Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) of livestock are endemic across various parts of tropical countries. Theileriosis is one such economically important TBD, caused by the Theileriidae family of organisms, which is transmitted by ticks. Theileria annulata, the causative agent of tropical theileriosis, contributes a significant loss to the dairy sector by causing anorexia, high fever, anemia, inflammatory changes in vital organs and icterus, thus, a loss in milk yield. Though vaccines are available, their protective efficacy is not absolute, and treatment is limited to early diagnosis of the causative agent. Routinely, microscopic identification of piroplasms in the erythrocytes (Giemsa-stained) of infected animals or schizonts in lymph node biopsies are practiced for diagnosis. PCR-based techniques (multiplex, uniplex, nested and real-time) have been reported to perform well in diagnosing active infection. Several attempts have been made using serological assays like Dot blot, ELISA and ICT, but the results were of variable sensitivity and specificity. Recombinant proteins like the Theileria annulata merozoite surface antigen (Tams1) and Theileria annulata surface protein (TaSP) have been explored as antigenic candidates for these assays. In the present study, we predicted an immunogenic peptide, i.e., TaSP-34, from the TaSP using various computational tools. The predicted peptide was custom synthesized. The diagnostic potential of the peptide was assessed by indirect plate ELISA to detect the bovine-IgM against Theileria annulata. Alongside, a recombinant truncated TaSP (rTaSP(tr)) was expressed and purified, which was used to compare the performance of the peptide as a diagnostic candidate. The IgM-based peptide ELISA was 100% sensitive and 92.77% specific as compared to PCR (Tams1 targeting), while 98.04% sensitivity and 97.44% specificity were observed in comparison with rTaSP(tr) ELISA. Almost perfect agreement between peptide ELISA and Tams1 PCR was observed with a Cohen’s kappa coefficient (κ-value) of 0.901 and agreement of 95.31%. Further, the κ-value between the peptide ELISA and rTaSP(tr) ELISA was found to be 0.95, and the agreement was 97.65%, which shows a good correlation between the two tests. The findings suggest that the TaSP-34 peptide can be an efficient and new-generation diagnostic candidate for the diagnosis of T. annulata. Furthermore, the peptide can be synthesized commercially at a larger scale and can be a cost-effective alternative for the protein-based diagnostic candidates for T. annulata.

A new homoleptic copper (II) dithiocarbamate complex having molecular formula [Cu(C17 H19N2S2)2], has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopy (IR and UV–Vis). Single crystal X-ray studies confirm that the complex crystallises in monoclinic with space group P121/c1 and holding dimeric structure by weak Cu...S and H...H intractions. The existence of attractive intermolecular C−H⋯H−C interaction is a notable feature in the crystal packing of this complex. The electrical conductivity measurement between temperatures range of 303–393 K reflects that complex exhibits weak semiconducting behavior.

Homoleptic pyridyl-3(N) functionalized dithiocarbamate complexes namely, [Zn(L1)(2)](2) 1 (L1 = (C5H4NCH2)(2)NCS2) and [Cd(L2)(2)] (infinity) 2 (L2 = CH3C6H4CH2NCS2CH2C4H3O) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and different spectroscopic techniques. Single crystal structural studies reveal that compound 1 is binuclear while, 2 is polymeric structure. The presence of weak interactions between complexes and solvent molecules in the lattice results in one-dimensional and three-dimensional supramolecular structures of 1 and 2 respectively. In the case of complex 2, a rare and significant S center dot center dot center dot Cl chalcogen bonding interaction was found, which involve the solvent molecule in chain motifs. Complex 2 is a unique example of homoleptic metal dithiocarbamate complexes exhibiting such types of interactions. Complexes showed emission in the solid state. The TGA studies of complexes revealed that complex 1 would be a good precursor for the preparation of ZnS thin film via metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD).

