Aristolochia bracteolata flower extract based phytosynthesis and characterization of AgNPs: Antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activities potential assessment.

The study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the Aristolochia bracteolata water flower extract-mediated AgNPs synthesis and assess their antimicrobial potential. According to the experimental and analytical results, A. bracteolata flower extract can produce valuable AgNPs. The characteristic features of these AgNPs were assessed with UV-visible spectrophotometer, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscope, Scanning Electron Microscopy, as well as. Under UV-vis. spectrum results, showed major peak at 430 nm and recorded essential functional groups responsible for reducing, capping, and stabilizing AgNPs by FT-IR analysis. In addition, the size and shape of the synthesized AgNPs were found as 21.11-25.17 nm and spherical/octahedral shape. The A. bracteolata fabricated NPs showed remarkable antimicrobial activity against fish bacterial pathogens (V. parahaemolytics, Serratia sp., B. subtilis, and E. coli) as well as common fungal pathogens (A. niger, C. albicans, A. flavus, and A. terreus) at the quantity of 100 µg mL-1 than positive controls. Nevertheless, it was not effective against human bacterial pathogens. It concludes that AgNPs synthesized from A. bracteolata aqueous flower extract have excellent antimicrobial activity and may have a variety of biomedical applications.

Evaluation of phytochemical, antibacterial, thrombolytic, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxicity profile of Achyranthes aspera aerial part extracts.

This investigation was designed and performed to compare the phytochemical profiling, activities of antibacterial, thrombolytic, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxicity of methanol extract (ME-E) and aqueous extract (AQ-E) of aerial parts of Achyranthes aspera through in-vitro approach. Also characterize the functional groups of bioactive compounds in the ME-E through Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis. Interestingly, qualitative phytochemical screening proved that the ME-E contain more number of vital phytochemicals such as phenolics. saponins, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, and phlobatannins than AQ-E. Similarly, the ME-E showed notable antibacterial activity as dose dependent manner against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 1000 µg mL-1 concentration. ME-E also showed 75.2 ± 2% of clot lysis (thrombolytic activity) at 1000 µg mL-1 dosage and it followed by AQ-E 51.24 ± 3%. The ME-E showed moderate and AQ-E demonstrate poor anti-inflammatory activity evidenced by albumin denaturation inhibition and anti-lipoxygenase assays. Furthermore, the ME-E demonstrated a dose dependent cytotoxicity was noted against brine shrimp larvae. In support of this ME-E considerable activities, the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed that this extract contain more number peaks attributed to the stretch of various essential functional groups belongs to different bioactive compounds. Hence this ME-E of A. aspera can be considered for further in depth scientific investigations to validate their maximum biomedical potential.

Effective Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Degradation of Harmful Antibiotics Using Reduced Graphene Oxide-Zinc Sulfide-Copper Sulfide Nanocomposites as a Catalyst.

In recent decades, antibiotics have been found in aquatic environments, raising severe concerns. In this study, a unique reduced graphene oxide-zinc sulfide-copper sulfide (rGO-ZnS-CuS) nanocomposite (NC) prepared by using a straightforward surfactant-free in situ microwave method was used for antibiotic degradation via photocatalysis. The structural and morphological characteristics of the produced catalysts were characterized using various techniques, confirming the successful development of nanocomposite structures of better quality than that of the pure samples. The photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics containing ofloxacin was also investigated. The results suggest that the rGO-ZCS NC outperformed the other composites in terms of photocatalytic activity toward ofloxacin degradation. Superoxide and hydroxyl radicals were the main active species during the degradation process. According to our results, the catalytic activity of rGO-ZCS NC is much better than that of the other composites.

Understanding the effective breakdown of PAH s in water through the use of g-C3N4-Ag-Cu-Ni nanocomposites.

