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Background: Fragrances are the collection of unlike functional assemblies, most likely alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones, and acids in organic products/hydrocarbons. Short-chain aliphatic fragrance esters have immense applications as flavors in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries and also have remarkable commercial significance in cosmetics and personal care products like perfumes, face creams, shampoos, soaps, lotions, jams, jellies, etc. Objective: This study aimed to synthesize short-chain fragrance esters using a whole-cell lipase catalyst from Aspergillus flavus (RBD-01). Method: The present study emphasizes the synthesis of artificial flavoring compounds by using a whole-cell biocatalytic process, which can have wide significance. Herein, the preparation of ethyl alkanoates (ethyl propanoate to ethyl decanoate) was performed to investigate the flavors and fragrance excellence. The biomass from Aspergillus flavus (RBD-01) was used as a catalyst to facilitate the remarkable esterification activities towards the synthesis of important aroma esters with the help of a series of short-chain acids and alcohols. Result: The ethyl hexanoate (4) among all synthesized alkanoates was found to have a fruity fragrance with a good conversion rate. Further synthesized alkyl hexanoates (4A-4I) were found to have good fruity/pineapple/berry flavors and significant aroma quality. Conclusion: These results implied that whole-cell lipase of Aspergillus flavus (RBD-01) is a promising biocatalyst in the production of flavor aroma esters and can boost production in the food/cosmetic manufacturing industries. result: The ethyl hexanoate (4) among all synthesized alkanotes was found fruity fragrance with good conversion rate. Further synthesized alkyl hexanoates (4A-4I) were found good fruity/pinapple/berry flavors and significant aroma quality.

The study demonstrates the lab-scale production of biodiesel from soybean acid oil (SAO) in a 5 L lab-scale bioreactor using immobilized whole cells as a catalyst. The maximum lipase activity 2.89 ...

Asthma is characterized by reversible airway obstruction, increased bronchial hyper-responsiveness and chronic inflammation, as well as higher levels of oxidative stress mainly due to decreased antioxidant defenses. Our primary aim was to investigate the correlation of serum selenium (Se) levels with the severity of asthma across gender, age, family history, and prevalence from childhood. Selenium levels in blood samples in 103 asthmatic patients and 103 healthy individuals were evaluated. The obtained data indicated that the mean serum Se levels in asthma patients were found to be twofold lower as compared to the controls (p 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the asthmatic patients when gender and age were considered. Patients characterized by family history of asthma and inhaler usage had 8% and 7% lower serum Se concentrations, although the difference was only border significant (p = 0.05). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated a significant inverse association of inhaler usage (β = - 0.226; p 0.001) with serum Se levels even after adjustment for asthma severity (β = - 0.644; p 0.001). While this report clearly necessitates a more detailed study, it is plausible that Se deficiency leads to impaired immune response, and therefore, Se supplementation might modulate oxidative stress in the lung and could potentially alleviate asthma pathophysiology.

Many organisms reductively assimilate selenite to synthesize selenoprotein. Although the thioredoxin system, consisting of thioredoxin 1 (TrxA) and thioredoxin reductase with NADPH, can reduce selenite and is considered to facilitate selenite assimilation, the detailed mechanism remains obscure. Here, we show that selenite was reduced by the thioredoxin system from Pseudomonas stutzeri only in the presence of the TrxA (PsTrxA), and this system was specific to selenite among the oxyanions examined. Mutational analysis revealed that Cys33 and Cys36 residues in PsTrxA are important for selenite reduction. Free thiol-labeling assays suggested that Cys33 is more reactive than Cys36. Mass spectrometry analysis suggested that PsTrxA reduces selenite via PsTrxA-SeO intermediate formation. Furthermore, an in vivo formate dehydrogenase activity assay in Escherichia coli with a gene disruption suggested that TrxA is important for selenoprotein biosynthesis. The introduction of PsTrxA complemented the effects of TrxA disruption in E. coli cells, only when PsTrxA contained Cys33 and Cys36. Based on these results, we proposed the early steps of the link between selenite and selenoprotein biosynthesis via the formation of TrxA–selenium complexes.

