Synthesis and characterization of marine seagrass (Cymodocea serrulata) mediated titanium dioxide nanoparticles for antibacterial, antibiofilm and antioxidant properties.

Cymodocea serrulata mediated titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) were successfully synthesized. The XRD pattern and FTIR spectra demonstrated the crystalline structure of TiO2 NPs and the presence of phenols, flavonoids and alkaloids in the extract. Further SEM revealed that TiO2 NPs has uniform structure and spherical in shape with their size ranged from 58 to 117 nm. Antibacterial activity of TiO2 NPs against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae), provided the zone of inhibition of 33.9 ± 1.7 and 36.3 ± 1.9 mm, respectively at 100 µg/mL concentration. MIC of TiO2 NPs against MRSA and V. cholerae showed 84% and 87% inhibition at 180 µg/mL and 160 µg/mL respectively. Subsequently, the sub-MIC of V. cholerae demonstrated minimal or no impact on bacterial growth at concentration of 42.5 µg/mL concentration. In addition, TiO2 NPs exhibited their ability to inhibit the biofilm forming V. cholerae which caused distinct morphological and intercellular damages analysed using CLSM and TEM. The antioxidant properties of TiO2 NPs were demonstrated through TAA and DPPH assays and exposed its scavenging activity with IC50 value of 36.42 and 68.85 µg/mL which denotes its valuable antioxidant properties with potential health benefits. Importantly, the brine shrimp based lethality experiment yielded a low cytotoxic effect with 13% mortality at 100 µg/mL. In conclusion, the multifaceted attributes of C. serrulata mediated TiO2 NPs encompassed the antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-biofilm inhibition effects with low cytotoxicity in nature were highlighted in this study and proved the bioderived TiO2 NPs could be used as a promising agent for biomedical applications.

Evaluation of stability of (1R,2 S)-(-)-2-methylamino-1-phenyl-1-propanol hydrochloride in plasma and urine samples-inoculated with Escherichia coli using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

The preservation of drug stability in biological evidence during the processes of collection and storage poses a substantial obstacle to the progress of forensic investigations. In conjunction with other constituents, the microorganisms present in the samples play a vital role in this investigation. The present investigation employed the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique to assess the stability of (1R,2 S)-(-)-2-methylamino-1-phenyl-1-propanol hydrochloride in plasma and urine samples that were inoculated with Escherichia coli. These samples were subjected to storage conditions of 37 °C for 48 h and - 20 °C for a duration of 6 months. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of MPPH against E. coli were determined using microdilution method. The stability of MPPH in plasma and urine samples inoculated with E. coli was investigated using HPLC method. The results showed the MIC and MBC of MPPH were 87.5 ± 25 ppm and 175 ± 50 ppm, respectively. While MPPH remained stable in plasma for 48 h at 37 °C, it showed a notable decrease of about 11% in stability when stored in urine for the same period and temperature. From the beginning of the first month, a decrease in the stability of the compound appeared in all samples that were stored at - 20 °C, and the decrease reached 7% for plasma samples and about 11% for urine samples. The decrease in the stability reached its peak in the sixth month, reaching more than 30% and 70% of plasma and urine samples preserved at - 20 °C. This work concluded that E. coli can negatively affect the stability of MPPH in plasma and urine samples. This may lead to incorrect conclusions regarding the analysis of biological samples in criminal cases.

Iron-tannic acid nano-coating: A promising treatment approach for enhancing Lactococcus lactis antibiotic resistance.

