Analyzing genetic diversity in luffa and developing a Fusarium wilt-susceptible linked SNP marker through a single plant genome-wide association (sp-GWAS) study.

BACKGROUND: Luffa (Luffa spp.) is an economically important crop of the Cucurbitaceae family, commonly known as sponge gourd or vegetable gourd. It is an annual cross-pollinated crop primarily found in the subtropical and tropical regions of Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Americas. Luffa serves not only as a vegetable but also exhibits medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. Moreover, the fiber derived from luffa finds extensive applications in various fields such as biotechnology and construction. However, luffa Fusarium wilt poses a severe threat to its production, and existing control methods have proven ineffective in terms of cost-effectiveness and environmental considerations. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop luffa varieties resistant to Fusarium wilt. Single-plant GWAS (sp-GWAS) has been demonstrated as a promising tool for the rapid and efficient identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with target traits, as well as closely linked molecular markers. RESULTS: In this study, a collection of 97 individuals from 73 luffa accessions including two major luffa species underwent single-plant GWAS to investigate luffa Fusarium wilt resistance. Utilizing the double digest restriction site associated DNA (ddRAD) method, a total of 8,919 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified. The analysis revealed the potential for Fusarium wilt resistance in accessions from both luffa species. There are 6 QTLs identified from 3 traits, including the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), a putative disease-resistant QTL, was identified on the second chromosome of luffa. Within the region of linkage disequilibrium, a candidate gene homologous to LOC111009722, which encodes peroxidase 40 and is associated with disease resistance in Cucumis melo, was identified. Furthermore, to validate the applicability of the marker associated with resistance from sp-GWAS, an additional set of 21 individual luffa plants were tested, exhibiting 93.75% accuracy in detecting susceptible of luffa species L. aegyptiaca Mill. CONCLUSION: In summary, these findings give a hint of genome position that may contribute to luffa wild resistance to Fusarium and can be utilized in the future luffa wilt resistant breeding programs aimed at developing wilt-resistant varieties by using the susceptible-linked SNP marker.

Loofah sponge crosslinked polyethyleneimine loaded with biochar biofilm reactor for ecological remediation of oligotrophic water: Mechanism, performance, and functional characterization.

The removal of complex pollutants from oligotrophic water is an important challenge for researchers. In this study, the HCl-modified loofah sponge crosslinked polyethyleneimine loaded with biochar (LS/PEI@biochar) biofilm reactor was adapted to achieve efficient removal of complex pollutants in oligotrophic water. On the 35 d, the average removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N), calcium (Ca2+), and phosphate (PO43--P) in water was 51, 95, 81, and 77 %, respectively. Additionally, it effectively used a low molecular weight carbon source. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that the LS/PEI@biochar biocarrier had superior biofilm suspension performance. Meanwhile, analysis of the biocrystals confirmed Ca2+ and PO43- removal through the generation of CaCO3 (calcite and vaterite) and Ca5(PO4)3OH. This study demonstrated that the system has great efficiency and application prospect in treating oligotrophic water on the laboratory scale, and will be further validated for practical application on large-scale oligotrophic water.

Life table parameters and digestive physiology of Aulacophora lewisii Baly (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on three Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb. (Cucurbitaceae) cultivars.

Aulacophora lewisii Baly (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is an important pest of Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb. (Cucurbitaceae) in India. Larvae of A. lewisii feed on the roots, while adults consume leaves of L. acutangula. In the current study, effects of three L. acutangula cultivars (Abhiskar, Debsundari, and Jaipur Long) on the life table parameters by age-stage, two-sex approach, and key digestive enzymatic activities (amylolytic, proteolytic, and lipolytic) of the larvae and adults of A. lewisii were determined. Further, nutrients (total carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, amino acids, and nitrogen content) and antinutrients (total phenols, flavonols, and tannins) present in the roots and leaves of three cultivars were estimated. The development time (egg to adult emergence) was fastest and slowest on Jaipur Long (31.80 days) and Abhiskar (40.91 days), respectively. Fecundity was highest and lowest on Jaipur Long (279.91 eggs) and Abhiskar (137.18 eggs), respectively. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) was lowest on Abhiskar (0.0511 day-1) and highest on Jaipur Long (0.0872 day-1). The net reproductive rate (R0) was lowest on Abhiskar (23.32 offspring female-1). The mean generation time (T) was shortest on Jaipur Long (52.59 days) and longest on Abhiskar (61.58 days). The amylolytic, proteolytic, and lipolytic activities of larvae and adults of A. lewisii were highest and lowest on Jaipur Long and Abhiskar, respectively. The lower level of nutrients and higher level of antinutrients influenced higher larval development time and lower fecundity of A. lewisii on Abhiskar than other cultivars. Our results suggest that Abhiskar cultivar could be promoted for cultivation.

