Harnessing the power of mollusc lectins as immuno-protective biomolecules.

The rapid advancement of molecular research on macromolecules has contributed to the discovery of 'Lectin', a carbohydrate-binding protein which specifically interacts with receptors on the surface of glycans and regulates various cellular activities thereby stimulating immunological functions. Considering the wide variety of sources and immunological significance, research has led to the discovery of lectins in invertebrate molluscs. Such lectins in molluscs mediate active immune response as they lack adaptive immunity. Phylum Mollusca is identified with different types of lectins such as C-lectin, Galectin, P-lectin, I-lectin, and H-lectin, along with other immunologically significant lectin molecules such as F- lectin, R-lectin, ficolins, chitinase like lectin etc., all of these with specific ligand binding and structural diversity. Molluscan C-type lectins are the most functional ones that increase the activity of phagocytic cells through specific carbohydrate binding of antigenic ligands and haemocyte adhesion thereby enhancing the immune response. Helix pomatia agglutinin and Helix aspersa agglutinin are the two H-lectins that were identified within molluscs that could even target cancer-progressing cells through specific binding. Also, these lectins identified in molluscs are proven to be efficient in antibacterial and immunomodulatory functions. These insights attract researchers to identify novel lectins in molluscs and their characterization that play a key role in protection against diseases. This review discusses the structural features of mollusc lectins, their specific binding, molecular interactions and their immunological applications.

Eco-friendly green synthesis of AgNPs from Elaeocarpus serratus fruit extract: potential to antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic effects of colon cancerous cells (HT-29) and its toxicity assessments of marine microcrustacean Artemia nauplii.

BACKGROUND: The present work demonstrated the green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) utilizing Elaeocarpus serratus fruit extract. The study examined the effectiveness of phytocompounds in fruit extract in reducing Ag+ to Ag° ions. METHODS: The water-soluble biobased substance production from silver ions to AgNPs in 45 min at room temperature. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak was seen in the UV-visible absorption spectrum of the biologically altered response mixture. Examination with X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that AgNPs are strong and have a face-centered cubic shape. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) investigation proved the production of AgNPs in a cuboidal shape. RESULTS: The AgNPs demonstrated remarkable antibacterial activity and a potent capacity to neutralize DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals. The highest growth inhibition was found for E. serratus against S. dysenteriae (18.5 ± 1.0 mm) and S. aureus (18 ± 1.2 mm). These nanoparticles exhibited robust antiradical efficacy even at low concentrations. The AgNPs additionally exhibited cytotoxic effects on (HT-29) human colon adenocarcinoma cancer cells. The MTT assay (3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) indicated an inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 49.1 ± 2.33 µg/mL for AgNPs, contrasting with the untreated cells of the negative control. The biotoxicity assessment using A. salina displayed mortality rates ranging from 8 to 69.33%, attributable to the E. serratus synthesized AgNPs. CONCLUSIONS: In our results concluded that simply first-hand information on that E. serattus fruit extract synthesized AgNPs were efficiently synthesized without the addition of any hazardous substances, and that they may be a strong antibacterial, antioxidant, and potential cytotoxic effects for the treatment of colon carcinoma cell lines.

Evaluation of Brown and red seaweeds-extracts as a novel larvicidal agent against the deadly human diseases-vectors, Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus.

Infectious diseases such as malaria, dengue, and yellow fever are predominantly transmitted by insect vectors like Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti, and Culex quinquefasciatus in tropical regions like India and Africa. In this study, we assessed the larvicidal activity of commonly found seaweeds, including Padina gymnospora, P. pavonica, Gracilaria crassa, Amphiroa fragilissima, and Spatoglossum marginatum, against these mosquito vectors. Our findings indicate that extracts from P. gymnospora Ethyl Acetate (PgEA), P. pavonica Hexane (PpH), and A. fragilissima Ethyl Acetate (AfEA) displayed the highest larval mortality rates for A. stephensi, with LC50 values of 10.51, 12.43, and 6.43 µg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the PgEA extract from P. gymnospora exhibited the highest mortality rate for A. aegypti, with an LC50 of 27.0 µg/mL, while the PgH extract from the same seaweed showed the highest mortality rate for C. quinquefasciatus, with an LC50 of 9.26 µg/mL. Phytochemical analysis of the seaweed extracts revealed the presence of 71 compounds in the solvent extracts. Fourier-transform infrared spectra of the selected seaweeds indicated the presence of functional groups such as alkanes, alcohols, and phenols. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the seaweeds identified major compounds, including hexadecanoic acid in PgEA, tetradecene (e)- in PpEA, octadecanoic acid in GcEA, and 7-hexadecene, (z)-, and trans-7-pentadecene in SmEA.

