Bells and Whistles on Fertilizers: Molecular Hands to Hang Nanoporous Foliar Fertilizer Reservoirs.

Porous materials are highly explored platforms for fertilizer delivery. Among porous materials, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are an important class of coordination polymers in which metal ions and organic electron donors as linkers are assembled to form crystalline structures with stable nanoporosity. Selected amino acids were inherently found to have the capacity to hold the leaf cuticle. Hence, MOF synthesis was attempted in the presence of amino acids, which can act as surface terminators and can assist as hands to hold to the leaf for a controlled nutrient supply. By serendipity, the amino acids were found to act as modulators, resulting in well-stabilized porous MOF structures with iron metal nodes, which are often noted to be unstable. Thus, the composite, i.e., (MOF@aa) MOF modulated with amino acids, has efficient nutrient-feeding ability through the foliar route when compared to the control.

Algal carbohydrate polymers: Catalytic innovations for sustainable development.

Algal polysaccharides, harnessed for their catalytic potential, embody a compelling narrative in sustainable chemistry. This review explores the complex domains of algal carbohydrate-based catalysis, revealing its diverse trajectory. Starting with algal polysaccharide synthesis and characterization methods as catalysts, the investigation includes sophisticated techniques like NMR spectroscopy that provide deep insights into the structural variety of these materials. Algal polysaccharides undergo various preparation and modification techniques to enhance their catalytic activity such as immobilization. Homogeneous catalysis, revealing its significance in practical applications like crafting organic compounds and facilitating chemical transformations. Recent studies showcase how algal-derived catalysts prove to be remarkably versatile, showcasing their ability to customise reactions for specific substances. Heterogeneous catalysis, it highlights the significance of immobilization techniques, playing a central role in ensuring stability and the ability to reuse catalysts. The practical applications of heterogeneous algal catalysts in converting biomass and breaking down contaminants, supported by real-life case studies, emphasize their effectiveness. In sustainable chemistry, algal polysaccharides emerge as compelling catalysts, offering a unique intersection of eco-friendliness, structural diversity, and versatile catalytic properties. Tackling challenges such as dealing with complex structural variations, ensuring the stability of the catalyst, and addressing economic considerations calls for out-of-the-box and inventive solutions. Embracing the circular economy mindset not only assures sustainable catalyst design but also promotes efficient recycling practices. The use of algal carbohydrates in catalysis stands out as a source of optimism, paving the way for a future where chemistry aligns seamlessly with nature, guiding us toward a sustainable, eco-friendly, and thriving tomorrow. This review encapsulates-structural insights, catalytic applications, challenges, and future perspectives-invoking a call for collective commitment to catalyze a sustainable scientific revolution.

A review on cutinases enzyme in degradation of microplastics.

From the surface of the earth to the depths of the ocean, microplastics are a hazard for both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Due to their small size and vast expanse, they can further integrate into living things. The fate of microplastics in the environment depends upon the biotic components such as microorganisms which have potential enzymes to degrade the microplastics. As a result, scientists are interested in using microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and others to remediate microplastic. These microorganisms release the cutinase enzyme, which is associated with the enzymatic breakdown of microplastics and plastic films. Yet, numerous varieties of microplastics exist in the environment and their contaminants act as a significant challenge in degrading microplastics. The review discusses the cutinases enzyme degradation strategies and potential answers to deal with existing and newly generated microplastic waste - polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL), polyurethanes (PU), and polybutylene succinate (PBS), along with their degradation pathways. The potential of cutinase enzymes from various microorganisms can effectively act to remediate the global problem of microplastic pollution.

Nanomaterial-based fluorescent biosensors for the detection of antibiotics in foodstuffs: A review.

Antibiotics are widely used as bacteriostatic or bactericidal agents against various microbial infections in humans and animals. The excessive use of antibiotics has led to an accumulation of their residues in food products, which ultimately poses a threat to human health. In light of the shortcomings of conventional methods for antibiotic detection (primarily cost, proficiency, and time-consuming procedures), the development of robust, accurate, on-site, and sensitive technologies for antibiotic detection in foodstuffs is important. Nanomaterials with amazing optical properties are promising materials for developing the next generation of fluorescent sensors. In this article, advances in detecting antibiotics in food products are discussed with respect to their sensing applications, with a focus on fluorescent nanomaterials such as metallic nanoparticles, upconversion nanoparticles, quantum dots, carbon-based nanomaterials, and metal-organic frameworks. Furthermore, their performance is evaluated to promote the continuation of technical advances.

