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Biofuel production becomes a sustainable developmental strategy, when wastelands are reprocessed as prospective mass culture sites (PMCS) for microalgae feedstock. Remote Sensing (RS) data and field visits were used to delineate eutrophic water bodies for PMCS. The floodplains of the Brahmaputra River Valley of Assam, India, were selected as PMCS and were defined using RS data. A green alga of the genus Parachlorella was isolated from an algal bloom present in the drainage system, of Tezpur University, Assam, India. The species was cultured in representative water samples from the PMCS and growth was monitored in open laboratory conditions against the control. The microalgal biomass was characterized and subjected to in situ transesterification. The fuel properties such as viscosity, density, calorific value and cetane number (CN) were determined to assess the fuel quality. The results showed the biodiesel fuel properties were within the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) purview. Additionally, the thermo-chemical conversion and subsequent characterization underscored the feasibility of bio-oil production from open laboratory culture of microalgae. This study highlights the practicability of combining RS data and experimental appraisal for cost effective, environment friendly and sustainable biofuel production, from microalgae cultured in wasteland PMCS.

In the present study, the efficiency of four different strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and their biosurfactants in the bioremediation process were investigated. The strains were found to be capable of metabolizing a wide range of hydrocarbons (HCs) with preference for high molecular weight aliphatic (ALP) over aromatic (ARO) compounds. After treating with individual bacteria and 11 different consortia, the residual crude oils were quantified and qualitatively analyzed. The bacterial strains degraded ALP, ARO, and nitrogen, sulphur, oxygen (NSO) containing fractions of the crude oil by 73–67.5, 31.8–12.3 and 14.7–7.3%, respectively. Additionally, the viscosity of the residual crude oil reduced from 48.7 to 34.6–39 mPa s. Further, consortium designated as 7 and 11 improved the degradation of ALP, ARO, and NSO HCs portions by 80.4–78.6, 42.7–42.4 and 21.6–19.2%, respectively. Moreover, addition of biosurfactant further increased the degradation performance of consortia by 81.6–80.7, 43.8–42.6 and 22.5–20.7%, respectively. Gas chromatographic analysis confirmed the ability of the individual strains and their consortium to degrade various fractions of crude oil. Experiments with biosurfactants revealed that polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are more soluble in the presence of biosurfactants. Phenanthrene had the highest solubility among the tested PAHs, which further increased as biosurfactant doses raised above their respective critical micelle concentrations (CMC). Furthermore, biosurfactants were able to recover 73.5–63.4% of residual oil from the sludge within their respective CMCs. Hence, selected surfactant-producing bacteria and their consortium could be useful in developing a greener and eco-sustainable way for removing crude oil pollutants from soil.

Syzygium cumini L. Skeels (Myretacae family) is a native plant of the Indian subcontinent which has wide socio-economical importance and is well known for its ant diabetic activity. The present study aimed to investigate the antibiofilm activity of purified fraction (EA) from S. cumini leaf extract against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. The EA did not show any effect on growth of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus at the concentration of 900 µg/ml. At this concentration EA showed biofilm inhibition up to 86 ± 1.19% (***P

Petroleum and hydrocarbons contamination can be remediated by physical, chemical or biological methods. Among these, in situ bioremediation is considered to be environmentally friendly because it restores the soil structure, requires less energy input and involves the notable removal after degradation of biosurfactant. The present study involves the characterization and assessment of biosurfactant producing indigenous hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria and their potential application in bioremediation processes. Three bacterial strains were isolated from various crude oil contaminated environments and characterized using standard identification techniques. The results clearly demonstrate the capability of utilizing hydrocarbon and biosurfactant produced by the bacterial strains. 16S rDNA sequencing followed by BLAST analysis revealed their similarity to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The physico-chemical characterization of the biosurfactants revealed significant surface properties with stability at extreme temperature conditions (up to 121˚C), pH (5 - 8) and salinity (up to 4 %). Further, the mass spectrometry confirmed predominance of di-rhamnolipids in biosurfactant mixtures. The biosurfactants were found to be efficient in the removal of crude oil from the contaminated sand suggesting its applicability in bioremediation technology. Further, improved discharge of crude oil at elevated temperatures also confirms their thermo-stability which, could be exploited in microbial enhanced oil recovery processes. Thus, the applications of biosurfactants produced by the indigenous hydrocarbonoclastic strains appeared to be advantageous for bioremediation of petroleum-contaminated environments.

