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Here, we are analyzing the comparative study of green-synthesized biogenic Caralluma tuberculata gold nanoparticles (Ca-AuNPs) and poly (ethylene glycol) methacrylate coated Ca-AuNPs nanocomposites (PEGMA-AuNPs), formed by hybridization of Ca-AuNPs with PEGMA. Both the virgin and polymer-capped materials (polymer hybrid) were physico-chemically characterized, using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) that revealed physical interactions during coating without new peak, as PEGMA did not disturb the crystal structure of the AuNPs. However, a red shift of AuNPs from 450 to 520 nm was observed and the overall particle size of AuNPs was increased after PEGMA coating (50 to 100 nm). Furthermore, an efficient protocol of biomass enhancement of in vitro micropropagated Musa acuminate was achieved upon supplementation with Ca-AuNPs and PEGMA-Ca-AuNPs, in the Murashige and Skoog (MS) media in a dose-dependent manner. The maximum fresh, dry weight, and shoot length were achieved upon 80 ppm PEGMA-Ca-AuNPs supplementation. In the physiological analysis, higher chlorophyll content, abundant soluble sugar, and elevated moisture content also appeared upon 80 ppm PEGMA-AuNPs addition. Phytohormone analysis showed over-accumulation of IAA content, while on contrary, decreased MDA and H2O2 content, higher production of phenolics, flavonoids, phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity, and antioxidant activity was noticeable upon 80 ppm PEGMA-AuNPs supplementation. Moreover, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities including CAT, SOD, POD, and APx were detected at 80 ppm PEGMA-Ca-AuNPs supplementation in MS media. It can be concluded that the PEGMA-AuNPs elicitation can be effectively used in plant tissue culture and agricultural industry, for sustainable promotion of biomass and secondary metabolic through modulating the physiological, biochemical, and bioactive antioxidants status and modifying cell wall properties.

Silybum marianum L. commonly known as milk thistle is a medicinally potent plant with a multitude of pharmacological applications. The present investigations demonstrated the effects of Zinc Oxide ...

Application of nanomaterials is becoming the most effective strategy of elicitation to produce a desirable level of plant biomass with complex medicinal compounds. This study was, designed to check the influence of commercial iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) on physical growth characteristics, antioxidant status and production of steviol glycosides of in vitro grown Stevia rebaudiana. Results indicated that lower concentrations of FeNPs (45 µg/L) had a positive influence on morphological growth parameters. At a higher dose (90, and 135 µg/L) FeNPs in culture media were found detrimental to growth characteristics and development. Furthermore, the stress caused by FeNPs at 135 µg/L in cultures produced higher levels of total phenolic content (3.2 ± 0.042 mg/g dry weight: DW), total flavonoid content (1.6 ± 0.022 mg/g DW and antioxidant activity (73 ± 4.6%). In addition, plants grown in the presence of FeNPs at 90 µg/L resulted in higher enzymatic antioxidant activities (SOD = 3.2 ± 0.042 U/mg; POD = 2.1 ± 0.026 U/mg; CAT = 2.6 ± 0.034 U/mg and APx = 3.3 ± 0.043 U/mg), respectively. Furthermore, exposure to a low dose of FeNPs (45 µg/L) exhibited the maximum amount of stevioside (stevioside: 4.2 ± 0.058 mg/g (DW) and rebaudioside A: 4.9 ± 0.068 mg/g DW) as compared to high doses. The current investigation confirms the effectiveness of FeNPs in growth media and offers a suitable prospect for commercially desirable production of S. rebaudiana biomass with higher sweet glycosides profiles in vitro. Lower concentrations of Iron nano particles (FeNPs) had a positive influence on morphological growth parameters, production of antioxidant secondary metabolites and natural calorie free steviol glycosides in Stevia rebaudiana.

Stevia rebaudiana is a vital medicinal plant of the genus Stevia and family Asteraceae. It is commonly used as a natural sweetener plant and its products are 300 times sweeter than the commonly used sugarcane. The sweetening potential is due to the presence of calorie-free steviol glycosides (SGs). The plant species has been extensively profiled to identify steviol glycosides (SGs) with intensity sweetening properties. However, the limited production of plant material is not fulfilling the higher market demand worldwide. Researchers are working worldwide to enhance the production of important SGs through the intervention of different biotechnological approaches in S. rebaudiana. In this review, the research work conducted in the last twenty years, on the different aspects of biotechnology to enhance the production of SGs has been precisely reviewed. Biotechnological methods such as micropropagation, callus and cell cultures, elicitation and the metabolomics and transcriptomic elucidation of the biosynthetic metabolic pathways for the production of steviol glycosides have been concisely reviewed and discussed.

