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Optimal cell spreading and interplay of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), inflammatory cells, and cell adhesion molecules (CAM) are critical for progressive atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications. The role of vitronectin (VTN), a major cell attachment glycoprotein, in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis remains elusive. In this study, we attempt to examine the pathological role of VTN in arterial plaque progression and inflammation. We found that, relative expression analysis of VTN from the liver of Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) Knockout mice revealed that atherosclerotic progression induced by feeding mice with high cholesterol diet (HCD) causes a significant downregulation of VTN mRNA as well as protein after 60 days. Promoter assay confirmed that cholesterol modulates the expression of VTN by influencing its promoter. Mimicking VTN reduction with siRNA in HCD fed ApoE Knockout mice, accelerated athero‐inflammation with an increase in NF‐kB, ICAM‐1, and VCAM‐1 at the site of the plaque along with upregulation of inflammatory proteins like MCP‐1 and IL‐1β in the plasma. Also, matrix metalloprotease (MMP)‐9 and MMP‐12 expression were increased and collagen content was decreased in the plaque, in VTN deficient condition. This might pose a challenge to plaque integrity. Human subjects with acute coronary syndrome or having risk factors of atherosclerosis have lower levels of VTN compared to healthy controls suggesting a clinical significance of plasma VTN in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease. We establish that, VTN plays a pivotal role in cholesterol‐driven atherosclerosis and aortic inflammation and might be a useful indicator for atherosclerotic plaque burden and stability.

The control on magnetization via applied electric field is the centre of attention in multiferroic materials for the achievement of technological device applications. The bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) is best multiferroic material which has the ferroelectric as well as weak magnetic nature simultaneously in the single phase near the room temperature. There are many unsolved problems in the path of the actual device applications of multiferroic BiFeO3 (BFO) due to the transformation of several scientific progresses into technical innovations. So, there is a need to solve these complications via focused research movements, which may convert this useful material into actual device applications. This review article is mainly concentrated on look over the recent advances on technological achievements and challenges in BFO via the magnetoelectric coupling and presents the latest devices achievements.

This paper presents synthesis and study of Structural, Optical, and Photocatalytic properties of bismuth ferrite (BFO) and nickel doped bismuth ferrite (BiFe1-xNixO3) nanoparticles. The synthesis of BiFeO3 and BiFe1-xNixO3 (x = 0.02, 0.04) are done by Sol-Gel method. After synthesis the samples of pure and transition metal ion (Ni) doped bismuth ferrite have been studied by using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope and Raman Spectroscopy. Optical properties are studied by using UV–vis spectroscopy using different wavelengths (range 300–800 nm). Photocatalytic properties are also studied by degradation of MB dye using prepared samples as photocatalyst. XRD patterns shows that all the prepared samples are crystalline and crystallinity increased by Ni-doping and shifts in XRD peaks by Ni-doping shows the distortion in the structure of BFO. Raman spectroscopy also indicates the rhombohedral distorted structure of Ni-doped BFO in R3C space group. FESEM micrographs shows that Ni-doped BFO has polyhedral and spherical shape grains and Ni doping cause reduction in grain size. Optical band gap reduced due to Ni-doping is shown by the UV–Vis spectroscopy results and Tauc’s plots. The increase in reduction of MB dye due to Ni-doping shows the enhanced photocatalytic properties of BFO by Ni doping.

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of seven decontamination processes in reducing the pesticide mixture load of six insecticides (quinalphos, profenophos, ethion, lambda-cyhalothrin, imidacloprid, and acetamiprid) from chili (Capsicum annuum L.). In the control treatment, the pesticide residues were extracted without following any decontamination procedure. The extraction of the insecticides from chili was initiated after 48 h of pesticide mixture spray and was done using the QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) method. The quantitative analysis of four insecticides, namely quinalphos, profenophos, ethion, and lambda-cyhalothrin, was done by coupled gas chromatography-electron capture detection and that of imidacloprid and acetamiprid by high-performance liquid chromatography-UV detection. The results depicted reduction of pesticide residues in all the decontamination treatments compared with the control, although it varied for different insecticides. Solutions of 1 and 5% NaCl and 5% CH3COOH served as efficient decontaminants in removal of quinalphos, profenophos, ethion, and lambda-cyhalothrin residues from chili to ca. 90%, whereas for imidacloprid and acetamiprid there was a mild decontamination only (33.33 to 52.44%). The solutions of 5% NaHCO3 and 0.01% KMnO4 were effective only in removing lambda-cyhalothrin residues from the chili crop, but for all other pesticides the decontamination was not much pronounced. HIGHLIGHTS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical analysis of Andrographis panniculata. It is a traditional medicinal plant and it is commonly known as kalmegh. A. paniculata have number of pharmacological properties like, anticancer, antiheptotoxicity, Anti-diabetic & anti-inflammation. The crude and ethanolic extract of the plant was analyzed. The phytochemical screening of both the extracts were positive for alkaloids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids and saponins. The atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) was applied for estimation of organic elements namely Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu and Zn. HPLC analysis shows the presence of possible main compounds in both the prepared extract.

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of NovaMin™ (SHY-NM) and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride (CPP-ACPF) (tooth mousse plus™) on enamel remineralization using DIAGNOdent® and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Methodology: Eighty-six natural permanent maxillary first premolars were selected and randomly divided into two groups of 43 each, Group A (NovaMin™) and Group B (CPP-ACPF). All the samples were assessed using DIAGNOdent® (KaVo) at the baseline, after demineralization, and remineralization after 7 days. Two samples were randomly selected from each group after remineralization to evaluate the surface changes using SEM at × 1000 and × 2000. Results: The mean value of remineralization was highest for Group A NovaMin™ (6.56 ± 0.93) compared to Group B, CPP-ACPF (tooth mousse plus™) (6.02 ± 1.09). The maximum demineralization to remineralization value within the groups showed that the mean values in Group B CPP-ACPF (7.02 ± 3.02) was higher than Group A NovaMin™ (6.42 ± 2.21). The difference in remineralizing potential between the groups and demineralization to remineralization value in within-group comparison was not found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: On comparing Group A NovaMin™ and Group B CPP-ACPF, Group B CPP-ACPF showed a higher amount of remineralization than Group A NovaMin™. From the present study, it can be inferred that both the experimental groups have the potential for remineralization.

