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Objective The study aimed to assess the efficacy of formulated wound healing hydrogel based on a hydroalcoholic extract of Moringa oleifera seeds. Methods In vitro antioxidant (using DPPH method) and antimicrobial activity (using agar well diffusion method) was studied. Male Swiss albino mice of weight 20- 30g were used. The hydrogel containing 5% and 10% of hydroalcoholic extract of Moringa oleifera seeds was used, whereas Povidone-iodine (5%) was used as standard. The wound healing efficacy of formulated hydrogel based on a hydroalcoholic extract of Moringa oleifera seeds was studied using excision and incision wound models. Assessments were taken on the 1st, 4th, 6th, 9th, 12th, 13th and 14th day in the excision model and on the 8th day in the incision model. Histopathological assessments were also done to support the study. Results Hydroalcoholic extract of Moringa oleifera seeds showed significant scavenging of free radicals showing antioxidant activity. Plant extract showed significant antimicrobial activity using the agar well diffusion method. The formulated hydrogels using the hydroalcoholic extract of Moringa oleifera seeds showed significant wound healing activity compared to both control (p Conclusion The study presented here proved the hydrogels formulated using the hydroalcoholic extract of Moringa oleifera seeds could be used as an alternative therapy to manage wounds effectively.

Biocathode application in microbial fuel cell has been developed as a sustainable technology for heavy metal reduction. However, most biocathodes require pretreatment with acclimatization inversion. Here, a biocathode MFC based on strain Corynebacterium vitaeruminis LZU47-1 without acclimatization inversion was constructed for hexavalent chromium reduction. The maximum power generation by the biocathode MFC with C. vitaeruminis LZU47-1 increased by 24.5% and 53.4% in inversion and abiotic cathode groups, respectively. Compared with the inversion (72.52%) and abiotic cathode groups (64.75%), the biocathode group achieved a Cr(VI) removal efficiency of 98.63%. Furthermore, electrochemical analysis such as SEM-EDS, XPS and CV test were conducted to elucidate the adsorption-reduction mechanism for Cr(VI) reduction. MiSeq sequencing revealed that Geobacter (51.28%) was enriched on the anode biofilm in the biocathode group than inversion (38.52%) and abiotic cathode groups (31.74%). Therefore, this study provides a convenient and highly effective method for enhancing power output and Cr(VI) reduction in biocathode MFCs.

Copper pollution poses a serious threat to the aquatic environment; however, in situ analytical methods for copper monitoring are still scarce. In the current study, Escherichia coli Rosetta was genetically modified to express OprF and ribB with promoter Pt7 and PcusC, respectively, which could synthesize porin and senses Cu2+ to produce riboflavin. The cell membrane permeability of this engineered strain was increased and its riboflavin production (1.45–3.56 μM) was positively correlated to Cu2+ (0–0.5 mM). The biosynthetic strain was then employed in microbial fuel cell (MFC) based biosensor. Under optimal operating parameters of pH 7.1 and 37°C, the maximum voltage (248, 295, 333, 352, and 407 mV) of the constructed MFC biosensor showed a linear correlation with Cu2+ concentration (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 mM, respectively; R2 = 0.977). The continuous mode testing demonstrated that the MFC biosensor specifically senses Cu2+ with calculated detection limit of 28 μM, which conforms to the common Cu2+ safety standard (32 μM). The results obtained with the developed biosensor system were consistent with the existing analytical methods such as colorimetry, flame atomic absorption spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. In conclusion, this MFC-based biosensor overcomes the signal conversion and transmission problems of conventional approaches, providing a fast and economic analytical alternative for in situ monitoring of Cu2+ in water. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC

Background: Geminiviridae is one of the best-characterized and hence, one of the largest plant-virus families with the highest economic importance. Its members characteristically have a circular ssDNA genome within the encapsidation of twinned quasi-icosaheadral virions (18-38 nm size-range). Objective: Construction of a narrative review on geminiviruses, to have a clearer picture of their genomic structure and taxonomic status. Methods: A thorough search was conducted for papers and patents regarding geminiviruses, where relevant information was used to study their genomic organization, diversity and taxonomic structure. Results: Geminiviruses have been classified into nine genera (viz., genus Begomovirus, Mastrevirus, Curtovirus, Topocuvirus, Becurtovirus, Turncurtovirus, Capulavirus, Eragrovirus and Grablovirus) having distinct genomic organizations, host ranges and insect vectors. Genomic organization of all genera generally shows the presence of 4-6 ORFs encoding for various proteins. For now, Citrus chlorotic dwarf-associated virus (CCDaV), Camellia chlorotic dwarf-associated virus (CaCDaV) and few other geminiviruses are still unassigned to any genera. The monopartite begomoviruses (and few mastreviruses) have been found associated with aplhasatellites and betasatellites (viz., ~1.3 kb circular ssDNA satellites). Recent reports suggest that deltasatellites potentially reduce the accumulation of helper-Begomovirus species in host plants. Some patents have revealed the methods to generate transgenic plants resistant to geminiviruses. Conclusion: Geminiviruses rapidly evolve and are a highly diverse group of plant-viruses. However, research has shown new horizons in tackling the acute begomoviral diseases in plants by generating a novel bio-control methodology in which deltasatellites can be used as bio-control agents and generate transgenic plants resistant to geminiviruses.

Plant disease caused by pathogenic fungal infection causes maximum crop damage. Among different fungal diseases, rot caused by Sclerotinia spp.; is a primary concern for vegetables and oilseed indu...

The purpose of this study was to develop a water purification kit using seeds of Moringa oleifera (MO). For this purpose, aqueous extract of MO seeds was investigated for antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacterial strains viz. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). It was determined that 100 mg/mL of extract of MO seeds was effective against these bacterial strains resulting in 28.75 ± 0.707 mm of inhibition zone against E. coli, 26.0 ± 0.707 mm against S. aureus, 26.75 ± 0 mm against S. typhi, 29.75 ± 0.707 mm against P. aeruginosa and 25.5 ± 0.707 mm against MRSA. MIC (Minimum inhibitory concentration) of 12.5 ± 0 mg/mL against E. coli and 6.25 ± 0 mg/mL against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, S. typhi, and MRSA was obtained. Accordingly, portable water purification kit in the form of a dip bag enclosing extremely safe and edible MO seed powder was developed as a key to drinking water problem. Water purification was performed using dip bag to treat pathogenic strains inoculated in water. The minimum time and seed quantity required for the anti-bacterial activity of seeds was optimized and was noted that a single dip bag containing 100 mg of MO seed powder was capable of eradicating 99.9% of the microbial load from 1 L of water in a time span of 5 min. Drinking water from natural water resources containing coliform bacteria was also tested using dip bag and was found to be equally effective.

Wastewater is not a liability, instead considered as a resource for microbial fermentation and value-added products. Most of the wastewater contains various nutrients like nitrates and phosphates apart from the organic constituents that favor microbial growth. Microalgae are unicellular aquatic organisms and are widely used for wastewater treatment. Various cultivation methods such as open, closed, and integrated have been reported for microalgal cultivation to treat wastewater and resource recovery simultaneously. Microalgal growth is affected by various factors such as sunlight, temperature, pH, and nutrients that affect the growth rate of microalgae. Microalgae can consume urea, phosphates, and metals such as magnesium, zinc, lead, cadmium, arsenic, etc. for their growth and reduces the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). The microalgal biomass produced during the wastewater treatment can be further used to produce carbon-neutral products such as biofuel, feed, bio-fertilizer, bioplastic, and exopolysaccharides. Integration of wastewater treatment with microalgal bio-refinery not only solves the wastewater treatment problem but also generates revenue and supports a sustainable and circular bio-economy. The present review will highlight the current and advanced methods used to integrate microalgae for the complete reclamation of nutrients from industrial wastewater sources and their utilization for value-added compound production. Furthermore, pertaining challenges are briefly discussed along with the techno-economic analysis of current pilot-scale projects worldwide.

Treatment of wounds is essential as the wound can also be lethal at some point in time if not healed properly. Ethnomedicinal plants can treat wounds as they have no side effects, whereas, in the case of chemical drugs, the side effects are on the rise. In this study, seeds of Moringa oleifera which is the essential ethnomedicinal plant, were studied for wound healing efficacy. The study was planned for the assessment of in vitro (antioxidant and antimicrobial activities) and in vivo (excision and incision wound healing models) wound healing efficacy of n-hexane extract and hydrogels of Moringa oleifera seeds. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were assessed by DPPH free radical scavenging assay and Agar well diffusion method, respectively. In excision and incision wound models, Swiss albino mice were used for wound healing efficacy of hydrogels, i.e., 5% and 10% hexane extracts of Moringa oleifera seeds. The n-hexane extract showed antioxidant as well as antibacterial activities. Moreover, the hydrogels formulated using n-hexane extract of Moringa oleifera seeds showed significant wound healing activity compared to both control and standard until the end of the protocol in both the models. Furthermore, the histopathological investigation confirmed the findings of accelerated regeneration of tissue accompanied by a decrease in inflammatory cells and increased vascularity of the immediate skin. The results (both in vitro and in vivo) claimed conclusively that our n-hexane hydrogel formulation of Moringa oleifera seeds might serve as an alternative therapy in skin restoration during wound healing.