The objective of this study was to explore a novel methodology for the synthesis of nanocoated probiotics following their collection and cultivation under optimized conditions, in light of their significant contribution to human health. Probiotics are instrumental in sustaining immune health by modulating the gastrointestinal microbiota and facilitating digestion. However, the equilibrium they maintain can be adversely affected by antibiotic treatments. It is critical to investigate the vulnerability of probiotics to antibiotics, considering the potential implications. This research aimed to assess whether nanoparticle coating could augment the probiotics' resistance to antibiotic influence. A strain of Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) was isolated, cultured, and comprehensively characterized utilizing state-of-the-art methodologies, including the VITEK® 2 compact system, VITEK® MS, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The nanoparticle coating was performed using iron (III) chloride hexahydrate and tannic acid, followed by an evaluation of the probiotics' resistance to a range of antibiotics. The analysis through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) demonstrated a partial nanoparticle coating of the probiotics, which was further supported by UV/Vis spectroscopy findings, suggesting enhanced resistance to standard antibiotics. The results revealed that this strain possesses a unique protein profile and is genetically similar to strains identified in various other countries. Moreover, nano-encapsulation notably increased the strain's resistance to a spectrum of standard antibiotics, including Benzylpenicillin, Teicoplanin, Oxacillin, Vancomycin, Tetracycline, Rifampicin, Erythromycin, and Clindamycin. These findings imply that nanoparticle-coated probiotics may effectively counteract the detrimental effects of extended antibiotic therapy, thus preserving their viability and beneficial influence on gastrointestinal health.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using Senna alexandrina grown in Saudi Arabia and their bioactivity against multidrug-resistant pathogens and cancer cells.

There is no doubt that the risk of drug-resistant pathogens and cancer diseases is on the rise. So, the goal of this study was to find out how effective silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) made by Senna alexandrina are at fighting these threats. In this work, S. alexandrina collected from Medina, Saudi Arabia was used and the biosynthesis method was applied to produce the Ag-NPs. The characterization of Ag-NPs was done using different analytical techniques, including UV spectroscopy, FT-IR, TEM, and XRD analysis. The MIC, MBC, and MTT protocols were applied to confirm the bioactivity of the Ag-NPs as antibacterial and anticancer bioagents. The findings reported indicating that the aqueous extract of S. alexandrina leaves, grown naturally in Saudi Arabia, is ideal for the production of bioactive Ag-NPs. The hydroxyl, aliphatic, alkene, N-H bend of primary amines, C-H bonds, and C-O bonds of alcohol were detected in this product. The small, sphere-shaped particles (4-7 nm) were the most prevalent among the bioactive Ag-NPs produced in this work. These nanoparticles inhibited some important multidrug-resistant pathogens (MDRPs) (Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumanii/haemolyticus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)), as well as their ability to inhibit breast cancer cells (MCF-7 cells). The MIC of Ag-NPs ranged from 0.03 to 0.6 mg/mL, while their MBC ranged from 0.06 to 2.5 mg/mL. Anticancer activity test showed that IC50 of the Ag-NPs against tested breast cancer cells was 61.9 ± 3.8 µg/mL. According to the current results, biosynthesis using S. alexandrina leaves grown naturally in Saudi Arabia was an ideal technique for producing bioactive Ag-NPs that could be used to combat a variety of MDRPs and cancer diseases.

Investigation of interspecies crosstalk between probiotic Bacillus subtilis BR4 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using metabolomics analysis.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is an opportunistic pathogen that causes high mortality in cystic fibrosis patients. Treatment failures often occur due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Inhibition of virulence factors production without suppressing the growth of the pathogens is a potential alternative strategy to control the antibiotic resistance. In order to accomplish, three different interaction studies were performed using Bacillus subtilis BR4, PA and their extracellular contents. Firstly, co-cultivation was performed with different cell density of BR4 or PA. In co-culture setup (F), high cell density of BR4 significantly inhibits the biofilm formation of PA in a growth-independent manner (p < 0.01). To substantiate the biofilm inhibition, LC-MS/MS was performed and metabolic profile of monocultures and cocultures were compared. Multivariate analysis corroborated that metabolic profile of coculture setup (F) is drastically different from other coculture and monoculture setups. To check the effect of extracellular content of PA on BR4, supernatant of PA was extracted with ethyl acetate and different concentration of that extract (PA-EXT) was supplemented with BR4 culture. Exogenous supplementation PA-EXT (40 µg/mL) led to increased biofilm inhibitory activity (p < 0.01) in BR4. Further, to check the effect of extracellular content of BR4, PA was grown in the supernatant of BR4. PA survives in the spent media of BR4 without biofilm formation. Though 50% spent media of BR4 was replaced with fresh media, PA could not produce biofilm. In support of this, LC-MS/MS analysis has revealed that abundance of quorum sensing (QS) signals was reduced in the spent media grown PA than control. Furthermore, BR4 protects zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio) against PA infection and increases their survival rate (p < 0.05). We found that PA-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis were also significantly reduced in the BR4-pretreated larval group than control group. These results clearly indicate that BR4 exerts growth-independent QS inhibition in PA, suggesting that it could be used as a probiotic for future therapeutic interventions.