Sheath blight disease caused by the fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani kuhn is one of the most devastating diseases of rice plant. The disease is controlled mostly by management practices and spraying of fungicides like validamycin. However, the development of pesticide resistance in pathogens has become a cause of concern. In addition, the application of pesticides has adverse environmental effects. Thus, efforts are being made to look for biogenic compounds that could be used for disease control. In this context, the present in silico docking study was carried out to find out the effective biogenic compounds found in plants that could antagonize the pectate lyase enzyme, which is one of the most important plant cell wall degrading enzymes. The compounds selected for the study are active ingredients of plant extracts that have been found to have antagonizing effects against R. solani. The amino acid sequence available for R. solani pectate lyase protein was retrieved from the Uniprot database (entry no. A0A0B7F4Q0) and the three-dimensional model was generated using Swiss-model server. The compounds were docked with the protein using Autodock 4.2 tool. The docking study showed that the binding energies varied between − 2.47 and − 7.79. Validamycin which is used for controlling sheath blight disease had a binding energy of − 2.47. The compounds d-5-Avenasterol (− 7.79), β-sitosterol (− 7.72), gedunin (− 7.59), nimbiol (− 7.16), cycloartenol (− 6.98), stigmasterol (− 6.76), nimbolide (− 6.33) were among the compounds with high binding affinity (low binding energy). Among the amino acids, GLU-217, ARG-326, ASP-228 were found to be predominantly involved in the H-bonding formation. Among the compounds, gedunin, nimbiol, nimbolide met all the criteria for pesticide set by the Tice rule. The compounds gedunin, nimbiol, nimbolide found in the neem plant belong to the chemical class triterpenoid (limonoids), are slightly hydrophilic in nature and soluble in alcohols, ketones and esters. The preliminary findings suggest that these compounds could be used for preparing formulations for controlling the sheath blight disease of rice.

Polymer nanocomposites with vital reinforcements of conductive fillers have evinced as next-generation high-performance materials with multi-functional applications. Herein, we report the facile synthesis of thermally stable, highly electrically conducting polyaniline multi-walled carbon nanotubes (PANI/MWCNT) nanocomposites doped in two different protonic acids, i.e. hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulphuric acid (H2SO4). The doping acids significantly affect the electric and dielectric properties of conducting polymer nanocomposites. The paper probes in the synergistic effects of MWCNTs and the effect of doping acid on the thermal stability, conductivity and dielectric properties of the nanocomposites based on PANI nanofibres. The structural, morphological, optical, thermal and electrical properties were evaluated through X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and two-point probe technique. Ascribed to the high interfacial interaction between PANI and MWCNT, and considering the effect of doping acids, nanocomposites with high thermal stability, enhanced conductivity and high dielectric constant that can store large electrical charges have been synthesized by surfactant-assisted, in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline, in the presence of potassium persulfate as oxidant. The micellar structure of surfactant assists the dispersion of MWCNTs as well as the formation of PANI/MWCNT tubular structures. The effect of surfactant below and above critical micelle concentration was also studied. This complete study would affirm such a nanocomposite which procures excellent electrical and dielectric properties for microelectronic applications.

Green synthesis of silver nano-particles (AgNPs) from silver nitrate was carried out using purple-colored rice leaves' extracts containing higher phenols, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. The efficacy of synthesized AgNPs was tested against rice diseases and investigation was carried out to check negative effect of AgNPs on soil microbes. Substantial reduction of total anthocyanins, total phenols, and total flavonoids was observed in reaction mixture during AgNP formation indicating the role of secondary metabolites on AgNP formation and stabilization. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopic images and FTIR spectral analysis of AgNPs confirmed the presence of elemental silver encapped by biomolecules. The optimized reaction parameters for synthesis of AgNPs from silver nitrate were (a) 48 h of incubation, (b) 9:1 (v/v) 1 mM AgNO3:plant extract, and (c) room temperature at 20-30 °C. Zeta potential and hydrodynamic particle sizes of synthesized AgNPs were ranged between - 16.61 to - 29.45 mV and 36-107 nm, respectively, at different time of incubation. AgNPs could control effectively Rhizoctonia solani and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae and Helminthosporium oryzae. AgNPs at higher concentration could cause negative effect on microbial biomass carbon and soil enzymes for distant future. But the negative effects of AgNP solution (10% of 1 mM AgNPs) were comparable to commercial fungicide, carbendazim. The synthesized AgNPs with desirable characters were effective against a number of disease-causing pathogens in rice, and it can be recommended as broad-spectrum pesticide.

One hundred rice genotypes released for different ecologies such as upland, irrigated, lowland and saline were evaluated for 12 quality characters like Hulling(%), Milling(%), Head rice recovery(%), Kernel length(cm), Kernel breadth(cm),Length breadth ratio, Volume expansion ratio, Elongation ratio and Amylose content(%) etc. Analysis of variance showed high significant difference among the genotypes. Milling(%) is very good in all the genotypes and ranged from 74.5(PR113) to 81.3 (Improved Lalat). HRR (%) is highest in Bhanja (72.0) and lowest in Konark(42.5). Intermediate amylase content are in most of the genotypes except GR 103(27.1),IR 64 MAS(27.86) WGL32100(27.3), WGL32183(27.5)and Purnendu (27.9). Water uptake ranged from 77.5(WGL 32100) to 342.5(PR116) indicating very wide variation. Elongation ratio is > 2.0 in Sudhir, Sashi, Bindli. PCV is always greater than GCV indicating less influence of environment. Hulling (%) is positively significantly correlated with Milling (%) and kernel breadth and negatively significantly correlated with L/B ratio, volume expansion ratio.