A facile green route has been employed for the synthesis of ZnO and Ag-doped ZnO using Cannabis sativa as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The as-synthesized nanoparticles were characterized and tested for photocatalytic dye degradation and antimicrobial activity. The results suggested that nanoparticles have shown antimicrobial activity against different human pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus) and fungal strains (Fusarium spp. and Rosellinia necatrix). Ag-doped nanoparticles comparatively have shown better removal Congo red and methyl orange under visible light. Therefore, green synthesized nanoparticles could have beneficial applications in environmental science and biological field.

Fusarium is a large genus of filamentous fungi belongs to the division Ascomycota and was first described as Fusisporium. Innumerable members of this genus act as pathogens, endophytes and saprophytes and can be recovered from plants and soils worldwide. Many of these members are known to be phytopathogens. It is among the most diverse and widely dispersed phyto-pathogenic fungi which cause economically important blights, rots, wilts and cankers of many ornamental, field, horticultural and forest crops both in agricultural commodities and natural ecosystems. Some species, e.g. F. graminearum and F. verticillioides have a narrow host range and mainly infect the cereals, whereas F. oxysporum has effects on both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. Attempts have been made to control the diseases caused by Fusarium sp. and to minimize crop yield losses. Till date, effective and eco-friendly methods have not been devised for the control of this devastating pathogen. A new potential of using mycovirus associated hypovirulence as biocontrol method against Fusarium species has been proposed. The present review taking into account of worldwide researches to provide possible insights for Fusarium-mycovirus coevolution.

Eutrophication is a global concern that has severely deteriorated aquatic ecosystems. This phenomenon has impacted the freshwater bodies (such as lakes and rivers) across the world due to the nutrients (mainly N and P) arising from point and non-point pollution sources. Nutrient enrichment induces cyanobacteria formation, hypoxia, and release of bloom toxins, causing their accumulation in aquatic organisms and humans. Preventing the use of chemicals (such as fertilizers) at the source can avoid nutrient release in the run-off streams, thus controlling non-point pollution. While point source pollutants can be effectively controlled at the sewage treatment plants. Although freshwater eutrophication managements have been widely discussed, a systematic eutrophication characterization of lakes and rivers worldwide, with their effective, economically feasible, eco-friendly, and beneficial bio-treatments is still scarce. Hence, in this review, a complete eutrophication-based characterization of lakes and rivers all over the world is provided. Different cost-effective and efficient bio-remediations to control point and non-point pollution are discussed, additionally with a comparative account for the selection of a suitable microbe and remediation approach. A combined point and non-point pollution management can eradicate eutrophication.

Accurate and on time diagnosis of plant viruses is an essential prerequisite for efficient control in field conditions. A number of diagnostic methods have been reported with the required level of sensitivity. Here, we propose a label free immunosensor for efficient and sensitive detection of capsicum chlorosis virus (CaCV) in bell pepper. Antigen was immobilized over the surface of gold nanoparticle/multi-walled carbon nanotube (Nano-Au/C-MWCNT) screen printed electrodes using 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC)/N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) cross linking chemistry followed by interaction with groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV)/CaCV specific polyclonal antibody. The electrochemical response was measured by cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) using the redox indicator. Electrode surface characterization was done by performing scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical studies showed positive results at different antigenic dilutions ranging from 10−2 – 8x10−5. The sensitivity of the immunosensor developed has been compared with direct antigen coated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAC-ELISA) and the results showed that the immunosensor developed was 800-1000 times more sensitive, when compared to DAC-ELISA for CaCV detection. The immunosensor we have developed is economical and sensitive and could be used for immediate determination of the presence of virus in extracts from bell pepper leaves.

