The development of efficient microbial delivery systems remains a critical challenge in sustainable agriculture. Here, we report the microencapsulation of Bacillus velezensis VRU1, an effective plant growth-promoting bacterium, within an alginate–whey protein concentrate matrix reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The strain exhibited multiple PGP traits, including siderophore production, phosphate solubilization, indole-3-acetic acid synthesis (18.7 µg/ml), hydrogen cyanide production, and protease activity. Encapsulation efficiency reached approximately 85

Cellulose, a key component of plant cell walls, plays a crucial role in shaping the interactions between plants and microbes, especially during pathogenic attacks. This article examines the complex regulatory mechanisms that control cellulose synthesis in the context of plant defense. By examining signaling pathways, transcriptional regulation, and cross-talk mechanisms, the dynamic balance between growth and immunity during pathogen perception is highlighted. These findings improve our understanding of plant defense strategies and provide valuable clues for improving plant resilience and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Unraveling the regulatory networks of cellulose production in response to pathogens not only deepens our understanding of host-pathogen dynamics but also opens avenues for innovative approaches to enhance plant immunity and address global food security challenges.

The craving for biodegradable sea biopolymers is growing as a result of ecological concerns over the use of non-renewable resources. Sea biopolymers are becoming more popular as sustainable alternatives across multiple industry sectors, covering the food sector. Sea cucumbers are a peculiar and remarkable aquatic animal species that have been extensively studied for the presence of these sustainable biopolymers, proteins, and polysaccharides, for instance. Biopolymers derived from sea cucumbers have significant biological advantages, such as anti-aging, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. They are also biocompatible and biodegradable. Researchers have been investigating techniques for extracting and purifying biopolymers produced from sea cucumbers due to their excellent nutraceutical, medicinal, and cosmeceutical properties linked to their biopolymeric potential. The biotechnological and food-pharma sectors benefit from sea cucumber species, in the supply of natural chemicals for antibiotic resistance. A life cycle assessment evaluates sea cucumbers' environmental impact, recommending sustainable practices, energy-efficient processing, and waste management. This article provides a thorough and up-to-date update on sea cucumber-derived biopolymers, including sea cucumber-derived proteins (SCPt) and sea cucumber-derived polysaccharides (SCPs), as well as their uses as novel functional foods and therapeutic agents.

This study investigates the transformative potential of supramolecular encapsulation of alginate in improving biological control strategies by increasing the stability and efficacy of beneficial microbial agents. With the increasing importance of sustainable agriculture, biological control measures have emerged as a promising alternative to chemical pesticides. Alginate, a naturally occurring biopolymer, serves as an ideal medium for the encapsulation of these microbial agents, ensuring their targeted release and sustained efficacy in the plant environment. The research addresses the mechanisms by which alginate encapsulation not only protects the viability of the microorganisms, but also enables better interaction with the host plants, which ultimately strengthens plant defenses. Furthermore, the results suggest that this innovative delivery system could significantly reduce dependence on synthetic pesticides and promote environmentally friendly agricultural practices. The study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and further research to refine alginate-based formulations, opening the door to a new era of agriculture that balances productivity and environmental sustainability.

Thionins are a class of small, cationic plant peptides with well-documented antimicrobial activity. They play a crucial role in plant defense by destroying the cell membranes of pathogens and triggering immune responses. Due to their broad spectrum of activity and natural origin, thionins are increasingly considered eco-friendly alternatives to conventional chemical pesticides in integrated pest management strategies. This review examines the various biological functions of thionins, their molecular mechanisms of action, and their potential applications in agriculture. Particular attention is paid to current limitations, including peptide stability, specificity, regulatory challenges, and innovative approaches to overcome these, such as encapsulation technologies and targeted delivery systems. In addition, the role of thionins in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving the climate resilience of crops will be discussed. Thionins support ecosystem health and food security by reducing dependence on synthetic agrochemicals. Continued research and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential to close current knowledge gaps and facilitate the path to practical implementation. With strategic innovation, thionins can serve as key tools in the development of robust crop protection systems suitable for a changing climate.

