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The antibacterial performance of biocomposite films prepared from lignocellulosic waste (hazelnut husk or hazelnut leafy green cover) modified with silver nanoparticles and polylactic acid (PLA) was determined. The amount of hazelnut husk in the PLA matrix ranged from 10 to 40% by weight in 10% increments. The composite pellets were produced using a twin-screw extruder. Biocomposite films of 0.6 mm x 40 mm x 200 mm were produced from the pellets in a laboratory hydraulic hot press. The surfaces of the modified hazelnut husk and biocomposite specimens were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The antibacterial activity of the biocomposite films against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria was determined using the ASTM E 2149 (2020) method. The antibacterial activity of the biocomposite films increased noticeably with the addition of hazelnut husk modified with the silver nanoparticles. Compared to the pure PLA film, the biocomposite films with 10 wt% modified husk flour showed the lowest antibacterial activity (31.3%) against S. aureus over 24-h while the films with 40 wt% showed the highest antibacterial activity (99.9%). The biocomposite films made of hazelnut husk flour with silver nanoparticles and PLA matrix could be considered for food packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to water-pipe smoking, whether flavored or unflavored, has been shown to instigate inflammation and oxidative stress in BALB/c mice. This consequently results in alterations in the expression of inflammatory markers and antioxidant genes. This study aimed to scrutinize the impact of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)—a key active component of green tea—on inflammation and oxidative stress in BALB/c mice exposed to water-pipe smoke. The experimental setup included a control group, a flavored water-pipe smoke (FWP) group, an unflavored water-pipe smoke (UFWP) group, and EGCG-treated flavored and unflavored groups (FWP + EGCG and UFWP + EGCG). Expression levels of IL-6, IL1B, TNF-α, CAT, GPXI, MT−I, MT−II, SOD−I, SOD−II, and SOD-III were evaluated in lung, liver, and kidney tissues. Histopathological changes were also assessed. The findings revealed that the EGCG-treated groups manifested a significant decline in the expression of inflammatory markers and antioxidant genes compared to the FWP and UFWP groups. This insinuates that EGCG holds the capacity to alleviate the damaging effects of water-pipe smoke-induced inflammation and oxidative stress. Moreover, enhancements in histopathological features were observed in the EGCG-treated groups, signifying a protective effect against tissue damage induced by water-pipe smoking. These results underscore the potential of EGCG as a protective agent against the adverse effects of water-pipe smoking. By curbing inflammation and oxidative stress, EGCG may aid in the prevention or mitigation of smoking-associated diseases.

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental pollutants worldwide, posing potential health risks. Moreover, MPs may act as vectors for other contaminants and affect their fate, transport, and deposition in the environment. Therefore, efficient and economical techniques are needed for the removal of contemporary MPs and contaminants from the environment. The present research study investigated the sorption of phosphorus (P) and ammonium (NH4+) onto date palm waste-derived biochar (BC) from an aqueous solution in the presence of polyamide (PA) and polyethylene (PE) MPs. The BC was prepared at 600 °C, characterized for physio-chemical properties, and applied for P and NH4+ removal via isotherm and kinetic sorption trials. The results of the sorption trials demonstrated the highest removal of NH4+ and P was obtained at neutral pH 7. The highest P sorption (93.23 mg g−1) by BC was recorded in the presence of PA, while the highest NH4+ sorption (103.76 mg g−1) was found with co-occurring PE in an aqueous solution. Sorption isotherm and kinetics models revealed that P and NH4+ removal by MP-amended BC followed chemisorption, electrostatic interaction, precipitation, diffusion, and ion exchange mechanisms. Overall, co-existing PA enhanced the removal of P and NH4+ by 66% and 7.7%, respectively, while co-existing PE increased the removal of P and NH4+ by 55% and 30%, respectively, through the tested BC. Our findings suggested that converting date palm waste into BC could be used as a competent and economical approach to removing P and NH4+ from contaminated water. Furthermore, microplastics such as PE and PA could assist in the removal of P and NH4+ from contaminated water using BC.

