Recent advances in artificial intelligence towards the sustainable future of agri-food industry.

Artificial intelligence has the potential to alter the agricultural and food processing industries, with significant ramifications for sustainability and global food security. The integration of artificial intelligence in agriculture has witnessed a significant uptick in recent years. Therefore, comprehensive understanding of these techniques is needed to broaden its application in agri-food supply chain. In this review, we explored cutting-edge artificial intelligence methodologies with a focus on machine learning, neural networks, and deep learning. The application of artificial intelligence in agri-food industry and their quality assurance throughout the production process is thoroughly discussed with an emphasis on the current scientific knowledge and future perspective. Artificial intelligence has played a significant role in transforming agri-food systems by enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and productivity. Many food industries are implementing the artificial intelligence in modelling, prediction, control tool, sensory evaluation, quality control, and tackling complicated challenges in food processing. Similarly, artificial intelligence applied in agriculture to improve the entire farming process, such as crop yield optimization, use of herbicides, weeds identification, and harvesting of fruits. In summary, the integration of artificial intelligence in agri-food systems offers the potential to address key challenges in agriculture, enhance sustainability, and contribute to global food security.

Bacterial Proteins and Peptides as Potential Anticancer Agents: A Novel Search for Protein-based Therapeutics.

Tumor diseases remain among the world's primary causes of death despite substantial advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment. The adverse chemotherapy problems and sensitivity towards drugs for some cancer types are among the most promising challenges in modern treatment. Finding new anti-cancer agents and drugs is, therefore, essential. A significant class of biologically active substances and prospective medications against cancer is comprised of bacterial proteins and peptides. Among these bacterial peptides, some of them, such as anti-cancer antibiotics and many toxins like diphtheria are widely being used in the treatment of cancer. In contrast, the remaining bacterial peptides are either in clinical trials or under research in vitro studies. This study includes the most recent information on the characteristics and mechanism of action of the bacterial peptides that have anti-cancer activities, some of which are now being employed in cancer therapy while some are still undergoing research.

Moringa oleifera Gum-Assisted Synthesis and Characterization of CoAgxFe2-xO4: Insight into Structural, Magnetic, Optical, and Biomedical Properties.

The sol-gel method was employed to prepare nano CoFe2O4 and silver-substituted CoFe2O4 nanohybrids (CoAgxFe2-xO4, x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) utilizing Moringa oleifera gum as biofuel. The morphology, size, shape, magnetic, optical, and functional groups of the crystallites were determined using various techniques such as UV-visible, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, Rietveld, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, and photoluminescence. The produced nanoferrite has a spherical shape with cubic spinal structures. The optical properties were investigated in two different bands in the photoluminescence emission spectra at 469 and 493 nm. Saturation magnetization (Ms) and coercivity (Hc) decrease as the Ag content increases significantly. Furthermore, antibacterial (Gram-positive bacteria bacterial strains, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, and Gram-negative bacterial strains, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli), antibiofilm activity (E. coli), and antioxidant (DPPH) activities were investigated. The substantial increase in the silver content offers a constructive impact on studied biomedical activities. These findings encourage additional research into the use of hybrid nanoparticles (an amalgamation of ferrite and a noble metal) in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

Physiology, genomics, and evolutionary aspects of desert plants.