Efficacious adsorption of divalent nickel ions over sodium alginate-g-poly(acrylamide)/hydrolyzed Luffa cylindrica-CoFe2O4 bionanocomposite hydrogel.

Existing Ni2+ heavy metal ions in an aqueous medium are highly hazardous for living organisms and humans. Therefore, designing low-cost adsorbents with enhanced effectiveness is essential for removing nickel ions to safeguard public health. In this study, a novel green nanocomposite hydrogel was synthesized through the free radical solution and bulk polymerization method, and its capability to remove divalent nickel ions from aqueous media was examined. The bionanocomposite hydrogel named as SA-g-poly(AAm)/HL-CoFe2O4 was produced by grafting polyacrylamide (AAm) onto sodium alginate (SA) in the presence of a magnetic composite recognized as HL-CoFe2O4, where HL represents hydrolyzed Luffa Cylindrica. By employing FT-IR, XRD, VSM, SEM, EDX-Map, BET, DLS, HPLC, and TGA techniques, morphological evaluation and characterization of the adsorbents were carried out. The performance of the adsorption process was studied under varying operational conditions including pH, temperature, contact duration, initial concentration of pollutant ions, and adsorbent dosage. HPLC analysis proved the non-toxic structure of the bionanocomposite hydrogel. The number of unreacted acrylamide monomers within the hydrogel matrix was measured at 20.82 mg/kg. The optimum conditions was discovered to be pH = 6, room temperature, adsorbent dosage of 1 of g.L-1, initial Ni2+ concentration of 10 mg.L-1, and contact time of 100 min, and the maximum adsorption efficiency at optimal state was calculated as 70.09, 90.25, and 93.83 % for SA-g-poly (AAm), SA-g-poly(AAm)/HL, and SA-g-poly(AAm)/HL-CoFe2O4 samples, respectively. Langmuir isotherm model was in good agreement with the experimental data and the maximum adsorption capacity of SA-g-poly(AAm), SA-g-poly(AAm)/HL, and SA-g-poly(AAm)/HL-CoFe2O4 samples was calculated to be 31.37, 43.15, and 45.19 mg.g-1, respectively. The adsorption process, according to kinetic studies, follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Investigations on thermodynamics also demonstrated that the process is exothermic and spontaneous. Exploring the interference effect of co-existing ions showed that the adsorption efficiency has decreased with concentration enhancement of Ca2+ and Na+ cations in aqueous medium. Furthermore, the adsorption/desorption assessments revealed that after 8 consecutive cycles, there had been no noticeable decline in the adsorption effectiveness. Finally, actual wastewater treatment outcomes demonstrated that the bionanocomposite hydrogel successfully removes heavy metal pollutants from shipbuilding industry effluent. Therefore, the findings revealed that the newly fabricated bionanocomposite hydrogel is an efficient, cost-effective, easy-separable, and green adsorbent that could be potentially utilized to remove divalent nickel ions from wastewater.

Histopathology and quantification of green fluorescent protein-tagged Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. luffae isolate in resistant and susceptible Luffa germplasm.