The research work aimed to explore the suitability of using a novel g- C3N4-Ag-Cu-Ni nanocomposite for the simultaneous degradation of pyrene in wastewater. The outcome revealed that the g- C3N4 phase was successfully fabricated on the g-C3N4-based compound, and the existence of the g- C3N4-based compound beneficially stabilized the Ag-Cu-Ni particles. The g- C3N4-Ag-Cu-Ni nanocomposite demonstrated excellent performance in pyrene degradation under various conditions. The degradation of pyrene increased with a rise in the dosage of g- C3N4-Ag-Cu-Ni. These findings indicate that the g- C3N4-Ag-Cu-Ni nanocomposite could be a promising material for water purification, especially for the simultaneous photocatalytic and antimicrobial treatment of contaminated water bodies. The study provides a helpful guide for future research in this field.

An In Silico Analysis of Synthetic and Natural Compounds as Inhibitors of Nitrous Oxide Reductase (N2OR) and Nitrite Reductase (NIR).

Nitrification inhibitors are recognized as a key approach that decreases the denitrification process to inhibit the loss of nitrogen to the atmosphere in the form of N2O. Targeting denitrification microbes directly could be one of the mitigation approaches. However, minimal attempts have been devoted towards the development of denitrification inhibitors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular docking behavior of the nitrous oxide reductase (N2OR) and nitrite reductase (NIR) involved in the microbial denitrification pathway. Specifically, in silico screening was performed to detect the inhibitors of nitrous oxide reductase (N2OR) and nitrite reductase (NIR) using the PatchDock tool. Additionally, a toxicity analysis based on insecticide-likeness, Bee-Tox screening, and a STITCH analysis were performed using the SwissADME, Bee-Tox, and pkCSM free online servers, respectively. Among the twenty-two compounds tested, nine ligands were predicted to comply well with the TICE rule. Furthermore, the Bee-Tox screening revealed that none of the selected 22 ligands exhibited toxicity on honey bees. The STITCH analysis showed that two ligands, namely procyanidin B2 and thiocyanate, have interactions with both the Paracoccus denitrificans and Hyphomicrobium denitrificans microbial proteins. The molecular docking results indicated that ammonia exhibited the second least atomic contact energy (ACE) of -15.83 kcal/mol with Paracoccus denitrificans nitrous oxide reductase (N2OR) and an ACE of -15.20 kcal/mol with Hyphomicrobium denitrificans nitrite reductase (NIR). The inhibition of both the target enzymes (N2OR and NIR) supports the view of a low denitrification property and suggests the potential future applications of natural/synthetic compounds as significant nitrification inhibitors.

N-Hydroxysuccinamide functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles conjugated with 5-flurouracil for hyperthermic therapy of malignant liver cancer cells by DNA repair disruption.

Magnetized iron oxide nanoparticles are ideal materials for biological and biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, super paramagnetic behavior, surface capability, and chemical stability. This research article is narrating the overview of methodologies of preparation, functionalization, characterization and applications of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Super paramagnetic nanoparticles are studied for their hyperthermia properties. The proposed mechanism behind the hyperthermia was damaging the proteins responsible for DNA repair thereby, directly accelerating the DNA damages on cancer cells by increasing the temperature in the vicinity of the cancer cells. In this study, super paramagnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (SPIONs) and anti-cancer drug, 5-fluorouracil, functionalized with N-Hydroxysuccinimide organic molecules. A specific absorption rate at 351 nm can be achieved using UV analysis. The magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles had a cubic crystalline structure. FE-SEM(field emission scanning Electron microscopy) with EDAX(energy dispersive X-ray analysis) analysis shows that the size of the SPION was about 30-100 nm range and the percentage of chemical compositions was higher in the order of Fe, O, C. for particle size analysis, the SPION were positively charged derived at +9.9 mV and its conductivity is measured at 0.826 mS/cm. In-vitro anti-cancerous activity analysis in Hep-G2 cells (liver cancer cells) shows that the 5-fluorouracil functionalized SPIONs have higher inhibition rate than the bare Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were studied for their hyperthermic abilities at two different frequencies such as 3.05 × 106 kAm-1s-1 and 4.58 × 106 kAm-1s-1.The bare Fe3O4 at low magnetic field, 10 mg was required to raise the temperature above 42°- 45 °C and at high magnetic field, 6 mg was enough to raise the same temperature. The 5-fluorouracil functionalized Fe3O4 shows that at low magnetic field, 6 mg is required to raise the hyperthermia temperature and at high magnetic field, 3 mg is required to raise the temperature above 42°- 45 °C. the rate of heating and the temperature achieved with time can be tuned with concentrations as well as magnetic component present in the Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Beyond this concentration, the rate of cell death was observed to increase. The saturation and low residual magnetization were revealed by the magnetization analysis, making them well suited for clinical applications.

