Nanoparticles (1-100 nm) are increasingly explored for their environmental and biomedical applications. This study reports the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Trigonefla foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seed extract, which serves as both reducing and capping agent, Rich in lavonoids, saponins, and polyphenols, the phytochemicals in fenugreek facilitated efficient AgNP formation and long-term stabilization. The synthesis involved the mixing aqueous seed extract with silver nitrate, leading to a colour change due to surface plasmon resonance, with a characteristic absorption peak at 420 nm. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups (C=C, C=C, O-H/N-H) responsible for reduction and capping. The synthesized AgNPs showed strong antimicrobial activity against E. cofi (19 mm), and S. aureus (17 mm), with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 25-50 µg mL-1. Antioxidant activity assessed via DPPH assay yielded an IC of 46 µg mL1, indicating potent radical scavenging ability. The nanoparticles demonstrated high yield (>85%), stability over 30 days, and no agglomeration - an improvement over many existing green synthesis methods. The AgNPs are proposed to act through membrane disruption, ROS generation, and interference with microbial DNA and protein synthesis. Preparation of varying concentrations (100, 75, 50, and 25%) enabled detailed bioactivity profiling. This study highlighted the multifunctionality and sustainability of fenugreek-mediated AgNPs, emphasizing their promise as next-generation antimicrobial agents and a significant advancement in green nanotechnology.

The colour of ornamental fish influence their market value. Koi carp (Cyprinus carpio) are globally renowned for their vibrant colours and patterns. Palash flower (Butea monosperma), commonly known as the flame of forest, is a natural carotenoid source. It is seasonally (April-May) available in Midnapore, Bankura, and Purulia districts of West Bengal (India). At flowering time, a large number of flowers are scattered on ground and usually get wasted. The present study evaluated the effect of dietary incorporation of palash flower powder as a natural carotenoid source for Koi carp skin and muscle pigmentation. The experiment was conducted in indoor aquarium tanks for 60 days. The fish were divided into 6 groups and fed twice a day @ 4% of their body weight with palash flower powder-supplemented diet with different graded levels T2 (2.5%), T3 (5%), T4 (7.5%), and T5 (10%) along with a control feed [no supplementation (T1)] and commercial feed (T6). The experimental feed was prepared by following Pearson’s square method. Pigment concentration was determined spectrophotometrically. At the end of experiment, the highest total carotenoids concentration found in fish skin and muscle was 25.09 ± 0.20 and 15.78 ± 1.6 µg g-1, respectively, in T4 tank (p < 0.05) and the specific growth rate and weight gain were high in T4 treatment with 100% fish survival. The result revealed that T4 (7.5%) feed had best positive effect on pigmentation as compared to the control and commercial feed treatments. The treatment was also cost-effective.

Habrobracon hebetor (Say) is a widely used gregarious ectoparasitoid in biological control programs targeting lepidopteran pests. However, the extensive use of chemical pesticides poses potential risks to such beneficial organisms. This study assessed the lethal and sublethal effects of four commonly used pesticides- imidacloprid, acephate, propiconazole, and fenoxaprop-p-ethyl on adult H. hebetor through concentration-mortality assays and risk quotient (RQ) analysis. Among the tested compounds, acephate was the most toxic, with LC5, LC30, and LC50 values of 0.01, 0.15, and 0.52 mg L-1, respectively, and an RQ value of 1442.31, indicating a high ecological risk. In contrast, imidacloprid exhibited LC5, LC30, and LC50 values of 0.27, 8.27, and 40.75 mg L-1, respectively, with an RQ of 0.61, suggesting minimal risk. The fungicide propiconazole (LC50: 23.79 mg L-1; RQ: 5.25) and the herbicide fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (LC50: 995.41 mg L-1; RQ: 0.06) also showed low toxicity, with sublethal concentrations well above the field-relevant levels. These results underscore the importance of incorporating both lethal and sublethal toxicity endpoints when evaluating pesticide compatibility with natural enemies. Future studies should explore long-term sublethal impacts on reproductive, behavioural, and molecular traits to support sustainable IPM strategies.

