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In this proposed work we synthesized the pristine V2O5 nanoparticles and Ag (3.2 % (SV-1), 14.5 %, (SV-5) 23.4 % (SV-9), Cd (5.8 % (CV-1), 23.5 % (CV-5), 35.7 % (CV-9)) and Ru doped (4.9 % (RV-1), 20.7 % (RV-5), 32 % (RV-9)) V2O5 nanoparticles using vigna radiata extract. The nanoparticles were characterized by various techniques like UV-DRS, FT-IR, XRD, FE-SEM and HR-TEM. The antibacterial activities of nanoparticles were studied using bacterial strains such as Staphylococcus aures (S.aureus), Streptococcus pneumoniea (S. pneumoniea), Pseudomonas aeruginosae (P. aeruginosae), Klebsiella pneumoniea (K. pneumoniea) and Escherichia coli (E.coli). Among the nanoparticles the potential bacterium growth inhibition of 99 % for S.aureus was observed for CV-5. The binding efficiency of the nanoparticles with the biomolecule BSA was studied by using UV–visible absorption and emission spectral techniques. It was found that there is a binding interaction between them and the binding constant values are in the range from 104 to 105 M−1. The quenching rate constant (kq) value is bigger than the maximum diffusion constant of biomolecules 2.0 x 1010M−1s−1 suggesting that the interaction is static quenching type. In glucose oxidation studies lower potential with a high current density of 440 mA/cm2 occurred for pristine V2O5 NPs.

Until now, wheat has been threshed using stationary thresher machines to meet the farmers' need for a fine straw to feed their livestock, and the farmers require a cutting and binding machine to harvest the wheat crop. Therefore, this paper aims to maximize the utilization of the Japanese rice combine harvester by making modifications to make it suitable for cutting and binding wheat. The modifications involved removing the threshing and cleaning device, replacing it with a binding mechanism, and modifying the feeding and guidance system for vertically transferring the harvested wheat to the binding device. The experiments were executed to assess the modified machine's performance under four different machine's forward speeds (1.65, 2.10, 2.90, and 3.80 km/h), three average weights of the bundle (3, 5, and 7 kg), and three fall heights for wheat bundles (30, 40, and 50 cm). The modified machine was evaluated regarding binding efficiency, number of bundles per hour, total grain losses, field capacity and efficiency, power and energy requirements, and total operating costs. The results revealed that the maximum binding efficiency was 98.80% achieved at 1.65 km/h forward speed, bundle's weight of 3 kg, and bundle's fall height of 30 cm. In addition, under the conditions mentioned earlier, the number of bundles per hour, total grain losses, field capacity and efficiency, power and energy requirements, and total operating costs were 722 bundles/h, 2.83%, 0.189 ha/h, 81.8%, 11.07 kW, 58.57 kW.h/ha, and 2220.40 EGP/ha (∼74.01 USD/ha) respectively.

Minerals play an important role in maintaining human health as the deficiency of these minerals can lead to serious health issues. To address these deficiencies, current research efforts are actively investigating the utilization of protein-mineral complexes as eco-friendly, non-hazardous, suitable mineral fortifiers, characterized by minimal toxicity, for incorporation into food products. Thus, we reviewed the current challenges in incorporating the cereal-legume protein-inorganic minerals complexes' structure, binding properties, and toxicity during fortification on human health. Moreover, we further reviewed the development of protein-mineral complexes, characterization, and their food applications. The use of inorganic minerals has been associated with several toxic effects, leading to tissue-level toxicity. Cereal- and legume-based protein-mineral complexes effectively reduced the toxicity, improved bone mineral density, and has antioxidant properties. The characterization techniques provided a better understanding of the binding efficiency of cereal- and legume-based protein-mineral complexes. Overall, understanding the mechanism and binding efficiency underlying protein-mineral complex formation provided a novel insight into the design of therapeutic strategies for mineral-related diseases with minimal toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minerals play an important role in maintaining human health as the deficiency of these minerals can lead to serious health issues. To address these deficiencies, current research efforts are actively investigating the utilization of protein-mineral complexes as eco-friendly, non-hazardous, suitable mineral fortifiers, characterized by minimal toxicity, for incorporation into food products. Thus, we reviewed the current challenges in incorporating the cereal-legume protein-inorganic minerals complexes’ structure, binding properties, and toxicity during fortification on human health. Moreover, we further reviewed the development of protein-mineral complexes, characterization, and their food applications. The use of inorganic minerals has been associated with several toxic effects, leading to tissue-level toxicity. Cereal- and legume-based protein-mineral complexes effectively reduced the toxicity, improved bone mineral density, and has antioxidant properties. The characterization techniques provided a better understanding of the binding efficiency of cereal- and legume-based protein-mineral complexes. Overall, understanding the mechanism and binding efficiency underlying protein-mineral complex formation provided a novel insight into the design of therapeutic strategies for mineral-related diseases with minimal toxicity.

