In recent decades, the intensive use of synthetic pesticides and agrochemicals to maximise crop productivity has severely degraded soil physicochemical properties, contaminated water resources, caused environmental pollution, and reduced food quality and safety. In addition, heavy metals and toxicants released from agricultural activities have accumulated within agroecosystems, posing serious risks to environmental and human health. This review describes sustainable agricultural technologies and integrated management systems that can reduce chemical dependency while improving soil fertility, crop productivity, and environmental sustainability. Eco-friendly approaches, such as natural farming, biofertilisers, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), biocontrol agents, bioremediation, and phytoremediation, contribute to enhanced nutrient cycling, stress tolerance, contaminant detoxification, and the restoration of ecological balance. Special emphasis is placed on how PGPR, biofertilisers, biocontrol agents, and remediation technologies can be integrated within sustainable management systems to improve agricultural resilience and soil health. Recent advances in microbial ecology, formulation technologies and integrated soil management practices are also explained to highlight their role in sustainable crop production and environmental restoration. It further demonstrates that combining these biological and remediation-based technologies can effectively mitigate the adverse impacts of conventional agricultural practices while promoting climate-resilient and resource-efficient farming systems. Overall, the study concludes that large-scale adoption of integrated sustainable agricultural strategies is essential for improving food security, reducing environmental pollution, restoring degraded ecosystems, and supporting global sustainability goals.

Neonicotinoids (NEOs) are a type of synthetic insecticide commonly used in agriculture to protect plants from sap-feeding insects and pests. They can act as environmental contaminants due to their toxic effects on non-target organisms, including human beings. In the review initially, the environmental fate, persistence, toxicity, remediation, role of nanomaterials (NMs)/metal organic frameworks (MOFs) in remediation, and degradation mechanisms of NEOs are explored. Further, the physical, chemical, and bioremediation approaches are discussed. The gaps in the research described for NM types and efficiency in degradation Further, the various types of NMs are discussed for enhanced degradation, such as carbon-based nanoparticles, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), magnetic nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, functionalized gold nanoparticles, biopolymeric nanoparticles (BPNs), and MOFs, which are discussed as a sustainable chemistry-based approach for degradation. The lack of industrial-scale manufacturing techniques, MOFs' poor stability in aqueous settings, their inability to selectively target particular NEOs in intricate matrices, and the lack of standardized detection and degradation processes are some of the current issues. Therefore, this article is based on a comprehensive literature analysis of NMs and MOF materials for NEOs degradation, classification of nanomaterials and multifunctional materials in remediation, and this is an active area which can be explored for future research. Hence, the MOFs can act as a novel, sustainable, and promising material to enhance NEOs degradation from the environment.

The persistence of heavy metals in soil and water due to anthropogenic activities is a key contributor to environmental contamination. In this study, the cadmium (Cd) resistant bacteria from a contaminated industrial sludge sample, screened through enrichment culture technique, and further characterized based on microscopy, biochemical tests, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing for species identification. Two Cd-resistant isolates, Pseudomonas sp. strain CS3 (accession number PP514684), and Pseudomonas sp. strain CS4 (accession number PP514689) were finally selected, identified, and further screened for their maximum tolerance concentration (MTC) for Cd, tolerating up to 250 and 200 mg/L of CdCl2, respectively. Furthermore, the effects of various physical parameters (pH, contact time, and concentration) on Cd2 + uptake by the bacterial cells were evaluated. Both strains CS3 and CS4 follow the pseudo-first-order kinetics, having a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.96326 and 0.96621, respectively, and also follow the Langmuir adsorption isotherm with R2 of 0.97886 and 0.94808, respectively. Further, after 24 h, the initial Cd2+ concentrations of 250 mg/L and 200 mg/L were reduced to 9.5 mg/L and 9.27 mg/L, respectively, which corresponds to 96.1% and 95.3% biosorption efficiency, reported for both strains. Hence, Cd2+ adsorption property has been confirmed for the Pseudomonas strains CS3 and CS4. Therefore, this study provides outcomes for the good biosorption potential of the reported strains. Further, these strains can be explored for their potential for Cd bio-removal in bioremediation applications.