Biofilm provides armor to the planktonic bacteria as a strategy to develop tolerance against antibacterial drugs. Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis are the major biofilm forming bacteria who synthesize exopolysaccharide matrix upon which planktonic cells embed themselves to form biofilm. In present work iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using EPS and their antibiofilm activity against these bacteria were assessed. Nanoparticles GFNB (B. subtilis EPS mediated) and GFNE (E. coli EPS mediated) were synthesized by EPS mediated-hydrothermal method. Nanoparticles were characterized by UV, FTIR, XRD, TEM and FTIR techniques. Through TEM, iron-oxide NPs were found crystalline having < 5 nm and < 2nm size in case of GFNB and GFNE, respectively. Iron-oxide NPs inhibited planktonic bacterial growth at 1.3 and 3.2 µg mL-1 for GFNB and GFNE, respectively, against E. coli and at 3.2 and 4.2 µg mL-1 for GFNB and GFNE, respectively, against B. subtilis. NPs exhibited inhibition on biofilm formation and dispersion of sessile cells at sub-inhibitory concentrations. The study explored a mechanism to green synthesize iron-oxide NPs utilizing bacterial EPS through hydrothermal method which exhibit antibiofilm property.

Heliotropium indicum L., locally known as “Venal pacha,” is an annual herbaceous weed belonging to the family Boraginaceae and is used in folk medicine. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of its root extract, with a focus on antioxidant activity and cytotoxic effects on HT-29 colon cancer cells. Antioxidant activity of five solvent extracts was evaluated using DPPH and reducing power assays. The ethyl acetate extract, which showed better anti oxidant activity, was used for cytotoxicity study. The cytotoxicity against HT-29 cells was assessed via MTT assay. Apoptosis and necrosis were analysed using flow cytometry with Annexin V/PI staining, and cell cycle arrest was examined to assess the extract's impact on cell proliferation. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity in both assays, supporting its traditional use in oxidative stress-related gut health. MTT assay revealed potent cytotoxicity (82.76% inhibition at 100 µg mL-1, IC50 3.04 µg mL-1) with a dose-dependent response. Significant necrosis, particularly at lower doses, overshadowed apoptosis. Sub G0 cell cycle arrest highlighted interference in cancer cell proliferation. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the correlation between antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity using SPSS (version 28). The findings suggest that H. indicum L. root has anticancer potential owing to its necroptotic potential.

Elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus campanulatus) is a tropical tuber with significant nutritional and medicinal potential but is underutilized due to its anti-nutritional factors. This study evaluated the anti-hyperglycaemic effects of resistant starch (RS) derived from A. campanulatus in streptozotocin - nicotin- amide (STZ-NIC) induced diabetic Wistar rats. RS was prepared by autoclaving, retrogradation, and enzymatic hydrolysis. Acute confirmed safety up to 2000 mg kg-1. Diabetic rats treated with RS @ 100 and 200 mg kg-1 for 28 days exhibited significant reduction in fasting blood glucose. The blood glucose level in the diabetic control group on day first was 284.8 ±6.1 mg dL-1 and on day 28 was 293.2 ± 6.5 mg dL-1. HbA1c, urea, and creatinine, alongside increased in plasma insulin, liver glycogen, total protein, and body weight, comparable to glibenclamide. Histopathological analysis showed β-cell preservation in RS treated groups. Additionally, RS promoted the growth of beneficial gut microbiota, reinforcing its prebiotic role. These findings indicated that RS from A. campanulatus holds promise as a functional food ingredient with anti-diabetic and gut-modulatory benefits.

