Valorisation of fruit peel bioactive into green synthesized silver nanoparticles to modify cellulose wrapper for shelf-life extension of packaged bread.

Fruit peels are rich source of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants but are often discarded as waste due to limited pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. This study aimed to valorise pomegranate and citrus fruit peel into green synthesised silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in order to modify cellulose-based wrapping material for prospective food packaging applications and propose an alternate and sustainable approach to replace polyethene based food packaging material. Four different concentrations of AgNO3 (0.5 mM, 1 mM, 2 mM, and 3 mM) were used for green synthesis of AgNPs from fruit peel bioactive, which were characterised followed by phytochemical analysis. Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy showed surface plasmon resonance at 420 nm, XRD analysis showed 2θ peak at 27.8°, 32.16°, 38.5°, 44.31°, 46.09°, 54.76°, 57.47°, 64.61° and 77.50° corresponding to (210), (122), (111), (200), (231), (142), (241), (220) and (311) plane of face centred cubic crystal structure of AgNPs. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis of AgNPs green synthesised from pomegranate and kinnow peel extract showed a major peak at 3277, 1640 and 1250-1020 1/cm while a small peak at 2786 1/cm was observed in case of pomegranate peel extract which was negligible in AgNPs synthesized from kinnow peel extract. Particle sizes of AgNPs showed no statistically significant variance with p > 0.10 and thus, 2 mM was chosen for further experimentation and modification of cellulose based packaging material as it showed smallest average particle size. Zeta potential was observed to be nearly neutral with a partial negative strength due to presence of various phenolic compounds such as presence of gallic acid which was confirmed by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array(UHPLC-PDA) detector. Thermal stability analysis of green synthesised AgNPs qualified the sterilisation conditions up to 100 °C. AgNPs green synthesized from both the peel extracts had higher polyphenolic content, antioxidant and radical scavenging activity as compared to peel extracts without treatment (p < 0.05). The cellulose based food grade packaging material was enrobed by green synthesised AgNPs. The characterisation of modified cellulose wrappers showed no significant difference in thickness of modified cellulose wrappers as compared with untreated cellulose wrapper (p > 0.42) while weight and grammage increased significantly in modified cellulose wrapper (p < 0.05). The colour values on CIE scale (L*, a* and b*) showed statistically significant increase in yellow and green colour (p < 0.05) for modified cellulose wrappers as compared to control wrapper. The oxygen permeability coefficient, water vapour permeability coefficient, water absorption capacity and water behaviour characteristics (water content, swelling degree and solubility) showed significant decrease (p < 0.05) for modified cellulose wrapper as compared to control wrapper. A uniform distribution and density of green synthesised AgNPs across cellulose wrapper matrix was observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images with no significant aggregation, confirming successful enrobing and stable immobilisation of nanoparticles from cellulose matrix. A seven-day storage study of bread wrapped in modified and control cellulose wrappers showed delayed occurrence of microbial, yeast and mould count in bread packaged in modified cellulose wrappers and thus, resulting in shelf life extension of bread. The results are encouraging for the potential applications of modified cellulose wrappers to replace polyethene based food packaging.

Biosynthesis and characterization of nanoparticles, its advantages, various aspects and risk assessment to maintain the sustainable agriculture: Emerging technology in modern era science.

The current review aims to gain knowledge on the biosynthesis and characterization of nanoparticles (NPs), their multifactorial role, and emerging trends of NPs utilization in modern science, particularly in sustainable agriculture, for increased yield to solve the food problem in the coming era. However, it is well known that an environment-friendly resource is in excessive demand, and green chemistry is an advanced and rising resource in exploring eco-friendly processes. Plant extracts or other resources can be utilized to synthesize different types of NPS. Hence NPs can be synthesized by organic or inorganic molecules. Inorganic molecules are hydrophilic, biocompatible, and highly steady compared to organic types. NPs occur in numerous chemical conformations ranging from amphiphilic molecules to metal oxides, from artificial polymers to bulky biomolecules. NPs structures can be examined by different approaches, i.e., Raman spectroscopy, optical spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, and solid-state NMR. Nano-agrochemical is a unification of nanotechnology and agro-chemicals, which has brought about the manufacture of nano-fertilizers, nano-pesticides, nano-herbicides, nano-insecticides, and nano-fungicides. NPs can also be utilized as an antimicrobial solution, but the mode of action for antibacterial NPs is poorly understood. Presently known mechanisms comprise the induction of oxidative stress, the release of metal ions, and non-oxidative stress. Multiple modes of action towards microbes would be needed in a similar bacterial cell for antibacterial resistance to develop. Finally, we visualize multidisciplinary cooperative methods will be essential to fill the information gap in nano-agrochemicals and drive toward the usage of green NPs in agriculture and plant science study.