Abstract Background Lipases (EC 3.1.1.3) catalyze the hydrolysis of oil into free fatty acids and glycerol forming the 3rd largest group of commercialized enzymes. Plant lipases grab attention recently because of their specificity, less production and purified cost, and easy availability. In silico approach is the first step to identify different genes coding for lipase in a most common indigenous plant, wheat, to explore the possibility of this plant as an alternative source for commercial lipase production. As the hierarchy organization of genes reflects an ancient process of gene duplication and divergence, many of the theoretical and analytical tools of the phylogenetic systematics can be utilized for comparative genomic studies. Also, in addition to experimental identification and characterization of genes, for computational genomic analysis, Arabidopsis has become a popular strategy to identify crop genes which are economically important, as Arabidopsis genes had been well identified and characterized for lipase. A number of articles had been reported in which genes of wheat have shown strong homology with Arabidopsis. The complete genome sequences of rice and Arabidopsis constitute a valuable resource for comparative genome analysis as they are representatives of the two major evolutionary lineages within the angiosperms. Here, in this in silico approach, Arabidopsis and Oryza sativa serve as models for dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous species, respectively, and the genomic sequence data available was used to identify the lipase genes in wheat. Results In this present study, Ensembl Plants database was explored for lipase producing gene present in wheat genome and 21 genes were screened down as they contain specific domain and motif for lipase (GXSXG). According to the evolutionary analysis, it was found that the gene TraesCS5B02G157100, located in 5B chromosome, has 58.35% sequence similarity with the reported lipase gene of Arabidopsis thaliana and gene TraesCS3A02G463500 located in the 3A chromosome has 51.74% sequence similarity with the reported lipase gene of Oryza sativa. Homology modeling was performed using protein sequences coded by aforementioned genes and optimized by molecular dynamic simulations. Further with the help of molecular docking of modeled structures with tributyrin, binding efficiency was checked, and the difference in energies (DE) was −9.83 kcal/mol and −6.67 kcal/mol, respectively. Conclusions The present work provides a basic understanding of the gene-encoding lipase in wheat, which could be easily accessible and used as a potent industrial enzyme. The study enlightens another direction which can be used further to explore plant lipases.

