Optimizing Polyhydroxyalkanoate production using a novel Bacillus paranthracis isolate: A response surface methodology approach.

Microorganisms have emerged as promising resources for producing economical and sustainable bioproducts like Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a biodegradable polymer that can replace synthetic plastics. In this study, we screened a novel isolate, Bacillus paranthracis RSKS-3 strain, to produce PHA from sewage water, identifying it using Whole Genome Sequence. This study represents the first report on optimizing PHA production using B. paranthracis RSKS-3, employing Design Expert 12.0 software. Our findings reveal that four factors (temperature, inoculum size, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and magnesium sulfate) significantly affect PHA production in the Plackett-Burman design experiment. Through Response Surface Methodology, we optimized PHA production to 0.647 g/L with specific values for potassium dihydrogen phosphate (0.55 %), inoculum size (3 %), magnesium sulfate (0.055 %), and a temperature of 35 °C, in agreement with the predicted value of 0.630 g/L. This optimization resulted in a substantial 13.29-fold increase in PHA production from 0.34 g/L to 4.52 g/L, underscoring the promising role of B. paranthracis RSKS-3 in eco-friendly PHA production and advancing sustainable bioproduct development.

Gold Nanoparticles in Nanobiotechnology: From Synthesis to Biosensing Applications.

Nanobiotechnology has ushered in a new era of scientific discovery where the unique properties of nanomaterials, such as gold nanoparticles, have been harnessed for a wide array of applications. This review explores gold nanoparticles' synthesis, properties, and multidisciplinary applications, focusing on their role as biosensors. Gold nanoparticles possess exceptional physicochemical attributes, including size-dependent optical properties, biocompatibility, and ease of functionalization, making them promising candidates for the development of biosensing platforms. The review begins by providing a comprehensive overview of gold nanoparticle synthesis techniques, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches. It then delves into the remarkable properties that underpin their success in biosensing, such as localized surface plasmon resonance and enhanced surface area. The discussion also includes the functionalization strategies that enable specific binding to biomolecules, enhancing the sensitivity and selectivity of gold-nanoparticle-based biosensors. Furthermore, this review surveys the diverse applications of gold nanoparticles in biosensing, encompassing diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and drug delivery. The multidisciplinary nature of these applications underscores the versatility and potential of gold nanoparticles in addressing complex challenges in healthcare and environmental science. The review emphasizes the pressing need for further exploration and research in the field of nanobiotechnology, particularly regarding the synthesis, properties, and biosensing applications of gold nanoparticles. With their exceptional physicochemical attributes and versatile functionalities, gold nanoparticles present a promising avenue for addressing complex challenges in healthcare and environmental science, making it imperative to advance our understanding of their synthesis, properties, and applications for enhanced biosensing capabilities and broader scientific innovation.

Bibliometric analysis on CRISPR/Cas: a potential Sherlock Holmes for disease detection.

CRISPR has revolutionized illness detection by using precision gene editing to identify specific sequences in recent years. Using the Scopus database, this study performs a comprehensive bibliometric analysis, looking at academic papers on CRISPR that were published between 1992 and 2023. After screening a dataset of 1407 articles using Zotero, trends in annual publishing, citation patterns, author affiliations, and keyword co-occurrence are revealed using analysis tools such as VOSviewer, RStudio, and MS Excel. According to the report, there was only one CRISPR publication in 1992. By 2017, there were a meager 64 papers. Nonetheless, there is a notable upsurge between 2018 and 2023. Leading nations involved in CRISPR-based illness detection research include Germany, the United States, China, India, and the United Kingdom. Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing University Medical University, and Chongqing University Bioengineering College are a few of the top institutions. With the greatest publication numbers (1688 and 1616) and strong total link strengths (TLS) of 42 and 77, respectively, authors Liu, C., and Li, Y., stand out. The field with the greatest citation counts as of 2023 is Broughton's 2020 study on CRISPR-based SARS-CoV-2 detection in Nature Biotechnology, with 1598 citations. Biosensors and Bioelectronics comprise 14.99% of papers. Researchers, decision-makers, and interested parties can use this thorough summary to help them make well-informed decisions about future CRISPR-based disease detection studies.

Investigating chemical pre-treatment methods: Valorization of wheat straw to enhance polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production with novel isolate Bacillus paranthracis RSKS-3.

Wheat is a crucial food crop worldwide, generating straw upon post-harvest. The straw is often burned to enhance soil fertility, leading to massive air pollution. In this study, wheat straw was investigated for the production of Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) using the novel isolate Bacillus paranthracis RSKS-3. The wheat straw was pulverized and valorized with different acids (2 % and 4 % H2SO4, acetic acid, and hydrochloric acid) and alkalis (2 % and 4 % NaOH, calcium carbonate, and potassium hydroxide). The validation of carbohydrates was done using the Molisch test by analyzing purple-ring production and the DNS test which concluded 4 % H2SO4 as an effective treatment with a maximal sugar yield of 5.04 mg/mL at P < 0.05. The bioconversion efficiency of the extract to PHA resulted in 0.87 g/L by Bacillus paranthracis RSKS-3, later characterized by Ultraviolet (UV)-spectroscopy and FT-IR assessment. The findings of the research offer a potential strategy to mitigate airborne pollutants that result from smouldering wheat straw, thereby contributing significant improvements to sustainable development.