Valorization of chick feather wastes by Geobacillus thermodenitrificans PS41 to enhance the growth of Vigna unguiculata plant and Cyprinus carpio fish.

Chicken feather meal has had a significant biofertilizer approach in recent years. The current study aims to assess feather biodegradation to promote plant and fish growth. The Geobacillus thermodenitrificans PS41 strain was more efficient in feather degradation. Feather residues were separated after degradation and evaluated under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to detect bacterial colonization on feather degradation. It was observed that the rachi and barbules were entirely degraded. The complete degradation by PS41 suggests a relatively more efficient feather degradation strain. According to Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) studies, PS41 biodegraded feathers contain the functional groups of aromatic, amine, and nitro compounds. The present study suggested that biologically degraded feather meal improved plant growth. The feather meal combined with nitrogen-fixing bacterial strain showed the highest efficiency. The biologically degraded feather meal and Rhizobium combination induced physical and chemical changes in the soil. It is directly involved in soil amelioration, plant growth substance, and soil fertility, enhancing a healthy crop environment. The feather meal 4 and 5% was used as a feed diet of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) to increase growth performances and feed utilization parameters. In hematological and histological studies of formulated diets, significantly no toxic effects occurred in fish blood, gut, or fimbriae.

Random mutagenesis as a tool for industrial strain improvement for enhanced production of antibiotics: a review.

Secondary metabolites are produced by microbes in minimal quantities in the natural environment out of necessity. However, in the pharmaceutical industry, their overproduction becomes essential. To achieve higher yields, genetic modifications are employed to create strains that surpass the productivity of the initially isolated strains. While rational screening and genetic engineering have emerged as valuable practices in recent years, the cost-effective technique of mutagenesis and selection, known as "random screening," remains a preferred method for efficient short-term strain development. This review aims to comprehensively explore all aspects of strain improvement, focusing on why random mutagenesis continues to be widely adopted.

In vitro somatic embryo productions from Curculigo orchioides derived gold nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, its biomedical applications, and their eco-friendly approaches to degradation of methylene blue under solar light irradiations.

Curculigo orchioides rhizome explants were employed to develop a rapid and effective strategy for increased plant regeneration using somatic embryogenesis. Direct somatic embryo development was shown on rhizome explants cultivated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) making with 2, 4-D (1.0-3.0 mg/L). Rhizome explants cultivated on MS media supplemented with 2.0 mg/L 2, 4-D yielded the highest frequency of embryogenesis (87.5%) and the maximum number of somatic embryos (1596.7/explant). Somatic embryo germination was accomplished using MS media with 2.0 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). With an 80% survival rate, the germination plantlets were acclimated in the greenhouse. The current study is the first evidence of the efficacy of in vitro-produced plants and C. orchioides somatic embryo callus cultures of stable gold nanoparticles. The UV-Vis spectrophotometric absorbance, at 510 nm, revealed the absorption spectra of the AuNPs. The FT-IR revealed functional groups and reaction processes in green AuNP formation. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) was used to assess the surface morphology and structure of the AuNPs after their elemental composition was determined using a dispersive energy X-ray (EDAX) spectrum. The average size of AuNPs was around 35 nm in diameter. The crystalline nature of the AuNPs was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The highest growth inhibition was found for C. orcthioides against Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.5 mm) and Serratia marcescens (16.5 mm). The AuNPs exhibited antioxidant activity against free radicals such as DPPH and ABTS. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of AuNPs was assessed, and inhibitory concentration (IC50) was 20 µg/mL and 80 µg/mL for breast carcinoma (MDA-MB-231) and Vero cell lines. The degradation of methylene blue measures the photocatalytic activity of the manufactured AuNPs when subjected to visible sunlight (MB). Thus, the result showed a maximum degradation efficiency of MB (84%).

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Traditional Antimalarial and Antidengue Plants: A Mechanistic Perspective.

