Futuristic Biotechnology

Eco-Friendly Synthesis Methods of Gold Nanoparticles, Their Characterization and Applications in Diagnostic, Therapeutic and Sensors

2024-01-03T09:45:19+00:00

Nanoparticles have unique traits which make them useful for different purposes. Numerous methods are used to manufacture nanoparticles at commercial scale. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are one of the most utilized and preferred nanoparticles due to their traits like low resistivity, less toxicity, optical, high stability, fluorescence quenching ability, and "surface plasmon resonance". Gold nanoparticles were utilized in ancient Roman Times for staining glasses and till now their new applications are being discovered every day. Various methodologies are utilized for Gold nanoparticle synthesis including conventional chemical methods, UV rays, polymers, ultrasound, plant and microbe-mediated techniques, etc. Conventional techniques are not eco-friendly or cost-effective. Nowadays plants and microbes being cost-effective and eco-friendly are preferred for gold nanoparticle synthesis. Various extracellular, intracellular, and biomolecular techniques are being utilized to manufacture gold nanoparticles. Gold nanoparticles have a vast scope in chemical, biomedicine, food, electronic and forensic industries. AuNPs are widely utilized as sensors, also as carriers in Drug delivery, Photothermal therapy, Heavy metal ion detection etc. This review describes various synthesis techniques, applications, and characterizations of AuNPs.

Comprehensive Review of Nanotechnology: Innovations and Multidisciplinary Applications

2024-03-05T09:41:08+00:00

Nanotechnology, which involves the control of substances at the nanoscale, has emerged as a valuable discipline that holds the capacity to fundamentally transform numerous scientific sectors, such as materials science, healthcare, environmental remediation, and agriculture. This review article explores the uses and advancements of nanotechnology, emphasizing how it might improve crop yield, advance medical treatments, and provide solutions to environmental problems. This also examines revolutionary applications of nanobiotechnology, including CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, targeted drug delivery systems, cancer therapy, and regenerative medicine. It highlights the potential of these technologies to enhance diagnostic capabilities and pharmaceutical results. It also looks at how nanotechnology is affecting agriculture, with a focus on improvements in food safety, pest and disease control, and crop yield. Additionally, environmental applications are covered, with an emphasis on the use of nanomaterials for sustainable resource management and pollution remediation. The significance of nanotechnology's contributions to green chemistry, its interdisciplinary character, and the challenges and potential for its incorporation into conventional applications are all emphasized in the review. The article provides an overview of the current status and future directions of nanotechnology by discussing the synthesis of nanoparticles, their commercialization, and the challenges surrounding nano-innovations.

Detection of Coliform Bacteria in Raw Milk Samples Collected from Industrial Cities of Pakistan

2024-02-05T08:24:34+00:00

Antibiotics and heavy metals-resistant bacteria in livestock environments can result in economic losses and raise public health and environmental problems. There is a crisis in the world's access to and pipeline for antibiotics. Objective: To screen raw milk samples collected from three different industrial cities Gujranwala, Lahore, and Sheikhupura, situated in the province of Punjab, Pakistan. Methods: In this regard, a total of 26 samples were having 84 coliform strains. Separated coliform colonies were processed for Gram's staining, catalase, indole production, and Simmon's citrate and motility tests. Results: Metal resistance of bacterial strains was also checked and 39.5% and 45.23% of bacteria were found to be resistant to ZnCl₂ 1% and 0.5%. 69.045% and 77.38% bacteria were found to be resistant to CuSo₄ salt solution1% and 0.5%. 17.85% and 27% bacteria were found to be resistant to Na₂CrO₄ salt solution1% and 0.5% respectively. 80% of bacteria were found to be resistant to Cefuroxime, 26.19% to Cephradine, 84.52% to Aztroeonam 41.67% to Erythromycin, 91.667% to Trimethoprim 89.28% to Lincomycins. Conclusions: The raw milk samples were not only contaminated with coliforms but the bacteria were also resistant to heavy metals and certain antibiotics which might be considered indicative of industrial and anthropogenic pollution. Cephradine, 84.52% to Aztroeonam 41.67% to Erythromycin, 91.667% to Trimethoprim 89.28% to Lincomycins. Conclusions: The raw milk samples were not only contaminated with coliforms but the bacteria were also resistant to heavy metals and certain antibiotics which might be considered indicative of industrial and anthropogenic pollution.