Several cyanobacteria can adjust their light-harvesting machinery in response to existing light signals in a process called chromatic acclimation (CA) which permits the utilization of available light resources for photosynthesis. CA involves alteration in the pigment composition of a major light-harvesting complex called phycobilisome (PBS) and allows some cyanobacteria to utilize green light (GL) to drive photosynthesis. However, cyanobacteria, in contrast with eukaryotic algae and higher plants, can not utilize blue light (BL) for photosynthesis due to their dependency on PBS. Here, we studied a black-colored soil crust that was composed of a single cyanobacterium identified and named Oscillatoria sp. Malviya-1 after phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses. The black-colored crust can absorb light from almost all parts of photosynthetically active radiation (400–700 nm) and ultraviolet radiation (280–400 nm) due to the presence of photosynthetic pigments and microbial sunscreens such as chlorophyll ɑ, carotenoids, phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, mycosporine-like amino acids, and scytonemin. Unlike other cyanobacteria, Oscillatoria sp. Malviya-1 can grow using GL, BL, and red light (RL) in addition to white light (WL) which was accompanied by the different colors of the mat under different light conditions. The presence of CA and sunscreens compounds can maximize the fitness of soil crust under a dynamic light environment, UVR, and desiccation. Detailed study of Oscillatoria sp. Malviya-1 will provide information on the mechanism of CA in cyanobacterial soil crust and its unique ability to use both GL and BL.

Current study reports the enhanced cancer cells photothermal ablation efficiency of Microwave Reduced Graphene Oxide (MRGO). Reduction of chemically exfoliated graphene oxide has been carried out using a microwave (700W for 5 minutes). The produced MRGO have been characterized with TEM, SEM, XRD, FTIR, RAMAN, AFM and UV-Vis spectroscopy. MRGO nano size sheets with average lateral dimension ~200nm, exhibited higher NIR absorption efficiency, in comparison to Graphene Oxide (GO). Photothermal efficacy (at optimized NIR laser 808 nm, power of 5.0W/cm2 for 5 min) of MRGO have been tested against human alveolar epithelial carcinoma cell (A549) and human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT116). As a result, a significant decrease in cell viability by 84% and 80% for A549 and HCT116 cell lines respectively has been estimated. No significant toxicity has been observed with MRGO (in absence of NIR treatment) at the concentrations well above the doses needed for photothermal heating against the same cancer cells. Our study introduces MRGO as a biocompatible and efficient photothermal agent.

Endophytic microorganisms present inside the host plant play an essential role in host fitness, nutrient supply and stress tolerance. Endophytes are often used in sustainable agriculture as biofertilizers, biopesticides and as inoculants to mitigate abiotic stresses including salinity, drought, cold and pH variation in the soil. In changing climatic conditions, abiotic stresses create global challenges to achieve optimum crop yields in agricultural production. Plants experience stress conditions that involve endogenous boosting of their immune system or the overexpression of their defensive redox regulatory systems with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, rising stress factors overwhelm the natural redox protection systems of plants, which leads to massive internal oxidative damage and death. Endophytes are an integral internal partner of hosts and have been shown to mitigate abiotic stresses via modulating local or systemic mechanisms and producing antioxidants to counteract ROS in plants. Advancements in omics and other technologies have been made, but potential application of endophytes remains largely unrealized. In this review article, we will discuss the diversity, population and interaction of endophytes with crop plants as well as potential applications in abiotic stress management.

Surface layer proteins perform multiple functions in prokaryotic cells, including cellular defense, cell-shape maintenance, and regulation of import and export of materials. However, mimicking the complex and dynamic behavior of such two-dimensional biochemical systems is challenging, and hence research has so far focused mainly on the design and manipulation of the structure and functionality of protein assemblies in solution. Motivated by the new opportunities that dynamic surface layer proteins may offer for modern technology, we herein demonstrate that immobilization of coiled coil proteins onto an inorganic surface facilitates complex behavior, manifested by reversible chemical reactions that can be rapidly monitored as digital surface readouts. Using multiple chemical triggers as inputs and several surface characteristics as outputs, we can realize reversible switching and logic gate operations that are read in parallel. Moreover, using the same coiled coil protein monolayers for derivatization of nanopores drilled into silicon nitride membranes facilitates control over ion and mass transport through the pores, thereby expanding the applicability of the dynamic coiled coil system for contemporary stochastic biosensing applications.

