Solid-state fermentation in an earthen vessel: Trichoderma viride spore-based biopesticide production using corn cobs.

The present study reports the production of Trichoderma viride spores in an earthen vessel using corn cobs. Using 4 kg of corn cobs, spore-based biopesticide was produced after 21 d with a maximum spore count of 2.50 × 109 spores/g of substrate and a moisture reduction from 70.80% w/v to 8.10% w/v. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of its ethyl acetate extract revealed that it had 20 secondary metabolites, of which 13 were known to be antimicrobial, one was plant growth-promoting, and one performed both functions. Dried extract dissolved in methanol showed the minimum fungicidal concentration of 5-10 mg/ml against Rhizoctonia solani on potato dextrose agar plate. Plate assays and pot experiments on Rhizoctonia solani-infected potato plants exhibited good antifungal and plant growth-promoting activities. The biopesticide showed 71.28% viability over 10 m of storage in the same earthen vessel at 30 ± 2 °C. Thus, a simple, robust technology was developed with good potential for farm deployment.

Effect of chemical pretreatment on quality attributes of the cashew apple.

Cashew apples, tropical pseudo fruit, are rich in bioactive compounds. It is still underutilized due to its high perishability and its astringent flavor. This study aims to extend its shelf life by chemical dip and dry method at the rural level. Inhibition of fruit-spoiling enzymes, such as polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), amylase, and cellulase, was a significant response in this method. Enzyme inhibition was carried out using chemicals: NaCl (1-10 mM), CaCl2 (1-10 mM), and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (0.1-1 mM). The effect of chemical concentration and dipping time was studied using a full factorial method at three levels (-1, 0, and 1). The dipping time ranged from 60 to 180 min, and chemical concentrations from 1 to 10 mM were studied. Optimal treatment conditions were obtained as follows: NaCl concentration of 9.45 mM, dipping time of 160 min, and CaCl2 concentration of 7.8 mM, dipping time of 160 min. NaCl pretreatment showed maximum inhibition of PPO (>80%) and POD (>80%), whereas CaCl2 pretreatment showed maximum inhibition of amylase (60.58%) and cellulase (80.23%). Hence, to avoid postharvest losses, pretreatment with NaCl and CaCl2 was adequate to preserve the texture and color of cashew apples. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Chemical pretreatment can prevent the postharvest losses of cashew apples. Inhibition of PPO, POD, amylase, and cellulase is vital in the shelf-life extension of cashew apples. Sodium chloride dip is a cost-effective method for increasing the storability of cashew apples.

Complexation of curcumin with Lepidium sativum protein hydrolysate as a novel curcumin delivery system.

The complexation of Lepidium sativum protein hydrolysate (LSPH) with a lipophilic molecule, curcumin (CUR), and its effect on curcumin in vitro bioaccessibility/stability, functional and antioxidant activity were investigated. Fluorescence spectroscopy of the LSPH/CUR complex confirmed the presence of hydrophobic interactions that led to the complex formation. The LSPH (10-30 kDa) fraction showed a compact complexation with curcumin at pH 3.0 with excellent aqueous solubility, stability, and bioaccessibility. Further, complexation enhanced the aqueous solubility of curcumin more than 856-fold. In vitro sequential simulated gastric and intestinal digestion indicated that the bioaccessibility of curcumin was increased from 67% to 95% post complexation. The functional attributes suggest that the LSPH/CUR complex has good foam-forming capacity and emulsion stability, which are crucial for food product formulations. The results indicate that, since LSPH is a dietary protein, it might possibly be formulated as a functional food and as an excellent lipophilic bioactive molecule delivery vehicle in food formulations.

Effect of karwanda (Carissa congesta Wight) and sugar addition on physicochemical characteristics of ash gourd (Benincasa hispida) and bottle gourd (Langenaria siceraria) based beverages.

There is a clear trend towards increasing consumption of juices as they can reduce imbalance of redox potential and provide necessary health benefits to consumers. Levels of karwanda (Carissa congesta Wight) and vegetable juices were varied to prepare nine different formulations of ash gourd-karwanda (AgK) and bottle gourd-karwanda blends (BgK) of higher nutritive, sensory qualities and storability. Total polyphenols (TP), antioxidant activity (AOA), total soluble solids and acidity were increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with addition of karwanda. AgK blend (35:35) and BgK blend (35:30) were selected based on their higher overall acceptability, TP and AOA. AgK blends had higher α-amylase (31%) while BgK blends had higher α-glucosidase (43%) inhibitory activities. Concentration of TP and anthocyanins decreased significantly (p < 0.05), AOA remained unchanged and anti-inflammatory activities decreased (33-38%) in AgK and BgK blends during accelerated storage at 50 °C for 12 days. Addition of sugar in BgK blend decreased stability of TP (11%), flavonoids (31%) and anthocyanins (8%). During in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, TP, flavonoids and anthocyanins reduction rate was significantly higher for BgK blend with sugar.