BACKGROUND: Despite the exposure to arid environmental conditions across the globe ultimately hampering the sustainability of the living organism, few plant species are equipped with several unique genotypic, biochemical, and physiological features to counter such harsh conditions. Physiologically, they have evolved with reduced leaf size, spines, waxy cuticles, thick leaves, succulent hydrenchyma, sclerophyll, chloroembryo, and photosynthesis in nonfoliar and other parts. At the biochemical level, they are evolved to perform efficient photosynthesis through Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) and C4 pathways with the formation of oxaloacetic acid (Hatch-Slack pathway) instead of the C3 pathway. Additionally, comparative genomics with existing data provides ample evidence of the xerophytic plants' positive selection to adapt to the arid environment. However, adding more high-throughput sequencing of xerophyte plant species is further required for a comparative genomic study toward trait discovery related to survival. Learning from the mechanism to survive in harsh conditions could pave the way to engineer crops for future sustainable agriculture. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The distinct physiology of desert plants allows them to survive in harsh environments. However, the genomic composition also contributes significantly to this and requires great attention. This review emphasizes the physiological and genomic adaptation of desert plants. Other important parameters, such as desert biodiversity and photosynthetic strategy, are also discussed with recent progress in the field. Overall, this review discusses the different features of desert plants, which prepares them for harsh conditions intending to translate knowledge to engineer plant species for sustainable agriculture. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW: This review comprehensively presents the physiology, molecular mechanism, and genomics of desert plants aimed towards engineering a sustainable crop.

Recent advances in cellulose-based sustainable materials for wastewater treatment: An overview.

Water pollution presents a significant challenge, impacting ecosystems and human health. The necessity for solutions to address water pollution arises from the critical need to preserve and protect the quality of water resources. Effective solutions are crucial to safeguarding ecosystems, human health, and ensuring sustainable access to clean water for current and future generations. Generally, cellulose and its derivatives are considered potential substrates for wastewater treatment. The various cellulose processing methods including acid, alkali, organic & inorganic components treatment, chemical treatment and spinning methods are highlighted. Additionally, we reviewed effective use of the cellulose derivatives (CD), including cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), cellulose nano-fibrils (CNFs), CNPs, and bacterial nano-cellulose (BNC) on waste water (WW) treatment. The various cellulose processing methods, including spinning, mechanical, chemical, and biological approaches are also highlighted. Additionally, cellulose-based materials, including adsorbents, membranes and hydrogels are critically discussed. The review also highlighted the mechanism of adsorption, kinetics, thermodynamics, and sorption isotherm studies of adsorbents. The review concluded that the cellulose-derived materials are effective substrates for removing heavy metals, dyes, pathogenic microorganisms, and other pollutants from WW. Similarly, cellulose based materials are used for flocculants and water filtration membranes. Cellulose composites are widely used in the separation of oil and water emulsions as well as in removing dyes from wastewater. Cellulose's natural hydrophilicity makes it easier for it to interact with water molecules, making it appropriate for use in water treatment processes. Furthermore, the materials derived from cellulose have wider application in WW treatment due to their inexhaustible sources, low energy consumption, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and renewable nature.

Abiotic Stress in Rice: Visiting the Physiological Response and Its Tolerance Mechanisms.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most significant staple foods worldwide. Carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals are just a few of the many nutrients found in domesticated rice. Ensuring high and constant rice production is vital to facilitating human food supplies, as over three billion people around the globe rely on rice as their primary source of dietary intake. However, the world's rice production and grain quality have drastically declined in recent years due to the challenges posed by global climate change and abiotic stress-related aspects, especially drought, heat, cold, salt, submergence, and heavy metal toxicity. Rice's reduced photosynthetic efficiency results from insufficient stomatal conductance and natural damage to thylakoids and chloroplasts brought on by abiotic stressor-induced chlorosis and leaf wilting. Abiotic stress in rice farming can also cause complications with redox homeostasis, membrane peroxidation, lower seed germination, a drop in fresh and dry weight, necrosis, and tissue damage. Frequent stomatal movements, leaf rolling, generation of reactive oxygen radicals (RORs), antioxidant enzymes, induction of stress-responsive enzymes and protein-repair mechanisms, production of osmolytes, development of ion transporters, detoxifications, etc., are recorded as potent morphological, biochemical and physiological responses of rice plants under adverse abiotic stress. To develop cultivars that can withstand multiple abiotic challenges, it is necessary to understand the molecular and physiological mechanisms that contribute to the deterioration of rice quality under multiple abiotic stresses. The present review highlights the strategic defense mechanisms rice plants adopt to combat abiotic stressors that substantially affect the fundamental morphological, biochemical, and physiological mechanisms.

Promising applications of phyto-fabricated silver nanoparticles: Recent trends in biomedicine.

