Qualitative, Quantitative, In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and Chemical Profiling of Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forssk.) Decne Using Advanced Analytical Techniques.

Leptadenia pyrotechnica Forssk. Decne (LP) is a medicinal herb from the Asclepiadaceae family with many advantageous properties. The goal of this research is to identify, quantify, and evaluate the antioxidant potential of LP to validate its remarkable therapeutic advantages. The hot soxhlet extraction method was employed to prepare different extracts of LP (stem and root). These extracts were evaluated physiochemically to check their impurity, purity, and quality; qualitatively to detect different phytochemicals; and quantitatively for phenol, saponin, tannin, flavonoid, and alkaloid contents. Then, the in vitro antioxidant potential was estimated by DPPH, NO, H2O2 scavenging assays, and MC and FRAP assays. The most prevalent phytochemicals of LP were then analysed by AAS, FT-IR, UV-visible, and GC-MS techniques. A higher extractive yield was shown by LPSE and LPRE (7.37 ± 0.11 and 5.70 ± 0.02). The LP stem showed better physicochemical and qualitative results than the root. The quantitative and in vitro antioxidant results indicated maximal phenols, tannins, and alkaloid contents in LPSE, which was further confirmed by UV-visible, FT-IR, and GC-MS results. The extraction methods (soxhlation or ultrasonication) were optimized by utilizing RSM to determine the impacts of multiple parameters. The study concluded that the plant has remarkable therapeutic advantages to promote additional clinical investigations and the mechanisms of its action.

Deciphering molecular regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) signalling networks in Oryza genus amid environmental stress.

The Oryza genus, containing Oryza sativa L., is quintessential to sustain global food security. This genus has a lot of sophisticated molecular mechanisms to cope with environmental stress, particularly during vulnerable stages like flowering. Recent studies have found key involvements and genetic modifications that increase resilience to stress, including exogenous application of melatonin, allantoin, and trehalose as well as OsSAPK3 and OsAAI1 in the genetic realm. Due to climate change and anthropogenic reasons, there is a rise in sea level which raises a concern of salinity stress. It is tackled through osmotic adjustment and ion homeostasis, mediated by genes like P5CS, P5CR, GSH1, GSH2, and SPS, and ion transporters like NHX, NKT, and SKC, respectively. Oxidative damage is reduced by a complex action of antioxidants, scavenging RONS. A complex action of genes mediates cold stress with studies highlighting the roles of OsWRKY71, microRNA2871b, OsDOF1, and OsICE1. There is a need to research the mechanism of action of proteins like OsRbohA in ROS control and the action of regulatory genes in stress response. This is highly relevant due to the changing climate which will raise a lot of environmental changes that will adversely affect production and global food security if certain countermeasures are not taken. Overall, this study aims to unravel the molecular intricacies of ROS and RNS signaling networks in Oryza plants under stress conditions, with the ultimate goal of informing strategies for enhancing stress tolerance and crop performance in this important agricultural genus.

Analysis of Quantitative Phytochemical Content and Antioxidant Activity of Leaf, Stem, and Bark of Gymnosporia senegalensis (Lam.) Loes.