Molecular interaction analysis of ß-1, 3 glucan binding protein with Bacillus licheniformis and evaluation of its immunostimulant property in Oreochromis mossambicus.

Analyzing the health benefits of any two immunostimulants (synbiotics) in combined form and information on their interactions gain more visibility in the usage of synbiotics in aquafarms. With this intention, the current work explores the immunostimulant effect and structural interaction of synbiotic (ß-1, 3 glucan binding protein from marine crab, Portunus pelagicus (Ppß-GBP) and Bacillus licheniformis) on Oreochromis mossambicus. The experimental diet was prepared with Ppß-GBP and B. licheniformis, and nourished to the fingerlings of O. mossambicus for 30 days. After the experimental trial, a higher growth rate and immune reactions (lysozyme, protease, myeloperoxidase and alkaline phosphatase activity) were noticed in the fish nourished with synbiotic (B. licheniformis and Ppß-GBP) enriched diet. Moreover, the synbiotic enriched diet elevated the antioxidant responses like glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) activity in the experimental diet-nurtured fish. At the end of the feed trial, synbiotic diet nourished fish shows an increased survival rate during Aeromonas hydrophila infection, reflecting the disease resistance potential of experimental fish. Also, the interaction between Ppß-GBP and Bacillus licheniformis was analyzed through computational approaches. The results evidenced that, Ppß-GBP interacts with the B. licheniformis through sugar-based ligand, ß-glucan through a hydrogen bond with a good docking score. Thus, the synbiotic diet would be an effective immunostimulant to strengthen the fish immune system for better productivity.

Biosorption and adsorption isotherm of chromium (VI) ions in aqueous solution using soil bacteria Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.

This study looked at the development of effective biosorbents to recover the most toxic elements from industrial water. B. amyloliquefaciens was isolated from marine soils showing extreme resistance to Chromium (Cr(VI)) ions. During the 60 min of contact time, 79.90% Cr(VI) was adsorbed from the aqueous solution. The impact of important factors such as biomass concentration, pH of the medium, and initial metal ions concentration on biosorption rate was also examined. The desorption study indicated that 1 M HCl (91.24%) was superior to 0.5 M HCl (74.81%), 1 M NaOH (64.96%), and distilled water (3.66%). Based on the Langmuir model, the maximum adsorption capacity of the bio-absorbent was determined to be 48.44 mg/g. The absorption mechanism was identified as monolayer, and 1/n from the Freundlich model falls within 1, thus indicating favorable adsorption. Based on the findings of the present study, the soil bacterium B. amyloliquefaciens was found to be the best alternative and could be used to develop strategies for managing existing environmental pollution through biosorption.

Fabrication of graphene oxide-p-phenylenediamine nanocomposites as fluorescent chemosensors for detection of metal ions.

In this work, graphene oxide-p-Phenylenediamine nanocomposites of two different ratios of Graphene oxide: p-Phenylenediamine (1:1 and 1:5) were prepared and characterized by using analytical, spectroscopic and microscopic studies (GO-pPD 11 and GO-pPD 15). These nanocomposites were employed as fluorescent chemosensors for sensing potential cations. Remarkably, graphene oxide-p-Phenylenediamine nanocomposites of ratio 1:1 (GO-pPD 15) was selective and sensitive to Ag+ ions, whereas the graphene oxide-p-Phenylenediamine nanocomposites of ratio 1:5 (GO-pPD 15) was selective to Ce3+ions. A possible mechanism as switch "off-on" is proposed built on the inhibition of the photo induced electron transfer process in both the fluorescent probes in detecting the metal ions. In addition, interference studies were performed with the help of competitive complexation analysis and no significant interference were found by other potentially competing cations. The pH studies revealed that both the chemosensors can be used at the physiological pH for the ion detection and also the detection time was within 2-3 min. Both the chemosensors show good reversibility and hence the sensors can be used for multiple times. The newer nanocomposites were then utilized in the real water sample analysis as to check its real level application purpose.

Laccase producing bacteria influenced the high decolorization of textile azo dyes with advanced study.

