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In agriculture, a benzimidazole-based fungicide of carbendazim (CBZ) is widely used for disease control in fruits and vegetables. However, its toxicity raises concerns about potential harm to humans from consuming contaminated food. In this study, we developed an eco-friendly manganese iron oxide (Mn2O3-Fe3O4) catalyst via coprecipitation, employing with high temperature annealing (MFO-A) and calcination (MFO-C) techniques. Comparative physical and chemical characterization demonstrated that MFO-A performed better than MFO-C. The prepared catalyst was employed to modify a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) in order to enable electrochemical CBZ sensing through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Under the optimized experimental condition, the sensor achieving a lower limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), and sensitivity are 0.027 ng/L, 0.084 ng/L, and 1.57 µA (ng/L)–1cm−2. The sensor demonstrated excellent selectivity, repeatability, reproducibility, and storage stability with acceptable recovery rate. The effectiveness of the present sensor was further validated through real-time analysis of environmental and food samples, highlighting its potential for enhancing environmental safety.

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As the rate of prostate cancer is increasing, the strategies and challenges for its treatment are attracting significant attention. In this case, nilutamide (NTM) is an antiandrogen drug employed for the treatment of prostate cancer; however, its over-usage may induce severe health issues. Thus, herein, we designed an electrochemical sensor for the detection of NTM in real samples to monitor its presence. The working surface of the sensor was based on binary metal oxide iron oxide/aluminium oxide (FeAlO) fabricated on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). The structure, surface morphology, and elemental properties of the synthesized FeAlO were characterized using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, and FESEM. The SPCE surface modified with FeAlO (FeAlO/SPCE) was analyzed using various electrochemical techniques for the optimized and sensitive detection of NTM. Significantly, the probe sensor exhibited excellent performance with a detection limit of 7.7 nM and a linear range of 0.029–634.7 μM, together with a sensitivity of 5.502 μA μM−1cm−2. Additional studies proved that FeAlO/SPCE was recyclable using several independent electrodes. The interference study with the factors influencing NTM showed a response at a low concentration, indicating the excellent selectivity of the sensor. The stability and real sample experiment showed good results. Hence, FeAlO/SPCE will be an efficient electrode material for NTM sensing with more significant features facilitating advanced features.

The freshwater weed Salvinia molestawas used as a substrate for the production of cellulase in solid-state fermentation. The lignocellulose material was used as the sole source of carbon and energy. The decaying Salvinia molestaplant was used as the source of cellulase-producing fungi, and 12 strains were isolated. The strain SM03 exhibited maximum cellulase (9.1 ± 0.1 U/mL carboxymethyl cellulase, 10.4 ± 0.08 U/mL β-glucanase, and 0.72 ± 0.09 U/mL filter paperase) production. The strain SM03 was characterized as Penicillium oxalicumSM03 based on 18S rDNA gene sequencing. Solid-state fermentation was performed using P. oxalicumSM03, and culture conditions were optimized for maximum cellulase production. The present findings revealed that maximum cellulase production was achieved at 1% ammonium sulphate, 30 °C incubation temperature, and after 96-h incubation. A central composite design experiment was performed to determine the optimum pH level, fermentation period, and ammonium sulphate concentration. Response surface methodology improved twofold production of carboxymethyl cellulase (p= 0.0033), 1.9-fold increased enzyme yield in β-glucanase (p= 0.0004), and 2.1-fold increased filter paperase activity (p= 0.0004). The saccharification efficacy of cellulase on chemically pretreated S. molestabiomass was tested. The fungal cellulases improved, reducing sugar yield from 0.187 ± 0.02 to 0.417 ± 0.03 g/g.