Clinicians report low efficacy of Indian polyvalent antivenom (PAV), with >20 vials required for treatment of a snakebite envenoming. We hypothesize that the antivenom efficacy could be reduced due to insufficient antibodies against some venom toxins. To test this, we used third-generation antivenomics to reveal bound and unbound venom toxins of Echis carinatus venom from Goa (ECVGO) and Tamil Nadu (ECVTN). We used 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, and 360 μg of venom and passed through mini-columns containing ~5 mg Antivenom bound to CNBr beads. The non-retained (unbound) and retained (bound) toxins were identified using reverse-phase HPLC and tandem mass spectrometry. Low molecular weight toxins - Short disintegrins (5.3 kDa) and DIS domain of P-II SVMP from ECVGO and ECVTN showed poor binding with antivenom. The immunorecognition sites of antivenom saturated at the lower antivenom-venom ratio for ECVGO than for ECVTN. The immunoretained capacity of antivenom against ECVTN was 140.6 μg and ECVGO was 125.1 μg. The amount of immunoretained toxins quantified can further be used to estimate the efficacy of antivenom by correlating it with in-vivo studies. The unbound toxins identified from this study could be targeted to improve the effectiveness of antivenom. [Display omitted] • Third-generation antivenomics revealed that low-molecular weight Echis carinatus venom toxins do not bind to antivenom. • Toxin recognition sites in antivenom saturated at low antivenom-venom ratio for the venom from Goa. • There was no difference in the percentage binding yields of venoms from Goa and Tamil Nadu to the antivenom. • The Indian Polyvalent Antivenom had >25% binding yields for majority of the toxin families in the venoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lipases (EC 3.1.1.3) catalyze the hydrolysis of oil into free fatty acids and glycerol forming the 3rd largest group of commercialized enzymes. Plant lipases grab attention recently because of their specificity, less production and purified cost, and easy availability. In silico approach is the first step to identify different genes coding for lipase in a most common indigenous plant, wheat, to explore the possibility of this plant as an alternative source for commercial lipase production. As the hierarchy organization of genes reflects an ancient process of gene duplication and divergence, many of the theoretical and analytical tools of the phylogenetic systematics can be utilized for comparative genomic studies. Also, in addition to experimental identification and characterization of genes, for computational genomic analysis, Arabidopsis has become a popular strategy to identify crop genes which are economically important, as Arabidopsis genes had been well identified and characterized for lipase. A number of articles had been reported in which genes of wheat have shown strong homology with Arabidopsis. The complete genome sequences of rice and Arabidopsis constitute a valuable resource for comparative genome analysis as they are representatives of the two major evolutionary lineages within the angiosperms. Here, in this in silico approach, Arabidopsis and Oryza sativa serve as models for dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous species, respectively, and the genomic sequence data available was used to identify the lipase genes in wheat. Results: In this present study, Ensembl Plants database was explored for lipase producing gene present in wheat genome and 21 genes were screened down as they contain specific domain and motif for lipase (GXSXG). According to the evolutionary analysis, it was found that the gene TraesCS5B02G157100, located in 5B chromosome, has 58.35% sequence similarity with the reported lipase gene of Arabidopsis thaliana and gene TraesCS3A02G463500 located in the 3A chromosome has 51.74% sequence similarity with the reported lipase gene of Oryza sativa. Homology modeling was performed using protein sequences coded by aforementioned genes and optimized by molecular dynamic simulations. Further with the help of molecular docking of modeled structures with tributyrin, binding efficiency was checked, and the difference in energies (DE) was −9.83 kcal/mol and −6.67 kcal/mol, respectively. Conclusions: The present work provides a basic understanding of the gene-encoding lipase in wheat, which could be easily accessible and used as a potent industrial enzyme. The study enlightens another direction which can be used further to explore plant lipases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Procedures for producing and exploring Trypanosoma cruzi farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (tcFPPS) for surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor‐driven fragment‐based discovery have been established. The method requires functional sensor surfaces with high sensitivity for extended times and appropriate controls. Initial problems with protein stability and lack of useful reference compounds motivated optimization of experimental procedures and conditions. The improved methods enabled the production of pure, folded and dimeric protein, and identified procedures for storage and handling. A new coupled enzymatic assay, using luciferase for detection of pyrophosphate, was developed and used to confirm that the purified enzyme was active after purification and storage. It also confirmed that sensor surfaces prepared with structurally intact protein was active. An SPR‐biosensor assay for fragment library screening and hit confirmation was developed. A thermal shift assay was used in parallel. A library of 90 fragments was efficiently