The emergence of resistant pathogenic bacterial strains has threatened the human beings and already developed remedial measures. Based on the traditional herbal therapeutic history, present study is aimed to assess in vitro and in silico inhibition potential of leaves extracts of Pinus roxburghii and Cedrus deodara against human pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Hexane, methanol and acetone extracts of both plants were evaluated against above mentioned bacterial strains employing agar well diffusion technique. While docking analyses were performed to analyze the interaction of vital bioactive compounds and bacterial virulence proteins to get an idea about potential candidates for drug discovery. Both plant extracts exhibited greater antibacterial activities against S. aureus as compared to S. typhi and P. aeruginosa. The activity of different extracts also portrayed the role of polarity of solvent and compound to be extracted in each solvent i.e., activity of hexane extract > methanol > acetone with some variations. MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) values of P. roxburghii extracts were less than that of C. deodara against tested strains, while variation was observed in MBCs (minimum bactericidal concentrations). Furthermore, molecular docking of studied plants bioactive compounds and bacterial proteins showed strong interactions (binding affinity) i.e., taxifolin > nortrachelogenin > bisabolene > valencene > caryophyllene. Antibacterial efficiencies of P. roxburghii and C. deodara suggested their application as effective therapeutic agents against diseases caused by mentioned bacterial strains. In silico analysis suggests the isolation and usage of bioactive components as potential antibacterial agents/drugs after further experimentations on animals.

Background: The unrestricted application of antibiotics increased antimicrobial resistance in bacteria through horizontal gene transfer of resistant genes from the pathogenic sources and the evolution of multi-drug resistance organisms. The application of antibiotics caused severe risk to human health because animals may transmit diseases to humans. Hence, the search of novel antimicrobial agents from microbial sources is an urgent need. Methods: A lipopeptide producing stain SU05 was isolated from the pond water by serial dilution method. The lipopeptide yield was improved after optimization method and the yield was analyzed using High Performance Liquid chromatography. The influence of wheat bran (0.5%–2.5%) and rice bran (0.5%–2.5%), pH (5.5–8.5), temperature (25–40 °C) were screened to improve the production of lipopeptides by stain SU05 in submerged fermentation. Antibacterial activity of crude lipopeptide was tested against Vibrio anguillarum, Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio salmonicida, Vibrio septicus, Vibrio fischeri, and Vibrio splendidus. The influence of lipopeptide on enzymes and antimicrobial property was analyzed. Results: Lipopeptide production was improved after nutrient supplements and optimization of physical factors. Lipopeptide showed potent activity against multi-drug resistant bacterial strains such as, V. anguillarum, V. harveyi, V. vulnificus, V. salmonicida, V. septicus, V. fischeri, and V. splendidus. Lipopeptide shows stability on various enzymes and this clearly revealed that the purified lipopeptide was highly stable in the presence of proteolytic enzymes. The findings suggest that lipopeptide SU05 characterized from the bacteria can survive at acidic environment in the intestine, and could be used to formulate fish feed. Conclusions: The finding showed that the characterized lipopepties synthesized by B. amyloliquefaciens SU05 had a broad spectrum antibiotic potential against multidrug resistant Vibriosis causing bacterial pathogens. They were highly stable at broad temperature and pH ranges. These results demonstrated stability of lipopeptide at extreme conditions. The stability and activity of lipopeptide at extreme climatic condition is also useful for the application in pharmaceutical and food processing industries.