This study investigated the sustainable hydrolysis of the neurotoxic organophosphate insecticide fenamiphos using enolase from Saccharomyces cerevisiaeFN6-01. The current detoxification methods for fenamiphos have some limitations. The research explored catalytic degradation using yeast enolase immobilized on COOH-functionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). As enolase hydrolyzes fenamiphos into a less harmful form, Saccharomyces cerevisiae-produced enolase was immobilized on AgNPs through citrate stabilization and COOH functionalization. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-vis spectrophotometry, FTIR, XRD, and SEM. Enzymatic hydrolysis of fenamiphos was studied under different conditions. Immobilized enolase on AgNPs exhibited better stability and activity than the free enzyme. Hydrolysis efficiency was investigated concerning potassium ferrocyanate concentration and temperature. The immobilized enolase showed excellent thermostability at 30 °C. Statistically significant results (p≤ 0.05) confirmed the efficacy of immobilized enolase in detoxifying fenamiphos and reducing its adverse effects. This study revealed the mechanism of fenamiphos degradation through base hydrolysis facilitated by enolase while preserving its enzymatic activity. Immobilized yeast enolase demonstrated exceptional performance in fenamiphos hydrolysis, providing a promising approach for environmentally conscious pesticide elimination. The research contributes to sustainable pesticide remediation, offering a scientific basis for enzymatic methods to address environmental challenges associated with pesticide residues.

This research work aims to synthesize environmentally benign and cost-effective metal nanoparticles. In this current research scenario, the leaf extract of Cedrela toonawas used as a reducing agent to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed by the color shift of the reaction mixture, i.e., silver nitrate and plant extract, from yellow to dark brown colloidal suspension and was established by UV-visible analysis showing a surface plasmon resonance band at 434 nm. Different experimental factors were optimized for the formation and stability of AgNPs, and the optimum conditions were found to be 1 mM AgNO3concentration, a 1:9 ratio of extract/precursor, and an incubation temperature of 70°C for 4 h. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra indicated the presence of phytochemicals in the leaf extract that played the role of bioreducing agents in forming AgNPs. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the presence of AgNPs with a mean size of 25.9 nm. The size distribution and morphology of AgNPs were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, which clearly highlighted spherical nanoparticles with a size distribution of 22–30 nm with a mean average size of 25.5 nm. Moreover, prominent antibacterial activity was found against Enterococcus faecalis(21 ± 0.5 mm), Bacillus subtilis(20 ± 0.9 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa(18 ± 0.3 mm), Staphylococcus aureus(16 ± 0.7 mm), Klebsiella pneumoniae(16 ± 0.3 mm), and Escherichia coli(14 ± 0.7 mm). In addition, antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH and ABTS assays. Higher antioxidant activity was reported in AgNPs compared to the plant extract in both DPPH (IC50= 69.62 µg·ml−1) and ABTS assays (IC50= 47.90 µg·ml−1). Furthermore, cytotoxic activity was also investigated by the MTT assay against MCF-7 cells, and IC50was found to be 32.55 ± 0.05 µg·ml−1. The crux of this research is that AgNPs synthesized from the Cedrela toonaleaf extract could be employed as antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer agents for the treatment of bacterial, free radical-oriented, and cancerous diseases.

•The study addresses the pressing issue of copper (Cu) stress in contaminated soils, which severely hampers okra growth and production, highlighting the need for innovative solutions in agriculture.•The manuscript introduces an innovative approach by inoculating okra seeds with Bacillus subtilis and incorporating farmyard manure (FYM) as potential tools to mitigate Cu toxicity in okra plants.•The research explores a wide range of treatments, encompassing various Cu levels and combinations with B. subtilis and FYM, providing a comprehensive analysis of their effects on okra growth and soil properties.•Findings demonstrate a significant decline in okra production and adverse changes in soil physiological properties upon the addition of Cu to the soil, underscoring the severity of Cu stress in agricultural systems.•The study highlights how the combined application of B. subtilis and FYM positively influences soil properties by stimulating microbial activities, increasing nutrient availability, and promoting the production of growth hormones, ultimately improving overall crop performance.