In this study, the removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution were examined using activated charcoal derived from Sapindus trifoliate L fruit biomass in continuous fixed-bed column studies. The activated S. trifoliate L fruit charcoal was prepared by treating the fruit powder using concentrated nitric acid solution. Experiments were performed to investigate the effect of bed height and initial concentration on the breakthrough and saturation times. The breakthrough and saturation time increases with increase in bed height and initial concentration of chromium solutions. The maximum adsorption capacity of S. trifoliate L charcoal for hexavalent chromium was found to be 1.719 mg/g in the bed height 15 cm and initial concentration 10 mg/L, respectively. Column data required at various conditions were explained using Bohart-Adams and Thomas model. Two models were found to be suitable to describe the definite part of the dynamic behaviour of the column with regard to bed-height and initial concentration of hexavalent chromium. On comparison of Adjusted R2 and estimated standard error, the Thomas model was found to best-fitted model and can be used to predict the adsorption of the hexavalent chromium in fixed-bed column studies. Activated S. trifoliate L fruit charcoal was characterised by SEM-EDX and FTIR analysis. Highlights Fixed bed column adsorption is a potential technology for removal of toxicants from water.; The maximum adsorption capacity of charcoal was found to be 1.719 mg/g.; Activated S. trifoliate L fruit charcoal was characterised by SEM and FTIR analysis.; S. trifoliate L fruit charcoal is low-cost with considerable high adsorption capacity.; Thomas model was found to be the best-fitted model to predict the fixed bed adsorption.

Association between rice grain characteristics and Sitophilus oryzae development were deciphered through laboratory experiments. Among the different physical characteristics evaluated, significant and negative correlation of 100 seed weight was observed with weevil emergence (r = − 0.53) and susceptibility index (r = − 0.51). Hence, 100 seed weight was found out to be important characteristics of grain. Similarly, hardness of the grain delayed weevil emergence (r = − 0.41) and reduced the grain weight loss (r = − 0.245). Biochemical characteristic of grain, like protein was found positively associated with weevil emergence (r = 0.741) and negatively associated with median developmental period (r = − 0.537). Amylose being an important component of grain had negative relation with weevil emergence (r = − 0.007); median development period (r = − 0.093). Among different varieties tested, Cross-12 was found to be moderately resistant compared to others. It was the only variety having long broad grain and recorded highest 100 seed weight indicating size of the substrate could hinder the development of weevils. The aim of the current study is to decipher the association of development of S. oryzae and physico-chemical characteristics of grain governing it.

Antioxidant properties of four common green algal genera viz. Cladophora glomerata, Chaetomorpha aerea, Rhizoclonium crassipellitum, and Pithophora cleveana collected from Sunderban areas of Eastern India were tested in controlled and nutrient stress conditions. Experimental algae were exposed to growth media with variations in nitrate and NaCl salt concentrations from 0 to 1500 ppm level for a period of 21 days. A dose-dependent upregulation in total phenols, flavonoids, pigment, and antioxidant property in relation to % DPPH activity and % ferrous ion chelating activity was observed. Maximum phenol content was observed for algal biomass exposed to 1500 ppm nitrate stress conditions (52.55 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g DW-16.48 ± 0.041 mg GAE/g DW) with Rhizoclonium showing the maximum contents. In the case of total flavonoid content, maximum upregulation was noted in the hypersaline conditions and Pithophora showed the highest contents amongst all (71.8 ± 0.21 mg QE/g DW). The highest carotenoid contents were observed in 750 ppm stress condition. Optimally stressed algal biomass having maximum carotenoid levels and high antioxidant levels were selected as fish feed ingredients, based on dose- and time-dependent two-way Anova and Tukeys test (750 ppm nitrate, 7 days). The processed biomass was included as fish feed ingredient to study the nutritive effects on goldfish (Carassius auratus). Algal feed (AF) was prepared from algal biomass only, which was further mixed with the commercial feed (CF) in varying proportions to formulate three different types of value-added feed (VAF). The experimental feed (25% VAF, 50% VAF, 75%VAF and AF) were tested against commercial feed (control) for 30 days in artificially aerated static aquaria system. The feed type formulated as 50% VAF was found to be most effective in terms of skin pigmentation, growth, and antioxidant activities of experimental fishes showing almost (1.44–4-folds increase) compared to the control setup. Statistically significant results were obtained regarding nutritive properties of experimental feed and fishes using PCA and Tukeys test respectively. Body weight gain and specific growth rate also changed significantly in experimental fishes.

Large scale deficiency of Zn results in low crops yields and the problem of Zn malnutrition in humans and livestock. To economize crop production on Zn deficient soils, two-year field experiments were undertaken with two wheat varieties to evaluate the performance of seed inoculation with a consortium of three bacterial strains in combination with varying doses of Zn fertilizer applied to 1 year rice crop on yields, Zn concentration and Zn uptake of wheat. Seed coating of wheat with bacterial consortium significantly increased grain yields, Zn concentration and uptake in grains and straw and total Zn uptake over the control. It also helped to increase the apparent recoveries of soil applied Zn fertilizer to 1 year rice by succeeding wheat crops and DTPA extractable Zn in soil after 2 year wheat in comparison to the control. Seed inoculation in combination with low dosage of Zn also significantly decreased phytic acid: Zn ratio but increased methionine concentration in wheat grains.