Pseudomonas stutzeri is a potential candidate for bioremediation of selenium-contaminated grounds and waters. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of a novel strain, F2a, which was isolated from a seleniferous area of Punjab, India. The genome sequence provides insight into the potential selenium oxyanion-reducing activity of this strain.

The objective of the study was to assess selenium and other elements levels in Indian Roti bread from Se-rich maize and rice using inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. Se levels in Roti bread from Se-rich maize and rice exceeded those in the control samples by a factor of more than 594 and 156, respectively. Using Se-enriched maize increased bread Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, and Zn content, whereas Fe and I levels were reduced. In Se-rich rice-based bread a decrease in Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, I, Mo, and Zn contents was observed. Daily consumption of Se-rich maize and rice bread (100 g) could account for 5.665% and 4.309% from recommended dietary allowance, also exceeding the upper tolerable levels by a factor of 7.8 and 5.9, respectively. Therefore, Roti bread from both Se-rich maize and rice may be considered as an additional source of selenium. At the same time, regular intake of Se-rich grains and its products including breads may cause adverse health effects even after a few days and should be regularly monitored in order to prevent Se overload and toxicity.

The dried biomass of a whole-cell catalyst was used for the generation of alkyl esters from cottonseed oil and acid oil with different alcohols (methanol to decanol) as acyl acceptors. The conversi...

The primary objective of the present study was to assess the level of selenium and toxic trace elements in wheat, rice, maize, and mustard from seleniferous areas of Punjab, India. The content of selenium (Se) and toxic trace elements, including aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and tin (Sn), in crop samples was assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry after microwave digestion of the samples. The obtained data demonstrate that cultivation of crops on seleniferous soils significantly increased Se level in wheat, mustard, rice, and maize by a factor of more than 590, 111, 85, and 64, respectively. The study also showed that Se exposure affected toxic metal content in crops. In particular, Se-rich wheat was characterized by a significant decrease in Al, As, Ni, Pb, and Sn levels. The level of As, Cd, Ni, Pb, and Sn was significantly decreased in Se-rich rice, whereas As content was increased. In turn, the decrease in Al, As, Cd, Ni, Pb, and Sn levels in Se-rich maize was associated with a significant elevation of Hg content. Finally, Se-rich mustard was characterized by a significant increase in Al, As, and Hg levels, while the content of Ni, Pb, and Sn was significantly lower than the control levels. These findings should be taken into account while developing the nutritional strategies for correction of Se status. At the same time, the exact mechanisms underlying the observed differences are to be estimated.

Biodiesel was generated through whole cell catalyzed transesterification of acid oil, to the extent of up to 92%. The fuel properties of biodiesel (B100) and its blend (B20) were determined and compared with standard biodiesel as per American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard (ASTM D6751). B100 and B20 showed good pour point of −26°C and −29°C, respectively, indicating their operation viability in colder environment. Other properties of biodiesel are quite similar to petroleum diesel and ASTM standard. The results of this study reveal the potential use of acid oil as feedstock for generation of fuel grade biodiesel through biocatalyzed transesterification.

Transesterification reaction of soybean acid oil was carried out by whole cell biocatalysis. The lipase production by Aspergillus sp. (RBD01) was optimized by modulating sources of nitrogen, pH of growth medium, and percentage of carbon source (acid oil). Soybean acid oil containing significant amount of free fatty acids (FFA) was hydrolyzed and transesterified using cell suspension and immobilized culture of Aspergillus sp. (RBD01) as catalysts. Complete hydrolysis of acid oil to free fatty acids was achieved by both forms (suspension and immobilized) of catalysts, within 12 h of the reaction time. Further, addition of ethanol resulted in conversion of FFA to ethyl ester to the extent of up to 72% in case of both immobilized and cell suspension. FFA and ethyl ester were quantified using 1H NMR. The process of generation of ethyl esters through biocatalyzed transesterification of acid oils is thus observed to be a potential means of producing these products for diverse variety of industrial/commercial use such as biodiesel. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1840–1846, 2017

