (PKSs). In addition to hypericin, the genus Hypericum is rich in various classes of phytochemicals. Alongside other bioactive compounds like hyperforin and flavonoids, hypericin exhibits antidepressant activity. Recently, hypericin has gained increased importance in the research due to its unique properties. Its photodynamic nature makes it an effective natural photosensitizer, extending its use in investigating skin disorders. Moreover, hypericin demonstrates antiviral and antitumoral properties. Despite its effectiveness in treating cancers and neurological disorders, hypericin production faces challenges due to its site-specific nature. Conventional methods struggle to meet the growing demand for hypericin. Biotechnological approaches, including plant tissue culture and bioreactor-based large-scale production, offer promising solutions to address this demand. This review focuses on various plant tissue culture techniques, such as cell and organ culture, and elucidates their biosynthetic pathways. It also discusses hypericin production using elicitation strategies involving biotic and abiotic components, as well as genetic engineering approaches to enhance hypericin yields. Bioreactor-scale production presents significant potential for sustainable hypericin production. Further advancements in understanding and engineering biosynthetic pathways hold promise for unlocking new avenues in hypericin production. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2024. -
Biotechnological approaches for the production of gymnemic acid from Gymnema sylvestre R. Br.
Abstract : Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects several organs and can be treated using phytochemicals found in medicinal plants. Gymnema sylvestre (Asclepiadaceae) is one such medicinal plant rich in anti-diabetic properties. The plant is commonly known as madhunashini in Sanskrit because of its ability to cure diabetes (sugar). Gymnemic acid(GA) is a phytochemical (a triterpenoid saponin) responsible for the herbs main pharmacological activity. This secondary metabolite has a lot of potential as a phytochemical with pharmacological properties including nephroprotection, hypoglycemia, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. Gymnema has acquired a lot of popularity in recent years due to its low side effects and high efficacy in healing diabetes, which has led to overexploitation by pharmaceutical enterprises for its biomass in the wild for the purification of gymnemic acid. Modern biotechnological techniques involving the establishment of cell and organ cultures from G. sylvestre will assist us in fulfilling the need for gymnemic acid production. The present review provides insights on the establishment of cell and organ cultures for the production of a potent antidiabetic molecule gymnemic acid. Further, the review also delves into the intricacies of the different strategies for improved production of gymnemic acid using various elicitors. There is huge potential for sustainable production of gymnemic acid which could be met by establishment of bioreactor scale production. Understanding and engineering the biosynthetic pathway could also lead to improved GA production. Key points: Gymnemic acid is one of the potential anti-diabetic molecules from madhunashini Cell and organ culture offers potential approach for gymnemic acid production Elicitation strategies have improved the gymnemic acid production Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. -
Biotechnological approaches for the production of camptothecin
Abstract: Camptothecin (CPT), an indole alkaloid popular for its anticancer property, is considered the third most promising drug after taxol and famous alkaloids from Vinca for the treatment of cancer in humans. Camptothecin was first identified in Camptotheca acuminata followed by several other plant species and endophytic fungi. Increased harvesting driven by rising global demand is depleting the availability of elite plant genotypes, such as Camptotheca acuminata and Nothapodytes nimmoniana, crucial for producing alkaloids used in treating diseases like cancer. Conservation of these genotypes for the future is imperative. Therefore, research on different plant tissue culture techniques such as cell suspension culture, hairy roots, adventitious root culture, elicitation strategies, and endophytic fungi has been adopted for the production of CPT to meet the increasing demand without affecting the source plants existence. Currently, another strategy to increase camptothecin yield by genetic manipulation is underway. The present review discusses the plants and endophytes that are employed for camptothecin production and throws light on the plant tissue culture techniques for the regeneration of plants, callus culture, and selection of cell lines for the highest camptothecin production. The review further explains the simple, accurate, and cost-effective extraction and quantification methods. There is enormous potential for the sustainable production of CPT which could be met by culturing of suitable endophytes or plant cell or organ culture in a bioreactor scale production. Also, different gene editing tools provide opportunities for engineering the biosynthetic pathway of CPT, and the overall CPT production can be improved. Key points: Camptothecin is a naturally occurring alkaloid with potent anticancer properties, primarily known for its ability to inhibit DNA topoisomerase I. Plants and endophytes offer a potential approach for camptothecin production. Biotechnology approaches like plant tissue culture techniques enhanced camptothecin production. The Author(s) 2024. -
Biotechnological Approaches For the IN - VITRO Production of L-DOPA From Callus Suspension Cultures of Mucuna Pruriens (L.) DC.