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. luffae (Folu) is a severe plant pathogen that causes vascular wilt and root rot in Luffa plants worldwide. A green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged isolate of Folu (Fomh16-GFP) was utilized to investigate the infection progress and colonization of Fomh16-GFP in resistant (LA140) and susceptible (LA100) Luffa genotypes. Seven days post-inoculation (dpi), it was observed that Fomh16-GFP had successfully invaded and colonized the vascular bundle of all LA100 parts, including the roots, hypocotyl, and stem. Pathogen colonization continued to increase over time, leading to the complete wilting of plants by 14-17 dpi. In LA140, the Fomh16-GFP isolate colonized the roots and hypocotyl vascular system at 7 dpi. Nevertheless, this colonization was restricted in the hypocotyl and decreased significantly, and no fungal growth was detected in the vascular system at 21 dpi. Thus, the resistant genotype might trigger a robust defense mechanism. In addition, while the pathogen was present in LA140, the inoculated plants did not exhibit any symptoms until 28 dpi. Quantitative PCR was utilized to measure the Fomh16-GFP biomass in various parts of LA100 and LA140 at different time points. The findings indicated a positive correlation between the quantity of Fomh16-GFP DNA and disease development in LA100. Alternatively, a high amount of Fomh16-GFP DNA was identified in the roots of LA140. Nonetheless, no significant correlations were found between DNA amount and disease progression in LA140. Aqueous extracts from LA140 significantly reduced Fomh16-GFP spore germination, while no significant reduction was detected using LA100 extracts.IMPORTANCEFusarium wilt of Luffa, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. luffae (Folu), causes great losses in Luffa plants worldwide. This study used a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged isolate of Folu (Fomh16-GFP) to investigate the infection progress and colonization dynamics of Fomh16-GFP in the resistant and susceptible Luffa genotypes, which could be important in understanding the resistance mechanism of Folu in Luffa plants. In addition, our work highlights the correlations between DNA amount and disease progression in resistant plants using real-time PCR. We observed a positive correlation between the quantity of Fomh16-GFP DNA and disease progression in LA100, while no significant correlation was found in LA140. These results could be valuable to further investigate the resistance mechanism of Luffa genotypes against Folu. Gaining a better understanding of the interaction between Folu and Luffa plants is crucial for effectively managing Fusarium wilt and enhancing resistance in Luffa rootstock and its varieties.

Carboxymethyl cellulose-based hydrogel with high-density crack microstructures inspired from the multi-tentacles of octopus for ultrasensitive flexible sensing microsystem.

Constructing high-density contact-separation sites on conductive materials highly determines the sensitivity of flexible resistance-type sensors relying on the crack microstructures. Herein, inspired from the multiple-tentacle structures on octopus, we demonstrated a sort of novel carbonized ZIF-8@loofah (CZL) as conductive material to develop ultrasensitivity flexible sensor, in which the carbonized ZIF-8 nanoparticles (~100 nm) served as tentacles. Originating from the formation of high-density contact-separation sites, the fabricated CZL-based strain sensor delivered ultrahigh sensitivity of GFmax = 15,901, short response time of 22 ms and excellent durability over 10,000 cycles. These features enable the sensor with efficient monitoring capacity for complex human activities, such as pulse rate and phonation. Moreover, when CZL was assembled into triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), CZL-based TENG can effectively convert the irregular biomechanical energy into electric energy, providing sustainable power supply for the continuous operation of the sensing micro-system. Our findings established a novel platform to develop high-performance self-powered sensing systems of physiological parameter of human inspired from the nature.

Protective effect of Luffa cylindrica fermentation liquid on cyclophosphamide-induced premature ovarian failure in female mice by attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a leading cause of women's infertility without effective treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of Luffa cylindrica fermentation liquid (LF) on cyclophosphamide (CTX) -induced POF in mice and to preliminarily investigate the underlying mechanisms. Thirty-two Balb/c mice were divided into four groups randomly. One group served as the control, while the other three received CTX injections to establish POF models. A 14-day gavage of either 5 or 10 µL/g LF was administered to two LF pretreatment groups. To analyze the effects of LF, the ovarian index, follicle number, the levels of serum sex hormones, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), inflammatory factors, and apoptosis of the ovarian cells were measured. The effects of LF pretreatment on the expression of TLR4/NF-κB and apoptosis pathways were also evaluated. We found that LF pretreatment increased the ovarian index and the number of primordial and antral follicles while decreasing those of atretic follicles. LF pretreatment also increased the serum levels of estradiol (E2) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), while decreasing those of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Furthermore, LF pretreatment increased the levels of SOD and GSH in the ovaries, while decreasing those of MDA, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß). LF administration reduced the amount of TUNEL+ ovarian cells and the levels of TLR4 and NF-κB P65 protein expression. In conclusion, LF has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory as well as anti-apoptotic effects against CTX-induced POF, and the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB and apoptosis pathways may be involved in its mechanisms.