Green synthesized Cobalt oxide nanoparticles using Curcuma longa for anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, dye degradation and anti-cancer property.

In the present study, cobalt oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized using the root extract of Curcuma longa in a manner that is both environmentally friendly and economical. Initially, the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using a UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis, in which plasma resonance at 345 nm was observed, which confirmed that CL-Cobalt oxide nanoparticles were synthesized. While FTIR analysis showed a peak at 597.37 cm-1 indicating Co-O stretching vibration. In addition, DLS, SEM and XRD analyses confirmed the synthesis of polydispersed (average size distribution of 97.5 ± 35.1 nm), cubic phase structure, and spherical-shaped CL-Cobalt oxide nanoparticles. CL-Cobalt oxide nanoparticles synthesized from green materials showed antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. CL-Cobalt oxide nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli) and Gram positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus), while CL-Cobalt oxide nanoparticles additionally displayed significant antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger. CL-Cobalt oxide also showed application in a bioremediation perspective by showing strong photocatalytic degradation of methyl red, methyl orange and methyl blue dye. In addition, CL-Cobalt oxide also demonstrated anticancer activity against MDA-MB-468 cancer cell lines with an IC50 value of 150.8 µg/ml. Therefore, this is the first and foremost report on CL-Cobalt oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Curcuma longa showing antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, dye degradation and anticancer applications.

Deciphering the anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of Ti nanoparticles fabricated using Zingiber officinale.

Rapid and sustainable green technology was implemented in the current study to fabricated Ti nanoparticles. The vegetable ginger with the scientific name Zingiber officinale was employed as a biological source in the fabrication process of nanoparticles. The optical, structural, morphological, and particle size of the fabricated Ti nanoparticles were characterized with the help of UV-visible absorption spectrum, FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) spectrum, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) analysis, DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering) technique and XRD (X-ray powder diffraction) crystallography technique. The presence of spherical-shaped Ti nanoparticles with an average particle size of 93 nm was confirmed based on these characterization techniques. The anti-cancer properties of the Z. officinale mediated Ti nanoparticles were analyzed through MTT assay against cell lines MCF-7 (Human breast adenocarcinoma cell line) and concentration-dependent anti-cancer properties were observed. The anti-inflammatory capacity of the Z. officinale mediated Ti nanoparticles were examined through protein denaturation and nitric oxide scavenging assay. The antioxidant capacity of the Z. officinale mediated Ti nanoparticles were examined through DPPH assay, hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) analysis. The fabricated Ti nanoparticles exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity in a concentration-dependent pattern.

In vitro investigation of silver nanoparticles synthesized using Gracilaria veruccosa - A seaweed against multidrug resistant Staphylococcusaureus.

In recent years, the biosynthesis of silver (Ag) nanoparticles has attracted a great deal of interest for applications in biomedicine and bioremediation. In the present study, Gracilaria veruccosa extract was used to synthesize Ag nanoparticles for investigating their antibacterial and antibiofilm potentials. The color shift from olive green to brown indicated the synthesis of AgNPs by plasma resonance at 411 nm. Physical and chemical characterization revealed that AgNPs of 20-25 nm sizes were synthesized. Detecting functional groups, such as carboxylic acids and alkenes, suggested that the bioactive molecules in the G. veruccosa extract assisted the synthesis of AgNPs. X-ray diffraction verified the s purity and crystallinity of the AgNPs with an average diameter of 25 nm, while DLS analysis showed a negative surface charge of -22.5 mV. Moreover, AgNPs were tested in vitro for antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacies against S. aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AgNPs against S. aureus was 3.8 µg/mL. Light and fluorescence microscopy proved the potential of AgNPs to disrupt the mature biofilm of S. aureus. Therefore, the present report has deciphered the potential of G. veruccosafor the synthesis of AgNPs and targeted the pathogenic bacteria S. aureus.