The contamination of agricultural soil with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu) persists and intensifies in food crops posing a risk to human health. When used as effective soil manures, biomass conversion to organic amendments can help to deal with this deteriorating problem and, at the same time, remediate PTEs within contaminated soil. The present study compared the potential of orange peel-derived biochar (OPDBC) and poultry manure (PM) toward reducing the bioavailability of PTEs when they are applied to degraded agricultural soil (DAS). It further evaluated PTEs bioaccumulation in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) and the associated health risks. The DAS was amended with OPDBC and PM at 1%, 3%, and 5% application rates, and okra was grown in these modified soils in pots (2.5 kg soils each). Compared to control (contaminated soil), OPDBC treatments significantly reduced Cd availability, reduced Cd uptake to plants (21-37%), followed by Ni (18-27%), and increased okra plant biomass (15-39%) and fruits weight (40-93%). PM effectiveness was lower than OPDBC and reduced Cd uptake (8-33%) and increased vegetative biomass and fruit yield (3-22% and 13-33%, respectively). OPDBC 5% demonstrated the best results in terms of immobilization and reduction of Cd uptake by plants (37%) and fruits (41%). The contamination factor and pollution load index (PLI) of PTEs showed low pollution level (PLI

The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has challenged the world health community and is still out of control. Since there is no clinical drug available for the corona virus therefore the most important and the fastest way of medicines development is to find potential molecules from the marketed drugs. Herein, bioinformatics analysis on the spike protein (S) of CoV and human angiotensin receptor 2 (ACE-2) with already approved anti-HCV approved drug velpatasvir have been reported. We conducted molecular docking to determine the mode of interaction of velpatasvir and RNA dependent RNA polymerase enzyme as well as inhibition of attachment of S-protein with human host receptor ACE-2. We found that, velpatasvir not only binds tightly with S-protein-ACE2 interface but also with 2019-Cov RdRp, can alter the structure and function of the said proteins and hence will results in the eradication of viral infection. The findings of this study further support the idea of drug repurposing and will help to classify the most successful drugs against COVID-19.

Natural products from plants contain many interesting biomolecules. Among them, quercetin (Q), gallic acid (GA), and rutin (R) all have well-reported antileishmanial activity, however, their exact mechanisms of action are still not known. The current study is a step forward towards unveil the possible modes of action of these compounds against Leishmania donovani (the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis). The selected compounds were checked for their mechanisms of action against L. donovani using different biological assays including apoptosis and necrosis evaluation, effects on genetic material (DNA), quantitative testing of nitric oxide production, ultrastructural modification via transmission electron microscopy, and real-time PCR analysis. The results confirmed that these compounds are active against L. donovani, with IC50 values of 84.65 µg/mL, 86 µg/mL, and 98 µg/mL for Q, GA, and R, respectively. These compounds increased nitric oxide production and caused apoptosis and DNA damage, which led to changes in the treated cells’ ultrastructural behavior and finally to the death of L. donovani. These compounds also suppressed essential enzymes like trypanothione reductase and trypanothione synthetase, which are critical for leishmanial survival. The selected compounds have high antileishmanial potentials, and thus in-vivo testing and further screening are highly recommended.

Thidiazuron (TDZ) is an active substituted phenyl urea compound that has found a significant role as a plant growth regulator. The most exciting aspect of its function is that it can mimic auxins and cytokinin but is chemically different from these two. Many theories have been put forward, and experiments performed to understand the mode of action of TDZ in callogenesis. One suggested mechanism presents that it works by inhibiting the cytokinin degrading enzymes that compete with cytokinin for an active site on the enzyme. An example is the TDZ-induced suppressed expression of gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis genes encoding GA3 and GA20 oxidases. This is entailed with a slightly increased expression of GA catabolism genes encoding GA20 oxidase. Similarly, one of the recommendations is that TDZ induces the expression of specific genes and transcription regulatory sequences that are either responsible directly for callus formation or in turn induce other auxins or cytokinin for callogenesis. There is no concise review available that discusses the details of TDZ-induced callus, specifically and other in vitro cultures in general. This review is an attempt to explore all these pathways and mechanisms involved in callogenesis in plants stimulated by TDZ.