Plants are an important source of drugs to treat wide array of disorders due to the newlineproduction of various classes of secondary metabolites which are used as active ingredients to treat and cure diseases. One such commercially important metabolite known as 3,4 dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) is used to treat various central nervous system disorders like Dementia, Parkinson s, Alzheimer s, etc. Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. belonging to Fabaceae family has been used since time immemorial to treat Parkinson s disease and the seeds are the main source of all herbal formulations to treat various disorders of nervous system and male newlinereproductive system. Though the metabolite is present in all parts of Mucuna, seeds possess newlinethe highest concentration and it has become a huge challenge to satisfy the emerging demand newlinefor L-DOPA. This is attributed to the conventional methods of extraction from the natural sources of Mucuna sps., which has a low germination rate, less viable seeds and an irritating, itching trichomes on the pods. The need for an alternative method with continuous supply of L-DOPA without affecting the natural biodiversity has been achieved through in-vitro procedures. But there hasn t been a systematic approach to optimize the cultural conditions for the optimal productivity. Hence in our study, we aimed at selecting an elite germplasm of Mucuna pruriens and growing them in-vitro, along with establishing a callus suspension newlineculture and optimizing the cultural conditions for high biomass and L-DOPA production. Callus was induced by supplementing various plant growth regulators like auxins (IAA, IBA, Picloram, NAA, 2,4-D), cytokinins (Kinetin, BAP, 2-iP and TDZ) and their combinations in different concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/L). -
Biotechnological Approaches for Production of Artemisinin, an Anti-Malarial Drug from Artemisia annua L.
Artemisinin is an anti-malarial sesquiterpene lactone derived from Artemisia annua L. (Aster-aceae family). One of the most widely used modes of treatment for malaria is an artemisinin-based combination therapy. Artemisinin and its associated compounds have a variety of pharmacological qualities that have helped achieve economic prominence in recent years. So far, research on the biosynthesis of this bioactive metabolite has revealed that it is produced in glandular trichomes and that the genes responsible for its production must be overexpressed in order to meet demand. Using biotechnological applications such as tissue culture, genetic engineering, and bioreactor-based approaches would aid in the upregulation of artemisinin yield, which is needed for the future. The current review focuses on the tissue culture aspects of propagation of A. annua and production of artemisinin from A. annua L. cell and organ cultures. The review also focuses on elicitation strategies in cell and organ cultures, as well as artemisinin biosynthesis and metabolic engineering of biosynthetic genes in Artemisia and plant model systems. 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. -
Biotechnological advancements in microplastics degradation in drinking water: Current insights and Future perspectives
Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as persistent toxicants in the recent decade. MPs are reported to present in different samples such as soil, water, wastewater, and human samples including placenta, urine etc. Recent studies have reported its presence in drinking water. MPs presence in the drinking water is of concern to the research because MPs are associated with several toxicities in animal models including human. The presented review is focused on understanding MPs abundance, sources, detection, analysis, and biotechnological approaches for its degradation. The paper discusses MPs sources, distribution, and transport in drinking water. In addition, it discusses the MPs identification in drinking water, and advances in biotechnological, metagenomics, system, and synthetic biology approaches for MPs degradation. Moreover, it discusses critically the major challenges associated with the MPs degradation in drinking water. Heterogeneity in the MPs size and shape makes it its identification difficult in the drinking water. Most of the methods available for MPs analysis are based on the dried samples analysis. Development of MPs in liquid samples may bring a breakthrough in the research. 2024 The Authors -
Biosynthesized carbon quantum dots/g-C3N4/Co3O4 composites for effective methylene blue dye degradation and DFT study
In this study, we aimed to develop a new, efficient photocatalyst, graphitic carbon nitride/carbon quantum dots/cobalt oxide (g-C3N4/CQDs/Co3O4 (CCC)), via a hydrothermal route. The composite was synthesized through a simple hydrothermal method, with the Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) systematically varied to 3, 5, and 10 %. The resulting samples are comprehensively characterized using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), BrunauerEmmettTeller (BET) surface area analysis, vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and ultraviolet-visible (UVVis) spectroscopy. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated using methylene blue (MB) dye under UV light. Among the prepared samples, the 3 % Co3O4 NPs loaded CCC catalyst has shown superior photocatalytic efficiency of 94.5 % within 120 min, which is higher than that of the 5 and 10 % Co3O4 NPs loaded CCC composite and better than that of the pristine materials. The results are obtained for optimized conditions at a concentration of 5 ppm, 0.05 g and pH 10. The 3 % CCC composite has exhibited excellent reusability and stability upto five cycles. Furthermore, Density Functional Theory (DFT) was used to understand the crystal structure and electronic properties of the prepared composite. The results have demonstrate that the novel CCC composite is a promising catalyst for the degradation of MB dye in aqueous solutions and environmental remediation. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
Biosynthesized AG nanoparticles: A promising pathway for bandgap tailoring