Quercetin extraction from small onion skin (Allium cepa L. var. aggregatum Don.) and its antioxidant activity.

In the present study, the maximum yield of quercetin was optimized for the ethanol extraction of small onions (Allium cepa L. var. aggregatum Don.), and the antioxidant activity was investigated in vitro. The extraction of quercetin from the small onion skin was carried out through ethanol solvent extraction with different ratios of ethanol and water. Ethanol: water ratio produced the highest quercetin from the onion skin. RP-HPLC analysis of the extracted material showed 2, 122 mg/g of quercetin and 0.34 mg/g of isorhamnetin. A total of 301.03 mg GAE/g dry weight and 156 mg/g quercetin equivalents were found in the onion skin extract. DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging potentials of the tested extract (90:10 v/v) were dose-dependent, with IC50 values of 62.27 µg/mL and 53.65 µg/mL, respectively. Therefore, the present study reports that small onion skin extract rich in quercetin may serve as a promising antioxidant and anticancer agent.

Synergistic role of metal oxide loading cocatalysts on photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and inactive bacteria over template-free ZnFe2O4 nanocubes.

For wastewater treatment, a highly reliable and ecologically friendly oxidation method is always preferred. This work described the production of a new extremely effective visible light-driven Ag2Ox loaded ZnFe2O4 nanocomposties photocatalyst using a wet impregnation technique. Under visible light irradiation, the produced Ag2Ox loaded ZnFe2O4 nanocomposties were used in the photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) and Reactive Red 120 (RR120) dyes. Analysis using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy revealed that Ag2Ox nanoparticles were well dispersed on the surface of ZnFe2O4 NPs and that the Ag2Ox loaded ZnFe2O4 NPs were created. When compared with bare ZnFe2O4 NPs, Ag2Ox-loaded ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites showed better photocatalytic activity for RhB and RR120 degradation under visible light (>420 nm) illumination. The reaction kinetics and degradation methodology, in addition to the photocatalytic degradation functions of Ag2Ox-loaded ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites, were thoroughly investigated. The 3 wt% Ag2Ox loaded ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites have a 99% removal efficiency for RhB and RR120, which is about 2.4 times greater than the ZnFe2O4 NPs and simple combination of 1 wt% and 2 wt% Ag2Ox loaded ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites. Furthermore, the 3 wt% Ag2Ox loaded ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites demonstrated consistent performance without decreasing activity throughout 3 consecutive cycles, indicating a potential approach for the photo-oxidative destruction of organic pollutants as well as outstanding antibacterial capabilities. According to the findings of the experiments, produced new nanoparticles are an environmentally friendly, cost-efficient option for removing dyes, and they were successful in suppressing the development of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

In vivo degradation of polyethylene terephthalate using microbial isolates from plastic polluted environment.

Accumulation of plastics alarms a risk to the environment worldwide. As polyethylene pterephthalate (PET) degrades slowly and produces hazardous substances, therefore, it is now essential to eliminate plastic wastes from the environment. Given that, the current study is concerned with PET degradation potential of naturally occurring microbial strains isolated from plastic waste dumping sites, Sarcina aurantiaca (TB3), Bacillus subtilis (TB8), Aspergillus flavus (STF1), Aspergillus niger (STF2). To test the biodegradability of PET films, the films were incubated for 60 days at 37 °C with the microorganisms designated as TB3, TB8, STF1, STF2 and the microbial consortium (TB3+TB8+STF1+STF2) in Minimal Salt Medium and Bushnell Hass Broth. Hydrophobicity, viability, and total protein content of isolates were investigated. Using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry to measure variations in functional groups and carbonyl index on PET surface, biodegradation process was affirmed by fissures and modified surfaces. Results revealed that the microbial consortium (S. aurantiaca + B. subtilis + A. flavus + A. niger) that the weight loss of PET films was 28.78%. The microbial consortium could be used to treat PET waste, posing no health or environmental risks. The developed microbial consortium has the potential to degrade PET, hence can be employed for eliminating PET in plastic contaminated sites.