Malaria, a highly perilous infectious disease, impacted approximately 230 million individuals globally in 2019. Mosquitoes, vectors of over 10% of worldwide diseases, pose a significant public health menace. The pressing need for novel antimalarial drugs arises due to the imminent threat faced by nearly 40% of the global population and the escalating resistance of parasites to current treatments. This study comprehensively addresses prevalent parasitic and viral illnesses transmitted by mosquitoes, leading to the annual symptomatic infections of 400 million individuals, placing 100 million at constant risk of contracting these diseases. Extensive investigations underscore the pivotal role of traditional plants as rich sources for pioneering pharmaceuticals. The latter half of this century witnessed the ascent of bioactive compounds within traditional medicine, laying the foundation for modern therapeutic breakthroughs. Herbal medicine, notably influential in underdeveloped or developing nations, remains an essential healthcare resource. Traditional Indian medical systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani, with a history of successful outcomes, highlight the potential of these methodologies. Current scrutiny of Indian medicinal herbs reveals their promise as cutting-edge drug reservoirs. The propensity of plant-derived compounds to interact with biological receptors positions them as prime candidates for drug development. Yet, a comprehensive perspective is crucial. While this study underscores the promise of plant-based compounds as therapeutic agents against malaria and dengue fever, acknowledging the intricate complexities of drug development and the challenges therein are imperative. The journey from traditional remedies to contemporary medical applications is multifaceted and warrants prudent consideration. This research aspires to offer invaluable insights into the management of malaria and dengue fever. By unveiling plant-based compounds with potential antimalarial and antiviral properties, this study aims to contribute to disease control. In pursuit of this goal, a thorough understanding of the mechanistic foundations of traditional antimalarial and antidengue plants opens doors to novel therapeutic avenues.

Phytoconstituents Assisted Biofabrication of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Antiplasmodial, and Antilarval Efficacy: A Novel Approach for the Control of Parasites.

The present work aimed to biofabricate copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using Tinospora cordifolia leaf extract. The biofabricated CuO NPs were treated against the malarial parasite of chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum (INDO) and the antilarval efficacy was evaluated against the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi and dengue vector Aedes aegypti. The prominence at 285 nm in the UV-visible spectrum helped to identify the produced CuO NPs. Based on the XRD patterns, the concentric rings correspond to reflections at 38.26° (111), 44.11° (200), 64.58° (220), and 77.34° (311). These separations are indicative of CuO's face-centered cubic (fcc) structure. The synthesized CuO NPs have FTIR spectra with band intensities of 3427, 2925, 1629, 1387, 1096, and 600 cm-1. The absorbance band at 3427 cm-1 is known to be associated with the stretching O-H due to the alcoholic group. FTIR proved that the presence of the -OH group is responsible for reducing and capping agents in the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs). The synthesized CuO NPs were found to be polymorphic (oval, elongated, and roughly spherical) in form with a size range of 11-47 nm and an average size of 16 nm when the morphology was examined using FESEM and HRTEM. The highest antiplasmodial efficacy against the chloroquine-resistant strain of P. falciparum (INDO) was found in the synthesized CuO NPs, with LC50 values of 19.82 µg/mL, whilst HEK293 cells are the least toxic, with a CC50 value of 265.85 µg/mL, leading to a selectivity index of 13.41. However, the antiplasmodial activity of T. cordifolia leaf extract (TCLE) and copper sulfate (CS) solution showed moderate activity, with LC50 values of 52.24 and 63.88 µg/mL, respectively. The green synthesized NPs demonstrated extremely high antilarval efficacy against the larvae of An. stephensi and Ae. aegypti, with LC50 values of 4.06 and 3.69 mg/L, respectively.

Comparative Evaluation of Cytotoxicity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Mixed With Herbal Extract as an Intracanal Medicament: A Zebrafish Model Study.