Properties of potato starch as influenced by microwave, ultrasonication, alcoholic-alkali and pre-gelatinization treatments.

The present study was framed to develop modified potato starch by various physical (microwave treatment, ultrasonication, pre-gelatinization) and chemical (alcohol-alkali) methods. Both native and modified starches were characterized on the basis of physicochemical, functional, and morphological attributes. Compared to native potato starch, modified starches exhibited improved water absorption capacity and water solubility index. The particle size of the starches was found to be in the range of 10.01-10.36 µm with negative zeta potential values. FTIR results revealed that modification in the peaks is attributed to the change in the structural configuration and re-organization of the microstructure between molecules of the starch during the treatments. The results of X-ray diffraction suggested that the typical peaks varied to a little extent with modifications and relative crystallinity was decreased for all treated starches. SEM Micrographs revealed the complete structural changes and irregularities in pre-gelatinized and chemically modified starches, whereas other modification methods maintained the structural integrity of starch granules. An increase in pasting temperature of modified starches represented a higher resistance to swelling and rupture, whereas rheologically, starches exhibited non-newtonian behavior with the shear-thinning property. Thus, the characteristics of modified starches will assist in the selection of potato starch for better applications in the food industry.

Assessment of Agroeconomic Indicators of Sesamum indicum L. as Influenced by Application of Boron at Different Levels and Plant Growth Stages.

To achieve the nutritional target of human food, boron (B) has been described as an essential mineral in determining seed and theoretical oil yield of Sesamum indicum L. The research to increase its cultivation is garnering attention due to its high oil content, quality and its utilization for various purposes, which include human nutrition as well as its use in the food industry. For this, a two-year field experiment was performed at PAU, Punjab, India to determine the effect of different concentrations of foliar-applied B (20, 30 and 40 mg L-1) and different growth stages of crop, i.e., we measured the effects on agroeconomic indicators and certain quality parameters of sesame using different concentrations of B applied at the flowering and capsule formation stages as compared to using water spray and untreated plants. Water spray did not significantly affect the studied parameters. However, B application significantly increased the yield, uptake, antioxidant activity (AOA) and theoretical oil content (TOC) compared to those of untreated plants. The maximum increase in seed yield (26.75%), B seed and stover uptake (64.08% and 69.25%, respectively) as well as highest AOA (69.41%) and benefit to cost ratio (B:C ratio 2.63) was recorded when B was applied at 30 mg L-1 at the flowering and capsule formation stages. However, the maximum sesame yield and B uptake were recorded when B was applied at a rate of 30 mg L-1. A significant increase in TOC was also recorded with a B application rate of 30 mg L-1. For efficiency indices, the higher values of boron agronomic efficiency (BAE) and boron crop recovery efficiency (BCRE) were recorded when B was applied at 20 mg L-1 (5.25 and 30.56, respectively) and 30 mg L-1 (4.96 and 26.11, respectively) at the flowering and capsule formation stages. In conclusion, application of B @ 30 mg L-1 at the flowering and capsule formation stages seemed a viable technique to enhance yield, B uptake and economic returns of sesame.

Effect of Rose Syrup and Marigold Powder on the Physicochemical, Phytochemical, Sensorial and Storage Properties of Nutricereals and Milk-Based Functional Beverage.