Protective effect of Luffa cylindrica Roemer against dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy in primary rat skeletal muscle cells.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are commonly used in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions. However, the administration of high doses and long-term use of GCs can induce muscle atrophy (MA) in patients, leading to a decline in quality of life and increased mortality. MA leads to protein degradation in skeletal muscle, resulting in a reduction of muscle mass. This process is triggered by GCs like dexamethasone (DEX), which induce the expression of E3 ubiquitin ligases, namely Atrogin-1 and muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF1). In this study, we examined the anti-MA potential of Luffa cylindrica Roemer (LCR) on DEX-treated primary skeletal myotubes. Primary skeletal myotubes stimulated with LCR alone resulted in a significant upregulation of myotube development, characterized by an increase in both the number and diameter of myotubes. Contrastingly, combined treatment with LCR and DEX reduced the expression of Atrogin-1, while treatment with DEX alone induced the expression of MuRF1. Furthermore, LCR treatment successfully restored the number and diameter of myotubes that had been diminished by DEX treatment. These findings suggest that LCR holds potential for treating MA, as an accelerating effect on muscle development and anti-MA effects on primary skeletal muscle cells were observed.

Cucumber grafting on indigenous cucurbit landraces confers salt tolerance and improves fruit yield by enhancing morpho-physio-biochemical and ionic attributes.

Pakistan is the 8th most climate-affected country in the globe along with a semi-arid to arid climate, thereby the crops require higher irrigation from underground water. Moreover, ~ 70% of pumped groundwater in irrigated agriculture is brackish and a major cause of secondary salinization. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is an important vegetable crop with an annual growth rate of about 3.3% in Pakistan. However, it is a relatively salt-sensitive crop. Therefore, a dire need for an alternate environment-friendly technology like grafting for managing salinity stress in cucumber by utilizing the indigenous cucurbit landraces. In this regard, a non-perforated pot-based study was carried out in a lath house to explore indigenous cucurbit landraces; bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) (cv. Faisalabad Round), pumpkin (Cucurbit pepo. L) (cv. Local Desi Special), sponge gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca) (cv. Local) and ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula) (cv. Desi Special) as rootstocks for inducing salinity tolerance in cucumber (cv. Yahla F1). Four different salts (NaCl) treatments; T0 Control (2.4 dSm-1), T1 (4 dSm-1), T2 (6 dSm-1) and T3 (8 dSm-1) were applied. The grafted cucumber plants were transplanted into the already-induced salinity pots (12-inch). Different morpho-physio-biochemical, antioxidants, ionic, and yield attributes were recorded. The results illustrate that increasing salinity negatively affected the growing cucumber plants. However, grafted cucumber plants showed higher salt tolerance relative to non-grafted ones. Indigenous bottle gourd landrace (cv. Faisalabad Round) exhibited higher salt tolerance compared to non-grafted cucumber plants due to higher up-regulation of morpho-physio-biochemical, ionic, and yield attributes that was also confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA). Shoot and root biomass, chlorophylls contents (a and b), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX) enzymes, antioxidants scavenging activity (ASA), ionic (↑ K and Ca, ↓ Na), and yield-related attributes were found maximum in cucumber plants grafted onto indigenous bottle gourd landrace. Hence, the indigenous bottle gourd landrace 'cv. Faisalabad round' may be utilized as a rootstock for cucumber under a mild pot-based saline environment. However, indigenous bottle gourd landrace 'cv. Faisalabad round' may further be evaluated as rootstocks in moderate saline field conditions for possible developing hybrid rootstock and, subsequently, sustainable cucumber production.

Green biodegradable dielectric material made from PLA and electron beam irradiated luffa cylindrica fiber: devices for a sustainable future.

The growing prevalence of polymer-based plastics in the environment is an imminent risk to the natural world. As an immediate consequence of this, extensive research has been launched over the course of the past few decades in an effort to reduce the damage that manmade plastics cause to the natural environment. The current study attempts to explore the biodegradability of polylactic acid (PLA), a bio-compatible plastic, by incorporating small amount of electron beam irradiated natural fibers (2 to 10%) derived from luffa cylindrica (LC) at varying irradiation doses (0.5 Gy, 1 Gy, and 2 Gy). Natural fiber surface treatment using electron beam irradiation is effective and environmentally friendly. The biodegradation of composites was studied for 90 days in sand, soil, compost, brackish water, fresh water, salt water, and bacterial and fungal conditions. Maximum decomposition was observed in the composite sample (PLA/10% wt of LC fiber at 2.0 Gy) at 15.42% and 4.73% in bacterial and soil environments. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy validated the fiber and PLAs crystallinity and molecular interaction. The derivative thermo-gravimetric curve (DTGA) showed that electron beam irradiation removed moisture, hemicelluloses, and lignin from hydrophilic fibers. The incorporation of LC fibers into the bio-composites resulted in an increase in the glass transition temperature (Tg), melting temperature (Tm), and crystallization temperature (Tc). Additionally, after LC fiber reinforcement, the composites' dielectric properties were enhanced.