Optimizing biocatalytic potential of Dipodascus australiensis M-2 for degrading lignin under laboratory conditions.

In present research, a potent fungal strain was isolated from paper mill effluent (black liquor) in order to investigate its potential for the biodegradation of lignin. Two step strategy was used to screen most efficient fungal strain having ability to growin MSM-black liquor medium and to degrade alkali lignin.The results of initial screening indicated that the strain M-2 produced comparatively higher ligninolytic zone on MSN agar plates supplemented with black liquor (BL) and alkali ligninase compared to the other isolates.The results of 18S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that strain M-2 showed ≥ 99% sequence homology with Dipodasceus australiansis.The process for the biodegradation of lignin was optimized using Taguchi Orthogonal Array design. Under optimized conditions of pH 9, 40 °C and 4% inoculum, a maximum of 89% lignin was degraded with 41% color reduction after 8 days of incubation period by Dipodasceus australiansis M-2. The pH and temperature were found to be significant terms with the p-values of 0.002 and 0.001 respectively. The laccase activity of the Dipodascus australiensis was found to be maximum of 1.511 U/mL. The HPLC analysis of lignin biodegradation indicated sharp transformation of peaks as compared to the control. Our results suggested that the strain Dipodascus australiensis M-2 possess excellent lignin degradation and color reduction capability and can be applied in waste treatment systems for pulp and paper mill effluent. In present work we are reporting first hand information regarding biodegradation of lignin by a potent strain of Dipodascus australiensis and statistical optimization of the bioprocess.

Whole-genome analysis guided molecular mechanism of cyanogenic glucoside degradation by yeast isolated from Prunus mume fruit syrup.

Consumption of fermented Prunus mume fruit (maesil) sugar syrup raise a health concern due to the presence of the cyanogenic glucoside amygdalin. The goal of the present study was to investigate the amygdalin degradation potential and genome profile of the native microbes found in maesil syrup. The microbial profile analysis revealed that yeast is the predominant microorganism native to maesil syrup and that the isolated yeast cells showed a remarkable potential for amygdalin reduction (99.7%). Moreover, the reduction in amygdalin was inversely proportional to the growth of the isolated yeast. The whole-genome analysis revealed that the isolated yeast is Zygosaccharomyces rouxii (genome size 10 Mb, 39.25% of GC content). Of the 5250 genes (64.88%) predicted in the Z. rouxii genome, 5245 (99.90%) were annotated using NCBI Non-Redundant, UniProt, and InterProScan databases. The genome of the isolated Z. ruoxii harbored 2.03% of repeats and 0.68% of non-coding RNAs. Protein prediction indicated that ß-glycosidases and hydroxynitrile lyase may play a key role in amygdalin degradation. The predicted degradation initiated by ß-glycosidases that hydrolyze α-glucosidic bonds of amygdalin results in α-hydroxy nitriles (cyanohydrins) that are subsequently converted into carbonyl compounds (benzaldehyde) and hydrogen cyanide catalyzed by hydroxynitrile lyases. Present findings provide valuable data for constructing engineered microorganisms that can degrade amygdalin. Further analysis of Z. rouxii may elucidate the exact mechanism of amygdalin reduction in the production of maesil syrup.

Cytogenotoxicity assessment in Allium cepa roots exposed to methyl orange treated with Oedogonium subplagiostomum AP1.