ABSTACTAim: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of rose sirup and marigold powder on the physicochemical properties, bioactive potential, sensory acceptability and storage life of the nutricereals (finger millet, oats) and milk-based functional beverage (FB).Method: Preliminary trials were performed using different levels of rose sirup (8-14%) and marigold powder (0.40-0.55%) in the pre-standardized FB. The most acceptable concentration was selected on the basis of sensory analysis. Selected beverages were then subjected to the physicochemical analysis, assessment of bioactive compounds and FTIR characterization. The effect of flower extracts on the mineral content and storage life (4 ± 1 °C) of beverages was also studied. The significant difference in treatments was determined using Duncan's multiple range test, SPSS 25.0.Results: The best acceptable concentrations for rose sirup and marigold powder were 10% and 0.50%, respectively. A significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease in the dietary fiber (6.50%) and ß-glucan (3.95%) content was observed on the addition of rose sirup. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in the total phenols (119.18-145.23%), ß-carotene (0.37%), anthocyanins (78.82-230.58%) and antioxidant activity (4.98-7.17%) was observed on the addition of flower extracts. Strong peaks were observed in the regions of 3600-3200, 3000-2800 and 1700-1600 cm - 1 on FTIR characterization. A significant decrease in the mineral content of FB was also found on the addition of rose sirup. Rose flavored beverage had the highest overall acceptability (7.83 ± 0.23) and storage stability (50 days at refrigerated storage) among the prepared beverages.Conclusion: The addition of flower extracts significantly improved the acceptability of the prepared beverages. It not only improved the phytochemical profile but also had a substantial impact on storage stability.

Red bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.): Optimization of drying conditions and preparation of functional bread.

The aim of this study was to optimize the drying conditions (pretreatments and drying temperatures) of red bell pepper to obtain red bell pepper powder (RBP) with maximum bioactive retention and assess its potential use as a functional ingredient in bread. The RBP pretreated (blanching + dipping in ascorbic and citric acid solution) and dried at 60 °C retained the highest bioactive compounds. Wheat flour blends were prepared with RBP at 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% level of incorporation and among hydration properties, water absorption increased with increasing levels. The prepared breads were assayed for physical, nutritional, bioactive, and sensory characteristics. Bread supplementation with RBP improves its color, mineral, fiber, and bioactive properties. However, the texture of bread becomes hard with the increased level of RBP due to a decrease in specific volume. The significant increment was recorded for bioactive compounds, such as total phenols, antioxidant activity, flavonoids, and carotenoids as the level of powder increased. Bread enriched with 6% RBP showed highest sensory scores (8.45) and index of acceptability (87.83%) as compared to other breads. Thus, RBP acts as a valuable supplement for developing bread with improved nutritional and bioactive constituents. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study describes the effect of different pretreatments and drying temperatures for processing of RBP as a functional ingredient in bread, being a staple food around the world. RBP powder is a novel ingredient that improved the nutritional, bioactive, and appearance of bread. Hence, it will be helpful in the utilization of perishable crops like bell pepper and will demonstrate its commercial viability to improve the nutritive value of bakery products.

Foliar treatment of potassium nitrate modulates the fermentative and sucrose metabolizing pathways in contrasting maize genotypes under water logging stress.

The effect of potassium nitrate on the status of fermentative and sucrose metabolizing pathways was studied in two maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes, viz., LM 5 (relatively susceptible to flooding) and I 167 (relatively tolerant to flooding) under water logging stress. The higher increase in pyruvate decarboxylase, alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase activities in the hypoxic roots of I 167 seedlings over LM 5 showed the former's efficient tolerance mechanism towards anaerobic conditions. Foliar application of KNO3 reduced these enzymatic activities in the roots of both the genotypes. The shoots of I 167 seedlings also showed a parallel increase in alcohol dehydrogenase and pyruvate decarboxylase activities under water logging stress. These enzymatic activities, however, remained unaffected in shoots of water logged LM 5 seedlings. There was a higher decrease in acid and alkaline invertase activities in the hypoxic roots of I 167 seedlings. KNO3 treatment led to higher acid invertase activity in roots of I 167 seedlings than those of LM 5. Sucrose synthase (synthesis) and sucrose phosphate synthase activities decreased, but sucrose synthase (breakdown) activity increased in the roots of both the genotypes, during water logging. KNO3 increased sucrose synthesizing activities with a parallel increase in the sucrose content of the roots. Sucrose synthesis was comparatively unaffected in I 167 shoots under water logging stress while LM 5 shoots showed higher reduction in its sucrose synthase (synthesis) and sucrose phosphate synthase activities. It may thus be concluded that KNO3 induced a network of reactions for improving water logging tolerance. The nitrate ions acted as an alternate electron acceptor and thus reduced the activities of fermentative enzymes. It promoted the funneling of sugars into the glycolytic pathway by inducing the activities of acid and alkaline invertases in the roots and shoots of maize genotypes. It also directed the hexoses towards biosynthetic pathway by increasing the activities of sucrose synthesizing enzymes.