Medicinal and aromatic plants and their refined natural products have gained global attraction for their therapeutic potential against many human diseases. Nigella sativa is a medicinally important plant, commonly known as Black cumin or Black seed is a dicotyledon plant of the Ranunculaceae family. It is in common use for a longer time in history as preservative and spice and has also been extensively utilized by different communities around the globe. Black cumin has been an eminent component of traditional medicine systems like Unani and Tibb, Ayurveda and Siddha. Its biological activities include antidiarrheal, analgesic, antibacterial, liver tonic, diurectic, digestive agent and to treat several skin disorders. Furthermore, the therapeutic properties also include antidiabetic, anticancer, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, spasmolytic and bronchodialator. This is all because of its miraculous healing power that it has been ranked as top ranked, among evidence based herbal medicines. The literature supports that the pharmacological activities of Nigella sativa are mainly because of the essential oil and its constituents particularly thymoquinone. The current review is an attempt to present a detailed literature survey regarding chemical composition, phytochemistry, therapeutic potential and biotechnological approaches to enhance the medicinal potential of this valuable plant., Medicinal and aromatic plants and their refinednatural products have gained global attraction for their therapeutic potential against many humandiseases.Nigella sativa is a medicinallyimportant plant, commonly known asBlack cumin or Black seed is a dicotyledon plant of the Ranunculaceae family. It is in common use for alongertime in history as preservative and spice and has also been extensively utilized by differentcommunities around the globe. Black cumin has been an eminent component oftraditional medicine systems like Unani and Tibb, Ayurveda and Siddha. Its biologicalactivities include antidiarrheal, analgesic, antibacterial, liver tonic,diurectic, digestive agent and to treat several skin disorders. Furthermore, thetherapeutic properties also include antidiabetic, anticancer, antihypertensive,anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, spasmolytic and bronchodialator. This isall because of its miraculous healing power that it has been ranked as topranked, among evidence based herbal medicines. The literaturesupports that the pharmacological activities of Nigella sativa are mainly because ofthe essential oil and its constituents particularly thymoquinone. The currentreview is an attempt to present a detailed literature survey regarding chemicalcomposition, phytochemistry, therapeutic potentialand biotechnological approaches to enhance the medicinal potential of this valuable plant.

Clinically available synthetic chemotherapeutics to treat the vector-borne protozoan infection, leishmaniasis, are associated with serious complications such as toxicity and emergence of resistance. Natural products from plants consist of interesting biomolecules that may interfere with DNA or membrane integrity of the parasite and can possibly minimise the associated side effects. In the present study, various fractions of Euphorbia wallichii (EW) root extracts including n-hexane (EWNX), ethyl acetate (EWEA), chloroform (EWCH) and aqueous (EWAQ), were evaluated for their antileishmanial potential against Leishmania tropica followed by investigation of the possible mechanism of action via reactive oxygen species (ROS) quantification, membrane permeability (via sytox green dye) and apoptotic assay (via AO/EB method) using fluorescent microscopy. Two of the fractions i.e. EWEA and EWAQ inhibited the growth of promastigotes (IC50 7.8 and 10.2 μg/mL, respectively) and amastigotes (IC50 9.9 and 13.3 μg/mL, respectively) forms almost at similar concentrations as found for the standard antileishmanial drugs, tartar emetic (TA) and Glucantime (IC50 9.4 and 21.5 μg/mL, respectively). Both the active fractions remained non-toxic towards human blood erythrocytes and were able to cause membrane permeability and apoptotic induction (using Triton X-100 as a positive control) leading to death of Leishmania parasites. However, both the fractions could not triger significant and persistent ROS generation, compared to hydrogen peroxide used as a positive control. Antilesihmanial activity of the two active fractions might be attributed to the presence of high quantity of tannins and saponins.

Light is the most important physical factor in growth and development of plants. Light intensity is directly proportional to the growth and accumulation of natural antioxidants during in vitro cultures of various medicinal plants. The present research study was designed to determine the effect of different light intensities i.e. normal light (2000–2500 lx), diffused light (500–1000 lx) and complete dark (0 lx) on callus growth dynamics and production of natural antioxidants in olive cult. Arbosana. Highest callus induction frequency (50%) was observed in the stem explants pre-treated with silver nanoparticles suspension (AgNPs: 50 ppm) and cultured on MS media supplemented with combination of 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP: 2 mg/l), Gibberellic acid (GA3: 1.5 mg/l) plus Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA: 0.5 mg/l). Maximum callus biomass (FW = 1414 mg/l) was recorded when the cultured explants were incubated initially for seven days in complete darkness, followed by transference to diffused light for one week and then finally placed under normal light in total fifty six days culture period. Moreover, phytochemical analysis of the callus cultures showed significantly higher activities of antioxidant enzymes i.e. SOD, POD, CAT and APx (2.45, 2.96, 2.57 and 1.67 U/mg. protein) in the callus cultures grown under dark condition as compared with other light treatments. For non-enzymatic antioxidant potential, maximum activity of TPC, TFC, PAL and DPPH (2.42 mg GAE/g, 1.50 mg QAE/g, 3.95 U/mg and 75%) were recorded in the calli raised in vitro under diffused light. This is the first report on the production of natural antioxidants in response to different light intensities in callus cultures of Olea europaea. Future studies should focus on large scale production of callus cultures in order to yield maximum biomass from this high valued plant.