To the best of our knowledge, there was no prior report providing valuable preliminary data through a demonstration of the quantitative phytochemical and antioxidant activity of Gymnosporia senegalensis. The total contents of phenols, flavonoid, flavanol, tannin, and saponin were evaluated from different fractions extracted from the leaf, stem, and bark of G. senegalensis by using standards such as gallic acid, quercetin, rutin, tannic acid, and saponin quillaja. The antioxidant potential was measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide scavenging (H2O2), superoxide anion radical scavenging, metal chelating ferrous ion, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Data were subjected to half-inhibitory concentration (IC50) and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at p < 0.05 as a significant value. The total phenol content was found to be highest in the chloroform extract of stem at 97.7 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g. The total flavonoid and flavonol contents in the aqueous extract were 97.1 ± 0.03 mg QE/g and 96.7 ± 0.07 mg RE/g, respectively. The total tannin content in the ethyl acetate extract of leaf was 97.5 ± 0.01 mg TAE/g, and the total saponin content in the methanol extract of stem was 79.1 ± 0.06 mg SQE/g. The antioxidant analysis indicated that IC50 and percentage (%) inhibition were dose-dependent and showed the highest antioxidant activity (40.9 ± 0.9 µg/mL) in methanol extract of leaf for DPPH, (88.8 ± 1.12 µg/mL) in the chloroform extract of stem for H2O2, (43.9 ± 0.15 µg/mL) in the aqueous extract of bark for superoxide anion radical scavenging activity, (26.9 ± 0.11 µg/mL) in the chloroform extract of leaf for the metal chelating ferrous ion activity, (7.55 ± 0.10 mg/mL) in the benzene extract of leaf for FRAP, and (2.97 ± 0.01 mg/mL) in the methanol extract of bark for TAC. These results show that G. senegalensis has great potential in antioxidant activities. The isolation and characterization of specific bioactive compounds and the in vivo applicability of such activity await further extensive studies for drug discovery and development.

Sensor based precise nitrogen application augmented productivity and profitability of mustard (Brassica juncea L.).

Unremitting decline in crop productivity and nutrient recovery are resulted due to dearth of need based fertilizer recommendation over blanket application apart from nitrogen pollution in several means. An advance nutrient management tactic, GreenSeeker (GS) has developed and used in many field crops following the principle of four "R" (right source, right amount at right time, and place) nutrients stewardship technologies. But no studies have been conducted for evaluation of GS in mustard for improving productivity, profitability and nutrient use efficiency (NUE) while minimizing environmental risks. With this objective, a study was planned to conduct an experiment in rabi season of 2021-22 and 2022-23 to assess optical sensor based nitrogen management in mustard over blanket recommendation. The experiment was comprised of ten N treatments including control in randomized block design in triplicates. Research findings indicated that application of GreenSeeker based N significantly improved all growth traits and yield parameters in Brassica juncea L. Per cent enhancement in seed yield, net monetary returns and benefit-cost ratio was higher as 19.3 and 64.5%, 125.1 & 36.2% and 58.8 & 24.4%, respectively under GS based multi split N application over RDF and control. Further, real time N management with GS acquired higher crop production efficiency (CPE) (19.9 kg/day) with lesser cost/kg production (Rs 15.7/kg). Split application of N using GS increased oil yield by 79.9 and 26% over control and recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) with maximum oil content (42.3%), and increases soil organic carbon (SOC) content by 16.1% from its initial value. Moreover, GS crop sensor could be the probable solution to minimize the crop nitrogen requirement by 15-20% with a yield enhancement of about 18.7% over RDF.

Harnessing weedy rice as functional food and source of novel traits for crop improvement.

A relative of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.), weedy or red rice (Oryza spp.) is currently recognized as the dominant weed, leading to a drastic loss of yield of cultivated rice due to its highly competitive abilities like producing more tillers, panicles, and biomass with better nutrient uptake. Due to its high nutritional value, antioxidant properties (anthocyanin and proanthocyanin), and nutrient absorption ability, weedy rice is gaining immense research attentions to understand its genetic constitution to augment future breeding strategies and to develop nutrition-rich functional foods. Consequently, this review focuses on the unique gene source of weedy rice to enhance the cultivated rice for its crucial features like water use efficiency, abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, early flowering, and the red pericarp of the seed. It explores the debating issues on the origin and evolution of weedy rice, including its high diversity, signalling aspects, quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping under stress conditions, the intricacy of the mechanism in the expression of the gene flow, and ecological challenges of nutrient removal by weedy rice. This review may create a foundation for future researchers to understand the gene flow between cultivated crops and weedy traits and support an improved approach for the applicability of several models in predicting multiomics variables.