Microalgal-based macro-hollow loofah fiber bio-composite for methylene blue removal: A promising step for a green adsorbent.

This study looked into how well the macro-hollow loofah fiber with and without the bio-attaching with green microalga (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii OR242521) was applied methylene blue elimination from water. Based on the results, the biosorption capacity of loofah sponge for methylene blue significantly increased with the increase of contact time, weight of microalgal biofilm, and methylene blue concentration. The maximum biosorption capacity was achieved after 120 min, after 0.042 mgg-1 biofilm weight, and MB concentration of 140 mgL-1. Furthermore, methylene blue's biosorption capacity was strongly affected by pH, reaching its maximum at pH 7. The biosorption capacity of the bio-attached loofah sponge was much higher than that of the loofah sponge, revealing that the microalgae bio-attachment enhanced the biosorption capacity of the loofah sponge. At the end of the MB biosorption process, the used bio-attached loofah sponge can still be utilized once more for the same purpose after the desorption of MB but with a lower biosorption capacity. Furthermore, the loofah sponge could also be applied as a bio-sorbent after domestic use. According to this study, the loofah sponge with or without algal biofilm attachment could be applied as a low-cost efficient bio-sorbent for methylene blue removal from water. However, the loofah sponge's ability for biosorption was dramatically increased by the bio-attachment of microalgae, making it a more potent bio-sorbent. Likewise, this study offers insights into the variables influencing the biosorption capacity of loofah sponges and bio-attached loofah sponges, which could be beneficial for enhancing the biosorption processes.

Adsorption properties of active biochar: Overlooked role of the structure of biomass.

Vascular plants account for more than 80% of all biomass on earth and are potential precursors of biochar. However, the changes of vascular bundle have received less attention during the preparation of biochar. In this study, loofah sponge (LS), tangerine pith (TP), and rhodiola rosea (RR), were selected to show the role of vascular bundle in biochar through the pretreatment of vascular bundle. The results showed that the active biochar prepared with vascular bundle protection had high adsorption capacity for methylene blue (LS: 953.53 mg/g, TP: 714.77 mg/g, RR: 583.49 mg/g). The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method was used to measure the specific surface area (SSA) of active biochar. The SSA of LS active biochar prepared by vascular bundle protection was 2262.67 m2/g, and has high adsorption properties under different conditions. In conclusion, the protection of vascular bundle during biochar preparation is important to improve the utilization of biological resources and environmental adsorption.

Optimal transfer learning based nutrient deficiency classification model in ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula).

The efficient detection of nutrient deficiency and proper fertilizer for that deficiency becomes the critical challenges various farmers face. The family Cucurbitaceae includes members cultivated globally as a source of indigenous medicines, food, and fiber. Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb, generally called Ridge gourd, belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is an annual herb originating in several areas of India, particularly in the coastal regions. Nutrient deficiency detection in ridge gourd is essential to improve crop productivity. In agricultural practises, the early identification and categorization of nutrient deficiencies in crops is essential for sustaining optimal growth and production. Addressing these nutrient deficiencies, we applied the Ring Toss Game Optimization with a Deep Transfer Learning-based Nutrient Deficiency Classification (RTGODTL-NDC) to Ridge Gourd (Luffa acutangula). This research proposes a new ring toss game optimization with a deep transfer learning-based nutrient deficiency classification (RTGODTL-NDC) method. The RTGODTL-NDC technique uses pre-processing, segmentation, feature extraction, hyperparameter tuning, and classification. The Gabor filter (GF) is mainly used for image pre-processing, and the Adam optimizer with SqueezeNet model is utilized for feature extraction. Finally, the RTGO algorithm with the deep hybrid learning (HDL) model is applied to classify nutrient deficiencies. The suggested framework has the potential to improve crop management practises by allowing for proactive and targeted interventions, which will result in improved agricultural health, production, and resource utilisation. The outcomes represented by the RTGODTL-NDC method have resulted in improved performance. For example, based on accuracy and specificity, the RTGODTL-NDC methodology rendered maximum [Formula: see text] of 97.16% and specificity of 98.29%. The outcomes show how effective the transfer learning-based model is in identifying nutrient deficits in ridge gourd plants, as seen by its high level of accuracy.

