Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using the extract of Aloe vera leaves and the presence of light enhanced the synthesis of phytogenic silver nanoparticles. The colour change from opaque white to brown is the initial indication for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, that was further confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy exhibiting λmax at 440 nm. The highest synthesis of AgNPs was recorded at 50 °C. Atomic force microscopy confirmed the average size of silver nanoparticles as ˂100 nm and zeta potential as 77.4 nm with a surface charge of -21.4 mV. X-ray diffraction analysis showed crystalline nature of phytogenic silver nanoparticles. Green nanoparticles showed antimicrobial activity against bacteria (Escherichia coli DH5α and Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis JJBS250) and a thermophilic mould, Myceliophthora thermophila BJAMDU7 with a minimum inhibitory concentration of approximately 100 µg/ml. Phytogenic silver nanoparticles did not show hemolysis and cytotoxicity activity. Further, green nanoparticles inhibited the growth of Plasmodium falciparum showing antimalarial potential. Malachite green and gentian violet were decolorized 82

Depleting fossil fuel reserves, rising energy demand, and increasing environmental concerns have accelerated the search for renewable and sustainable alternatives for fuels and chemicals. Lignocellulosic biomass (LB) is an abundant and renewable feedstock with significant potential for the production of bioethanol, biochemicals, and other value-added products. However, its efficient utilization is hindered by the recalcitrant structure of the lignocellulosic matrix, primarily due to intricate and complex interactions among cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin coupled with high crystallinity of cellulose, which render its fractionation extremely challenging. Therefore, an effective pretreatment step is essential to disrupt the biomass structure and improve enzymatic accessibility to constituent polysaccharides. Among various pretreatment technologies, ionic liquid (IL)-based pretreatment has emerged as a promising approach owing to its ability to effectively deconstruct LB under ambient conditions with enhanced enzymatic saccharification, and reduced inhibitors formation. Recently, ILs are being investigated as promising, efficient and eco-benign LB pretreatment agents. This review provides a comprehensive overview of IL-based pretreatment of LB, including fundamental properties of ILs, their pretreatment mechanisms, factors influencing their performance, toxicity, recovery, recyclability, and recent advances in IL-integrated pretreatment strategies. Further, the review examines the production of biofuels and value-added bioproducts from IL-pretreated biomass, nanotechnology-based approaches for IL pretreatment, and the emerging role of machine learning in IL design and process optimization. Additionally, it highlights techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment for evaluating the economic feasibility and environmental sustainability of IL-based biorefineries.

Herein, we report the synthesis of edaravone-linked pyrazole derivatives (6a-j) as potential biologically active agents. The target compounds were regioselectively prepared via the Knoevenagel condensation of various 3-aryl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carbaldehydes (4a-j) with 3-methyl-1-phenylpyrazol-5(4H)-one (5) under metal-free conditions in refluxing ethanol, affording the desired products in good yields. All synthesized pyrazoline-5-ones (6a-j) were comprehensively characterized by analyzing their FT-IR, 1H, 13C, and DEPT-NMR, and HRMS spectral data. The detailed structural assignments were supported by 2D NMR spectroscopy, including COSY, HSQC, and NOESY experiments. Density Functional Theory (DFT) study provided the molecular-level insights into the electronic features, optimized geometry, stability, and reactivity profiles of the compounds. In vitro anticancer screening against the human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 revealed that compounds 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6g exhibited promising cytotoxic activity, with IC50 values of 91.87 f 13.3, 120.37 f 9.8, 170.03 f 7.6, and 132.87 f 11.4 & micro;M, respectively, in comparison to the reference drug, Cisplatin (170.03 f 7.6 & micro;M). Molecular docking study of the compounds with protein receptor caspase-3 (CAS329306) was conducted to gain the possible mechanism based on ligand-protein interactions that might be responsible for anticancer potential. The results revealed that compounds 6c, 6e, 6f, and 6i showed relatively stronger binding affinities toward the site of the protein, whereas 6j displayed the weakest interaction. Antibacterial studies showed that compound 6c inhibited the growth of B. subtilis with an MIC value of 12.5 & micro;g/mL, while 6d showed activity against S. aureus and B. subtilis at the same concentration. Furthermore, compounds 6h, 6i, and 6j exhibited reasonable activity against Gram-negative bacterial strains, with MIC values ranging from 12.5 to 25 & micro;g/mL. Additionally, compounds 6a and 6e induced DNA fragmentation at 32 & micro;g/mL under experimental conditions, expanding their spectrum towards bioactive potential. Overall, this study highlights edaravone-linked pyrazole derivatives as promising scaffolds for the development of multifunctional biologically active agents.