Microplastics/nanoplastics released from facemasks as contaminants of emerging concern.

Facemasks have become a global medical necessity and are a key preventive measure against COVID-19. Typically, facemasks (FMs) are fabricated from non-renewable polymers, particularly polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), which release secondary microplastic (MPs) due to the chemical, physical, and biological processes. In light of the widespread usage and improper disposal of single-use facemasks, there is concern about their environmental impact since they contribute to plastic pollution during and after pandemics. The repercussions of this have led to millions of tons of plastic waste being dumped into the environment. Due to lack of awareness and improper disposal, the occurrence of micro/nanoplastics released from facemasks in wastewater treatment plants and landfills poses a concern. Infiltration of wastewater treatment processes by micro/nanoplastics at various levels can be problematic because of their chemical nature and broad but small size. Thus, operational and process stability issues can arise during wastewater treatment processes. In addition, landfilling and illegal waste disposal are being used to dispose of potentially infectious COVID-19 waste, leading to an environmental threat to animal and human health and exacerbating plastic pollution. This paper reviews the fate of facemasks in the environment and the repercussions of improper waste management of facemasks in wastewater treatment plants, landfills, and ultimately the environment.

Xylopentose production from crop residue employing xylanase enzyme.

To produce xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) from the agriculture waste, which included, green coconut and vegetable cocktail. The two pretreatment - hydrogen peroxide-acetic acid (HP-AC) and sodium hypochlorite-sodium hydroxide (SH-SH) - were used for this study. The optimal conditions for the pretreatment were 80 °C, 4.0 % NaClO, and 2 h, followed by 0.08 % NaOH, 55 °C, and 1 h. Further enzymatic hydrolysis of green coconut (GC) and vegetable cocktail (VC) were performed and found in case of GC, the best outcomes were observed. Different types of XOS were obtained from the treated biomass whereas a single type of XOS xylo-pentose was obtained in high quantity (96.44 % and 93.09 % from CG and VC respectively) with the production of other XOS < 2 %. This study presents a reasonably secure and economical method for turning secondary crop residue into XOS and fermentable sugars.

Development of carbon quantum dot-based lateral flow immunoassay for sensitive detection of aflatoxin M1 in milk.

Currently, there is a great demand for simple, sensitive, and accurate sensors for aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in dairy products. In the present research, a novel fluorescent immunosensor based on nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (CQDs) has been developed for AFM1 analysis. The N-doped CQDs were synthesized through the hydrothermal approach using citric acid and polyethyleneimine as precursors. The CQDs showed bright blue emission under ultraviolet light irradiation and a maximum emission was observed at 450 nm upon excitation at 350 nm. The anti-AFM1 antibody (Ab) was immobilized on the as-obtained amine-functionalized CQDs and the obtained CQDs/Ab probe was then directly used for developing the immunoassays for AFM1. The fluorescence of the CQDs/Ab solution was effectively quenched in the presence of increasing AFM1 concentrations. Under the optimized conditions, the fluorescent nanosensor exhibited high sensitivity towards AFM1 in the range of 0.2-0.8 ng/mL with low limit of detection i.e., 0.07 ng/mL in standard buffer. Furthermore, the CQDs/Ab immunosensor was developed as a lateral flow design for detecting the aflatoxin residues in milk. This strategy can be used for the development of low-cost, rapid, and highly sensitive sensor strips for the detection of AFM1 in dairy products.

Meta-analysis of in-vitro cytotoxicity evaluation studies of zinc oxide nanoparticles: Paving way for safer innovations.

Nano-based products have shown their daunting presence in several sectors. Among them, Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles wangled the reputation of providing "next-generation solutions" and are being utilized in plethora of products. Their widespread application has led to increased exposure of these particles, raising concerns regarding toxicological repercussions to the human health and environment. The diversity, complexity, and heterogeneity in the available literature, along with correlation of befitting attributes, makes it challenging to develop one systematic framework to predict this toxicity. The present study aims at developing predictive modelling framework to tap the prospective features responsible for causing cytotoxicity in-vitro on exposure to ZnO nanoparticles. Rigorous approach was used to mine the information from complete body of evidence published to date. The attributes, features and experimental conditions were systematically extracted to unmask the effect of varied features. 1240 data points from 76 publications were obtained, containing 14 qualitative and quantitative attributes, including physiochemical properties of nanoparticles, cell culture and experimental parameters to perform meta-analysis. For the first time, the efforts were made to investigate the degree of significance of attributes accountable for causing cytotoxicity on exposure to ZnO nanoparticles. We show that in-vitro cytotoxicity is closely related with dose concentration of nanoparticles, followed by exposure time, disease state of the cell line and size of these nanoparticles among other attributes.