screened by both assays at a single concentration in the presence and absence of the catalytic cofactor Mg2+. Hits were selected on the basis of response levels or ΔTm > 1°C and selectivity for tcFPPS in the presence of Mg2+. Characterization of hits by SPR showed that all had low affinities and the relationships between steady‐state responses and concentrations were not sufficiently hyperbolic for determination of KD‐values. Instead, ranking could be performed from the slope of the linear relationship at low concentrations. This pilot screen confirms that the procedures developed herein enables SPR‐biosensor driven fragment‐based discovery of leads targeting tcFPPS, despite the lack of a reference compound. Significance Statement: To enable the discovery of drugs, it is essential to have access to relevant forms of the target protein and valid biochemical methods for studying the protein and effects of compounds that may be evolved into drugs. We have established methods for the discovery of drugs for treatment of American Trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease), using farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase from Trypanosoma cruzi as a target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drinking water treatment residuals (DWTRs) generated during drinking water treatment have been proposed for use in lake restoration as a solid-phase sorbent to inactivate phosphorus (P) in lake sediment. However, treatments that minimize leaching of nitrogen (N) and optimize P sorption capacity may be necessary prior to use. This study assessed seven different treatment methods, including washing and heat treatments at different temperatures and with and without oxygen limitation, among two DWTRs from Thailand. Results showed that oxygen-limited heat treatment at 600 °C substantially reduced N leaching (2 = 0.94), but micropores and oxalate-extractable P modulated the P sorption from high-affinity to low-affinity mechanisms. In conclusion, this study confirmed the importance of amorphous aluminum in DWTRs for inactivating P, and the results suggest that high-temperature treatment under oxygen-limited conditions may be the most reliable way to optimize DWTRs for environmental remediation applications.

Abstract Serum albumins play important roles in many physiological functions and serve as transporters in the transportation and distribution of endogenous and exogenous substances. Ligand-protein interaction experiments and computational approach have great significance in gaining fundamental binding characteristic of the complex. This work reports the interactions of Bovine serum albumin (BSA) with Sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) and Cetyl pyridinium chloride (CPC), that have been measured by electrical conductivity, spectrophotometric and computational studies. Micellization of ionic surfactants is delayed by concentration of BSA and the temperature also restricted the same. Binding efficiency of BSA to that of ionic surfactants has been determined by absorbance spectroscopy. Computational studies confirmed the presence of 8 binding sites of BSA for SDBS and CPC. It was found that the low energy binding sites of BSA were more preferred by ionic surfactants. Graphical abstract The understanding of molecular interactions of proteins such as Bovine serum albumin (BSA) in micellar environments is very important because BSA serves as carrier of various drugs, hydrophobic ligands, and is collectively used with surfactants in different industrial processes. Unlabelled Image Highlights • Molecular interactions of Bovine serum albumin (BSA) in micellar environments (SDBS, CPC) were studied. • In this work, electrical conductivity, spectrophotometric and computational results were obtained. • 7 binding sites of BSA for SDBS and CPC were found by molecular docking technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deaminase-fused T7 RNA polymerase (T7RNAP) presents a promising toolkit for in vivo target-specific enzyme evolution, offering the unique advantage of simultaneous DNA modification and screening. Previous studies have reported the mutation efficiency of base editors relying on different resources. In contrast, the mechanism underlying the T7RNAP/T7 system is well-understood. Therefore, this study aimed to establish a new platform, termed dT7-Muta, by tuning the binding efficiency between T7RNAP and the T7 promoter for gene mutagenesis. The strategy for proof-of-concept involves alterations in the fluorescence distribution through dT7-Muta and screening of the mutants via flow cytometry. The cis -aconitate decarboxylase from Aspergillus terreus (AtCadA) was evolved and screened via an itaconate-induced biosensor as proof-of-function of enzyme evolution. First, the degenerated codons were designed within the binding and initial region of T7 promoters (dT7s), including upstream (U), central (C), and downstream (D) regions. Three strength variants of dT7 promoter from each design, i.e., strong (S), medium (M), and weak (W), were used for evaluation. Mutation using dT7s of varying strength resulted in a broader fluorescence distribution in sfGFP mutants from the promoters CW and DS. On the other hand, broader fluorescence distribution was observed in the AtCadA mutants from the original promoter T7, UW, and DS, with the highest fluorescence and itaconic acid titer at 860 a.u. and 0.51 g/L, respectively. The present platform introduces a novel aspect of the deaminase-based mutagenesis, emphasizing the potential of altering the binding efficiency between T7RNAP and the T7 promoter for further efforts in enzyme evolution.

