Assessment of ecological status of Uppanar and Vellar estuaries through multivariate pollution indices.

Multivariate pollution degree indices were utilized to evaluate the environmental condition of the Uppanar and Vellar estuaries. The Trophic Index (TRIX) indicates a state of "moderate eutrophication" with a value of 4.92, while the Trophic State Index (TSI) ranged from 40.3 to 57.2, categorizing the trophic states from "oligotrophic" to "eutrophic". The Comprehensive Pollution Index (CPI) showed a range of 0.13 to 0.94, classifying pollution levels from "unpolluted" to "slightly polluted". The study revealed that the Uppanar and Vellar estuaries underwent seasonal variations, transitioning from an oligotrophic state during the post-monsoon and summer periods to a eutrophic state in the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons. The application of multivariate statistical tools allowed the identification of pollution indicator species to assess the estuarine systems. The insights gained from this study can be valuable for assessing other ecosystems facing similar anthropogenic activities, providing a basis for informed management and conservation strategies.

Studies on Zero-cost algae based phytoremediation of dye and heavy metal from simulated wastewater.

In the present study, filamentous algae, an emerging candidate for biofuel and other useful chemical production, has been investigated as a biological adsorbent for the removal of contaminants from synthetic wastewater. Operational parameters were optimized in batch phytoremediation experiments. The adsorption equilibrium isotherm models such as Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevitch and kinetics models such as pseudo-1st and pseudo-2nd order in methylene blue decolorization and Cr(VI) removal were also investigated. The D-R isotherm theory provided the best fit. The pseudo-2nd order model accurately described the adsorption kinetic data. Maximum adsorption capacities were observed to 5.03 mg.g-1 and 0.77 mg.g-1 along with removal efficiencies were achieved to 91.3% and 91.4% for methylene blue and Cr(VI) remediation, respectively. Moreover, intra-particle diffusion kinetic theory was used to describe the mechanism. These outcomes are significant in the development of algae-based zero-cost pollutants removal technology in wastewater treatment.

Assessment of Chemopreventive Potential of the Plant Extracts against Liver Cancer Using HepG2 Cell Line.

The edible parts of the plants Camellia sinensis, Vitis vinifera and Withania somnifera were extensively used in ancient practices such as Ayurveda, owing to their potent biomedical significance. They are very rich in secondary metabolites such as polyphenols, which are very good antioxidants and exhibit anti-carcinogenic properties. This study aims to evaluate the anti-cancerous properties of these plant crude extracts on human liver cancer HepG2 cells. The leaves of Camellia sinensis, Withania somnifera and the seeds of Vitis vinifera were collected and methanolic extracts were prepared. Then, these extracts were subjected to DPPH, α- amylase assays to determine the antioxidant properties. A MTT assay was performed to investigate the viability of the extracts of HepG2 cells, and the mode of cell death was detected by Ao/EtBr staining and flow cytometry with PI Annexin- V FITC dual staining. Then, the protein expression of BAX and BCl2 was studied using fluorescent dye to determine the regulation of the BAX and BCl2 genes. We observed that all the three extracts showed the presence of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols or phytochemicals. The W. somnifera bioactive compounds were found to have the highest anti-proliferative activity on human liver cancer cells.

In Vivo Assessment of a Hydroxyapatite/κ-Carrageenan-Maleic Anhydride-Casein/Doxorubicin Composite-Coated Titanium Bone Implant.

Here, we focus on the fabrications of an osteosarcoma implant for bone repair via the development of a hydroxyapatite/κ-carrageenan-maleic anhydride/casein with doxorubicin (HAP/κ-CA-MA-CAS/DOX) composite-deposited titanium (Ti) plate. The HAP/κ-CA-MA-CAS/DOX material was coated on the Ti plate through the EPD method (electrophoretic deposition), applying direct current (DC) signals to deposit the composite on the surface of the Ti plate. The physicochemical and morphological possessions and biocompatibility in vitro of the prepared nanocomposite were examined to assess its prospective effectiveness for purposes of bone regeneration. Excellent biocompatibility and elevated osteoconductivity were confirmed using MG63 osteoblast-like cells. In vivo studies were performed at tibia sites in Wistar rats, and rapid bone regeneration was detected at four weeks in defective bone. Overall, the studies demonstrate that the HAP/κ-CA-MA-CAS/DOX composite enhances the biocompatible and cell-stimulating biointerface of Ti metallic implants. As such, HAP/κ-CA-MA-CAS/DOX implants are viable prospects for osteosarcoma-affected bone regeneration.