The eco-friendly approach of cocktail enzyme in agricultural waste treatment: A comprehensive review.

Agricultural development over the past decade has majorly contributed to the world's bioeconomy, but is the rise in agricultural activities just resulting in the best? Farming, food processing, livestock handling and other agro-based actions show an incremental rise in environmental deterioration by generating millions of tonnes of organic and inorganic solid waste across the globe. Incautious waste handling practices (incineration and landfilling) is resulting in greenhouse gas emissions, land pollution, groundwater contamination, soil erosion and chronic health hazards. Lately the concept of bioconversion has gained importance in valorising agro-waste (lignocellulosic biomasses) into value added products like biofuels, biogas, single cell proteins and biochar to effectively control waste and reduce the dependency on non-renewable feedstocks (fossil fuels). Biomass hydrolysis via enzymes is improved in terms of cost, efficiency, catalysis, stability and specificity by enrolling the use of enzyme cocktails to synergistically degrade lignocellulose into monomeric sugars and further into valued products. Enzyme blends like that of Xylanase + Pectinase + Cellulase shows 76.5% fermentation within 30 h by using banana peel as substrate for biofuel production. Other sectors like paper industries have also explored the use of enzyme blends of Xylanase + Pectinase + α-amylase + Protease+ lipase for bio-bleaching showing reduction in 50% chemical usage and 19.5% kappa number with adjacent increase in tensile strength by 23.55%. The scope of the present review is to highlight the technicalities of the concepts mentioned above, include qualitative data from different relatable studies and prove how the use of enzyme cocktails is an eco-friendly approach towards agro-waste management.

Efficacious bioconversion of waste walnut shells to xylotetrose and xylopentose by free xylanase (Xy) and MOF immobilized xylanase (Xy-Cu-BTC).

This study uses a cost effective and efficient method for production of higher DP (degree of polymerization) Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) from xylan extracted from the waste walnut shells. Copper based metal organic framework (Cu-BTC MOF) was prepared for immobilization of free xylanase (Xy) enzyme by green synthesis method. Both free and immobilized xylanase (Xy-Cu-BTC) were able to cause the bioconversion of xylan (87.4% yield) into XOS. Predominant production of xylotetrose (X4) and xylopentose (X5) was observed for both the methods. Percentage XOS conversion for free enzyme (Xy) was found to be 4.1% X4 and 60.57% X5 whereas these values increased in case of immobilized system where 11.8% X4 and 64.2% X5 were produced. Xylose production was minute in case of immobilized xylanase 0.88% which makes it a better method for XOS production free from xylose interference. Xy-Cu-BTC MOF can hence be used as an attractive alternative for pure XOS production.

Advances in MXenes-based optical biosensors: A review.

Over the last decade MXenes have become a hotspot of materials science as one of the newest 2-dimensional (2D) materials. Upon the recognition of their distinctive features (e.g., superior optical characteristics, large surface area, excellent hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, ease of surface functionalization, and high conductivity), their potential in biosensing applications has also gained considerable attention. With versatility in MXene synthesis methods and suitable etching, MXenes can be easily transformed into quantum dots, nanosheets, and MXenes composites. As such, during the last decade optical biosensing platforms-based on MXenes have emerged along with electrochemical sensors and wearable sensors built from MXenes. Herein, we present a broad perspective on the optical properties of MXenes alongside recent findings on their biosensing applications, which are based on different optical transduction principles (e.g., photoluminescence, colorimetry, surface plasmon resonance, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, and electro chemiluminescence). Furthermore, the future perspective and challenges concerning MXenes-based optical sensing techniques are discussed.

An Elucidative Review to Analytically Sieve the Viability of Nanomedicine Market.

The advent of the twenty-first century marked a paradigm shift in the healthcare sector with coming of automated, sensitive, targeted medicines and technologies having diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic effects. Nanomedicines also attained wide acclamation in their initial years, but the transformation from being the proof of concept to successfully marketed products seems very daunting. Although the reason for this may be attributed to slow but incremental character of many present-day technologies, the review asserts that there are other significant facets that may purvey a thorough explanation of this scenario. The article elaborately discusses the hurdles hindering clinical translation of nanomedicines including scale-up challenges, in vitro in vivo cascade of toxicology assays, along with unrefined manufacturing guidelines, inadequate regulatory approvals, competitive conventional market, etc., leading to hesitant investments by pharmaceutical giants. The paper also explores the economic viability of nanobiotechnology sector through an empirical investigation of the revenue data of various pharmaceutical industries manufacturing nano-based drugs, which indicates minor commercial importance of these medicines. We also laid down a comprehensive set of recommendations to smoothen the translational pathway of nanomedicines from an idea to reality, efface the consumer distrust and push boundaries for development and launching of safe, efficient and commercially successful products. Graphical abstract.