A systematic review on multipotent carcinogenic agent, N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), its major risk assessment, and precautions.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) as a possible carcinogen and mutagenic substances, placing it in category 2A of compounds that are probably harmful to humans. It is found in nature and tobacco smoke, along with its precursors, and is also synthesized endogenously in the human body. The oral or parenteral administration of a minimal quantity of NDEA results in severe liver and kidney organ damage. The NDEA required bioactivation by CYP450 enzyme to form DNA adduct in the alkylation mechanism. Thus, this bioactivation directs oxidative stress and injury to cells due to the higher formation of reactive oxygen species and alters antioxidant system in tissues, whereas free radical scavengers guard the membranes from NDEA-directed injury in many enzymes. This might be one of the reasons in the etiology of cancer that is not limited to a certain target organ but can affect various organs and organ systems. Although there are various possible approaches for the treatment of NDEA-induced cancer, their therapeutic outcomes are still very dismal. However, several precautions were considered to be taken during handling or working with NDEA, as it considered being the best way to lower down the occurrence of NDEA-directed cancers. The present review was designed to enlighten the general guidelines for working with NDEA, possible mechanism, to alter the antioxidant line to cause malignancy in different parts of animal body along with its protective agents. Thus, revelation to constant, unpredictable stress situations even in common life may remarkably augment the toxic potential through the rise in the oxidative stress and damage of DNA.

Nanotechnology, a frontier in agricultural science, a novel approach in abiotic stress management and convergence with new age medicine-A review.

Climate change imposes various environmental stresses which substantially impact plant growth and productivity. Salinity, drought, temperature extremes, heavy metals, and nutritional imbalances are among several abiotic stresses contributing to high yield losses of crops in various parts of the world, resulting in food insecurity. Many interesting strategies are being researched in the attempt to improve plants' environmental stress tolerance. These include the application of nanoparticles, which have been found to improve plant function under stress situations. Nanotechnology will be a key driver in the upcoming agri-tech and pharmaceutical revolution, which promises a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient agricultural and medical system Nano-fertilizers can help plants utilise nutrients more efficiently by releasing nutrients slowly and sustainably. Plant physiology and nanomaterial features (such as size, shape, and charge) are important aspects influencing the impact on plant growth. Here, we discussed the most promising new opportunities and methodologies for using nanotechnology to increase the efficiency of critical inputs for crop agriculture, as well as to better manage biotic and abiotic stress. Potential development and implementation challenges are highlighted, emphasising the importance of designing suggested nanotechnologies using a systems approach. Finally, the strengths, flaws, possibilities, and risks of nanotechnology are assessed and analysed in order to present a comprehensive and clear picture of the nanotechnology potentials, as well as future paths for nano-based agri-food applications towards sustainability. Future research directions have been established in order to support research towards the long-term development of nano-enabled agriculture and evolution of pharmaceutical industry.

Microscopic characterization, TLC fingerprinting and optimization of total lipid content from Euphorbia neriifolia (L.) using response surface methodology.

