Sustainable, economical and rapid treatment of multiple lung diseases using therapeutic potential of curcumin nanoparticles.

The study was designed to prepare pure curcumin nanoparticles in rapid and simple way for target specific drug delivery to kill bacteria lying deep down within the alveoli of lungs via inhaler. Three different methods including evaporation precipitation of nanosuspension (ENP), solid dispersion (SD) and anti-solvent precipitation (ASP) were selected to prepare nanocurcumin in pure form in very simple way. This was done to compare their efficiency in terms of particle size obtained and water solubility and bacterial toxicity of as prepared curcumin nanoparticles. In this comparative study, curcumin NPs obtained from three different methods having particles size 65.3 nm, 98.7 nm and 47.4 nm respectively. The NPs were characterized using various techniques like SEM, XRD, UV-Visible and FTIR for their particle size determination and solubility evaluation. These particles were screened off against five bacterial strains causing lung diseases. AB3 prepared by ASP method, being smallest sized nanostructures, showed maximum solubility in water. These nanoparticles can be used as drug directly via inhaler to the target area without using any support or nano-carrier. In this way minimum dose formulation is required to target bacteria.

Polymeric Membranes of Chitosan/Aloe Vera Gel Fabrication With Enhanced Swelling and Antimicrobial Properties for Biomedical Applications.

Since ancient times, medicinal plants have been used as traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Aloe vera (AV) gel's therapeutic potential is one of the most effective approach in the fabrication of functional materials. The current study aimed to prepare the AV and chitosan (CS) membranes using various cross-linkers that were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Visible) techniques, as well as swelling ratio and antimicrobial studies. SEM analysis revealed that the membrane is porous, with interconnected pores. The inclusion of AV contents in the membrane improved thermal stability and crystallinity. The swelling ratio of the ACPG-3 membrane with a 2:1 CS to AV ratio was 366%. The membranes showed promising antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Pasteurella multocida strains. The findings revealed that polymeric CS/AV membranes have effective potential for use in the biomedical field.

Risk Assessment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Aflatoxin B1 Exposure in Edible Oils.

Contamination of edible oils with aflatoxins (AFs) is a universal issue due to the detrimental effects of aflatoxins on human health and the fact that edible oils are a major source of fungal growth, particularly storage fungi (Aspergillus sp.). The objective of this study was to assess aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in edible oil used in fried food in order to determine the risk of cancer from AFB1 exposure through cooked food using the FAO/WHO's and EFSA's margin of exposure (MOE) quantitative liver cancer risk approaches. Using Mycosep 226 columns and HPLC-FLD, 100 samples of cooking oils (soybean, canola, and sunflower oil) from different food points were analyzed for contamination with aflatoxins. Of all the samples tested, 89% were positive for total aflatoxins and AFB1, with 65% indicating AF concentrations beyond permitted levels. Canola oil was found to contain higher levels of AFB1 and AFs than soybean and sunflower oil. Almost 71 percent of canola oil samples (range of 54.4-281.1 µg/kg) were contaminated with AF levels higher than the proposed limits of the European Union (20 µg/kg). The consumption of canola oil samples used in fried foods had MOE values that were significantly lower as compared to sunflower and soybean oils, indicating that risk reduction is feasible. Additionally, compared to soybean and sunflower oil, canola oil exhibited a greater threat of liver cancer cases linked to AFB1 exposure (17.13 per 100,000 males over 35 and 10.93 per 100,000 females over 35). Using a quantitative liver cancer approach, health risk valuation demonstrated that males and females over the age of 35 are at significant risk of developing liver cancer. The health risk assessment exposed that the males and female over the age of 35 are at considerable risk of liver cancer by using a quantitative liver cancer approach. The innovation of this study lies in the fact that no such study is reported related to liver cancer risk evaluation accompanied with AFB1 exposure from consumed edible oil. As a result, a national strategy must be developed to solve this problem so that edible oil products are subjected to severe regulatory examination.

Biodiesel Production from Alkali-Catalyzed Transesterification of Tamarindus indica Seed Oil and Optimization of Process Conditions.