Recent year, bacterial laccases are increasing interest in the field of industry and environmental applications especially decolorization of azo dyes. In industry, the dyes are present in stable nature including chemicals and lights. Due to these defects, the novel approaches are needed to removal of dyes before discharging into the environment. Among the various technologies, biological treatment methods and their strategies are very important, because of the decolorization and detoxification. Consecutively, biological mediated dyes removal are emerged with high potential especially microbes. Microbial laccases creates up new opportunities for their commercial applications. In this study, laccases were produced from Bacillus cereus (B. Cereus) and Pseudomonas parafulva (P. parafulva) by sub merged fermentation. For immobilization, the produced laccases were subjected to purify using 80% saturated ammonium sulphate and followed by dialysis. Then, crude laccases were immobilized through copper-alginate entrapment method. The maximum immobilized enzyme activity of the immobilized laccases were shown pH 8 at 50 °C and pH 7 at 40 °C for B. Cereus and P. parafulva respectively. In contrast, the normal enzyme activity was pH 10 at 40 °C and pH 8 at 40 °C were indicated for Bacillus cereus and P. parafulva respectively. Next, the free and immobilized laccases were performed the decolorization of three azo dyes T-blue, yellow GR and orange 3R, and exhibited that the 91.69 and 89.21% of Orange 3R were completely decolorized by both the B. Cereus and P. parafulva laccases when compared with free laccases enzymes. The confirmation of decolorization was monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy, which clearly confirm the changes of peaks when compared with normal laccases. Finally, we have concluded that the B. Cereus and P. parafulva laccases are very important in azo dye decolorization and these used in future biological treatment of dyeing effluents.

Streptomyces sp. 1S1 isolated from Southern coast of the Red Sea as a renewable natural resource of several bioactive compounds.

Red Sea represents one of the most remarkable marine ecosystems. However, it is also one of the world's least explored areas of marine biodiversity. The aims of this investigation were therefore, to isolate marine microorganisms from the seashore sediments and water in shallow region from west Yemen coast, to assess their antimicrobial potential, to identify the highly active isolate, and to purify and identify the bioactive compounds from it. In this regard, twenty-five bacterial strains have been isolated from twenty samples and tested for their antimicrobial ability against some pathogenic bacteria and yeast by using the agar disk diffusion and agar well diffusion assay. Out of the total 25 marine actinomycetes isolates only 13 exhibited interesting antimicrobial activity. The morphological, biochemical, and phylogenetic characteristics of the potential isolate 1S1 were compatible with their classification in the genus Streptomyces. The 16S rRNA gene sequences have shown that the isolate 1S1 clustered with Streptomyces longisporoflavus. The strain Streptomyces sp. 1S1 was cultivated and extracted with ethyl acetate. The GC-MS study of the extract indicated the presence of certain fatty acyl compounds e.g., tetradecanoic acid, 9-octadecenoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, and 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid. Using chromatographic techniques, three compounds were isolated and by spectroscopic methods e.g., IR, MS and NMR structurally elucidated. The three compounds were identified as a triacylglyceride, 9-octadecenoic acid, and hexadecanoic acid. The study reinforces the evidence of the potential of Streptomyces sp and the ability to produce several antimicrobial compounds.

Enlightening the characteristics of bioflocculant of endophytic actinomycetes from marine algae and its biosorption of heavy metal removal.

The removal of toxic heavy metal ions from contaminated environments is a great challenge and requires an alternative rapid, efficient, economical bioremediation approach. Henceforth, bioflocculant producing endophytic actinobacterial sp. was isolated from heavy metal contaminated marine environments for heavy metal biosorption process. After molecular characterization, the isolated actinomycete starin was Nocardiopsis sp. GRG 3 (KT235642). It was indicated that the maximum flocculating activity of 80.90% with glucose, and yield is 4.52 g L1. The optimum flocculating activity was reached at pH 7 in the presence of CaCl2 ions. Further, the bioflocculent produced Nocardiopsis sp. GRG 3 (KT235642) was characterized by fourier transform infrared analysis spectra (FTIR) and displayed the presence of carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino groups and characteristic of more polysaccharide and protein. The heavy metal sorption by bioflocculant Nocardiopsis sp. GRG 3 (KT235642) was effectively removed 55.90% Cd, 85.90% Cr, 74.7% Pb, and 51.90% Hg. Therefore, this study was proved that the bioflocculant derived from endophytic actinobacteria, Nocardiopsis sp. GRG 3 (KT235642) as a effective alternative method for decreasing the heavy metals towards sustainable environmental management.

