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The development of novel drug candidates for treating microbial infections and cancer turns into a challenging task. The biopolymer-based nanomaterials have gained popularity for their effective roles in the pharmaceutical sector. The present investigation aims to valorize crab shell wastes to extract chitosan. The obtained (chitosan) biomass was utilized to synthesize chitosan-zinc oxide nanoparticles (Ch-ZnO-NPs). The nanomaterial characterization was achieved by a variety of physicochemical techniques including UV, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), elemental analysis, and High-resolution transmission electron microscopic (HR-TEM) examination. The synthesized nanomaterials have a particle size range of 35-80 nm and are more stable with a zeta potential value of (-40.78) mv. Additionally, the designed nanomaterials were utilized to evaluate the biological efficiency. The minimal inhibitory concentration value of Ch-ZnO-NPs was observed as 10 &#181g/mL. The designed nanomaterials significantly reduced the growth of Vibrio alginolyticus and Bacillus cereus and inhibited biofilm formation. The synthesized Ch-ZnO-NPs unveiled cytotoxic effects on A549 cells with an IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) of 20 µg/mL. Furthermore, substantial increase in cell death was noticed in A549 cells treated with Ch-ZnO-NPs. Consequently, this investigation concludes that Ch-ZnO-NPs may act as a biomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture is one of the primary food-producing sectors in the world that ensures human nourishment. However, aqua farmers are facing serious problems due to disease outbreaks and development of antimicrobial resistance. Until now, chemical or antibiotic based strategies have been applied to control disease related concern in aquaculture. Frequent usage of antibiotics in feed or usage of disinfectant to overcome the disease may end up with negative impacts to the environment and human. Utilization of plant derived polysaccharides has been drastically increased due to their effective roles and could serve as a best replacement for chemical agents and antibiotics. In addition, plant derived compounds and plant extracts were utilized to improve the immunity, intestinal health and growth performance of aquaculturable organisms. In addition, large number of plant-based polysaccharides was utilized as immunostimulants in aquaculture. Hence, this review aims to highlight the multifunctional properties of plant-based polysaccharides in aquaculture. Moreover, advantages and different concentration of plant polysaccharides as a feed additive in aquaculture sector have been discussed herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquitoes serve as reservoirs for viruses and other microorganisms, posing a significant health‐related issue for both humans as well as livestock. Control of these deadly disease‐producing mosquito vectors is of paramount importance. The chemical analysis of Parmotrema reticulatum was examined by GC–MS. Further, lichen‐mediated AgNPs were confirmed through UV–vis spectrophotometry, FTIR, TEM‐EDX, and XRD. After 24 h post‐treatment, the lichen‐synthesized AgNPs showed considerable toxicity against distinct Aedes aegypti instars with LC50 values of 44.61 (I instar), 51.27 (II instars), 61.34 (III instars), 72.95 (IV instar), and 89.84 (pupae) μg/mL, respectively. Further, both P. reticulatum extract and AgNPs greatly reduced the survival and reproductive efficiency of A. aegypti adults. Eventually, in conventional laboratory circumstances, the predatory effectiveness of Gambusia affinis against Ae. aegypti II and III instar larvae were 71.35% and 53.40%, respectively. In antibacterial assays, low concentrations of the P. reticulatum synthesized AgNPs inhibited the development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Citrobacter freundii. Surface damage, ROS production, and protein leakage are the antibacterial mechanisms of AgNPs. Overall, the lichen‐derived AgNPs can be regarded as newer and safer Ae. aegypti control instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to identify important gaps observed in the two relevant processes of traceability in software development related to communication media selection and information processing. The findings from the study helped to develop a process model that could be used as guidelines by software developers for traceability practice to permit appropriate information processing and communication capabilities.

Aquaculture industry is one of the major food‐producing sectors in the world that provide nutritional food security for mankind. Fish and crustacean farmers are facing various challenges in treating the rapid spread of infectious diseases in recent times. Numerous strategies, including antibiotics, disinfectants, and other antimicrobial agents, have been applied to protect the cultivable aquatic animals from infectious diseases. These applications lead to the development of antimicrobial resistance, toxicity, and the accumulation of antibiotic residues in cells and organelles of the cultivable edible organisms and the environment. The use of naturally derived compounds, polysaccharides, and functional metabolites has gained immense attention among aquaculturists. Mushrooms and their nutraceutical components have been widely used in various sectors, including food, pharmaceutical, poultry, and aquaculture industries, for their non‐toxic and eco‐friendly properties. To date, there are several reports available on edible and medicinal mushrooms as a dietary ingredient for fish and decapod crustacean culture. The mushroom products such as mycelia, stalk, dry powder, polysaccharides, and extracts have been utilized in aquaculture as growth promoters and immunostimulants, improving the digestive enzyme activity, antimicrobials, and improving the health status of cultivable aquatic animals. This present review elucidates the effectiveness of mushrooms and mushroom‐derived compounds as prebiotics in aquaculture. The challenges and future perspectives of mushroom‐derived bioactive molecules have been discussed in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects are a living resource used for human nutrition, medicine, and industry. Several potential sources of proteins, peptides, and biopolymers, such as silk, chitin, and chitosan are utilized in industry and for biotechnology applications. Chitosan is an amino-polysaccharide derivative of chitin that consists of linear amino polysaccharides with d -glucosamine and N-acetyl- d -glucosamine units. Currently, the chief commercial sources of chitin and chitosan are crustacean shells that accumulate as a major waste product from the marine food industry. Existing chitin resources have some natural