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Numerous studies have examined the feasibility of using microalgae as a long-term source of biofuel. This helped us to determine how different amounts of phosphorus changed the growth of lipids in Scenedesmus subspicatus, a freshwater microalga. This study examined the effects of various phosphorus concentrations on the biochemical makeup of algae, particularly the production of proteins and carbohydrates. When there was insufficient phosphorus, the investigation observed a significant increase in lipids and productivity of S. subspicatus. Additionally, gas chromatography was used to examine the fatty acid profiles of the green algae thoroughly. When Scenedesmus species were tested at different cell densities, the highest amount of chlorophyll was found to be 0.89 mg/L. The amounts of fatty acids in algae grown with 0.4 and 0.04 P of phosphorus were strongly correlated, as shown by the Pearson linear correlation coefficients. Gas chromatography analysis revealed that the major saturated fatty acids were stearic acid (C18:0) and palmitic acid (C16:0). In addition, confirming the presence of several unsaturated fatty acids (C16:3, C18:1, C18:2, and C18:3) has helped us learn more about S. subspicatus's complex lipid profile of S. subspicatus and how well it can be used to produce biofuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, Bougainvillea glabra paper flower extract was used to quickly synthesize biogenic silver nanoparticles (BAgNPs) utilizing green chemistry. Using the flower extract as a biological reducing agent, silver nanoparticles were generated by the conversion of Ag+ cations to Ag0 ions. Data patterns obtained from physical techniques for characterizing BAgNPs, employing UV-visible, scattering electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), suggested that the nanoparticles have a spherical to oval form with size ranging from 10 to 50 nm. Spectroscopy and microscopic analysis were used to learn more about the antibacterial properties of the biologically produced BAgNPs from Bougainvillea glabra. Further, the potential mechanism of action of nanoparticles was investigated by studying their interactions in vitro with several bacterial strains and mammalian cancer cell systems. Finally, we can conclude that BAgNPs can be functionalized to dramatically inhibit bacterial growth and the growth of cancer cells in culture conditions, suggesting that biologically produced nanomaterials will provide new opportunities for a wide range of biomedical applications in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer remains one of the most crucial human malignancies with a higher mortality rate globally, and is predicted to escalate soon. Dysregulated ion homeostasis in cancerous cells prompted the researchers to investigate further ion homeostasis impeding agents as potent anticancerous agents. Reutilization of FDA-approved non-cancerous drugs has emerged as a practical approach to developing potent, cost-effective drugs for cancer treatment. Across the globe, most nations are incapable of fulfilling the medical demands of cancer patients due to costlier cancerous drugs. Therefore, we have inclined our review towards emphasizing recent advancements in cancer therapies involving ionophores utilization in exploring potent anticancer drugs. Numerous research reports have established the significant anticancerous potential of ionophores in several pre-clinical reports via modulating aberrant cell signaling pathways and enhancing antitumor immunity in immune cells. This review has mainly summarized the most significant ion homeostasis impeding agents, including copper, zinc, calcium, and polyether, that presented remarkable potential in cancer therapeutics via enhanced antitumor immunity and apoptosis induction. Altogether, this study could provide a robust future perspective for developing cost-effective anticancerous drugs rapidly and cost-effectively, thereby combating the limitations of currently available drugs used in cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous research reports have witnessed dramatic advancements in cancer therapeutic approaches through immunotherapy. Blocking immunological checkpoint pathways (mechanisms employed by malignant cells to disguise themselves as normal human body components) has emerged as a viable strategy for developing anticancer immunity. Through the development of effective immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in multiple carcinomas, advances in cancer immunity have expedited a major breakthrough in cancer therapy. Blocking a variety of ICIs, such as PD-1 (programmed cell death-1), programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) has improved the immune system's efficacy in combating cancer cells. Recent studies also supported the fact that ICIs combined with other potent antitumor candidates, such as angiogenic agents, could be a solid promising chemopreventive therapeutic approach in improving the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Immune checkpoint blockade has aided antiangiogenesis by lowering vascular endothelial growth factor expression and alleviating