Background: In this work biologically active CuO nanoparticle were discussed. The literature suggests that CuO shows very good antibacterial activity on both Gram positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Further, it is used in antibacterial coatings on various substrates to prevent various kinds of medical equipment’s. Here CuO NPs was prepared via greener approach and almond gum is used as a reducing agent. Almond gum is nontoxic and contains huge amount of polysaccharides. Hence, the gum mediated CuO NPs can be used to treat urinary tract infection (UTI). Method: The CuO NPs were characterized using UV, FTIR, XRD and HESEM with EDX analysis. The antibacterial (both Gram positive and Gram negative) effects of CuO NPs were determined with agar well diffusion method. Results: The CuO NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction pattern result indicates that the monoclinic structure with average crystallite size about 12.91 nm. Straight line model in Scherrer method results found to be crystallite size. The crystallite size and microstrain were estimated in W–H analysis. Lorentz polarization factor, size-strain plot (SSP), morphological index (M-I) and dislocation density were calculated based on x-ray diffraction data. The FTIR analysis confirms presence of Cu and O band. From the absorption spectrum of CuO NPs, it was found to be cutoff wavelength of 230 nm and direct bandgap was found to be 4.97 eV. Morphology analysis shows that the synthesized of CuO NPs reveals agglomerated and spherical in shape. It was found to be 16 nm–25 nm. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) result indicates percentages of Cu and O element present in the sample. Antimicrobial studies reveal zone of inhibition of CuO NPs. This was used in different pathogens such as gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. This study shows exhibit excellent antimicrobial effects of CuO NPs. Conclusion: Hence, in this article the novel and cost-effective method to prepare CuO NPs was discussed. The prepared CuO NPs can be used as an antifungal and antibacterial reagent.

Listeria monocytogenes (LM) is a potential foodborne pathogen, known to form biofilms, which ultimately leads to serious problems in the food industry. This study demonstrates a comprehensive approach for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the phytochemicals present in the leaf aqueous extract of Terminalia catappa for the inhibition of L. monocytogens biofilms. The phytochemical analysis by UV–vis spectrum of the extract revealed the presence of polyphenolic compounds such as ellagic acid, gallic acid, chebulinic acid, and chebulgic acid. The shape, structure and size of the synthesized AgNPs were determined as 23–100 nm using the scanning electron microscopic images, and particle size distribution curve analysis. The in vitro studies using the AgNPs against L. monocytogenes revealed the inhibition of biofilm formation, reduction in the Virulence factors such as protease production at sub-inhibitory concentrations of AgNPs. In vivo experiments performed with the Caenorhabditis elegans model showed that AgNPs prolonged the lifespan of infected worms by about 90%. In addition, the non-hazardous nature and in vivo anti-adherence potential of AgNPs were also established with LM - C. elegans infection model.

Metallic nanoparticles have received a significant amount of reflection over a period of time, attributed to their electronic, specific surface area, and surface atom properties. The biogenic synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) is demonstrated in this study. The green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) is acquiring considerable attention due to its environmental and economic superiorities over other methods. Leptolyngbya sp. L-2 extract was employed as a reducing agent, and iron chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3·6H2O) was used as a substrate for the biogenic synthesis of FeONPs. Different spectral methods were used for the characterization of the biosynthesized FeONPs, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy gave a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak of FeONPs at 300 nm; Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis was conducted to identify the functional groups responsible for both the stability and synthesis of FeONPs. The morphology of the FeONPs was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which shows a nearly spherical shape, and an X-ray diffraction (XRD) study demonstrated their crystalline nature with a calculated crystallinity size of 23 nm. The zeta potential (ZP) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements of FeONPs revealed values of −8.50 mV, suggesting appropriate physical stability. Comprehensive in-vitro pharmacogenetic properties revealed that FeONPs have significant therapeutic potential. FeONPs have been reported to have potential antibacterial and antifungal properties. Dose-dependent cytotoxic activity was shown against Leishmania tropica promastigotes (IC50: 10.73 µg/mL) and amastigotes (IC50: 16.98 µg/mL) using various concentrations of FeONPs. The cytotoxic potential was also investigated using brine shrimps, and their IC50 value was determined to be 34.19 µg/mL. FeONPs showed significant antioxidant results (DPPH: 54.7%, TRP: 49.2%, TAC: 44.5%), protein kinase (IC50: 96.23 µg/mL), and alpha amylase (IC50: 3745 µg/mL). The biosafety of FeONPs was validated by biocompatibility tests using macrophages (IC50: 918.1 µg/mL) and red blood cells (IC50: 2921 µg/mL). In conclusion, biogenic FeONPs have shown potential biomedical properties and should be the focus of more studies to increase their nano-pharmacological significance for biological applications.