Elicited plant in vitro cultures are gaining more interest worldwide for their potential in the uniform production of industrially important secondary metabolites. In the present study, different ratios of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and plant growth regulators (PGRs) were supplemented to in vitro cultures for the sustainable production of biomass and antioxidant secondary metabolites through callus cultures of Caralluma tuberculata. Results indicated that various concentrations of AgNPs significantly affected the callus proliferation and substantially increased the callus biomass, when combined with PGRs in the MS (Murashige and Skoog) media. The highest fresh (0.78 g/l) and dry (0.051 g/l) biomass accumulation of callus was observed in the cultures raised in vitro at 60 µg/l AgNPs in combination with 0.5 mg/l 2,4-D plus 3.0 mg/l BA. Phytochemical analysis of the callus cultures showed higher production of phenolics (TPC:3.0 mg), flavonoids (TFC:1.8 mg), phenylalanine ammonialyase activity (PAL: 5.8 U/mg) and antioxidant activity (90%), respectively, in the callus cultures established on MS media in the presence of 90 ug/l AgNPs. Moreover, enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD: 4.8 U/mg), peroxidase (POD: 3.3 U/mg), catalase (CAT: 2.5 U/mg) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX: 1.9 U/mg) were detected at higher level (90 ug/l) of AgNPs tested alone for callus proliferation in the MS media. It may be concluded that the AgNPs can be effectively utilized for the enhancement of bioactive antioxidants in the callus cultures of C. tuberculata, a highly medicinal and threatened plant. This protocol can be scaled up for the industrial production of plant biomass and pharmacologically potent metabolites in C. tuberculata.

The callus cultures of Fagonia indica could prove as factories for the production of important phytochemicals when triggered through different types of stress. In this study, we initiated callus cultures from healthy stem explants in the presence of iron-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Fe-ZnO-NPs). We performed experiments with the callus cultures of F. indica to determine the impact of Fe-ZnO-NPs in concentrations (15.62–250 µg/mL) on biomass accumulation, production of important phenolic and flavonoids, and antioxidative potential. Our results showed that maximum callus biomass [Fresh weight (FW) = 13.6 g and Dry weight (DW) = 0.58 ± 0.01] was produced on day 40 when the media was supplemented with 250 μg/mL Fe-ZnO-NPs. Similarly, maximum total phenolic content (268.36 μg GAE/g of DW) was observed in 40 days old callus added with 125 μg/mL Fe-ZnO-NPs. Maximum total flavonoid content (78.56 μg QE/g of DW) was recorded in 20 days old callus grown in 62.5 μg/mL Fe-ZnO-NPs containing media. Maximum total antioxidant capacity (390.74 µg AAE/g of DW) was recorded in 40 days old callus with 125 μg/mL Fe-ZnO-NPs treated cultures, respectively. Similarly, the highest free radical scavenging activity (93.02%) was observed in callus derived from media having 15.62 µg/mL Fe-ZnO-NPs. The antioxidant potential was observed to have positive correlation with TPC (r = 0.44). HPLC analysis showed that Fe-ZnO-NPs produced compounds (e.g., Epigallocatechin gallate) that were either absent or in lesser quantities in the control group. These results showed that Fe-ZnO-NPs elicitors could increase the biomass and activate secondary metabolism in F. indica cells. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11240-021-02123-1., Key Message Nanomaterial supplementation engineers the cells in an effective way to trigger biomass and secondary metabolism for the production of important phenolic compounds in plant cells. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11240-021-02123-1.

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), a sugar crop commonly grown for sugar production all over the world, is susceptible to several insect pests attack in addition to bacterial, fungal and viral infections leading to substantial reductions in its yield. The complex genetic makeup and lack of resistant genes in genome of sugarcane have made the conventional breeding a difficult and challenging task for breeders. Using pesticides for control of the attacking insects can harm beneficial insects, human and other animals and the environment as well. As alternative and effective strategy for control of insect pests, genetic engineering has been applied for overexpression of cry proteins, vegetative insecticidal proteins (vip), lectins and proteinase inhibitors (PI). In addition, the latest biotechnological tools such as host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) and CRISPR/Cas9 can be employed for sustainable control of insect pests in sugarcane. In this review overexpression of the cry, vip, lectins and PI genes in transgenic sugarcane and their disease resistance potential is described.