The increasing demand for efficient, eco-friendly wastewater treatment methods has driven research into innovative, sustainable materials. Among these, coconut lignocellulosic biomass provides a promising feedstock for synthesizing nano-products due to its abundance, renewability, and rich cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin composition. Additionally, coconut biomass, a major agricultural residue, is often underutilized despite its high carbon content and intrinsic structural properties suitable for nanomaterial fabrication. These nano-products exhibit adsorption capacities, catalytic activity, and antimicrobial properties, making them highly effective in removing heavy metals, organic pollutants, and microbial contaminants from wastewater. The synthesis of coconut-derived nanomaterials aligns with the principles of green chemistry by minimizing toxic chemical usage and energy-intensive processes. Moreover, integrating coconut-based nano-products in wastewater treatment offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional treatment methods, which often rely on expensive synthetic materials. Beyond environmental benefits, utilizing coconut waste for nanomaterial production supports the circular bio-economy by valorizing agricultural residues into high-value products. This approach fosters economic opportunities in rural communities, particularly in coconut-producing regions, by promoting sustainable waste management and industrial applications. This review explores the potential of coconut lignocellulosic biomass for synthesising advanced nano-materials for wastewater treatment, emphasizing its role in sustainable bio-economy advancement.

Chlorophenols are the class of harmful organic contaminants, that have presented considerable obstacles to the preservation of the environment since they are often found in bodies of water. These contaminants frequently accumulate in the tissues of living things, particularly fish, in aquatic habitats, leading to early embryonic death. When considering the behavior of noxious substances and their occurrence in various aspects of the environment, it becomes imperative to comprehend the techniques employed for the removal or degradation of chlorophenol from contaminated environments. Traditional methods for removing chlorophenol are typically ineffective and may have adverse environmental impacts. In recent times, techniques using nanomaterials have emerged as feasible options for efficiently degrading chlorophenols. This review paper offers an in-depth overview of recent advancements in using various nanomaterials for the decomposition of chlorophenol. This paper commences by examining the various nanomaterials frequently used in the process of chlorophenol degradation. These include metal nano particles for instance iron, silver, and palladium nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles like titanium, zinc, and iron nanoparticles, as well as carbon-containing nanomaterials, including nanotubes made from carbon and the oxide of graphene. This study explores the several processes by which nanomaterials enable the degradation of chlorophenol. These mechanisms include adsorption-catalysis, direct electron transfer, reactive oxygen species generation, and photocatalysis when exposed to light.

Pesticides and other agrochemicals are introduced into the soil through agricultural practices. Earthworms contribute to the ecosystem services, such as pedogenesis and soil aeration, water regulation, and bioremediation of pesticides and chemicals, act as a bioindicator of soil health, and microbial interactions, and produce casts which are nutrient-rich pellets of N, P, and K organic matter, climate change regulation, and biogeochemical cycling, reduce need of synthetic fertilizer, etc. Consequently, the health of plants is enhanced by the hormone-like substances that earthworms can produce. Therefore, the growth and development of earthworms are significantly influenced by climate, land use, and species types. Hence, the earthworms function as “Ecosystem Engineers” that help maintain the majority of the soil animal biomass. Consequently, agriculture could achieve greater sustainability by harnessing the services of earthworms in agroecology. In this mini-review, it is discussed for earthworm significance explored for their deployment and the exploration in terms of sustaining ecosystem functioning through soil health and fertility enhancement, the impact of biochar on earthworms for soil health, crop production, pesticide application, soil nutrient recycling, the effect of nanoparticles on earthworm and soil health, heavy metal remediation, etc. The earthworms can assist in sustainable agricultural practices and also for the preservation of healthy ecosystems. Therefore, the conservation of earthworms in the soil ecosystem is essential to protect these beneficial organisms. Furthermore, it is necessary to investigate various aspects of agricultural management, conservation, mining, etc., to maintain the ecological balance for sustainable agriculture.