Biodiesel is considered a sustainable alternative to petro-diesel owing to several favorable characteristics. However, higher production costs, primarily due to the use of costly edible oils as raw materials, are a chief impediment to its pecuniary feasibility. Exploring non-edible oils as raw material for biodiesel is an attractive strategy that would address the economic constraints associated with biodiesel production. This research aims to optimize the reaction conditions for the production of biodiesel through an alkali-catalyzed transesterification of Tamarindus indica seed oil. The Taguchi method was applied to optimize performance parameters such as alcohol-to-oil molar ratio, catalyst amount, and reaction time. The fatty acid content of both oil and biodiesel was determined using gas chromatography. The optimized conditions of alcohol-to-oil molar ratio (6:1), catalyst (1.5% w/w), and reaction time 1 h afforded biodiesel with 93.5% yield. The most considerable contribution came from the molar ratio of alcohol to oil (75.9%) followed by the amount of catalyst (20.7%). In another case, alcohol to oil molar ratio (9:1), catalyst (1.5% w/w) and reaction time 1.5 h afforded biodiesel 82.5% yield. The fuel properties of Tamarindus indica methyl esters produced under ideal conditions were within ASTM D6751 biodiesel specified limits. Findings of the study indicate that Tamarindus indica may be chosen as a prospective and viable option for large-scale production of biodiesel, making it a substitute for petro-diesel.

Gamma and UV radiations induced treatment of anti-cancer methotrexate drug in aqueous medium: Effect of process variables on radiation efficiency evaluated using bioassays.

This studystudy focuses on the effect of radiation treatment and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on the toxicity of anticancer methotrexate. For cytotoxicity, different bioassays such as Allium cepa, hemolytic, brine shrimp were employed. The Ames test was used for mutagenicity analysis. The solutions having concentrations 5, 10 and 15 ppm were irradiated with UV radiation exposure time 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 min and gamma radiation absorbed doses 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, 2, 3 and 4 kGy in combination with with H2O2. There was a clear difference observed for aqueous solution before and after treatment with reference to cytotoxicity and mutagenicity. In Allium cepa test, a 47.07, 44.36 and 38.23% increase in root length (RL), root count (RC) and mitotic index (MI) was observed, respectively, for UV/H2O2 treatment and in the case of gamma/H2O2 treatment, the RL, RC and MI were increased up to 49.39, 52.63 and 52.38%, respectively. Brine shrimp test has shown 85.95 and 91.30% decrease in toxicity using UV/H2O2 and gamma/H2O2 respectively, while hemolytic test has shown 19.21 and 26.32% hemolysis using UV/H2O2 and gamma/H2O2, respectively. The mutagenicity reduced up to 82.3, 86.46 and 89.59% (TA98) and 85.42, 87.5 and 90.63% (TA100) for UV/H2O2 while 89.59, 90.63 and 93.75% (TA98) and 84.38, 89.59 and 92.71% (TA100) for gamma/H2O2. The UV and gamma radiation along with H2O2 based AOPs are promising approaches to detoxify the wastewater which can be extended to real hospital liquid effluent effectively.

Biocomposite of sodium-alginate with acidified clay for wastewater treatment: Kinetic, equilibrium and thermodynamic studies.

Clay-based composites were prepared, characterized, and applied for the elimination of Blue FBN (BFBN) and Rose FRN (RFRN) dyes. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Thermogravimetric (TGA) and X-ray diffraction analyses were performed to check the interaction of dye molecule with adsorbents. The analysis showed a successful interaction between adsorbent and dyes ions. The experimental data was best fitted with Freundlich isotherm for both dyes (BFBN and RFRN). The findings revealed that at 80 min the adsorption grasped equilibrium in the case of both dyes and succeeded the pseudo-second-order kinetics model. Furthermore, the enthalpy (ΔH°), Gibbs free energy (ΔG°) and entropy (ΔS°) changes suggested that adsorption was exothermic, physical and spontaneous in nature. The maximum adsorption capacities were determined as 76.39% for BFBN and 59.85% for RFRN dye at pH 2.0 and 30 °C. Composites found to be stable at higher temperature and regenerated using MgSO4 eluting agent. The textile effluent colour was removed up to 50.35 and 54.95% using raw and modified clay, respectively. The modified clay showed promising efficiency for adsorption of synthetic BFBN and RFRN dyes from aqueous solution, which could be a viable option for the treatment of industrial wastewater and textile effluents.

Phytochemical and cytotoxic evaluation of Medicago monantha: In vivo protective potential in rats.