The prospective contribution of phyto-nanotechnology to the synthesis of silver nanomaterials for biomedical purposes is attracting increasing interest across the world. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) through plants has been extensively examined recently, and it is now seen to be a green and efficient path for future exploitation and development of practical nano-factories. Fabrication of Ag-NPs is the process involves use of plant extracts/phyto-compounds (e.g.alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds) to synthesise nanoparticles in more economical and feasible. Several findings concluded that in the field of medicine, Ag-NPs play a major role in pharmacotherapy (infection and cancer). Indeed, they exhibits novel properties but the reason is unclear (except some theoretical interpretation e.g. size, shape and morphology). But recent technological advancements help to address these questions by predicting the unique properties (composition and origin) by characterizing physical, chemical and biological properties. Due to increased list of publications and their application in the field of agriculture, industries and pharmaceuticals, issues relating to toxicity are unavoidable and question of debate. The present reviews aim to find out the role of plant extracts to synthesise Ag-NPs. It provides an overview of various phytocompounds and their role in the field of biomedicine (antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory etc.). In addition, this review also especially focused on various applications such as role in infection, oxidative stress, application in medical engineering, diagnosis and therapy, medical devices, orthopedics, wound healing and dressings. Additionally, the toxic effects of Ag-NPs in cell culture, tissue of different model organism, type of toxic reactions and regulation implemented to reduce associated risk are discussed critically. Addressing all above explanations, this review focus on the detailed properties of plant mediated Ag-NPs, its impact on biology, medicine and their commercial properties as well as toxicity.

Assessment of environmental and carcinogenic health hazards from heavy metal contamination in sediments of wetlands.

Sediment contamination jeopardizes wetlands by harming aquatic organisms, disrupting food webs, and reducing biodiversity. Carcinogenic substances like heavy metals bioaccumulate in sediments and expose consumers to a greater risk of cancer. This study reports Pb, Cr, Cu, and Zn levels in sediments from eight wetlands in India. The Pb (51.25 ± 4.46 µg/g) and Cr (266 ± 6.95 µg/g) concentrations were highest in Hirakud, Cu (34.27 ± 2.2 µg/g) in Bhadrak, and Zn (55.45 ± 2.93 µg/g) in Koraput. The mean Pb, Cr, and Cu values in sediments exceeded the toxicity reference value. The contamination factor for Cr was the highest of the four metals studied at Hirakud (CF = 7.60) and Talcher (CF = 6.97). Furthermore, high and moderate positive correlations were observed between Cu and Zn (r = 0.77) and Pb and Cr (r = 0.36), respectively, across all sites. Cancer patients were found to be more concentrated in areas with higher concentrations of Pb and Cr, which are more carcinogenic. The link between heavy metals in wetland sediments and human cancer could be used to make policies that limit people's exposure to heavy metals and protect their health.

Potential use of the Asteraceae family as a cure for diabetes: A review of ethnopharmacology to modern day drug and nutraceuticals developments.

The diabetes-associated mortality rate is increasing annually, along with the severity of its accompanying disorders that impair human health. Worldwide, several medicinal plants are frequently urged for the management of diabetes. Reports are available on the use of medicinal plants by traditional healers for their blood-sugar-lowering effects, along with scientific evidence to support such claims. The Asteraceae family is one of the most diverse flowering plants, with about 1,690 genera and 32,000 species. Since ancient times, people have consumed various herbs of the Asteraceae family as food and employed them as medicine. Despite the wide variety of members within the family, most of them are rich in naturally occurring polysaccharides that possess potent prebiotic effects, which trigger their use as potential nutraceuticals. This review provides detailed information on the reported Asteraceae plants traditionally used as antidiabetic agents, with a major focus on the plants of this family that are known to exert antioxidant, hepatoprotective, vasodilation, and wound healing effects, which further action for the prevention of major diseases like cardiovascular disease (CVD), liver cirrhosis, and diabetes mellitus (DM). Moreover, this review highlights the potential of Asteraceae plants to counteract diabetic conditions when used as food and nutraceuticals. The information documented in this review article can serve as a pioneer for developing research initiatives directed at the exploration of Asteraceae and, at the forefront, the development of a botanical drug for the treatment of DM.