Honeybees are social insects recognized for their olfactory and symbolic communication abilities. They are attracted to plants by detecting chemical compounds such as floral volatiles in nectar, low-concentration phenolics, sugar compounds, spiroacetals, linalool, and 1,4-dimethoxybenzene. Additionally, they respond to lures of Japanese beetles and queen bee pheromones but are repelled by certain chemical compounds. Pesticide residues and antimicrobials sprayed by farmers, like neonicotinoids, show detrimental effects on the growth of honeybees and their gut microflora. Floral nectar, often colonized by yeasts and bacteria, undergoes chemical modifications due to microbial byproducts or antibiotics, influencing pollinator perception and health. These microbial interactions affect honeybee foraging behaviors and direct interactions. While visiting flowers, honeybees inadvertently transfer microbes to their hives, which aid in various activities such as breaking down complex substances and carbohydrate digestion. The honeybee microbiota, comprising lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Bacillus spp., fungi, and yeast, also supports ecosystem health and productivity. Thereby, the microbial metabolites, such as various types of amino acids and fatty acids, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as 2-phenylethanol and acetaldehyde, etc., can modulate nectar chemistry and pollinator behavior by the functional mechanism. Overall, honeybees play an integral role in sustaining ecosystems through their interactions with plants and microbiota. Honeybee microbiome engineering and microbial biocontrol strategies are sustainable approaches that can improve honeybee health and also safeguard pollination mechanisms. This review discusses the intricate relationships between honeybees, plants, and microbes, emphasizing the significance of understanding these dynamics for sustainable development and also the ethical considerations of using honeybees as microbial vectors. Hence, the honeybees contribute to the sustainable development of nature ecology conservation.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of infections worldwide, and remains challenging due to its resistance mechanisms. This study investigated potential synergistic antimicrobial activity of essential oils from Piper betle (PBEO) and Anethum graveolens (AGEO) in combination with conventional antibiotics against MRSA. Molecular docking simulations (MDS) were performed to explore the interactions with key components of essential oils and target protein Penicillin-Binding Protein 2a (PBP2a), which contributes to antibiotic resistance. Synergistic antibacterial effects were evaluated using clinical MRSA isolates and a reference strain, through broth microdilution, checkerboard, and time-kill assays. Amongst all the combinations tested, antibiotic tetracycline exhibited synergistic (FICI <0.5) and additive (FICI >0.5 < 1) interactions for both essential oils. Time-kill confirmed essential oil-antibiotics enhanced anti-MRSA activity when compared to their individual effects over 24 h. MDS showed strong interactions with major components of PBEO and the allosteric site of PBP2a, when compared to the components of AGEO. In silico findings from the study showed molecular interactions underlying the antimicrobial effects, supporting experimental data and highlighting PBEO and AGEO with tetracycline as promising anti-MRSA therapeutic candidates.

Worldwide, the bacterial pollution in drinking water constitutes a major concern to human health. Bacterial infections by Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., and Legionella pneumophila, can cause serious diseases, and their propensity to multiply swiftly in aquatic environments amplifies the risk. The vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are particularly prone to waterborne illnesses. Bacteria having pathogenic potential reproduce rapidly and this will increase risk of human health. In addition to this, many bacterial pathogens produce that have negative health effects resulting in severe illness, organ damage, and even lead to the death of a human being. The advances in detection and disinfection technologies, including quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA), metagenomics, and molecular diagnostic approaches, have boosted pathogen surveillance. Control techniques, such as membrane filtration, advanced oxidation processes, and bioremediation, offer viable options. This review addresses the entry and survival processes of bacterial pathogens in water, related health risks, and new technological breakthroughs in microbial abatement. Through microbial bioremediation technology, this study delives a comprehensive understanding of bacterial contamination in water and offers useful insights for policymakers, water management authorities, and public health specialists. Therefore, the development of a rapid detection and control strategy for water contaminants might lead to the necessity of coordinated measures to protect water quality for public health concerns.