Transient pore formation in lipid membranes plays a critical role in diverse biological and synthetic processes. Understanding the molecular transport mechanism through these membrane pores is a key step in the optimization of drug release, and membrane integrity regulation. In this study we studied the molecular transport through nanopores formed in the membrane of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles (GUVs) using finite element simulation in COMSOL Multiphysics. We explored the impact of nanopore diameter (16-60 nm), fluorescent probe size (RSE 0.74-5.00 nm), on molecular transport. Using Fick's law of diffusion and the Stokes-Einstein equation, we calculated leakage rate constants kleak for various fluorescent probe sizes. Simulations revealed that larger nanopores significantly increased leakage rates, whereas increasing probe size led to slower leakage. Additionally, larger suspension areas accelerated molecular clearance from the vesicle, amplifying overall flux. The model was validated against experimental data on magainin 2-induced pores, showing strong agreement and confirming the accuracy of our approach. These findings provide insight into nanopore-mediated transport and offer a predictive framework for designing membrane-permeabilizing systems in synthetic biology and drug delivery applications.

Plants have certain important characteristics and different medicinal properties. From antiquity to the present day various plant parts such as leaves, stems, roots, rhizomes, flowers, tendrils, bulbs, etc., have been used in preparation of medicinal products. Entada rheedii Spreng. grows in tropical areas and its parts are used as remedies for different ailments. The present study was aimed to characterise the important chemical components of E. rheedii leaf extract by liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-MS-QTOF). This analytical approach enabled the identification of several bioactive flavonoids, including apigenin, genistein, kaempferol, as well as nicoflorin, astragalin, quercetin, and spiraeoside. The LC MS-QTOF showed clear peaks corresponding to these compounds with retention times of 4.79 and 8.58 min. Uniform patterns of fragmentation have been used to confirm the structural identity of compounds. These flavonoids are recognized for their pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti inflammatory, and anticancer effects. This study provided valuable insights into the phytochemical profile of E. rheedii leaf extract, aiding in the understanding of its potential medicinal uses.

Iron deficiency is a widespread nutritional problem, particularly in plants grown on calcareous and high pH soils. This study evaluated the impact of foliar application of nano iron oxide (Fe2O3 NPs) on growth, yield attributes and oil content of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in a calcareous vertisol under controlled pot culture conditions. Treatments included soil-applied ferrous sulphate, foliar-applied conventional ferrous sulphate, and various concentrations of nano-iron oxide (100 to 1500 ppm) applied 30 days after sowing. The results revealed that foliar application of nano iron oxide significantly enhanced the growth and yield of groundnut. The foliar application of nano iron @ 1000 ppm gave higher dry matter production (69.37 g), and improved root parameters, number of pods plant-1 (58.0), kernels plant-1 (89.33), pod dry weight (30.5 g plant-1), kernel dry weight (23.2 g plant-1), oil content (48.1%), oil yield (11. 24 g plant-1) and crude protein (26.75%) over other treatments. This treatment improved yield by 46 and 35% over the recommended practice and foliar application of FeSO4, respectively. The control showed lowest performance in all the test parameters.

An experiment was conducted at AICRP on Cashew in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, during cropping seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24 to assess the interaction between cashew varieties and planting densities under an ultra-high-density planting (UHDP) system. Three varieties viz., ‘VRI-3’, ‘NRCC Selection-2’, and ‘Balabhadra’ were tested at spacing of 2.5 m × 2.5 m, 3.0 m × 3.0 m and 7.5 m × 7.5 m. The results revealed significant differences for yield and yield-related traits among cashew varieties under different plant densities. Adoption of ultra high density planting system significantly decreased trunk cross section area (36.07 cm2), average canopy spread (2.19 m), crown height (1.56 m), canopy volume (5.08 m3), total number of laterals m-2 (22.29), and number of flowering laterals m-2 (12.60) than wider spacing of 178 plants ha-1. The cultivar ‘NRCC Selection-2’ at 2.5 m × 2.5 m spacing achieved the highest nut yield (0.94 t ha-1), whereas cv. ‘VRI-3’ at 7.5 m × 7.5 m gave the lowest (0.18 t ha-1). The cultivar ‘NRCC Selection-2’ exhibited superior performance across all the planting densities, attributed to its genetic potential and enhanced responsiveness to pruning.