Purpose: To assess the antiviral efficiency of β-D-glucan (BDG) on human liver cell line (WRL68) infected with dengue virus (DENV). Methods: Cytotoxic activity was assessed via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Solid-phase virus binding assay was used to determine the presence of a chemical affinity between dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2) and BDG. Plaque formation assay was performed to measure the suppression of DENV-2. Results: Plaque formation assay results revealed that the inhibition of DENV infection by BDG was effective at 400 φg/mL which occurred by inhibiting virus replication. BDG inhibited DENV replication and produced minimal toxicity on WRL68 cells at 600 φg/mL in a concentration-dependent manner. Treatment of DENV-2 with the highest concentration of the BDG resulted in 60, 55, and 50 % viability at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. Plaque formation and binding efficiency data confirmed that BDG protected the WRL68 cells against DENV-2. Conclusion: The results indicate that in infected cells, β-D-glucan was found to be potent in inhibiting replication of the dengue virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) containing collagen‐binding domain (CBD) has been found to be a potential therapeutic factor in tissue regeneration. However, its binding efficiency and quantification remain uncertain. In this research, massive recombinant bFGFs with good bioactivity for enhancing the proliferation of NIH‐3T3 cells were achieved. An ELISA‐based quantitative method was set up to investigate the binding efficiency of CBD‐bFGFs on collagen films. It indicated that the CBDs significantly increased the collagen‐binding ability of bFGF (P < .05), with the optimum binding condition first determined to be in the pH range of 7.5‐9.5 (P < .05). Then, the relevant equations to calculate the binding density of bFGF, C‐bFGF, and V‐bFGF were acquired. Analysis confirmed that the bioactivity of immobilized bFGFs was well correlated with the density of growth factor on collagen films. Based on this research, the density of growth factor is a logical and applicable dosage unit for quantification of binding efficiency of growth factors, rather than traditional concentration of soluble growth factors in tissue engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel microcantilever sensor was batch fabricated for Yersinia detection. The microcantilever surface modification method was optimized by introducing a secondary antibody to increase the number of binding sites. A novel microfluidic platform was designed and fabricated successfully. A 30 μL solution could fully react with the microcantilever surface. Those routines enhanced the binding efficiency between the target and receptor on the microcantilever. With this novel designed microfluidic platform, the specific adsorption of 107 Yersinia on the beam surface with modified F1 antibody was significantly enhanced.