In this investigation, the corrosion inhibition properties of an N-heteroaromatic containing compound 2-(4Methoxy-phenyl)-5-naphthalen-2-yl-[1,3,4]oxadiazole (MPNO), against mild steel (MS) in 1 M HCl using various analytical techniques have been examined. This study included weight-loss measurements at different temperatures (303-323 K), electrochemical analyses using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Potentiodynamic Polarization (PDP), and surface morphology investigations with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The experimental results demonstrated that MPNO exhibited excellent corrosion inhibition efficiency of 85.53% at a minimal 400 ppm inhibitor concentration with a mixed-type inhibition mechanism, as evidenced by the charge transfer resistance (RCT) value of 327.02 ohm. cm(2) derived from the EIS analysis. Additionally, the analysis of quantum chemical descriptors revealed E HOMO (-8.6335 eV), E-LUMO (-1.0277 eV), energy gap (Delta E = 7.60 eV), dipole moment (mu = 2.618 D), indicating inhibitor capability to acquire electrons and donate them to the metal's vacant d-orbitals, thus enhancing its adsorption activity and inhibitory properties. The density functional theory (DFT) computational studies complemented the experimental findings and provided a deeper understanding of the interaction modes between the inhibitors and the MS surface.

Microplastics are pieces of plastic less than 5 mm in size. They have emerged as a global environmental issue due to their prevalence in natural environments. They emanate from multiple sources and persist in aquatic environments, resulting in their bioaccumulation, which has diverse ecological health consequences. This article delves into the main trends for plastic/microplastic research and management, such as collection and disposal, generation, microbial degradation coupled with physical and chemical degradation methods, and microbial enzymatic mechanisms (lipases, esterases, peroxidases, and proteases), policy directions, and waste management strategies. The various issues that have emerged due to the generation of plastic/microplastic are discussed, including their environmental fate and effect on the living system. Further, looking for a solution through microbiological biodegradation approaches is necessary. The comprehensive strategy that integrates research, technologies to control plastic wastes, preventive measures, and implementation of policies and international collaboration can be used to create advanced microplastic management policies. The standards for short-term and long-term policies have been discussed, making suggestions to avoid using plastic and plastic products in their daily lives. Hence, the comprehensive understanding of microplastic microbial degradation (through genetic engineering and synthetic biology applications where the novel degrading genes can be transferred to the degrading strains) acts as a future solution to combat the microplastics issues, and robust measures for their management are needed in terms of; (reduce, re-use and recycle concept of microplastics), and can be the way forwards to prevent their environmental impact and ecological repercussions.

In recent years, the increased prevalence of diseases associated with altered lifestyles, poor diet, and related awareness of natural therapies to treat these ailments has emphasized the study of bioactive compounds and natural small molecules. After the COVID-19 pandemic, people have become more concerned with their diet and healthy lifestyle. We need to replace grains with fortified foods that can help us fight nutritional security and provide a disease-free environment. Millets are nutritionally better than other cereals for human health. Millets are gluten-free, high in fiber content, and rich in minerals. Fiber-rich foods have a low glycaemic index and can reduce the risk of oxidative stress and metabolic illnesses. The 2023 year was dedicated to the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023). Hence, Millet varieties contain a large number of bioactive products like protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, catechin, ferulic acid, sinapic acid, quercetin, apigenin, taxifolin, kaempferol, luteolin and myricetin, β-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, and ergosterol etc. These bioactive compounds have potential health benefits, including various biological properties like anti-diabetic, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-hypertensive, cholesterol-lowering, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial properties. The fermentation of millet can have the potential for an upsurge in their nutrient availability. Therefore, fermented foods have attracted much attention because of their potential health benefits. This review primarily focuses on recent developments in millet as a food, nutritional, and bioactive compound. It can potentially boost health and has implications for various fermented millet varieties.