The biosynthesis of algal-based zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles has shown several advantages over traditional physico-chemical methods, such as lower cost, less toxicity, and greater sustainability. In the current study, bioactive molecules present in Spirogyra hyalina extract were exploited for the biofabrication and capping of ZnO NPs, using zinc acetate dihydrate and zinc nitrate hexahydrate as precursors. The newly biosynthesized ZnO NPs were characterized for structural and optical changes through UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). A color change in the reaction mixture from light yellow to white indicated the successful biofabrication of ZnO NPs. The UV-Vis absorption spectrum peaks at 358 nm (from zinc acetate) and 363 nm (from zinc nitrate) of ZnO NPs confirmed that optical changes were caused by a blue shift near the band edges. The extremely crystalline and hexagonal Wurtzite structure of ZnO NPs was confirmed by XRD. The involvement of bioactive metabolites from algae in the bioreduction and capping of NPs was demonstrated by FTIR investigation. The SEM results revealed spherical-shaped ZnO NPs. In addition to this, the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of the ZnO NPs was investigated. ZnO NPs showed remarkable antibacterial efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The DPPH test revealed the strong antioxidant activity of ZnO NPs.

Mushrooms play a crucial role in human life as well as in nature, providing food, medicine, and carrying out vital processes of decomposition, nutrient recycling, and developing mycorrhizal association with plants. The traditional system of knowledge about identification, collection, and usage of mushrooms has been accumulated through the shared experiences of many generations. Unfortunately, there have been continuous threats to the folk knowledge of mushrooms mainly due to habitat degradation, urbanization, and contemporary medication. The current research was, therefore, aimed to document an ethnomycological knowledge possessed by the ethnic communities of Swat, Pakistan. The purposive randomized sampling was carried out using chain referral method. Ethno-mycological information was collected from 62 informants using free listing, preference ranking, and use totaled methods. In total, 34 species of mushrooms belonging to 31 genera and 21 families were reported. About 85% of the reported species belong to Basidiomycetes, and 12.5% to Ascomycetes are used as food and for medicinal purposes. Morchella angusticeps, M. esculenta, Pleurotus sp., Auricularia sp., Flammulina velutipes, Agaricus bisporus, Ganoderma lucidum, and Sanghuangporus sanghuang were among the most cited edible and medicinal mushrooms. The current study revealed that district Swat is rich in wild edible and medicinal mushrooms (WEMs), and the local communities possess rich traditional knowledge about their collection, storage, and utilization. The diversity of WEMs of this region could contribute substantially to the socio-economic uplifting of the local communities through appropriate domestication and commercialization. Anthropogenic factors, coupled with depletion of traditional knowledge, threaten the diversity of WEMs in the region; therefore, in situ and ex situ conservation strategies are highly recommended.

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) addition to soil enhances the properties of soil and increase plant yields. Investigation of the efficacy of SAPs to reduce the rate of mineral fertilizers and produce high-quality grapes was the study’s main goal. This investigation was carried out for three seasons (2019, 2020, and 2021) in a private vineyard located in El-Menofia Governorate, Egypt. Autumn Royal grapevines were grafted on Freedom. The vines were seven years old and grown in newly reclaimed sandy soil irrigated by drip irrigation. Several concentrations of polyacrylamide polymer (50, 75, and 100 g/vine/three years) were applied to the examined soil with nitrogen and potassium fertilization rates of 100%, 75%, and 50% of the recommended rate of fertilizer. The data revealed that increasing the amount of applied polymer significantly improved bud burst and fruitful buds percentages; growth parameters; total leaf chlorophyll content; N, P, and K percentages in leaves; and yield. Thus, the most effective method for increasing fruit production was to apply 45 units of N and 75 units of K per feddan, along with 70 kg per feddan of soil conditioner, which is safe for humans and improves the physical and chemical properties of the soil. This treatment considers the impact of SAPs on the preservation of nutrients.