Introduction: The renal involvement has been reported in Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, and recently in Plasmodium vivax infection. Although malaria is highly endemic in the rural locality of Odisha and a significant proportion of severe malaria causes acute renal complication, there is no definite study on the survival of malarial acute kidney injury (AKI) in children of the setup of the current study. Objective: The objective of the study was to find out the survival of malarial AKI in children. Methods: A prospective analytical study was conducted from October 2016 to September 2018 in the postgraduate department of pediatrics, of a tertiary care hospital in Odisha, after approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Children with smear-positive and/or quantitative buffy coat (QBC) positive malaria were included in the study. All the relevant data (age, gender, duration of hospital stays, stages of AKI, signs, and symptoms of AKI, serum urea and creatinine, electrolytes, and routine hemogram) were collected, validated and results were analyzed in terms of one-way ANOVA and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Results: Out of 202 malarial cases, 50.4% (102) cases were found to be suffering from malarial AKI. Out of 102 malarial AKI children, 68% were affected due to falciparum infection, 12% due to vivax, and rest 20% due to mixed infection. The median duration of survival in days between three stages of AKI was significant as evidenced by Tarone-Ware Chi-square=48.365 (df=2), p=0.000. Conclusion: Mortality was 6% and all of these deaths belong to Stage 3 AKI; furthermore, the morbidities are more in Stage 3 as compared to other stages.

Ganoderic acid has been known as a key bioactive constituent in Ganoderma lucidum, commonly used for preventing and treating hepatopathy of various etiologies. This study was designed to investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of ganoderic acid loaded solid lipid nanoparticles in d -galactosamine induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Ganoderic acid loaded solid lipid nanoparticles was prepared by solvent injection technique and prepared formulation was characterized for various parameters and final formulation evaluated for its hepatoprotective study in Wistar rats. The prepared optimized formulation presented particle size of 122.7 ± 8.6 nm with polydispersity index of 0.27 ± 0.03 and zeta potential of −18 ± 1.4 mV. The drug loading, entrapment efficiency and nanoparticle yield were found to be 21.6 ± 1.23%, 70.16 ± 3.21% and 60.5 ± 2.75%, respectively. In vitro release study of ganoderic acid from nanoparticles at pH 7.4 exhibited biphasic release pattern with an initial burst release followed by a sustained release. Treatment of rats with prepared formulation significantly restored the levels of serum hepatic markers and antioxidant enzymes as compared to free ganoderic acid in d -galactosamine induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Histopathological examination also supported a marked hepatoprotective effect of prepared formulation. In conclusion, nano-formulation of ganoderic acid has significantly attenuated markers of hepatic damage compared to free ganoderic acid and may represent a potential hepatoprotective nano-formulation for amelioration of d -galactosamine induced liver injury.

A series of experiments were carried out using conventional solar still, modified solar stills with stone chips (MSS1), sand stones (MSS2), and calcium oxide (MSS3) for the period of May 2016–Apr 2...

Robust opto-electroactive monolayers of three different RuII–terpyridyl complexes with amino and pyridyl termination are fabricated on SiOx-based substrates using siloxane-based attachment chemistry and either pyridyl or amine linkage to the preliminary prepared template. The UV–vis spectra of these monolayers display the characteristic metal-to-ligand charge-transfer bands, with a bathochromic shift compared to the spectra of the respective metalloligands dissolved in acetonitrile solution. This shift is notably larger for the pyridyl-linked monolayers compared to the amino-linked film, correlating qualitatively with the molecular grafting density. Cyclic voltammograms of the monolayers covalently attached onto indium tin oxide electrodes show reversible switching between the two redox states (Ru2+ to Ru3+ and vice versa), with a typical one-electron redox behavior. The sensing response of the monolayers to a series of different metal ions was tested, with the amino-decorated films showing a particularly...

OBJECTIVE: We waimed to investigate whether H2S can relieve the myocardial fibrosis caused by doxorubicin through Keap1-Nrf2. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control group (Control); DOX model group (DOX); H2S intervention model group (DOX+H2S); H2S control group (H2S). DOX and DOX+H2S group were injected with doxorubicin (3.0 mg/kg/time) intraperitoneally. Both of the Control group and H2S groups were given normal saline in equal volume, 2 weeks later, DOX+H2S and H2S group were controlled with NaHS (56 μmol/kg/d) through the abdominal cavity, while the Control and DOX group were injected with normal saline of the same dosage intraperitoneally. RESULTS: Myocardial injury and myocardial cell apoptosis were significantly increased, the H2S content in myocardial tissue was remarkably down-regulated, the expression levels of MDA, Keap1, caspase-3, caspase-9, TNF-α, IL1β, MMPs and TIMP-1 in rat myocardial tissue was significantly up-regulated (P< 0.05), and the expression levels of GSH, NQO1, Bcl-2 were down-regulated compared with those of control group. The above results can be reversed by the DOX+H2S group. There is no statistically significant difference between the Control group and the H2S control group. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that H2S can improve DOX-induced myocardial fibrosis in rats, and the keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis may be involved in the mechanism.

Substituted phenols, such as 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP) and 2,4-Dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), that are present in industrial wastewaters are considered as priority pollutants due to their toxic effects. Their removal by biosorption presents an eco-friendly, cost-effective method. The kinetics of removal of 4-NP and 2,4-DCP by untreated Nostoc sp. (UNB) and Fe-treated Nostoc sp. biomass (FNB) were studied at three different pH (4.0, 7.0 and 9.0). The highest sorption of both phenols (2.28 mg 4-NP and 1.51 mg 2,4-DCP g−1) coupled with the lowest cumulative percentage desorption was recorded with FNB at pH 7.0. The sorption of both phenols by UNB and FNB was best accounted for by pseudo-second-order kinetics. Compared to UNB, FNB had significantly higher equilibrium sorption capacities for both phenols at all the three pH values and also higher sorption rate constants of 4-NP at pH 4 and 9 and of 2,4-DCP at pH 4 and 7. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that –OH and COO− groups of UNB interacted with Fe+3. The sorption of 4-NP and 2,4-DCP on UNB was likely through H-bonding/structural cation bridging with the phenolic group, while their sorption onto FNB appeared to be a complexation reaction with very low reversibility.