In this study the effect of probiotic preparations and plant extract was investigated against eleven fish bacterial pathogens viz. Aeromonas hydrophila, Cellobiococcus sp., Enterobacter aerogenes, E. cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella sp., Shigella sp., Streptobacillus sp., Streptococcus sp., Pseudomonas fluorescens and Staphylococcus aureus. All these pathogens were found to be resistant for antibiotics viz. nitrofurantoin, amoxycillin, bacitracin, cephalothin, erythromycin, novobiocin, vancomycin , amphicillin, oxacillin and colistin. In vitro antagonism test of the probiotics was performed by using well diffusion method. In case of probiotic AquaproTM, effective zone of inhibition of 2.433 cm was observed for P. fluorescens and K. pneumoniae. The extracts of Azadirachta indica, Aloe barbadensis, Withania somnifera and Momordica charantia were studied in vitro alone as well as in combination with probiotic (Lactobacillus sporogenes). The zone of inhibition observed in mixed sample was less as compared to individual sample. Among the four plants extract, the W. somnifera extract was found to be the most effective and it leads to maximum inhibition (1.1 cm) recorded for E. aerogenes.

Probiotics are microbes associated with a wide range of health benefits and modulate gut flora by releasing effector molecules. The efficacy of probiotics at various stages of cancer treatment has been well demonstrated. Probiotics can increase the potency of cancer-based immunotherapy, which can be administered before, during, or post-phase therapy. The consumption of probiotics among cancer patients can minimize the detrimental effects of chemotherapy and act as a potential tool for cancer therapy. Genetically engineered probiotics can express specific antigens that can combat cancer and deadly pathogens. These essential features of probiotics can be utilized in cancer treatment and for other applications. This review aims to provide updated information on the mechanism of action of probiotics and their applications in cancer therapy. Moreover, a few other significant applications like; antioxidative therapy, biotechnology-based improvement, and developing potent probiotic strains for effective cancer treatment are also discussed.

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing worldwide problem, and treatment failures are associated with enormous human health effects. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a highly adaptable variant of bacteria exhibiting antimicrobial resistance, making it a formidable superbug. It became one of the leading causes of hospital and community-associated infections. This pathogen is resistant to most clinically available antibiotics by adopting several different genetic and molecular mechanisms. Such types of pathogen evolution and their resistance mechanisms have raised significant public health concerns, urging the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. Essential oils (EOs) from various plants have garnered attention for their potential as alternative antimicrobial agents. Its different compounds synergistically led to enhance the potency and efficacy of antibiotics. Hence, this review focuses on recent advances used in the combination of EOs with antibiotics for therapeutic effects and the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, various methods and mechanisms adopted for the action in synergistic combinations are discussed. Additionally, the etiology of MRSA as a superbug, and prospects for the development of the formulations are elaborated. Future study types would provide valuable insights into exploring different synergistic combinations of EOs and antibiotics to address the growing problem of drug resistance among bacterial pathogens.

Marburg virus (MARV), a member of Filoviridae family, is notorious for causing Marburg virus disease (MVD), one of the deadliest known infectious diseases. Over the past five decades, more than 15 MVD outbreaks have been reported in the African countries, and this has been reported from Equatorial Guinea on February 2023. Few bat species like Rousettus aegyptiacus and Hipposideros caffer, among other members of the Chiroptera order, may serve as a natural reservoir for the virus, which can transmit the disease to humans and other mammals. In humans, severe infections have been reported due to MVD and are characterized by clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, pharyngitis, and diarrhea, eventually progressing to hemorrhagic manifestations. The disease carries an extremely high mortality and morbidity rate. Developing and implementing rapid, accurate, affordable, and efficient diagnostic and therapeutic measures is essential to address the substantial threat MARV poses. Increased focus on health education, enhancement of laboratory services and facilities, adherence to patient safety protocols, and robust surveillance systems are urgently needed to combat this fatal disease. This review aims to present a comprehensive summary of the various attributes and characteristics of MARV/MVD, along with strategies for its prevention and control. Further, this review article also discusses the potential role of medicinal plants in addressing health challenge.