Physicochemical and functional properties of chitosan-based nano-composite films incorporated with biogenic silver nanoparticles.

In this study, biogenic AgNPs were synthesize using Nigella sativa extract (NSE) with potential antioxidant activity. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image showed spherical AgNPs with biphasic nature and an average particle size 8 nm. AgNPs was then evaluated for their effect on sustained release and film-forming capacity of chitosan. Characterization of the films was done to analyze their physical, mechanical as well as antibacterial properties. The structural change in the films was indicated by FTIR spectra which showed the shift of characteristics peak and modification of the absorbance intensity. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) showed an uneven distribution of AgNPs all over the CS polymer matrix. Moreover, the mechanical and barrier properties of CS/ Ag nanocomposite films were influenced by the intercalation of AgNPs. The tensile strength and elongation of the films were improved by 8.4-22.5% and 4.4-9.2%, whereas water vapor permeability reduced by 15.23% depending on the concentration of AgNPs. Further, the films showed a pH-dependent sustained release of AgNPs and Ag+ ions and significant antibacterial activity. Largely, the excellent antibacterial activity and biocompatibility mark CS-AgNPs composite films a promising material for packaging of food, pharmaceutical, and allied products.

Physicochemical and functional properties of ash gourd/bottle gourd beverages blended with jamun.

This paper reports the formulation and storage stability of Ash gourd (Benincasa hispida) and Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) juice blended with the Jamun (Syzygium cumini). Both the beverages found to be rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. The Ash gourd-Jamun (AGJ) and Bottle gourd-Jamun (BGJ) beverages showed significant bio-accessibility of polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Moreover, the addition of sugar was found to enhance the bioaccessibility of these fractions in both the beverages. Further, the biochemical attributes such as physiochemical and functional properties of Ash gourd-Jamun and Bottle gourd-Jamun blended juice were evaluated during the accelerated storage. The total soluble solids and acidity and the sensory score did not change significantly during the storage period. The AGJ exhibited a 35%, 73%, 34% and 35%, whereas BGJ shows 32%, 65%, 35% and 20% decrease in total polyphenol, anthocyanin, DPPH and inflammatory activity during the 2 months of storage period respectively. However, the reduction was less in Bottle gourd-Jamun beverage. Results of the study are promising and add to the necessity and potential of gourd family based functional food development.

In silico assessment data of allergenicity and cross-reactivity of NP24 epitopes from Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato) fruit.

This paper describes data on allergies caused by food (vegetable) and their negative impact on the nutritional balance of the human body. Allergic responses to vegetables such as tomatoes, capsicum and spinach are next to fish, eggs and nuts. Epitopes such as NP24 (allergens) are one of the salt-induced allergenic proteins found in the thaumatin-like protein (TLP) family. The mechanism of allergenicity of TLP found in Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato) fruit is poorly studied. Here we demonstrated allergenicity conferred by the NP24 protein found in Tomato. The data on the cross-reactivity of NP24 protein was generated using Allergen Online and Allermatch tools. Tomato allergenic protein epitope shows a significant identity of with allergens reported in Capsicum, Olive, Kiwi, Tobacco and Banana allergens. Hence, the datasets of sequences, comparative analysis and homology epitope mapping over three dimensional (3D) structures revealed that NP24 has higher cross-reactivity to Capsicum and Tobacco proteins. Thus, this data probably act as limelight for planning wet lab experiments.

Purification and structural-functional characterization of an exopolysaccharide from Bacillus licheniformis PASS26 with in-vitro antitumor and wound healing activities.

The exopolysaccharide (EPS) synthesized by Bacillus licheniformis PASS26, a salt pan inhabiting bacteria was successfully purified. This is the first report to reveal its structural-functional properties and biological activities. The low molecular weight (56 kDa) polysaccharide was analyzed for monosaccharide composition with TLC and HPLC. The analyses confirmed the hetero-polymeric nature of EPS with 18.44% glucose, 9.89% galactose, 16.15% fructose, 27.32% mannose and 28.18% galacturonic acid. Morphological study by scanning electron microscopy demonstrated less porous flakes like structure. Elemental analysis revealed the presence of a small quantity of nitrogen, indicating a partially charged nature of the polysaccharide. The X-ray diffraction pattern and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) observations reflected semi-crystalline nature. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and rheological studies displayed moderate thermal stability over a range of 30-350 °C and semi-viscous nature respectively. Studies on functional properties displayed concentration-dependent water soluble nature of EPS with good water (98.8%) and oil (101.7%) holding capacity. The EPS acquired moderate emulsification activity with excellent stability against all the food grade oils and hydrocarbons tested. Studies revealed interesting in-vitro anti-tumor activity and wound healing efficiency. EPS showed significant functional and biological properties for potential applications in food and pharmaceutical industries.