In-vitrochemical characterization and mosquitocidal screening of essential oil derived from Mikania scandens(L.) Willd. (Asteraceae) (CVO-MS) against the malarial vector Anopheles gambiaewas investigated. GC-MS analysis evidenced a total of 12 bio-active compounds, and maximum at α-bisabolol (39.34%) followed by stigmasterol (13.45%) respectively. The larvicidal activity of CVO-MS against the malarial vector An. gambiaeevidenced that the mortality rate was prominent at the maximum dosage of 1000 ppm. The Median Lethal Concentration (LC50) of CVO-MS was established at 488 ± 2.45 ppm, respectively. Enzyme inhibition assay showed that the CVO-MS delivers a significant upsurge in the level of CYP450, GST, and a decline in the level of α-β carboxylesterase activity in both the third and fourth instar (p ≤ 0.0001). The gut-histological examination of CVO-MS showed that there is severe damage in the mid-gut tissues, especially epithelial layer (EL), gut-lumen (GL), and peritrophic membrane (pM). The non-target screening against the mosquito predators (A. bouvieri, D. indicus, and third instar larvae of Tx. splendens) suggests that CVO-MS showed less toxicity as compared to Pestanal® (1 ppm) respectively. The present study has paved a new insight in understanding the bioactivity of CVO-MS as a potential larvicidal agent of malarial vector and non-toxic against mosquito predators.

The current study emphasis on the engine performance and emission characteristics of rapeseed and soya biodiesel dispersion on a novel nanocatalyst at different concentrations of 25 ppm and 50 ppm. The results of this study were compared with those of conventional diesel at varying load conditions on a combustion ignition engine. An α-Fe2O3-doped Al2O3 was mixed with rapeseed biodiesel and soya biodiesel using an ultrasonicator at a frequency of 25 kHz. This study revealed that the incorporation of nanoparticles in biodiesel enhanced the performance of the blends by reducing the content of lignin and other unsaturated fatty acids. The improvement in the performance of the engine is mainly attributed to the high area-to-volume ratio of the nanocatalyst. Emissions of NOx. hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide during the combustion reaction increased significantly when nanoparticles were added at higher concentrations. Contrastingly, the emission of NOx in pure biodiesel was higher than that in conventional diesel. The addition of nanoparticles reduced CO emissions due to the presence of extra oxygen molecules and converted carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. Soya seed biodiesel blends with 50 ppm nanoparticles showed better engine performance and emission characteristics as compared with all other blends.

In the present work, the functionalized carbon black/poly-l-histidine modified glassy carbon electrode (f-CB/PLH/GCE) was fabricated and applied for the amperometric determination of Try. The proposed modified electrode was prepared by non-hazardous, inexpensive, simple electro polymerization method. The successful formation of f-CB/PLH composite was scrutinized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, optical microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical impendence spectroscopy. Besides, the electrocatalytic activity of the f-CB/PLH composite was examined by cyclic voltammetry and amperometric techniques. Remarkably, the wide linear range responses from 0.025–124.98 μM with the lowest detection limit 0.008 μM and an appreciable sensitivity of 1.126 μA mM−1cm−2was obtained. In addition, f-CB/PLH/GCE exhibits the good selectivity in presence of various inorganic, biological and co-existing interfering compounds. Furthermore, the practical feasibility of the sensor electrode was demonstrated in milk and human urine samples.

We described a nanocomposite material that consists of gold nanorods self-assembled on functionalized multiwalled-carbon nanotubes (Au NRs@f-MWCNTs). It was deposited on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) which then is well suited for sensitive and selective determination of dopamine. Au NRs are prepared by silver ion-assisted seed-mediated method and the Au NRs@f-MWCNTs was prepared by self-assembly of Au NRs on f-MWCNTs. The composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Raman, UV-visible, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The electrochemical analyses were carried out using inexpensive SPCE to modify nanocomposite and visualized signals by cyclic voltammetry and amperometric instrument. The electrode displays excellent electrocatalytic ability to catalyze the redox reaction of dopamine. The modified SPCE, best operated at a working potential as low as 0.12 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), responds linearly to dopamine in the 3.5 nM to 1550 μM concentration range. The detection limit is 5.0 × 10−10(±0.82) M, and the sensitivity is 4.04 (±0.58) μA.μM−1.cm−2. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of the method was 16.6 × 10−10(±1.2) M. The sensor has good selectivity, appreciable stability, and reproducibility. It was applied to the determination of dopamine in (spiked) human serum and rat brain samples.