hypoxia. Our review summarized recent advances and clinical improvements in immune checkpoint blocking tactics, including combinatorial treatment of immunogenic cell death (ICD) inducers with ICIs, which may aid future researchers in creating more effective cancer-fighting strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the impact of different nutritional factors and growth conditions on biosurfactant production by bacterial isolates (EMB16 and EMB21) isolated from oil-contaminated soil samples. Methods: Based on the used quantitative and qualitative screening method in current study, the selected bacterial isolates showed a high potential to produce biosurfactant. Results: By using 16S rRNA sequence analysis, the bacterial isolates EMB16 and EMB21 were found to be closely related to Pseudomonas mendocina and Pseudomonas oleovorans, respectively. The ultimate yields of biosurfactant (8.06 ± 0.06 mg/ml) by Ps. mendocina EMB16 was with corn oil as a carbon source, urea as a nitrogen source, C/N ratio of 30, pH value of 7, and 2% inoculum size. For Ps. oleovorans EMB21, the maximum biosurfactant production (4.68 ± 0.14 mg/ml) was achieved by diesel oil as a carbon source, urea as a nitrogen source, C/N ratio of 30, pH of 7, and 5% size of inoculum. The best incubation period and temperature for the examined strains was 168 hrs. at 37°C. Conclusion: The results proved that Ps. mendocina EMB16 was the most efficient biosurfactant producer as it showed the greatest amount of biosurfactant concentration and lowest value of surface tension measurement with an emulsification index of 67 ± 6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to characterize an efficient tannin-degrading microorganism through tannase production. Ten fungal isolates were screened on tannic acid medium. The highest tannase producer was selected and identified as Cryptococcus sp. NRC10 with homology level 99.9%. Medium II at 45°C for 24 h at pH 5 were the most favourable conditions required for maximum enzyme production. Glucose and NH4 Cl were the best carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The best conditions for the purified enzyme were 0.20 % of tannic acid and 0.15 ml of tannase enzyme at 45°C after 10 minutes with pH 6. The addition of Mn2+ stimulated the enzyme activity. The purified enzyme was used for the degradation of tannins in Red Sea water and green tea leaves samples. The amount of tannins after tannase addition was decreased. In conclusion, tannase has a role in the removal of tannins in contaminated water and soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonal distribution and diversity of surface phytoplankton have been studied in relation to anthropogenic activities at seven locations along the coastal waters of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2017. The concentration of nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, phosphate and silicate varied over wide ranges: 0.04–20.27, 0.05–29.3, 0.22–78.16, 0.02–25.90 and 43–24.50 μmol l−1, respectively. Inorganic nutrients, phytoplankton biomass and density were at eutrophic levels at two lagoon locations (4 and 5), while other coastal locations showed oligotrophic characteristics of the Red Sea. Phytoplankton biomass was positively correlated with all measured inorganic nutrients. The total phytoplankton density varied between 52.4 × 103 and 40800 × 103 cells m−3 (average 6249.9×103 ± 10797×103 cells m−3). A total of 174 species of phytoplankton (95 diatoms, 75 dinoflagellates, 3 cyanophytes and 1 silicoflagellates) were recorded in this study, with the dominance of diatoms (95.1%). Higher densities observed at lagoon locations were mainly due to the proliferation of the diatom species Skeletonema costatum and Chaetoceros decipiens. In terms of diversity, dinoflagellates were more numerous than diatoms in July, otherwise mostly diatoms dominated. On the other hand, cyanophytes were more abundant in November. Based on the present study, anthropogenic activities (especially sewage effluent) in Jeddah coastal waters had a significant impact on the phytoplankton densities and diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the significance of biological and eco-friendly nanomaterials, in the present study, we have synthesized silver nanoparticles from the exopolysaccharide of recently recovered bacterial strain CEES51 from the Red Sea coastal area of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was used to characterize the isolated bacteria, and it was identified as Mesoflavibacter zeaxanthinifaciens and assigned an accession number MH707257.1 GenBank. The bacterial strain is an excellent exopolysaccharide producer and survived at hypersaline (30%) and high-temperature (50°C) conditions. The bacterial exopolysaccharides were employed for the fabrication of silver nanoparticles at room temperature. UV-visible spectrophotometer optimized the synthesized nanoparticles, and their size was determined by Nanophox particle size analyzer and dynamic light scattering. Additionally, the X-ray powder diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy studies also approved its crystalline nature and the involvement of organic