Lectins are a heterogeneous group of carbohydrate-binding proteins that vary in size, structure, molecular organization, and binding patterns. They evoke diverse biological responses by specifically binding to cell surface glycans and function as recognition molecules. In this study, a lectin from the fruit of Phyllanthus reticulatus was purified using mucin-affinity chromatography. The Phyllanthus reticulatus lectin (PRL) is non-specific to blood groups, with its hemagglutination activity strongly inhibited by asialo-mucin and weakly inhibited by mucin, fetuin, asialo-fetuin, and ovalbumin. The purified PRL exists in a monomeric form and has an estimated molecular weight of approximately 36 kDa (as determined by SDS-PAGE) and 35.07 kDa (as determined by ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MALDI-TOF-MS). The hemagglutination activity of PRL remains stable at an acidic pH of 4.2 and at temperatures up to 60 °C. Glycan array analysis revealed a fine sugar specificity towards fucose and fucose-containing complex glycans. Notably, PRL exhibited a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on T47D and SKBR3 breast cancer cell lines by inducing apoptosis, as assessed through MTT assay and annexin V/PI staining. These results suggest that PRL is a novel plant lectin with strong apoptotic effects on breast cancer cell lines and distinct carbohydrate specificity, highlighting its potential significance in cancer glycobiology.

Water body pollution lies between prime environmental threats the world falls ill with. Largest contributor driving the water pollution encompasses the textile industry, as the colors contained in the released effluent. Ni-CrZnFe2O4/Alginate, Zn-NiFe2O4/Starch, Co-NiZnFe2O4/Polyaniline, and Cr-ZnCoFe2O4/PVA are among the polymeric ferrite composites synthesized in this work. These polymeric ferrite composites removed the artificially reactive Red-198 dye from the aqueous medium. Many factors, including pH, composite dosage, contact interval, temperature, and starting dye concentration, were optimized for the maximum elimination. Nature of the sorption process was explored using variety of equilibrium representations, together with the Langmuir, Fruendlich, Temkin, and Harkin jura models. Kinetic models such as the Intraparticle Diffusion, pseudo-first order, and pseudo-second-order models were used to verify reaction rate and order. To ensure the feasibility of reaction, many thermodynamic features were inspected. The impact of different metals, surfactants, and electrolytes in wastewater was also considered. The effects of starting dye concentration, flow rate, and bed height were investigated for large-scale dye removal. Reactive dye desorption was studied using a variety of eluents to assess the reproducibility of the results.

Callose deposition is an important plant defense mechanism that protects plants from attack by pathogens. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding callose deposition and its potential for plant protection. Significant progress has been made in identifying the genes and regulatory pathways involved in callose synthesis, such as the discovery of CALS genes and their role in pathogen-induced callose production. Recent studies have also identified key signaling molecules, such as salicylic acid (SA), that regulate callose deposition in response to biotic stress. In addition, chemical inducers such as jasmonic acid (JA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) have been found to stimulate callose production in response to pathogen attack. These advances in the use of chemical inducers to increase callose production offer new opportunities to improve plant resistance to disease and reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. However, it remains a challenge to optimize these strategies for different crops and to ensure their long-term effectiveness. The review highlights the need for further research to explore the broader applications of callose deposition, including its role in sustainable agriculture and reducing pesticide use. Future directions should focus on clarifying the regulatory networks that control callose deposition, assessing the resilience of these strategies in the field, and exploring the potential of callose in conjunction with other defense mechanisms to improve plant resilience. If these gaps are addressed, callose deposition could become a cornerstone of sustainable crop protection.

Glycopeptides represent a significant biomacromolecule class exhibiting diverse and potent biological activities. Covalent conjugation between saccharides and peptide moieties modulates molecular stability, mediates specific recognition events, and regulates biological functions across various physiological processes. Current glycopeptide research focuses on two sources: natural glycopeptides and synthetic glycopeptides. Natural glycopeptides, derived from plants, animals, and bacteria, play significant roles in cellular signaling and immune responses. Synthetic glycopeptides, including vaccines and therapeutic drugs, hold broad application prospects, but their structural complexity poses challenges to their total synthesis. This review summarizes existing glycopeptide structural characterization techniques, including modern analytical methods such as NMR, X-ray crystallography, and computer simulations, with particular emphasis on the structural features of O-, N-, C-, and S-linked glycopeptide bonds. By integrating the latest advances in natural glycopeptides from diverse biological sources and synthetic strategies for various medicinal glycopeptides, this review provides an in-depth discussion of the current applications of glycopeptides in biomedicine, functional foods, and other fields. Finally, potential research directions are proposed to explore new opportunities for glycopeptide development and multidisciplinary applications.