Objective In this study, zebrafish embryos are used to study the cytotoxic effects of a novel intracanal medication (ICM) based on zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) loaded with polyherbal extracts (Azadirachta indica and Solanum xanthocarpum). Material and methods In the present study, a green and sustainable method was employed for the synthesis of ZnO NPs mixed with bark and seed extracts of Azadirachta indica and Solanum xanthocarpum to be used as a polyherbal ICM. Formulation of ZnO NPs was confirmed with color change in mixture produced upon dissolving zinc acetate dihydrate in distilled water followed by slow addition of sodium hydroxide solution and herbal extracts. The effects of these green synthesized ZnO NPs were evaluated through a zebrafish embryo toxicity test. Embryos were exposed to different concentrations (25, 50, and 100 µg/mL) of synthesized experimental doses of ZnO NP and compared with the control embryos. Toxicological endpoints, such as the zebrafish embryo's survival rate, hatching rate, and heart rate, were noted and described. Results A concentration-dependent increase in mortality rate and hatching delay followed by declined heart rate was observed in green synthesized ZnO NP-treated embryos. The maximum toxicity was observed with an increase in the concentration of 100 µg/mL of the experimental dose, and at a low concentration of 25 µg/mL, it does not effectively show any developmental alteration in zebrafish embryos. Conclusion A novel polyherbal ICM loaded with ZnO NPs exhibited a dose-dependent effect on the heart rate, hatching, and mortality rate of the embryos. At optimal concentrations, the medication demonstrated minimal developmental malformations and cytotoxic effects, indicating its safety for use. However, increasing concentrations of the medication resulted in severe developmental malformations.

Treatment outcome of coronal pulpotomy and indirect pulp capping in mature permanent molars with symptoms of moderate pulpitis: A randomized clinical trial.

Aim: This clinical trial aimed to compare the clinical success of coronal pulpotomy and indirect pulp capping (IPC) in managing symptomatic deep proximal caries in molars with moderate pulpitis over a 12-month period. Materials and Methods: A total of 108 vital mature permanent molars with moderate pulpitis were randomly allocated to the IPC (n = 54) or coronal pulpotomy group (n = 54). Dycal and Biodentine were used as pulp-capping materials, followed by composite restoration. The absence of periapical infection and asymptomatic teeth that positively responded to the cold pulp sensitivity test (only in IPC) was considered posttreatment success at 12 months. Data from the study were analyzed using the Chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between preoperative symptoms and the cold pulp sensibility test response (P = 0.000), indicating an association between symptoms and pulp sensibility. The average remaining dentine thickness (RDT) value was 0.48 ± 0.5 mm, with no statistically significant difference found between the location of caries and RDT (P = 0.084, P > 0.05). Compared to the IPC group, the pulpotomy group had a greater number of patients at 12 months after treatment that required no intervention. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the mean survival duration for pulpotomy was 48 weeks, and for IPC, it was 42.3 ± 2.35 weeks. Conclusion: Coronal pulpotomy with Biodentine proved more effective in reducing symptoms, achieving radiographic success, and ensuring tooth survival compared to IPC with calcium hydroxide.

Traditionally used medicinal plants mediate the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles: methodological, larvicidal, and ecotoxicological approach.

It has been shown that vegetal species constitute an alternative natural source for the biosynthesis of new nanomaterials. Thus, aiming to expand knowledge about the potential use of plants in the fabrication of metallic nanomaterials, we aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from phyto-formulation (PF) of ten commonly used medicinal plants. Our results demonstrate the formation of spherical, stable, polycrystalline AgNPs with a diameter of 8.42 nm to 18.40 nm, whose biosynthesis confirmation was performed via UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM)-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential studies. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the biosynthesized AgNPs showed larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi larvae, with the histopathology findings from the fourth instar larval stage validating such larvicidal toxicity. The histological examinations showed severe degradation of the larvae's hindgut, epithelial cells, midgut, and cortical area. However, the PF extract and the biosynthesized AgNPs showed high ecotoxicity in Danio rerio larvae exposed to different concentrations. The treatments induced changes in hatchability percentage, animal growth, and heartbeat. Therefore, despite supporting the potential of PF (from ten plant species) as a raw material source for AgNPs biosynthesis, our study also sheds light on its ecotoxicological potential, suggesting that more comprehensive assessments of the ecotoxicity of biosynthesized would be performed before its application in different sectors.

Eco-friendly bioremediation of pollutants from contaminated sewage wastewater using special reference bacterial strain of Bacillus cereus SDN1 and their genotoxicological assessment in Allium cepa.