Euphorbia neriifolia (EN) is a medicinal plant used to treat a variety of ailments in traditional systems. Despite numerous studies on pharmacological activities, no information was available on the microscopic study of this plant. This is the first study that has been attempted to fill this need by performing the light and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) of leaf, stem, and latex. The powder microscopy of several organs (leaves, stem, and bark) and exudate (latex) of EN was carried out using safranine, fast green, phloroglucinol, and other standard solutions at different magnifications. The chemical fingerprinting of petroleum ether extract was accomplished by using thin layer chromatography. The optimization of total lipid content from the EN leaf under ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and soxhlet extraction (SE) procedure was determined using response surface methodology (RSM). The studied factors that affect the lipid content were: solvent ratio, extraction temperature, and extraction time. Several notable characteristics observed in the leaf of EN are amphistomatic leaves with anticlinical cell walls, anomocytic stomata, spongy mesophyll cells, elongated palisade cells, angular collenchyma, and U-shaped vascular bundle. The plano-convex midrib is covered by polygonal to oval-shaped cuticles and contains anomocytic stomata. The circular petiole has no trichomes and contains laticifers, crystals, and idioblasts. The circular stem was observed with trichomes, hypodermis, collenchyma, parenchymatous cells, central pith, pentagonal stellar region, cambium, and 2-4 times more xylem that of phloem. All of the powdered plant parts and exudate under study contained trichomes, xylem vessels, wood fibers, cork cells, starch grains, calcium oxalate crystals, idioblasts, lignified cork, tannin content, stone cells, and oil globules. The blackish-green colored petroleum ether extract with semi-solid consistency showed the greatest percent (%) yield of 4% in the latex of EN. The thin layer chromatography (TLC) examination of petroleum ether extract of EN leaf produced a maximum 6 spots with Rf values of 0.16, 0.58, 0.62, 0.73, and 0.96 in the mobile phase of petroleum ether-acetone (8:2). In terms of optimization, the dark green colored UAE extract with semi-sticky consistency showed highest % yield of 4.5% whereas the yellowish green colored SE extract of sticky consistency showed the highest % yield of 4.9%. The findings showed that there were not many differences in the total lipid content between UAE (0.16%) and SE (0.11%). However, the best optimum condition for lipid content extraction analysis was obtained as follows: solvent ratio (PE:HE) 50:50, extraction temperature 50°C, extraction time 45 min for UAE, and solvent ratio (PE:HE) 60:40, extraction temperature 45°C, and extraction time of 24 h for SE. Hence, this study signifies the various noteworthy microscopic features along with the presence of different phytocompounds through TLC and best optimized condition for the extraction of lipids from different parts of EN. As no previous study has been reported, the outcomes obtained from the current study prove to be beneficial in the identification of species, quality control, and detection of any adulteration from the laboratory and commercial samples of EN. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The percent yield was found to be maximum in latex extract (4%). The leaf pet ether extract was separated into 6 bands with different Rf values. The extracted compounds from Euphorbia neriifolia leaves were categorized into non-polar heat tolerant. The highest total lipid yield (0.1119) was obtained at solvent ratios 60:40 of PE:HE (petroleum ether: petroleum hexane).

Microbial consortium mediated acceleration of the defense response in potato against Alternaria solani through prodigious inflation in phenylpropanoid derivatives and redox homeostasis.

The present study was carried out in a pot experiment to examine the bioefficacy of three biocontrol agents, viz., Trichoderma viride, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas fluorescens, either alone or in consortium, on plant growth promotion and activation of defense responses in potato against the early blight pathogen Alternaria solani. The results demonstrate significant enhancement in growth parameters in plants bioprimed with the triple-microbe consortium compared to other treatments. In potato, the disease incidence percentage was significantly reduced in plants treated with the triple-microbe consortium compared to untreated control plants challenged with A. solani. Potato tubers treated with the consortium and challenged with pathogen showed significant activation of defense-related enzymes such as peroxidase (PO) at 96 h after pathogen inoculation (hapi) while, both polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) at 72 hapi, compared to the individual and dual microbial consortia-treated plants. The expression of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and the accumulation of pathogenesis-related proteins such as chitinase and ß-1,3-glucanase were observed to be highest at 72 hapi in the triple microbe consortium as compared to other treatments. HPLC analysis revealed significant induction in polyphenolic compounds in triple-consortium bioprimed plants compared to the control at 72 hapi. Histochemical analysis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) clearly showed maximum accumulation of H2O2 in pathogen-inoculated control plants, while the lowest was observed in triple-microbe consortium at 72 hapi. The findings of this study suggest that biopriming with a microbial consortium improved plant growth and triggered defense responses against A. solani through the induction of systemic resistance via modulation of the phenylpropanoid pathway and antioxidative network.