Agricultural residues, rich source of cellulose and hemicellulose, are generated in huge amount during harvesting of crops. Bioconversion of this solid lignocellulosic biomass to value-added products with the help of microbes may provide an alternate source of renewable energy and other products. Among microorganisms, thermophilic fungi are most promising because they have to adapt to their natural habitat by developing a complex system. Myceliophthora thermophila is a remarkably powerful lignocellulolytic fungus that generates an array of enzymes implicated in the break-down of this biomass. The biochemical, genomic, and secretome analyses of this fungus have revealed an elaborate enzymatic repertoire that includes hemicellulases, cellulases, laccases, and other enzymes having auxiliary activities, thereby including almost all the known CAZy families. These enzymes are useful in complete deconstruction of the lignocellulosic biomass. The mould is amenable to grow efficiently in submerged and solid-state fermentations using agro-residues and is efficient in biomass degradation at moderate as well as at high temperatures because of high thermal stability of these enzymes. Thermostable enzymes of M. thermophila require lesser time for saccharification of various plant-based polysaccharides in comparison to hydrolytic enzymes from mesophilic fungi. Also, the fungus secretes various important biomolecules of multifarious biotechnological applications using lignocellulose as substrate.

Halophilic Archaea possess fascinating physiological characteristics with unique ecological significance. Among the carotenoids, bacterioruberin is one of the most studied which is produced by different halophilic Archaea with beneficial characteristics such as antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer activity. Their metabolites exhibit distinctive characteristics such as stability in extreme conditions, structural modifications and biological activities, which may be used to develop innovative products for different biotechnological applications. At the laboratory level, carotenoid production depends on several physical and chemical parameters, such as incubation temperature, pH, and medium composition, in particular the presence and concentration of NaCl, CH3COONa, and MgSO₄. Thus, it is still terra incognita, an area that provides opportunities for research in the search of new natural compounds with numerous potential applications. This is a narrative review of carotenoids produced by halophilic archaea with an emphasis on biosynthesis, extraction, safety and potential biotechnological applications.

Correction for “Synthesis, characterization and biological studies of pyrazole-linked Schiff bases and their copper( ii ) complexes as potential therapeutics” by Pratima Kumari et al. , RSC Adv. , 2025, 15 , 42299–42314, https://doi.org/10.1039/D5RA06008G.

Phytic acid is plant-based organic phosphorus stored during maturation. It serves a dual purpose in plant tissues by acting as storage for phosphorus and regulates various cellular processes. From a nutritional perspective, chelating ability of phytic acid is considered as a potential health drawback, while in other ways as a most valuable trait. Phytic acid accumulates in seeds during their developmental stages and is synthesized through two distinct pathways i.e. one is independent of lipids and the other is dependent on lipids. Beginning with a simple precipitation method involving the formation of insoluble ferric phytate in an acidic solution, the methods for quantifying phytic acid have evolved over time to encompass various instrumental approaches, including colorimetry, high-performance ionic chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography. Enzymatic reduction using phytases plays a crucial role in converting phytic acid into different inositol phosphates and inorganic phosphorus. Decreasing the phytic acid content in cereal grains is a desirable objective for development of genetically improved crops, which are used in food and feed applications. Phytic acid is not a foe as it has been shown in literature studies. It performs various metabolic functions as well as acts as a reservoir of nutrients for plants and animals. This review explores the advantages and disadvantages of phytic acid, its accumulation, estimation, and reduction using modern tools of genome editing, such as transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN), zinc-finger nucleases (ZFN), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats with CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9).

