Plastic garbage accumulation worldwide has reached catastrophic proportions. Given the varied and multifaceted effects of plastic on biological health, it is necessary to assess these effects from the standpoint of One Health to integrate and better understand the complexity of these processes. All ecosystems on Earth have plastic particles, from nanometers to meters in size, from the highest mountains to the deepest sea trenches. The molecular and cellular levels as well as the organismal, community, and ecosystem levels are all impacted by plastic trash. Together, the absorbed substances and microbes carried by plastic waste, the physical properties of plastics, the molecular properties of plastic polymers, and the numerous ingredients added to the plastics in manufacture all mediate these effects. The following concepts are summarised using a One Health framework: (1) dimensions of biological organization in which plastic affects global health, (2) interactions between the many biological layers caused by plastic, and (3) What are the gaps in our knowledge about how plastic affects biological scales and how those scales interact? Along with possible remedies, we also highlight One Health viewpoints that take into account the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the environment in order to confront this escalating catastrophe.
ABSTRACT This work reports the influence of bio‐derived silver (Ag) nanoparticles insertion on the properties of polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl cellulose (PVA/CMC) polymer blend prepared by solution casting method. X‐ray diffraction studies reveal the dispersion of silver nanoparticles into polymer blend matrices. Thermal studies by DSC and TGA indicate the increased thermal stability of the polymer blend due to the addition of bio‐derived silver nanoparticles. Three different steps of weight loss shown by dTGA curves indicate the loss of water adsorbed, elimination of side chains, and the decomposition of the main chain. The maximum degradation of the pure sample occurred at a peak temperature of around 252°C with 65% of degradation, whereas the maximum degradation of the doped samples occurred at a peak temperature of around 322°C with 26% of degradation, which evidences the increased thermal stability of the doped sample. UV–visible spectral analysis shows a decrease in both direct and indirect band gap values with increasing dopant concentration in the polymer blend host, which is an indication of the formation of complexes between the polymer blend and the filler. The antifungal properties of PVA/CMC/Ag blend films are evaluated against four distinct fungus strains. The findings indicate that the activity index increased with the amount of Ag nanoparticles filled in. According to the study, doping PVA/CMC with Ag nanoparticles increases its antimicrobial efficacy. Since these nanocomposites have both electrical conductivity and antimicrobial properties, they may be suggested for future investigation in biomedical applications, including wound dressing and infection prevention.
Quorum sensing (QS) is the ability of bacteria to monitor their population density and adjust gene expression accordingly. QS-regulated processes include host-microbe interactions, horizontal gene transfer, and multicellular behaviours (such as the growth and development of biofilm). The creation, transfer, and perception of bacterial chemicals known as autoinducers or QS signals are necessary for QS signalling (e.g. N-acylhomoserine lactones). Quorum quenching (QQ), another name for the disruption of QS signalling, comprises a wide range of events and mechanisms that are described and analysed in this study. In order to better comprehend the targets of the QQ phenomena that organisms have naturally developed and are currently being actively researched from practical perspectives, we first surveyed the diversity of QS-signals and QS-associated responses. Next, the mechanisms, molecular players, and targets related to QS interference are discussed, with a focus on natural QQ enzymes and compounds that function as QS inhibitors. To illustrate the processes and biological functions of QS inhibition in microbe -microbe and host-microbe interactions, a few QQ paradigms are described in detail. Finally, certain QQ techniques are offered as potential instruments in a variety of industries, including agriculture, medical, aquaculture, crop production, and anti-biofouling areas. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS on behalf of Institut Pasteur.