This research focuses on screening and evaluation of bioactive constituents in plants through pharmacological assays. In present study, we evaluated phytochemicals, cytotoxic activity, in vivo effect of M. monantha against CCl4 induced toxicity in cardiac and renal tissues and its aphrodisiac potential in rats. Shade dried plant was extracted with methanol. The phytochemical screening indicates the presence of flavonoids and alkaloids. Aphrodisiac study showed improved sexual desire; may be attributed to the presence of saponins that boosts the androgen level. Cytotoxicity of the plant was assessed through brine shrimp lethality assay and nearly all the fractions showed promising results. The in vivo study focused on the protective ability of extract against CCl4-induced oxidative damage in renal and cardiac tissues of rats. Serum analysis revealed that CCl4 intoxication increased the levels of bilirubin and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Antioxidant enzyme analysis showed that catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione activity and protein levels declined due to CCl4 induced renal and cardiac toxicity. Moreover, the histopathological studies of both low & high dose plant treated group's revealed glomerular hypertrophy and glomerular congestion in kidney, cardiac degeneration and vacuolization of germinal epithelium induced by CCl4 intoxication. DNA also shows damage showed the toxic nature of the plant.

Mutagenicity, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of Ricinus communis different parts.

Ricinus communis (castor plant) is a potent medicinal plant, which is commonly used in the treatment of various ailments. The present study was conducted to appraise the cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of R. communis along with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by hemolytic and brine shrimp assays, whereas Ames test (TA98 and TA100) was used for mutagenicity evaluation. Plant different parts were extracted in methanol by shaking, sonication and Soxhlet extraction methods. The R. communis methanolic extracts showed promising antioxidant activity evaluated as through total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH free radical inhibition, reducing power and inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation. R. communis seeds, stem, leaves, fruit and root methanolic extracts showed mild to moderate cytotoxicity against red blood cells (RBCs) of human and bovine. Brine shrimp lethality also revealed the cytotoxic nature of extracts with LC50 in the range of 0.22-3.70 (µg/mL) (shaking), 1.59-60.92 (µg/mL) (sonication) and 0.72-33.60 (µg/mL) (Soxhlet), whereas LC90 values were in the range of 345.42-1695.81, 660.50-14,794.40 and 641.62-15,047.80 µg/mL for shaking, sonication and Soxhlet extraction methods, respectively. R. communis methanolic extracts revealed mild mutagenicity against TA98 (range 1975 ± 67 to 2628 ± 79 revertant colonies) and TA100 (range 2773 ± 92 to 3461 ± 147 revertant colonies) strains and these values were 3267 ± 278 and 4720 ± 346 revertant colonies in case of TA98 and TA100 positive controls, respectively. R. communis methanolic extracts prevented the H2O2 and UV to Plasmid pBR322 DNA oxidative damage. Results revealed that R. communis is a potential source of bioactive compounds and in future studies the bioactive compounds will be identified by advanced spectroscopic techniques.

Cu nanoparticles synthesis using biological molecule of P. granatum seeds extract as reducing and capping agent: Growth mechanism and photo-catalytic activity.

In view of extended applications of nanoparticles, the nanoparticles synthesis is an extensive research field and green synthesis is one of the co-friendly methodologies. Plant extract mediated synthesis of nanoparticles has gained much attention in current decade. In current investigation, copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were prepared using P. granatum seeds extract (biological molecules) from copper(II) chloride salt. The synthesized CuNPs were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction measurements (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X- Ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) and atomic force microscopy techniques. The CuNPs formation occurred through reduction of metal ions followed by nucleation. The size of the CuNPs was in the range of 40-80nm (average particle size was 43.9nm) with semi spherical shape and uniformly distribution. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated by degrading methylene blue dye (150mg/L) at various CuNPs doses (10mg/L-100mg/L). The synthesized CuNPs showed excellent PCA for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under solar light irradiation and up to 87.11% degradation was achieved. The oxidative degradation mechanism for MB was proposed. In view of efficient PCA, the use of biological molecules of P. granatum seeds extracts for the synthesis of CuNPs.

Batch versus column modes for the adsorption of radioactive metal onto rice husk waste: conditions optimization through response surface methodology.

Batch and column adsorption modes were compared for the adsorption of U(VI) ions using rice husk waste biomass (RHWB). Response surface methodology was employed for the optimization of process variables, i.e., (pH (A), adsorbent dose (B), initial ion concentration (C)) in batch mode. The B, C and C2 affected the U(VI) adsorption significantly in batch mode. The developed quadratic model was found to be validated on the basis of regression coefficient as well as analysis of variance. The predicted and actual values were found to be correlated well, with negligible residual value, and B, C and C2 were significant terms. The column study was performed considering bed height, flow rate and initial metal ion concentration, and adsorption efficiency was evaluated through breakthrough curves and bed depth service time and Thomas models. Adsorption was found to be dependent on bed height and initial U(VI) ion concentration, and flow rate decreased the adsorption capacity. Thomas models fitted well to the U(VI) adsorption onto RHWB. Results revealed that RHWB has potential to remove U(VI) ions and batch adsorption was found to be efficient versus column mode.