In the present scenario, conducting and lightweight flexible polymer nanocomposites rival metallic and inorganic semiconducting materials as highly sensitive piezoresistive force sensors. Herein, we explore the feasibility of vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) nanocomposites impregnated in different polymer matrixes, envisioned as highly efficient piezoresistors in sensor applications. Polymer nanocomposites are selectively designed and fabricated using three different polymer matrixes, i.e., polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyurethane (PU), and epoxy resins with ideal reinforcement of VACNTs to enhance the thermal stability, conductivity, compressibility, piezoresistivity, and sensitivity of these nanocomposites. To predict the best piezoresistive force sensor, we evaluated the structural, optical, thermal, electrical, mechanical, and piezoresistive properties of the nanocomposites using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), I-V measurements, compressive stress-strain measurements, hysteresis, sensitivity, and force studies. The results demonstrate that the PDMS/VACNT nanocomposite is capable of sustaining large force with almost complete recovery and enhanced sensitivity, thereby fulfilling the desirable need for a highly efficient conductive and flexible force sensor as compared to PU/VACNT and epoxy/VACNT nanocomposites.

Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) plays a critical role in removing cholesterol from the arterial wall. However, very few reports directly relate chronic inflammation and RCT with atherosclerosis. The present study was undertaken to investigate clinical implications of significantly altered circulating proteins in subjects with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the manifestation of atherosclerotic events. Using a case-control design, more than 2500 proteins in both STEMI and healthy control subjects were identified by Orbitrap mass spectrometer. Quantitative proteomics study revealed downregulation of 26 proteins while expression of 38 proteins increased significantly in STEMI subjects compared to healthy controls. Pathway enrichment analyses indicated that most of the identified proteins were related to chronic inflammation, atherosclerosis, and RCT. Altered proteins such as AZGP1, ABCA5, Calicin, PGLYRP2, HAVCR2 and C17ORF57 were further validated by Western blotting analysis of human plasma. Pathophysiological significance was studied using macrophage derived foam cell for their critical role in RCT which indicated the imbalance of RCT via the interaction of AZGP1 with CD36. In summary, this study revealed a unique relationship of some novel proteins apparently responsible for impaired RCT and chronic inflammation leading to atherothrombosis and myocardial infarction. SIGNIFICANCE: In the present study we identified ≥2500 unique circulating proteins in healthy control and clinically diagnosed STEMI subjects among which 423 proteins were found to be common in both the groups. We further show 64 proteins significantly different between healthy control and STEMI subjects. Proteomic analyses reveal a panel of proteins associated with atherosclerosis and STEMI. One of the proteins, AZGP1, an adipokine, is likely to act as the missing link between chronic inflammation and cholesterol transport. Deregulation of reverse cholesterol transport might be orchestrated by AZGP1, CD36, ABCA5, and PPARɣ in STEMI subjects. The present study employs shotgun and quantitative proteomics followed by in vitro validations demonstrating a biochemical basis for reverse cholesterol transport in the local milieu of the luminal wall of the artery which are critical for plaque build-up and atherosclerosis.

The current work designed to fabricate and evaluate self-nanoemulsfying oil formulations (SNEOFs) of Efavirenz (Efz) a BCS class II drug with the objective of increasing its solubility as well as i...

Effect of ionic liquid functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (IL-MWCNTs) on mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of MWCNTs-reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/PMMA nanocomposites is investigated. IL-MWCNTs-rGO/PMMA hybrid nanocomposites are prepared by solvent-casing method. Incorporation of IL-MWCNTs improved the tensile strength and modulus by 119% and 58% respectively at 0.5 wt.% than that of PMMA due to better load transfer from PMMA to IL-MWCNTs-rGO. Enhancement in thermal stability is also occurs with incorporation of IL-MWCNTs in rGO/PMMA composite due to strong interaction provided by IL-MWCNTs with the polymer matrix. IL-MWCNTs-rGO/PMMA hybrid nanocomposites also shows more electrical conductivity than IL-MWCNTs/PMMA composite.

Mesoporous tin oxide was prepared by template assisted and template-free methods. As-prepared materials were calcined at various temperatures to generate different nature (Bronsted and Lewis), amount and strength of acidic sites. The physico-chemical properties of the catalysts were studied by XRD, N2 sorption, pyridine-FTIR, NH3-TPD, DRS UV-vis, TGA, SEM, TEM, 1H MAS and 119Sn MAS NMR analyses. The catalytic behavior of mesoporous tin oxide catalysts was evaluated for acetalization and ketalization of glycerol with benzaldehyde and acetone respectively under solvent free conditions. The catalytic performance of mesoporous tin oxide was compared with that of other conventional solid acid catalysts namely H-ZSM-5, H-mordenite, H-beta, Al-MCM-41, Al-SBA-15 and Al-TUD-1. The efficiency of mesoporous tin oxide was also tested for cyclohexene epoxidation reaction. The catalyst prepared by template assisted method showed excellent catalytic performance compared to other catalysts due the difference in nature and amount of acidic sites in the catalyst. Meso-SnO2-T-350 was stable and reusable catalyst for four cycles without any appreciable loss in activity, and therefore it offers a good catalyst for potentially wide applications.

Multifunctional catalysts obtained by the covalent immobilization of discrete molecular species on porous supports represent a unique approach to emulate some of the design principle and performances of enzymes. However, it is decisive in such systems to control the stoichiometry, spatial distribution, and proximity between the grafted catalytic centers to satisfy the chemical and geometrical requirements for cooperativity. Here, we present strategies to optimize the activity of a catalytic triad on mesoporous silica particles in the representative aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol and show that, in contrast with the more-traditional mixed-monolayer approach, activity can be amplified by tuning the spatial distribution of the co-catalysts to maximize the probability of full synergistic pairings.