An investigation on the effect of polyphenolic extracts of Nigella sativa seedcake on physicochemical properties of chitosan-based films.

Nigella sativa seedcake phenolic extract (NSE), as compared to tannic acid (TA), was evaluated for its effect on film-forming ability of chitosan. These films were evaluated for their tensile strength, elongation, water vapor permeability (WVP), type of bonding, color, surface morphology, polyphenol and in vitro antioxidant activity release profile. At 7.5% (v/v of film-forming solution), NSE led to 42% decrease in tensile strength but improved the elongation by 66%, contradicting the effect of TA in chitosan films. WVP and crystallinity decreased with increasing NSE concentration. Changes in absorbance intensity by FTIR indicated structural modification. The calorimetric analysis showed changes in melting point and degree of crystallinity due to NSE. The release of total polyphenols and subsequent antioxidant activity in the water, 50% ethanol, and 95% ethanol media indicated potential application in active-packaging. This study shall help valorization of N. sativa seedcake after oil extraction for packaging, pharmaceutical, and allied applications.

Cross-linking effect of polyphenolic extracts of Lepidium sativum seedcake on physicochemical properties of chitosan films.

Lepidium sativum seedcake phenolic extract (LSE), as compared to tannic acid (TA), was evaluated for its effect on film forming ability of chitosan. The films were investigated for their structural, mechanical, optical, thermal and in vitro antioxidant activity release profile. At 5% (v/v of film-forming solution), LSE led to improved 32.2% of tensile strength and 109% elongation, compared to the effect of TA in chitosan films. Moisture content, WVP, and crystallinity decreased with the increasing LSE concentration. Changes in absorbance intensity by FT-IR indicated structural modification. The DSC thermograph indicted a change in the melting point. SEM showed smooth and homogeneous surface cross-section composite film with LSE. The films exhibit dose-dependent and time-dependent release of total polyphenols and antioxidant activity in the water, 50% ethanol, and 95% ethanol. Hence, the current work help valorization of L. sativum seedcake after oil extraction for an alternative as novel active-packaging material for food and pharmaceutical application.

LC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS profiling and antioxidant activity of phenolics from L. Sativum seedcake.

Lepidium sativum is widely used as a culinary and medicinal herb and is claimed to cure many diseases. In this study, an attempt was made to investigate the biochemical composition and functional properties of L. sativum ethanolic extract. The extract contained a total phenolic content of 11.03 ± 0.75 (mg GAE/g dw plant material) and a flavonoid content of 4.79 ± 0.24 (mg QE/100 g dw plant material). Further, the extract was characterized by LC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS profiling and the results showed that the ethanolic fraction contains many important phenolics such as Kaempferol, Coumaroylquinic acid, p-Coumaroyl glycolic acid, Caffeic acid. The identified compounds are known for their biological properties and therefore, the functional properties of the extract as a whole were also studied. The extract showed significant antioxidant activity (IC50 values) 162.4 ± 2.3, 35.29 ± 1.02, 187.12 ± 3.4 and 119.32 ± 1.5 µg/ml in terms of DPPH, ABTS, Superoxide scavenging activity and metal chelating property respectively. Further, the extract showed IC50 values, 73.72 ± 1.23 and 121.78 ± 1.03 µg/ml in HRBC membrane stabilization ability and protein denaturation inhibition capacity respectively, which in turn is a measure of its anti-inflammatory activity. The results of the study are promising and serve basis for further investigation into the plant and possible consideration for use in nutraceuticals and functional foods.

Extraction, characterization and bioactive properties of Nigella sativa seedcake.