The antiinflammatory action and pharmacokinetics of a novel glucosamine-based di-peptide aminosugar.

PURPOSE: We have previously shown favorable in vitro gut permeability for three novel di-peptide esters of glucosamine (GlcN) likely facilitated by the peptide transporter 1 (PepT1). Herein, we report the development of a novel assay for the determination of bioavailability of the peptide ester of interest, the anti-inflammatory properties of a glycine-valine ester derivative of GlcN (GVG) as well as its pharmacokinetics under healthy and inflammatory conditions. METHODS: A pre-column derivatization (with 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl) HPLC assay was developed to study bioavailability of GVG, GlcN or cleaved GlcN in the rats that were cannulated in their right jugular vein for blood collection. The compounds of interest were orally administered to both healthy and arthritic rats. Serial blood samples and urine were collected and assayed for the compounds. The stability of the GVG was also tested after incubation with the rat feces. Efficacy of GVG was tested in inflamed rats (injection of 0.2 mL of Mycobacterium butyricum in squalene) following GVG (20 and 30 mg/kg/day GlcN equivalent) or GlcN (20 and 90 mg/kg/day) administration. Arthritis index was calculated at the end of the experiment. RESULTS: The assay was linear (ranged between 0.05-20 µg/mL) and reproducible (intra- and inter-day<10%). Among the tested compounds, only GVG showed a significantly higher plasma concentrations and urinary excretion than GlcN (≈3-fold increase). GVG showed a favorable stability in the rat feces. Adjuvant arthritis was completely prevented with doses greater than 20 mg/kg/day with GVG being 3-fold more potent than GlcN. CONCLUSION: The examined glycine-valine-GlcN di-peptide aminosugar is a potent anti-inflammatory compound due to its favorable properties to deliver GlcN into the systemic circulation.

Selective killing of cancer cells by leaf extract of Ashwagandha: identification of a tumor-inhibitory factor and the first molecular insights to its effect.

PURPOSE: Ashwagandha is regarded as a wonder shrub of India and is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine and health tonics that claim its variety of health-promoting effects. Surprisingly, these claims are not well supported by adequate studies, and the molecular mechanisms of its action remain largely unexplored to date. We undertook a study to identify and characterize the antitumor activity of the leaf extract of ashwagandha. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Selective tumor-inhibitory activity of the leaf extract (i-Extract) was identified by in vivo tumor formation assays in nude mice and by in vitro growth assays of normal and human transformed cells. To investigate the cellular targets of i-Extract, we adopted a gene silencing approach using a selected small hairpin RNA library and found that p53 is required for the killing activity of i-Extract. RESULTS: By molecular analysis of p53 function in normal and a variety of tumor cells, we found that it is selectively activated in tumor cells, causing either their growth arrest or apoptosis. By fractionation, purification, and structural analysis of the i-Extract constituents, we have identified its p53-activating tumor-inhibiting factor as with a none. CONCLUSION: We provide the first molecular evidence that the leaf extract of ashwagandha selectively kills tumor cells and, thus, is a natural source for safe anticancer medicine.

In vitro bioactivity-guided fractionation and characterization of polyphenolic inhibitory fractions from Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Del.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate antimutagenic and cytotoxic effects of different extracts/fractions of Acacia nilotica prepared by maceration method. The potency order of different extracts was more or less similar in Ames assay as well as in cytotoxic assay. Considering the maximum potential of acetone extract in both the assays, the studies were initiated to fractionate this extract. Two pure fractions, namely AN-1 and AN-2, were obtained from acetone extract, of which AN-2 was found to be of gallic acid and AN-1 fraction is still to be identified. In conclusion, the antimutagenic and cytotoxic activities exhibited by acetone extract may partially be ascribed to the presence of gallic acid and other polyphenols.

Studies on correlation of antimutagenic and antiproliferative activities of Juglans regia L.