A critical review on valorization of food processing wastes and by-products for pullulan production.

Pullulan is a commercially available exopolymer biosynthesized by Aureobasidium pullulans supplemented with nitrogen, carbon and other vital components through submerged and solid-state fermentation. These nutrients are very expensive and it raises the cost for the production of pullulan. Hence, the need of alternative cost-effective raw materials for its production is a prerequisite. Owing to its unique physicochemical features, pullulan has various applications in the food, pharmacological, and biomedical domains. Food industrial wastes generate a considerable number of by-products which accumulates and has a negative influence on the environment. These by-products are made up of proteins, carbohydrates, and other components, can be employed as substrates for the production of pullulan. The present review briefs on the pullulan production using food processing waste and by-products and the elements that impact it. It provides an insight into versatile applications of pullulan in food industries. Various challenges and future prospects in the field of research on pullulan production have been uncovered.

In Vitro and In Silico Characterization of Curcumin-Loaded Chitosan-PVA Hydrogels: Antimicrobial and Potential Wound Healing Activity.

Curcumin has been used in traditional medicine forages. The present study aimed to develop a curcumin-based hydrogel system and assess its antimicrobial potential and wound healing (WH) activity on an invitro and in silico basis. A topical hydrogel was prepared using chitosan, PVA, and Curcumin in varied ratios, and hydrogels were evaluated for physicochemical properties. The hydrogel showed antimicrobial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. In silico studies showed good binding energy scores and significant interaction of curcumin components with key residues of inflammatory proteins that help in WH activity. Dissolution studies showed sustained release of curcumin. Overall, the results indicated wound healing potential of chitosan-PVA-curcumin hydrogel films. Further in vivo experiments are needed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of such films for wound healing.

Metal pollution in freshwater fish: A key indicator of contamination and carcinogenic risk to public health.

Metals are micropollutants that cannot be degraded by microorganisms and are infiltrated into various environmental media, including both freshwater and marine water. Metals from polluted water are absorbed by many aquatic species, especially fish. Fish is a staple food in the diets of many regions in the world; hence, both the type and concentration of metals accumulated and transferred from contaminated water sources to fish must be determined and assessed. In this study, the heavy metal concentration was determined and assessed in fish collected from freshwater sources via published literature and Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target hazard quotient (THQ), and Carcinogenic Risk (CR) analyses, aiming to examine the metal pollution in freshwater fish. The fish was used as a bioindicator, and Geographic information system (GIS) was sued to map the polluted regions. The results confirmed that Pb was detected in fish sampled at 28 locations, Cr at 24 locations, Cu and Zn at 30 locations, with values Pb detected ranging from 0.0016 mg kg-1 to 44.3 mg kg-1, Cr detected ranging from 0.07 mg kg-1 to 27 mg kg-1, Cu detected ranging from 0.031 mg kg-1 to 35.54 mg kg-1, and Zn detected ranging from 0.242 mg kg-1 to 103.2 mg kg-1. The strongest positive associations were discovered between Cu-Zn (r = 0.74, p < 0.05) and Cr-Zn (r = 0.57, p < 0.05). Spatial distribution maps depicting the consumption of fish as food and its corresponding Pb and Cr intake revealed a higher incidence of both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health concerns attributed to Pb and Cr in the region with populations consuming the fish.

Bioaccumulation of CdSe Quantum Dots Show Biochemical and Oxidative Damage in Wistar Rats.