2-Amino/hydrazinothiazoles represent an essential class of azole motifs associated with various pharmacological properties. They are fundamental components of several FDA-approved drugs and biologically valuable natural products. The present review is focused mainly on 2-amino/hydrazino-4-arylthiazole derivatives that have diversified biological potentials like anti-bacterial, DNA photocleavage, anti-trichomonal, anti-viral, anti-hypertensive, anti-leishmanial, anti-cancer, etc. It mainly describes synthetic developments and medicinal applications of these heterocycles from 2002 onwards. Recent synthetic advancements have also been discussed, including metal-free and catalyst-free, microwave-assisted, greener, and environment-friendly protocols for such motifs. This article also highlights the structural modifications in these heterocycles and their effects on medicinal properties. It would benefit synthetic and medicinal chemists in developing novel biologically active compounds with reduced toxicity.

Present work emphasizes on designing multiphase (1T and 2H) WS _2 materials with fascinating controlled morphology in 3D (nanoflowers) and 1D (nanorods and nanowires) systems via a cost-effective solvo- and hydro-thermal method as well as comparing the effect of temperatures (200 and 210 °C) on distinctive properties. 1T- and 2H-WS _2 nanostructures exhibit the dependence of crystallite size, morphology, stoichiometry and constituents homogeneity on synthesis temperatures. Investigations using different spectroscopic and microscopic techniqus reveal that the high temperature is implemental to produce effective nanostructured WS _2 materials. The nanostructures 1T-WS _2 and 2H-WS _2 poses metallic and semiconducting characteristics, respectively. On the basis of initial experimental analyses, a plausible formation- and growth-mechanism is elucidated for both 1T- and 2H-WS _2 nanostructures. Consequently, the facile preparation offers a great promise for developing heterostructures modified with multiphase WS _2 and indicates a potential path way for both fundamental and application based researchers to continue further advancement in sensing and fuel cell technology.

Penicillium oxalicum PBG30 produced an extracellular phytase in solid-state fermentation and maximum production was obtained (200 ± 6.01 U/g DMR) at 30 °C after 5 days. The optimal temperature and pH for enzyme were 70 °C and 3.0, respectively. The phytase is thermostable with T1/2 of 1 h at 70 °C and showed broad-substrate specificity with Km and Vmax values of 4.42 mM and 909.1 U/ml, respectively with calcium phytate. Phytase activity was enhanced in the existence of metal ions and surfactants and retarded by SDS, EDTA, sodium molybdate, DTT, and ß-ME. Phytase exhibited resistance against trypsin and pepsin with better storage stability at 4 °C and −20 °C. Insoluble phytates (metal and protein) were efficiently hydrolyzed by fungal phytase showing liberation of inorganic phosphate in a time-dependent manner. Also, the phytic acid reduction was observed in phytase-treated fish feed with the lowest phytic acid occurring in a diet supplemented with 1500 FTU/kg dose of phytase. Furthermore, phytase was converted into vanadium-dependent peroxidase. Fungal phytase, due to its thermostability, protease resistance, broad substrate specificity, and ability to hydrolyze phytate forms, has the potential to serve as an additive for improving nutrient digestibility in the food and feed industry.