Ameliorative effect of Luffa cylindrica fruits on Caenorhabditis elegans and cellular models of Alzheimer's disease-related pathology via autophagy induction.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder without an effective cure. Natural products, while showing promise as potential therapeutics for AD, remain underexplored. AIMS: This study was conducted with the goal of identifying potential anti-AD candidates from natural sources using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) AD-like models and exploring their mechanisms of action. MATERIALS & METHODS: Our laboratory's in-house herbal extract library was utilized to screen for potential anti-AD candidates using the C. elegans AD-like model CL4176. The neuroprotective effects of the candidates were evaluated in multiple C. elegans AD-like models, specifically targeting Aß- and Tau-induced pathology. In vitro validation was conducted using PC-12 cells. To investigate the role of autophagy in mediating the anti-AD effects of the candidates, RNAi bacteria and autophagy inhibitors were employed. RESULTS: The ethanol extract of air-dried fruits of Luffa cylindrica (LCE), a medicine-food homology species, was found to inhibit Aß- and Tau-induced pathology (paralysis, ROS production, neurotoxicity, and Aß and pTau deposition) in C. elegans AD-like models. LCE was non-toxic and enhanced C. elegans' health. It was shown that LCE activates autophagy and its anti-AD efficacy is weakened with the RNAi knockdown of autophagy-related genes. Additionally, LCE induced mTOR-mediated autophagy, reduced the expression of AD-associated proteins, and decreased cell death in PC-12 cells, which was reversed by autophagy inhibitors (bafilomycin A1 and 3-methyladenine). DISCUSSION: LCE, identified from our natural product library, emerged as a valuable autophagy enhancer that effectively protects against neurodegeneration in multiple AD-like models. RNAi knockdown of autophagy-related genes and cotreatment with autophagy inhibitors weakened its anti-AD efficacy, implying a critical role of autophagy in mediating the neuroprotective effects of LCE. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the potential of LCE as a functional food or drug for targeting AD pathology and promoting human health.

Intimate coupling of gC3N4/CdS semiconductor on eco-friendly biocarrier loofah sponge for enhanced detoxification of ciprofloxacin.

Ciprofloxacin is one of the antibiotics predominantly used to treat bacterial infections, however excess usage, and release of antibiotic from various sources to the environment can cause severe risks to human health since it was considered as emerging pollutant. This study deals with the intimately coupled photocatalysis and biodegradation (ICPB) of ciprofloxacin using gC3N4/CdS photocatalytic semiconductor and eco-friendly renewable loofah sponge as biocarrier in the ICPB. The photocatalyst gC3N4/CdS was prepared and their synergistic photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin were assessed and the results shows that gC3N4/CdS (20%) exhibit 79% degradation efficiency in 36 h. Further ICPB exhibited enhanced ciprofloxacin degradation 95% at 36 h. The 62.4% and 81.1% of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal was obtained in the photocatalysis and ICPB respectively. Enhanced degradation of ciprofloxacin and COD removal was due to the synergetic photoelectrons generated from the gC3N4/CdS (20%) transferred to the bacterial communities which intensely mineralize the degradation products produced from the photocatalysis process. Furthermore, production of hydroxyl •OH and superoxide radical anion O2• were identified actively involved in the degradation of ciprofloxacin. The biocarrier loofah sponge provided favourable environment to the bacterial communities for the formation of biofilm and production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Excess quantity of EPS production in the ICPB helps in the prevention of toxicity of photocatalyst to bacterial communities as well as facilitate the extracellular electron transfer process. This work provides a novel path for enhanced degradation of ciprofloxacin using eco-friendly, low cost and renewable biocarrier loofah sponge in the ICPB system.

Magnetic loofah sponge biochar facilitates microbial interspecies cooperation in surface and subsurface sediments for enhanced PAH biodegradation.