ABSTRACT The synthesis and structural analysis of complexes derived from (E)‐N′‐(3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2‐hydroxybenzylidene) isonicotino hydrazide (ITB ligand) were examined using multiple analytical techniques. These techniques included TGA, decomposition point determination, elemental analysis (CHN), spectroscopic (IR, NMR, mass spectrometry) analysis, magnetic susceptibility, conductivity, as well UV–Vis spectrum analysis, along with theoretical studies. Molar conductance values indicated that the Cd (II), Co (II), Cu (II), Ni (II), and Zn (II) complexes are non‐electrolytes in fresh DMSO solutions, with conductance values ranging from 8.5 to 14.35 Ω−1 cm2 mol−1. IR spectra suggested which the ligand coordinates through the metal ions in a tridentate fashion, utilizing the (N & O) donor sites from the (CN & CO & CO) groups in the hydroxybenzylidene moiety. Analytical data from solution complexation, job's method suggested a 1:1 (metal:ligand) molar ratio. The stability order of the complexes was determined as ITBCo > ITBCu > ITBNi > ITBZn > ITBCd, consistent with the stability constant (Kf) values. The pH profile indicated that the studied complexes exhibit stability upon a wide pH scale, typically between (pH = 4:10). Magnetic and electronic spectral analyses helped deduce the ligand coordination abilities and the geometric structures of the complexes. In vitro (antimicrobial & anticancer) performances of the studied complexes were tested versus various (microbial strains & cancer cell lines), revealing higher activity in the chelates assessed to the free (ITB) ligand. The antioxidant potential was also assessed using the DPPH assay. Finally, molecular docking was performed toward estimate the binding efficiency between various protein receptors and the compounds, with results aligning with the biological investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium salt of 4‐hydroxy‐3‐([2‐isonicotinoylhydrazineylidene]methyl)benzenesulfonate ligand (NaH2IH) was prepared, as an example of water‐soluble Schiff base ligands, by the condensation of isonicotinohydrazide with the sodium salt of 3‐formyl‐4‐ hydroxybenzenesulfonate. The chemical structure of the novel water‐soluble ligand and its complexes have been elucidated by analyzing the results of different spectroscopic and magnetic measurements. These structures were supported by the computational studies using density functional theory (DFT) technique. The ligand acts as mono‐negative bi‐dentate (ON) in [Cd(HIH)(H2O)Cl]2 complex, and as a tri‐negative tetra‐dentate (OONO) ligand in [Ce(IH)(H2O)2]2. In the [Cu(NaHIH)Cl]2.2H2O complex, NaH2IH behaves as mono‐negative tri‐dentate (ONN). Another mode of complexation displayed in [Ni(NaHIH)(H2O)Cl].2H2O dimer, whereas NaH2IH acts as a mono‐basic ON bi‐dentate. Based on the spectral data, one can assume a four‐coordinated tetrahedral geometry in case of all isolated complexes except Ce(III) one which has an octahedral geometry. The molecular structures and chemical geometries of the metal complexes were optimized and conformed using computational studies using DFT method. The outcomes of antioxidant activities reveal that the investigated compounds have good radical scavenging activity against ABTS and DPPH• radicals. The DNA binding ability of NaH2IH and its complexes has been examined by agarose gel electrophoresis methods. Wound healing was performed to test the antimetastatic activity of [Cd(HIH)(H2O)Cl]2 complex against MDA‐MB‐231 cancer cell line. Antimicrobial behavior of the compounds under study has been assessed against selected microorganism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cd (II), Mn (II), Zn (II), Cr (III), and Fe (III) complexes of a carbohydrazone ligand H4EBC, prepared by the reaction of ethyl acetate and carbohydrazide, have been prepared and fully characterized. The ligand H4EBC acted as a bidentate carbohydrazone with Cd (II) and coordinated through the nitrogen of both (‐NH) and (C=N)azomethine groups, while with Mn (II) and Zn (II), it acted as a neutral NN bidentate ligand. In complexes with Fe (III) and Cr (III), H4EBC acts a bi‐negative tetra‐dentate, coordinating through the oxygen atoms of both enolized (C=O)ester groups and the nitrogen of both (C=N)azomethine groups. To illustrate the proposed geometries and chemical reactivity of the compounds, we employed DFT calculations. Additionally, thermal studies provided insights into the stability of the isolated compounds. Interestingly, the prepared complexes demonstrated emission broad bands at various wavelengths, indicating ligand to metal charge transfer. Based on the inhibition of DNA destruction, the complexes can be ranked in the following order: [Cd(H4EBC)Cl2].2H2O] (1) > H4EBC > [Mn(H4EBC)Cl2)].(H2O)2] (2) > [Zn(H4EBC)Cl2].2H2O] (3) > [Fe(H2EBC)Cl(H2O)].H2O (5) > [Cr(H2EBC)Cl (H2O)].H2O (4). Regarding erythrocyte hemolysis, the order of effectiveness can be arranged as follows: (2) > (1) > H4EBC > (5) > (3) > (4). We further investigated the compounds for their potential in antitumor activity against two cell lines and antimicrobial behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carbapenem are the last-line antibiotic, defence against Gram-negative extended spectrum ß-lactamases producers (ESBLs). Carbapenem resistance Enterobacteriaceae especially Carbapenem resistant-Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-KP) is recognized as one of the well-known public health problem, which is increasingly being reported around the world. The present study was focused to analyse the prevalence and characterization of antibiotic resistance K. pneumoniae in centre region of Tamil Nadu, India. Methodology: Totally 145 suspected K. pneumoniae isolates [Urine, Pus, Sputum, Blood and Biopsy] obtained from hospitals of Central South India. The isolates were subjected to biochemical and molecular identification technique, following with antibiotic resistance pattern by standard antibiotic sensitivity test. Multidrug resistance (MDR) with β-lactamase producing Carbapenem resistant K. pneumoniae (CR-KP) strains were screened by classical sensitivity method and also drug resistance encoded gene. Also, molecular typing of the MDR strains were characterized by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). Further, the outer membrane protein (OmpK35 and 36) related Carbapenem resistance were characterized. Results: Totally, 61% of isolates were confirmed as K. pneumoniae, 75 % of isolates were MDR including 58% carbapenem and 97% ESBL antibiotics and grouped into 17 distinct resistant patterns. The MDR KP isolates shows positive for blaCTXM-1 (92 %) gene followed by blaSHV (43 %), blaTEM (36 %), blaNDM-1 (26 %), blaGES (20 %) and blaIMP-1 (8 %). Moreover, 62 % CR-KP isolates loses OmpK36 and 33% isolates loses OmpK35. Conclusions: Loss of OmpK36 were highly an influence the cefoxitin and carbapenem resistance. Sixteen different PFGE patterns have been observed among the 18 MDR isolates. Eventually, ESBL as well as CR-KP were diverse in genetic makeup and often associated with hyper virulence hvKP should be of serious concern.