In the field of material sciences, nano-based formulations have attracted the attention of researchers, as they are highly suitable for applications in different fields. Conventionally, physical and chemical techniques have been employed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). However, they use hazardous and poisonous ingredients, which are toxic to human health and the environment. Therefore, it necessitates the development of an eco-friendly and economical method for the fabrication of silver nanoparticles. Biogenic AgNPs have been synthesized using plants and microorganisms due to the presence of reducing agents such as metabolites and enzymes in their extracts. The size, shape, and other properties of the biogenic AgNPs have been characterized using various biophysical techniques. AgNPs are widely used to treat infections and diseases in humans and plants. They have demonstrated antifungal and antibacterial activities and, therefore, have been applied in various therapeutic applications like the treatment of cancer, wound dressing, orthopedic and cardiovascular implants, and dental composites. Biogenic AgNPs have been applied for the remediation of environmental pollution, including that of water and air via the detoxification of synthetic dyes and other contaminants. They have improved seed germination and plant growth after application as nanofertilizers and nano-pesticides, as well as in masking the effects of stress. This review describes various biological routes used in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their potential applications in agricultural, environmental, and medical fields.

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are lethal toxins produced by bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Ingestion of BoNTs contaminated foods causes botulism which affects individual’s nervous system by blocking the release of neurotransmitters causing flaccid paralysis. This review article deciphers the comprehensive account on mechanism of action of BoNTs, pathogenicity, and various innovative analytical detection techniques of BoNTs in foods. Potential misuse of BoNT as a biowarfare agent is also a major concern. Hence, for the detection of deadly BoNTs various conventional techniques like mouse lethality bioassay (MLB), SNAP-25 assay, mouse phrenic nerve hemidiaphragm (MPN) test, non-lethal mouse flaccid paralysis assay (NFPA) and modern techniques (immunoassays, cell-based assay, nucleic acid-based methods, endopeptidase mass spectrometry assays) have been discussed. This article also provides a detailed account on biosensing technology for detecting BoNTs in foods. Moreover, future research efforts should be focused on the development of advanced new-age biosensors for automated detection and real time monitoring of botulinum neurotoxin toxicity in food. Integration of biosensors with quantum technology and lab-on-chip platforms is required for increasing their versatility and robust detection. The insights presented in the review aim towards providing future research directions and increase the vigilance against potential future threats.

The metal complexes originating from Schiff's base exhibit a range of applications, particularly within medicinal chemistry. Dehydroacetic acid (DHA) derived Schiff base was synthesised through the condensation reaction of DHA and 2-picolylamine. Thus, the condensed product was treated with transition metal salts to obtain DHAderived Schiff base complexes. Single crystal X-ray diffraction was used to investigate the structures of Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) metal complexes as well as Schiff's base. Ligand (3) constructs an ideal tridentate (NNO) coordination pocket. The nickel (4a) and zinc (4b) complexes crystallise monoclinically with the C2/c space group. Copper complex (4c) crystallises in a triclinic form with a P-1 space group. Complexes 4a and 4b are isostructural and exhibit octahedral geometry, whereas complex 4c shows a distorted square pyramid geometry with tau = 0.275. The metal complexes were potent antifungal agents compared to Schiff's base. When appraised by the agar well diffusion method, the copper complex exhibited a splendid antibacterial response against Grampositive and negative bacterial cultures. All the synthesised metal complexes exhibited photocleavage activity towards genomic DNA, RNA and plasmid DNA, resulting in complete RNA degradation at 50 mu g concentrations. The antiplasmodial action against the 3D7 strain of P. falciparum was assessed via a fluorescent test based on SYBR green-I. Treatment with Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes increased activity to 3.5 mu g/ml and 2.0 mu g/ml, respectively.