functional groups in their formation. The synthesized nanomaterials were tested for their antibacterial and antibiofilm properties against pathogenic microorganisms Bacillus subtilis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The antimicrobial property showed time, and dose-dependent response with a maximum of zone inhibition was observed at around 22 and 18 mm at a dose of 50 µg/well against B. subtilis and S. aureus and a minimum inhibitory concentration of 8 and 10 µg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, the synthesized silver nanoparticles possessed a substantial antibiofilm property and were also found to be biocompatible as depicted by red blood cell lysis assay and their interaction with peripheral blood mononuclear cells and human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Therefore, Mesoflavibacter zeaxanthinifaciens is found to be an excellent source for exopolysaccharide synthesis that assists in the silver nanoparticle production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial degradation of phenols in the environment is influenced by number of factors such as salinity, pH, temperature, and nutrient availability. Halophiles are the group of microorganisms which could grow at saline conditions and thus renders a variety of environmental applications. Moderate halophiles can grow at 3–5% NaCl concentration and are able to utilize a diverse class of toxic pollutants persists in the environment as a result of industrial activities. The moderately halophilic bacterial consortia enriched from wastewater collected from Industrial Effluent Treatment Plant of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia utilized phenol as sole carbon source for its growth. The halophilic consortia could survive and utilize phenol at higher salt concentrations (8% and 12% NaCl). Yeast extract supplied as additional substrate significantly enhanced the phenol biodegradation at higher salt concentrations. The consortia effectively degraded 100% of added phenol within 4 days at haloalkaline conditions (4% NaCl, pH 10). Addition of urea as alternate nitrogen substrate greatly reduced the lag time of the bacterial consortia for the phenol biodegradation. PCR‐DGGE analysis of the moderately halophilic bacterial consortia revealed the presence of three dominant strains which are identified as Ochrobactrum sp. SAR1, Pseudomonas sp. SAR2, and Ochrobactrum sp. SAR3. Through this study, the moderately halophilic bacterial consortia can serve as versatile candidate for the treatment of phenol present in saline and alkaline industrial wastewaters. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1587–1593, 2018 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clean-up of contaminated wastewater remains to be a major challenge in petroleum refinery. Here, we describe the capacity of a bacterial consortium enriched from crude oil drilling site in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, to utilize polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as sole carbon source at 60°C. The consortium reduced low molecular weight (LMW; naphthalene, phenanthrene, fluorene and anthracene) and high molecular weight (HMW; pyrene, benzo(e)pyrene and benzo(k)fluoranthene) PAH loads of up to 1.5 g/L with removal efficiencies of 90% and 80% within 10 days. PAH biodegradation was verified by the presence of PAH metabolites and evolution of carbon dioxide (90 ± 3%). Biodegradation led to a reduction of the surface tension to 34 ± 1 mN/m thus suggesting biosurfactant production by the consortium. Phylogenetic analysis of the consortium revealed the presence of the thermophilic PAH degraderPseudomonas aeruginosastrain CEES1 (KU664514) andBacillus thermosaudia(KU664515) strain CEES2. The consortium was further found to treat petroleum wastewater in continuous stirred tank reactor with 96 ± 2% chemical oxygen demand removal and complete PAH degradation in 24 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the bacterial strain CEES 33 was isolated from the coastal area of the Red Sea, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The bacterium isolate was identified and characterized by using biochemical and molecular methods. The isolate CEES 33 has been identified as Gram-negative rod shaped and cream pigmented spherical colonies. It also demonstrated a positive result for nitrate reduction, oxidase, catalase, citrate utilization, lipase and exopolysaccharide production. Strain CEES 33 was characterized at the molecular level by partial 16S rRNA sequencing and it has been identified as Marinobacter lipolyticus (EMBL LN835275.1). The lipolytic activity of the isolate was also observed 2.105 nkatml-1. Furthermore, the bacterial aqueous extract was used for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which was further confirmed by UV-visible spectra (430 nm), XRD and SEM analysis. Moreover, the biological functional group that involved in AgNPs synthesis was confirmed by FTIR spectra. The biological activities of AgNPs were also investigated, which showed a significant growth inhibition of Candida albicans with 16 ± 2 mm zone of inhibition at 10 μg dose/wells. Therefore, bacterium Marinobacter