This review article explores the fascinating world of chitosan coating applied to seeds and its profound impacts on enhancing the germination process and growth performance of plants. Chitosan, a biodegradable and non-toxic polysaccharide derived from chitin, has shown remarkable potential in seed treatment due to its bioactive properties. The review discusses the mechanisms of chitosan's effect on plant germination including promoting water uptake, enhancing nutrient absorption, and protecting seeds from biotic and abiotic stresses. Moreover, it evaluates the effects of chitosan on plant growth parameters such as root development, shoot growth, chlorophyll content, and overall yield. The review also discusses the sustainable aspects of chitosan coatings in agriculture, emphasizing their eco-friendly nature and potential for reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals. Overall, the findings underscore the significant benefits of chitosan-coated seeds in improving the overall performance of plants, paving the way for a greener and more productive agricultural future. Finally, the article will conclude with a SWOT analysis discussing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of this technology.

The cytocompatibility, good degradability and antimicrobial action of chitosan (CS) makes this polysaccharide a highly sought after candidate for applications in medical devices. Thus, development of biofunctional implants associated with CS has been proposed in regenerative medicine as these biomaterials can improve and accelerate the osseointegration process on the implants’ surface. The antimicrobial potential of CS has also been investigated in experiments performed on implantable materials associated with CS in different forms, since the incidence of implant-associated infections (IAIs) is increasing worldwide. Biodegradable scaffolds based on CS, and commonly developed as hydrogels, have received lots of attention as implants for controlled release and delivery of drugs. Given this scenario, the present review will focus on methodologies used to coat implant surfaces with CS as well as pharmaceutical applications of these functionalized implants, focusing on cellular, immunological, and antimicrobial responses as well as controlled drug release.

This study aimed to develop a sodium alginate (Na alginate) and mung bean protein (MBP) raft complex to improve gastric reflux symptoms. Na alginate and MBP complexes with different ratios (1:1, 2:1, and 3:1, respectively) were used for raft formulations through a wet Maillard reaction. Structural properties of raft strength, reflux resistance, intrinsic fluorescence emission spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were investigated for rafts. The suspension 1:1 Na alginate/MBP with 0 h Maillard reaction time exhibited the lowest sedimentation volume among the suspensions. In contrast, 3:1 Na alginate/MBP with 6 h Maillard reaction time showed the highest sedimentation volume. Based on the results, the 3:1 Na alginate/MBP rafts had the best results, and the results were within acceptable limits. Functional properties, including antioxidant properties, the Helicobacter pylori inhibition assay, the pancreatic lipase inhibition assay, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition, were investigated for rafts. The Na alginate/MBP raft has similar characteristics to Gaviscon syrup and can be used for obesity, Helicobacter pylori infection, high blood pressure, and gastric reflux.

In this research, a novel active food packaging material was developed by blending starch, chitosan, and plant- based mucilage with zinc oxide nanoparticles. The polymeric nanocomposite film, created by incorporating zinc oxide nanoparticles into the mixture using a straightforward approach, was analyzed for its structural and functional attributes using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TGA/DSC. These analyses revealed a robust interaction between the polymers' functional groups and the nanoparticles, forming a stable film. The film's mechanical properties, including tensile strength and Young's modulus, were high. It also showed reduced wettability and water solubility, enhancing water resistance. The biodegradability rate was 100 %. Antibacterial tests against Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. showed significant inhibition zones of 26 mm and 30 mm, respectively, demonstrating strong antibacterial effectiveness. The film's non-target toxicity was assessed through phytotoxicity experiments on Vigna angularis and soil nutrient evaluations, with no negative impact on plant growth or soil health observed. These results indicate that this nanocomposite is a safe, biocompatible option for food packaging.

The global issue of pollution caused by the misuse and indiscriminate application of pesticides has reached critical levels. In this vein, encapsulating pesticides with carriers offers a promising approach that impacts key parameters such as pesticide release kinetics, stability, and biocompatibility, enhancing the safe and effective delivery of agrochemicals. Encapsulated pesticides hold the potential to reduce off-target effects, decrease environmental contamination, and improve overall crop protection. This review highlights the potential benefits and challenges associated with the use of both organic and in-organic carriers in pesticide encapsulation, and the current state of research in this field. Overall, the encapsulation of pesticides with carriers presents a promising approach for the safe and effective delivery of these vital agricultural compounds. By harnessing the advantages of encapsulation, this technique offers a potential solution to mitigate the adverse effects of conventional pesticides and contribute towards sustainable and environmentally conscious farming practices. Further research and development in this field is necessary to optimize the encapsulation process, carrier properties and advance towards sustainable and environmentally friendly pesticide delivery systems.