challenges, including insufficient supplies, seasonal availability, and environmental pollution. As an alternative, insects could be utilized as unconventional but feasible sources of chitin and chitosan. This review focuses on the recent sources of insect chitin and chitosan, particularly from the Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Dictyoptera, and Odonata orders. In addition, the extraction methods and physicochemical characteristics are discussed. Insect chitin and chitosan have numerous biological activities and could be used for food, biomedical, and industrial applications. Recently, the invasive and harmful effects of insect species causing severe damage in agricultural crops has led to great economic losses globally. These dangerous species serve as potential sources of chitin and are underutilized worldwide. The conclusion of the present study provides better insight into the conversion of insect waste-derived chitin into value-added products as an alternative chitin source to address food security related challenges. Image 1 • Extraction methods and structural characterization of chitin and chitosan from insects were summarised. • Biological activities of the insect chitin and chitosan were briefly discussed. • New perspectives for the future work of these polysaccharides were suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems is of significant concern in countries like India having a recent industrial history. The present study mainly focuses on the spatial and temporal distribution, occurrence and toxicity of five trace metals (Hg, Cd, Zn, Cu and Pb) in water and sediment matrix of Vembanad Lake system (VLS), India. Mercury analysis was done by using Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometer, and the other metals were analysed using Volta metric-Trace metal analyser. The spatial distribution of trace metals in the study area showed the following trends, Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd > Hg, Zn > Pb > Cu > Hg > Cd for surface water and bottom water respectively. Health risk assessment on human population associated with trace metals was also calculated to predict their health impacts on human through non-dietary exposure. The trace metals contamination in water and sediments of VLS are potential to cause cancer on human population associated with the system. Ecological risk indices showed that the northern portion of VLS is more contaminated with trace metal than the other part of the system. • Study focuses on distribution and toxicity of 5 trace metals in water and sediment. • Human health risk by metals was determined to predict possible health impact. • Metal contamination in water and sediments has potential to cause cancer on humans. • Indices have been used to identify possible sources of metal input to the system. • Indices show that northern portion of lake was more contaminated with metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The chitin was extracted from C. inscriptus and the structure was elucidated. The yield of the C. inscriptus shell chitin was 21.65% on dry weight basis. The ash and moisture content of the chitin was 1.2 and 6.50%. The result of the molecular analysis of the chitin revealed low molecular weight (25 kDa). The crystalline structure (XRD), functional group (FT-IR), elemental analysis (EDAX), surface morphology (SEM) and thermal stability (TG/DTA) results confirmed conus chitin was in α-crystalline form. The crystalline index value (CrI) of the conus chitin was 82.13%. The FT-IR analysis of the conus chitin displayed two bands at around 1730 and 1628 cm−1. SEM investigation of the commercial chitin and C. inscriptus chitin exposed that it was composed of nanopore and nanofibre structures. Further, the thermal stability of the conus chitin was close to the thermal stability of the commercial chitin. The results show that processing of C. inscriptus shell can lead to a high quality chitin, useful for a broad range of applications. Highlights • The first report of the chitin structure isolated from sea snail, Conus inscriptus • Physico-chemical and structural characterization of conus chitin • The isolated conus chitin has low molecular weight. • Surface morphology of isolated chitin is highly related with commercial chitin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The use of antibiotics in the feeds of cultivable aquatic animals has been generally practised to reduce infectious diseases as well as to improve the survival and growth. In recent years, many countries ban to aquatic animals due to the use of large amount of antibiotics and chemotherapies, thus alternative novel strategies are need to promote the growth of aquatic animals and control the pathogens. Dietary supplementation of marine-derived polysaccharides (MDPs) is one of the potential substitutes for antibiotics in aquatic animal feeds. Recently, the use of dietary MDPs in the aquaculture animals has been focused with much interest. In aquaculture, MDPs are used as prebiotic substance which is mostly accepted as a nutritional component for improving the growth performance and health conditions. Hence, present review is a comprehensive and an updated collection of available research reports on different MDPs (alginate, fucoidan, carrageenan, laminarin, ulvan, galactan, agar, chitin and chitosan), route of administration, dosage and applications for improving aqua feeds with emphasis on its effects on growth, biochemical indices, immune response, gut microbiota and disease resistance of aquaculture animals. This review describes the sustainability of global aquaculture production by providing a best alternative to harmful antibiotics, thereby meeting the emerging consumer demand for antibiotic-free aquatic food products. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Application of MDPs as immunostimulants in aquatic animals was investigated. • Dietary MDPs can enhance growth and innate immune responses of aquatic animals. • Dietary MDPs can enhance the ability of aquatic animals to resistance the infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AimSeroprevalence study in Irula tribe of Marakkanam, Tamil Nadu State was carried out for certain bacterial (typhoid, syphilis and leptospirosis) and viral infection (hanta,hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)).ResultHighest seroprevalence was observed for leptospirosis (61.1%) followed by, hepatitis B virus surface antigen (11.11%), syphilis (9.72%), typhoid (8.33%), hantavirus (6.9%) and HIV (2.77%).ObservationThe seroprevalence of leptospirosis and hantavirus may be attributed to their professional exposure to rodent that they catch in the open field and the syphilis, hepatitis B and HIV prevalence may be related to their sexual behavior and social customs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]