Futuristic Biotechnology

Keratinophilic Fungi as Eco-Friendly Agents for Poultry Waste Biodegradation: Mechanisms, Applications, and Sustainable Management Strategies

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The rapid expansion of the poultry industry has resulted in the accumulation of large quantities of keratin-rich waste such as feathers, nails, and skin, which pose significant environmental challenges due to their recalcitrant nature. Conventional disposal methods, including incineration and chemical treatment, are energy-intensive and potentially harmful to ecosystems. Keratinophilic fungi offer an eco-friendly alternative through their ability to produce keratinase enzymes that degrade insoluble keratin into valuable amino acids and peptides. This study investigates the biodegradation potential of keratinophilic fungi isolated from poultry waste, focusing on their keratinase production, activity, and potential applications in sustainable waste management. The findings highlight promising fungal strains capable of efficient keratin degradation, underscoring their potential role in circular bioeconomy strategies and industrial applications such as animal feed production, fertilizer formulation, and leather processing.

Extremophilic α-Amylases: Structural Adaptations, Discovery Strategies, and Industrial Applications (2020-2025)

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The use of the enzyme α-amylases is a large-scale industrial enzyme used in the manufacture of food and beverages, textiles, detergents, paper, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels. Conventional microbial α-amylases, primarily Bacillus and Aspergillus-based ones, have been in use for many years, but their effectiveness is often limited by the harsh conditions of industrial processes. Extremophilic enzymes such as thermophiles, halophiles, acidophiles, alkaliphiles, and psychrophiles are an attractive alternative to resilient α-amylases with exceptional thermostability, pH tolerance, salt resistance, and, in some cases, cold activity. This review sums up recent developments (2020-2025) in the discovery, biochemical characterization, as well as industrial application of extremophilic α-amylases. New culture-independent technologies, such as metagenomics, high-throughput functional screening, and machine learning-guided enzyme mining, are highlighted because they help to increase the number of genes in α-amylases of previously unculturable microorganisms. The discussion is centered on structural and mechanistic understanding concerning enzyme stability with reference to comparison to conventional counterparts. Although considerable advances have been made, there are still several gaps in the exploration of unexplored habitats, structural explanation of identified new enzymes, and cost-effectiveness of industrial applications. A combination of extremophilic scaffolds with protein engineering, synthetic biology, and sustainable fermentation has great potential for the realization of tailored α-amylases to serve advanced bioprocesses. The advances make extremophilic α-amylases an important source of industrial biotechnology innovation.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Breast Ultrasound Imaging: Diagnosis and Clinical Decision Support

Muhammad Irshad Ul Haq, Syed Muhammad Yousaf Farooq, Muhammad Moazzam — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Breast ultrasound (US) is a critical non-invasive imaging modality for evaluating breast lesions, particularly in women with dense breast tissue. However, conventional interpretation suffers from inter-observer variability and high false-positive rates due to operator dependence and subjectivity. Objectives: To evaluate the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically deep learning models, in enhancing diagnostic accuracy, reducing unnecessary interventions, and supporting clinical decision-making in breast ultrasound imaging. Methods: A comprehensive review of recent literature (2000-2025) was conducted, focusing on AI applications in breast ultrasound for lesion detection, classification, segmentation, and clinical workflow integration. Results: AI systems, particularly convolutional neural networks, demonstrate diagnostic accuracy with area under the curve (AUC) values ranging from 0.92 to 0.98, often matching or exceeding expert radiologist performance. These systems achieve sensitivities and specificities typically exceeding 85%, with some studies reporting up to 98% sensitivity. AI integration reduces false-positive rates by up to 37% and unnecessary biopsies by approximately 28%. Beyond diagnosis, AI assists in lesion segmentation, BI-RADS classification consistency, and risk stratification. Portable AI-powered devices have shown promise in resource-limited settings, achieving 96-98% sensitivity. Integration of quantitative ultrasound parameters with AI enhances lesion differentiation and treatment planning. Conclusions: AI in breast ultrasound significantly improves diagnostic precision, workflow efficiency, and accessibility. Despite challenges including dataset diversity, model interpretability, and clinical integration, ongoing developments support AI as a valuable adjunct tool for enhancing breast cancer detection and supporting personalized patient management.