Structural characterisation of bioactive compounds of Gymnosporia senegalensis (Lam.) Loes. using advanced analytical technique like FT-IR, GC-MS and 1H-NMR spectroscopy.

The present investigation was carried out to characterise bioactive components from G. senegalensis by using Fourier-transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of > CH2, -CH3, C = C-C, C-H, C-F, C = C, -C = N-, C-C = N-, and -OH functional groups. The 1H-NMR spectrum revealed the presence of structures of four bioactive compounds i.e. tetratetracontana derivative, ß-carotene, amyrin, and terpineol. GC-MS revealed the presence of different types of high and low molecular weight chemical entities with varying quantities including volatile and essential oil, monoterpenoid, tetraterpenoid, carotenoid, terpenoid, triterpenes, and nortriterpenes. From the results, it could be concluded that G. senegalensis contains various bioactive compounds of biological and pharmacological importance. Overall, this study will provide insight into the characterisation and development of drugs from medicinal plants.

Negative regulators of grain yield and mineral contents in rice: potential targets for CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing.

Rice is a major global staple food crop, and improving its grain yield and nutritional quality has been a major thrust research area since last decades. Yield and nutritional quality are complex traits which are controlled by multiple signaling pathways. Sincere efforts during past decades of research have identified several key genetic and molecular regulators that governed these complex traits. The advent of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)-mediated gene knockout approaches has accelerated the development of improved varieties; however, finding out target gene with negative regulatory function in particular trait without giving any pleiotropic effect remains a challenge. Here, we have reviewed past and recent literature and identified important negative regulators of grain yield and mineral contents which could be potential targets for CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene knockout. Additionally, we have also compiled a list of microRNAs (miRNAs), which target positive regulators of grain yield, plant stress tolerance, and grain mineral contents. Knocking out these miRNAs could help to increase expression of such positive regulators and thus improve the plant trait. The knowledge presented in this review would help to further accelerate the CRISPR-Cas9-mediated trait improvement in rice.

Evaluation of Total Isoflavones in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Sprouts Germinated under Precursors (p-Coumaric Acid and L-Phenylalanine) Supplementation.

Cicer arietinum L. (Bengal gram, chickpea) is one of the major pulse crops and an important part of traditional diets in Asia, Africa, and South America. The present study was conducted to determine the changes in total isoflavones during sprouting (0, 3, and 7 days) along with the effect of two precursor supplementations, p-coumaric acid (p-CA) and L-phenylalanine (Phe), in C. arietinum. It was observed that increasing sprouting time up to the seventh day resulted in ≈1282 mg 100 g-1 isoflavones, which is approximately eight times higher than chickpea seeds. The supplementation of Phe did not affect the total length of sprouts, whereas the supplementation of p-CA resulted in stunted sprouts. On the third day of supplementation with p-CA (250 mg L-1), the increase in the total phenolic content (TPC) (80%), daidzein (152%), and genistin (158%) contents were observed, and further extending the supplementation reduced the growth of sprouts. On the seventh day of supplementation with Phe (500 mg L-1), the increase in TPC by 43% and genistin content by 74% was observed compared with non-treated sprouts; however, the total isoflavones content was found to be 1212 mg 100 g-1. The increased TPC was positively correlated with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (r = 0.787) and ferric-reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) (r = 0.676) activity. This study suggests that chickpea sprouts enriched in TPC and antioxidants can be produced by the appropriate quantity of precursor supplementation on a particular day. The results indicated major changes in the phytochemical content, especially daidzein and genistin. It was also concluded that the consumption of 100 g of seventh-day sprouts provided eight times higher amounts of isoflavones in comparison to chickpea seeds.

Solasodine Containing Solanum torvum L. Fruit Extract Prevents Chronic Constriction Injury-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Rats: In Silico and In Vivo Evidence of TRPV1 Receptor and Cytokine Inhibition.