Esterification is an industrially important reaction in the field of food and fuel industries. In biofuel and allied industries, long-chain alkyl esters are generally produced from different fat rich feedstocks including non-edible oils, acid oils, and tallow, using a variety of catalysts. Amongst these, whole cell systems have prominently been explored in recent past. The present study focused on the use of Aspergillus sp. RBD01 as a whole cell catalyst, in dry and whole cell suspension, to esterify oleic acid with different alcohols as acyl acceptors. Esterification with dried biomass resulted in better conversion of oleic acid to its respective ester as compared to cell suspension. Further, increase in chain length of alcohol resulted in decrease in the yield from ethyl oleate (98% EO) to decyl oleate (77% DO) with alcohols having an even number of carbon atoms giving better yield of esters over alcohols with odd numbers.

Cell signaling is necessary for the organs to co-ordinate with the whole body and it includes response to external stimuli, inflammation, hormonal secretions and other various metabolic functions. In the present study, we have focused on the inflammatory signals modulated by the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). Under homeostatic conditions, these species turn on the COX-1-dependent arachidonic acid (AA) pathway towards the release of anti-inflammatory enzymes. However, the excess release of these ions induces negative effects in the form of inflammation by turning on the COX-2-dependent AA pathway to release pro-inflammatory enzymes. In the present study, we observed the shunting of the COX-2-dependent AA pathway towards the release of anti-inflammatory enzymes with the supplementation of organic dietary selenium in the form of seleniferous maize extracts. We observed that 500 nM selenium concentration in Se-maize extracts downregulated the COX-2 and mPGES-1 expressions by 3.8- and 3.2-fold and upregulated the GPx-1 and H-PGDS expressions by 5.0- and 5.4-fold, respectively. To facilitate more availability of Se from the dietary matrices, Se-maize extracts were incubated with rMETase. It was observed that the enzyme-treated cells increased the downregulation of COX-2 and mPGES-1 expressions by 24.8- and 21.0-fold and the upregulation of GPx-1 and H-PGDS expressions by 13.2- and 16.5-fold, respectively.

The objective of the present study was to assess the levels of Se, as well as other essential and toxic trace elements in wheat grains and traditional Roti-bread from whole-grain flour in a seleniferous area of Punjab (India) using inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. Wheat grain and bread selenium levels originating from seleniferous areas exceeded the control values by a factor of more than 488 and 179, respectively. Se-rich wheat was also characterized by significantly increased Cu and Mn levels. Se-rich bread also contained significantly higher levels of Cr, Cu, I, Mn, and V. The level of Li and Sr was reduced in both Se-enriched wheat and bread samples. Roti bread from Se-enriched wheat was also characterized by elevated Al, Cd, and Ni, as well as reduced As and Hg content as compared to the respective control values. Se intake with Se-rich bread was estimated as more than 13,600% of RDA. Daily intake of Mn with both Se-unfortified and Se-fortified bread was 133% and 190% of RDA. Therefore, Se-rich bread from wheat cultivated on a seleniferous area of Punjab (India) may be considered as a potent source of selenium, although Se status should be monitored throughout dietary intervention.

The present work outlines the importance of biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) as co-catalyst for the enhanced photocatalytic activity of as-prepared ZnS photocatalyst for degradation of methyl orange (MO) dye under UV light irradiation. SeNPs of different wt% were impregnated onto ZnS by calcination at 200 °C to make Se-ZnS nanocomposites (Se-ZnSNCs) and characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, DLS, XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM and BET surface area analysis. The specific surface area notably increased from 54 m 2 g −1 (ZnS) to 75 m 2 g −1 with different wt% of Se loading. The band edge absorption at 330 nm (3.77 eV) of bare ZnS significantly red-shifted to 357 nm (3.30 eV), after 1 wt% Se loading (3.30 eV). 1 wt% Se-ZnSNCs exhibited the highest degradation efficiency (95%) of MO as compared to bare ZnS (55%) under 160 min UV light irradiation. The reaction followed pseudo first-order kinetics with an apparent rate constant k = 8.42 × 10 −3 min −1 where CO 2 evolution gradually increased depending on the extent of MO degradation by Se-ZnSNCs under different time period of UV light irradiation.