A multifaceted enzyme conspicuous in fruit juice clarification: An elaborate review on xylanase.

Xylanase enzyme has been classified as an enzyme belonging to the glycoside hydrolase family. The catalytic action of xylanase is focused on the degradation of xylan, a substrate for this enzyme comprising of a complex arrangement of monosaccharides interlinked with the help of ester and glycosidic bonds. Xylan represents the second most profuse renewable polysaccharide present on earth. Breakage of the ß- 1, 4-glycoside linkage in the xylan polymer is what makes xylanase enzyme an important biocatalyst favoring various applications including treatment of pulp for improving paper quality, improvement of bread quality, treatment of lignocelluloses waste, production of xylose sugar and production of biological fuels. Most recently, xylanase has been exploited in the food industry for the purpose of fruit juice clarification. Turbidity caused by the colloidal polysaccharides present in the freshly squeezed fruit juice poses a setback to the fruit juice industry since the commercial product must be clear and free of excess polysaccharides to improve juice quality and storage life. This review gives an overview of the recent advancements made in regards to xylanase enzyme being used commercially with main focus on its role in fruit juice clarification.

UVC-based photoinactivation as an efficient tool to control the transmission of coronaviruses.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic made us re-realize the importance of environmental disinfection and sanitation in indoor areas, hospitals, and clinical rooms. UVC irradiation of high energy and short wavelengths, especially in the 200-290-nm range possesses the great potential for germicidal disinfection. These properties of UVC allow to damage or destruct the nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) in diverse microbes (e.g., bacteria, fungi, and viruses). UVC light can hence be used as a promising tool for prevention and control of their infection or transmission. The present review offers insights into the historical perspective, mode of action, and recent advancements in the application of UVC-based antiviral therapy against coronaviruses (including SARS CoV-2). Moreover, the application of UVC lights in the sanitization of healthcare units, public places, medical instruments, respirators, and personal protective equipment (PPE) is also discussed. This article, therefore, is expected to deliver a new path for the developments of UVC-based viricidal approach.

Recent advances in the applications of nano-agrochemicals for sustainable agricultural development.

Modern agricultural practices have triggered the process of agricultural pollution. This process can cause the degradation of eco-systems, land, and environment owing to the modern-day by-products of agriculture. The substantial use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and, contaminated water for irrigation cause further damage to agriculture. The current scenario of the agriculture and food sector has therefore become unsustainable. Nanotechnology has provided innovative and resourceful frontiers to the agriculture sector by contributing practical applications in conventional agricultural ways and practices. There is a large possibility that agri-nanotechnology can have a significant impact on the sustainable agriculture and crop growth. Recent research has shown the potential of nanotechnology in improving the agriculture sector by enhancing the efficiency of agricultural inputs and providing solutions to agricultural problems for improving food productivity and security. The prospective use of nanoscale agrochemicals such as nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, nanosensors, and nanoformulations in agriculture has transformed traditional agro-practices, making them more sustainable and efficient. However, the application of these nano-products in real field situations raises concern about nanomaterial safety, exposure levels, and toxicological repercussions to the environment and human health. The present review gives an insight into recent advancements in nanotechnology-based agrochemicals that have revolutionized the agriculture sector. Further, the implementation barriers related to the nanomaterial use in agriculture, their commercialization potential, and the need for policy regulations to assess possible nano-agricultural risks are also discussed.

Nanomaterial-based fluorescent sensors for the detection of lead ions.

Lead (Pb) poisoning has been a scourge to the human to pose sighnificant health risks (e.g., organ disorders, carcinogenicity, and genotoxicity) as observed from many different parts of the world, especially in developing countries. The demand for accurate sensors for its detection, especially in environmental media (soil, water, food, etc.) has hence been growing steadily over the years. The potential utility of fluorescent nanosensors as an important analytical tool is recognized due to their astonishing characteristics (e.g., high sensitivity/selectivity, enhanced detection performance, low cost, portability, and rapid on-site detection ability). This review is organized to offer insight into the recent developments in fluorescent nanosensing technology for the detection of lead ions (Pb2+). To this end, different types of nanomaterials explored for such applications have been classified and evaluated with respect to performance, especially in terms of sensitivity. This review will help researchers gain a better knowledge on the status and importance of optical nanosensors so as to remediate the contamination of lead and associated problems. The technical challenges and prospects in the development of nanosensing systems for Pb2+ are also discussed.