While the wound healing activity of thymoquinone (TQ) is well known, its clinical effectiveness remains limited due to the inherently low aqueous solubility, resulting in suboptimal TQ exposure in the wound sites. To address these problems, TQ loaded chitosan-lecithin micelles for wound healing were prepared and its efficacy was determined in vivo in the excision wound model. Firstly, the co-block polymer of chitosan and soya lecithin was synthesized which has low critical micelle concentration (CMC). Its employment in the development of TQ loaded polymeric micelles by Self-assembly method resulted in the stable polymeric micelle composition having requisite small particle size (

Fermentation processes in foods often lead to changes in nutritional and biochemical quality relative to the starting ingredients. Fermented foods comprise very complex ecosystems consisting of enzymes from raw ingredients that interact with the fermenting microorganisms’ metabolic activities. Fermenting microorganisms provide a unique approach towards food stability via physical and biochemical changes in fermented foods. These fermented foods can benefit consumers compared to simple foods in terms of antioxidants, production of peptides, organoleptic and probiotic properties, and antimicrobial activity. It also helps in the levels of anti-nutrients and toxins level. The quality and quantity of microbial communities in fermented foods vary based on the manufacturing process and storage conditions/durability. This review contributes to current research on biochemical changes during the fermentation of foods. The focus will be on the changes in the biochemical compounds that determine the characteristics of final fermented food products from original food resources.

Thermozymes (from thermophiles or hyperthermophiles) offer obvious advantages due to their excellent thermostability, broad pH adaptation, and hydrolysis ability, resulting in diverse industrial applications including food, paper, and textile processing, biofuel production. However, natural thermozymes with low yield and poor adaptability severely hinder their large-scale applications. Extensive studies demonstrated that using genetic modifications such as directed evolution, semi-rational design, and rational design, expression regulations and chemical modifications effectively improved enzyme's yield, thermostability and catalytic efficiency. However, mechanism-based techniques for thermozymes improvements and applications need more attention. In this review, stabilizing mechanisms of thermozymes are summarized for thermozymes improvements, and these improved thermozymes eventually have large-scale industrial applications.

Moringa oleifera (MO) is mostly inhabiting in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is notable for its therapeutic and nutritious qualities on the grounds that each piece of this plant can be exploited for restorative and sustenance purposes. The restorative and healthful qualities are because of the nearness of certain essential and optional metabolites contained by the plant. The phytochemicals screening uncovered the occurrence of auxiliary metabolites. These bioactive mixes can be utilized as a part of curing numerous ailments. MO is a versatile plant whose seeds comprise an excellent consumable oil (up to 40% by weight) and water-solvent protein that acts viable coagulants for water and wastewater treatment. The fruitful utilization of shelled MO Lam. seeds as a biosorbent presents a more affordable ecologically inviting technique for the expulsion of different irresistible metals from contaminated watery media. Aside from turbidity expulsion, MO, additionally, has antibacterial properties. The aim of this review is to present a complete analysis of the traditional uses and pharmacological properties of MO. Furthermore, this review is to update wide numbers of phytochemical constituents which have been isolated from the plant, and these constituents possess several medicinal properties.

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), an important cash crop for the farmers of Himachal Pradesh was found to be affected with tospovirus like disease. An extensive survey was conducted in the bell pepper grown areas in the five districts of Himachal Pradesh to identify and characterize the causative agent. Hence, 60 symptomatic bell pepper plants exhibiting characteristics symptoms were collected from Solan, Sirmaur, Hamirpur, Kangra and Bilaspur districts. Out of 60 samples, 53 samples were found to be positive by DAS-ELISA with tospovirus group specific antiserum. To confirm the presence of tospovirus, DAC-ELISA was performed using GBNV/CaCV polyclonal antiserum and DAS-ELISA with two monoclonal antibodies i.e. TSWV, GRSV. All the 53 samples were found negative for TSWV and GRSV and positive for GBNV/CaCV. Further, eleven infected isolates from both poly-house and open field conditions were selected for characterization at molecular level. RT-PCR was performed with N gene specific primers for TSWV, GBNV and CaCV. The eleven samples selected for molecular identification were further found to be negative for TSWV and positive for CaCV using RT-PCR. One of the samples from district Sirmaur was found to be positive for mixed infection of GBNV and CaCV. N gene phylogenetic analysis of CaCV/GBNV provided important information about the movement and evolution of tospoviruses in Himachal Pradesh.