Several techniques are presently explored to improve the analytical methods for monitoring fatty acid ester production during transesterification. 1H NMR based derivations for the quantification of...

Cereal crops cultivated in the seleniferous belt of Punjab, India, were observed to hyperaccumulate a significantly high concentration of selenium (20–123 µg/g). Selenium concentration (µg/g) in storage proteins of wheat, maize, and rice, namely, albumin (401, 280, and 29, respectively), globulin (264, 192, and 242, respectively), glutelin (563, 359, and 178, respectively), and prolamin (629, 339, and 257, respectively) indicated variable selenium levels, with prolamin contributing significantly higher levels of selenium when compared with other proteins with reference to the total concentration of the protein fraction. The simulated gastric and gastrointestinal digestion studies indicated better accessibility of selenium during intestinal digestion, with variability across proteins and cereal types. The observations provide an insight into the bioavailability of selenium in selenium-rich cereal grains, used in the study, and their potential use as source for selenium supplementation to deficient populati...

A potentially more environmentally compatible approach was evaluated, involving the use of an enzyme (X) stage optimally inserted into various bleaching sequences for Eucalyptus kraft pulps. The efficacy of the X stage was evaluated in terms of final brightness, CIE whiteness, post-color number (brightness reversion), effluent characteristics, etc. The results showed considerable benefits with an enzymatic pre-treatment bleaching sequence for improved final pulp brightness (1.6 units higher) and reduced adsorbable organic halogens (AOX) (32% lower), in addition to improved biological oxygen demand (BOD) to chemical oxygen demand (COD) ratio, when using 0.5 kg/t pulp dosage of xylanase; enzymatic post-treatment bleaching sequences were observed to boost final CIE whiteness up to 3.4 units and to reduce post color number by 48% at 0.5 kg/t pulp dosage of xylanase. In addition, approximately 32% reductions in AOX released, as well as appreciable improvement in BOD-to-COD ratio, were observed in the bleach effluents. An improved ratio of BOD-to-COD facilitates possible enhancement in the bio-degradability of discharge effluents in a secondary treatment stage. Nine different bleaching sequences were compared. Three sequences for each category (pre-treatment, intermediate, and post-treatment bleaching sequences) were performed to provide an overview of the influence of xylanase treatment on various pulp properties and environmental sum parameters of the ensuing effluents.

The present study outlines the importance of biosynthesized selenium (Se) nanoparticles as co-catalyst for enhanced photoactivity of Se@ZnO nanocomposites under solar irradiations. The selenium-rich Bacillus sp. bacteria were isolated and used to synthesize extracellular Se nanoparticles (Se NPs), and structural characterization was carried out using various techniques. Different amounts (0.5–2 wt%) of Se NPs were loaded over ZnO followed by calcination at 200 °C for 120 min to form Se@ZnO nanocomposites. The optical absorption of Se@ZnO showed a slight red shift as compared to bare ZnO and a new broadband in 500–700 nm range appeared with increasing the amount of Se. HR-TEM analysis showed spherical shaped, highly monodispersed Se NPs with size less than 100 nm. Further, 1 wt% Se@ZnO nanocomposites exhibited the highest degradation efficiency (93%) of 4-chloroguaiacol (4-CG) as compared to bare ZnO (8%) under natural sunlight. The reaction followed first-order kinetics with an apparent rate constant k = 0.16 min−1. Moreover, the environmental applicability of the synthesized Se@ZnO was also tested for real pharmaceutical industrial effluent degradation. It was observed that the chemical oxygen demand (COD) level decreased from 1140 mgL−1 to 500 mgL−1 after 240 min of sunlight exposure.