The extraction of phenolic compounds from Nigella sativa seed cake was optimized in terms of % of EtOH, extraction time, extraction temperature and solid to solvent ratio to maximize the phenolic content yield. The optimized conditions were 40% ethanol for 60 min, at 40 °C, 1/14 solid to sample ratio. The LC-MS profiling of the extract was found to contain many important phenolics such as Kaempferol, p-coumaroyl acid derivative, Thymol-O-sophoroside etc. The extract showed significant antioxidant activity with IC50 values 548.5 ± 9.4, 64.3 ± 2.7 µg/ml and 1.85 ± 0.2 mM TE/g in terms of DPPH scavenging activity, TEAC, and FRAP assay respectively. The results also indicated that the extract has a significant anti-inflammatory potential. This was evaluated as a measure of the membrane stabilization ability and protein denaturation inhibition capacity (IC50 values) and the activities were found to be 318.73 ± 6.98 and 150.39 ± 2.61 µg/ml respectively. Moreover, results of the study are promising and invite to further investigate the above activities in order to confirm them in different experimental situations and to consider for possible use in a nutraceutical approach.

Denitrification of high strength nitrate waste from a nuclear industry using acclimatized biomass in a pilot scale reactor.

This work investigates the performance of acclimatized biomass for denitrification of high strength nitrate waste (10,000 mg/L NO3) from a nuclear industry in a continuous laboratory scale (32 L) and pilot scale reactor (330 L) operated over a period of 4 and 5 months, respectively. Effect of substrate fluctuations (mainly C/NO3-N) on denitrification was studied in a laboratory scale reactor. Incomplete denitrification (95-96 %) was observed at low C/NO3-N (≤2), whereas at high C/NO3-N (≥2.25) led to ammonia formation. Ammonia production increased from 1 to 9 % with an increase in C/NO3-N from 2.25 to 6. Complete denitrification and no ammonia formation were observed at an optimum C/NO3-N of 2.0. Microbiological studies showed decrease in denitrifiers and increase in nitrite-oxidizing bacteria and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria at high C/NO3-N (≥2.25). Pilot scale studies were carried out with optimum C/NO3-N, and sustainability of the process was checked on the pilot scale for 5 months.

Biocalcification using B. pasteurii for strengthening brick masonry civil engineering structures.

Microbiologically induced calcite precipitation in bricks by bacterium Bacillus pasteurii (NCIM 2477) using a media especially optimized for urease production (OptU) was demonstrated in this study. Effect of biocalcification activity on compressive strength and water absorption capacity of bricks was investigated. Various other parameters such as pH, growth profile, urease activity, urea breakdown and calcite precipitated were monitored during the 28 days curing period. Efficiency of B. pasteurii to form microbial aided calcite precipitate in OptU media resulted into 83.9% increase in strength of the bricks as compared to only 24.9% with standard media, nutrient broth (NB). In addition to significant increase in the compressive strength, bricks treated with B. pasteurii grown in OptU media resulted in 48.9 % reduction in water absorption capacity as compared to control bricks immersed in tap water. Thus it was successfully demonstrated that microbial calcification in optimized media by Bacillus pasteurii has good potential for commercial application to improve the life span of structures constructed with bricks, particularly structures of heritage importance.

Retort process modelling for Indian traditional foods.

Indian traditional staple and snack food is typically a heterogeneous recipe that incorporates varieties of vegetables, lentils and other ingredients. Modelling the retorting process of multilayer pouch packed Indian food was achieved using lumped-parameter approach. A unified model is proposed to estimate cold point temperature. Initial process conditions, retort temperature and % solid content were the significantly affecting independent variables. A model was developed using combination of vegetable solids and water, which was then validated using four traditional Indian vegetarian products: Pulav (steamed rice with vegetables), Sambar (south Indian style curry containing mixed vegetables and lentils), Gajar Halawa (carrot based sweet product) and Upama (wheat based snack product). The predicted and experimental values of temperature profile matched with ±10 % error which is a good match considering the food was a multi component system. Thus the model will be useful as a tool to reduce number of trials required to optimize retorting of various Indian traditional vegetarian foods.

Serum catalytic Iron: A novel biomarker for coronary artery disease in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. We evaluated the role of serum catalytic iron (SCI) as a biomarker for coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients on MHD. SCI was measured in 59 stable MHD patients. All patients underwent coronary angiography. Significant CAD was defined as a > 70% narrowing in at least one epicardial coronary artery. Levels of SCI were compared with a group of healthy controls. Significant CAD was detected in 22 (37.3%) patients, with one vessel disease in 14 (63.63%) and multi-vessel disease in eight (36.36%) patients. The MHD patients had elevated levels of SCI (4.70 ± 1.79 µmol/L) compared with normal health survey participants (0.11 ± 0.01 µmol/L) (P < 0.0001). MHD patients who had no CAD had SCI levels of 1.36 ± 0.34 µmol/L compared with those having significant CAD (8.92 ± 4.12 µmol/L) (P < 0.0001). Patients on MHD and diabetes had stronger correlation between SCI and prevalence of CAD compared with non-diabetics. Patients having one vessel disease had SCI of 8.85 ± 4.67 µmol/L versus multi-vessel disease with SCI of 9.05 ± 8.34 µmol/L, P = 0.48. In multivariate analysis, SCI and diabetes mellitus were independently associated with significant CAD. We confirm the high prevalence of significant CAD in MHD patients. Elevated SCI levels are associated with presence of significant coronary disease in such patients. The association of SCI is higher in diabetic versus the non-diabetic subgroup. This is an important potentially modifiable biomarker of CAD in MHD patients.