Nanotechnology enables to control the size, shape, and crystallographic orientation of nanomaterials at nanoscale range. Among various nanoshapes, one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures have their specific advantages as compared to isotropic nanoparticles. 1D nanomaterials are an ideal system for exploring a large number of novel phenomena at the nanoscale level 106and investigating the dimensional as well as size-dependent properties for different applications including optoelectronics. In recent years, integration of optical switches or interfaces based on 1D nanomaterials with tailored geometrics has made significant advancement. 1D-based optoelectronic devices can be configured either as a resistor whose conduction could be altered by a charge transfer process or as a field effect transistor. Functionalization of the structural surfaces offers numerous promising opportunities for intensifying optoelectronic competences. This chapter provides a comprehensive appraisal on the state-of-the-art research activity on the synthesis and functionalization of 1D nanomaterials along with their respective optoelectronic applications.

A new copper(I) heteroleptic pyridyl functionalized dithiocarbamate(dtc) complex, [Cu(L) 2 dppf]·2H 2 O·MeOH, ( 1 ) (where L = N-benzyl-N-methylpyridyldtc and dppf = = diphenyl phosphinoferrocene), has been synthesized from the reaction of [Cu 2 (μ-Br) 2 (k 2 -P,P-dppf) 2 ] and dithiocarbamate ligand (L). The synthesized complex has been characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopy techniques (IR, 1 H, 13 C, 31 P NMR, and UV-Vis), and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. In this heteroleptic complex, the Cu atom forms distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry. The supramolecular architecture in the complex has been sustained in the solid phase by, C–H⋯O and C–H⋯π (chelate = CuS 2 C) interactions. The emission spectrum of the complex has been studied in DCM solution. The charge-transfer excited state is quenched due to intramolecular energy transfer from the {Cu(S,S)(P,P)} moiety to the ferrocene therefore dppf-based complex shows no detectable emission at room temperature. This complex is weakly conducting and exhibit semiconductor behavior at room temperature.

Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs), including like carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, and others, have shown significant impact in environmental applications ranging from detection of pollutants to bioremediation. The unique physico-chemical properties of CNMs allow them to be used in developing various kind of optical and electrochemical sensing tools and devices for screening for various kinds of pollutants. In this chapter, we discuss the current state of the art of CNM applications in sensors for analysis of environmental contaminants. We summarize recent progress in using CNMs for detection of various contaminants, principles of sensor operation, and the development of CNM-based sensors for environmental applications.

Integration of materials acts as a bridge between the electronic and biological worlds, which has revolutionized the development of bioelectronic devices. This review highlights the rapidly emerging field of switchable interface and its bioelectronics applications. This review article highlights the role and importance of two-dimensional (2D) materials, especially graphene, in the field of bioelectronics. Because of the excellent electrical, optical, and mechanical properties graphene have promising application in the field of bioelectronics. The easy integration, biocompatibility, mechanical flexibility, and conformity add impact in its use for the fabrication of bioelectronic devices. In addition, the switchable behavior of this material adds an impact on the study of natural biochemical processes. In general, the behavior of the interfacial materials can be tuned with modest changes in the bioelectronics interface systems. It is also believed that switchable behavior of materials responds to a major change at the nanoscale level by regulating the behavior of the stimuli-responsive interface architecture.

Cubic Cu2−x SnxO (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) nanostructures have been developed with the solvothermal method. X-ray diffraction data analysis confirms the formation of a pristine Cu2O phase below \(x = 0.3\) Sn2+ substitution, and SnO-related phases appear in 0.3 substitute sample indicating phase segregation starts at \(x \ge 0.3\). The magnetization versus applied field (M − H) curves have been determined using a vibrating sample magnetometer at 300 K which reveals that ferromagnetic behavior of synthesized nanomaterials is reliant on the substituent concentration and enhanced gradually with its addition in the material. Photoluminescence spectra show that ferromagnetism originates from the induced magnetic moment in defects created as cation vacancies in the host material. Beside these, the dielectric measurements were performed at various frequencies (20 Hz–1 MHz) and in the temperature range of 100 to 350 K.