We investigated the effect of water and acetone extract of Juglans regia L. to evaluate its antimutagenic and antiproliferative activities. The antimutagenic study using TA98 and TA100 tester strains of Salmonella revealed the water and acetone extracts to be more effective than the benzene and chloroform extracts in inhibiting the revertants induced by 2-aminoflourene (2AF) in TA100 tester strains. The most effective extracts in the Ames assay were further evaluated using the Lucifer luciferase assay and in time course studies for antiproliferative activities using the Hoechst staining to observe apoptotic cell deaths. The acetone extract showed a correlation of antimutagenic activities in the Ames assay with its antiproliferative effect in different cell lines, while the water extract exerted its effect distinctly in each cell line. Further studies are still needed to evaluate the cytotoxicity in experiments carried out in vivo.

Indian medicinal plants as a reservoir of protective phytochemicals.

India is one of the 12 mega diversity countries in the world so it has a vital stake in conservation and sustainable utilization of its biodiversity resources. Plant secondary metabolites have been of interest to man for a long time due to their pharmacological relevance. With this in view, the bark powder of Acacia auriculiformis, A. nilotica, Juglans regia, and the fruit powder of Terminalia bellerica, T. chebula, Emblica officinalis, and a combination drug "Triphala," which are known to be rich in polyphenols, were tested for their antimutagenic activities. Antimutagenic activities of the extracts were estimated by employing the plate incorporation Ames Salmonella histidine reversion assay by using the frame shift mutagen tester strain TA98 and base pair substitution strain TA100 against direct acting mutagens (NPD, sodium azide), and the S9-dependent mutagen 2-aminofluorene(2AF). Acetone extracts of all the plants exhibited significant antimutagenic activities among the other extracts tested, but an acetone extract of Acacia nilotica showed a marked anti-mutagent effect. Furthermore, it was more effective against indirect acting mutagen, 2AF, in both TA98 and TA100 tester strains of Salmonella typhimurium than against the direct acting mutagens. The results indicate that an acetone extract of bark and fruit of the medicinal plants under study harbors constituents with promising antimutagenic/anticarcinogenic potential that could be investigated further.

Modulatory effect of phenolic fractions of Terminalia arjuna on the mutagenicity in Ames assay.

We determined the antimutagenicity of phenolic fractions of Terminalia arjuna (soluble and insoluble in chloroform) against two direct-acting mutagens, 4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine (NPD) and sodium azide, and against the S9-dependent mutagen 2-aminofluorene (2AF), in TA98 and TA100 tester strains of Salmonella typhimurium. We found that the phenolic fractions of T. arjuna inhibited revertants induced by the S9-dependent mutagen more remarkably than the direct-acting mutagens. Furthermore, the phenolic fractions showed maximum inhibition of 98% and 101.55%, respectively, in the pre-incubation mode of treatment against the mutations induced by 2AF. Overall, the fractions inhibited the revertants induced by S9-dependent mutagens more effectively than those induced by direct-acting mutagens. The percentage of inhibition was higher in the pre-incubation than with direct acting mutagens. The fraction insoluble in chloroform showed more inhibition than the soluble one, which corresponds to a higher polyphenol content in the insoluble fraction than in the soluble extract.

A correlative study on antimutagenic and chemopreventive activity of Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. and Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. Ex Del.

The present study provides a correlation of the antimutagenic and chemopreventive activity of the barks of two commonly observed plants viz. Acacia auriculiformis and Acacia nilotica. We used the Ames antimutagenicity assay and the mouse mammary gland organ culture (MMOC) model. The plants were extracted with organic solvents to obtain chloroform fractions and acetone extracts. The antimutagenic activity was determined in two different strains using both direct-acting [4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine (NPD) or sodium azide] and indirect-acting [2-aminofluorene (2AF)] mutagens. The anticarcinogenic activity was evaluated based on the development of preneoplastic lesions in response to the chemical carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). The results showed that the activity resulting from the 2AF mutagen was selectively greater than the activity from the direct-acting mutagens. Moreover, in general, acetone extracts were more potent in suppressing mutagenesis than the chloroform extracts. The antimutagenicity results obtained with extracts using the 2AF--TA100 system were comparable to the chemopreventive results with DMBA-induced mammary lesions. The order of activity in both tests was A. nilotica > A. auriculiformis. These results exhibited a good correlation between the antimutagenesis assay and the MMOC model, suggesting that these plants may contain active chemopreventive agents.