On-chip immuno-sensors are a hot topic in the microfluidic community, which is usually limited by slow diffusion-dominated transport of analytes in confined microchannels. Specifically, the antigen-antibody binding reaction at a functionalized area cannot be provided with enough antigen source near the reaction surface, since a small diffusion flux cannot match with the quick rate of surface reaction, which influences the response time and sensitivity of on-chip heterogeneous immunoassay. In this work, we propose a method to enhance the transportation of biomolecules to the surface of an antibody-immobilized electrode with induce charge electroosmotic (ICEO) convection in a low concentration suspension, so as to improve the binding efficiency of microfluidic heterogeneous immunoassays. The circular stirring fluid motion of ICEO on the surface of a floating gate electrode at the channel bottom accelerates the transport of freely suspended antigen towards the wall-immobilized antibodies. We investigate the dependence of binding efficiency on voltage magnitude and field frequency of the applied alternate current (AC) electrical field. The binding rate yields a factor of 5.4 higher binding for an applied voltage of 4 V at 10 Hz when the Damkohler number is 1000. The proposed microfluidic immuno-sensor technology of a simple electrode structure using ICEO convective fluid flow around floating conductors could offer exciting opportunities for diffusion-limited on-chip bio-microfluidic sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of synthetic carriers for nucleic acid delivery has become a research field of increasing interest. Studies on the delivery of DNA have brought up a variety of gene delivery vehicles. Recent studies in our group have demonstrated the preparation of new gelatin-based nanoparticles for the sustainable intracellular DNA delivery. Furthermore, the more recently emerged strategy by the intracellular delivery of RNA takes benefit from existing expertise in DNA transfer. In this work, the preparation and physicochemical characterization of new nucleic acid-based particles for the sustainable RNA delivery have been demonstrated. Gelatin (either high or low gel strength) and protamine sulfate have been selected to form particles by interaction of oppositely charged compounds. Particles in the absence of RNA (binary system) and in the presence of RNA (ternary system) have been prepared. The physicochemical characterization (particle size, polydispersity index, degree of RNA entrapment and RNA binding efficiency) has been evaluated as a function of the nature of the RNA derivative (acid form, diethylaminoethanol salt or core form) from torula yeast . The pH-dependent response of nanoparticles co-incubated in buffers at defined pHs that mimic late endo -lysosomal environment has demonstrated that the nanoparticles tend to destabilize and RNA can be successfully released as a consequence of changes in the intracellular pHs. Among the different systems, gelatin B (RNA)-PS nanoparticles using RNA acid form from torula yeast has proved to be the best system, from an effective and economic point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-viral delivery using cationic solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) represents a useful strategy to introduce large DNA and RNA molecules to target cells. A careful selection of components and their amounts is critical to improve transfection efficiency. In this work, a selected and optimized formulation of SLNs was used to efficiently transfect circular DNA and linear RNA molecules into cells. We characterized the main physicochemical characteristics and binding capabilities of these SLNs and show that they deliver DNA and RNA molecules into cells where they display full bioactivity at nontoxic concentrations using fluorescence- and luminescence-based methodologies. Hence, we established a novel and simple SLN formulation as a powerful tool for future therapeutic use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the pathogenesis of malignancies, an active regulatory role belongs to small noncoding RNAs, miRNA (miR). miRNA expression profiles are often associated with the prognosis and therapeutic outcome of different oncological diseases. It is well known that in comparison with normal tissues cancer cells are characterized by hyperexpression of oncogenic miRNAs which leads to oncogenic transformation, carcinogenesis and metastasis progression. From this point of view, selective down-regulation of miRNA expression by specific agents, such as antisense oligonucleotides that recognize particular sequences, therefore, can be an effective tool to regulate the amount of miRNA in cancer cells and decrease tumor malignancy. In this paper, we have designed a series of antisense oligonucleotides addressed to the oncogenic miR-21 with a view to its selective binding and studied patterns of interaction of miR-21 with these oligonucleotides in vitro. The series included linear and hairpin oligonucleotides with the length of antisense fragment of 10-16 nucleotides (nt) complementary to the 5'- or the 3'-end of miRNA target. Hairpin oligonucleotides consist of a sequence complementary to miR-21 and a hairpin containing a four-nucleotide loop and stem of 6-9 bp necessary for stabilizing the complex with miR-21. It has been shown that inclusion of the hairpin with the stem of 6 bp to the oligonucleotide structure leads to a 1.6-fold increase in binding efficiency with miR-21 in comparison with a linear oligonucleotide and elongation of the stem from six to nine bp does not increase binding efficiency. Hairpin oligonucleotides with an antisense sequence of 14 nt effectively hybridize with miR-21 and are not inferior to 16-mer linear and hairpin oligonucleotides in the efficiency of complex formation. Thus, we have shown that hairpin oligonucleotides with antisense fragment of 14 nt and a hairpin, including the stem of 6 bp, are optimal for selective and effective sequestering of mature miR-21. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Favipiravir is an antiviral drug that has been approved during the Covid-19 pandemic for emergency purposes only. It has been administered via intravenous route as a solution form. In order to solubilize Favipiravir, sulfobutylether-beta-cyclodextrin (SBECD) is used as a solubility enhancer in IV injection. Since SBECB is excreted by the kidneys and it is contradicted in patients with several renal impairments. To avoid the severe side effect, it could be administered as a mucoadhesive nanoparticle by DPI. The nanoparticle has been prepared by the nanoprecipitation method using PLGA and Chitosan and the prepared nanoparticles are characterized by physiochemical parameters and in-vitro drug release. In vitro epithelial integrity and dispersion, studies are done and the nanoparticle has particle size and zeta potential of 104.6nm & -4.05mV respectively. The spherical-shaped nanoparticles exhibit sustained release over a period of time. The mucoadhesive nanoparticle showed negligible damage in epithelial integrity with DPI emitted dose of 87.02 % and MMAD of 2.90 µm. The prepared mucoadhesive nanoparticles showed significant mucoadhesive strength of 77.10 % in lung mucous. Based on the above studies, we concluded that delivery of mucoadhesive nanoparticles of Favipiravir through DPI, could be the best alternative route of administration of Favipiravir and this method could be able to treat COVID-19 patients at homecare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic iron dust, a byproduct by many chemical industries that performs the reduction of nitro compounds to amine, was used for laccase immobilization. The characterization of magnetic iron dust was done by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared, and dynamic light scattering. Biodegradable polymer, chitosan, was coated on to the magnetic iron dust by reverse phase suspension method, which was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared analysis. Immobilization of the laccase enzyme was done onto the chitosan-coated and non-coated magnetic iron dust. The immobilization was monitored by Fourier-transform infrared analysis. Binding efficiency, optimum pH, and optimum temperature for these immobilized laccases were investigated. X-ray diffraction pattern of magnetic iron dust confirmed presence of magnetite (Fe3O4) and maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) with a particle size of 529.6 nm measured by dynamic light scattering. Laccase was immobilized on chitosan-coated and non-coated magnetic iron dust, monitored by Fourier-transform infrared spectra. Binding efficiency of the laccases was found to be 100% onto the coated and non-coated magnetic iron dust and their activity remained to be 63% and 82%, respectively, even after the 10th cycle of their use. The present results demonstrated the applicability of these immobilized laccase system in the industry in terms of their reusability and waste recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Albinism is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder due to low secretion of melanin. The oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) and ocular albinism (OA) genes are responsible for melanin production and also act as a potential targets for miRNAs. The role of miRNA is to inhibit the protein synthesis partially or completely by binding with the 3′UTR of the mRNA thus regulating gene expression. In this analysis, we predicted the genetic variation that occurred in 3′UTR of the transcript which can be a reason for low melanin production thus causing albinism. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 3′UTR cause more new binding sites for miRNA which binds with mRNA which leads to inhibit the translation process either partially or completely. The SNPs in the mRNA of OCA and OA genes can create new binding sites for miRNA which may control the gene expression and lead to hypopigmentation. We have developed a computational procedure to determine the SNPs in the 3′UTR region of mRNA of OCA (TYR, OCA2, TYRP1 and SLC45A2) and OA (GPR143) genes which will be a potential cause for albinism. We identified 37 SNPs in five genes that are predicted to create 87 new binding sites on mRNA, which may lead to abrogation of the translation process. Expression analysis confirms that these genes are highly expressed in skin and eye regions. It is well supported by enrichment analysis that these genes are mainly involved in eye pigmentation and melanin biosynthesis process. The network analysis also shows how the genes are interacting and expressing in a complex network. This insight provides clue to wet-lab researches to understand the expression pattern of OCA and OA genes and binding phenomenon of mRNA and miRNA upon mutation, which is responsible for inhibition of translation process at genomic levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]