The current pandemic has caused chaos throughout the world. While there are few vaccines available now, there is the need for better treatment alternatives in line with preventive measures against COVID-19. Along with synthetic chemical compounds, phytochemicals cannot be overlooked as candidates for drugs against severe respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The important role of secondary metabolites or phytochemical compounds against coronaviruses has been confirmed by studies that reported the anti-coronavirus role of glycyrrhizin from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra. The study demonstrated that glycyrrhizin is a very promising phytochemical against SARS-CoV, which caused an outbreak in 2002–2003. Similarly, many phytochemical compounds (apigenin, betulonic acid, reserpine, emodin, etc.) were isolated from different plants such as Isatis indigotica, Lindera aggregate, and Artemisia annua and were employed against SARS-CoV. However, owing to the geographical and seasonal variation, the quality of standard medicinal compounds isolated from plants varies. Furthermore, many of the important medicinal plants are either threatened or on the verge of endangerment because of overharvesting for medicinal purposes. Therefore, plant biotechnology provides a better alternative in the form of in vitro culture technology, including plant cell cultures, adventitious roots cultures, and organ and tissue cultures. In vitro cultures can serve as factories of secondary metabolites/phytochemicals that can be produced in bulk and of uniform quality in the fight against COVID-19, once tested. Similarly, environmental and molecular manipulation of these in vitro cultures could provide engineered drug candidates for testing against COVID-19. The in vitro culture-based phytochemicals have an additional benefit of consistency in terms of yield as well as quality. Nonetheless, as the traditional plant-based compounds might prove toxic in some cases, engineered production of promising phytochemicals can bypass this barrier. Our article focuses on reviewing the potential of the different in vitro plant cultures to produce medicinally important secondary metabolites that could ultimately be helpful in the fight against COVID-19.

Ajuga bracteosa a highly demanding pharmaceutical plant, is getting endangered in several regions of the world due to ruthless and destructive harvesting. Research efforts need to be done for its sustainable production and utilization. In this study, effects of Thidiazuron (TDZ) in comparison to conventional cytokinins were tested in vitro on shoot morphogenesis, antioxidant system and biosynthesis of volatile organic compounds in A. bracteosa. Thidiazuron alone acted as the best growth regulator for direct shoot morphogenesis in explants by promoting highest induction of shoots (88%) in stem explants cultivated on MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium supplemented with 1.2 ppm (TDZ). At lower doses (0.5 ppm), TDZ resulted in highest multiplication (18 shoots) and elongation (5.8 cm) of shoots. Further, shoot cultures raised in vitro at TDZ (1.2 ppm) displayed higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD: 4.2 U/mg protein), peroxidase (POD: 2.8 U/mg protein) and ascorbate peroxidase (APx: 1.8 U/mg protein), respectively. Maximum total phenolic content (TPC; 4.5 mg GAE/g DW) and total flavonoid content (TFC; 3.5 mg QE/g DW), respectively were detected in shoot cultures grown over MS medium combined with 1.2 ppm TDZ plus 2.0 ppm benzylaminopurine (BA). Analysis through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) showed, biosynthesis of 34 volatile compounds in the in vitro raised shoots. Wherein, TDZ (1.2 ppm) resulted in production of substantial amounts of bioactive monoterpene hydrocarbons including α-pinene (5.3%), camphene (4.45%), limonene (3.4%), 1,8–cineole (14.3%), α-thujone (9.4%) and oxygenated monoterpenes such as camphor (12.2%), borneol (11.4%) and nerol (9.2%). Thus, besides providing an ex-situ conservation strategy for a high valued medicinal herb, this study has the potential for commercial production of important bioactive volatile compounds.

Manipulation in the light regimes combined with the effects of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and elicitors through plant cell culture technology is a promising strategy for enhancing the yield of medicinally important secondary metabolites. In this study, the effects of interplay between PGRs, elicitors and light regimes on cell cultures of F. indica have been investigated. The results showed that callus cultures resulted in maximum biomass formation (13.2 g/L) when incubated on solid MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium containing 1.0 mg/L BA under continuous light for 4 weeks. Among the other PGRs, compared with the auxins such as 2,4-D, and IBA, TDZ resulted in higher biomass accumulation (12.1 g/L). Elicitors (Me-J and PAA) resulted in a lower growth response, when compared with cytokinins and a higher response than auxins under all the light regimes on solid MS media. However, in liquid media, no significant increase in biomass was observed in response to the combined effects of PGRs and photoperiod regimes. Further, the highest phenolic content (TPC = 6.8 mg) and flavonoid content (TFC = 5.2 mg) were detected in the dark-grown cell cultures raised in vitro at 0.5 mg/L Me-J. The highest antioxidant activity (88%) was recorded in the dark-grown cell cultures harvested from LOG phase of the growth cycle supplemented with 0.5 mg/L Me-J. Furthermore, BA resulted in considerable flavonoids production (TFC = 4.7 mg) in the cell cultures grown under continuous light. However, overall dark treatment and elicitation with Me-J resulted in the optimal metabolic response in terms of secondary metabolites accumulation in cell suspension cultures of F. indica.