Cadmium selenium quantum dots (CdSe QDs) with modified surfaces exhibit superior dispersion stability and high fluorescence yield, making them desirable biological probes. The knowledge of cellular and biochemical toxicity has been lacking, and there is little information on the correlation between in vitro and in vivo data. The current study was carried out to assess the toxicity of CdSe QDs after intravenous injection in Wistar male rats (230 g). The rats were given a single dose of QDs of 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg and were kept for 30 days. Following that, various biochemical assays, hematological parameters, and bioaccumulation studies were carried out. Functional as well as clinically significant changes were observed. There was a significant increase in WBC while the RBC decreased. This suggested that CdSe quantum dots had inflammatory effects on the treated rats. The various biochemical assays clearly showed that high dose induced hepatic injury. At a dose of 80 mg/kg, bioaccumulation studies revealed that the spleen (120 g/g), liver (78 g/g), and lungs (38 g/g) accumulated the most. In treated Wistar rats, the bioretention profile of QDs was in the following order: the spleen, liver, kidney, lungs, heart, brain, and testis. The accumulation of these QDs induced the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species, resulting in an alteration in antioxidant activity. It is concluded that these QDs caused oxidative stress, which harmed cellular functions and, under certain conditions, caused partial brain, kidney, spleen, and liver dysfunction. This is one of the most comprehensive in vivo studies on the nanotoxicity of CdSe quantum dots.

An Insight into Advances in Developing Nanotechnology Based Therapeutics, Drug Delivery, Diagnostics and Vaccines: Multidimensional Applications in Tuberculosis Disease Management.

Tuberculosis (TB), one of the deadliest contagious diseases, is a major concern worldwide. Long-term treatment, a high pill burden, limited compliance, and strict administration schedules are all variables that contribute to the development of MDR and XDR tuberculosis patients. The rise of multidrug-resistant strains and a scarcity of anti-TB medications pose a threat to TB control in the future. As a result, a strong and effective system is required to overcome technological limitations and improve the efficacy of therapeutic medications, which is still a huge problem for pharmacological technology. Nanotechnology offers an interesting opportunity for accurate identification of mycobacterial strains and improved medication treatment possibilities for tuberculosis. Nano medicine in tuberculosis is an emerging research field that provides the possibility of efficient medication delivery using nanoparticles and a decrease in drug dosages and adverse effects to boost patient compliance with therapy and recovery. Due to their fascinating characteristics, this strategy is useful in overcoming the abnormalities associated with traditional therapy and leads to some optimization of the therapeutic impact. It also decreases the dosing frequency and eliminates the problem of low compliance. To develop modern diagnosis techniques, upgraded treatment, and possible prevention of tuberculosis, the nanoparticle-based tests have demonstrated considerable advances. The literature search was conducted using Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Elsevier databases only. This article examines the possibility of employing nanotechnology for TB diagnosis, nanotechnology-based medicine delivery systems, and prevention for the successful elimination of TB illnesses.

Exploring Edible Mushrooms for Diabetes: Unveiling Their Role in Prevention and Treatment.

Diabetes mellitus is a complex illness in which the body does not create enough insulin to control blood glucose levels. Worldwide, this disease is life-threatening and requires low-cost, side-effect-free medicine. Due to adverse effects, many synthetic hypoglycemic medications for diabetes fail. Mushrooms are known to contain natural bioactive components that may be anti-diabetic; thus, scientists are now targeting them. Mushroom extracts, which improve immune function and fight cancer, are becoming more popular. Mushroom-derived functional foods and dietary supplements can delay the onset of potentially fatal diseases and help treat pre-existing conditions, which leads to the successful prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes, which is restricted to the breakdown of complex polysaccharides by pancreatic-amylase and the suppression of intestinal-glucosidase. Many mushroom species are particularly helpful in lowering blood glucose levels and alleviating diabetes symptoms. Hypoglycaemic effects have been observed in investigations on Agaricussu brufescens, Agaricus bisporus, Cordyceps sinensis, Inonotus obliqus, Coprinus comatus, Ganoderma lucidum, Phellinus linteus, Pleurotus spp., Poria cocos, and Sparassis crispa. For diabetics, edible mushrooms are high in protein, vitamins, and minerals and low in fat and cholesterol. The study found that bioactive metabolites isolated from mushrooms, such as polysaccharides, proteins, dietary fibers, and many pharmacologically active compounds, as well as solvent extracts of mushrooms with unknown metabolites, have anti-diabetic potential in vivo and in vitro, though few are in clinical trials.