Nickel nanoparticle synthesis using Camellia Sinensis as reducing and capping agent: Growth mechanism and photo-catalytic activity evaluation.

Recently, the biosynthesis of nanoparticle attracted the attention of scientific community due to its simplicity, ease and eco-friendly nature. In the present study, Camellia Sinensis (C. Sinensis) leaves extract was employed for the synthesis of nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs). The fabricated NiNPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction techniques. The photocatalytic activity (PCA) was evaluated by degrading crystal violet (CV) dye. The NiNPs size was in the range of 43.87-48.76nm, spherical in shape and uniformly distributed with magnetization saturation of 0.073 emu/g. The NiNPs showed promising PCA under solar light irradiation. At optimized conditions, up to 99.5% CV dye degradation was achieved. Results revealed that biosynthesis can be adopted for the synthesis of NiNPs in nano-size range since it is simple, cost effective and eco-friendly in nature versus physico-chemical methods.

Microalgae screening under CO2 stress: Growth and micro-nutrients removal efficiency.

Algae are one of the promising agents for greenhouse gas reduction and biofuel production. Different technologies have been developed and introduced in last decades for algae growth. Algae plays a very imperative role in the aquatic ecosystem regarding CO2 reduction and micro-nutrient removal. In present investigation, eight locally isolated (microalgae) strains and two pure strains were studied. The selected microalgae were grown under variable CO2 concentration and CO2 biofixation efficiencies along with micro-nutrient removal were monitored. Among selected strains, three strains (UMN266, UMN268 and UTEX 2714 showed adaptability up to 20% CO2 concentration with high biomass production of 1.3, 1.4 and 1.21g/L, respectively, whereas UTEX 78 and UMN 230 growth was slow under high CO2 concentration (20% CO2). However, in step wise CO2 feeding, the growth of UTEX 78 and UMN 230 improved considerably and up to 0.9 and 0.97 (g/L) biomasses were recorded, respectively. All algae strains showed high growth rate at 2% CO2 feeding and nitrogen, phosphorus and ammonia removal from the simulated media were also significant. The fast-growing microalgae species tolerant up to 20% CO2 concentration and could be used for flue gas mitigation and valuable products production. These results can contribute to understand the nature of CO2 bio-fixation and microalgae could be a potential alternative for CO2 fixation.

Uranium remediation using modified Vigna radiata waste biomass.

Present study was designed to explore the possibility of Vigna radiata biomass for recovery of uranium ions. Various fundamental process parameters i.e., pH, contact time, temperature and initial uranium ions concentration were optimized and maximum uranium removal (230mg/g) was achieved at pH 4, biosorbent dose 0.05g, contact time 60min contact time and temperature 40°C using 400mg/L uranium ions concentration. The biomass was also pre-treated by different physical and chemical pretreatments to check out their effect on the adsorption capacity. Different kinetic and equilibrium models were applied to the experimental data to understand the uranium adsorption mechanism. Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetic model explained well the adsorption of uranium ions onto Vigna radiata biomass. The biomass physical and chemical pretreatments significantly affected the uranium adsorption and CH3COOH 0.15M solution found out to be efficient for de-sorption. FT-IR analysis of native and loaded biomass confirmed the involvement of carbonyl and hydroxyl groups in the uranium adsorption process. The results outcome revealed that Vigna radiata biomass can be used for uranium adsorption in view of low cost and high adsorption efficiency.

Comparison of HeNe laser and sinusoidal non-uniform magnetic field seed pre-sowing treatment effect on Glycine max (Var 90-I) germination, growth and yield.