Methyl-esterification of oxygenates such as alcohols, aldehydes and carboxylic acids were carried out by employing copper and copper/palladium based catalysts using TBHP. In this reaction, TBHP plays dual role as oxidizing and methylating agent. Cu and Cu-Pd based nanoperticles (NPs) were prepared by wet chemical method using CuCl or PdCl2 by engaging “green solvent” water and dextrose as eco-friendly and renewable reagents. The NPs were fully characterized using various physicochemical techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM and EDAX. XRD spectra of synthesized NPs confirmed the formation of CuO and Pd/Cu2Cl(OH)3. HRTEM analysis of CuO confirmed uniform cube-shaped morphology with particle size of 25–30 nm. Whereas, HRTEM of Pd/Cu2Cl(OH)3 showed 5–10 nm Pd NPs uniformly dispersed over Cu2Cl(OH)3 surface. Excellent catalytic activity was obtained for the conversion of benzaldehyde to methyl benzoate with 92% selectivity using Pd/Cu2Cl(OH)3 nanocatalyst. Other oxygenates such as aldehydes, alcohols and carboxylic acids were also obtained with high conversion and selectivity for desired methyl esters.

Aim: The present work describes the development of poly(lactic co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) of rutin (RT) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in rats. Materials & methods: RT-loaded PLGA NPs (RT-PLGA-NPs) were prepared by double emulsion evaporation method. Further these are optimized by Box–Behnken design. PLGA NPs were evaluated for size, polydispersity index, drug-loading capacity, entrapment, gastric stability, in vitro drug release, in vivo preclinical studies and biochemical studies. Results: Preclinical evaluation of RT-PLGA-NPs for anticancer activity through oral route exhibited significant improvement in hepatic, hematologic and renal biochemical parameters. Highly superior activity was observed in regulating oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, antioxidant enzymes, cytokines and inflammatory mediators and their role on plasma membrane ATPases responsible for destruction in liver tissues. Conclusion: Histopathological evaluation indicated reduced incidence of hepatic nodules, necrosis formation, infiltration of inflammatory cells, blood vessel inflammation and cell swelling with RT-PLGA-NP treatment along with considerable downregulation in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines.

Polymer composites of virgin high density poly ethylene (HDPE) and virgin polypropylene (PP) are prepared. PP of weight% of 20, 30 and 50 are reinforced to HDPE in the form of pellets. They are converted into raw polymer sheets using a two roll milling machine. The prepared raw sheets have undergone compression moulding to fabricate polymer sheets to study electrical properties like dielectric strength, surface resistivity and volume resistivity at atmospheric temperature and pressure. Result shows dielectric strength and volume resistivity decreases with addition of PP to HDPE, whereas surface resistivity increases. Crystal growth rate is observed using a cross polarised microscope (PLM). The microscopy results reveal, the PP crystallizes faster than HDPE and the growth rate declines for the polyblend; showing non-uniform and hazy spherulitic structure.

Herein, a simple, cheap and easily scaled-up procedure to obtain reduced graphene oxide from exfoliated graphene oxide using ferrocene and HNO3 is reported. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies show increased number of sp2 domains in the rGO. The rGO shows specific surface area of ∼369 m2 g−1 and is stable till 700 °C. The measured specific capacitance of rGO is 106.5 F/g ensures that the rGO is promising material for electrochemical double layer capacitors. The magnetic hysteresis loop of rGO reveals diamagnetic behavior. The reduction mechanism for the synthesis of rGO using ferrocene and HNO3 has been proposed. We hope this approach might facilitate scalable production of high-quality rGO sheets which could lead to future industrial graphene based devices for various applications.

In this paper we optimized QuEChERS method for extraction of nine pesticides viz. acephate, acetamiprid, chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, profenofos (insecticides), carbendazim and tebuconazole (fungicides) and performed their quantitative estimation in okra crop by HPLC-UV and GC-ECD. Decontamination treatments namely washing with running tap water, soaking in lukewarm water (50–60°C), soaking in solutions of 1% NaCl, 5% NaHCO3, 2% CH3COOH, 0.01% KMnO4 and three commercial formulations were also done for ten minutes every time, to calculate the extent of pesticide removal from okra. Results revealed that the proposed extraction method was efficient, inexpensive, accurate, rapid and precise and can suitably be used for the simultaneous quantitative determination of the above pesticides. The standard curve was linear over the concentration range of 0.05–5μg g-1 with R2 close to one (0.999). Soaking of okra in 2% acetic acid and then washing proved as the best decontamination treatments for all the pesticides. It showed the highest relative decontaminating capacity in comparison to the other solutions tested. Since the pesticide residues are usually present in higher amount in vegetables being consumed, it is of utmost importance to keep an eye over the use of pesticides to protect the crops.

It is well documented that anomalous production of inflammatory proteins linked with most of the toxic expression and genesis of diverse chronic disease including cancer. Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) a well-known hepatotoxin and hepatocarcinogen, can induce oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction in it. Umbelliferone, secondary metabolites, is present in different plants and widely consumed by humans as medicine and food supplements. The aim of the current study was to scrutinize the chemoprotective potential of umbelliferon-α-d-glucopyranosyl-(2I→1II)-α-d-glucopyranoside (UFD) against DEN-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in experimental rats. Single intraperitoneal injection of DEN (200mg/kg) was used for induction of HCC in rats and rats were grouped and orally treated with UFD (5, 10 and 20mg/kg) dose for 22 weeks. Parameters under investigation included hepatic, non-hepatic enzymes, oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, COX-2 and NF-κB level along with histopathological examination in HCC rats. UFD exerted protective effect via reduction of oxidative stress, liver and non-liver parameters in a dose-dependent manner. It also reduced the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and COX-2 in diseased rats. Our result revealed the essential repression of the inflammation cascade through modulation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway.