Aging is a complex process that involves many physiological mechanisms that gradually impair normal cellular and tissue function and make us more susceptible to diseases and death. It is influenced by intrinsic factors like cellular function and extrinsic factors like pollution and UV radiation. Recent scientific studies show that traditional plant-based foods and supplements can help mitigate the effects of aging. Nutraceuticals, which are dietary supplements with medicinal properties, have gained attention for their ability to prevent chronic and age-related diseases. Antioxidants like flavonoids, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, terpenes, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, minerals, etc. found in plants are key to managing oxidative stress, which is a major cause of aging. Well-known plant-based supplements from Bacopa monnieri, Curcuma longa, Emblica officinalis, Ginkgo biloba, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Panax ginseng have been found to possess medicinal properties. These supplements have been shown to improve cognitive function, reduce oxidative stress, improve overall health, and potentially extend life and enhance the excellence of life. The obtained benefits from these plant species are due to the presence of their bioactive secondary metabolites, such as bacosides in Bacopa monnieri, curcumin in Curcuma longa, ginsenosides in Panax ginseng, and many more. These compounds not only protect against free radical damage but also modulate key biological pathways of aging. Also, traditional fermented foods (tempeh and kimchi), which are rich in probiotics and bioactive compounds, support gut health, boost immune function, and have anti-aging properties. The molecular mechanisms behind these benefits are the activation of nutrient-sensing pathways like AMPK, SIRT/NAD+, and mTOR, which are important for cellular homeostasis and longevity. This review shows the potential of traditional plant-based foods and dietary supplements for healthy aging, and more studies are needed to prove their efficacy and safety in humans. Incorporating these natural products into our diet may be a practical and effective way to counteract the effects of aging and overall well-being. The foremost goal of this review is to emphasize the importance of supporting the body’s antioxidant system by consuming the right balance of natural ingredients in the diet.
In a variety of organisms, quorum sensing plays a crucial part in controlling microbial communication and, consequently, gene expression. The purpose of this chapter is to evaluate current knowledge of the function of microbial communication in harsh conditions, although this phenomenon has been thoroughly researched in relation to, for instance, virulence gene regulation. Numerous critical microbial functions are regulated by cell signaling, which may be crucial in promoting microbial functional diversity and, ultimately, ecosystem function under harsh settings. The characterization of cell-signaling systems in these communities may offer special insights into understanding the microbial interactions involved in functioning and surviving in harsh environments, according to several recent studies that have examined cell signaling in contemporary analogues to early Earth microbial mats (communities). A key process known as cell signaling may have evolved on the early Earth alongside human populations and the environment. Without cell signaling, selective forces might have led to the extinction of some microbial populations rather than their evolution. Understanding how and why particular microbial functional groups are found in places where they theoretically should not be expected to survive is one of the largest issues in extremophile biology, and carefully controlled communication may be essential. Finally, quorum sensing has just been discovered in archaea for the first time, suggesting that communication at several levels may be essential in harsh settings.
Due to its abundant supply and renewable status, bioenergy, compared to conventional fossil fuels, clearly offers advantages. As a result, it is essential for guaranteeing energy stability and lowering total emissions of greenhouse gases. The level to which substantial environmental issues might result from the development of bioenergy is uncertain. This chapter focuses on the basics of bioenergy, the production methods that are now available, environmental concerns, difficulties, opportunities, and future work considerations for a successful shift to a bioenergy economy. In order to make the switch to a carbon-free energy economy and satisfy growing future energy requirements, a significant quantity of energy from the global bioenergy industry would be needed.
Due to the rapidly changing food recipes and eating patterns, food safety is receiving significant attention in today's fast-paced world. Foodborne diseases caused by bacteria, toxins, and other contaminants pose a threat to human health. Moreover, substantial resources are invested in analyzing and implementing control measures, resulting in significant losses for the food industry. To enhance the sensitivity and specificity of pathogen detection, researchers have made advancements in the field of biosensing by utilizing nanomaterials and composites to construct nano-biosensors. By leveraging nanomaterials, sophisticated technologies have been incorporated into biosensors for improved signal transfer, efficiency, and sensitivity. Notably, nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, magnetic and gold nanoparticles, dendrimers, graphene, and quantum dots are commonly employed due to their unique chemical, magnetic, mechanical, optical, and physical properties, enabling the production of biosensors with higher specificity and sensitivity in pathogen detection. For optimal performance, rapid detection, and effective utilization in foodborne analysis, it is crucial to define and characterize all nanoparticles and novel composites utilized in biosensors. Hence, the objective of this chapter is to provide an overview of the various modern sensing technologies employed in the detection of foodborne pathogens. Additionally, this chapter will discuss their design, operation, and recent advancements in sensing systems.