Magnetic biochar had been used for the bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-contaminated sediments. However, the long-term remediation pattern of vertical stratification driven by the application of magnetic biochar and the assembly of microbes had received little attention. In this study, magnetic loofah sponge biochar (MagLsBC), magnetic iron oxide (MagOx) and magnetic coconut shell activated carbon (MagCoAC) were applied for the 900-day remediation of contaminated sediments. Significant (p < 0.05) PAH biodegradation was observed in both the surface and subsurface sediments with MagLsBC addition. However, enhanced PAH biodegradation was observed only in the surface sediments with MagOx and MagCoAC treatments. Magnetotactic bacteria (Magnetococcus) was dominant genera in surface sediments and indigenous PAH degradation bacteria were more abundant in subsurface sediments of MagLsBC relative to other bacterial communities. The network interaction between microbes in surface and subsurface sediments with MagLsBC treatments was a less complex and tighter than those with MagCoAC, MagOx or Control treatments. Long-distance electron transfer rates could be enhanced through cooperation between magnetotactic bacteria and indigenous degradation bacteria, thus accelerating PAH degradation in sediment with MagLsBC treatment, especially in the underlying sediment.

A magnetic solid phase extraction procedure for Pb(II) at trace levels on magnetic Luffa@TiO2 in food and water samples.

A novel magnetic Luffa@TiO2 sorbent was synthesized and characterized by using XRD, FTIR and SEM techniques. Magnetic Luffa@TiO2 was used for solid phase extraction of Pb(II) in food and water samples prior to its flame atomic absorption spectrometric (FAAS) detection. The analytical parameters such as pH, adsorbent quantity, type and volume of eluent, and foreign ions were optimized. Analytical features such as the limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) of Pb(II) are 0.04 µg L-1 and 0.13 µg L-1 for liquid samples and 0.159 ng/g and 0.529 ng/g for solid samples, respectively. The preconcentration factor (PF) and relative standard deviation (RSD%) were found 50, and 4 % respectively. The method was validated by using three certified reference materials (NIST SRM 1577b bovine liver, TMDA-53.3 and TMDA-64.3fortified water). The presented method was applied to lead contents of some food and natural water samples.

Methyl esters synthesis from Luffa cylindrica seeds oil using green copper oxide nanoparticle catalyst in membrane reactor.

This study investigates the potential role of Juglans sp. root extract-mediated copper oxide nanoparticles of Luffa cylindrica seed oil (LCSO) into methyl esters. The synthesized green nanoparticle was characterized by Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) spectroscopies to find out the crystalline size (40 nm), surface morphology (rod shape), particle size (80-85 nm), and chemical composition (Cu = 80.25% & O = 19.75%), accordingly. The optimized protocol for the transesterification reaction was adjusted as oil to methanol molar ratio (1:7), copper oxide nano-catalyst concentration (0.2 wt %), and temperature (90 °C) corresponding to the maximum methyl esters yield of 95%. The synthesized methyl esters were characterized by GC-MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and FT-IR studies to know and identify the chemical composition of newly synthesized Lufa biodiesel. The fuel properties of Luffa cylindrica seed oil biofuel were checked and compared with the American Biodiesel standards (ASTM) (D6751-10). Finally, it is commendable to use biodiesel made from wild, uncultivated, and non-edible Lufa cylindrica to promote and adopt a cleaner and sustainable energy method. The acceptance and implementation of the green energy method may result in favourable environmental effects, which in turn may lead to better societal and economic development.

Enhanced removal organic compounds and particles from cooking fume using activated sludge scrubber filled loofah: From performance to the mechanism.

The catering industry's growth has resulted in cooking fume pollution becoming a major concern in people's lives. As a result, its removal has become a core research focus. Natural loofah is an ideal biofilm carrier, providing a conducive environment for microorganisms to grow. This study utilized natural loofah to fill domesticated activated sludge in a bioscrubber, forming biofilms that enhance the ability to purify cooking fume. This study found that the biomass of loofah biofilms per gram is 104.56 mg. The research also determined the removal efficiencies for oils, Non-methane total hydrocarbons (NMHC), PM2.5, and PM10 from cooking fumes, which were 91.53%, 67.53%, 75.25%, and 82.23%, respectively. The maximum elimination capacity for cooking fumes was found to be 20.7 g/(m3·h). Additionally, the study determined the kinetic parameters for the biodegradation of oils (Kc and Vmax) to be 4.69 mg L-1 and 0.026 h-1, respectively, while the enzyme activities of lipase and catalase stabilized at 75.50 U/mgprots and 67.95 U/mgprots. The microbial consortium identified in the biofilms belonged to the phylum Proteobacteria and consisted mainly of Sphingomonas, Mycobacterium, and Lactobacillus, among others.