Investigating the potential of delignified rice husk as a carbon-rich resource for extracting glucose and its utilization in biocement production through fungal isolates.

Burning rice straw is now a significant issue faced by different regions in India, as its burning releases harmful gases, mainly carbon dioxide. Various techniques are now in trend to utilize the rice straw, e.g., producing compressed natural gas using rice straw, bioethanol, etc., as a substrate for various microorganisms. A high quantity of non-utilized rice husk generates more ideas for its proper utilization. The cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin found in rice straws can be a fungi growth medium. In this research, the delignification of rice husk is done by acid (2% and 4% H2SO4) and alkali (2% and 4% NaOH) at 121 °C at 103 kPa for 1 h to obtain crude carbon source which is further utilized for biomineralization. The glucose is subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis using Molisch's and Dinitro salicylic tests. The delignification process showed a positive outcome when 2% H2SO4 is utilized maximum yield of 5.9 ug/ml free sugar concentration. Representing the highest glucose yield compared to the experiment's other acid and base substances used. Various techniques such as field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transformed infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy are employed to examine surface and chemical alterations. The 2% H2SO4 pretreated rice husk is utilized for microbial-induced calcite precipitation using fungal isolates S1 (3), S1 (18), and S4 (1). The calcite and vaterite produced by biomineralization are confirmed using XRD for fungal isolates namely, S1 (3), S1 (18), and S4 (1) having percentage crystallinity of 59%, 46.428%, and 62.69% percentage crystallinity respectively.

Therapeutic Potential of Green-Engineered ZnO Nanoparticles on Rotenone-Exposed D. melanogaster (Oregon R+): Unveiling Ameliorated Biochemical, Cellular, and Behavioral Parameters.

Nanotechnology holds significant ameliorative potential against neurodegenerative diseases, as it can protect the therapeutic substance and allow for its sustained release. In this study, the reducing and capping agents of Urtica dioica (UD), Matricaria chamomilla (MC), and Murraya koenigii (MK) extracts were used to synthesize bio-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) against bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and against rotenone-induced toxicities in D. melanogaster for the first time. Their optical and structural properties were analyzed via FT-IR, DLS, XRD, EDS, SEM, UV-Vis, and zeta potential. The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the fabricated ZnO-NPs were evaluated employing cell-free models (DPPH and ABTS) and the well diffusion method, respectively. Rotenone (500 µM) was administered to Drosophila third instar larvae and freshly emerged flies for 24-120 h, either alone or in combination with plant extracts (UD, MC, an MK) and their biogenic ZnO-NPs. A comparative study on the protective effects of synthesized NPs was undertaken against rotenone-induced neurotoxic, cytotoxic, and behavioral alterations using an acetylcholinesterase inhibition assay, dye exclusion test, and locomotor parameters. The findings revealed that among the plant-derived ZnO-NPs, MK-ZnO NPs exhibit strong antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, followed by UD-ZnO NPs and MC-ZnO NPs. In this regard, ethno-nano medicinal therapeutic uses mimic similar effects in D. melanogaster by suppressing oxidative stress by restoring biochemical parameters (AchE and proteotoxicity activity) and lower cellular toxicity. These findings suggest that green-engineered ZnO-NPs have the potential to significantly enhance outcomes, with the promise of effective therapies for neurodegeneration, and could be used as a great alternative for clinical development.

Overcoming Mycobacterium tuberculosis Drug Resistance: Novel Medications and Repositioning Strategies.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis, is a global health concern, affecting millions worldwide. This bacterium has earned a reputation as a formidable adversary due to its multidrug-resistant nature, allowing it to withstand many antibiotics. The development of this drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is attributed to innate and acquired mechanisms. In the past, rifampin was considered a potent medication for treating tuberculosis infections. However, the rapid development of resistance to this drug by the bacterium underscores the pressing need for new therapeutic agents. Fortunately, several other medications previously overlooked for tuberculosis treatment are already available in the market. Moreover, several innovative drugs are under clinical investigation, offering hope for more effective treatments. To enhance the effectiveness of these drugs, it is recommended that researchers concentrate on identifying unique target sites within the bacterium during the drug development process. This strategy could potentially circumvent the issues presented by Mycobacterium drug resistance. This review primarily focuses on the characteristics of novel drug resistance mechanisms in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It also discusses potential medications being repositioned or sourced from novel origins. The ultimate objective of this review is to discover efficacious treatments for tuberculosis that can successfully tackle the hurdles posed by Mycobacterium drug resistance.