Light is an important physical factor necessary for the growth, morphogenesis and production of bioactive compounds in plants. In this study, effects of different photoperiod regimes and hormonal elicitors were investigated on the accumulation of biomass, antioxidant potential and biosynthesis of secondary volatiles in the cell cultures of Ajuga bracteosa. Maximum accumulation of biomass (13.2 g/L) was recorded in cell cultures established at 1.0 mg/L benzylaminopurine (BA) in exposure to continuous dark. Biochemical assays showed that in the presence of 0.5 methyl jasmonate (Me-J), cell cultures grown under continuous dark had the higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD: 4.5 U/mg), peroxidase (POD: 3.1 U/mg), total phenolic content (TPC: 8.1 mg GAE/g of DW) and total flavonoid content (TFC: 5.2 mg QE/g of DW) respectively. Nonetheless, the free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) was found correlated with the phenyl ammonia lyase (PAL) activity in the dark grown cell cultures. Analysis through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) showed, biosynthesis of 29 compounds in the in vitro raised cell cultures. The major identified compounds consisted of monoterpene hydrocarbons such as β-pinene (2.1–9.5%), β-ocimene (1.4–8.3%), 1-terpinene-4-ol (5.8–9.6%), caryophyllene (1.3–6.2%), β-farnesene (0.82–7.8), oxygenated monoterpenes including myrtenal (2.2–8.4%), citronellyl acetate (2.1–7.3%) and sesquiterpenes such as caryophyllene oxide (1.5–5.5) and β-elemene (2.2–8.8%). This protocol has the potential for commercial production of important secondary volatiles.

Fagonia indica is an important medicinal plant highly traded for its multitude of potentials against breast cancer. The natural availability of this high-valued herb is not fulfilling the ever-increasing demand. Alternative options should be adopted to balance the supply with demand. Adventitious root culture provides a preferred platform to produce commercially important secondary metabolites. In the present report, adventitious roots (AR) were induced from callus explants in F. indica for the first time. Higher adventitious root induction frequency (88%) and biomass accumulation (6.9 DW g/L) were observed when callus explants were treated with 0.5 mg/L Methyl Jasmonate (Me-J) for 2 h and subsequently incubated on solid Murashige and Skoog (MS) media containing 1.0 mg/L Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Variations in growth of roots in suspension cultures were analyzed to estimate the impact of elicitors on adventitious rooting in F. indica. In response to 1.0 mg/L NAA, a lag phase of 6 days, logarithmic (log) phase of 15 days and stationary phase of 6 days were observed in the growth curve of AR in suspension culture. Maximum biomass (9.5 g DW g/L) was recorded on the 27th day in log phase of culture. Analysis of AR samples derived from different growth stages showed that at 0.5 mg/L Me-J, maximum Total Phenolic Content (TPC; 6.0 mg GAE/g of DW) and Total Flavonoid Content (TFC; 5.0 mg QE/g of DW) were produced, respectively in the lag phase compared to other growth lines. Quantification of vital plant secondary metabolites through High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) revealed a higher amount of Gallic acid (148.0 ± 4.8 μg/mg of DW) detected in Control (CTR) samples raised in vitro at 1.0 mg/L NAA. This was followed by Rutin (122.3 ± 3.8 μg/mg of DW) in LOG phase and Myricetin (32.3 ± 0.7 μg/mg of DW) in LAG phase during growth of AR suspension cultures. In response to 0.5 mg/L Me-J, more Apigenin (25.3 ± 0.6 μg/mg of DW), Caffeic acid (25.3 ± 0.6 μg/mg of DW) and Catechin (9.4 ± 0.07 μg/mg DW) were accumulated in the LOG phase in comparison to other growth stages. Thus, a feasible protocol was developed for induction and proliferation of adventitious roots with sustainable metabolite profiles through elicitation.

This paper presents and examine a mathematical system of equations which describes the dynamics of pine wilt disease (PWD). Firstly, we examine the model with constant controls. Here, we investigate the disease equilibria and calculate the basic reproduction number of the disease. Secondly, we incorporate time dependent controls into the model and then analyze the conditions that are necessary for the disease to be controlled optimally. Finally, the numerical results for the model are presented.

