Chromium (Cr) contamination in agricultural soils has become a critical environmental issue due to increasing anthropogenic activities, posing serious environmental issues. This study hypothesizes that the combined application of biochar (BC) as a soil amendment and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NP) as a foliar treatment would synergistically reduce Cr toxicity and improve the growth and physiological performance of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The objectives were to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of BC and TiO2-NP in immobilizing Cr in soil, (2) assess their impact on plant growth and biomass, and (3) examine changes in antioxidant defense systems and stress indicators in rice. A controlled pot experiment was conducted using Cr-contaminated soil with various treatment combinations, including BC amendment and foliar application of TiO2-NP. BC was applied to the soil before planting, while TiO2-NPs were applied as a foliar spray at a specific growth stage. Plant growth parameters, biomass production, and antioxidant enzyme activities, oxidative stress markers, and nutrient uptake were systematically measured. The combined treatment (T6: BC + TiO2-NP) showed the most pronounced improvement in plant performance. Compared to the control, the root and shoot dry biomass increased by 80% and 98%, respectively, while the root and shoot lengths increased by 39% and 96%, respectively. This treatment also significantly enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, with superoxide dismutase (SOD) 56%, peroxidase (POD) 64%, and catalase (CAT) 80%, indicating improved defense against oxidative stress. Concurrently, stress indicators were markedly reduced, including electrolyte leakage (EL) 48%, malondialdehyde (MDA) 67%, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) 55%. Overall, the results demonstrate that the integrated use of biochar and TiO2-NPs effectively mitigates Cr toxicity by improving soil conditions, enhancing antioxidant defenses, and promoting plant growth. This combined approach represents a cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly strategy for managing Cr-contaminated soils and ensuring safer crop production.

The accumulation of lead (Pb) in cereal crops from Pb-polluted soils is a serious threat to human health by accumulating high levels of Pb in grains. The combination of biochar and clay minerals can be a useful strategy to combat Pb toxicity in cereals. An experiment was conducted to assess the efficiency of biochar and montmorillonite on wheat growth, yield, and human cancer risk in Pb-contaminated soil. The results revealed that Pb toxicity diminished the growth, physiological functions, and yield of the wheat. The application of biochar (BC) and montmorillonite (MT) alone enhanced plant growth under Pb stress; however, their combined application (BC + MT) showed the significant effect. It was observed that combined application of BC and MT increased total dry biomass by 51

The application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) often affects the cadmium (Cd) uptake by plants; however, the relative efficiencies of different ZnONP application methods on Cd and zinc (Zn) uptake by plants need to be studied. The current study compared the efficiency of three ZnONP application methods [soil, foliar, and soil + foliar (S + F)] in terms of wheat plant growth and Cd/Zn uptake. The methods of ZnONP application caused significant variations in plant growth, photosynthetic pigments, oxidative stress, Zn and Cd uptake. The combined S + F method of ZnONP application was more effective in enhancing growth, Zn concentration and reducing Cd content in grains as compared to other methods. The S + F method increased the grain yield by 148.9% and Zn contents in grains by 72.8% compared to the control. Combined S + F application method reduced Cd concentrations in shoots, roots and grains by 12.7%, 20%, and 37.7%, respectively, compared to soil application method. Furthermore, compared to foliar application method, this decrease was 15.3%, 16.6%, and 31% for shoots, roots, and grains, respectively. Our results demonstrate that the S + F application of ZnONPs is more effective at reducing grain Cd contents in wheat, enhancing Zn biofortification for the nano-enabled production of safer food crops.

Gastroenteritis is a prevalent digestive disorder that contributes to significant morbidity worldwide, often caused by pathogenic bacteria. Probiotics are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential in treating gastrointestinal diseases due to their beneficial effects on gut health. This study aimed to explore the antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties of Enterococcus faecium metabolites, isolated from a milk sample, against Salmonella enterica. The bacterial strains were isolated using the streak plate method and molecularly characterized, with Enterococcus faecium showing 93.79

