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Due to the limited availability of antifungal drugs, their relevant side effects and considering the insurgence of drug-resistant strains, novel antifungal agents are urgently needed. To identify such agents, we have developed an integrated computational and biological screening platform. We have considered a promising drug target in antifungal drug discovery (exo-1,3-β-glucanase) and a phytochemical library composed of bioactive natural products was used. These products were computationally screened against the selected target using molecular docking and molecular dynamics techniques along with the evaluation of drug-like profile. We selected sesamin as the most promising phytochemical endowed with a potential antifungal profile and satisfactory drug-like properties. Sesamin was submitted to a preliminary biological evaluation to test its capability to inhibit the growth of several Candida species by calculating the MIC/MFC and conducting synergistic experiments with the marketed drug fluconazole. Following the screening protocol, we identified sesamin as a potential exo-1,3-β-glucanase inhibitor, with relevant potency in inhibiting the growth of Candida species in a dose-dependent manner (MIC and MFC of 16 and 32 µg/mL, respectively). Furthermore, the combination of sesamin with fluconazole highlighted relevant synergistic effects. The described screening protocol revealed the natural product sesamin as a potential novel antifungal agent, showing an interesting predicted pharmacological profile, paving the way to the development of innovative therapeutics against fungal infections. Notably, our screening protocol can be helpful in antifungal drug discovery.

COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV -2), has emerged as a global health problem. It was first reported in Wuhan city of China, in December 2019. Unfortunately, no specific and effective drug is available to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients. There is an urgent need to control COVID-19pandemic. Research & development of novel molecules is a timeconsuming and labour-intensive procedure in the midst of a pandemic. The aim of drug repurposing is to find a therapeutically effective molecule from a library of pre-existing compounds. In the present article, a large number of anti-viral drugs with their potential efficacy in inhibiting replication of virus by targeting the virus S protein (Spike protein), 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and papain-like protease (PLpro), which play an important role in the replication cycle and pathogenesis of coronaviruses, were assessed as possible treatment options against SARS-CoV-2 infected COVID-19 patients. The continuing SARS-CoV-2 epidemic emphasises the importance of efficient anti-viral medications that can be administered swiftly to decrease morbidity, death, and viral transmission. Several breakthroughs in the development of COVID-19 treatment options might be made by repurposing widely active anti-viral medicines and chemicals that are known to suppress viral replication of related viruses.

Diarrhea is the major health issue in developing countries with high morbidity and mortality rate among children below 2 years of age.Mothers hygiene behaviour is associated with occurrence of diarrhea in children as they are the primary care givers. We carried out a survey to assess the behavioural practices of mother regarding hygiene and sanitation and prevalence of diarrheal diseases in children below 2 years of age. Stratified systemic sampling technique was used to draw sampling frame.Based on the calculated sample size of 84, a total of 101 subjects were enrolled for the study. Data was collected in the month of July-Nov, 2014 by using interview schedule and observational checklist. 62 variables were used in the checklist to measure the behaviour score of mothers on hygiene and sanitation practices. The mean score of hygiene and sanitation practices of mother was 48 out of 62 and the range was 32-52. The diarrhea episodes in the past 3 months were considered for measuring the prevalence of diarrhea among children below 2 years of age. Mean no. of diarrheal episode occurred in children was1and the range was 1-3.The prevalence of diarrhea among children was 89%. It seems that the hygiene and sanitation practices of mothers are associated with occurrence of diarrhea among children.

Pandemics like SARS-CoV-2 and its associated illness named COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) have become a regular occurrence in the past recent decades. Though, novel Coronavirus devastated human lives, its earlier cousins SARS-CoV1, MERS and lesser known infections like 229E, NL63, OC43, HK01 were less threatening. Humankind should brace up towards identifying, managing and finding a suitable cure to prevent incidence of such deadly diseases.it is a well-known fact that viral diseases can be curbed only with vaccines. In this respect, the world has witnessed both the design and delivery of vaccines against SARS-CoV2 in a record time. Candidates for Vaccines designed vary from targeting proteins or nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) of the virus, with or without adjuvants with a potency to generate memory. Though, this has been lauded by the entire humankind, there is still the need for other therapeutics to control and treat COVID-19. Therapeutic Drugs are inexhaustible group of molecules that showed some promise in diagnosis, treatment or prevention of SARS-CoV-2 but provide no form of ‘memory’. In this Review, we summarize the current knowledge on the therapeutic options other than vaccines or licensed antiviral drugs that can be repurposed to be considered for the treatment and prevention of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Uncontrolled population growth is recognised as the single most important impediment to national development and birth control is the first important step woman must be taken to keep a check over uncontrolled population. Often family planning is used as synonym for birth control. The main objective of family planning programme is to assist individuals and couples to space and/or limit their children prevent unwanted pregnancy, improve their overall reproductive and child health. Contraception is one of the major components of Reproductive health programme. The use of contraceptive measures constituted the backbone of the programme. Therefore, assessing the current level of the knowledge regarding contraceptive devices among general population is very important so that the further planning can be done for educational teaching programmers to enhance their knowledge. Aim: This study was conducted to assess knowledge regarding selected contraceptive methods among married women attending gynae opd, Govt. Multi speciality hospital-16, Chandigarh. Setting and Design: Govt. Multi speciality hospital-16, Chandigarh was the setting for the study. Quantitative research approach and a descriptive research design was used for the study. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on a sample of 100 married women between the age group of 15-49 yrs of age attending gynae opd, Govt. Multi speciality hospital-16, Chandigarh using simple random sampling. Data was collected using self structured multiple choice questionnaire on contraceptive method usage. The collected data was organized, tabulated, analyzed and interpreted using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The findings of the study revealed that out of 100 married women majority i.e. 54% of the respondents had good level of knowledge and near about 40% had average knowledge. It has been concluded from the present study that respondents have basic knowledge of contraception but detailed knowledge about contraceptive methods was not known to the women. Therefore, the health talk was given to enhance the knowledge of the subjects regarding the topic.

Diarrhea is the major health issue in developing countries with high morbidity and mortality rate among children below 2 years of age.Mothers hygiene behaviour is associated with occurrence of diarrhea in children as they are the primary care givers. We carried out a survey to assess the behavioural practices of mother regarding hygiene and sanitation and prevalence of diarrheal diseases in children below 2 years of age. Stratified systemic sampling technique was used to draw sampling frame.Based on the calculated sample size of 84, a total of 101 subjects were enrolled for the study. Data was collected in the month of July-Nov, 2014 by using interview schedule and observational checklist. 62 variables were used in the checklist to measure the behaviour score of mothers on hygiene and sanitation practices. The mean score of hygiene and sanitation practices of mother was 48 out of 62 and the range was 32-52. The diarrhea episodes in the past 3 months were considered for measuring the prevalence of diarrhea among children below 2 years of age. Mean no. of diarrheal episode occurred in children was1and the range was 1-3.The prevalence of diarrhea among children was 89%. It seems that the hygiene and sanitation practices of mothers are associated with occurrence of diarrhea among children. &nbsp

Regulation of cellular redox homeostasis determines the fate of the cell. Perturbation in redox status is known to elicit multiple cellular pathways. Role of oxidative stress modulation in channelizing the cell towards apoptosis or rescuing the cell by activating pro-survival pathways, depends on the levels of generated oxidative stress. High levels of generated oxidative stress induce cell death pathways whereas mild and low levels are known to elicit the cell survival pathways. Generation of ROS for a short duration of time inducing Redox ticking also triggers the pro-survival pathways inside the cell. Nrf2 is the redox sensitive prosurvival transcription factor which acts as master regulator of redox equilibrium. Nrf2 and its dependent genes including HO-1, GCLC, NQO1 etc. are involved in maintaining the cellular redox homeostasis. Role of Nrf2 as dual edges sword has been highlighted in past decade. The cross talk between the Nrf2 and NF-κB is at the focal point of building the redox response network. The present chapter is aimed at providing the insight on the role of Nrf2 and NF-κB as redox sensitive transcription factors in regulating cellular redox status. Further, the chapter brings in light the therapeutic potential of targeting Nrf2 under multiple clinical settings.

Natural products have been included in our dietary supplements and have been shown to have numerous therapeutic properties. With the looming danger of many zoonotic agents and novel emerging pathogens mainly of viral origin, many researchers are launching various clinical trials, testing these compounds for their antiviral activity. The present work deals with some of the available natural compounds from the literature that have demonstrated activity in counteracting pathogen infections. Accordingly, we screened, using in silico methods, this subset of natural compounds for searching potential drug candidates able to interfere in the recognition of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein and its target human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor, leading to the viral entry. Disrupting that recognition is crucial for slowing down the entrance of viral particles into host cells. The selected group of natural products was examined, and their interaction profiles against the host cell target protein ACE2 were studied at the atomic level. Based on different computer-based procedures including molecular docking, physicochemical property evaluation, and molecular dynamics, butein was identified as a potential hit molecule able to bind the hACE2 receptor. The results indicate that herbal compounds can be effective for providing possible therapeutics for treating and managing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.

Fungal endophytes are considered as repository of potent novel bioactive compounds with profuse chemical diversity. These bioactive compounds have been widely utilized in pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. The present work was undertaken to bio-prospect the fungal endophytes from Rauwolfia serpentina, a medicinal plant used in multiple indigenous preparations, for possible therapeutic interventions. 21 fungal endophytes were isolated from Rauwolfia serpentina with maximum colonization in leaf (42.8 %) followed by bark (33.3%) and stem (23.8%). In the enzymatic activity screening, #15RSBNEY was found to be potent amylase producer and #3RSSTNEY as potential cellulase producer. Further, three isolates viz. #16RSLBRT, #10RSLBRT and #23RSSTNEY exhibited promising antibacterial activity with maximum activity exhibited by #10RSLBRT against all test strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Interestingly, it was observed that antibacterial activity of #10RSLBRT increased by two fold after fractionation with acetone and chloroform. Based on above result, the culture filtrate of #10RSLBRT was extracted with hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate followed by agar well gel diffusion method for antibacterial activity. The crude ethyl acetate residue of #10RSLBRT hereby exhibited potent antibacterial activity. The potential isolate i.e. #10RSLBRT was identified by molecular taxonomic tools using internal transcribed spacer rDNA analysis and was clustered in the Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti complex. Further studies on the characterization of bioactive compounds of ethyl acetate extract of # 10RSLBRT are warranted for the development of anti-staphylococcal therapy.

Pollution such as water pollution got intensified with an increase in population density. So, it became important to deal with various industrial and household contaminants like dyes, heavy metals, microbes and radioactive materials. Hence, to remediate the water from such hazardous contaminants in a rapidly developing world, new technological inventions are required globally. Nanotechnology is getting increased attention as it is an advanced technology and shows advantages compared to other innovations. Various technologies are available in remediating water such as algal turf systems and nanoparticle-based adsorption. There are several ways of nanoparticle synthesis, but the algae-based synthesis is very significant and environment friendly. The potential and efficiency of algae in waste water remediation is remarkable and several contaminants can be detoxified, transformed and volatized by algae. There are several potential benefits associated with the algae mediated phycoremediation due to its advantages over conventional systems of remediation and heavy metal removal. Algal strains are easy to culture and adaptive in nature and can be easily manipulated within the laboratory. In this review, we have discussed the biological green nanoparticle synthesis using algae as an eco-friendly, cheap and cost-effective sustainable technology. However, algal mediated waste water treatment is yet in a primary stage and many innovative steps are necessary for adaptive remediation strategies, which can sustainably address global waste water issues.

Background: Biosynthesis of nanoparticles from aqueous leaf extract of ‘Selaginella bryopteris’ is a green chemistry approach and is considered to be one of the most efficient methods as it is devoid of toxic chemicals as well as provides natural capping agents for the stabilization of synthesized nanoparticles. ‘S.bryopteris’ also known as ‘Sanjeevani’ (in India), is thought to be prospective natural resource that possesses extraordinary pharmaceutical potential. Objective: S. bryopteris is exclusively native to India and has already been known for its expression of stress-associated genes and high levels of protective metabolites of sugars, phenolic compounds, and polyols. Its potential as an antibacterial agent is being elucidated. Methods: Different leaf extract volumes, silver nitrate (AgNO3) concentrations, and reaction time were investigated separately and the optimal conditions for the synthesis of AgNPs were suggested. The resulting AgNPs were characterized by various techniques like Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and XRay Diffraction (XRD). Antibacterial assays were carried out by using both agar disk and well diffusion method. Results: The AgNPs synthesized in this process were found to have efficient antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive as well as Gram-negative bacteria. The antibacterial efficacy of S. bryopteris was consciously tried on uropathogenic Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacteria) and Bacillus megaterium (Gram-positive bacteria) which have the self-limiting food poisoning potential along with opportunistic uropathogenic bacterial strains namely Proteus mirabilis (Gram-negative bacteria) and a non-pathogenic Micrococcus luteus (Gram-positive bacteria) for comparison. Conclusion: S. bryopteris mediated silver nanoparticles’ synthesis is attempted for being cost-effective, eco-friendly and safe for human therapeutics.

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with different intrinsic subtypes. The conventional treatment of surgical resection, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy has not shown significant improvement in the survival rate of breast cancer patients. The therapeutics used cause bystander toxicities deteriorating healthy tissues. The breakthroughs of nanotechnology have been a promising feat in selective targeting of tumor site thus increasing the therapeutic gain. By the application of nanoenabled carriers, nanomedicines ensure targeted delivery, stability, enhanced cellular uptake, biocompatibility and higher apoptotic efficacy. The present review focuses on breakthrough of nanoscale intervention in targeted drug delivery as novel class of therapeutics. Nanoenabled carriers like polymeric and metallic nanoparticles, dendrimers, quantum dots, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, drug-antibody conjugates and exosomes revolutionized the targeted therapeutic delivery approach. These nanoassemblies have shown additional effect of improving the solubility of drugs such as paclitaxel, reducing the dose and toxicity. The present review provides an insight on the different drug conjugates employed/investigated to curb breast cancer using nanocarrier mediated targeted drug delivery. However, identification of appropriate biomarkers to target, clearer insight of the biological processes, batch uniformity, reproducibility, nanomaterial toxicity and stabilities are the hurdles faced by nanodrugs. The potential of nano-therapeutics delivery necessitates the agglomerated efforts of research community to bridge the route of nanodrugs for scale-up, commercialization and clinical applications.

Pulmonary Cryptococcosis is a rare and difficult to diagnose entity. It has been found to be associated with immunocompromised patients. Pulmonary Cryptococcosis in an immunocompetent patient is extremely rare condition. A high degree of suspicion is required to diagnose the condition. We hereby present a case of pulmonary cryptococcosis in an immunocompetent young male which is a rare clinical entity.

Cellular redox status has been considered as a focal point for the pathogenesis of multiple disorders. High and persistent levels of free radicals kick off inflammation and associated disorders. Though oxidative stress at high levels is harmful but at low levels it has been shown to exert cytoprotective effects. Therefore, cytoprotection by perturbation in cellular redox balance is a leading strategy for therapeutic interventions. Prooxidants are potent redox modifiers that generate mild oxidative stress leading to a spectrum of bioactivities. Naphthoquinones are a group of highly reactive organic chemical species that interact with biological systems owing to their prooxidants nature. Owing to the ability of naphthoquinones and its derivatives to perturb redox balance in a cell and modulate redox signaling, they have been in epicenter of drug development for plausible utilization in multiple clinical settings. The present review highlights the potential of 1,4-naphthoquinone and its natural derivatives (plumbagin, juglone, lawsone, menadione, lapachol and β-lapachone) as redox modifiers with anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and anti-microbial activities for implication in therapeutic settings.

Corneoscleral tunnel infection is a potentially sight threatening complication of cataract surgery. Microbiological investigations are mandatory and early surgical intervention helps in achieving favourable outcomes. Fungal infection of tunnel incisions can pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We report a case of post-operative tunnel infection with curvularia. Prompt surgical intervention and intensive topical therapy helped attain a good tectonic as well as visual recovery.

Success of targeted cancer treatment modalities has generated an ambience of plausible cure for cancer. However, cancer remains to be the major cause of mortality across the globe. The emergence of chemoresistance, relapse after treatment and associated adverse effects has posed challenges to the present therapeutic regimes. Thus, investigating new therapeutic agents of natural origin and delineating the underlying mechanism of action is necessary. Since ages and still in continuum, the phytochemicals have been the prime source of identifying bioactive agents against cancer. They have been exploited for isolating targeted specific compounds to modulate the key regulating signaling pathways of cancer pathogenesis and progression. Capsaicin (alkaloid compound in chilli), catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (phytochemicals in green tea), lutein (carotenoid found in yellow fruits), Garcinol (phenolic compound present in kokum tree) and many other naturally available compounds are also very valuable to develop the drugs to treat the cancer. An alternate repository of similar chemical diversity exists in the form of endophytic fungi inhabiting the medicinal plants. There is a high diversity of plant associated endophytic fungi in nature which are potent producers of anti-cancer compounds and offers even stronger hope for the discovery of an efficient anti-cancer drug. These fungi provide various bioactive molecules, such as terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, quinines, steroids etc. exhibiting anti-cancerous property. The review discusses the relevance of phytochemicals in chemoprevention and as modulators of miRNA. The perspective advocates the imperative role of anti-cancerous secondary metabolites containing repository of endophytic fungi, as an alternative route of drug discovery.

Diatoms are ubiquitous, biologically widespread, and have global significance due to their unique silica cell wall composition and noteworthy applied aspects. Diatoms are being extensively exploited for environmental monitoring, reconstruction, and stratigraphic correlation. However, considering all the rich elements of diatoms biology, the current literature lacks sufficient information on the therapeutic attributes and applied aspects of biological macromolecules from diatoms, hampering added advances in all aspects of diatom biology. Diatoms offer numerous high-value compounds, such as fatty acids, polysaccharides, polypeptides, pigments, and polyphenols. Diatoms with a high content of PUFA's are targets of transformation into high-value products through microalgal technologies due to their wide application and growing market as nutraceuticals and food supplements. Diatoms are renewable biomaterial, which can be used to develop drug delivery systems due to biocompatibility, surface area, cost-effective ratio, and ease in surface modifications. Innovative approaches are needed to envisage cost-effective ways for the isolation of bioactive compounds, enhance productivity, and elucidate the detailed mechanism of action. This review spotlights the notable applications of diatoms and their biologically active constituents, such as fucoxanthin and omega 3 fatty acids, among others with unique structural and functional entities.

Endophytic fungi have been in the spotlight as a reservoir of novel agents with diverse bioactivities. Similarity in chemical diversity with the host plant makes them an amenable target for industrial interventions. A wide range of compounds as secondary metabolites and enzymes are manufactured inside the endophytic fungal factory. However, utilization of endophytic fungi as industrially imperative enzyme producers has been a scarce event. The present study was conducted to bio-prospect the fungal endophytes present in the high altitude medicinal plants of Uttarakhand, as industrially imperative enzyme producers. A total of 58 different endophytic isolates were obtained from Pinus sabiniana, Cinnamomum tamala, Cinnamomum verum, Ocimum tenuiflorum and Rhododendron arboreum. Endophytic fungal colonization was highest, 31%, in Pinus sabiniana. The pure isolates were further explored for the production of amylases, cellulases, proteases and L-asparaginase. Out of 58 isolates, 40 isolates exhibited potent enzyme productivity. #7PSSTB isolate was considered as superlative contender on account of its relatively higher production of all the three enzymes viz. amylases, cellulases, proteases. Partial purification of #7PSSTB extract showed compelling enzymatic activity corroborating the existence of exogenous enzyme in the extract. Interestingly, #9 RASTB, #11 RASTB and #17 RASTB exhibited the production of therapeutically imperative L-asparaginase enzyme. The present study puts the spotlight on endophytic diversity in the high altitude medicinal plants as a source of enzymes of industrial interest. Production of L-asparaginase paves the way of pharmaceutical intervention to explore anti-oncogenic effects in the endophytic fungal repository of high altitude regions.

Pesticides are those chemical substances which are meant to kill pests. The use of pesticides has become so common these days that this term is often treated as synonymous with plant protection product. Pesticides are commonly used to eliminate or control different agricultural pests that can damage crops and livestock and reduce the productivity of farm. The assessment of the risks of pesticides cannot be easily monitored as adverse effects of a pesticide may take a long time after exposure or after repeated or prolonged exposure. Such effects are chronic in nature and may cause cancer, impaired immune defense, lower reproductive ability, and reduced growth. Such factors can affect the size of population and entire ecosystem in the long term. Pesticides are meant to kill a particular pest, but quite a large percentage of pesticides reach some other destination than their basic target because they enter the air, water, soil, or sediments and ultimately in our food. Pesticides are known to have some human health hazards, short-term impacts like headaches and nausea to chronic impacts like cancer, loss of reproductive ability, etc. The uses of pesticides also adversely affect the general biodiversity in the soil. If there are no harmful chemicals in the soil, then that soil is of higher quality. Hence, the chapter focuses on the use of nanoparticles in the detection and degradation of pesticides.

In the year 2019, the potent zoonotic virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) began to rage globally, which resulted in the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring it as a pandemic on March 11th, 2020. Although extensive research is currently ongoing worldwide to understand the molecular mechanism and disease pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2, there are still many nuances to elucidate. Therefore, developing an appropriate vaccine or therapeutic drug to combat coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is exceedingly challenging. Such scenarios require multifaceted approaches to identify suitable contenders for drugs against COVID-19. In this context, investigating natural compounds found in food, spices, and beverages can lead to the discovery of lead molecules that could be repurposed to treat COVID-19. Sixteen cucurbitacin analogues were investigated for activity against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease protein (Mpro), angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) binding receptor, nonstructural protein 12 (NSP12) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), NSP13 helicase, and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway using several relevant tools and simulated screening methods. All key proteins were found to bind efficiently only with cucurbitacin G 2-glucoside and cucurbitacin H with the lowest global energy. Further, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of all the cucurbitacins were analysed to explore their drug profiles. Cucurbitacin G 2-glucoside and H showed the best hits and all the analogues showed no adverse properties that would diminish their drug-likeness abilities. The encouraging results of the current study may lay the foundation for future research and development of effective measures and preventive medications against SARS-CoV-2., Graphical abstract Image 1

Biotechnology is a broad area of biology that involves the technological application of living cells, organisms and systems to make or develop products. It exploits cellular and bimolecular processes to innovate technologies and products that improve the standard of living and the planet’s health. Biotechnology has been essential in the betterment of medicine, industry and agriculture. It has great potential for the conservation and preservation of cultural monuments. With a rapid increase in population and pollution, cultural monuments are now being degraded and eroded away at a rapid pace. Some have blackened, some have lost their shine and some are left ruined by acid rain. Mechanical methods such as washing have not proven to be a success in the conservation of these monuments. Recent work using biotechnology has proven to be a better alternative in the conservation and preservation of monuments. Biotechnology research in restoration work of cultural monuments develops in two directions, one which focuses on the development of accurate diagnostic techniques for the identification and characterization of bio-deteriogens and alterations and the other which focuses on the development of innovative restoration methods by the employment of new products. Bacteria that reduce sulphur were used for black crust of marble from the Cathedral of Florence. The Desulfovibrio desulfuricans bacteria have been used for the removal of black patina which contains large amounts of sulphates. Denitrifying bacteria, for example, Pseudomonas stutzeri, have been used for the removal of nitrate pollutants.

In this study, naturally occurring diatoms frustules of Thalassiosira weissflogii were utilized as a drug delivery system. The amount of curcumin (model drug) loaded onto the frustules was found to be 79.05 ± 4%. The drug release kinetics data suggest that the rate of drug release was faster in physiological conditions compared to acidic conditions. The surface charge of −3.05 supports the adsorption of curcumin to the void pores of biosilica. The experimental results were further characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), Zeta potential (ζ), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The cell viability assay suggests that curcumin-loaded biosilica do not have any toxic effect on HEK 293 (normal) whereas showed toxic effect against ACHN (cancer) cell lines. The biological activity of the test compound exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial action against Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Aeromonas. This work exhibits that the live marine diatoms can be a promising stage for drug delivery application owing to their stability, biocompatibility, cellular uptake, non-toxic and drug release profiles.