The novel pyrazole-linked Schiff base-derived Cu(ii) complexes were prepared, characterized, and evaluated for their biological potential. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, UV-visible, FT-IR, NMR, EPR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and SEM-EDX techniques have been utilized for establishing the chemical structures of the compounds. The results of the single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of complex 4c disclosed that the prepared copper(ii) complexes possess a square planar geometry. Antimalarial screening against P. falciparum revealed that the ligand 3d and copper complexes 4a-d are more effective, with percentage suppression ranging from 90% to 100%, as determined by the RBC haemolysis assay. Compound 3d exhibited the highest selectivity index (SI = 18.38), followed by 3e (SI = 9.48) and 4d (SI = 6.02). Furthermore, molecular docking simulations were performed on newly prepared ligands and their copper(ii) complexes, which support their potential as effective antimalarial agents. An anticancer evaluation study revealed that compound 4b exhibited remarkable anticancer efficacy with the highest selectivity (SI = 13.48) towards A549 cells, outperforming the reference drugs Cisplatin, Carboplatin, and Dexamethasone. It was observed that complexation with copper ions results in increased selectivity for A549 cells and decreased cytotoxicity towards Vero cells. Moreover, compound 4e displayed the highest antibacterial potential with an MIC value of 0.02 mg mL-1 against B. subtilis.

In this study, solid-state fermentation for growth and bacteriocin production by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LD1 was carried out using wheat bran, a lignocellulosic substrate. This is the first report showing bacteriocin production using L. plantarum LD1 in solid-state fermentation. Wheat bran supported higher production of bacteriocin (391.69 ± 12.58 AU/mL) than other substrates. Appropriate conditions were achieved using statistical designs. Significant factors identified by Plackett–Burman Design and their interactions were studied using response surface methodology. Enhanced production of bacteriocin (582.86 ± 0.87 AU/mL) and optimal growth (log10 CFU/mL 8.56 ± 0.42) were attained in wheat bran medium supplemented with peptone (1.13%), yeast extract (1.13%), glucose (1.56%), and tri-ammonium citrate (0.50%). Growth in non-optimized medium (MRS) was almost similar (log10 CFU/mL 8.15 ± 0.20), but the bacteriocin production level was lower (391.69 ± 0.58 AU/mL). Bacteriocin production was sustainable using varied quantities of wheat bran, showing the suitability of the optimized bioprocess for large-scale production. The cost for bacteriocin production in the optimized medium was found to be 444,583.60 AU/USD, which is about 4 times more economical than the cost of the commercial MRS medium, 121,497.18 AU/USD). Thus, an almost 1.5-fold improvement in bacteriocin production was achieved using wheat bran as the substrate. The cost of the production medium was reduced by approximately 25%, making the bioprocess economical.

Lignocellulose, the most abundant and renewable plant resource, is a complex of polymers mainly composed of polysaccharides (cellulose and hemicelluloses) and an aromatic polymer (lignin). Utilisation of lignocellulosic biomass for biotechnological applications has increased over the past few years. Xylan is the second most abundant carbohydrate in plant cell walls, and structurally, it is a heteropolysaccharide with a backbone composed of β-1,4-d-xylopyranosyl units connected with glycosidic bonds. Xylanases degrade this complex structure of xylan and can be produced by various microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria, and yeasts. Lignocellulosic biomass is the most economical substrate for the production of fungal xylanases. The bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass to industrially important products, i.e., xylooligosaccharides and biofuels, is possible via the application of xylanases. These enzymes also play a key role in enhancing the nutrition of food and feed and the bio-bleaching of paper and kraft pulp. However, the demand for more potent and efficient xylanases with high activity has increased, which is fulfilled by involving recombinant DNA technology. Hence, in this review, we thoroughly discussed the biotechnological potential of lignocellulosic biomass for the production of fungal xylanases, their purification, molecular strategies for improving their efficiency, and their utilisation for the production of valuable products and in other industrial processes.