Extensive utilization of atrazine (estimated consumption of 70,000–90,000 tons per annum globally) to eliminate undesirable weeds has resulted in the accumulation of atrazine and its metabolites (diaminochlorotriazine, deisopropylatrazine, desethylatrazine, and atrazine mercapturate) in surface and groundwater above maximum permissible limits (drinking water: 3 μg L−1 in the United States, 0.1 μg L−1 in Europe, and 3.0 μg L−1 by the WHO). Atrazine exhibited no to low degradation in aquatic environments; however, poor degradation in soil yields toxic metabolites, which serve as sinks for groundwater resources. Due to mobility, atrazine and its metabolites can persist in various environmental matrices for decades without degradation, posing a serious threat to ecosystem sustainability and, thus, being removed from water resources. Majority of conventional wastewater treatment technologies are either expensive or inefficient. The carbonaceous materials such as activated carbon, biochar, carbon nanotubes, and graphene have been employed as potent adsorbents for the efficient removal of atrazine along with its metabolites from wastewater. Thus, the efficacy of the aforementioned carbonaceous adsorbents for atrazine removal has been discussed in this article by reviewing 161 published articles. The literature survey demonstrated the highest atrazine adsorption capacity of activated carbons (13.95–712.10 mg g−1), followed by biochar (4.55–409.84 mg g−1) and carbon nanotubes (28.21–110.80 mg g−1). Atrazine adsorption onto the carbonaceous adsorbents is a complex process involving single or multiple mechanisms, such as hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, van der Waals forces, hydrophobic interactions, π-π electron donor–acceptor interactions, pore filling, and partitioning. It is recommended that monitoring of atrazine and its metabolites in water resources and their impacts on human and animal lives be explored. Furthermore, modification of carbon-based adsorbents with chemical, mechanical, and thermal means, as well as development of hybrid systems, may completely remove the prevailing atrazine and its metabolites from world water resources.