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of ethanolic extract of Solanum torvum L. fruit (EESTF) containing solasodine in treating chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain in rats. Three-dimensional (3D) simulation studies of solasodine binding were conducted on the TRPV1 receptor, IL-6, and TNF-α structures. For in vivo justification, an assessment of behavioral, biochemical, and histological changes was designed after a CCI-induced neuropathic pain model in rats. On days 7, 14, and 21, CCI significantly increased mechanical, thermal, and cold allodynia while producing a functional deficit. IL-6, TNF-α, TBARS, and MPO levels also increased. SOD levels of catalase and reduced glutathione levels also decreased. Administration of pregabalin (30 mg/kg, oral), solasodine (25 mg/kg, oral), and EESTF (100 and 300 mg/kg, oral) significantly reduced CCI-induced behavioral and biochemical changes (P < 0.05). The protective nature of EESTF was also confirmed by histological analysis. Capsaicin, a TRPV1 receptor agonist, abolished the antinociceptive effects of EESTF when used previously. From the observations of the docking studies, solasodine acted as an antagonist at TRPV1, whereas the docking scores of solasodine against TNF-α and IL-6 were reported to be -11.2 and -6.04 kcal/mol, respectively. The attenuating effect of EESTF might be related to its antagonistic effects on TRPV1, suppression of cytokines, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Isolation, development and validation of HPTLC method for the estimation of ß-carotene from Gymnosporia senegalensis (Lam.) Loes.

The present study is aimed to isolate terpenoids from Gymnosporia senegalensis through analytical and preparative thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and to determine their antioxidant activity using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and to find out the presence of ß-carotene through high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). The validation included linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), specificity, precision, recovery, and robustness. All the isolated compounds from TLC exhibited significant antioxidant activity. Among all, isolated compounds from leaf showed highest IC50 values. The highest total terpenoid content (TTC) was found 51.6 ± 0.06 in stem, then 49.02 ± 0.01 in bark, and 46.27 ± 0.01 in leaf. DPPH results indicated that leaf-isolated compound 1 (LIC1) showed the highest IC50 at 7.55 ± 0.02 and stem-isolated compound 2 (SIC2) showed the lowest IC50 at 0.616 ± 0.01 among all the isolated compounds of G. senegalensis. HPTLC separation was carried out on aluminium plates pre-coated with silica gel 60 F254 as the stationary phase and n-hexane: ethyl acetate (6:4, v/v) as the mobile phase. Quantification was achieved based on a densitometric analysis of ß-carotene in the concentration range of 100-500 ng/band at 254 nm. For the calibration plots, linear regression produced r2 = 0.96450 and Rf = 0.27. The LOD and LOQ were 10.15 and 30.76 ng/mL for HPTLC and relative standard deviation were 137.26 ± 2.03 and 160.43 ± 2.95 (intra-day) and 127.88 ± 2.14 and 157.27 ± 1.90 (inter-day) for 200 and 400 ng/band, respectively. The present study shows the presence of various types of terpenoids through TLC whereas the HPTLC results indicated that the developed methods were accurate and precise. It also shows that the approach is appropriate for its intended use in routine quality control testing of commercially available tablet formulations and drug assay to assist both industries and researchers in making important decisions at a reasonable cost. Moreover, due to the use of a safer and more environmentally friendly mobile phase in comparison to the toxic mobile phases used in recent analytical techniques to estimate ß-carotene, this methodology is also secure and sustainable.

Toxicity evaluation of iron oxide nanoparticles to freshwater cyanobacteria Nostoc ellipsosporum.