In vitro propagation of Dioscorea alata var. purpurae.

Dioscorea alata var. purpurae (Indian purple yam) is an important source of diosgenin, a triterpenoid that is used as a raw material in the synthesis of corticosteroid hormones. These drugs are used for the treatment of pharmacological conditions such as arthritis. This paper reports in vitro propagation of explants of various parts of Dioscorea-tuber, leaves, and nodes. Murashige and Skoog media supplemented with hormones and additives was used to get maximum callus initiation and shoot/root induction. All the cultures were maintained at 25 ± 2 °C under cool-white fluorescent tubes with 16-h photoperiod. Callus initiation was observed from 8th to 11th day of inoculation, and subsequent root/shoot was initiated in nodal callus after 21 days. Hormones such as kinetin, indole-3-acetic acid, indole-3-butyric acid, α-naphthalene acetic acid, and thiadizuron did not show significant enhancement. Also, there was no need for supplementing additives (silver nitrate, glutamine, L-: asparagine monohydrate, polyethylene glycol). Combination of 6-benzylaminopurine (0.2 ppm) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2 ppm) hormones gave the best results, and all parts of the plants gave similar callus induction.

Modeling of chromium (VI) biosorption by immobilized Spirulina platensis in packed column.

This study describes biosorption of chromium (VI) by immobilized Spirulina platensis, in calcium alginate beads. Three aspects viz. optimization of bead parameters, equilibrium conditions and packed column operation were studied and subsequently modeled. Under optimized bead diameter (2.6mm), calcium alginate concentration (2%, w/v) and biomass loading (2.6%, w/v) maximum biosorption was achieved. 140 g l(-1) loading of optimized beads resulted in 99% adsorption of chromium (VI) ions from an aqueous solution containing 100 mg l(-1) of chromium (VI). The quantitative chromium (VI) uptake was effectively described by Freundlich adsorption isotherm. The immobilized S. platensis beads were further used in a packed bed column wherein the effects of bed height, feed flow rate, inlet chromium (VI) ion concentration were studied by assessing breakthrough time. The performance data were tested for various models fitting in order to predict scale up-design parameters such as breakthrough time and column height. Results were encouraging.

Biocalcification by Bacillus pasteurii urease: a novel application.

Biocalcification, also known as microbiologically induced calcite precipitation (MICP), is a phenomenon involving the activity of the enzyme urease. A large number of soil microorganisms exhibit urease-producing ability. A novel application of MICP to improve properties of bricks by a soil bacteria Bacillus pasteurii NCIM 2477 was studied. Most of the deterioration of brick structures takes place because of the presence of moisture. Deposition of calcite on the surface and in voids of bricks reduces the water absorption substantially. A favorable effect of microbes to improve the durability of bricks by reducing water absorption was demonstrated as a novel concept in this paper.

Simultaneous removal of carbon and nitrate in an airlift bioreactor.

This paper presents the integrated removal of carbon (measured as chemical oxygen demand i.e. COD) and NO(x)-N by sequentially adapted sludge, studied in an airlift reactor (ALR). Simultaneous removal of COD and nitrate occurs by denitrification (anoxic) and oxidation (aerobic). Aerobic (riser) and anoxic (remaining part) conditions prevail in different parts of the reactor. Studies were carried out in a 42 L ALR operated at low aeration rate to maintain anoxic and aerobic conditions as required for denitrification and COD removal, respectively. The sludge was adapted sequentially to increasing levels of NO(x)-N and COD over a period of 45 days. Nitrate removal efficiency of the sludge increased due to adaptation and degraded 900 ppm NO(3)-N completely in 2h (initially the sludge could not degrade 100 ppm NO(3)-N). The performance of the adapted sludge was tested for the degradation of synthetic waste with COD/N loadings in the range of 4-10. The reduction of COD was significantly faster in the presence of NO(x)-N and was attributed to the availability of oxygen from NO(x)-N and distinct conditions in the reactor. This hypothesis was justified by the material balance of COD.