lipolyticus might be used in future for lipase production and nanoparticles fabrication for biomedical application, to control fungal diseases caused by C. albicans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used the brown alga Padina boryanawas to determine polyromantic hydrocarbons (PAHs) bioaccumulation at a Jeddah City seashore. We also measured PAHs in the coastal water and in algal tissues using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Acenaphthene (Ace) and dibenzo(a,h)anthrancene (dB(a,h)An) were the main PAHs in sea water (50.02 and 46.18 ng l-1, respectively) and in algal tissues (64.67 and 72.45ng g-1, respectively), respectively. The ratios of low molecular weight/high molecular weight hydrocarbons (1.76-1.44), fluoranthene/pyrene (1.57-1.52), and phenanthrene/anthracene (0.86-0.67) in seawater and algal tissues indicated the origin of PAHs to be mainly pyrogenic. The high concentrations of PAHs in algal tissues demonstrated the utility of using Padina boryana as a biomonitor of PAH contamination and bioavailability in the coastal waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a complex ailment orchestrated by numerous intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Recent research has displayed a deep interest in developing plant-based cancer therapeutics for better management of the disease and limited side effects. A wide range of plant-derived compounds have been reported for their anticancer potential in the quest of finding an effective therapeutic approach. Rutin (vitamin P) is a low-molecular weight flavonoid glycoside (polyphenolic compound), abundantly present in various vegetables, fruits (especially berries and citrus fruits), and medicinal herbs. Numerous studies have delineated several pharmacological properties of rutin such as its antiprotozoal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiviral, antiallergic, vasoactive, cytoprotective, antispasmodic, hypolipidemic, antihypertensive, and antiplatelet properties. Specifically, rutin-mediated anticancerous activities have been reported in several cancerous cell lines, but the most common scientific evidence, encompassing several molecular processes and interactions, including apoptosis pathway regulation, aberrant cell signaling pathways, and oncogenic genes, has not been thoroughly studied. In this direction, we attempted to project rutin-mediated oncogenic pathway regulation in various carcinomas. Additionally, we also incorporated advanced research that has uncovered the notable potential of rutin in the modulation of several key cellular functions via interaction with mRNAs, with major emphasis on elucidating direct miRNA targets of rutin as well as the process needed to transform these approaches for developing novel therapeutic interventions for the treatment of several cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rutin has been well recognized for possessing numerous pharmacological and biological activities in several human cancer cells. This research has addressed the inhibitory potential of rutin against the Jab1 oncogene in SiHa cancer cells, which is known to inactivate various tumor suppressor proteins including p53 and p27. Further, the inhibitory efficacy of rutin via Jab1 expression modulation in cervical cancer has not been yet elucidated. Hence, we hypothesized that rutin could exhibit strong inhibitory efficacy against Jab1 and, thereby, induce significant growth arrest in SiHa cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. In our study, the cytotoxic efficacy of rutin on the proliferation of a cervical cancer cell line (SiHa) was exhibited using MTT and LDH assays. The correlation between rutin and Jab1 mRNA expression was assessed by RT-PCR analysis and the associated events (a mechanism) with this downregulation were then explored via performing ROS assay, DAPI analysis, and expression analysis of apoptosis-associated signaling molecules such as Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 and -9 using qRT-PCR analysis. Results exhibit that rutin produces anticancer effects via inducing modulation in the expression of oncogenes as well as tumor suppressor genes. Further apoptosis induction, caspase activation, and ROS generation in rutin-treated SiHa cancer cells explain the cascade of events associated with Jab1 downregulation in SiHa cancer cells. Additionally, apoptosis induction was further confirmed by the FITC-Annexin V/PI double staining method. Altogether, our research supports the feasibility of developing rutin as one of the potent drug candidates in cervical cancer management via targeting one such crucial oncogene associated with cervical cancer progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, Pani and Pani@g-C3N4 was synthesized by in situ oxidative polymerization methodology of aniline, in the presence of g-C3N4. The as prepared Pani@g-C3N4 was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphological analysis showed well dispersed Pani in g-C3N4, as well as the coating of Pani on g-C3N4. The XRD further revealed this, and peaks of Pani as well as g-C3N4 was observed, thereby suggesting successful synthesis of the composite. The DC electrical