Cadmium (Cd) contamination of agricultural soils pose a significant threat to food safety, particularly through its accumulation in food chains. This issue highlights the pressing need for effective and innovative mitigation strategies. The application of biochar nanoparticles (BC NPs) and silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) would be an innovative solution in alleviating Cd-induced phytotoxicity. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of BC NPs and SiO2 NPs, both individually and in combination, on Cd mobility/bioavailability in soil and its subsequent bioaccumulation in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L). Results showed that BC NPs and SiO2 NPs were effective in reducing Cd uptake in tomatoes and improving plant growth characteristics. However, when BC NPs were combined with SiO2 NPs, maximum reduction in Cd uptake and improvement in plant growth characteristics was achieved. The study results indicated that soil application of BC+SiO2 NPs composite at 1.5 % in T5 treatment resulted in a significant increase in plant height (25.6 %), root length (36.9 %), shoot dry weight (43.7 %), root dry weight (95.8 %), and fruit number (133 %), respectively, as compared to control. The T5 treatment also effectively shielded the photosynthetic apparatus of tomato plants, resulting in notable enhancement of photosynthesis by 29 %, transpiration by 91 %, intercellular CO2 levels by 28.9 %, and stomatal conductance by 27.1 %, respectively, compared to control group. Additionally, the same treatment alleviated Cd-induced oxidative stress by elevating the activities of key antioxidant enzymes i.e., catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) by 22.9 %, 27.9 %, and 13.4 %, respectively, compared to non-amended plants of control treatment. Our findings also illustrated that T5 treatment significantly reduced the bioaccumulation of Cd in plant roots, shoots, and fruits by 28.6 %, 36.2 %, and 70.3 %, respectively, in comparison to plants cultivated in control treatment. Furthermore, the incorporation of BC+SiO2 NPs composite markedly enhanced the quality attributes of tomatoes relative to other treatments. Collectively, these findings present a novel approach to mitigate Cd toxicity in tomato plants, thereby fostering improved crop yield and fruit quality, which has implications for food security, environmental sustainability and public health.

Cenchrus biflorus Roxb., a resilient C4 grass species, thrives across hyperarid and hypersaline environments due to its remarkable structural and functional plasticity. This study investigated ecotypic variations in morphoanatomical and physiological traits among populations collected from ecologically distinct sites in Pakistan, including saline deserts, arid plains, and semi-arid regions. Morphological adaptations such as reduced leaf area, enhanced root biomass, and increased leaf number were evident under arid stress. Anatomical modifications-including thickened epidermis and endodermis, enlarged cortical and parenchymatous regions, narrow metaxylem vessels, and high trichome and bulliform cell densities-contributed to water conservation and ion regulation. Physiological resilience was linked to elevated levels of osmoprotectants (proline, glycine betaine, soluble sugars), stress enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase), antioxidants, and photosynthetic pigments. Ion homeostasis was maintained through restricted Na+ uptake and compartmentalization. Multivariate analyses revealed strong associations between environmental variables (temperature, salinity, soil nutrients) and trait expression. The findings highlight the critical role of phenotypic plasticity in the ecological success of C. biflorus, underscoring its potential utility in arid land restoration and climate-resilient forage development.

Morphological modulation, structural, and functional variations of nanoparticles by altering reaction conditions, preparation methods, and precursor materials to produce nano combs, nano rings, nano helixes, nanobelts, nanowires, and nanocages have gained much attention in recent areas. The role of pH in governing the morphological transformations in ZnO nanoparticles represents a critical yet insufficiently explored aspect of research. ZnO is an inorganic compound with excellent chemical, electrical, and thermal stabilities, and has potential for research due to its nano-sized particles, wide bandgap, enhanced specific surface area, and surface reactivity. Surface groups undergo protonation or deprotonation by the change in hydrophilicity of the nanoparticles due to pH change that affects all the properties of NPs. In this review, the effect of pH on the morphological changes, chemical characteristics, and mechanistic insights of ZnO NPs is explored. Additionally, chemical, electrical, biomedical, optoelectronic, and antibacterial properties of ZnO NPs are studied by changing pH. In future, potential applications of pH-controlled morphology of ZnO NPs will be explored in catalysis, electronics, and biomedicine fields.

Production of cereal crops on cadmium (Cd) contaminated soil has undermined the human health and food security around the world. The application of organic amendments may decrease toxic effects of Cd on plant growth and its accumulation in edible parts. A pot experiment was designed to examine the efficiency of phosphorous modified biochar (PMBC) along with vermicompost (VC) on wheat physiological, biochemical and bio-accumulation traits grown in artificially spiked Cd contaminated soil. The result of our study indicated that Cd toxicity has significantly decreased plant biomass and photosynthesis and initiated oxidative stress. The data also revealed that Cd toxicity increased the Cd bioaccumulation and translocation in wheat plants. Adding organic materials, especially combinations of PMBC and VC, helped increase the dry weight, chlorophyll levels, and antioxidant enzyme activities in the wheat plants. The increase in APX and POD activities (30