The present study aimed to assess the Bacillus cereus SDN1 native bacterium's ability to clean up contaminated or polluted water. The isolated bacterium was identified by its morphological and biochemical characteristics, which were then confirmed at the genus level. Furthermore, the isolated B. cereus (NCBI accession No: MW828583) was identified genomically by PCR amplifying 16 s rDNA using a universal primer. The phylogenetic analysis of the rDNA sequence was analyzed to determine the taxonomic and evolutionary profile of the isolate of the previously identified Bacillus sp. Besides, B. cereus and the bacterial consortium were treated using sewage wastewater. After 15 days of treatment, the following pollutants or chemicals were reduced: total hardness particles removal varied from 63.33 % to 67.55 %, calcium removal varied from 90 % to 93.33 %, and total nitrate decreased range from 37.77 % to 22.22 %, respectively. Electrical conductivity ranged from 1809 mS/cm to 2500 mS/cm, and pH values ranged from 6.5 to 8.95. The outcome of in-situ remediation results suggested that B. cereus has a noticeable remediation efficiency to the suspended particles. A root tip test was also used to investigate the genotoxicity of treated and untreated sewage-contaminated waters on onion (Allium cepa) root cells. The highest chromosomal aberrations and mitotic inhibition were found in roots exposed to contaminated sewage water, and their results displayed chromosome abnormalities, including disorganized, sticky chain, disturbed metaphase, chromosomal displacement in anaphase, abnormal telophase, spindle disturbances, and binucleate cells observed in A. cepa exposed to untreated contaminated water. The study can thus be applied as a biomarker to detect the genotoxic impacts of sewage water pollution on biota. Furthermore, based on an identified bacterial consortium, this work offers a low-cost and eco-favorable method for treating household effluents.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Cassia Auriculata: Targeting antibacterial, antioxidant activity, and evaluation of their possible effects on saltwater microcrustacean, Artemia Nauplii (non-target organism).

Due to their huge surface area to volume ratio, metallic nanoparticles are becoming increasingly important in numerous spheres of life. Here, initially, we aimed to evaluate the potential use of Cassia auriculata (CA) extract to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Then, we evaluated its antimicrobial potential and antioxidant capacity, as well as performed in silico analysis, and investigated the possible non-toxic effect of AgNPs on Artemia nauplii. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies were used to characterize the biosynthesized AgNPs. Our data indicate that Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria were susceptible to the biosynthesized AgNPs, whose effect was concentration-response. With a ZOI of 10 mm, the AgNPs were most efficient against gram-positive B. cereus bacteria at the highest concentration (75 µg/mL). The biosynthesized AgNPs (at 25 to 125 µg/mL) showed good antioxidant activity in the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays. Oleanolic acid from CA exhibited strong binding affinity and high binding energy to E. coli and B. cereus (-9.66 and - 9.74 kcal/mol) on in silico research. According to the comparative non-toxicity analysis, AgNPs, AgNO3, and CA bark extract had the least toxic effects on A. nauplii, with respective mortality rates of 28.14, 32.26, and 38.42 %, respectively. In conclusion, the current work showed that AgNPs produced from CA bark could be a promising material for diverse applications.

Synthesize palladium nanoparticles from the macroalgae Sargassum fusiforme: An eco-friendly tool in the fight against Plasmodium falciparum?

Although numerous drugs are practiced to control malaria and its vectors, more recently, eco-friendly control tools have been proposed to battle its etiologic agents. Thus, using green bionanotechnology approaches, we aimed to synthesize palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) from the macroalgae Sargassum fusiforme (Sf), its potential antiparasitic activity against P. falciparum, as well as its possible cytotoxicity, in HeLa cells. After the biosynthesis of the PdSf NPs, their characterization was carried out by UV-Vis, FESEM, and EDX analyses, and their hydrodynamic size, zeta potential, and surface area were determined. Furthermore, the functional groups of the PdSf NPs were analyzed by FT-IR and GC-MS. While PdSf NPs had an IC50 of 7.68 µg/mL (Chloroquine (CQ)-s) and 16.42 µg/mL, S. fusiforme extract had an IC50 of 14.38 µg/mL (CQ-s) and 35.27 µg/mL (CQ-r). With an IC50 value of 94.49 µg/mL, PdSf NPs exhibited the least toxic effect on the HeLa cells. The Lipinski rule of five and ADMET prediction were used to assess the in silico models of caffeine acid hexoside and quercetin 7-O-hexoside for the presence of drug-like properties. Pathogenic proteins, primarily responsible for motility, binding, and disease-causing, were the target of the structurally based docking studies between plant-derived compounds and pathogenic proteins. Thus, our study pioneered promising results that support the potential antiplasmodial activity of eco-friendly synthesized PdSf NPs using S. fusiforme extract against P. falciparum, opening perspectives for further exploration into the use of these NPs in malaria therapy.