Culture extract of thermophilic mould Myceliophthora thermophila BJTLRMDU7 played important role in the green synthesis of iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) using ferrous sulphate (FeSO4). The mould was grown in potato dextrose broth (PDB) at 45 degrees C and 200 rpm for 72 h. A colour change from transparent to reddish brown showed the synthesis of FeNPs due to the surface plasmon resonance by the fungal culture extract. The process for the synthesis of nanoparticles was optimized using different reaction conditions. Biogenic iron nanoparticles were synthesized maximally at 50 degrees C and pH 5.0 after 24 h using 2 mM salt solution and one ml culture extract. Furthermore, formation of iron nanoparticles was significantly accelerated in the presence of light. The absorption peak was maximum around 250-350 nm in UV-vis spectrum. The absorption peaks of Fourier -transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) at 619.99 cm-1, 793.57 cm-1, 882.32 cm-1, 1121.46 cm-1, 1627.71 cm-1, 2923.17 cm-1 and 3430.70 cm-1, indicated functional groups of active biomolecules involved in the synthesis of FeNPs. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of green synthesized iron nanoparticles indicated the average size of 80 nm, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) data revealed the crystalline nature of FeNPs. These FeNPs efficiently reduced p- nitrophenol (PNP) into p-aminophenol (PAP), which was further confirmed by thin layer chromatography. Biogenic FeNPs showed 96 and 35 % decolourization of bromphenol blue and malachite green, respectively. Further, addition of H2O2 enhanced the decolourization of malachite green up to 96 %. Biogenic FeNPs synthesized from culture extract of a thermophilic mould have been found effective in remediation of environmental pollutants released from various industries.

Among different microbes, fungi are proficient candidates for the extracellular synthesis of iron nanoparticles. For biogenic synthesis of iron nanoparticles, a thermophilic mould Myceliophthora thermophila BJTLRMDU7 was used in this study. Mycogenic magnetic nanoparticles were used for phosphatase immobilization and therapeutic applications such as antimicrobial and antimalarial activity. Firstly, the phosphatase was immobilized on biogenic iron nanoparticles with an efficiency of >56 %. Immobilized enzyme was optimally active at 60 degrees C and pH 5. Immobilized phosphatase was recycled using external magnetic field up to 4th cycle retaining >50 % activity. The immobilized phosphatase efficiently released inorganic phosphate from different flours such as wheat, maize and gram at 37 degrees C and 60 degrees C. There was continuous increase in the release of inorganic phosphorus from all samples with incubation time at 37 degrees C and slight reduction at 60 degrees C. These nanoparticles showed the effective antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Myceliophthora thermophila. Further, the synthesized iron nanoparticles showed antimalarial potential against Plasmodium falciparum. Biogenic nanoparticles did not exhibit hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity. Therefore, biogenic iron nanoparticles could be used as a suitable matrix for immobilization of enzymes and safe therapeutics.

Agricultural residue is produced in large quantities during crop harvesting, and open burning of this waste causes environmental pollution and health risks. Due to the structural complexity of the lignocellulose and problems associated with physical and chemical methods of its pretreatments, there is an utmost need for an eco-friendly pretreatment strategy. Biological pretreatment involving microorganisms and their enzymes is an environment-benign and economic process due to lack of release or requirement of toxic chemicals during the process. Among microorganisms, filamentous fungi (mainly Basidiomycetes) with efficient enzymatic machinery have been used in efficient delignification and bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass. Enzyme-mediated pretreatment has further improved the saccharification of plant biomass with no sugar loss as in case of microbial pretreatment. Composting, ensiling, solid state fermentation, and biogas production are based on biological pretreatment, which are used for the generation of value-added products. Biological pretreatment does not require/release toxic chemicals but, is highly useful in detoxification of such toxic compounds. Biological pretreatment is significantly affected by biotic and abiotic factors. Pretreated biomass is hydrolyzed by cellulases and xylanases into sugars that are fermented into biofuels, organic acids, enzymes, and other products. The slow and long incubation nature of biological pretreatment has been overcome by combining with milder physico-chemical methods. Furthermore, the consolidated bioprocessing-based biorefinery approach has enhanced the potential of biological pretreatment by involving microbial consortium for the production of biofuels and other value-added products in a single step. Therefore, biological pretreatment-based biorefinery approach would be quite beneficial for the large-scale production of value-added products from lignocellulose with concomitant reduction in environmental pollution and solid waste management.