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A hexagonal mesoporous molecular sieve-like structure of MCM41 and SBA15 with a large surface area was used to immobilize protein L-ribose isomerase (L-RI) through covalent linkages. The amino group of APTES functionalized nanosilica support MCM41 and SBA15 interacted with glutaraldehyde to promote bidentate linkage and on other side with amino group of enzyme. The use of mesoporous silica matrix for immobilization was observed to conserve the distinctive properties of the protein. The various operational conditions optimized for covalent conjugation of protein with the silica support were found to be dependent on enzyme support ratio, immobilization temperature and time. The immobilization yield of L-RI on MCM41 and SBA15 was achieved to be 60 % (600 mg enzyme /g matrix) and 45 % (450 mg enzyme/g matrix), respectively under the optimized conditions. The immobilized biocatalyst was characterized by various analytical techniques like HR-TEM, EDS, FTIR, TGA and BET. Effects of different experimental conditions were optimized to study enzyme kinetics, pH, temperature, bioconversion, reusability, metal ion effect and storage stability. The biocatalytic efficiency (k

In this study, a high value rare sugar D-tagatose was synthesized using recyclable magnetic catalysts. A magnetic cross-linked enzyme aggregate (mCLEA) of L-arabinose isomerase (L-AI) was developed for the transformation of D-galactose into D-tagatose. Similarly, a combined magnetic cross-linked enzyme aggregate (Combi-mCLEA) of dual enzyme L-AI and β-galactosidase (β-Gal) was also prepared for the synthesis of D-tagatose from lactose in a cascade reaction. To accomplish this, L-AI alone and together with β-Gal was stabilized in magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and precipitated by an appropriate precipitating agent and then cross-linked by glutaraldehyde under optimal conditions. Immobilized catalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Results suggested that the immobilized catalysts retained a maximum initial activity and achieved equilibrium level conversion in 24 h of enzyme catalysis. The main advantage of the developed magnetic catalysts was their recovery using an external magnet after completion of the reaction. Additionally, mCLEA and Combi-mCLEA showed reusability potential for more than 10 consecutive batch cycles of rare sugar D-tagatose synthesis from D-galactose and lactose, respectively. Thus, these immobilized magnetic catalysts have shown promising catalytic potential for the synthesis of D-tagatose.

A dual-enzyme metal-organic hybrid crystal was constructed through self-assembling of manganese phosphate embedded with β-galactosidase and L-arabinose isomerase for facile synthesis of rare sugar D-tagatose. The synthesized crystal-like hierarchical system (MnHC@β-Gal+L-AI) was extensively characterized for structural features and catalytic reactions. The results indicated that upon immobilization onto the hybrid crystal, the activity of β-galactosidase and L-arabinose iomerase was enhanced by a factor of 1.6- and 1.5-fold, respectively. The developed MnHC@β-Gal+L-AI exhibited excellent efficiency with a net equilibrium level conversion of low-cost substrate whey lactose (100%) into D-glucose (∼50%), D-galactose (∼25%), and D-tagatose (∼25%). In addition, the fabricated hybrid crystals displayed cofactor regeneration ability. Therefore, the developed hybrid system was observed to be efficiently reused more than 5 times in a batch level conversion. Hence, the developed dual-enzyme-based hybrid crystal provides a platform for direct transformation of whey lactose into rare sugar D-tagatose.

Here, whole genome sequencing of Microbacterium sp. CIAB417 was conducted to determine its novelty at species level and identification of genes encoding for enzymes for mannan degradation. The draft genome was predicted to have 6.53 mbp length represented by 41 contigs and 6078 genes. However, only 82.35% genes were allocated for their functions. The whole genome phylogeny, ANI score (78.84%), GGDC (genome to genome distance calculations) show probability (DDH ≥ 70%) equal to 0% and difference in advanced biochemical properties among closely predicted species. The Microbacterium sp. CIAB417 was stipulated to be novel at species level. Isolate was named as Microbacterium camelliasinensis CIAB417 (accession no JAHZUT000000000) based on its isolation from a tea garden soil. Genome was predicted for three novel mannanase coding genes man1 (MZ702740), man2 (MZ702741), and man3 (MZ702737) that belong to the GH5 and GH113 family. Besides that, mannan side chain hydrolysing enzymes alpha-galactosidase (gla1; MZ702739) and beta-glucosidase (glu1; MZ702738) were also predicted.

Long-term storage of tubers in refrigerated and non-refrigerated storage induces sprouting and other degradative quality changes, thus making them unacceptable for consumption. There are already known effects of packaging materials on storability of fresh produce while optimization of package with respect to temperature for shelf life enhancement of tubers is still needed in the case of deficient storage conditions. Therefore, we investigated the combined effect on post-harvest quality parameters of various packaging materials, viz. polypropylene (PP), perforated polypropylene (PP(P)), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), perforated low-density polyethylene (LDPE(P)), brown gunny sacks (BS) and white nylon gunny sacks (WS), in refrigerated storage temperature of 8 °C and non-refrigerated storage temperature of 25 °C. Sprout and spoilage appearance, weight loss, firmness, colour difference, sucrose, reducing sugars, vitamin C, total phenolic content and DPPH-antioxidant activity and overall quality index were evaluated in stored potato tubers. Lower weight loss in LDPE and PP bags was observed along with the higher retention of total phenolics and antioxidant activity of tubers. The presence of perforations resulted in higher firmness of potatoes at both the temperatures. Colour changes were determined by the temperature effects rather than packaging. The study also established some physicochemical quality indicators based on the cut-off points produced from overall quality index evaluated using the sensory attributes of stored potatoes. Overall, PP(P), LDPE(P), BS and WS can be recommended for long-term storage, while PP and LDPE can be used as an option for short-term storage.

The present study aims to develop functional composite edible films using varied film formulations containing pectin (P), corn flour (CF), beetroot powder (BP), orange peel powder + sodium alginate (OPS), muesli root powder (MRP) and rice flour (RF) along with their structural, mechanical and functional characterization. Strong intermolecular attachment evolved between starch and pectin molecules due to hydrogen bonding of their hydrophilic groups, confirmed through scanning electron micrographs and FTIR spectra. Also, P-CF ratio (1:1) might retained some crystalline regions of starch which has significantly enhanced structural integrity and functionality of films in terms of tensile strength (TS), water solubility (WS), water vapour permeability (WVP) and thermal stability. In accordance with Herschel-Bulkley model, the predicted consistency index and flow behaviour values were affected by film formulation and the model was of good fit with R2 = 0.81 (PC3), R2 = 0.74 (PCB3) and R2 = 0.99 (for rest formulations). Although, higher proportions of hydrophilic polymers (P, OPS & BP) due to higher molecular mobility resulted in less rigid, highly soluble, moisture permeable and thermally unstable films. Furthermore, RF films possessed cracks over the surface and insoluble fractions due to insufficient starch gelatinization which decreased their TS and barrier properties. The ATR-FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of functional groups corresponding to starch and pectin in range of 500–4000 cm−1. The variation among different films underlies only in peak intensities due to some molecular changes. Overall, the films made of P-CF ratio (1:1) were more functional and structurally stable as compared to rest of the films, thus, they would make a better alternative for synthetic packaging.

Picrorhiza kurrooa Royle ex Benth., an important high altitude plant produces picrosides, the monoterpenoids of high therapeutic value. Production of geraniol in the iridoid branch of the picroside biosynthetic pathway is a key step in the biosynthesis of picrosides. Geraniol synthase, catalyzes the conversion of geranyl pyrophosphate into geraniol. In view of this, here we report the identification and sequence analysis of PkGES promoter. The PkGES promoter sequence was isolated following a directional genome walking approach. Presence of similar cis elements such as GT1 consensus elements, LTREs, DREs, WRKY binding elements, PREATPRODH motif, BIHD1OS motif, SEBFCONSSTPR10A motif and MeJA responsive elements in the promoter sequence of PkGES documented its multiple stress responsive characteristic signifying its role in adaptation. Further, PkGES showed differential expression pattern in leaves, rhizome and roots. To elucidate whether the differential expression pattern of PkGES correlates with its epigenetic regulation, DNA methylation analysis of promoter as well as coding region of PkGES was conducted. The DNA methylation levels in the promoter sequence of PkGES gene were found to be dominated at CG followed by CHH and CHG sequence contexts. Epigenetic regulation (DNA methylation) of promoter as well as coding region of PkGES suggested its role in the regulation of PkGES transcripts in diverse tissues. The present study has revealed the presence of several stress inducible cis elements in PkGES promoter sequence and its tissue specific epigenetic regulation in P. kurrooa.

The aim of the study was to develop a tomato-based beverage and to investigate the effect of thermal (pasteurization) and non-thermal (ultrasonication, ultra-violet (UV), atmospheric cold plasma (ACP)) processing on the quality of a tomato-based beverage. The ultrasonication and ACP processing for 10 min put significant effect on L* and a* color values of the tomato beverage. All the processing techniques applied degraded ascorbic acid but maximum retention (95%) of ascorbic acid was found in ACP processed beverage. Furthermore, ACP processing of 10 min also had significant (p ≥ 0.05) effect on bioactive compounds like chlorogenic acid, sinapic acid and gallic acid in comparison to thermal and other non-thermal processing. Moreover, ACP for 10 min and ultrasonication for 15 min was found equivalent to thermal processing in microbial reduction and ACP processing for 10 min was found equivalent to pasteurization in reduction of yeast and mold count. Both thermal and non-thermal processing had insignificant (p ≥ 0.05) effects on pH, TSS and sugars of developed beverage. In summary, ACP processing for 10 min has emerged as the best processing method for retaining as well as improving the quality of the developed beverage.

The CRISPR–Cas9 is emerging genome editing tool and very easy and straightforward in operation that has been tested and explored for introduction of new traits in plant systems. Recently, a number of reports have documented utilization of this technology for providing tolerance against viral diseases mediated by begomoviruses. Begomoviruses infect dicot and are transmitted by white flies and cause devastating losses to yield of important agricultural crops including tomato, cassava and cotton. An overview of genomic structure of begomoviruses has been presented to understand the potential strategy for designing of effective sgRNAs to combat the viral replication for generating resistance against infection. This review provides the introduction, recent developments, and applications of the CRISPR–Cas9 system in plants and proposes a holistic methodology for generating cotton plant an example having resistance against begomoviruses. The genome editing using CRISPR–Cas9 system against complex of begomoviruses collectively termed as cotton leaf curl virus, which a major contributor to reduction of the cotton yield especially in Northern India and Pakistan is also discussed thoroughly. In conclusion, this potential strategy could be a sustainable approach for development of tolerant crops against diseases mediated by DNA viruses.

The biocatalysts are broadly explored in the biological transformation processes. The enzyme cascade catalysis involves various catalytic activities in a sequential process to produce the desired product including the formation of reaction intermediates. Enzyme immobilization is a method in which enzymes are confined within a support or matrix either physically or chemically to enhance their relative stability and catalytic activity in the enzyme cascade catalysis. In view of this, L-arabinose isomerase (L-AI) and L-ribose isomerase (L-RI) were immobilized on zeolite based metal framework as a micro-composite construct (DEMC@L-AI+L-RI) using linker, and metal ions. Such immobilization could be of great significance and provide several advantages like mesoporous surface for enzyme adsorption, desirable functionality in the production of products in enzyme cascade reaction, high storage stability and enhanced recyclability. The developed DEMC@L-AI+L-RI was characterized using SEM, FTIR, CLSM and TGA. The immobilization yield was 32% and loading of enzyme was 22% on the surface of micro-composite. The DEMC@L-AI+L-RI showed relatively stable catalytic activity at pH 5-6 and temperature 40 °C. The catalytic efficiency (k

C-Phycocyanin (C-PC) is a natural blue colored protein of

Geranyl geranyl pyrophosphate synthase (GGPPS) is known to form an integral subunit of the heteromeric GPPS (geranyl pyrophosphate synthase) complex and catalyzes the biosynthesis of monoterpene in plants. Picrorhiza kurrooa Royle ex Benth., a medicinally important high altitude plant is known for picroside biomolecules, the monoterpenoids. However, the significance of heteromeric GPPS in P. kurrooa still remains obscure. Here, transient silencing of PkGGPPS was observed to reduce picroside-I (P-I) content by more than 60% as well as picroside-II (P-II) by more than 75%. Thus, PkGGPPS was found to be involved in the biosynthesis of P-I and P-II besides other terpenoids. To unravel the mechanism, small subunit of GPPS (PkGPPS.SSU) was identified from P. kurrooa. Protein-protein interaction studies in yeast as well as bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) in planta have indicated that large subunit of GPPS PkGPPS.LSUs (PkGGPPS1 and PkGGPPS2) and PkGPPS.SSU form a heteromeric GPPS. Presence of similar conserved domains such as light responsive motifs, low temperature responsive elements (LTRE), dehydration responsive elements (DREs), W Box and MeJA responsive elements in the promoters of PkGPPS.LSU and PkGPPS.SSU documented their involvement in picroside biosynthesis. Further, the tissue specific transcript expression analysis vis-a-vis epigenetic regulation (DNA methylation) of promoters as well as coding regions of PkGPPS.LSU and PkGPPS.SSU has strongly suggested their role in picroside biosynthesis. Taken together, the newly identified PkGPPS.SSU formed the heteromeric GPPS by interacting with PkGPPS.LSUs to synthesize P-I and P-II in P. kurrooa.

The effects of high pressure processing (HPP) applying 500 MPa for 10 min at 25 °C on microbial inactivation and stability of quality parameters [bioactive compounds, phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, color, NEBI (non-enzymatic browning index), and sensory analysis] were studied. It was found that HPP treated whey-lime beverage achieved the maximum shelf-life of 120 days by keeping the microbial populations below the detection limit throughout the storage period (p

With the advancement of biotechnological tools and techniques such as next generation sequencing, RNAomics, epigenomics, gene silencing, plant, microbe transformation, proteomics and metabolomics, the understanding of metabolic pathways and their manipulation for the desired characters became feasible. Metabolic engineering has been successful in the production of golden rice, bioprocess for artemisinin production, flavonoids in plant and microbes as well as generated biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in several crop plants. In view of the significance of metabolic engineering, this article includes recent techniques developed and their use in manipulation of glyoxalase metabolism for multiple abiotic stress tolerance in plants. The importance of engineering of flavonoids pathway for high value antioxidants production as well as improving the biotic and abiotic stress tolerance has been documented. Importance and success of metabolic engineering has been realized by its promising hope for sustainable technologies of bioactives production for mankind’s health as well as in the generation of improved crop varieties.

The gene encoding protease from Acinetobacter sp. IHB B 5011(MN12) was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The nucleotide sequence revealed 1323bp ORF encoding 441 amino acids protein with molecular weight 47.2kDa. The phylogenetic analysis showed clustering of Alp protease with subtilisin-like serine proteases of S8 family. The amino acid sequence was comprised of N-terminal signal peptide 1-21 amino acids, pre-peptide 22-143 amino acids, peptidase S8 domain 144-434 amino acids, and pro-peptide 435-441 amino acids at C-terminus. Three constructs with signal peptide pET-Alp, without signal peptide pET-Alp1 and peptidase S8 domain pET-Alp2 were prepared for expression in E. coli BL21(DE3). The recombinant proteins Alp1 and Alp2 expressed as inclusion bodies showed ∼50kDa and ∼40kDa bands, respectively. The pre-propeptide ∼11kDa removed from Alp1 resulted in mature protein of ∼35kDa with 1738Umg-1 specific activity. The recombinant protease was optimally active at 40°C and pH 9, and stable over 10-70°C and 6-12pH. The activity at low-temperature and alkaline pH was supported by high R/(R+K) ratio, more glycine, less proline, negatively charged amino acids, less salt bridges and longer loops. These properties suggested the suitability of Alp as additive in the laundry.

The necessity to develop new strategies for the control of Fusarium wilt of tomato signifies the identification of pathogencity genes and ascertaining their role to use them as molecular tools for fungicide development or to develop transgenics. Semi-quantitative gene expression studies have identified two pathogenicity genes, FOW2 and chsV, reported as ZnII)2Cys6-type transcription regulator and class V chitin synthase, respectively, as potential ones for being secreted all the time. The roles of these genes in the pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum and F. solani have been established by RNA interference (RNAi)-induced silencing (knockdown). The silencing vector encoding hairpin RNA of each of the gene fragment was constructed in a two-step PCR-based cloning, and introduced into the fungal genomic DNA. Silencing of either of the genes resulted in less virulent fungal phenotypes with altered physiological characteristics like sporulation and growth on solid media and a reduction in mRNA expression. The results therefore demonstrate the applicability of these pathogenicity genes as useful molecular targets for exploitation in Fusarium wilt control in tomato.

The aim of this study was to investigate the hurdle effect of combining atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) with hydrothermal treatment on ascorbic acid, individual polyphenolic compounds, total phenolic content, and microbial inactivation of strawberry juice. Strawberry juice was treated with ACP for 10 and 15 min using dielectric barrier discharge at 60 kV with the input voltage of 260 V. The ascorbic acid concentration was retained maximum only in ACP treatment followed by ACP + hydrothermal treatment. Furthermore, ACP treatment for 10 min coupled with hydrothermal treatment resulted in the higher concentration of gallic acid, epigallocatechin, phloretin, naringin, hyprin, and 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid with respect to control ( p

A large number of computational tools have been documented in recent years for identification of target-specific valid single-guide (sg) RNAs (18–20 nucleotide long sequence) that is an important component for the efficient utilization of the CRISPR-Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats—CRISPR-associated Protein) system. Despite optimization of Cas9, other major concerns are on-target efficiency and off-target activity that depend upon the sequence(s) of target-specific sgRNA(s). However, a very little attention has been paid for identification of the best-hit sgRNA for precise targeting as well as minimizing the off-target effects. The aim of this present work is to offer comparative insight into existing CRISPR software tools with their unique features (including targeted genome) and utilities. These available web tools were found to be designed based upon only a few limited mathematical models. Among all these available web tools, three (Benchling, Desktop and CRISPR-P) have been curated as exclusively available for plant genome-editing purpose. These three software tools have been comprehensively described and analyzed with single same target enquiry from two randomly selected genes (IDM2 and IDM3 from Arabidopsis thaliana). Interestingly, all these selected tools generated different results (sgRNAs) even for the same query. In fact, the sequence of sgRNA is considered an important parameter to determine the efficiency and specificity of sgRNAs for precise genome editing. Thus, there is an urgent requirement to pay attention for a validated sgRNA-designing tool for precise DNA editing in plants. In conclusion, this work will encourage building up a consensus for developing a universal valid sgRNA designing for different organisms including plants.

The present study aims at optimisation of enhanced solute impregnation through ultrasonication (US) at 37 kHz using central composite design of response surface methodology (RSM). Black carrots were blanched at 98 °C/3 min followed by immersion in salt-spices based solutions for 8 h, treated with bath sonication at specific intervals (2, 46 h) for 5, 10 and 15 min. Responses for optimum water loss (WL), solute gain (SG), anthocyanins retention, texture and highest antioxidant activity were optimized in effect of NaCl%, spices mix% and US time. The suggested models were of good fit while lack of fit as non-significant (p 0.0500). Best combination was compared for anthocyanins retention on pressure-cooking (120 °C/15 psi) with fresh, blanched, salt-spiced without US subjected to hot-air convective drying (55 °C/5 h). Ultrasonication-assisted salt-spiced convective dried (USPCD) carrots retained highest anthocyanin content (41%) post cooking which correlated with increased glass transition (T

The present study aimed to enhance the shelf life of tomatoes at pink-red stage through pectin (P), corn flour (CF) and beetroot powder (B) based coatings. PCF11 coating was resulted in significant enhancement of shelf life and quality retention of tomato in terms of physiological weight loss (PWL), decay per cent, ripening index, respiration rate, hue angle, firmness and DPPH antioxidant activity. Lower amounts of glucose and fructose quantified through HPLC indicated lesser cell wall components degradation in tomatoes coated with P and PCF11. Edible coatings also protected loss of phenolic acids like gallic and p-coumaric acid in tomato. All three coatings P, PCF11 and PCF11B in tomatoes showed higher retention of gloss and overall flavour scores. Further, the minimum shrinkage (18%) in tomatoes coated with PCF11 on 30th day evinced the uniformity and little hydrophobicity of pectin-corn flour-based coatings as observed through z-average particle size (d.nm)/WVP of coating solutions. Principal component analysis revealed significant correlation of several treatments and storage effects on tomatoes during shelf life study. The least separation among different points of PCF11 in score plot showed least deviation at subsequent storage intervals, revealing retention of quality of tomatoes during storage.

Nanotechnology has opened up novel applications in the field of biotechnology and crop production, as nanomaterials possess unique features such as high surface area and high reactivity as compared to their bulk counterparts. In the recent era, scientists are developing different kinds of nanoparticles (NPs) like metal-based (gold, silver, silicon dioxide, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, etc.) and carbon-based nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes and fullerenes) to play a great role in plant growth and development. Nanomaterials can behave as “magic bullets” to deliver chemicals or genes (required for proper plant functioning) at the target plant organelles with high specificity in a controlled manner. Exposure of nanomaterials to plants induce many morphological and physiological changes based on several parameters, viz., properties of NPs, chemical composition, surface coating, size, dosage, time of exposure, and many more. However, a complete knowledge regarding the dynamics of NPs interaction with plants and their effect on growth and development is still unclear. The present chapter highlights the key potentials of NPs in plant growth and development in terms of root and shoot growth, seed germination, photosynthesis, and transpiration and summarizes the mechanism of NPs interactions with plants and plant parts. The effect of nanomaterials toxicity on plant species is also discussed.

Addition of low-methoxyl pectin (LMP) was observed to reduce whey loss, improve firmness, rheology, quality and overall liking of low-fat set-yoghurt. LMP addition increased soluble solids content and resulted in higher bacterial counts (≥10 log CFU/g), acidity, bioactivity (DPPH• & ABTS+ μM Trolox/g), and lower pH of set yoghurts. A significant (p

Picroliv, a mixture of picroside I and kutkoside isolated from rhizome of Picrorrhiza kurroa has been reported for many pharmaceutical properties such as hepatoprotective, anticholestatic, antioxidant and immune‐modulating activity. However, picroliv possessed lesser efficacy due to its poor aqueous solubility and lesser bioavailability. To find solution, picroliv was loaded into biodegradable poly lactic acid nanoparticles (PLA NPs) using solvent evaporation method. The picroliv‐loaded PLA NPs were characterised by UV–vis spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared and Zeta sizer. The size of picroliv‐loaded PLA NPs was 182 ± 20 nm. Zeta potential of picroliv‐loaded PLA NPs was −23.5 mV, indicated their good stability. In vitro picroliv release from picroliv‐loaded PLA NPs showed an initial burst release followed by slow and sustained release. The efficacy of picroliv‐loaded PLA NPs was assessed against KB cell lines. Blank PLA NPs showed no cytotoxicity on KB cells. The picroliv‐loaded PLA NPs showed more cytotoxic activity on KB cells as compared to the pure drug. Hence, the developed picroliv nanoformulation would find potential application in pharma‐sector.

Pectin from black carrots pomace was extracted in hot acidic water (2.5 pH) using microwave (MW) at 110 °C/5 min, ultrasound (US) at 70 °C/30 min and conventional heating (CH) at 110 °C/90 min. CH showed highest yield (0.22 kg/kg pomace), followed by MW and US treatments. However, from kinetic modelling, MW extraction was found to exhibit the highest rate of extraction among the three approaches. Pectin extracted via CH resulted in maximum retention of anthocyanins (1213 mg/l), phenolics (1832 mg/l) and antioxidant activity (180 μM/ml). MW extraction resulted in pectin with a higher water holding capacity and larger particle size than US. Pectin from CH and MW also evinced higher DE and GalA than from US. FTIR, 1H NMR and XRD spectra confirmed the presence of characteristic functional groups in MW, CH and US pectin and these agreed with chemical analysis. Images from scanning electron microscopy revealed a cellular structure in dried pomace while the pectin powder has a particulate structure. In terms of thermal stability, CH and MW resulted in pectin with less residues indicating higher phenolic content as compared to pomace and US pectin. Overall, MW extraction was found to be most cost effective, followed by CH and finally, US. Therefore, it is concluded that MW processing integrated with CH could result in rapid extraction and higher yield of pectin without impacting its functionality.

Tomato processing industry generates huge waste like tomato skin, seed, and pulp which creates environmental issues. Since tomato pomace contains bioactive compounds and pigments, present study was conducted to investigate the effect of tomato pomace addition on physicochemical characteristics and shelf-life stability of the developed bread and muffin. Refined flour was partially substituted with 35 and 40% tomato pomace in bread and muffin, respectively. Tomato pomace addition in bread and muffin was observed to significantly (p

Flavonoids are main class of secondary metabolites and occur in different tissues and organs in diverse plant species. The higher accumulation of flavonoids in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables increases their economical value because flavonoids are good for human health. It has been established that flavonoids help the plants to protect against adverse environmental constraints and have not played a significant role in plant growth and development. A number of recent reports provided strong evidences in support of significant role of flavonoids in growth and development. The objective of this chapter is to provide an overview of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway and review the significant contribution of flavonoids in growth and development of plants. This study provides an in-depth understanding of the role of flavonoids and is useful for further manipulation of flavonoids for growth and development of wide types of plant species.

A 70-KD heat shock protein (HSP70) is one of the most conserved chaperones. It is involved in de novo protein folding and prevents the aggregation of unfolded proteins under lethal environmental factors. The purpose of this study is to characterise a MuHSP70 from horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) and elucidating its role in stress tolerance of plants. A MuHSP70 was cloned and characterised from a natural drought stress tolerant HPK4 variety of horsegram (M. uniflorum). For functional characterization, MuHSP70 was overexpressed in transgenic Arabidopsis. Overexpression of MuHSP70 was found to provide tolerance to the transgenic Arabidopsis against various stresses such as heat, cold, drought, salinity and oxidative stress. MuHSP70 transgenics were observed to maintain the shoot biomass, root length, relative water content, and chlorophyll content during exposure to multi-stresses relative to non-transgenic control. Transgenic lines have further shown the reduced levels of MDA, H2O2, and proteolytic activity. Together, these findings suggest that overexpression of MuHSP70 plays an important role in improving abiotic stress tolerance and could be a crucial candidate gene for exploration in crop improvement program.

Betulin (BT) is an abundant triterpene found predominantly in the bark of Himalayan birch. It is difficult to deliver it in vivo because of its low aqueous solubility. We have therefore developed novel formulations of BT for improving its solubility, bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Poly-d,l-lactide nanovectors (PLA NVs) were synthesized using poly(vinyl alcohol) and Lonicera japonica leaf extract (LE) as a stabiliser and named as PLA-1 NVs and PLA-2 NVs. PLA-1 NVs and PLA-2 NVs were used for the encapsulation of betulin (BT) and named as BT-En-1 and BT-En-2 NVs. The encapsulation efficiency of BT-En-1 and BT-En-2 NVs were 99.3 and 100 % respectively. Prepared nanoformulations were physically stable. An in vitro study revealed 45 % BT was released over 24 h. BT had a prolonged release from BT-En-2 NVs as compared to BT-En-1 NVs. BT-En-2 NVs had better anticancerous activity against SiHa cells than BT-En-1 NVs. Developed BT-EN-2 NVs had better biocompatibility, excellent stability and enhanced release characteristics than BT-En-1 NVs.