The current study highlights a new polyvalent inhibitor approach based on Vancomycin conjugated with graphene oxide (Van@GO) against a Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) strain. Physicochemical characteristics of the prepared Van@GO composites were studied using UV-vis and FTIR spectroscopy techniques. Characterization results confirm the attachment of Vancomycin to the graphene oxide. A significant inhibition of VRSA growth is achieved by Vancomycin when presented as Van@GO. The polyvalent inhibition activity of Van@GO was characterized by performing bacteriological experiments along with scanning electron microscopy. Results clearly exhibit the enhanced inhibition activity of Van@GO compared to Vancomycin alone against VRSA. The high surface area of GO facilitates high loading and multivalent interaction of conjugated Vancomycin leading to polyvalent inhibition. Further, we found that Van@GO significantly reduces the motility of VRSA via inducing oxidative stress compared with untreated samples. Our findings highlight the importance of Van@GO as an effective polyvalent inhibition recipe for VRSA.

The development in the field of nanoelectroanalytical chemistry is continuously inspiring scientists to explore novel materials for the development of electrochemical sensors. The ideal properties of a sensor include high sensitivity, high selectivity, cost effectiveness, fast response, and easy to fabrication. Graphene is an excellent electrical conducting material with high surface area, existing as a two-dimensional sheet of sp2 hybridized carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb structure. The graphene–metal hybrid can act as an enhanced platform for electroanalytical applications as it effectively accelerates the transfer of electrons which provides a fast and highly sensitive current response. Recently, graphene–metal hybrids proved a trump card in the field of sensing owing to the distinctive properties of the material. In this chapter, we present the recent advances in the field of graphene–metal based electrochemical sensors. We discuss the methods used for the synthesis of graphene–metal hybrids along with the design and fabrication of the electrochemical sensor with the focus on various approaches. The main emphasis of the chapter is on the electrochemical sensing application, summarizing the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges offered in the development of robust sensor.

Herein, we report a prospective strategy to synthesize ZnFe2O4 hierarchical structures assembled by nano particles to obtain different morphology like spheres, rods, and flowers. The morphological influence on physicochemical and magnetic properties has been extensively explored. Phase purity of samples was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and morphological and structural features were elucidated with the help of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) tool was used for elemental analysis. FESEM and HRTEM confirmed the formation of ZnFe2O4 with different morphologies. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy gave the insight of bonding mechanism associated with the synthesized materials. Meanwhile, the material chemistry of obtained products was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The surface area of samples with different morphologies have also been found to vary from 19 to 55.8 m(2)/g while the optical band gap study confirmed that nanorods have smaller band gap having value 2.86 eV when compared to sphere and flower structures with band gap 4 eV and 3.47 eV respectively. Magnetic measurements performed on vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) ascertains the superparamagnetic behavior of synthesized materials.

Hierarchically one dimensional (1-D) mesoporous ZnFe2O4 rods with nanoparticles as their building blocks have been synthesized by the solvothermal approach. The influence of annealing temperature on structural, morphological, optical and magnetic properties was intensively investigated. X-ray diffraction was used to ascertain the phase purity of synthesized samples. To perceive the information on morphological and structural features, field emission scanning electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy was probed. It was observed that nanorods with high aspect ratio were obtained when treated at 600 °C (ZF600) annealing temperature as compared to 400 °C (ZF400). Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy was resorted to gain the insight of bonding mechanism associated with ZF400 and ZF600. To enrich the study on material chemistry and defects, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was performed. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller envisioned the surface area of ZF400 and ZF600. It was found that surface area decreases with increase in annealing temperature. UV–Vis spectroscopy expounds that the optical band gap increases with annealing temperature from 3.0 to 3.3 eV for ZF400 to ZF600 respectively. Magnetic measurements were performed on vibrating sample magnetometer at room temperature and the results decipher the superparamagnetic nature of the synthesized material. Additionally, saturation magnetization was found to increase with annealing temperature.

Bacterial infection has become one of the world's largest public health issues, reported in millions of people every year. The continual development of bacterial resistance to available antibiotic therapy necessitates the exploration of alternative treatments for bacterial infections. In recent years, graphene nanomaterials have emerged as a broad spectrum of antibacterial drug with little or no bacterial resistance and tolerable biocompatibility to mammalian cells. With the aim of combining the advantages of graphene and polymers toward effective antibacterial applications, a wide variety of graphene–polymer nanocomposites have been developed and tested. This chapter provides a detailed review of the recent developments in antibacterial activities of graphene–polymer nanocomposites.