A treatise on Organophosphate pesticide pollution: Current strategies and advancements in their environmental degradation and elimination.

Pesticides have been used in the field of agriculture ever since their role in protection of crops from pests which include four different categories namely insects, mites, rodents and animals has been identified. Organophosphate pesticides are one of the most extensively applied insecticides in the field of agriculture such that around 40% of all the pesticides that are produced and used commercially belong to this category. The main toxicological effect of these pesticides when exposed to a living being encompasses the irremediable inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme which is involved in the neurotransmission of signals and hence its inhibition causes impairment of the respiratory tract and neuromuscular transmission. Apart from being used as a pesticide, organophosphates have also been applied as herbicides to some extent. The residues of these highly toxic chemicals have found route into the underground water system by seeping into the ground, in rivers where the agricultural run off water is disposed, and in the air when sprayed on the crops hence posing a threat to all the living strata exposed to these chemicals in various ways which are discussed further. Many significant studies have been carried out in order to evaluate the health risks associated with these pesticides which commonly include acute neurological disorders. This review emphasizes on the toxicological effects of organophosphate pesticides and the recent methods of detection that are used to identify trace amounts of organophosphate pesticides along with strategies which are used for their degradation.

Immobilization of keratinase on chitosan grafted-ß-cyclodextrin for the improvement of the enzyme properties and application of free keratinase in the textile industry.

Immobilization of enzymes is an effective and potential technique for improving the enzyme characteristics and plays an important role in reducing the final cost of enzymatic reactions. However, the method of enzyme immobilization should be easy, cost-effective and environment friendly when applicable at industrial scale. In present study, the successful biochemical characterization of free and immobilized keratinase was evaluated. The enzyme was effectively immobilized on chitosan and chitosan grafted-ß-cyclodextrin beads. Enzyme yield of immobilized biocatalyst on chitosan alone and chitosan-ß-CD-E was determined to be 90 and 93% respectively. Keratinase was able to act in highly alkaline conditions (optimum pH 11) both in free and immobilized form and showed maximum enzyme activity at 70 and 75 °C respectively. The free and immobilized enzyme exhibited remarkable thermo stability at 70 °C implying that it is capable for its usage in textile industry. The storage stability and reusability of the immobilized keratinase (chitosan-E and chitosan-ß-CD-E) was significantly enhanced, with 25 and 53.5% activity, respectively, retained at 4 °C after 30 days of storage. In the preliminary experiments it was found that free keratinase have the potential to improve the quality of woollen fabrics and suitable for application in textile industries.

A review on mobile phones as bacterial reservoirs in healthcare environments and potential device decontamination approaches.

Mobile communication devices (MCDs), including cell phones and smart phones, have become an essential part of everyday life. Despite their frequent usage, most people, even healthcare personnel, often ignore the possibility that these devices might accumulate to carry a variety of microbial flora during and after the inspection of patients. The handling of MCDs with unwashed hands and/or their seldom cleaning can aggravate potential health risks. Many of the harbored bacteria species can be harmful to immune-suppressed patients for whom the disinfection precautions should be taken more seriously. In this review, we discuss the significance of maintaining the cleanliness of mobile devices, especially in healthcare settings, to prevent the spread of nosocomial infections in patients. Furthermore, we discuss strategies to address microbial contamination of MCDs to maintain good hand hygiene for the users of smartphones or other mobile communication devices. These techniques are capable of providing instant disinfection of the devices along with residual effects over prolonged periods.

Immobilization of mannanase on sodium alginate-grafted-ß-cyclodextrin: An easy and cost effective approach for the improvement of enzyme properties.

Partially purified ß-mannanase was immobilized on the modified matrix of sodium alginate-grafted-ß-cyclodextrin. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction characterization proved that ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) was successfully grafted with sodium alginate. After successful immobilization, yield of enzyme was found 91.5%, pH and temperature optima were increased, 6.0 to 7.0 and 50 °C to 55 °C respectively. Immobilized mannanase was able to reuse 15 times and retained its 70% activity, meanwhile the immobilized enzyme showed 60% activity after 30 days of storage at 4 °C. Immobilization also increased the thermostability and half-life of the enzyme when compared to the free mannanase. During the comparison of adsorption isotherm and kinetic models, Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-first order kinetics were observed to be the best fit model for the confirmation of immobilization.