The present study is an attempt to assess the cytogenotoxic effect of untreated and methyl orange treated with Oedogonium subplagiostomum AP1 on Allium cepa roots. On the fifth day, root growth, root length, mitotic index, mitotic inhibition/depression, and chromosomal abnormalities were measured in root cells of Allium cepa subjected to untreated and treated methyl orange dye solutions. Roots exposed to treated dye solution exhibited maximum root growth, root length and mitotic index, whereas roots exposed to untreated dye solution had the most mitotic inhibition and chromosomal abnormalities. Allium cepa exposed to untreated dye solution revealed chromosomal aberrations such as disoriented and abnormal chromosome grouping, vagrant and laggard chromosomes, chromosomal loss, sticky chain and disturbed metaphase, pulverised and disturbed anaphase, chromosomal displacement in anaphase, abnormal telophase, and chromosomal bridge at telophase, spindle disturbances and binucleate cells. The comet test was used to quantify DNA damage in the root cells of A. cepa subjected to untreated and treated methyl orange solutions in terms of tail DNA (percent) and tail length. The results concluded that A. cepa exposed to methyl orange induced DNA damage whereas meager damage was noted in the treated dye solution. As a result, the research can be used as a biomarker to detect the genotoxic effects of textile dyes on biota.

The potential of Bacillus subtilis and phosphorus in improving the growth of wheat under chromium stress.

AIM: Hexavalent chromium (Cr+6 ) is one of the most toxic heavy metals that have deteriorating effects on the growth and quality of the end product of wheat. Consequently, this research was designed to evaluate the role of Bacillus subtilis and phosphorus fertilizer on wheat facing Cr+6 stress. METHODS AND RESULTS: The soil was incubated with Bacillus subtilis and phosphorus fertilizer before sowing. The statistical analysis of the data showed that the co-application of B. subtilis and phosphorus yielded considerably more significant (p < 0.05) results compared with an individual application of the respective treatments. The co-treatment improved the morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters of plants compared with untreated controls. The increase in shoot length, root length, shoot fresh weight and root fresh weight was 38.17%, 29.31%, 47.89% and 45.85%, respectively, compared with untreated stress-facing plants. The application of B. subtilis and phosphorus enhanced osmolytes content (proline 39.98% and sugar 41.30%), relative water content and stability maintenance of proteins (86.65%) and cell membranes (66.66%). Furthermore, augmented production of antioxidants by 67.71% (superoxide dismutase), 95.39% (ascorbate peroxidase) and 60.88% (catalase), respectively, were observed in the Cr+6 - stressed plants after co-application of B. subtilis and phosphorus. CONCLUSION: It was observed that the accumulation of Cr+6 was reduced by 54.24%, 59.19% and 90.26% in the shoot, root and wheat grains, respectively. Thus, the combined application of B. subtilis and phosphorus has the potential to reduce the heavy metal toxicity in crops. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study explored the usefulness of Bacillus subtilis and phosphorus application on wheat in heavy metal stress. It is a step toward the combinatorial use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria with nutrients to improve the ecosystems' health.

Designing of pretreatment filter technique for reduction of phenolic constituents from olive-mill wastewater and testing its impact on wheat germination.

Olive oil extraction produces a great volume of olive mill wastewater (OMW), which is considered a serious ecological challenge. In this study, we have designed and tested a trickling filter consisting of seven different layers of natural material, including (coarse gravel, fine gravel, lime (Ca (OH)2), sand (SiO2), carbon char, sponge/mesh), to treat OMW. The filter process involved physical separation, filtration, coagulation and adsorption with the removal of COD (69.8%), BOD (40.2%), Phenolic contents (90%), pH (41%), EC (41.6%) and total suspended solids (TSS) (69%). Our results have shown that treated OMW has a high potential oxidant activity. T7, Untreated OMW at 1:6 dilutions, had the strongest correlation (i.e. 0.97), while untreated OMW had the lowest IC50 (7.62 g ml-1), which shown the best DPPH radical scavenging capabilities. While pure Untreated OMW has the maximum radical scavenging activity, 63%, treated (1:6) diluted OMW exhibits the lowest value i. e 9% when phosphomolybdate assay was done. HPLC analysis showed that the trickling filter removed the vanillic acid, caffeic acid and reduced the contents of phenolic components such as gallic acid, hydroxytyrosol, vanillin, quercetin and catechol. Filtered OMW was also tested for its germination efficacy at various dilutions (1:0, 1:2, 1:4, 1:6). A remarkable improvement in germination percentage, germination index, seedling length, seedling vigor index, promptness index, stress tolerance index (76.7%, 68.4%, 51.7%, 82.1%, 54.8%, and 66.7%, respectively) has shown the efficiency of treated OMW at 1:6 dilutions. The results from this study show the efficiency of our filter design which can be further used.