Fast development of information science and electronic technology, as well as the use of related equipment have been inducing unavoidable electromagnetic wave (EMW) pollution. High performed electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding composites are required for weakening or resolving such problems. In this study, we aimed to prepare lightweight and porous composites with high EMI effectiveness, especially under relatively high service temperature condition. Silicon carbide (SiC) and zirconium diboride (ZrB2) were compounded with cotton fibers (CFs) to prepare ZrB2-SiC/CF compounds, cooperated with high-temperature sintering technique at 800 degrees C-1200 degrees C. Furthermore, epoxy resin dipping was applied to improve the mechanical property, combining with Fe3O4 nanoparticle' coating on their surface to enhance the EMI shielding performance. Average EMI shielding efficiency of the ZrB2-SiC/60CF@Epoxy-Fe3O4 with a thickness of 1.54 mm was as high as 58.93 dB, at a frequency range of 18-26 GHz. High dielectric loss induced by carbonated CFs, magnetic loss from Fe3O4 nanoparticles, as well as the porous structure contributed to this high EMI shielding performance. The MATLAB software was used to further exam the SEM pictures before and after sintering and helped to explain the change in composite's porosity and morphology, as well as their influence on the EMI shielding performance.

Lead (Pb) contamination in agricultural soil poses a severe threat to global food security and human health that needs urgent attention. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of foliar-applied green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) for the mitigation of lead-induced stress in two maize (Zea mays L.) varieties (V1 = Cimmyt-Pak and V2 = Yh-5427). A pot experiment was conducted using three ZnONPs concentrations (0, 150, and 300 mg L− 1) applied through the foliar route to assess the physiological, biochemical, and growth responses of maize plants under different Pb levels in the growth medium (0, 250, 500 mg kg− 1). Application of ZnONPs, particularly at 300 mg L− 1, significantly enhanced the plant height (56.6

The current research focused on the preparation and application of a nanoemulsion based edible coatings of chitosan (CH), Aloe vera gel (AVG), and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). Three nanoemulsion coatings, i.e., C-1, C-2, and C-3, were prepared, and one of them (C-3) was employed to observe the shelf life and other quality parameters of tomato fruits during the storage period of 20 days at a temperature of 20 degrees C. The nanoemulsion coatings were prepared using different concentrations of CH, AVG, and chemically synthesized ZnO-NPs. The zeta sizer and zeta potential of C-3 nanoemulsion coating were 178 nm and -89.2 mV, respectively. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed broad peaks at 2 theta = 16.5 and 21.5 degrees, indicating the amorphous structure of C-3 nanoemulsion coating. The SEM analysis revealed homogenous particle distribution morphology of nanoemulsion coating (C-3). The tomato samples coated with CH/AVG/ZnO-NPs-based nanoemulsion coating revealed good physiochemical results such as reduced weight (7 %) and decay percentages (18.20 %) and maintained TA (0.5 %) and TSS (3.5 %) contents. The ethylene production and respiration rates were also lower compared to the control tomato samples. Furthermore, the firmness level (8 N) and overall acceptability score (6.50) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in coated tomato samples. The results of the present work emphasized its potential feasibility for practical use in food industrial applications.

A two-year field trial was carried out to identify the most effective concentration of colchicine (Colch) for seed priming in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L., cv. Desi Palak) with the aim of improving crop performance and resilience under changing environmental conditions. The study revealed that seed treatment with 0.07% Colch significantly enhanced morphological, anatomical, fluorescence, and biochemical characteristics of spinach, whereas higher concentrations negatively affected growth. In comparison to the untreated control, the 0.07% Colch treatment resulted in notable increases in germination rate (20.3%), plant height (62.2%), number of leaves plant−1 (51.4%), leaf area (63.6%), crop growth rate (54.3%), and leaf yield (25.9%). Positive effects were also observed on stomatal size (44.4%), stomatal index (23.1%), leaf thickness (81.5%), quantum yield of photosystem II (46.4%), chlorophyll content (49.7%), linear electron flow (74.4%), and the enzymatic activities of catalase (23.4%), superoxide dismutase (33%), and peroxidase (14.3%), along with antioxidant capacity measured in terms of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-radical scavenging activity (28.3%). Moreover, the chromosomal count was doubled in plants treated with 0.07% Colch compared to the control, and polyploidy was cytogenetically verified, confirming its effectiveness in inducing genome duplication. Conversely, reductions were recorded in stomatal density (42.8%), nonphotochemical quenching (threefold), nonregulatory energy dissipation (twofold), hydrogen peroxide (31.5%), and superoxide anion levels (25.5%). Thus, the above findings demonstrate that 0.07% Colch seed priming can induce beneficial changes in the morphology, anatomy, physiology, and biochemical profile of spinach, providing practical implications for breeding strategies and sustainable crop development.