Hormesis phenomena in insect pests can have a negative impact, but for beneficial insects, it might be used to optimize mass rearing and increase the quality of biocontrol agents. Here, we report the multigenerational stimulatory effects of deltamethrin in a factitious laboratory host, Corcyra cephalonica, and the subsequent performance of its parasitoid, Habrobracon hebetor. The effects of sublethal (LC10), low lethal (LC15, LC20, LC25 and LC30) and median lethal (LC50) concentrations of deltamethrin along with the control were evaluated on biological traits and nutrient reserves of the host for three consecutive generations (G0, G1, and G2). The biological traits of C. cephalonica (fecundity, developmental duration and larval weight gain) did not differ significantly in the parental generation (G0), whereas in the later generation (G2), significant differences were observed with the control. Nutrient reserves (protein and lipid content) in C. cephalonica were significantly influenced by sublethal concentrations in all three generations (G0, G1, and G2). The performance of H. hebetor on the factitious host C. cephalonica (G2) revealed a significant increase in parasitoid fecundity of 65% when host larvae were exposed to LC15. However, no difference in hatch and pupation rates of parasitoids were observed across treatments. The emergence of both males and females and the longevity of only female wasps were significantly different. No effects were observed on male longevity. Taken together, insecticide-induced hormesis in host C. cephalonica, especially at LC15 exposure, stimulates the development of parasitoid H. hebetor without obvious major trade-off. The results might be helpful in mass rearing of H. hebetor as a biocontrol agent.

Vikas Kumar,1 Prakash Chandra Bhatt,2 Mahfoozur Rahman,1 Gaurav Kaithwas,3 Hani Choudhry,4,5 Fahad A Al-Abbasi,4 Firoz Anwar,4 Amita Verma6 1Natural Product Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India; 2Centre for Advanced Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Microbial and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India; 3Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (Central University), Vidya Vihar, Rai Bareli Road, Lucknow, India; 4Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; 5Cancer Metabolism and Epigenetic Unit, King Fahd Center for Medical Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; 6Bio-organic and Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India Abstract: Umbelliferone β-D-galactopyranoside (UFG), isolated from plants, exhibits promising inhibitory action on numerous diseases. The present research was initiated to develop a suitable delivery system for UFG with an intention to enhance its therapeutic efficacy against diethyl nitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Wistar rats. UFG-loaded polymeric nanoparticles prepared by sonication were scrutinized for average size, drug loading capacity, zeta potential, and drug release potency in animals. HCC cell lines HuH-7 and Hep G2 were used for in vitro cytotoxic investigation. Several hepatic, nonhepatic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory biochemical parameters were estimated to establish the anticancer potential of UFG nanoformulation. Microscopical and histopathological investigations were also undertaken to substantiate the results of our work. Umbelliferone β-D-galactopyranoside-loaded poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles (UFG-PLGA-NP) with particle size of 187.1 nm and polydispersity index 0.16 were uniform in nature with 82.5% release of the total amount of drug after 48 h. Our study successfully established the development and characterization of UFG-PLGA-NP with noticeable effect against both in vivo and in vitro models. The anticancer potential of UFG-PLGA-NP was brought about by the management of DEN-induced reactive oxygen species generation, mitochondrial dysfunction, proinflammatory cytokines alteration, and induction of apoptosis. Positive zeta potential on the surface of UFG-PLGA-NP would have possibly offered higher hepatic accumulation of UFG, particularly in the electron-dense mitochondria organelles, and this was the take-home message from this study. Our results demonstrated that such polymer-loaded delivery systems of UFG can be a better option and can be further explored to improve the clinical outcomes against hepatic cancer. Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma, umbelliferone β-D-galactopyranoside nanoparticles, diethyl nitrosamine, cytokines, oxidative stress&nbsp

The role of soil moisture, light and pH on imidacloprid dissipation was investigated. A high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) based method was developed to quantify imidacloprid present in soil with a recovery of more than 82%. Rate of dissipation of imidacloprid from soil was faster in submerged condition compared to field capacity and air dried condition. Imidacloprid dissipated non-significantly between sterile and non-sterile soils, but at field capacity, the dissipation was faster in non-sterile soil compared to sterile soil after 60 days of incubation. Similarly, under submergence, the dissipation of imidacloprid was 66.2% and 79.8% of the initial in sterile and non-sterile soils, respectively. Imidacloprid was rather stable in acidic and neutral water but was prone to photo-degradation. Therefore, imidacloprid degradation will be faster under direct sunlight and at higher soil moisture.

The present study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of nanonutraceuticals (NN) for attenuation of neurobehavioral and neurochemical abnormalities in Alzheimer's disease. Solid-state fermentation of soybean with Bacillus subtilis was performed to produce different metabolites (nattokinase, daidzin, genistin and glycitin and menaquinone-7). Intoxication of rats with colchicine caused impairment in learning and memory which was demonstrated in neurobehavioral paradigms (Morris water maze and passive avoidance) linked with decreased activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). NN treatment led to a significant increase in TLT in the retention trials as compared to acquisition trial TLT suggesting an improved learning and memory in rats. Further, treatment of NN caused an increase in the activity of AChE (42%), accompanied with a reduced activity of glutathione (42%), superoxide dismutase (43%) and catalase (41%). It also decreased the level of lipid peroxidation (28%) and protein carbonyl contents (30%) in hippocampus as compared to those treated with colchicine alone, suggesting a possible neuroprotective efficacy of NN. Interestingly, in silico studies also demonstrated an effective amyloid-β and BACE-1 inhibition activity. These findings clearly indicated that NN reversed colchicine-induced behavioral and neurochemical alterations through potent antioxidant activity and could possibly impart beneficial effects in cognitive defects associated with Alzheimer's disease.

The speeds of sound, u and viscosities, η of the binary mixtures of 1,4-dioxane with benzene, toluene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, and mesitylene over the entire composition, including those of pure liquids, were measured at temperatures (293.15, 298.15, 303.15, 308.15, 313.15, and 318.15) K and at atmospheric pressure. From the experimental data, the excess isentropic compressibility, κ s E , excess speed of sound, u E , excess molar isentropic compressibility, K s,m E and deviations in viscosity, Δη have been calculated. The partial molar isentropic compressibilities, K ‾ s,m, 1 and K ‾ s,m, 2 , and excess partial molar isentropic compressibilities, K ‾ s,m, 1 E and K ‾ s,m, 2 E over the whole composition range, partial molar isentropic compressibilities, K ‾ s,m, 1 ∘ and K ‾ s,m, 2 ∘ , and excess partial molar isentropic compressibilities, K ‾ s,m, 1 ∘ E and K ‾ s,m, 2 ∘ E of the components at infinite dilution have also been calculated. The results indicated the presence of weak interactions between 1,4-dioxane and aromatic hydrocarbon molecules, which follows the order: benzene > toluene > o-xylene > m-xylene > p-xylene > mesitylene. It is observed that the interactions depend on the number and position of the methyl groups in these aromatic hydrocarbons. Further, the viscosities of these binary mixtures were correlated theoretically by using various empirical and semi-empirical models and the results were compared with the experimental findings.