Cytokine Regulation of Immune Responses in Parasitic Diseases: A Review

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The immune regulation in parasitic infections plays a central role in cytokine mediation of host defense and disease pathology. It is an integrative review that summarizes the current molecular and quantitative data on the dynamics of cytokines in major parasitic infections, malaria, leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, and schistosomiasis. A methodical search of the literature was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2010-2025) and included specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Descriptive analysis of quantitative cytokine concentration ranges and cytokine ratios was conducted based on heterogeneity of study designs. The figures were made with Figma software to be visually accurate and clear. The results have shown that the outcome of infections depends mostly on the balance between pro-inflammatory (e.g., TNF-α, IFN-γ) and regulatory cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β). Severity of the disease is associated with disrupted cytokine ratios, instead of cytokine abundance. Molecular mimicry and JAK–STAT and NF-κB modulations are some of the ways used by parasites to sustain chronicity by exploiting these cytokine pathways. A combination of comparative cytokine profiles shows common immunoregulatory principles between parasitic infections and cytokine ratios as a potential biomarker of disease progression or immune response to therapeutic intervention. This synthesis offers an integrated framework that connects cytokine signaling with clinical outcomes and provides guidance on subsequent standard, multi-omics studies to achieve precision immunomodulation and better disease prognostication.

Bioactive Phytochemicals of Carissa macrocarpa: In Vitro and in Silico Investigations

Tehreem Irfan, Juwairia Adeel, Laiba Arshad, Duaa Qaiser, Tahir Mehmood — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Carissa macrocarpa (Natal plum) is a tropical plant that is highly bioactive in nature. Objectives: To examine its phytochemical makeup and biological actions, and evaluate the impacts of the type of solvent and the level of fruit ripening. Methods: Ethanol and methanol were used in the extraction of ripening and unripe fruits. Extracts were evaluated for phytochemical constituents, antioxidant capacity (DPPH assay), antibacterial potential (disc diffusion and MIC), and phenolic profiling (HPLC). The identified compounds were further analyzed using molecular docking to predict anti-diabetic (DPP-4) and anti-cancer (EGFR) interactions. Results: Methanolic extracts, particularly from unripe fruits, showed higher yields and stronger antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, and glycosides. HPLC revealed gallic acid and myricetin as dominant compounds. Docking studies suggest that these compounds have moderate binding affinities with DPP-4 and EGFR, indicating potential anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties. Conclusions: The results have selected C. macrocarpa as a potential source of antioxidant and antibacterial agents. Molecular docking gives initial information as to its pharmacological diversity, and additional in vitro and in vivo research is obligatory before clinical use.

Computational Identification of Natural Polyphenols Modulating BDNF–TrkB Signaling in Neurodegeneration

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity require brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to stimulate the tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB). BDNF-TRKB activity, which is lower than normal, is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Objectives: To screen computationally natural polyphenolic and alkaloid compounds to discover candidates with the ability to modulate BDNF–TrkB signaling by direct receptor activity and indirect neuroprotective effects. Methods: Molecular docking of the TrkB-D5 domain was conducted in AutoDock Vina, and then the molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to determine binding stability. Physicochemical determinants of binding affinity were identified with the help of quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models (n=30 compounds). In predicting ADMET properties and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, pkCSM was used, and network pharmacology analysis was used to predict possible multi-target engagement. Results: Catechin had the highest proposed affinity of binding TrkB (ΔG = -8.5 + 0.2 kcal/mol) with constant interactions in molecular dynamics simulations. Thymoquinone demonstrated poor direct binding to TrkB but had good predicted BBB permeability and multi-target interactions with respect to neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Lipophilicity and decreased polar surface area were determined by QSAR analysis as important factors in the binding affinity. Conclusions: This computational analysis provides catechin as a direct TrkB-interacting compound of interest and thymoquinone as an indirect modulator of the BDNF-related pathways. These results are hypothesis-generating and give a reason as to why they are to be validated experimentally in the future.

Prevalence of Waterborne Parasites in Environmental Water Sources of Lahore and Faisalabad, Pakistan

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Water-borne parasitism has been an issue of concern in the recent past because of the pollution of different water sources. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence and diversity of waterborne parasites in water samples of Lahore and Faisalabad. Methods: A total of 420 samples were collected from different sources (river, canal, borehole, and filter). A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted from April 2024 to July 2024. Different developmental stages of both protozoan and helminth have been isolated and examined from all the sampled water sources by filtration and centrifugation then the parasites were observed under a microscope. Results: Helminths isolated from water samples include Ancylostoma duodenale (1.19%), Ascaris lumbricoides (2.38%), Clonorchis sinensis (0.48%), Dracunculus medinensis (0.24%), Enterobius vermicularis (1.43%), Hymenolepsis nana (0.95%), and Schistosoma spp. (0.48%), Strongyloides stercoralis (3.33%), Taenia saginata (2.14%) and Trichostrongylus spp. (0.24%). Protozoans isolated include Balantidium coli (1.67%), Blastocystis hominis (1.19%), Cryptosporidium parvum (2.86%), Cystoisospora belli (1.9%), Entamoeba histolytica (2.38%), Entamoeba coli (1.43%), Giardia duodenale (0.48%), Giardia lamblia (1.67%), and Iodoameoba butschii (0.95%). Recreational water has the highest prevalence of 45.71%, followed by borehole 30% and filtered water 6.42%. Statistically significant difference (P<0.05) has been observed between borehole and recreational water. The highest prevalence of waterborne parasites has been observed in the month of April, 47.9%, followed by May, 37%, June, 14.7%, and July, 1.2%. Conclusions: Parasitic prevalence in water sources shows that water should be treated before use. High parasitic contamination in recreational water shows that it should not be used for human and animal activities.