The extensive usage of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs) in commercial and biomedical applications raises the risk of releasing their remains into the aquatic ecosystems and this could possibly cause cytotoxic effects on aquatic organisms. Thus, the toxicity assessment of FeO NPs on cyanobacteria, which are primary producers at the bottom of food chain in aquatic ecosystems, is essential to gain information about the potential ecotoxicological threat on aquatic biota. The present study investigated the cytotoxic effects of FeO NPs on Nostoc ellipsosporum using different concentrations (0, 10, 25, 50 and 100 mg L-1) to track the time-dependent and dose-dependent effects and compared with its bulk equivalent. In addition, the impacts of FeO NPs and bulk counterpart on cyanobacterial cells were assessed under nitrogen as well as nitrogen-deficient conditions, because of ecological role of cyanobacteria in nitrogen fixation. The study revealed that the highest protein content was observed in the control in both types of BG-11 media compared to treatments of nano and bulk particles of Fe2O3. A 23% reduction in protein in nanoparticle treatment and a 14% reduction in bulk treatment at 100 mg L-1 was observed in BG-11 medium. At same concentration, in BG-110 media, this decline was even more intense with 54% reduction in nanoparticle and a 26% reduction in bulk. Catalytic activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase was found to be linearly correlated with the dose concentration for nano and bulk form in BG-11 as well as BG-110 media. The increased levels of lactate dehydrogenase act as biomarker of the cytotoxicity brought on by nanoparticles. Optical, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy all demonstrated the cell entrapment, nanoparticle deposition on the cell surface, cell wall collapse and membrane degradation. A cause for concern is that nanoform was found to be more hazardous than bulk form.

Multifarious Responses of Forest Soil Microbial Community Toward Climate Change.

Forest soils are a pressing subject of worldwide research owing to the several roles of forests such as carbon sinks. Currently, the living soil ecosystem has become dreadful as a consequence of several anthropogenic activities including climate change. Climate change continues to transform the living soil ecosystem as well as the soil microbiome of planet Earth. The majority of studies have aimed to decipher the role of forest soil bacteria and fungi to understand and predict the impact of climate change on soil microbiome community structure and their ecosystem in the environment. In forest soils, microorganisms live in diverse habitats with specific behavior, comprising bulk soil, rhizosphere, litter, and deadwood habitats, where their communities are influenced by biotic interactions and nutrient accessibility. Soil microbiome also drives multiple crucial steps in the nutrient biogeochemical cycles (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, and sulfur cycles). Soil microbes help in the nitrogen cycle through nitrogen fixation during the nitrogen cycle and maintain the concentration of nitrogen in the atmosphere. Soil microorganisms in forest soils respond to various effects of climate change, for instance, global warming, elevated level of CO2, drought, anthropogenic nitrogen deposition, increased precipitation, and flood. As the major burning issue of the globe, researchers are facing the major challenges to study soil microbiome. This review sheds light on the current scenario of knowledge about the effect of climate change on living soil ecosystems in various climate-sensitive soil ecosystems and the consequences for vegetation-soil-climate feedbacks.

Recent advancements in multifaceted roles of flavonoids in plant-rhizomicrobiome interactions.

The rhizosphere consists of a plethora of microbes, interacting with each other as well as with the plants present in proximity. The root exudates consist of a variety of secondary metabolites such as strigolactones and other phenolic compounds such as coumarin that helps in facilitating communication and forming associations with beneficial microbes in the rhizosphere. Among different secondary metabolites flavonoids (natural polyphenolic compounds) continuously increasing attention in scientific fields for showing several slews of biological activities. Flavonoids possess a benzo-γ-pyrone skeleton and several classes of flavonoids have been reported on the basis of their basic structure such as flavanones, flavonols, anthocyanins, etc. The mutualistic association between plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and plants have been reported to help the host plants in surviving various biotic and abiotic stresses such as low nitrogen and phosphorus, drought and salinity stress, pathogen attack, and herbivory. This review sheds light upon one such component of root exudate known as flavonoids, which is well known for nodulation in legume plants. Apart from the well-known role in inducing nodulation in legumes, this group of compounds has anti-microbial and antifungal properties helping in establishing defensive mechanisms and playing a major role in forming mycorrhizal associations for the enhanced acquisition of nutrients such as iron and phosphorus. Further, this review highlights the role of flavonoids in plants for recruiting non-mutualistic microbes under stress and other important aspects regarding recent findings on the functions of this secondary metabolite in guiding the plant-microbe interaction and how organic matter affects its functionality in soil.