Anticodon table of the chloroplast genome and identification of putative quadruplet anticodons in chloroplast tRNAs.

The chloroplast genome of 5959 species was analyzed to construct the anticodon table of the chloroplast genome. Analysis of the chloroplast transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) revealed the presence of a putative quadruplet anticodon containing tRNAs in the chloroplast genome. The tRNAs with putative quadruplet anticodons were UAUG, UGGG, AUAA, GCUA, and GUUA, where the GUUA anticodon putatively encoded tRNAAsn. The study also revealed the complete absence of tRNA genes containing ACU, CUG, GCG, CUC, CCC, and CGG anticodons in the chloroplast genome from the species studied so far. The chloroplast genome was also found to encode tRNAs encoding N-formylmethionine (fMet), Ile2, selenocysteine, and pyrrolysine. The chloroplast genomes of mycoparasitic and heterotrophic plants have had heavy losses of tRNA genes. Furthermore, the chloroplast genome was also found to encode putative spacer tRNA, tRNA fragments (tRFs), tRNA-derived, stress-induced RNA (tiRNAs), and the group I introns. An evolutionary analysis revealed that chloroplast tRNAs had evolved via multiple common ancestors and the GC% had more influence toward encoding the tRNA number in the chloroplast genome than the genome size.

Soil treatment using a biosurfactant producing bacterial consortium in rice fields contaminated with oily sludge- a sustainable approach.

A consortium of two biosurfactant-producing bacteria (Bacillus pumilus KS2 and Bacillus cereus R2) was developed to remediate petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated paddy soil. Soil samples from a heavily contaminated rice field near Assam's Lakwa oilfield were collected and placed in earthen pots for treatment. After each month of incubation, 50 g of soil from each earthen pot was collected, and the soil TPH (ppm) in each sample was determined. The extracted TPH samples were analysed by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to confirm microbial degradation. The soil samples were examined for changes in pH, conductivity, total organic content (TOC), water holding capacity, and total nitrogen content in addition to TPH degradation. An increasing trend in TPH degradation was observed with each passing month. After six months of treatment, the sample with the lowest initial TPH concentration (1735 ppm) had the highest degradation (91.24%), while the soil with the highest amount of TPH (5780 ppm) had the lowest degradation (74.35%). A wide range of aliphatic hydrocarbons found in soil samples was degraded by the bacterial consortium. The soil samples contained eight different low- and high-molecular-weight PAHs. Some were fully mineralized, while others were significantly reduced. With the decrease in the TPH level in the polluted soil, a significant improvement in the soil's physicochemical qualities (such as pH, electrical conductivity, total organic content, and water-holding capacity) was observed.

Nanobiotechnological approaches in anticoagulant therapy: The role of bioengineered silver and gold nanomaterials.

Nanotechnology is a novel area that has exhibited various remarkable applications, mostly in medicine and industry, due to the unique properties coming with the nanoscale size. One of the notable medical uses of nanomaterials (NMs) that attracted enormous attention recently is their significant anticoagulant activity, preventing or reducing coagulation of blood, decreasing the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and other serious conditions. Despite successful in vitro experiments, in vivo analyses are yet to be confirmed and further research is required to fully prove the safety and efficacy of nanoparticles (NPs) and to introduce them as valid alternatives to conventional ineffective anticoagulants with various shortcomings and side-effects. NMs can be synthesized through two main routes, i.e., the bottom-up route as a more preferable method, and the top-down route. In numerous studies, biological fabrication of NPs, especially metal NPs, is highly suggested given its eco-friendly approach, in which different resources can be employed such as plants, fungi, bacteria, and algae. This review discusses the green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as two of the most useful metal NPs, and also their alloys in different studies focussing on their anticoagulant potential. Challenges and alternative approaches to the use of these NPs as anticoagulants have also been highlighted.