Significance of Incorporating Biotechnology in Vaccine Development

Muhammad Akram Tariq — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Timely vaccination helps people to live a healthy life with no infectious diseases. Agents in vaccines are derived by inactivation of microbes, which may also contain subunits, e.g. parts of surface antigens, or toxins. In the past years, a number of new biotechnological methods have been added to the development of vaccines that have revolutionized the conventional practices. Biotechnology and its development and use have led to immense diversification of the clinical outcomes and strategies of healthcare. The occurrence of contagious diseases has decreased in the contemporary world; non infectious diseases on the other hand are on the increase and they present a significant burden to the healthcare systems of the world at large. Biotechnology is providing solutions that are promising to the prevention of the infectious diseases and to the features of non-infectious diseases [1].

It is critical to comprehend the importance of vaccines before discussing the importance of biotechnology in vaccine development. Although there is an improvement in medicine, some of the deadliest pathogens in the world such as malaria and HIV are yet to have vaccines in place [2]. Vaccines are biological agents that are used to boost the immune system against bacterial or viral infections, and as a result, prevent diseases proactively. They usually include inactivated pathogens or certain antigenic constituents, usually those of surface-binding proteins of the pathogens. These antigens, when introduced into the body, induce the immune system to react to the respective pathogen efficiently equipping the body with defence against possible infections in future [1,2].

Biotechnological approaches such as genetic engineering and cell culture are contemporary technologies that have transformed vaccine production. Such techniques can be used to create vaccines which are easier to manufacture, less expensive and can produce more robust and sustained immunity. Prevention of infectious diseases and promotion of patient outcomes is the main aim of applying biotechnology in the development of vaccines [1]. They involve the insertion of desired genes into plants or body cells and the production of the encoded proteins. These genetically engineered vaccines make the body more immune even in situations when conventional vaccines and treatment methods have failed, and this leads to hope of recovery of serious and persistent illnesses. Biotechnology has played out in three main ways per majorly in generating specific monoclonal antibodies, application of cloned genes to produce antigens and synthesis of peptides which may be used as vaccines.

Reverse vaccinology is one of the most important innovations in the field in which biotechnology holds a key position in changing the research on vaccines. Reverse vaccinology refers to the process of cloning and genome analysis of entire pathogenic genomes by applying bioinformatics tools in a proactive fashion with the intent of identifying targets that would be the basis of vaccines. DNA microarrays, proteomics and comparative genome analysis are functional genomic techniques used to discover virulence factors and promising vaccine targets. Although reverse vaccinology was originally developed to make MenB vaccines, this technology has now been applied to other bacterial vaccines, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae [3]. The antigens can be predicted using modern computational techniques without paying attention to their abundance or immunogenicity, which offers a more accurate and effective approach to developing vaccines.

Biotechnology has further enhanced the quicker velocity in creating vaccines to emerging pathogens. As an example, the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the urgency to make vaccines as quickly as possible. Biotechnological tools helped develop effective vaccines in a several months, compared to traditional vaccine development which would have taken years to develop. Such technologies like mRNA vaccines, viral vectors vaccines and recombinant protein vaccines demonstrate how biotechnology can be used directly to offer new and effective responses during a crisis in the life of the people. In addition to infectious diseases, biotechnology has the prospects of employing non-infectious diseases like some types of cancers by developing therapeutic vaccines which induce immune responses against cancerous cells [2,3].

Biotechnology is a necessity of contemporary vaccinology. Its use in vaccine development can integrate the process of quick, accurate, and effective vaccine manufacturing and improve the health outcomes of the population at a global level. Biotechnology deployment in strategic innovation of vaccines is not only crucial in tackling the current infectious hazards, but also providing a remedy of the diseases that could not be treated before or controlled effectively. With an ever-growing development of scientific skills, biotechnology in vaccinology will have an increased role to play to make the global health issues safer, efficient, and comprehensive in prevention efforts.