Intensive rice-wheat cultivation cycle in Northern belt of India in general and in the State of Punjab in particular results in large volumes of straw and other post-harvest residue annually. The agricultural area, bordering the districts of Nawanshahr and Hoshiarpur, is popularly known as the seleniferous belt of India. The agri-residues, generated in seleniferous region of this state, are observed to contain significantly high concentration of selenium (Se). The present study was aimed to evaluate the Se uptake by different mushroom species: Pleurotus sajor-caju, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus citrinopileatus, Agaricus bisporus, and Volvariella volvacea, cultivated on Se-rich wheat and paddy straw from the seleniferous region. Wheat (Pleurotus species and A. bisporus) and paddy straw (V. volvacea) was inoculated with the mycelium spawn and left for 7–20 days, depending on the species, to grow. Control mushrooms were grown analogously using the agricultural residues from non-seleniferous area of the State of Punjab. All fruiting bodies were collected and analyzed in triplicate. Se was quantified using inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry. The Se accumulation was high in all species under study, being the highest in A. bisporus (1396 μg/g vs. 46.8 μg/g in controls – dry weight) and V. volvacea (231 μg/g vs. 3.77 μg/g – dry weight). The observed biological efficiency and total yield for all mushroom species showed good and unaltered productivity in Se-rich conditions, if compared to the controls. The Se-rich mushrooms can be prospective Se-supplements sourcing and biofortified foods, providing readily bioavailable and accessible Se for the diets deficient of this biologically essential element.

Selenium (Se) is an essential dietary supplement that resolves inflammatory responses and offers antioxidant cytoprotection. In this study, we present the data on the cytoprotective effect of Se-rich mustard protein isolated from mustard cultivated in seleniferous soils in Punjab, India. The concentrations of total Se in mustard seed, oil-free mustard cake, and mustard protein were 110.0 ± 3.04, 143.0 ± 5.18, and 582.3 ± 6.23 μg g−1, respectively. The cytoprotective effect of Se-rich mustard protein was studied on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced cytotoxicity in a mouse melanoma cell line (B16-F10). When compared with TBHP treated cells (where no viable cells were found), Se-rich protein made bioaccessible through simulated gastrointestinal digestion protected melanoma cells from cytotoxicity with decreased levels of oxidative stress resulting in 73% cell viability. Such an effect was associated with a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase activity as a function of bioaccessible Se and its response towards cytoprotection.

The accessibility of selenium from naturally enriched sources such as cereals crops can potentially be used as selenium supplements to support nutritional requirements. Dietary selenium supplementation, as Se-rich wheat extracts, on RAW264.7 macrophage cells enhanced the antioxidant capacity via augmentation of cellular selenoprotein glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx-1) expression in the absence or presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. Cells were supplemented with Se in the form of sodium selenite (SS), seleniferous wheat extract (SeW) and seleniferous wheat extract with rMETase treatment (SeW+rMET) at three different concentrations. Cells supplemented with SS and SeW+rMET showed increase in GPx-1 expression as compared to SeW treated cells. SeW+rMET, further, down-regulated the LPS-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2, microsomal PGE synthase-1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase w.r.t. Se-deficient cells, while the expression of hematopoietic PGD synthase was upregulated. This demonstrates SeSup effectively modulates the expression inflammatory responses, indicating the potential benefits of dietary selenium supplementation.

This research demonstrates scale-up studies with the development of concentrating and nonconcentrating solar reactors employing suspended and supported TiO2 for the degradation of herbicide isoproturon (IPU) with total working volume of 6 L. Novel cement beads were used as support material for fixing the catalyst particles. In the case of nonconcentrating slurry reactor, 85% degradation of IPU was achieved after 3 h of treatment with four number of catalyst recycling, whereas nonconcentrating fixed-bed reactor using TiO2 immobilized cement beads took relatively more time (10 h) for the degradation of IPU (65%) due to mass transfer limitations, but it overcame the implication of catalyst filtration post-treatment. The immobilized catalyst was successfully recycled for ten times boosting its commercial applications. High photon flux with concentrating parabolic trough collector (PTC) using fixed catalysis approach with same immobilized catalyst substantially reduced the treatment time to 4 h for achieving 91% degradation of IPU. Working and execution of pilot-scale reactors are very fruitful to extend these results for a technology development with the present leads.