In pursuit of enhancing agricultural productivity, the application of nanotechnology, particularly carbon Nanoparticles (CNP), has emerged as a promising approach to improve crop growth and quality. This study, conducted during 2022-23 at the Horticulture Research Farm and Biotechnology Laboratory of Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan, investigated the effects of CNP Concentrations and application stage on broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Marathon). The experiment utilized a Randomized Complete Block Design, with foliar applications of CNPs at 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg L⁻¹ applied at three growth stages (4-leaf, 8-leaf, and head stage). Data were collected on growth parameters (leaf number, plant height, stem diameter, days to head initiation), yield, and quality traits (chlorophyll A and B, carotenoids, total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid, and head diameter). Results revealed that CNPs significantly enhanced broccoli performance. The highest leaf number (21.89) was recorded with 40 mg L⁻¹ at the 4-leaf stage, while maximum plant height (30.59 cm) and stem diameter (1.92 mm) were observed with 40 mg L⁻¹ at the 8-leaf stage. The fewest days to head initiation (80.44) occurred with 30 mg L⁻¹ at the 4-leaf stage. Chlorophyll A (4.84 mg/g) and B (4.43 mg/g) peaked with 30 mg L⁻¹, while carotenoids (13.51 mg/g) and ascorbic acid (0.51 mg/g) were highest at 10 and 20 mg L⁻¹, respectively. Yield (90.25 g/plant), head diameter (22.99 cm), and TSS (7.60 °Brix) were maximized with 30–40 mg L⁻¹ at the 8-leaf stage. Thus, applying 30 mg L⁻¹ CNPs at the 8-leaf stage is recommended to optimize broccoli growth and quality.

Pectin, a bioactive polysaccharide, was mixed with chitosan (CS) and blended with three essential oil formulations to prepare nanoemulsion-based edible coatings. Three nanoemulsion-based coatings, C1, C2, and C3, comprising chitosan and pectin at ratios of 1:1, 1.25:1.25, and 1.50:1.50, respectively, were applied to plum fruits and stored at 7°C for 18 days to evaluate their preservation effectiveness. The results have documented the stability and compatibility of prepared nanoemulsions when applied during the fruit storage period. The nanoemulsion C3 inhibited E. coli and S. aureus by 1.20 ± 0.06 and 0.90 ± 0.09 mm, respectively. Furthermore, the C3 coating effectively delayed key quality deterioration parameters (p < 0.05), such as reduced weight loss (7.75%), maintained firmness (2.50 kg/cm2), lower decay incidence (2.80%), respiration rate (RR, 6.80 CO2/kg/h), and ethylene production (3.80 μL/kg/h). It also preserved titratable acidity (1.77%), total soluble solids (8.30°Brix), total phenolic content (160 mg GAE/100 g FW), pH values (3.35), and overall acceptability (6.60 score). These results established a robust foundation for the development and application of the active edible coating for prepared nanoemulsions C3, C2, and C1 to preserve postharvest quality and prolong the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic metal that frequently contaminates our environment. In this study, the bioflocculant-producing, cadmium-resistant Escherichia fergusonii ZSF-15 was characterized from Paharang drain, Bawa Chak, Faisalabad, Pakistan. The Cd-resistant E. fergusonii was used to determine the bioflocculant production using yeast-peptone-glycerol medium (pH 6.5) supplemented with 50 mg L−1 of Cd. The culture was incubated for 3 days at 37 °C in a rotary shaker at 120 rpm. The fermentation broth was centrifuged at 4000 g for 10 min after the incubation period. The maximum flocculating activity by isolate ZSF-15 was found to be 71.4

In pursuit of sustainability and resource optimization, the zero-waste theory has gained momentum across diverse sectors. The concept of "zero waste" integrates waste management strategies to minimize waste such as animal bones. This study aimed to prepare Calcined and Nano hydroxyapatite (HAp) from sheep bone as a valuable calcium source by using calcination (850 degrees C) and ultra-sonication methods. FTIR, particle size distribution (PSD), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and XRD techniques were used to characterize the resulting samples. FTIR spectra confirmed PO43 � at 1027.43 and 1030.32 cm-1 in nano and calcined HAp respectively. AAS, UV, and PSD indicated 32.3 +/- 0.11% calcium content and 18.86 +/- 0.19% P, with 142 nm particle size in Nano-HAp; which significantly differed from calcined HAp. STEM confirmed morphological behavior. XRD crystalline behavior seemed highest at 460a.u., whereas LIBS-derived Ca/P ratio was 1.99 in Nano HAp. Notably, in-vitro findings measured the highest bioavailable calcium content in Nano HAp (46.6%) and Calcined HAp (42.1%). Further, HAp was used to develop and characterize fortified baked potato wedges with formulations; 0%, 0.22%, 0.44%, and 0.66%. Moisture (%) was measured within the range of 21.51 +/- 0.11 to 34.83 +/- 0.03. Nano-Bio-2 (0.44%) was the best formulation that could be a better choice to wipe out calcium deficiency for end-users. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the physical and sensory attributes of the developed product. On account of eigenvalues, the total variation was recorded at 94.71. Hence, current work showcased the potential of utilizing sheep bone for sustainable calcium enrichment and offered insights into innovative food formulations.