In this investigation, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized using cellulase (partially purified from Glutamicibacter arilaitensis strain ALA4) as reducing agent. The biosynthesis of AuNPs was confirmed by observing the appearance of purple colour solution with surface plasmon resonance absorption peak (λmax) at 574 nm. The SEM analysis showed the synthesis of gold nanocrystals with an average size of 5–7 nm. Cellulase was partially purified from strain ALA4 using standard protocols, and further immobilized on AuNPs for assessing its role in the saccharification of alkali (4% w/v NaOH) pre-treated aquatic weeds (Alternanthera philoxeroides and Brachiaria mutica) biomass. The pre-treated biomass of A. philoxeroides exhibited maximum total reducing sugar (TRS) yield of 18.95 ± 0.18 mg/g at 72 h. The pre-treated biomass exhibited increased saccharification degree of 38.25 ± 0.8, 49.05 ± 0.7, 67.05 ± 0.7, 85.27 ± 0.8, and 67.99 ± 0.8% from 12 to 96 h. Likewise, the pre-treated biomass of B. mutica exhibited maximum TRS yield of 20.98 ± 0.17 mg/g at 72 h. The pre-treated biomass exhibited increased saccharification degree of 44.46 ± 0.7, 55.53 ± 0.8, 73.26 ± 0.7, 94.41 ± 0.8, and 73.3 ± 0.7% from 12 to 96 h. Bioethanol production from pre-treated aquatic weeds were estimated by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process using yeast cells immobilized on sodium alginate. Ethanol content was estimated using Gas Chromatography. The yeast cells immobilized in calcium alginate beads showed ethanol production of 45.09 and 50.1% from NaOH pre-treated A. philoxeroides and B. mutica biomass, respectively. Findings of this study suggested pronounced role of bacterial cellulase-assisted-synthesized AuNPs in biofuel industries for the successful production of bioethanol from distinct aquatic weeds biomass in a cost-effective manner in future.

Armophorean ciliates constitute an important component of microeukaryotic community in anaerobic or hypoxic environments. Yet, their diversity remains poorly known due to under-sampling or the scarcity of knowledge. In this study, three metopid ciliates, i.e., Metopus paraes sp. n., Metopus spiculatus sp. n., and Metopus parapellitus sp. n., collected from coastal sediments in Qingdao and Rizhao, China, were investigated using live observation, protargol staining, and molecular phylogenetic methods. M. paraes sp. n. can be distinguished by its long caudal cilia. M. spiculatus sp. n. resembles M. vestitus in many ways, but differs mainly in having a beak-like preoral dome end and a conspicuous tail. The most remarkable features of M. parapellitus sp. n. include an ovate body shape, caudal cilia located at the rear end and right posterior body, and an adoral zone that never extends onto the dorsal surface. Sequence divergences supported the species identification of these three species. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed that the Metopus is not monophyletic, and first revealed that all marine species of Metopus form a well-supported clade. The clustering of these marine forms with M. es (type species) is not rejected by the AU test, which infers that the marine clade represents the genus Metopus together with M. es.

Background: In this study, a synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) was performed using Wattakaka volubilis leaf extract as a reducing and capping agent. The plant leaf extract contains various secondary metabolites, other nutritional and medicinal products. Methods: The prepared ZnONPs were characterized using Ultra Violet-visible Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The anti-bacterial study was done by the well diffusion method. Results: The synthesized ZnONPs were spherical in shape, ranging from 100 to 200 nm. The FTIR bands were sharp with strong absorption peaks at 414.70 cm−1, showing the Zn group's presence. The zinc oxide nanoparticles anti-bacterial effects were tested in gram-positive Staphyllococcus epidermidis (MTTC 9040) and gram-negative Enterobacter aeurogens (MTCC 8100). ZnONPs showed excellent anti hyperglycemic potential in zebrafish adults in the present work. Conclusion: The zinc oxide nanoparticles have been effectively developed for antimicrobial in diabetic-based wound healing applications in biomedical fields. The findings of the current study have provided several interesting new avenues for future research exploration.