Assessment, characterization, and quantification of microplastics from river sediments.

Microplastic (MP), as a pollutant, is currently posing a biological hazard to the aquatic environment. The study aims to isolate, quantify, and characterize the MP pollutants in sediment samples from 14 study sites at Kaveri River, Killa Chinthamani, Tiruchirappalli, South India. With Sediment-MP Isolation (SMI) unit, density separation was done with a hydrogen peroxide solution. Four forms of MPs namely, fragments, films, foams, and fibers with orange, white, green, and saffron red were observed. The plenitude and distribution of four forms of MPs and natural substrates were geometrically independent, with large amounts of microfragments within the research region accounting for 79.72% variation by Principal Component Analysis. FT-IR analyses of MPs showed the presence of polyamide, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polystyrene. Additionally, the scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed that the MPs have differential surface morphology with rough surfaces, porous structures, fissures, and severe damage. Most MPs comprised Si, Mg, Cu, and Al, according to energy dispersive X-ray analyses. The combined SMI, instrumental analyses and evaluation (heat map) of MPs in river sediments help assess contamination levels and types of MPs. The findings might provide an insight into the status of MPs in Kavery River sediments that could help in formulating regulations for MPs reduction and contamination in rivers eventually to protect the environment.

Towards sustainable wastewater treatment: Influence of iron, zinc and aluminum as anode in combination with salt bridge on microbial fuel cell performance.

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a green technology and does not harm the environment. It can be used for wastewater treatment, hydrogen production and power generation. There are lot of avenues need to be investigated to increase the efficiency of MFC and in order to make it acceptable publicly. Efficiency of MFC depends on many factors. In this study, the influence of anode materials (Fe, Al and Zn), their sizes (12, 16 and 20 cm2) and shapes (square, rectangular and circular) were investigated on MFC efficiency. Dual chamber MFC setup was prepared in which Rhodobacter capsulatus was used as biocatalytic agent. Results revealed that Zn anode gave the highest voltage of 1.57 V with corresponding 0.23 A of current. Size of 20 cm2 of anode gave maximum voltage of 1.66 V with corresponding value of 0.08 A current, while anode size of 16 cm2 gave maximum current of 0.75 A with corresponding voltage of 1.65 V. Regarding their studied shapes, circular shape of anode gave the highest voltages of 1.70 V. Salt bridge played an important role in internal resistance of the fuel cell. The results were checked by changing the diameter and length of the salt bridge. The best results were noticed with 16 cm2 circular Zn anode and Fe as cathode. Salt bridge with 7.5 cm length gave the highest voltage of 1.65 V, while 4 gauge diameter salt bridge gave the highest current of 0.85 A.

Pharmacophore based virtual screening, molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation studies for finding ROS1 kinase inhibitors as potential drug molecules.

Proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase ROS-1 is one of the clinically important biomarker and plays a crucial role in regulation of a number of cellular functions including cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. Recently, inhibition of ROS1 kinase has proven to be a promising target of anticancer drugs for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The very few compounds have been used as potent drug molecules so far and the selective ROS1 inhibitors are relatively rare. Besides the currently available drugs such as Crizotinib and PF-06463922 are becoming sensitive due to mutations in the ROS1 protein. To curtail the problem of the resistant, present study was designed to identify the potent inhibitors against ROS1. Three different screening approaches such as structure based, Atom-based and pharmacophore based screening were carried out against commercially available databases and the retrieved best hits were further evaluated by Lipinski's filter. Thereafter the lead molecule was subjected to pocket specific docking with ROS1. The results show that, total of 9 molecules (3 from each screening) has good docking score (with range of -9.288 to -12.49 Kcal/Mol) and binding interactions within the active site of ROS1. In order to analyze the stability of the ligand- protein complexes, molecular dynamics simulation was performed. Thus, these identified potential lead molecules with good binding score and binding affinity with ROS1 may act as the potent ROS1 inhibitor, and that are worth considering for further experimental studies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.