Ajuga bracteosa is a medicinally important plant globally used in the folk medicine against many serious ailments. In the present study, effects of two significant elicitors, methyl jasmonate (Me-J) and phenyl acetic acid (PAA) were studied on growth parameters, secondary metabolites production, and antioxidant potential in adventitious root suspension cultures of A. bracteosa. The results showed a substantial increase in biomass accumulation, exhibiting longer log phases of cultures growth in response to elicitor treatments, in comparison to control. Maximum dry biomass formation (8.88 DW g/L) was recorded on 32nd day in log phase of culture when 0.6 mg/L Me-J was applied; however, PAA at 1.2 mg/L produced maximum biomass (8.24 DW g/L) on day 40 of culture. Furthermore, we observed the elicitors-induced enhancement in phenolic content (total phenolic content), flavonoid content (total flavonoid content) and antioxidant activity (free radical scavenging activity) in root suspension cultures of A. bracteosa. Application of 0.6 mg/L and 1.2 mg/L of Me-J, root cultures accumulated higher TPC levels (3.6 mg GAE/g DW) and (3.7 mg GAE/g DW) in the log phase and stationary phase, respectively, while 2.5 mg/L Me-J produced lower levels (1.4 mg GAE/g DW) in stationary phase of growth stages. Moreover, TFC and FRSA values were found in correspondence to TPC values in the respective growth phases at the similar elicitor treatment. Thus, a feasible protocol for establishment of adventitious roots in A. bracteosa was developed and enhancement in biomass and metabolite content in adventitious root was promoted through elicitation.

In the present study, four different natural compounds including quercetin, gallic acid, rutin, and lupeol were studied for their anti-leishmanial potentials with anticipated mechanism of action through in vitro and in silico approaches. Results showed that rutin was exceedingly active (IC(50); 91.2 µg/ml) against the promastigote form of Leishmania tropica compared to quercetin (IC(50); 182.3 µg/ml), gallic acid (IC(50); 198.00 µg/ml) and lupeol (IC(50); 200.77 µg/ml). Similarly, rutin was highly active against the amastigote form as well, followed by quercetin, gallic acid and lupeol with IC(50) values of 101.3 µg/ml, 137.4 µg/ml, 277.2 µg/ml, and 298.9 µg/ml, respectively. These compounds were found to be nontoxic to human blood erythrocytes even at the highest concentration (1000 µg/ml) tested. Rutin and lupeol showed promising DNA degradation/fragmentation activity against the DNA of treated promastigotes which increased with the increase in concentration of the compounds. The in silico investigation revealed that these ligands have high affinity with the important catalytic residues of trypanothione reductase (Try-R) where, rutin showed the lowest docking score (i.e., − 6.191) followed by lupeol (− 5.799), gallic acid and quercetin. In case of ligands’ interaction with trypanothione synthetase (Try-S), rutin again showed highest interaction with docking score of − 6.601 followed by quercetin (− 4.996), lupeol and gallic acid. The ADMET prediction of these compounds showed that all the parameters were within the acceptable range as defined for human use while molecular dynamics simulation supported the good interaction of quercetin and rutin against both enzymes. These findings suggest that the studied compounds may control leishmanial growth via DNA damage and inhibiting Try-R and Try-S, the two unique but critical enzymes for leishmania growth.

Clinically, available synthetic chemotherapeutics in the treatment for leishmaniasis are associated with serious complications, such as toxicity and emergence of resistance. Natural products from plants can provide better remedies against the Leishmania parasite and can possibly minimize the associated side effects. In this study, various extracts of the callus cultures of Artimisia scoparia established in response to different plant growth regulators (PGRs) were evaluated for their anti-leishmanial effects against Leishmania tropica promastigotes, followed by an investigation of the possible mechanism of action through reactive apoptosis assay using fluorescent microscopy. Amongst the different callus extracts, higher anti-leishmanial activity (IC

This paper presents the design and analysis of Outer Segmental Rotor Synchronous Reluctance motor, used for the propulsion of electrical bike. In conventional base design the flux leakage and iron losses were high. To reduce flux leakage and iron losses the rotor of conventional design is change with segmental rotor. The iron losses is further decrease by designing the flux barrier on the core of rotor due which the weight, cost and iron losses is decreased significantly. All proposed design have better performance in term of average torque, efficiency and losses.

This paper proposes a novel Dual Mover Yokeless Multi-tooth Linear Flux Switching Permanent Magnetic (DMYMLFSPM) machine that is suitable for low speed applications. Utilizing commercial Finite Element Analysis (FEA) package, two different topologies, i.e., conventional Dual Stator Yokeless Multi-tooth Linear Switched Flux Permanent Magnet (DSYMLSFPM) machine and proposed DMYMLFSPM are analyzed and compared for electromagnetic performance such as detent force, attractive force, average thrust force, thrust force ripple ratio, no load flux linkage, and Total Harmonics Distortion (THD). Results illustrate that proposed DMYMLFSPM machine have negligible attractive force, lower thrust force ripples ratio, reduced cogging force and THD, while higher average thrust force, when compared with conventional DSYMLSFPM machine. Proposed machine is suitable for applications where high power density, low attractive forces and thrust ripples are required.