The current investigation aimed to assess how the fermentation process impacts pearl millet starch. Two distinct fungi, Rhizopus azygosporus and Aspergillus sojae, were employed to alter the structure of starch granules. Fermentation led to the creation of pores on the surface of the starch granules. A comparative examination of the fungal strains revealed that Aspergillus sojae fermentation resulted in the highest number of pores in pearl millet starch when compared to Rhizopus azygosporus. The particle size of the starch granules experienced a significant reduction following fermentation. Moreover, noticeable changes were observed in the amylose content, swelling capacity, and solubility of pearl millet starch. An increase in both the amylose content and solubility of pearl millet starch was noted, with values shifting from 14.27 % to 15.96 % and 17.37 % to 20.41 %, respectively. Additionally, the starch extracted from fermented pearl millet displayed a significant decrease in swelling power, decreasing from 15.53 g/g to 13.15 g/g. These findings affirm that solid-state fermentation holds promise as an innovative and cost-effective method for starch modification.

The present study aimed to explore the contribution of untreated (UtβG) and modified oat 1,4-β-D-glucan (OzβG) to the quality of gluten-free chapattis at varying concentrations (0, 1.5, 3, and 4.5 % labelled as M0, M1, M2 and M3 for maize chapattis and F0, F1, F2 and F3 for finger millet chapattis, respectively). The functionality of flours was significantly enhanced by the addition of UtβG and OzβG. However, OzβG incorporated flour exhibited a more pronounced influence on both functional and farinographic parameters when compared to flours with UtβG. Further, the hardness of the chapattis decreased with incorporation of OzβG and it was lowest for M2 and F2 i.e. 6.38 N and 5.27 N, respectively due to the formation of more carboxyl and hydroxyl groups, which had more affinity towards water molecules. The sensory analysis indicated that OzβG incorporated M2 and F2chapattis exhibited the highest overall acceptability. Hence, this study provides valuable insights into the utilization of UtβG and OzβG for the formulation of gluten-free chapattis with better dough characteristics and chapatti-making properties.

This review explores the role of pectin, a complex polysaccharide found in the plant cell wall, in mediating immune responses during interactions between plants and microbes. The objectives of this study were to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying pectin-mediated immune responses and to understand how these interactions shape plant-microbe communication. Pectin acts as a signaling molecule, triggering immune responses such as the production of antimicrobial compounds, reinforcement of the cell wall, and activation of defense-related genes. Pectin functions as a target for pathogen-derived enzymes, enabling successful colonization by certain microbial species. The document discusses the complexity of pectin-based immune signaling networks and their modulation by various factors, including pathogen effectors and host proteins. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding the crosstalk between pectin-mediated immunity and other defense pathways to develop strategies for enhancing plant resistance against diseases. The insights gained from this study have implications for the development of innovative approaches to enhance crop protection and disease management in agriculture. Further investigations into the components and mechanisms involved in pectin-mediated immunity will pave the way for future advancements in plant-microbe interaction research.

Catalase, an enzyme central to maintaining redox balance and combating oxidative stress in plants, has emerged as a key player in plant defense mechanisms and interactions with microbes. This review article provides a comprehensive analysis of catalase-associated immune responses in plant-microbe interactions. It underscores the importance of catalase in plant defense mechanisms, highlights its influence on plant susceptibility to pathogens, and discusses its implications for understanding plant immunity and host-microbe dynamics. This review contributes to the growing body of knowledge on catalase-mediated immune responses and offers insights that can aid in the development of strategies for improved plant health and disease resistance.

Lignin is a complex polymer found in the cell walls of plants, providing structural support and protection against pathogens. By modifying lignin composition and structure, scientists aim to optimize plant defense responses and increase resistance to pathogens. This can be achieved through various genetic engineering techniques which involve manipulating the genes responsible for lignin synthesis. By either up regulating or down regulating specific genes, researchers can alter the lignin content, composition, or distribution in plant tissues. Reducing lignin content in specific tissues like leaves can improve the effectiveness of defense mechanisms by allowing for better penetration of antimicrobial compounds. Overall, Lignin modification through techniques has shown promising results in enhancing various plants resistance against pathogens. Furthermore, lignin modification can have additional benefits beyond pathogen resistance. It can improve biomass processing for biofuel production by reducing lignin recalcitrance, making the extraction of sugars from cellulose more efficient. The complexity of lignin biosynthesis and its interactions with other plant components make it a challenging target for modification. Additionally, the potential environmental impact and regulatory considerations associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) require careful evaluation. Ongoing research aims to further optimize this approach and develop sustainable solutions for crop protection.