Six 10-day-old cultures of Trichoderma harzianum, T. viride and T. asperellum were irradiated with cobalt-60 γ-radiation @ 0.25 Gy min-1 (0-500 Gy) at BARC- Zakura, Srinagar, J&K, and a total of 60 mutants obtained. The mutants were assessed for stability up to seven generations based on morphocultural characteristics. Almost all the characters in mutants and wild types varied significantly. The mutants were divided into five groups based on their colony texture (cottony, fluffy, velvety, woolly and granular), two groups based on margins (regular or irregular), four groups based on colony colour (dark green mycelia with a white centre, light green mycelia with a white centre, green with a dull white centre, and blackish green with a white centre) and four groups based on colony shape. Spore characters also categorized them into four groups. Colony diameter ranged from 42.00 to 89.55 mm with maximum in mutant F9 (89.55 mm), followed by F10 (85.22 mm), A9 (83.00 mm) and A7 (81.00 mm) with a growth rate of 3.315, 2.747, 2.819 and 2.90 mm h-1, respectively, after 2 days incubation at 28±1ºC. Mycelial dry weight ranged from 47.41 to 348.18 mg with maximum in F10, followed by F9 (284.64 mg) and A7 (263.43 mg). Spore germination ranged from 0.0 to 7.69% with maximum in F9, followed by D2 (7.23%). Maximum CFU (21.5) was observed on PDA in mutant F9, followed D0 (20.5) and D4 after 24 h incubation at 28±1°C. The maximum length: breadth ratio of spores (1.7) was observed in F9, followed by A8 (1.62) and A6 and A9 (1.61). Variation in phialide shape was also noticed in these mutants as compared to their wild ones. The mutants F9, A7 and A9 belonging to T. asperellum were more efficient and stable than other mutants and wild types.

Brodifacoum, a highly potent second-generation anticoagulant, emerges as a powerful solution for controlling rodent populations that have developed resistance to other compounds within its class. This study highlights almost similar efficacy of ready-to-use brodifacoum bait (0.005% BB) and bromadiolone bait (0.005% RB) in managing rodent infestations in both sugarcane and rice cultivation systems. In sugarcane fields, two applications of brodifacoum bait, administered at 15-day intervals each in September and November (@ 1 kg ha-1 each), demonstrated almost similar effectiveness to comparable bromadiolone treatments, both in reducing rodent populations and in mitigating crop damage. In rice fields also, brodifacoum applied 15 days before transplanting (@ 5 g per burrow), followed by a second application before the milky grain stage (@ 1 kg ha-1), demonstrated almost similar effectiveness to comparable bromadiolone treatments in controlling rodent activity and reducing damage caused. These findings strongly reinforce the potential of brodifacoum as a reliable alternative rodent control tool, particularly in agricultural settings where conventional anticoagulants fail.

The Subarnarekha river, known as the "Golden river" of the Chotanagpur Plateau in Jharkhand (India), is adversely impacted by industrial effluents and anthropogenic activities, threatening its aquatic biodiversity. This study assessed the seasonal variations in physicochemical properties and their influence on the growth, survival and biomass of Indian white prawn (Fenneropenaeus indicus) at two sites in East Singhbhum, i.e. site I (Mango, Jamshedpur) and site II (Galudih, Ghatshila) from July 2019 to June 2022. The water quality related physiochemical parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and salinity) were monitored seasonally, and their correlations with prawn survival rate, mean body weight, length, and biomass production were analysed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and regression analysis. The results revealed notable seasonal fluctuations in physicochemical parameters, particularly water temperature and salinity, which exhibited strong positive correlations with prawn growth metrics. Site II consistently exhibited higher mean body weight, survival rate, and biomass production compared to site I, with optimal growth observed during spring season. Water temperature exhibited a strong positive correlation with growth metrics, while salinity also played a crucial role, particularly influencing survival and biomass. The findings highlight that physicochemical parameters, especially temperature and salinity, significantly impact the growth and productivity of F. indicus in Subarnarekha river. These findings underscore the importance of regular water quality monitoring for sustaining aquaculture practices in riverine ecosystems impacted by pollution. Effective management of pollution sources is essential to conserve the river’s health and support the livelihoods dependent on its aquatic resources.