Nanocomposites are small substances that constitute nanosized particles in a matrix of standard material. Bionanocomposites (BNCs) are in small sizes from 1 to 100 nm in the bulk amount of the same element but exhibit the same nanoproperties. There are many applications of BNCs like in drug development, food packaging, fire safety, and sensor devices but in agriculture, BNCs have a wide range of applications like in plants growth, crops production, and protection from pests and insects by providing the best agrochemicals or nanoparticles. In plants, nanotechnology has been used to deliver DNA to plant cells, detect plant pathogens, regulate plant hormones, enhance nutrient absorption, and many other applications. Nanofertilizers enhance yield production as compared to simple fertilizers because this technique helps to enhance the targeted delivery of fertilizers, increase nutrient use efficiency, minimize potential negative effects associated with overdosage and to reduces soil toxicity. Nanopesticides are conventional pesticides, that are covered with metal nanoparticles and nanopolymers. Nanoencapsulation is a technique based on nanobiocomposites (NCs) that ensure the slow release of nanopesticides and nanofertilizers. Polymer nanocomposites provide the best nanotechnology in food packaging and are also known as polyphase amalgam that comprises nanoscale fillers. Nanotechnology increases the water sorption capacity of plants in different ways like SurfaPore W is a new nanotechnology compound used for the water sorption of plants by increasing the preservation of wooden surfaces. Nanotechnology is the best advancement in agriculture to improve plant production, food safety, and water capacities of soil.

Electromagnetic wave pollution has become a significant harm posed to human health and precision instruments. To shelter such instruments from electromagnetic radiation, high-frequency electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials are extremely desirable. The focus of this research is lightweight, high-absorption EMI shielding composites. Simple aqueous dispersion and drying procedures were used to prepare cotton fiber (CF)-based sheets combined with various zinc oxide (ZnO) contents. These composites were carbonated in a high-temperature furnace at 800 °C for two hours. The obtained CF/ZnO samples have densities of 1.02–1.08 g/cm3. The EMI shielding effectiveness of CF-30% ZnO, CF-50% ZnO, and CF-70% ZnO reached 32.06, 38.08, and 34.69 dB, respectively, to which more than 80% of absorption is attributed. The synergetic effects of carbon networks and surface structures are responsible for the high EMI shielding performance; various reflections inside the interconnected networks may also help in improving their EMI shielding performance.

Probiotic potential of Enterococcus spp. is widely investigated around the globe. The biochemically and molecular characterized E. faecium strains isolated from Dahi (continental yogurt) were evaluated to tolerate simulated gastric environment, bile, sodium chloride, temperature, and pH. The safety was assessed by disc diffusion, broth microdilution, antibiotic resistance genes screening, and hemolytic ability. Enterococci survived simulated gastrointestinal conditions and depicted growth at temperature (15 to ≥42°C), pH (≤2.5 to ≥9.5), 0.3% bile salt and 3% NaCl. All strains were sensitive to ampicillin, vancomycin, kanamycin, gentamicin, streptomycin, tetracycline and ciprofloxacin and harbored vanR, vanX, qnrB2, qnrS, tetK, and tetW resistance genes. E. faecium strains inhibited the E. coli (85%) and S. Typhi (50%) whereas the 10% cell-free culture supernatant (CFCS) of E. faecium halted the growth of E. coli while 15% CFCS completely suppressed S. Typhi. The cell-free culture supernatant retained antibacterial nature after pH and proteinase K treatment, however, it lost activity after heat treatment (≥95°C). The genetic screening revealed that all isolates are capable to produce putrescine biogenic amine. Further assessment of strains for lack of infectivity, cytotoxicity in animals, adhesion to Caco-2 cells and characterization of enterocins is essential to conclude the probiotic potential of these strains.