Biochemical Dynamics and Quality Attributes of Strawberry Fruits across Maturity Stages with Respect to Different Preservation Methods

2024-03-28T09:18:11+00:00

Strawberry is nutritious but perishable, and it is susceptible to quality flaws and infections after harvest. Objective: To examine strawberry biochemical changes with harvest maturity and preservation methods. Methods: The experiment was factorial with a completely randomized design (CRD). Strawberry cv. Chandler fruit was harvested at three color-based maturation phases (M1: 0% red, M2: 50% red, and M3: 100% red), frozen, and freeze-dried and analyzed for quality. Total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), vitamin C, total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant capacity, SOD, POD, CAT, and organoleptic characteristics were assessed for quality. Results: Due to harvest maturity, completely ripe strawberries displayed higher biochemical properties such as total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), and TSS/TA than 50% and 0% of red strawberries. 100% red strawberries also had greater TPC and POD. Compared to strawberries picked during the green stage (0% red color), strawberries harvested at 100% and 50% red color had better aroma, color, and flavor. TSS, TSS/TA, Vitamin C, antioxidants, total phenolic content, and peroxidase were better in freeze-dried strawberries than frozen strawberries. Conclusions: The superior fruit aroma and color rating made frozen strawberries more popular than freeze-dried ones. The preserved fruit retained these qualities better for 7 months in dried storage. This study found that strawberry fruit should be harvested at 100% red and freeze-dried for commercial use.

Syzygium cumini-mediated Green Synthesis of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles and Evaluation of their Antibacterial, Antileishmanial, and Antioxidant Activities

2023-10-20T19:36:38+00:00

Green protocols for the synthesis of nanoparticles have gained significant attention due to their environmental friendliness, ease, and cost-effectiveness. The present study focused on the synthesis of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) using an aqueous leaves extract of Syzygium cumini plant, and the antimicrobial potential of the synthesized NPs. Methods: The synthesis of MgO-NPs was achieved by mixing a solution of magnesium nitrate (Mg (NO3)2 with an aqueous extract obtained from S. cumini leaves to reduce the Mg+ ions. These NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy analysis, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Results: The transformation in color of the solution from yellow to deep brown along with the UV absorption peak at 294 nm showed the effective synthesis of MgO-NPs. SEM and XRD data revealed cubic-shaped NPs with an average size of 23.73 nm. EDX analysis confirmed the presence of magnesium and oxygen in the sample at 31.85% and 35.11% weight percentages, respectively. The antibacterial evaluation demonstrated effectiveness against the gram-negative strains Citrobacter koseri and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with inhibition zones of 28.1 ± 1.25 mm and 27.8 ± 1.25 mm, respectively. MgO-NPs also showed antileishmanial potential against Leishmania tropica promastigotes (68.41 ± 0.05% inhibition at 1000µg/ml). Furthermore, the NPs exhibited antioxidant properties (75.12 ± 4.29% at 1 mg/ml) as determined by the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Conclusions: MgO-NPs synthesized using S. cumini plant leaves extract hold promises as agents for antibacterial, antileishmanial, and antioxidant applications.

Genetic Association of MSTN Gene Variant (18:66493737T>C) with Track Performance & Muscle Development in Pakistani Horses

2024-03-12T19:18:41+00:00

The horse, revered for its diverse traits including racing prowess, gaitedness, and distinctive behavior, plays a pivotal role in various sports. Numerous studies have linked racing performance in horses to the MSTN gene across global populations. Objectives: To investigate the genetic variability of the 18:66493737T>C variant in Pakistani random-bred horses. Methods: ARMS-PCR was employed where 24 horses sourced from UVAS equine clinic were genotyped. Results: Revealing a population distribution of 54% homozygous wild-type (TT), 41% heterozygous (TC), and 4% homozygous mutant (CC) at this locus. The alternative allele frequency within elite performers and control horses stood at 0.36 and 0.12, respectively. Application of the Chi-Square association test using the PLINK data toolset yielded a highly significant p-value of 7.832×10^-6. Conclusions: This underscores significant genetic variability at the locus in the Pakistani horse population, aligning with global patterns. Future studies are advocated, incorporating racing performance data and encompassing diverse indigenous horse breeds with substantial sample sizes. Identification of subject markers can inform targeted breeding strategies, contributing to the enhancement and preservation of desirable traits across various horse breeds

Impact of Dietary Supranutritional Selenium on Improving the Meat Quality of Goats

2024-03-21T08:26:13+00:00

Selenium (Se) a crucial micronutrient, is required in many biochemical processes in animals. Supranutritional levels of Se in the diet have been suggested to potentially enhance meat quality in livestock. However, limited research exists on the impact of dietary supranutritional Se on meat quality in goats. Objective: To evaluate the influence of dietary supranutritional Se on goat muscle meat quality, examining pH, water holding capacity (WHC), cooking and drip losses, moisture, protein, fat, ash, and glycogen contents. Methods: Sixteen male goats were randomly grouped into two viz., A and B (n = 8 per group) and offered basal diets without (group A) or with addition of Se (group B) for 10 weeks. Meat samples were collected from the longissimus dorsi (LD) and semimembranosus (SM) muscles at the completion of trial and the physico-chemical characteristics were determined. Results: Supranutritional Se supplementation resulted in significantly higher (P < 0.05) WHC and lower (P < 0.05) cooking and drip losses in both LD and SM muscles compared with control. Additionally, the protein and fat contents were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) and the ash contents lowered (P < 0.05) in both LD and SM muscles of goats fed Se supplemented diet compared with control. However, the pH and glycogen contents were not altered (P > 0.05) between the two groups. Conclusions: The findings of present trial demonstrated that supranutritional Se supplementation improved the quality of goat meat, contributing to its nutritional value and consumer acceptance.