The global pandemic sparked by the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants has imposed a substantial burden of morbidity and mortality. Central to the battle against these viral threats is the immune response, with a spotlight on the pivotal role played by neutralizing antibodies. This comprehensive review delves into current research, unravelling the dual functionality of neutralizing antibodies acting as formidable barriers to viral replication and crucial facilitators of adaptive immune memory. Beyond this dual purpose, the review illuminates the nuanced variability characterizing neutralizing antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2. Emphasizing the dynamic nature of these responses, the review advocates for the plausible challenges in targeted therapeutic interventions. This review also attempts to compare various vaccination approaches and their impact on SARS-CoV-2, as well as offer insights into various Omicron variations. Recognizing the ever-evolving viral landscape, this exploration underscores the necessity of flexible approaches to address the diverse challenges posed by SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, contributing valuable insights to the ongoing global efforts in pandemic mitigation and public health safeguarding.

Polymers have been used in various industries over the past few decades due to their tremendous applications. Among these, polyhydroxyalkanoates and poly(lactic acid) are easily biodegradable biopolymers derived from bacteria, including recombinant Escherichia coli, Alcaligenes eutrophus, Alcaligenes latus, Azotobacter vinelandii, methylotrophs and Pseudomonas. Conventional petroleum-derived polymers have become potentially harmful to the environment due to their complex degradation process. The nonbiodegradability of synthetic polymers has become a global issue of concern. There is an urgent need for a substitute to tackle the increasing environmental stress. Microorganisms are small factories for producing different types of polymers during their growth cycle. Various features like biodegradability, biocompatibility, nontoxicity and wide substrate spectrum make such microbial polymers highly reliable. Biopolymers such as alginate, cellulose, cyanophycin, levan, polyhydroxyalkanoates, xanthan, poly(lactic acid) and poly(gamma-glutamic acid) can be obtained from different microorganisms like Aureobasdium pullulans, Acetobacter xylinum, Bacillus thermoamylovorans and Cupriavidusnecator. These are extensively used in various fields like food, medicine, wastewater treatment, biofuel production, packaging and cosmetics. Despite being advantageous in several ways, the biopolymer market still faces several hurdles. This review mainly emphasizes the different types of biopolymers, production by microorganisms and various applications of these biopolymers in different fields. The main drawback limiting the development of these polymers is the high production cost and low efficiency of the microbial strains. Genetic recombination is an efficient technique to enhance the microbial yield and to expand the biopolymer market size. (c) 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

N,N-Diethyl-3-toluamide (DEET) is a commonly used insect repellent, which acts as an organic chemical contaminant in water and considered as an emerging contaminant which has been observed worldwide. It gets discharged into the environment through sewage waste. The various methods have been used to degrade DEET, such as UV based, ozonation, photocatalytic degradation, and biodegradation (based on the metabolic activity of fungi and bacteria). However, less research has been done on the degradation of DEET by deploying nanoparticles. Therefore, biodegradation and nanotechnology-based methods can be the potential solution to remediate DEET from the environment. This review is an attempt to analyze the routes of entry of DEET into the atmosphere and its environmental health consequences and to explore physical, chemical, and biological methods of degradation. Furthermore, it focuses on the various methods used for the biodegradation of the DEET, including their environmental consequences. Future research is needed with the application of biological methods for the degradation of DEET. Metabolic pathway for biodegradation was explored for the new potent microbial strains by the application of physical, chemical, and microbial genomics; molecular biology; genetic engineering; and genome sequencing methods.