MoS2-ZnO Nanocomposite Mediated Immunosensor for Non-Invasive Electrochemical Detection of IL8 Oral Tumor Biomarker.

In order to support biomolecule attachment, an effective electrochemical transducer matrix for biosensing devices needs to have many specialized properties, including quick electron transfer, stability, high surface area, biocompatibility, and the presence of particular functional groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, fluorescence spectroscopy, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy are common techniques used to assess biomarkers. Even though these techniques provide precise and trustworthy results, they cannot replace clinical applications because of factors such as detection time, sample amount, sensitivity, equipment expense, and the need for highly skilled individuals. For the very sensitive and targeted electrochemical detection of the salivary oral cancer biomarker IL8, we have created a flower-structured molybdenum disulfide-decorated zinc oxide composite on GCE (interleu-kin-8). This immunosensor shows very fast detection; the limit of detection (LOD) for interleukin-8 (IL8) detection in a 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (PBS) was discovered to be 11.6 fM, while the MoS2/ZnO nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) demonstrated a high catalytic current linearly from 500 pg to 4500 pg mL-1 interleukin-8 (IL8). Therefore, the proposed biosensor exhibits excellent stability, high accuracy sensitivity, repeatability, and reproducibility and shows the acceptable fabrication of the electrochemical biosensors to detect the ACh in real sample analysis.

One-pot green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using brittle star Ophiocoma scolopendrina: Assessing biological potentialities of antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-diabetic and catalytic degradation of organic dyes.

In the current study, aqueous extract of O. scolopendrina (OSE) was used to synthesize AgNPs in a simple and environmentally friendly manner. The biosynthesized OSE-AgNPs were also assessed for its catalytic, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, antioxidant and dye degradation properties. The techniques like UV-visible spectroscopic examinations, TEM, SEM, TGA, zeta potential and FT-IR were used in the characterization investigations. The bioproduction of OSE-AgNPs was preliminary confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopic based investigation followed by microscopic visualization. The synthesized OSE-AgNPs exhibited a reddish brown colour and nearly spherical forms with sizes between 5 and 50 nm quantified by TEM and SEM. The attendance of functional groups like -OH and -NH present in OSE caps on the AgNPs surface was confirmed by FTIR analysis. Interestingly, in the presence of OSE-AgNPs, the degradation of dyes (CV, 95% and EY, 96% in 15 min) were noticeably accelerated. Further, OSE-AgNPs demonstrated substantial antibacterial activity; robust antioxidant properties andnotable anti-diabetic activities. This is the first account on the biosynthetic process of AgNPs using the aqueous extract of O. scolopendrina.

Novel Essential Oils Blend as a Repellent and Toxic Agent against Disease-Transmitting Mosquitoes.

Bio-insecticidal research has focused on long-term vector control using essential oils (EOs). This study examined the larvicidal, oviposition-deterrent, and repellent properties of five medicinal herb-based EO formulations (EOFs) on mosquitoes that are vectors of dengue, filariasis, and malaria. EOFs were significantly more toxic to the larvae and pupae of Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles stephensi, and Aedes aegypti with LC50 = 9.23, 12.85, and 14.46 ppm, as well with 10.22, 11.39, and 12.81 ppm, with oviposition active indexes of -0.84, -0.95, and -0.92, respectively. Oviposition-deterrent repellence was found in 91.39%, 94.83%, and 96.09%. EOs and N, N-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) were prepared at various concentrations for time duration repellent bioassays (6.25-100 ppm). Ae. aegypti, An. stephensi, and Cx. quinquefasciatus were monitored for 300, 270, and 180 min, respectively. At 100 ppm, EOs and DEET had comparable repellence in terms of test durations. EOF's primary components d-limonene (12.9%), 2,6-octadienal, 3,7-dimethyl, (Z) (12.2%), acetic acid, phenylmethyl ester (19.6%), verbenol (7.6%), and benzyl benzoate (17.4%) may be combined to make a mosquito larvicidal and repellant equivalent to synthetic repellent lotions. In the molecular dynamics simulations, limonene (-6.1 kcal/mol) and benzyl benzoate (-7.5 kcal/mol) had a positive chemical association with DEET (-6.3 kcal/mol) and interacted with the OBP binding pocket with high affinity and stability. This research will help local herbal product manufacturers and the cosmetics industry in developing 100% herbal insect repellent products to combat mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue, malaria, and filariasis.