Nanotechnology is a multipurpose field that has diverse applications in almost every field of science. Nanotechnology provides substantial opportunities for the scientists working in Plant sciences and Agricultural biotechnology to develop and adopt new methods and tools for improvement of commercially important plants and crops. Nanotechnology might improve the existing functions of plants and can also add some novel features and traits. It contributes further, new ideas that may lead us to understand the suitable mode of action of nanoparticles in plants. It is important to elucidate appropriately the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanism of interaction of nanoparticles with plant cell, for better plant growth and development. In this chapter, we have described and discussed the recent research work carried out by different research laboratories worldwide, on the impact of nanomaterials on plant cell growth, physiology, secondary metabolism, antioxidant system and biosynthesis of important compounds in plants/crops.

The escalating economic growth, urbanization and globalization over the last three decades have resulted in the huge production and consumption of electronic devices and appliances all over the world. This has caused an alarming situation of the disposition of electronic waste (e-waste) from the used and discarded electronic products to the environment, which can adversely affect the ecosystem and health of the humans. Management, treatment and recycling of e-waste become crucial to prevent the serious environmental complications and diseases. Among the several methods for treatment of e-waste, phytoremediation is of vital importance, which involves the application of plants and vegetation for the remediation of e-waste contaminants. Phytoremediation technology is a cost-effective green technology known for its optimal results on-site and is considered as environment-friendly and generally socially acceptable. The success of phytoremediation technology is by virtue of some unique plants which possess selective capabilities such as uptake of the metals by roots, translocation through stem and bioaccumulation in the leaves.

Fagonia indica, a very important anticancer plant, has been less explored for its in vitro potential. This is the first report on thidiazuron (TDZ)-mediated callogenesis and elicitation of commercially important phenolic compounds. Among the five different plant growth regulators tested, TDZ induced comparatively higher fresh biomass, 51.0 g/100 mL and 40.50 g/100 mL for stem and leaf explants, respectively, after 6 weeks of culture time. Maximum total phenolic content (202.8 μg gallic acid equivalent [GAE]/mL for stem-derived callus and 161.3 μg GAE/mL for leaf-derived callus) and total flavonoid content (191.03 μg quercetin equivalent [QE]/mL for stem-derived callus and 164.83 μg QE/mL for leaf-derived callus) were observed in the optimized callus cultures. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) data indicated higher amounts of commercially important anticancer secondary metabolites such as gallic acid (125.10 ± 5.01 μg/mL), myricetin (32.5 ± 2.05 μg/mL), caffeic acid (12.5 ± 0.52 μg/mL), catechin (9.4 ± 1.2 μg/mL), and apigenin (3.8 ± 0.45 μg/mL). Owing to the greater phenolic content, a better 2-2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity (69.45 % for stem explant and 63.68 % for leaf explant) was observed in optimized calluses. The unusually higher biomass and the enhanced amount of phenolic compounds as a result of lower amounts of TDZ highlight the importance of this multipotent hormone as elicitor in callus cultures of F. indica.

Linum usitatissimum commonly known as flax or linseed is an important medicinal plant, produces medicinally potent lignans, used in the treatment of several human diseases. Lignans limited production in the natural plants does not meet the increasing market demand. This study was conducted to establish an easy and rapid method for the in vitro micropropagation and production of potent lignans and antioxidant secondary metabolites in linseed. The results indicated that hypocotyl explants under the effects of thidiazuron (TDZ: 0.5 mg/L) + kinetin (Kn: 0.5 mg/L) in the basal growth media, resulted in the optimal shoot organogenesis parameters (shoot induction frequency: 86.87%, number of shoots: 6.3 &plusmn, 0.36 and shoots length: 6.5 &plusmn, 0.54 cm), in 4 weeks. Further, TDZ supplementation in the culture media efficiently activated the antioxidant system in the in vitro raised shoots, wherein maximum production of total phenolic content, TPC (34.33 &plusmn, 0.20 mg of GAE/g DW), total flavonoid content, TFC (8.99 &plusmn, 0.02 mg of QE/g DW), DPPH free radical scavenging activity (92.7 &plusmn, 1.32%), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity, PAL (8.99 &plusmn, 0.02 U/g FW), and superoxide dismutase expression, SOD (3.62 &plusmn, 0.01 nM/min/mg FW) were observed in the shoot cultures raised in presence of TDZ: 0.5 mg/L + Kn: 0.5 mg/L. Nonetheless, considerable levels of pharmacologically active lignans such as secoisolariciresinol (SECO: 23.13&ndash, 37.10 mg/g DW), secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG: 3.32&ndash, 3.86 mg/g DW) and anhydrosecoisolariciresinol diglucoside (ANHSECO: 5.15&ndash, 7.94 mg/g DW) were accumulated in the regenerated shoots. This protocol can be scaled up for the commercial production of linseed to meet the market demands for lignans.