Adsorption of nickel ions from electroplating effluent by graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide.

Heavy metal pollution in the water bodies causes a serious threat to all living beings. Extended exposure of heavy metals such as nickel (Ni) ions causes cancer. Henceforth, the current study investigated the removal of Ni ions from the electroplating effluent using nanocomposites namely, Graphene Oxide (GO) and Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) in the presence of various factors such as contact time, pH, agitation speed and sorbent dosage. Further, it was determined the rate kinetic model and adsorption equilibrium isotherms. The study also focused on comparing the removal efficiency of two nanocomposites. The maximum sorption efficiency were found to be 90.8% and 84.4% at optimized pH (8), contact time (180-1440 m), RPM (250-300) and adsorbent dosage (0.2 mg/L) for GO and rGO respectively. Furthermore, toxicity of treated and untreated effluent were tested against Phosphobacter and Azospirillium using GO and rGO and found that the treated effluent was non-toxic. The contribution of this study to agriculture in using recycled effluent for crop cultivation was being verified by seed germination of Lablab purpureus seeds watered with treated and untreated effluent. Finally we concluded that the results of treated water can be used for cultivation as there was healthy growth of plants.

Antibiofilm and anticancer potential of ß-glucan-binding protein-encrusted zinc oxide nanoparticles.

ß-Glucan-binding protein (ßGBP) is important for the rational expansion of molecular biology. Here, zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnONP) was synthesized using ßGBP from the crab Scylla serrata (Ss-ßGBP-ZnONP). Ss-ßGBP-ZnONP was observed as a 100 kDa band on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel and characterized with UV-vis spectroscopy at 350 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis displayed values consistent with those for zincite. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the presence of functional groups, including amide, alcohol, alkane, alkyl halide, and alkene groups. The zeta potential (-5.36 mV) of these particles indicated their stability, and transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of 50 nm nanocones. Ss-ßGBP-ZnONPs were tested at 100 µg/mL against the gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis and gram-negative Pseudomanas aeruginosa using confocal laser scanning microscopy and the bacterial viability assay was also performed. The growth of MCF7 breast cancer cells was inhibited following treatment with 75 µg/mL Ss-ßGBP-ZnONPs. Thus, Ss-ßGBP-ZnONPs have the ability to control the growth of pathogenic bacteria and inhibit the viability of MCF7 breast cancer cell lines.

Isolation of ß-glucan from Eleusine coracana and its antibiofilm, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and biocompatible activities.

Eleusine coracana (Finger millet) has high nutritional value with numerous health benefits and is of low cost. Isolation of beta-glucan (ßG) from E. coracana (Ec-ßG) has gained increasing research attention. UV-vis spectroscopy used to measure the surface plasmon resonance at 361 nm to confirm the presence of polysaccharides (glucan molecules) in Ec-ßG. X-ray diffraction analysis of Ec-ßG displayed a crystalline nature and confirmed the presence of the ßG molecule. Further, the bioactive compounds of Ec-ßG were screened using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The antibacterial activity of Ec-ßG against both Gram-positive (Lysinibacillus fusiformis, Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram-negative (Proteus vulgaris, Shigella sonnei) bacteria were assessed through minimum inhibitory concentrations <70 µg/ml of Ec-ßG. In addition, the antibiofilm activity and bacterial viability of Ec-ßG at 100 µg/ml was confirmed by light and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Furthermore, Ec-ßG inhibits α-amylase and α-glucosidase at an IC50 -value of 1.23 and 1.42 µg/ml, respectively. Superoxide anion scavenging activity at IC50-1.4 µg/ml and DPPH radical scavenging activity at IC50-1.2 µg/ml showed that Ec-ßG had potential antioxidant property. The in vitro hemolysis assay for biocompatibility of Ec-ßG at 200 µg/ml showed 0.06 ± 0.09%. Therefore, Ec-ßG has the potential to act as a suggestive agent for antibacterial, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activity.