Toxicity Evaluation and Tissue Damaging Effects of Lead in Labeo Rohita

2024-03-28T15:15:41+00:00

Heavy metal contamination of aquatic ecosystems due to industrialization and anthropogenic activities has become a serious global issue. Toxic effects of these heavy metals are posing a major threat to the aquatic organisms especially fish. Fishes exposed to lead (Pb), exhibit a wide-range of effects including muscular and neurological degeneration and destruction, growth inhibition, mortality, reproductive problems, and paralysis. Many fish species are used as food source by man. Bio magnification of these metals makes them hazardous for humans. Objective: To evaluate the acute toxicity (96-hr LC₅₀ and lethal concentrations) of Pb in Labeo rohita and the effect of various sub-lethal doses of Pb on different organs (Gills, Liver, and Muscles) of fish. Methods: Live fish samples (150) were shifted from hatchery to laboratory. To measure metal (Pb), accumulation in fish body inductively coupled Plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was performed. Results: Acute toxicity (96-hr LC₅₀) of Pb was observed as 52.20 mg/l, while Pb accumulation was noted more in gills as compared to liver and muscles. Conclusions: This study will provide baseline information for the control of aquatic pollution and conservation of aquatic organisms

Determining Acid-Bile Optimization and Correlation between Optical Density and the Colony Forming Units of Lactobacilli Species

2024-04-17T11:02:58+00:00

Different research practices are being done with time to check the fruitful aspects of probiotics administration in food. In this regard, a specific number of probiotics is mixed in the food and presented to the experimental animals in laboratory to the fruitful impacts of probiotics on host. Objective: To design the standard curve between optical density and the number of colony-forming units. Methods: Lactobacilli species were grown in broth and their colony forming units (CFU) were calculated at different dilutions. In addition to this, relationship between optical density and number of colony forming units and acid-bile tolerance of these Lactobacilli species were also found out. Results: It was observed that L. paracasii, L. delbrueckii, L. rhamnosus, and L. brevis showed optimum rates with the Mean±SEM values of 2.56±0.04 on pH 7, 2.51±0.04 on pH 7.5, 2.46±0.04 on pH 7.5 and 2.54±0.02 on pH 7 respectively (p <0.0001). Similarly, all these isolates (L. paracasii, L. delbrueckii, L. rhamnosus, and L. brevis) showed maximum growth rates on bile concentration of 0.1, and their Mean±SEM values of optical densities were 1.83±0.10, 2.36±0.25, 2.50±0.31, 1.58±0.10 respectively (p <0.0001). Means were compared by ANOVA employing SPSS 20.0. Conclusions: The study provided insights in conducting different research practices on probiotics in future.

Carboxysomes: Green Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture and Renewable Energy

2024-03-01T11:53:13+00:00

Carboxyomes are emerging as potential tools in the sustainable agriculture and biofuel production. They are proteinaceous organelles that are distributed in different species of photosynthetic bacteria and archaea and are significantly involved in carbon fixation. They enable the organisms to thrive in diverse environmental conditions and enhance the efficacy of photosynthesis. They have shown promising potential to address challenging regarding global food security, climate change and renewable energy.

These nanocompartments encapsulate Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO), an enzyme that catalyzes the first step of the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle that is a key pathway in carbon fixation. These specialized structures concentrate CO2 around RuBisCO ad shield it from the competing oxygen, thereby optimizing the efficiency of photosynthetic process and minimize wasteful photorespiration. The photosynthetic organisms having carboxysomes are therefore ideal candidates for sustainable agriculture as they are able to thrive in the harsh conditions such as low CO2 concentrations, water scarcity and high temperatures.

They are recently being studied for enhancing the productivity and yield of crops. Efforts are being exerted to introduce carboxysome shell proteins and RuBisCO enzymes into crop genomes. Researchers are aiming to create plants with the ability to efficiently capture and utilize CO2 for photosynthesis. These genetically modified crops can potentially increase crop yields, improve water and nutrient efficiency significantly. Moreover, these carboxysomal transgenes are also able to enhance the resilience of GM plants to different environmental stressors such as drought and heat, and ultimately contribute to global food security and sustainable agriculture.

In addition to their applications in agriculture, carboxysomes hold promise for biofuel production as well, as they are capable of carbon fixation. They have enabled researchers to engineer photosynthetic organisms to produce renewable fuels such as ethanol, biodiesel and hydrogen. Furthermore, nanobioreactors that are based on carboxysomes can contribute protectively against climate change as they have the potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by capturing CO2 from industrial emissions and converting it into valuable bioproducts.

This approach represents a promising avenue to address global challenges of food insecurity, climate crisis and rapidly declining non-renewable energy sources. If leveraged appropriately, these nanocompartments can significantly contribute in paving a way for more sustainable and resilient future.