The unrivaled features and prospective applications promote graphene as a potent contender for next-generation nanodevices. But the realization of a tunable bandgap structure for zero-bandgap graphene at all times persists as a dilemma. In this work, a green approach is adopted for the bandgap modulation of graphene oxide (GO). The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were introduced into the graphene matrix, and hence the bandgap was tailored for the formation of a semiconductor composite. The bare GO that has got a bandgap of 3.41 eV was tuned to 2.33 eV on the addition of AgNPs. The preparation of AgNPs using fruit extract of cyanococcus make the process greener, safer, and cost-effective. This paper intends to open a new venture towards the environment safe synthesis of semiconductor nanocomposite necessitate for optoelectronic and photovoltaic technologies. 2020 by the authors. -
Biosynthesis of ZnFe2O4@Ag hybrid nanocomposites for degradation of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid herbicide
This work demonstrates recent advancements in the phytosynthetic and environmentally friendly method of preparing ZnFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4@Ag hybrid nanocomposites using Pedalium murex L leaf extract as a stabilizing and reducing agent. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized with UVvis, FTIR, TGA/DSC, XRD, FE-SEM, and EDX to investigate the electronic as well as morphological properties. Moreover, the photocatalytic behaviour of ZnFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4@Ag hybrid nanocomposites was evaluated with a breakdown of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-DPA) by exposing to UVVis light. The results obtained suggest that ZnFe2O4@Ag hybrid nanocomposite exhibited photocatalytic activity for the degradation of 2,4-DPA by approximately 94% in 60 min compared to ZnFe2O4. The hybrid nanostructure of ZnFe2O4@Ag significantly promoted charge transfer and prevented electron and hole recombination resulting in the enhancement of photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, ZnFe2O4@Ag nanocomposite showed the fair recyclable capacity for up to five catalytic cycles with an acceptable degradation percentage of 2,4-DPA. The findings of this study identify efficient charge transfer factor as a major contributor to the catalytic activity, with promising possibilities for the design of environmental remediation nanocomposite for harmful contaminants. 2023 The Author(s) -
Biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles mediated by Strobilanthes hamiltoniana: Characterizations, and its biological applications
Nanoparticles of Zinc oxide (ZnONPs), has a variety of applications such as antibacterial property, water treatment for pollutant removal, and as catalysts for organic reactions etc. and have been synthesized utilizing a variety of approaches, including green synthesis, chemical precipitation, solgel, hydrothermal synthesis, and microwave-assisted synthesis. In the present work, easy and economically viable ZnONPs were synthesized utilizing Strobilanthes hamiltoniana (SH) leaf extracts. Phytochemicals form S. hamiltoniana act as agents for reducing and capping the metal oxide ions. A range of analytical and microscopic techniques have been used to investigate the physical and chemical properties of ZnONPs. At 360 ?nm, green synthesized SH-ZnONPs showed robust UVVis absorption. The nanosize, shape, and crystalline structure of SH-ZnO NPs were characterized using XRD and electron microscopy techniques. Using SH-ZnO NPs, the photocatalytic activity of textile dyes such as Reactive blue 220 (RB-220), Reactive blue 222A (RB-222A), Reactive yellow 145 (RY-145) and Reactive yellow 86 (RY-86) dyes showed degradation efficiency of 97.3%, 78.57%, 88.88%, and 83.33% after 320 ?min. ZnONPs exhibited remarkable antibacterial effectiveness against bacterial and fungal pathogens using the Minimum inhibitory concentration approach. Their MIC values were calculated, and free radical scavenging experiments showed antioxidant activity. The SH-ZnONPs were validated using HepG2 (IC50) cancerous cells lines and showed promising anti-cancer activity. These results revealed that SH-ZnO NPs had promising benefits that could be utilized as a viable therapeutic candidate. 2023 The Author(s) -
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Vitex negundo: Pesticidal efficacy against Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa armigera with a safety assessment
Plant-based metallic nanoparticles hold promise for agricultural applications. This study investigated the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Vitex negundo leaf extract. It assessed their pesticidal properties and safety. AgNPs were synthesized via aqueous extract and characterized by UVVis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) Characterization revealed a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 435 nm, an average particle size of 236.4 nm, and a stable zeta potential. SEM confirmed spherical morphology, XRD indicated a face-centred cubic (fcc) structure, and FTIR confirmed biomolecule-mediated capping and stabilization. Larvicidal bioassays showed that 5 mg/L AgNPs caused 78-89% mortality in Spodoptera litura and 83-100% in Helicoverpa armigera. In both pests, oxidative stress was triggered. Catalase (CAT) activity increased by over 80% in S.litura and moderately in H. armigera. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity declined post-treatment, from 9.4 to 5.0 mM/ min/mg protein in H. armigera and from 1.0 to 0.7 mM/min/mg protein in S. litura, indicating impaired detoxification. In Oreo-chromis urolepis, AgNPs (5, 10, and 25 mg/L) induced oxidative stress without mortality. CAT activity decreased within 24 hours (72.4% at 5 mg/L) and remained suppressed by day 5 (36.7% at 25 mg/L). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased at 5 mg/L (19.8%) and 25 mg/L (54.8%), while GST initially declined but rebounded at higher concentrations. Reduced glutathione (GSH) levels increased by 24.3% at 25 mg/L, indicating adaptation. This study highlights that V. negundo-derived AgNPs are effective, eco-friendly biopesticides with minimal non-target toxicity. Author (s).