Recently, laser and magnetic field pre-sowing seed treatments attracted the attention of the scientific community in response to their positive effect on plant characteristics and the present study was exemplified for Glycine max Var 90-I. Seeds were exposed to laser (HeNe-wave length 632nm and density power of 1mW/cm2) and magnetic field (sinusoidal non-uniform-50, 75 and 100mT for 3, 5min with exposure) and seed germination, seedling growth and yield attributes were compared. The germination (mean germination, germination percentage, emergence index, germination speed, relative germination coefficient, emergence coefficient of uniformity) growth (root dry weight, root length, shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight, leaf dry & fresh weight, root fresh weight, leaf area, shoot length, plant total dry weight at different stages, stem diameter, number of leaves, vigor index I & II), biochemical (essential oil) and yield attributes (seed weight, count) were enhanced significantly in response to both laser and magnetic field treatments. However, magnetic field treatment furnished slightly higher response versus laser except relative water contents, whole plant weight and shoot length. Results revealed that both laser and magnetic field pre-sowing seed treatments affect the germination, seedling growth, and yield characteristics positively and could possibly be used to enhance Glycine max productivity.

Mutagenicity and cytotoxicity evaluation of photo-catalytically treated petroleum refinery wastewater using an array of bioassays.

Degradation and detoxification of petroleum refinery wastewater (PRW) was carried out by advanced oxidation processes (UV/TiO2/H2O2 and gamma radiation/H2O2). Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the independent variables. The cytotoxicity was evaluated using Allium cepa, brime shrimp and haemolytic assays; whereas mutagenicity was tested by Ames tests (TA98 and TA100 strains). Maximum reductions in COD and BOD were recorded as 78% and 87% for UV/TiO2/H2O2 and 77% and 86% for gamma ray/H2O2, respectively. Treatments with both methods at optimized conditions reduced the cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of PRW, however, UV/TiO2/H2O2 system was found slightly efficient as compared to gamma ray/H2O2. From the results, it can be concluded that AOP's can successfully be utilized for the degradation of toxic pollutants in petroleum refinery wastewater. Moreover, the bioassays used in this study offered a good reliability for checking the detoxification of treated and un-treated PRW wastewater.

Chitosan beads immobilized manganese peroxidase catalytic potential for detoxification and decolorization of textile effluent.

Textile industry has led to severe environmental pollution and is posing a serious threat to the ecosystems. Immobilized biocatalysts have gained importance as potential bio-remediating agent. Manganese peroxidase (MnP) was immobilized onto glutaraldehyde activated chitosan beads by crosslinking and employed for the degradation and detoxification of dyes in textile effluents. The efficiency of chitosan-immobilized MnP (CI-MnP) was evaluated on the basis of decolorization, water quality improvement and toxicity reduction. Maximum color removal of 97.31% was recorded and up to 82.40%, 78.30% and 91.7% reductions in COD, TOC, and BOD were achieved, respectively. The cytotoxicity of bio-treated effluents reduced significantly and 38.46%, 43.47% and 41.83% Allium cepa root length, root count and mitotic index were increased, respectively, whereas brine shrimp nauplii death reduced up to 63.64%. Mutagenicity (Ames test) reduced up to 73.44% and 75.43% for TA98 and TA100 strains, respectively. The CI-MnP retained 60% activity after 10 repeated decolorization batches. The CI-MnP showed excellent efficiency for the bioremediation of textile effluents and can be used for the remediation of toxic agents in wastewater. The monitoring of processed wastewater using bioassays is suggested to evaluate bio-efficiency of treatment method for safe disposal of effluents into water bodies.

Variation in biochemical and antioxidant attributes of Raphanus sativus in response to foliar application of plant leaf extracts as plant growth regulator.

The present study was aimed to appraise the variations in biochemical, antioxidant and nutritional attributes of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) under foliar application of plant leaf aqueous extracts i.e., mulberry leaf extract (MLE), brassica leaf extract (BLE), sorghum leaf extract (SLE) and moringa leaf extract (MoLE) as natural growth regulators. Samples were collected after three sprays of extracts and analyzed. Total phenolic constituents were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method, whereas antioxidant potential was evaluated by 1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical radical scavenging and reducing power assays. Results revealed that application of MLE, BLE, SLE, and MoLE not only improved growth, but also enhanced biochemical and antioxidant activities. Foliar spray of MoLE furnished relatively three folds higher amounts of extractable bioactive compounds (37.65 ± 0.94%), phenolic constituents (54.51-182.71 mg GAE/g f.w). The radical scavenging capacity (RSC) and reducing potential were also enhanced considerably. Furthermore, the moisture, dietary fiber, crude protein, and carotenoids were also enhanced in response of foliar spray of plant extracts. From results, it is concluded that plant extracts are effective sources of natural growth regulars and might be useful for the production of vegetables with improved nutritional value and antioxidant activity.