The mechanism of nanoparticle toxicity to cyanobacteria.

The demand for nanoparticles is increasing tremendously, and so is the risk of their foreseeable discharge into the environment. Nanoparticles contain a variety of features, including anti-microbial properties, and have been shown to have toxic effects on aquatic organisms previously. However, the causes of nanoparticle toxicity under environmental conditions are still unknown. Exposure to nanoparticles in the environment is unavoidable as nanomaterials are used more prevalent in our daily lives, and as a result, nanotoxicity research is gaining traction. To understand the impact of nanoparticle toxicity on aquatic biota, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are an ideal model system. The cyanobacteria play an important role in ecological balance, nutrient cycling, energy flow, biological nitrogen fixation, and environmental remediation, and their susceptibility to nanoparticles can help in making a wise strategy for the mitigation of possible nano-pollution. This article presents an analysis of recent research findings on the toxicological influences of nanoparticles on the growth rate, biochemical changes, ultra-structural changes as well as the nanoparticle toxicity mechanisms in cyanobacteria. The finding suggests that the shading effect, generation of reactive oxygen species, membrane damage and disintegration of pigments are the main reasons for nanoparticle toxicity to the cyanobacteria.

Bioactive compounds of Curvularia species as a source of various biological activities and biotechnological applications.

Many filamentous fungi are known to produce several secondary metabolites or bioactive compounds during their growth and reproduction with sort of various biological activities. Genus Curvularia (Pleosporaceae) is a dematiaceous filamentous fungus that exhibits a facultative pathogenic and endophytic lifestyle. It contains ~213 species among which Curvularia lunata, C. geniculata, C. clavata, C. pallescens, and C. andropogonis are well-known. Among them, C. lunata is a major pathogenic species of various economical important crops especially cereals of tropical regions while other species like C. geniculata is of endophytic nature with numerous bioactive compounds. Curvularia species contain several diverse groups of secondary metabolites including alkaloids, terpenes, polyketides, and quinones. Which possess various biological activities including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, and phytotoxicity. Several genes and gene factors are involved to carry and regulate the expression of these activities which are influenced by environmental signals. Some species of Curvularia also show negative impacts on humans and animals. Apart from their negative effects, there are some beneficial implications like production of enzymes of industrial value, bioherbicides, and source of nanoparticles is reported. Many researchers are working on these aspects all over the world but there is no review in literature which provides significant understanding about these all aspects. Thus, this review will provide significant information about secondary metabolic diversity, their biological activities and biotechnological implications of Curvularia species.

Bioremediation of industrial effluents: A synergistic approach.

Industrial wastewater consists of inorganic and organic toxic pollutants that pose a threat to environmental sustainability. The organic pollutants are a menace to the environment and life forms than the inorganic substances and pose teratogenic, mutagenic, carcinogenic, and other serious detrimental effects on the living entities, moreover, they have a gene-altering effect on aquatic life forms and affect the soil fertility and quality. Removal of varying effluents having recalcitrant contaminants with conventional treatment technologies is strenuous. In contrast to physical and chemical methods, biological treatment methods are environmentally friendly, versatile, efficient, and technically feasible with low operational costs and energy footprints. Biological treatment is a secondary wastewater treatment system that utilizes the metabolic activities of microorganisms to oxidize or reduce inorganic and organic compounds and transform them into dense biomass, which later can be removed by the sedimentation process. Biological treatment in bioreactors is an ex situ method of bioremediation and provides the benefits of continuous monitoring under controlled parameters. This paper attempts to provide a review of bioremediation technologies discussing most concerning widespread bioreactors and advances used for different industrial effluents with their comparative merits and limitations.