Graphene with inherent high mobility for charge carriers is known to complement the photo-activity of metal oxide-graphene nanocomposite. Also mixed phase (biphasic) metal-oxides shows reasonably improved performance compared to its monophasic counterparts. In this present report, we synthesize graphene-mixed phase titania nano-composite by ex-situ hydrothermal method and characterize by various tools like, XRD, HR-TEM, EDX, XPS, Raman, FTIR, UV and PL. The impacts of synergy of the mixed phase titania (TiO 2 (M), with suitable phase ratio of anatase/rutile for high visible light activity) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO, with high affinity/conductivity for photogenerated carriers) in such a coupled system is expected to be positive. This is assessed both by photocatalytic degradation test with methylene blue as one of probe pollutant and in vitro antibacterial activity evaluation for both gram positive ( B. subtiles ) as well as gram negative ( E. coli ) bacteria. The wide spectrum antibacterial photo-activity along with high photo-detoxification activity of the RGO-TiO 2 (M) compared to mixed phase TiO 2 (M) makes it unique.

Aim and Objective: To evaluate a set of seventy phytochemicals for their potential ability to bind the inhibitor of nuclear factor kappaB kinase beta (IKK-β) which is a prime target for cancer and inflammatory diseases. Materials and Methods: Seventy phytochemicals were screened against IKK-β enzyme using DFT-based molecular docking technique and the top docking hits were carried forward for molecular dynamics (MD) simulation protocols. The ADME-Toxicity analysis was also carried out for the top docking hits. Results: Sesamin, matairesinol and resveratrol were found to be the top docking hits with a total score of -413 kJ/mol, -398.11 kJ/mol and 266.73 kJ/mol, respectively. Glu100 and Gly102 were found to be the most common interacting residues. The result from MD simulation observed a stable trajectory with a binding free energy of -107.62 kJ/mol for matairesinol, -120.37 kJ/mol for sesamin and -40.56 kJ/mol for resveratrol. The ADME-Toxicity prediction observed that these compounds fall within the permissible area of Boiled-Egg and it does not violate any rule for pharmacological criteria, drug-likeness etc. Conclusion: The study interprets that dietary phytochemicals are potent inhibitors of IKK-β enzyme with favorable binding affinity and less toxic effects. In fact, there is a gradual rise in the use of plant-derived molecules because of its lesser side effects compared to chemotherapy. The study has also provided an insight by which the phytochemicals inhibited the IKK-β enzyme. The investigation would also provide in understanding the inhibitory mode of certain dietary phytochemicals in treating cancer.

The depletion of exhaustible underground petroleum resources has put the present civilization at stake, thereby warranting intense research on non-exhaustible fuel. With this energy crisis hitting the block, microorganisms such as yeasts are gaining wider importance as potential biofuel candidates. An indigenous yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from laboratory-scale brewing was investigated for biodiesel production. Biodiesel was produced by in situ transesterification approach using 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine as the catalyst. The fuel properties such as viscosity, density, calorific value and cetane number (CN) were determined to assess the fuel quality of S. cerevisiae biodiesel. Additionally, the investigation also focuses on theoretical studies considering the yeast de-oiled cake (low-value biomass refuse). Fatty acid methyl ester analysis revealed that biodiesel was primarily composed of tricosylic acid (C23:0, 28.71%), palmitoleic acid (C16:1, 28.96%) and oleic acid (C18:1, 18.13%). Eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5, 2.01%), one of the most commonly known polyunsaturated fatty acid, was present in the yeast strain. The CN of yeast biodiesel was 71.58, which was much higher than petro-diesel. The theoretical findings suggest the competitiveness of yeast biomass conversion technologies with petroleum refining process economics. The overall study warrants the feasibility of co-production of biodiesel from S. cerevisiae and cracked biofuel products (from S. cerevisiae de-oiled cake) under the aegis of biorefining applications.

Utilization of agro-wastes for biofuel generation has been accepted as one of the feasible means for curbing down mankind’s dependence on conventional petro fuels. In this regard, the present investigation aims to understand the properties of Pongamia glabra deoiled cake (a byproduct of the biodiesel production process) for biofuel production. The deoiled cake was investigated for its physico-chemical characteristics by Bomb calorimetry, TG analysis (10, 20, and 40° min–1), CHN analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The proximate composition was calculated using standard ASTM methodology. The temperature characteristics, activation energy, pre-exponential factor, and reaction order for the active pyrolysis zone of the species under investigation have been provided for the respective heating rates using Arrhenius, Coats–Redfern, and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa methods. The findings suggest feasibility of liquid fuel production from Pongamia glabra deoiled cake via thermochemical conversion.