Twenty surface (0–15 cm) samples of acidic soils were analyzed for water soluble (WS), exchangeable (EX), lead displaceable (Pb-disp.), acid soluble (AS), manganese (Mn) oxide occluded (MnOX), organically bound (OB), amorphous Fe oxide occluded (AFeOX), crystalline iron (Fe) oxide occluded (CFeOX) and residual (RES) fractions of Mn, and also for extractable Mn in some common soil extractants: (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) (pH 7.3), DTPA (pH 5.3), AB-DTPA (pH 7.6), Mehlich-3 (pH 2.0), Modified Olsen, 0.005 M calcium chloride (CaCl2), 1 M magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and ion exchange resins. The WS-Mn fraction showed a significant and positive correlation with Mn extractable in DTPA (pH 5.3) and AB-DTPA (pH 7.6), while both WS-Mn and EX-Mn fractions correlated significantly and positively with Mn concentration and uptake by maize plants grown in these soils. The AB-DTPA (pH 7.6) and DTPA (pH 5.3) appeared suitable to assess the availability of Mn in acidic soils.

A new compound derivative of glycoside 19-α-hydroxy-ursolic acid glucoside (19-α-hydroxyurs-12(13)-ene-28-oic acid-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (HEG) was isolated from whole plant of Wedelia calendulacea (Compositae). The structure was elucidated and established by standard spectroscopy approaches. Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) (200 mg/kg) and ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) (9 mg/kg) were used for induction of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the rats. The rats were further divided into different groups and were treated with HEG doses for 22 weeks. Anti-cancer effect in RCC by HEG was dose dependent to restrict the macroscopical changes as compared to DEN + Fe-NTA-control animals. Significant alteration in biochemical parameters and dose-dependent alleviation in Phase I and Phase II antioxidant enzymes were responsible for its chemo-protective nature. HEG in dose-dependent manner was significant to alter the elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators during RCC. The histopathological changes were observed in the HEG pre-treated group, which was proof for its safety concern as far as its toxicity is concerned. The isolated compound HEG can impart momentous chemo-protection against experimental RCC by suppressing the cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) expression via nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway.

Hybrid composites have been prepared by solution processing method using various MWCNT concentrations in reduced graphene oxide/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (rGO-PEDOT:PSS) matrix. Structural and morphological characteristics of the prepared composite films have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The electrical transport measurement of composites conducted by four-point contacts shows increase in conductivity with MWCNT wt% in the composite system. The enhanced electrical conductivity as a result of improved dispersion of MWCNTs and rGO has been observed barely affecting the optical properties in the visible region. The observed improvement in electrical properties barely affecting its optical properties in the visible region can be attributed to synergistic effect of MWCNTs and rGO networks on the composite. This result suggests that such hybrid composite materials could be used as transparent conductor applications in optoelectronic devices.

A sulfonic acid-functionalized mesoporous polymer (MP-SO3H) catalyst was prepared via post-synthetic modification of mesoporous polydivinylbenzene by incorporating a sulfonic acid moiety using conc. H2SO4. The synthesized materials were characterized via several physicochemical techniques and their performance was evaluated for the room-temperature liquid-phase acetalization of glycerol with acetone. The MP-SO3H catalyst performed better than other conventional solid acid catalysts, with a 94% glycerol conversion and 98.5% selectivity for solketal. The high activity of the MP-SO3H catalyst was attributed to the facile diffusion of reactants and products in the mesoporous environment as well as to the high acidity. Glycerol conversion increased with increase in the total acidity of the catalyst. In addition, the acidity and surface density of (H+) ions were found to have a direct correlation with the catalyst performance.

Covalently-assembled monolayers of functionalized Zn-porphyrin complex (5,10,15,20-tetra(4-pyridyl)-porphyrin, Zn-TPyP) are employed as the template layer for fabricating heterogeneous molecular dyads composed of opto-active metallo-terpyridyl complexes on SiOx substrates. Metallo-linkers such as Cu2+ and Pd2+ are exploited to connect the Zn-porphyrin template layer with the metallo-terpyridyl complexes (M–PT, M = Fe2+, Ru2+, Os2+, while PT = 4′-pyridyl terpyridyl) using a wet chemical “layer-by-layer” (LBL) technique. Formation of both the template and dyad layers over the SiOx substrates were probed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and UV-vis absorption techniques. The molecular films were used for comparison and to study the effect of different metallo-linkers based on the changes in the characteristics of the Soret bands of Zn-TPyP and the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) bands of terpyridyl complexes. Besides, detailed electronic structure calculations based on first-principles density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) have been performed for understanding experimentally observed photophysical properties of the surface-confined dyads.

Enzymes have replaced or decreased usage of toxic chemicals for industrial and medical applications leading towards sustainable chemistry. In this study, we report purification and characterization of a biofilm degrading protease secreted byMicrobacteriumsp. SKS10. The protease was identified as a metalloprotease, Peptidase M16 using mass spectrometry. It showed optimum activity at 60 °C, pH 12 and retained its activity in the presence of various salts and organic solvents. The enzyme was able to degrade biofilms efficiently at enzyme concentration lower than other known enzymes such as papain, trypsin and □-amylase. The presence of this protease increased the accessibility of antibiotics inside the biofilm, and was found to be non-cytotoxic towards human epidermoid carcinoma cells (A431) at the effective concentration for biofilm degradation. Thus, this protease may serve as an effective tool for management of biofilms.