ß-glucan extracted from eukaryotic single-celled microorganism Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Dietary supplementation and enhanced ammonia stress tolerance on Oreochromis mossambicus.

Ammonia is a widespread pollutant that is toxic to living organisms in aquaculture. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a diet supplemented with beta-glucan from yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc-ßG), on the stress response of Oreochromis mossambicus (Tilapia) to ammonia. Fish were divided into four groups, including a control fed a basal diet and three experimental groups fed diets supplemented with Sc-ßG at 2, 5 and 10 mg/g respectively. After 8 weeks, experimental groups were exposed to ammonia at 100 mg L-1 for 1 week. Growth was measured after the 8-week feeding trial and serum, mucus, and liver tissue were sampled before and after the ammonia challenge. Compared with the control diet, feed supplemented with Sc-ßG at 10 mg/g significantly (p < 0.05) improved growth performance (7.8-9.9 g increase in weight). The cellular immune responses (myeloperoxidase, reactive oxygen species, and reactive nitrogen species), humoral immune responses (alkaline phosphatase, lysozyme, and peroxidase inhibition), and antioxidant response (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione) were tested in serum, mucus and liver tissue. Compared with the control, these responses were significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced at 10 mg/g supplementation with Sc-ßG. This study demonstrates that Sc-ßG may be applied to induce stress tolerance and improve growth performance in aquaculture.

Impact of pesticide monocrotophos on microbial populations and histology of intestine in the Indian earthworm Lampito mauritii (Kinberg).

Soil contamination has enlarged over the decades due to intensive use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in agronomy. Earthworms are significant organisms in the soil community. Earthworms are the major role in soil fertility in most ecological system and the production of biogenic structures. Moreover, earthworm gut mucus enhances the beneficial soil microorganism potential biological activities. They are used as model organisms for assessing the ecological risks of chemicals. Enrichment of essential nutrients in soil through earthworm is a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach. In India, the organophosphorus pesticide monocrotophos is commonly used to control agricultural pests. Hence, it is important to study the effect of monocrotophos on the gut microbiota in Lampito mauritii. A 15-day exposure to a low (1/10th of the LC50 after 96 h i.e., 0.093 ppm kg-1) and high sublethal concentration (1/3rd of the LC50 after 96 h i.e., 0.311 ppm kg-1) of monocrotophos led to reduced proliferation of the gut microbiota in L. mauritii. However, exposure for 30 days led to a recuperation of the microbial populations to near control values. Among the eight bacterial and five fungal species that inhabit the gut of L. mauritii, only six bacterial and three fungal species were able to survive after exposure to monocrotophos. In addition to the study, histopathological changes were observed in the intestine of L.mauritii after application of lower sublethal concentration of monocrotophos. Severe pathological changes such as vacuolization, degenerated nuclei, damaged villi and congestion of the blood sinuses were noticed in the intestine on 1st and, 5th day of the experiment. But in 30th day the damages were slowly recovered due to degradation of monocrotophos by the presence of some pesticides degrading bacterial and fungal species and regenerative capability of chloragogen cells in the intestine. The results suggested that reduced microbial populations and pathological damages in intestine were observed during the application of monocrotophos. So, the monocrotophos have several harmful impacts on earthworms.

The novel economical synthesis and antimicrobial activity of a trithiocarbonate derivative.

The compound diethyl 2,2'-(thiocarbonyl-bis(sulfanediyl))-diacetate 4 belongs to the trithiocarbonate class containing a trithiocarbonate function group flanked by ethyl acetate. In this procedure, a novel economic synthesis route to obtain compound 4 is described. This compound proved to possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity both in vitro and in vivo, and could be used as a lead compound. It is worth mentioning that this compound has been patented [No. US 9,988,348 B1; date of patent: June 5, 2018].

Analysis of Chemical Composition and Assessment of Cytotoxic, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Activities of the Essential Oil of Meriandra dianthera Growing in Saudi Arabia.