Daunorubicin, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, is known for its potent anticancer effects but is severely limited by its dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. This study investigated the potential of indirubin-loaded nanoliposomes (INB NLP) as a protective strategy to mitigate this cardiotoxicity in albino Wistar rats, supported by biochemical and histopathological evidence. The effects of INB NLP on cardiac markers, lipid profiles, inflammatory markers and enzymatic antioxidants were assessed by biochemical assays, ELISA, qRT-PCR and histo pathology by H&E staining. The study revealed a significant rise in cardiac troponin (cTnI), total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels on administering the DNB. Post-treatment with INB-NLP significantly restored cTnI and lipid profile to normal levels. DNB caused a marked reduction in SOD, CAT, and GST levels, INB-NLP treatment significantly prevented these changes. Diminished sirt3 expression in DNB administered rats was restored by INB-NLP, while caspase 8 (casp8) expression elevated in the DNB group was significantly downregulated by INB-NLP treatment. Histopathology of aorta revealed severe damage in DNB rats, with plaque formation, foam cell infiltration, and calcium deposition. INB NLP treatment in DNB group rats restored the aortic architecture. INB-NLP treatment significantly prevented the oxidative damage caused by DNB, indicating its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. INB-NLP also efficiently ameliorated the abnormalities induced by DNB in aorta. These findings reveal the potential of INB-NLP as cardioprotective by mitigating the oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue damage by DNB in rat myocardium.

While screening for a few novel bacterial strains capable of producing coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a wild type Cereibacter sphaeroides strain GSPCDUBSR was isolated and identified. To increase the production of CoQ10 by this wild type strain, optimization of upstream process was carried out through response surface methodology (RSM). To maximize CoQ10 synthesis, a central composite design (CCD) was used to optimize the media composition which included sucrose, ammonium sulphate, peptone, and MgSO4. The desire function approach was used to determine the ideal level for each element, and CoQ10 concentration were tracked as response variables. The results indicated that using the optimal culture composition (30 g L-l sucrose, 15g L-l ammonium sulphate, 25 g L-l peptone, and 0.50 g L-l MgSO4) produced an average of 8.5 mg g-1 dry cell weight (DCW) of CoQ10. Regression analysis results showed that the most efficient factors in generating CoQ10 were MgSO4 and ammonium sulphate concentrations.

Airborne pathogens are a substantial threat to human health, hence an efficient mean to identify these contaminant is necessary to control their spread. The present work focused on developing the innovative concepts of employing RNA aptamers for the detection of biological pollutants in indoor air environment. The RNA aptamers are promising tool for detecting indoor air microbes, enhancing air quality and human health. This study utilized computational methods to identify and characterize RNA aptamer target interactions. The study used in silico techniques to design and predict aptamer sequence that can bind to various target microbial cells present in air. Based on computational validation we identified lead aptamer candidates by optimizing and refining aptamer sequence to demonstrate strong interactions with multiple microbial targets. RNA aptamer sequences were analysed to retrieve various properties using oligo-sequence analyzer. Secondary structures were predicted using RNA fold, followed by 3D structure prediction by RNA Composer and H-Dock server to perform RNA-protein docking. Interaction modalities were explored using PHLIP server. RNA aptamer 1, 2, and 3 showed strong binding affinity score of -344.95, -331.99 and -395.58 with target proteins. All aptamers showed robust hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interaction with their guanidine phosphate backbone mediated interactions with Val, Lys, Arg, and Asp amino acid residues of target proteins. The in vitro synthesis and in situ environmental validation will provide necessary way to implement this aptamer-protein interaction into real time monitoring places like healthcare, air quality assessment framework and environmental analysis.