The structure and dynamics of microemulsion based hybrid biofuels (MHBFs) from Thevetia peruviana seed oil (TPO) were investigated for the first time in this study. Nonionic surfactants like fatty esters (FAME), oleyl alcohol (OA) and ethylene glycol butyl ether (EGBE) were introduced into the system to investigate their influence on MHBF characteristics. Introduction of these surfactants resulted in modification of structure and dynamics of simple systems comprising of vegetable oil, butan-2-ol and ethanol. The diffusion co-efficient increased from 0.13 × 10 −11 to 5.10 × 10 −11 m 2 /s, which indicated the formation of reverse micellar system. Besides, decrease in the rate of droplet coalescence from 10 −1 to 10 −5 times the collision factor signified the increase in physical stability of MHBFs. The number of droplets increased from 1.88 × 10 18 to 6.60 × 10 22 and average length of surface active agent decreased from 8.8 to 0.26 nm. The introduction of OA and FAME also increased the gross calorific value (GCV) (from 38.91 to 40.21 MJ/kg). Moreover, the introduction of EGBE resulted in decrease in pour points of MHBFs from 1 °C to −8 °C. Conclusively, the conversion of fatty acids to corresponding esters (FAMEs), introduction of long chain alcohol (like OA) and anti freezing agent (EGBE) contributed towards improvement in fuel quality of simple MHBF.

Syzygium cumini L. Skeels (Myretacae family) is a native plant of the Indian subcontinent which has wide socio-economical importance and is well known for its ant diabetic activity. The present study aimed to investigate the antibiofilm activity of purified fraction (EA) from S. cumini leaf extract against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. The EA did not show any effect on growth of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus at the concentration of 900 µg/ml. At this concentration EA showed biofilm inhibition up to 86 ± 1.19% (***P

Rhamnolipid is known for its potential for degradation of various harmful and toxic contaminants. However, there is a lack of reports of their effects on different biological systems. Hence, the present study focuses on the assessment of rhamnolipid mixture for their biocompatibility nature. The in vitro and in vivo toxicity studies on the mouse fibroblast cell line (L929) and rabbit skin surface respectively showed that the crude rhamnolipid mixture exhibits a nontoxic behavior (p Aedesalbo pictus larvae. However, studies on monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous seeds showed the toxic behavior of rhamnolipids above their critical micelle concentration values (5–200 mg.L − 1). The antimicrobial property with respect to bacteria was found to be more prominent toward Gram positive (0.5 ± 0.5 mg.L − 1) compared to Gram negative bacteria (2.0 ± 0.7 mg.L − 1) and it was least in case of fungi (2.0 ± 0.2 mg.L − 1). The present study opens up a possibility to study the effects of rhamnolipids on the flora and fauna existing at the site of their application to ensure that it effectively remediates the environment without causing any harm to the on-site living systems.

There is abundant genetic diversity of pharmacologically important plants around the globe and this pool of genetic variation serves as the base for selection as well as for plant improvement. The major cause of such genetic diversity is the variation in their genetic material, as called genome. In the present study, an attempt was made to determine the genome size of Eclipta alba and Aloe barbadensis by flow cytometry using Pisum sativum as a reference standard. The nuclear DNA was calculated as 8.7 pg for E. alba and 9.0 pg for A. barbadensis. The genome size of E. alba and A. barbadensis was estimated to be 4.27 x 109 bp and 4.42 x 109 bp, respectively. Information on genome size and DNA content of these two pharmacologically important plants would provide a useful tool for future molecular biological investigations.

Exploration of new non-edible feedstocks for biofuel production and the use of economically favorable conversion technologies could significantly contribute to bioenergy research. In this regard the present investigation aims to highlighten hybrid biofuels (HBFs) prepared from crude vegetable oils of five locally available plant species namely, Gmelina arborea Roxb (GAO), Mimusops elengi Linn (MEO), Acer laurinum Hasskarl (ALO), Thevetia peruviana Schum (TPO) and Mesua ferrea Linn (MFO). This new approach does not involve any chemical reactions and can substantially reduce the production cost of vegetable oil based biofuels. Besides, the HBF systems prepared here can be 100% renewable as they only contain vegetable oil, butanol and ethanol, all products derived from biomass. The naturally occurring mono-, di-glycerides and free fatty acid (FFA)s in crude vegetable oils (or esters in pretreated oils) functioned as surfactants in the formulation of stable fuel systems. The fuel properties of the formulations were affected by the concentrations of these compounds in the vegetable oil. The optimum formulations (oil:butanol:ethanol ratio of 60:30:10) exhibited viscosity (4.7–5.4 mm2/s), density (0.86–0.88 gm/cm3) and gross calorific values (38.91–39.18 MJ/kg) comparable with their corresponding fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). Moreover, they show superior cold flow properties than FAMEs. The present investigation suggests that non-edible oil based HBF systems formulated in the study containing ‘bio-based’ and ‘green’ surface active agents in the system offers economically attractive candidature for the future biofuel industry.