Bacterial clearance and anti-inflammatory effect of Withaferin A against human pathogen of Staphylococcus aureus in infected zebrafish.

The emergence of antibiotic resistance is the most challenging factor for developing a proper drug to treat S. aureus infection. These bacterial pathogens can survive in fresh water and spread to various environments. Plant sources, especially pure compounds, are the material of interest amongst researchers for developing drugs of therapeutic value. Here, we report the bacterial clearance and anti-inflammatory potential of the plant compound Withaferin A, using the zebrafish infection model. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the Withaferin A was calculated as 80 µM against S. aureus. The DAPI/PI staining and scanning electron microscopy analysis showed the pore-forming mechanism of Withaferin A on the bacterial membrane. Along with the antibacterial activity, the results from the tube adherence test reveal the antibiofilm property of Withaferin A. In vivo studies were demonstrated to determine the effect of Withaferin A on survival, inflammatory response and behavioural changes during S. aureus infection. Staining zebrafish larvae with neutral red and Sudan black indicates a substantial decrease in the number of localized macrophages and neutrophils. The gene expression analysis showed the downregulation of inflammatory marker genes. Additionally, we observed the improvement in locomotory behaviour among Withaferin A treatment adult zebrafish. In conclusion, S. aureus can infect zebrafish and induces toxicological effect. In comparison, the results from in vitro and in vivo experiments suggest that Withaferin A can be used for synergistic antibacterial, antibiofilm and anti-inflammatory activity to treat infections due S. aureus.

One-pot green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Sarcophyton crassocaule, a marine soft coral: Assessing biological potentialities of antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-diabetic and catalytic degradation of toxic organic pollutants.

Marine bio-resources are being extensively researched as a priceless supply of substances with therapeutic potential. This work report the first time attempt made towards the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using the aqueous extract of marine soft coral (SCE), Sarcophyton crassocaule. The synthesis was conducted under optimized conditions and the visual coloration of reaction mixture changed from yellowish to ruby red at 540 nm. The electron microscopic (TEM, SEM) studies exhibited spherical and oval shaped SCE-AuNPs in the size ranges of 5-50 nm. The organic compounds present in SCE were primarily responsible for the biological reduction of gold ions validated by FT-IR while the zeta potential confirmed the overall stability of SCE-AuNPs. The synthesized SCE-AuNPs exhibited variety of biological efficacies like antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-diabetic in nature. The biosynthesized SCE-AuNPs demonstrated remarkable bactericidal efficacy against clinically significant bacterial pathogens with inhibition zones of mm. Additionally, SCE-AuNPs exhibited greater antioxidant capacity in terms of DPPH: 85 ± 0.32% and RP: 82 ± 0.41%). The ability of enzyme inhibition assays to inhibit α-amylase (68 ± 0.21%) and α-glucosidase (79 ± 0.2%) was quite high. The study also highlighted the spectroscopic analysis of the biosynthesized SCE-AuNPs' catalytic effectiveness of 91% in the reduction processes of the perilous organic dyes, exhibiting pseudo-first order kinetics.

Toxicity assessment of SARS-CoV-2-derived peptides in combination with a mix of pollutants on zebrafish adults: A perspective study of behavioral, biometric, mutagenic, and biochemical toxicity.

The dispersion of SARS-CoV-2 in aquatic environments via the discharge of domestic and hospital sewage has been confirmed in different locations. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the possible impacts of zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposure to SARS-CoV-2 peptide fragments (PSPD-2001, 2002, and 2003) alone and combined with a mix of emerging pollutants. Our data did not reveal the induction of behavioral, biometric, or mutagenic changes. But we noticed an organ-dependent biochemical response. While nitric oxide and malondialdehyde production in the brain, gills, and muscle did not differ between groups, superoxide dismutase activity was reduced in the "PSPD", "Mix", and "Mix+PSPD" groups. An increase in catalase activity and a reduction in DPPH radical scavenging activity were observed in the brains of animals exposed to the treatments. However, the "Mix+PSPD" group had a higher IBRv2 value, with NO levels (brain), the reduction of acetylcholinesterase activity (muscles), and the DPPH radical scavenging activity (brain and muscles), the most discriminant factors for this group. The principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis indicated a clear separation of the "Mix+PSPD" group from the others. Thus, we conclude that exposure to viral fragments, associated with the mix of pollutants, induced more significant toxicity in zebrafish adults than in others.