conductivity studies under isothermal and cyclic aging conditions showed high stability of composites over 100 °C. Further, the synthesized composite material proved to be an excellent antimicrobial agent against both type i.e., gram positive Streptococcus pneumoniae and negative bacteria Escherichia coli. In the zone inhibition assay 18 ± 0.5, 16 ± 0.75 and 20 ± 0.5, 22 ± 0.5 mm zone diameter were found against E. coli and S. pneumoniae in presence of pure g-C3N4 and Pani@g-C3N4 at 50 µg concentrations, respectively. Further antimicrobial activity in the presence of sunlight in aqueous medium showed that Pani@g-C3N4 is more potent than pure g-C3N4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sometimes, life-threatening infections are initiated by the biofilm formation facilitated at the infection site by the drug-resistant bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. The aggregation of the same type of bacteria leads to biofilm formation on the delicate tissue, dental plaque, and skin. In the present investigation, a Graphene (Gr)-based nano-formulation containing Curcumin (C.C.M.) and Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) showed a wide range of anti-microbial activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilm and demonstrated the anti-microbial mechanism of action. The anti-microbial effect of GrZnO nanocomposites, i.e., GrZnO-NCs, suggests that the integrated graphene-based nanocomposites effectively suppressed both sensitive as well as MRSA ATCC 43300 and BAA-1708 isolates. The S. aureus inhibitory effect of GrZnO-NCs improved >5-fold when combined with C.C.M., and demonstrated a M.I.C. of 31.25 µg/mL contrasting with the GrZnO-NCs or C.C.M. alone having M.I.C. value of 125 µg/mL each. The combination treatment of GrZnO-NCs or C.C.M. inhibited the M.R.S.A. topical dermatitis infection in a mice model with a significant decrease in the CFU count to ~64%. Interestingly, the combination of C.C.M. and GrZnO-NCs damaged the bacterial cell wall structure, resulting in cytoplasm spillage, thereby diminishing their metabolism. Thus, owing to the ease of synthesis and highly efficient anti-microbial properties, the present graphene-based curcumin nano-formulations can cater to a new treatment methodology against M.R.S.A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastics are an integral part in our daily life activities and it is difficult to conceive how we could function without them. Burning or chemical treatments of these plastic materials destroys the environment and have many dangerous effects on, water air and human health. Thus, other sources of plastic (biodegradable plastic) must be introduced. Under unfavorable growth conditions Poly β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is accumulated intracellular by many bacteria and the principal enzyme for the degradation of PHB is PHB depolymerase. A number of thermophilic actinomycetes have been screened for PHB degradation on agar plats. All these isolates were recovered from soil, sand and wastewater samples on starch nitrate agar at incubation temperature of 45. Five isolates (50%) out of 10 showed degradation activities, detected by the diameter of the clear zone. The Actinomycete isolate MM10 was the most PHB degrader and it was identified using morphological, physiological and biochemical characters. According to 16SrRNA analysis, it was identified as Streptomyces lydicusMM10. Growth at 450C, in minimal medium (pH7.0) containing glucose and0.3% PHB as enzyme inducer, enhanced enzyme production and maximum activity was obtained after 24 h of incubation. The PHB depolymerase was precipitated and purified using column chromatography. The optimum temperature and pH of the pure enzyme were 45°C and pH 8, respectively. However, production of bioplastics is cost effective as compared to synthetic plastics they were non-toxic and completely biodegradable by some actinomycete isolates.© 2015 Friends Science Publishers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles (nanoparticles) have received much attention in biological application because of their unique physicochemical properties. The metal- and metal oxide-supported nanomaterials have shown significant therapeutic effect in medical science. The mechanisms related to the interaction of nanoparticles with animal and plant cells can be used to establish its significant role and to improve their activity in health and medical applications. Various attempts have been made to discuss the antibiotic resistance and antimicrobial activity of metal-supported nanoparticles. Despite all these developments, there is still a need to investigate their performance to overcome modern challenges. In this regard, the present review examines the role of various types of metal-supported nanomaterials in different areas such as antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and so on. Based on the significant ongoing research and applications, it is expected that metal-supported nanomaterials play an outstanding role not only in medical but also in other important areas., (Copyright © 2020 Yaqoob, Ahmad, Parveen, Ahmad, Oves, Ismail, Qari, Umar and Mohamad Ibrahim.)