Background Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is a childhood-onset endemic osteoarthropathy in China. Nutrients including trace elements may play active roles in the development of KBD. Objective This study aimed to estimate the nutrient intakes of children in endemic areas and to identify the imbalanced nutrients associated differentially expressed genes in the juvenile patients with KBD. Methods In this cross-sectional study, a consecutive 3 day 24 h semi-quantitative dietary retrospect questionnaire was conducted to estimate the daily nutrient intakes of children using CDGSS 3.0 software. Gene profile analysis was employed to identify differentially expressed genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of children with KBD. GOC, CTD, KEGG, and REACTOME databases were used to establish the relationship between nutrients and nutrients-associated differentially expressed genes and pathways. Statistical analyses were accomplished by SPSS 18.0 software. Results Daily Se intakes without supplementation of children were significantly lower in Se-supplemented (Se + ) KBD areas (29.3 ∼ 29.6 mg/d) and non-endemic area (27.8 ± 7.9 mg/d) compared to non-Se-supplemented (Se-) KBD area (32.9 ± 7.9 mg/d, c2 = 20.24, P Conclusions Imbalance of dietary nutrients and nutrients-associated differentially expressed genes and pathways may play important roles in the development of juvenile KBD.

One of the promising alternatives to fossil fuels, biodiesel, is a renewable fuel which can be defined as methyl or ethyl ester of fatty acid made prominently from vegetable oils or animal fat. The present study outlines the observations on the fatty acid alkyl ester generation by transesterification of cottonseed oil using Aspergillus species as whole-cell biocatalyst. Current work also represents the difference in ester yield on the addition of alcohol blends with two different molar ratios (1:4 or 1:6). Further, the fuel properties viz., density, viscosity, gross calorific value, flash point, cloud point and pour point of ethyl-butyl and ethyl-propyl ester were analyzed, as per ASTM 6751. No significant difference was observed in ester yield with both the molar ratio of alcohols. Ester yield up to 91% and 87% was obtained using 1:4 and 1:6 M ratio respectively. By the use of a lower molar ratio (1:4) and whole-cell catalyst, a significant reduction in the cost of production of biodiesel is as expected. Alcohol other than ethanol facilitated only a marginal increase in ester yield with no significant variation from propanol to octanol. The fuel properties showed significant improvement in comparison to standard biodiesel. The use of whole cell bio-catalysis, as demonstrated in present study can be considered as a promising alternative to a chemical catalyst for the generation of long-chain fatty acid esters.

Monoalkyl esters of fatty acids commonly known as biodiesel are synthesized from triglycerides by the transesterification reaction with monohydric alcohol, usually methanol or ethanol. Biodiesel is...

Chemical elements are closely related to human health. Extensive genomic profile data of complex diseases offer us a good opportunity to systemically investigate the relationships between elements and complex diseases/traits. In this study, we applied gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) approach to detect the associations between elements and complex diseases/traits though integrating element-gene interaction datasets and genome-wide association study (GWAS) data of complex diseases/traits. To illustrate the performance of GSEA, the element-gene interaction datasets of 24 elements were extracted from the comparative toxicogenomics database (CTD). GWAS summary datasets of 24 complex diseases or traits were downloaded from the dbGaP or GEFOS websites. We observed significant associations between 7 elements and 13 complex diseases or traits (all false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05), including reported relationships such as aluminum vs. Alzheimer's disease (FDR = 0.042), calcium vs. bone mineral density (FDR = 0.031), magnesium vs. systemic lupus erythematosus (FDR = 0.012) as well as novel associations, such as nickel vs. hypertriglyceridemia (FDR = 0.002) and bipolar disorder (FDR = 0.027). Our study results are consistent with previous biological studies, supporting the good performance of GSEA. Our analyzing results based on GSEA framework provide novel clues for discovering causal relationships between elements and complex diseases.

In an effort to produce selenium (Se)-fortifying edible mushrooms, five species of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus sp.), were cultivated on Se-rich wheat straw collected from a seleniferous belt of Punjab, India. Total selenium was analyzed in the selenium hyperaccumulated wheat straw and the fruiting bodies. