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Background. Biodegradable biopolymers have been developed in response to the growing environmental concern over plastic packaging disposal. The emergence of active and intelligent packaging systems to monitor the quality of packed food is further necessitated by consumer demand and health concerns. Chemical dyes, on the other hand, are not ideal for use as an indicator in smart packaging for food due to their high toxicity and negative impacts on human health and the environment. As a result, the researchers are concentrating on natural pigments produced from plants and food waste as a signaling component in biodegradable packaging as well as the valorization of food waste. This review is focused on the advancement of active packaging from plant pigments.

Marine ecosystem associated organisms are an affluent source of bioactive compounds. Polysaccharides with unique structural and practical entities have gained special studies interest inside the current biomedical zone. Polysaccharides are the main components of marine algae, plants, animals, insects, and microorganisms. In recent times research on seaweed is more persistent for extraction of natural bioactive “Sulfated polysaccharides” (SP). The considerable amount of SP exists in the algae in the form of fucans, fucoidans, carrageenans, ulvan, etc. Major function of SP is to act as a defensive lattice towards the infective organism. All SP possess the high potential and possess a broad range of therapeutic applications as antitumor, immunomodulatory, vaccine adjuvant, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antiviral, antiprotozoal, antimicrobial, antilipemic, therapy of regenerative medicine, also in drug delivery and tissue engineering application. This review aims to discuss the biomedicine applications of sulfated polysaccharides from marine seaweeds.

Sutures are widely used materials for closing the surgical wounds, and being an inert material, sutures are often colonized with drug-resistant polymicrobial biofilms. Surgical site infection (SSI) is a hospital-acquired infection caused by bacteria and fungi specifically in the sutured sites. Although most of the currently available sutures possess antibacterial property, their ability to prevent biofilm colonization by polymicrobial communities is underexplored. So, the present study shows that extracted chitosan (EC) from crab shells prevented the adherence of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Candida albicans, the predominant members that exist as mixed species at the site of SSI. In comparison with a commercial chitosan, EC showed profound inhibition of slime formation and mixed species biofilm inhibition. Intriguingly, EC-coated sutures could inhibit the growth of both bacterial and fungal pathogens when comparing with a commercial triclosan-coated suture which was active only against the bacterial pathogen. Scanning electron microscopy results revealed inhibition of C. albicans hyphal formation by the EC-coated sutures that is a crucial virulence factor responsible for tissue invasiveness. Collectively, the results of the present study showed that EC from crab shells (discarded material as a recalcitrant biowaste) could be used as an alternative to combat drug-resistant biofilms which are the prime cause for SSIs.

Currently, the deadly epidemic COVID-19 was exponentially spread across the world as a pandemic outbreak caused by a novel coronavirus, termed as SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) In this view, the imminent danger of a pandemic situation surge the researchers and physicians to understand the molecular mechanism and pathology of this novel virus, in order to discover promising therapeutic drugs and vaccines to cure the diseases At present, World Health Organization (WHO) updates on 27th June, 2020 for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak situation with confirmed cases of 9,653,048 and 491,128 deaths in 211 countries, areas or territories To control the global outbreak, robust measures have been implemented across the world to minimize COVID-19 disease spread, in specific restricting international and domestic flights, enforcing lockdowns in susceptible areas, social distancing, etc Although, a very few broad-spectrum antiviral drugs was tested in clinical trials against COVID-19 virus, which resulted in patient recovery Based on existing published data, this review extensively highlights the COVID-19 epidemiology, clinical manifestations, prognosis, treatment and prevention In order to offer a detailed overview to public health officials and future readers all over the world, we explain the latest interpretation of COVID-19 and presented the current state of implementation of the medical intervention in this review This review is hoped to help the public understand and combat with SARS-CoV-2, as well as provide a guideline for future research

Genes encoding proteins with A20/AN1 zinc-finger domains, belonging to the stress associated protein (SAP) gene family, are present in all eukaryotes and play a decisive role in plant response to diverse physiological and molecular activities particularly on biotic and abiotic stresses (AbS). In this first and foremost study, global transcriptome analysis of members of the SAP gene family was carried out in C3 model-Oryza sativa (OsSAP) aiming at the identification of OsSAP genes activated in response to unique or Combined AbS (CAbS). Based on the available spatio-temporal and phytohormonal RNA-Seq expression profile datasets, nine OsSAP genes were filtered out and identified by a differential expression signature noted in various tissues as well as plant hormones. Comparative genome ideogram of OsSAP genes confirmed the orthologous collinearity with C4 panicoid genomes. Interactome of these genes, revealed the molecular cross-talks of OsSAP. Thus, the computational expression signature of OsSAP genes led to a better understanding of gene dynamism in diverse developmental tissues/organs. Transcriptional regulation analysis of key OsSAP genes in response to stress (drought and salinity) suggested the novel role of OsSAP1, OsSAP2, OsSAP5, OsSAP7, OsSAP8 and OsSAP11 in AbS. Altogether, the study provides deeper insights on molecular characteristics of OsSAP genes, which could be deployed further to decipher their precise functional roles in AbS responses.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

In recent years, introducing electrospun airfilters to enhance the removal of PM2.5 and PM10-2.5 has received much interest. In this study, a novel poly-(vinyl) alcohol (PVA)/carbon nanoparticle (CNP)/tea leaf extract (TLE), functionalized nanofibrous air filter (FNA) was fabricated using an electrospinning method. Novelty of the unique work in the blending of CNP and TLE, first of its kind, for the preparation of FNA. Polysaccharide crosslinked FNA has a carbon complex with two monosaccharide units to produce the intrinsic properties of the PM2.5 and PM10-2.5 removal efficiency. The FNA had promising traits of UV protection. The prepared FNA was characterized using physicochemical, mechanical, antimicrobial activity, etc., in addition to its PM2.5 and PM10-2.5 removal efficiency. Pore size and distribution study using the capillary flow porometry method has proved the structure of FNA. FNA exhibited excellent low pressure drop (110 Pa), which are promising characteristics for air purification. FNA from PVA: CNP: TLE exhibited high PM2.5 and PM10-2.5 removal efficiencies of 99.25% and 99.29%, respectively. Hence, the study proved., TUBITAK [118C350], 2232-International Fellowship for Outstanding Researcher Program of TUBITAK (Project No: 118C350).

Natural colorants have emanated as a significant substitute to highly toxic synthetic dyes. The present study highlights the dyeing efficiency of violet pigment produced from Chromobacterium violaceum PDF23. A halophilic bacterium C. violaceum PDF23 produce violet pigments were isolated from the Great Salt Lake situated in Chennai, India. Based on morphology and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, a halophilic bacterium was identified as C. violaceum PDF23. The violet dye from C. violaceum PDF23 exhibited antimicrobial efficacy against S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans. The violet pigment exhibited radical scavenging potential with IC50 value of 14.40 mu g/mL. The dye ability of colorant was evaluated using mordants on two distinct fabrics, i.e., silk satin and cotton, and colorfastness measurements were recorded. The CIE L*a*b* qualities of the dyed fabrics were assessed, as well as their colorfastness quality. The current research findings suggest that violet pigment has potent antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and it could be used as alternative to synthetic dye in the textile industry., Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai; Deanship of Scientific Research, Vice Presidency for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia [GRANT1079]; Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, The authors are grateful to the management of Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, for supporting the original article. Professor K. R. Venkatesan, Principal, Sri Sankara Arts and Science College, Kanchipuram, Tamilnadu, India, has provided us with invaluable assistance and encouragement. This work was supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research, Vice Presidency for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia [Project No. GRANT1079].

Incomprehension concerning heavy metal containing finished solid leather wastes leads to environmental pollution. Conversion of these solid leather waste into energy and resource efficient products proves to be challenging. However, leather microfibres (LMF) were isolated from these heavy metal containing finished solid leather wastes. These heavy metal contain LMF further processed into metal reduction LMF. The metal reduction LMF were investigated for their heavy metal removal efficiency and toxicity analysis. The Cr (III) and Cr (VI) content of LMF was, 118C350, Dr. Senthil Rethinam acknowledges the funding support granted by the 2232-International Fellowship for Outstanding Researcher Program of TUBITAK (Project No: 118C350).

Recent breakthroughs in the field of nanoparticle-based therapeutic delivery methods have changed the standpoint of cancer therapy by effectively delaying the process of disease development. Nanoparticles have a unique capacity of good penetrating ability than other therapeutic leads used in traditional therapeutics, and also, they have the highest impact on disease management. In the current study isolongifolene-loaded Chitosan nanoparticles have been formulated, synthesized and then characterized by the use of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Further, the characterized chitosan nano formulation was evaluated for hemocompatibility, plasma stability, and in-vitro release. Isolongifolene-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were found to be compatible with plasma and also, they exhibited a constant release pattern. Hence, chitosan-loaded nanoparticles could be employed as an excellent adjuvant in cancer therapeutic, to combat the multi-drug resistance in solid tumors.

Baseline assessments of marine microbial studies are very limited around ecologically sensitive areas of the Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) site with respect to their occurrence, distribution, role in adaptation, and their potential remediation process. The distribution and diversity of marine microbes are largely dependent on the physicochemical parameters relating to a specific area, especially spore-producing marine actinobacteria are a source for indigenous bioremediation agents. Marine actinobacterial diversity with conventional and 16 S rRNA gene analysis was done with different pre-treatment conditions and selective media. Totally, 170 different strains are identified in genera level and it belongs to 18 genera with dominant by Streptomyces sp. (75species) followed by Nocardiposis sp, (18species) Rhodococcus sp. (14species). Multiple k-dominance plots simplified the perception of marine actinobacteria according to genera level influence to standard stock. This is the first kind of study in India and the results could act as baseline inventory in terms of microbial diversity around NPP sites. Further, a potential strain of Actinomadura sp. (T5S13) produced 243.7 mg/L of EPS and remediate the Uranium radionuclides. The functional group shifting and adsorption nature were also confirmed by SEM with EDS analysis.

Development of nanofilters with the capability to remove toxic metal ions from effluent wastewater will be of immense help to the leather industry. In this study, fibrous nanofilter (FNF) was prepared using micro cellulosic fiber (MCF) and tea leaves microparticles (TLM) blended in poly (vinyl) alcohol (PVA). FNF was analysed for its efficacy to remove hazardous metals from tannery effluent wastewater. The FNF had promising traits of tensile strength (19.24+0.05 Mpa), elongation at break (22.31+0.12 %), flexibility (10.88+0.05 %), water absorption (37.86+0.14 %) and desorption (32.54+0.33 %). The metal adsorption studies clearly reflected the removal of toxic Cr (VI) ions from the effluent water by FNF. The study establishes an economically feasible and highly efficient way to remove hazardous metal ions from effluent wastewater.

Marine wastes pose a great threat to the ecosystem leading to severe environmental hazards and health issues particularly the shellfish wastes. The shellfish waste which contains half of the amount of chitin can be efficiently transformed into useful products. Various approaches for the hydrolysis of chitin like physical, chemical, and enzymatic processes are there. Still, the use of enzyme chitinase is well documented as an effective and eco-friendly method. The present study summarizes the isolation of chitinase enzyme producing bacteria from different shrimp waste disposal sites in Parangipettai (India), and the possible use of an enzyme hydrolyzate as an immunostimulant to Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer). The potential chitinase-producing bacteria were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. After purification, the chitinase specific activity was 5.01 (U/ml) and the protein content was 72 mg and the recovery rate was 48.06%. The optimum pH and temperature for the chitinolytic activity were 6.5 and at 35–50 °C, respectively. The animal experiment trial was done with our feed supplements which included 0.0 (control), 0.5%, 1% and 2% of chitin degraded product. All the supplementary feed had an optimal 42% (w/w) of crude protein. The feed protein level was 41–43% on average and gross energy was 13–17 kcal/g and the feed was observed to exhibit a significantly higher (p

The SARS-CoV-2 virus has spread worldwide to cause a full blown pandemic since 2020. To date, several promising synthetic therapeutics are repurposed and vaccines through different stages of clinical trials were approved and being administered, but still the efficacy of the drugs and vaccines are yet to be decoded. This article highlights the importance of traditional medicinal plants and the phytomolecules derived from them, which possess in vitro antiviral and anti-CoV properties and further explores their potential as inhibitors to molecular targets of SARS-CoV-2 that were evaluated by in silico approaches. Botanicals in traditional medicinal systems have been investigated for anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity through in silico and in vitro studies. However, information linking structure of phytomolecules to their antiviral activity is limited. Most phytomolecules with anti-CoV activity were studied for inhibition of the human ACE2 receptor through which the virus enters host cells, and non-structural proteins 3CLpro and PLpro. Although the proteases are ideal anti-CoV targets, information on plant-based inhibitors for the CoV structural proteins, e.g., spike, envelope, membrane, nucleocapsid required further investigations. In absence of scientific evaluations through in vitro and biocompatibility studies, plant-based antivirals fall short as treatment options. Plant-based anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics can be promising alternatives to their synthetic counterparts as they are economical and bear fewer chances of toxicity, side effects, and viral resistance. Our review could provide a systematic overview of the potential phytomolecules which can be repurposed and subjected to further modes of experimental evaluation to qualify for use in treatment and prophylaxis of SARS-CoV-2 infections.

In this study, a combination of collagen (CL), gelatin (GL) and squid ink (SI) were used to produce a biocompatible polymeric bio-scaffold (CL, CL: GL and CL: GL: SI) was examined for wound healing purposes. Biocompatible polymeric bio-scaffold (BPBS) plays an important role in wound care due to their cost-effective, good mechanical properties, bio-compatible and antimicrobial characteristics. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of the BPBS has showed the heat stability and nature of samples, respectively, and while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed the blending of CL fiber, GL, and SI pattern interface. BPBS displayed excellent antimicrobial activity against both E.coli and S.aureus. The inhibition zone of BPBS results obtained in 4.57 ± 0.30 mm against E.coli and 4.74 ± 0.15 mm against S.aureus. Mechanical characteristics of BPBS shows tensile strength of 20.88 ± 0.05 (Mpa), 17.74 ± 0.05 (%) as Elongation at break, 26.31 ± 0.21 (%) of flexibility and water absorption of 29.80 ± 0.05 (%). Invitro analysis of CL: GL: SI, displayed 100% biocompatibility and cell viability was found 3rd days. In vivo study using mice by excisional animal model examined the CL: GL: SI scaffold can significantly accelerate the process of wound healing. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd, 118C350, Dr. Senthil Rethinam acknowledges the funding support granted by the 2232-International Fellowship for Outstanding Researcher Program of TUBITAK, Turkey , (Project No: 118C350 ).

Background. The direct or indirect effect of chemicals on the nervous system of humans or animals is referred to as neurotoxicity. Trimethyltin chloride (TMT) intoxication causes behavioral and cognitive deficiencies in humans and experimental animals. TMT has long been used as a model toxicant in the study of central nervous system (CNS) toxicity. Momordica charantia, which is used in traditional herbal medicine, has a variety of pharmacological functions. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles have a higher loading capacity, are less dense, and have a larger specific area. Objectives. To investigate a possible nanotherapy for Alzheimer’s disease caused by trimethyltin chloride in freshwater zebrafish. Methods. An aqueous extract of M.charantia was used to perform the primary and secondary screening. The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay was used to determine the antioxidant capacity of crude aqueous extracts of M. charantia. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles are made using a CTAB surfactant chemical process and tetraethyl orthosilicate. UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and EDAX were used to characterize it. Danio rerio was used to test the trimethyltin chloride for Alzheimer’s disease. The M. charantia and mesoporous silica nanoparticles were then tested in the same method. Results. The extract has no adverse effects on zebrafish, indicating that M. charantia is safe for human consumption. The histopathological findings indicate that the tissues of the fish infected with the extract had no pathological modifications. Conclusion. The M. charantia showed higher antioxidant activity and anticholinesterase activity, and upon further characterization and assessment, this could be a safe and potential drug candidate for Neurotoxicity.

For the yeast population and diversity, marine habitats are the least explored niches and the lack of validated database is considered to be a drawback for yeast research. The aim of the present study is to create a comprehensive DNA barcode library for marine derived yeast species isolated from organic burial hotspots such as coastal sediment in mangrove and continental shelf ecosystems. As we enriched, isolated and ITS gene sequenced 1017 marine derived yeast isolates belonging to 157 marine species in 55 genera, 28 families, 14 orders, 8 classes of 2 Phyla (viz., Ascomycota and Basidiomycota) of which 13 yeast species were first time barcoded. We witnessed yeast species of both terrestrial and marine endemic origin in the barcode datasets. Due to the large volume of sequencing trace files, the variable length of extracted sequences, and the lack of reference sequences in public databases, difficulties were faced in taxonomic sequence validation. The length of the majority of the sequences (99.42%) were more than or equal to 600 base pairs. BLAST analysis revealed that 13 yeast species were barcoded for the first time. The genus, Candida was the speciose genera isolated in this study. K2P intra-species distance analysis performed for selective groups yielded an average of 0.33%, well below the previously proposed yeast barcode gap. ITS gene NJ-tree based identification conducted for selective species in Ascomycota and Basidomycota, precisely clustered the same species into one group, indicating the efficacy of ITS gene in yeast species delineation. Besides isolating some of the common marine yeast species such as Candida oceani, Bandonia marina and Yarrowia lipolytica, we found approximately 60% of the yeast species isolates were previously unrecorded from the marine environment (example; Cystobasidiopsis lactophilus, Slooffia cresolica, Udeniozyma ferulica, Colacogloea falcatus and Pichia guilliermondii), of which 16.5% were recognised as potential human pathogens (example; Candida orthopsilosis, C. rugosa, Debaryomyces fabryi and Yamadazyma triangularis). Apart from releasing the barcode data in GenBank, provisions were made to access the entire dataset along with meta-data in the Barcode of life database (http://dx.doi.org/10.5883/DS-MYIC). This research constitutes the largest dataset to date for collecting marine yeast isolates and their barcodes. As meta- and environmental barcoding analysis were expanding its scope including environmental assessment and monitoring, the datasets such as ours will be more useful.

Sutures are widely used materials for closing the surgical wounds, and being an inert material, sutures are often colonized with drug-resistant polymicrobial biofilms. Surgical site infection (SSI) is a hospital-acquired infection caused by bacteria and fungi specifically in the sutured sites. Although most of the currently available sutures possess antibacterial property, their ability to prevent biofilm colonization by polymicrobial communities is underexplored. So, the present study shows that extracted chitosan (EC) from crab shells prevented the adherence of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Candida albicans, the predominant members that exist as mixed species at the site of SSI. In comparison with a commercial chitosan, EC showed profound inhibition of slime formation and mixed species biofilm inhibition. Intriguingly, EC-coated sutures could inhibit the growth of both bacterial and fungal pathogens when comparing with a commercial triclosan-coated suture which was active only against the bacterial pathogen. Scanning electron microscopy results revealed inhibition of C. albicans hyphal formation by the EC-coated sutures that is a crucial virulence factor responsible for tissue invasiveness. Collectively, the results of the present study showed that EC from crab shells (discarded material as a recalcitrant biowaste) could be used as an alternative to combat drug-resistant biofilms which are the prime cause for SSIs.

Marine pollution is a significant issue in recent decades, with the increase in industries and their waste harming the environment and ecosystems. Notably, the rise in shellfish industries contributes to tons of shellfish waste composed of up to 58% chitin. Chitin, the second most ample polymer next to cellulose, is insoluble and resistant to degradation. It requires chemical-based treatment or enzymatic hydrolysis to cleave the chitin polymers. The chemical-based treatment can lead to environmental pollution, so to solve this problem, enzymatic hydrolysis is the best option. Moreover, the resulting biopolymer by-products can be used to boost the fish immune system and also as drug delivery agents. Many marine microbial strains have chitinase producing ability. Nevertheless, we still lack an economical and highly stable chitinase enzyme for use in the industrial sector. So we isolate a novel marine bacterial strain Achromobacter xylosoxidans from the shrimp waste disposal site using chitin minimal medium. Placket–Burman and central composite design statistical models for culture condition optimisation predicted a 464.2 U/ml of chitinase production. The culture conditions were optimised for maximum chitinase production recording up to 467 U/ml. This chitinase from the A. xylosoxidans was 100% active at an optimum temperature of 45 °C (withstand up to 55 °C) and pH 8 with 80% stability. The HPLC analysis of chitinase degraded shellfish waste reveals a major amino acid profile composition—arginine, lysine, aspartic acid, alanine, threonine and low levels of isoleucine and methionine. These chitinase degraded products and by-products can be used as supplements in the aquaculture industry.

Genes encoding proteins with A20/AN1 zinc-finger domains, belonging to the stress associated protein (SAP) gene family, are present in all eukaryotes and play a decisive role in plant response to diverse physiological and molecular activities particularly on biotic and abiotic stresses (AbS). In this first and foremost study, global transcriptome analysis of members of the