Metagenomics deals with the isolation of genetic material directly recovered from environmental samples. Metagenomics as an approach has emerged over the past two decades to elucidate a host of microbial communities inhabiting a specific niche with the goal of understanding their genetic diversity, population structure, and ecological role played by them. A number of new and novel molecules with significant functionalities and applications have been identified through this approach. In fact, many investigators are engaged in this field to unlock the untapped genetic resources with funding from governments sector. The sustainable economic future of modern industrialized societies requires the development of novel molecules, enzymes, processes, products, and applications. Metagenomics can also be applied to solve practical challenges in the field of medicine, agriculture, sustainability, and ecology. Metagenomics promises to provide new molecules and novel enzymes with diverse functions and enhanced features compared to the enzymes from the culturable microorganisms. Besides the application of metagenomics for unlocking novel biocatalysts from nature, it also has found applications in fields as diverse as bioremediation, personalized medicine, xenobiotic metabolism, and so forth.

Resourceful utilization of the enormous quantum of agrowastes generated via agricultural practices can be supportive in waste management, environmental upgradation, and subsequent material and energy recovery. In this regard, the present study aimed at highlighting waste banana (Musa balbisiana Colla) pseudostem (an agrowaste) as a potential bio-based feedstock with miscellaneous applications. The pseudostem was characterized by carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen (CHN) analysis, thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TGDTA), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin were estimated as a part of biochemical characterization. Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were carried out as a part of antioxidant characterization. The waste banana pseudostem biomass (WBPB) was also tried successfully as a natural filler in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymer composite. Thermal properties and water uptake test of the WBPB polymer composite were accessed as a part of composite characterization. The pseudostem had calorific value (15.22 MJ/kg), high holocellulose (58.67%), high free radical scavenging potential (69.9%), and a low ash content (6.8%). Additionally, the WBPB polymer composite showed improved water resistance and thermostability. The study suggests feasibility of WBPB as a prospective bioenergy feedstock, primary antioxidant source, and reinforcing agent in polymer composites.

The worrisome trend of antimalarial resistance has already highlighted the importance of artemisinin as a potent antimalarial agent. The current investigation aimed at fabricating a biosensor based on natural polymer polyhydroxyalkanoate-gold nanoparticle composite mounting on an indium-tin oxide glass plate for the analysis of artemisinin. The biosensor was fabricated using an adsorbing horse-radish peroxidase enzyme on the electrode surface for which cyclic voltammetry was used to monitor the electro-catalytic reduction of artemisinin under diffusion controlled conditions. Electrochemical interfacial properties and immobilization of enzyme onto a polyhydroxyalkanoate-gold nanoparticle film were evaluated, and confirmed by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The differential pulse voltammetric peak current for artemisinin was increased linearly (concentration range of 0.01-0.08μg mL(-1)) with sensitivity of 0.26μAμg mL(-1). The greater sensitivity of the fabricated biosensor to artemisinin (optimum limits of detection were 0.0035μg mL(-1) and 0.0036μg mL(-1) in bulk and spiked human serum, respectively) could be of much aid in medical diagnosis.

In the present study vegetable oil-based, highly branched polyester modified hyperbranched epoxy nanocomposites were prepared with organically modified montmorillonite clay at different wt.% of clay loadings. X-ray diffraction patterns and transmission electron microscopy revealed the partially exfoliated structure of the nanocomposites. Cured nanocomposites exhibited improved properties such as gloss (80 – 95°), scratch hardness (3 – 5 kg), impact strength (60 – 100 cm), tensile strength (8 – 13 MPa), adhesive strength (0.9 – 1.4 × 1010 N m−1), flexibility (< 5 – 3 mm), chemical resistance etc. compared to the pristine system. The nanocomposites exhibited enhanced thermosatbility and antimicrobial activity against different bacterial, fungal and algal strains. The nanocomposites were also found to be biodegradable. The study showed that the nanocomposites have potential to be used as biodegradable antimicrobial thin film materials.

Extraction of DNA from soil samples using standard methods often results in low yield and poor quality making them unsuitable for community analysis through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) due to the formation of chimeric products with smaller template DNAs and the presence of humic substances. The present study focused on the assessment of five different methods for metagenomic DNA isolation from soil samples on the basis of processing time, purity, DNA yield, suitability for PCR, restriction digestion and mDNA library construction. A simple and rapid alkali lysis based on indirect DNA extraction from soil was developed which could remove 90% of humic substances without shearing the DNA and permits the rapid and efficient isolation of high quality DNA without the requirement of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide and phenol cleanup. The size of DNA fragment in the crude extracts was >23 kb and yield 0.5-5 μg/g of soil. mDNA purification using Sephadex G-50 resin yielded high concentration of DNA from soil samples, which has been successfully used for 16S rDNA based amplification of a 1500 bp DNA fragment with 27F and 1492R universal primers followed by restriction digestion and mDNA library construction.