The essential oil of Meriandra dianthera (Konig ex Roxb.) Benth. (Synonym: Meriandra bengalensis, Lamiaceae) collected from Saudi Arabia was studied utilizing GC and GC/MS. Forty four constituents were identified, representing 96.8% of the total oil. The M. dianthera essential oil (MDEO) was characterized by a high content of oxygenated monoterpenes (76.2%). Camphor (54.3%) was the major compound in MDEO followed by 1,8-cineole (12.2%) and camphene (10.4%). Moreover, MDEO was assessed for its cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. MDEO demonstrated an interesting cytotoxic activity against all cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 83.6 to 91.2 µg/mL, especially against MCF-7 cancer cells. Using labeling with annexin VFITC and/or propidium iodide (PI) dyes and flow cytometer analysis, the apoptosis induction was quantitatively confirmed for MCF-7 cells. The MDEO exhibited a considerable antimicrobial activity against all bacterial and fungal strains with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)-values of 0.07 to 1.25 mg/mL. The most sensitive microbial strain was Staphylococcus aureus (MIC: 0.07 mg/mL). Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) or minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values were determined one time higher than that of MIC's. Additionally, the MDEO revealed a strong activity for reducing ß-carotene bleaching with a total antioxidant value of 72.6% and significant DPPH free radical scavenging activity (78.4%) at the concentration 1000 µg/mL.

Genome analysis of a Bacillus subtilis strain reveals genetic mutations determining biocontrol properties.

Several Bacillus strains are used as biocontrol agents, as they frequently have strong antagonistic effects against microbial plant pathogens. Bacillus strain SZMC 6179J, isolated from tomato rhizosphere, was previously shown to have excellent in vitro antagonistic properties against the most important fungal pathogens of tomato (Alternaria solani, Botrytis cinerea, Phytophthora infestans and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) as well as several Fusarium species. Taxonomic investigations revealed that it is a member of the B. subtilis subsp. subtilis group and very closely related with the reference type strain B. subtilis subsp. subtilis 168. The sequenced genome of strain SZMC 6179J contains the genes responsible for the synthesis of the extracellular antibiotics surfactin, fengycin and bacilysin. Compared to strain 168, a prophage-like region is missing from the genome of SZMC 6179J, while there are 106 single nucleotide polymorphisms and 23 deletion-insertion polymorphisms. The high biocontrol potential of strain SZMC 6179J may results from a single base deletion in the sfp gene encoding the transcription factor of the surfactin and fengycin operons. Hypermutated regions reflecting short-time evolutionary processes could be detected in SZMC 6179J. The deletion-insertion polymorphism in the sfp gene and the detected hypermutations can be suggested as genetic determinants of biocontrol features in B. subtilis.

Phytochemical analysis and anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Loranthus acaciae Zucc. Grown in Saudi Arabia.

The Loranthus genus has been demonstrated to be used in the treatment of wide range of diseases e.g. diabetes, inflammations and cancers. Many species of Loranthus represent a major source of biologically active constituents. Therefore, our study was carried out to investigate the anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Loranthus acaciae Zucc. (Loranthaceae) grown in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, our research concerned the guided-fractionation and isolation of possible active compounds from this species. The crude ethanolic extract and its n-hexane, chloroform and n-butanol fractions were investigated for antidiabetic activity utilizing two methods namely, in alloxan-induced diabetic rats and glucose tolerance test in normal rats. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory activity was studied by the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema method while DPPH free radical scavenging and ß-carotene bleaching assays were utilized to determine the antioxidant activity. Various chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques were utilized for the isolation and characterization of the active compounds. Our results exhibited that the crude extract and chloroform fraction has the greatest hypoglycemic and antidiabetic effects. The chloroform fraction and crude extract produced at a dose of 500 mg/kg a significant hypoglycemic effect in diabetic rats with 47.0 and 33.6% reduction in blood sugar levels and in normoglycemic rats 35.6 and 35.4% respectively. A potent anti-inflammatory effect (67.2% at 500 mg/kg) was detected for the chloroform fraction. In addition, the chloroform fraction exhibited a high antioxidative and DPPH-radical inhibitory activity (85.4 and 88.3% respectively). The phytochemical analysis of L. acaciae led to the isolation and characterization of four compounds namely, quercetin 3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (compound 1), quercetin 3-O-ß-(6-O-galloyl)-glucopyranoside (compound 2), (-) catechin (compound 3), and catechin 7-O-gallate (compound 4). Among these compounds quercetin 3-O-ß-D- glucopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-ß-(6-O-galloyl)-glucopyranoside and catechin 7-O-gallate, are isolated for the first time from this plant.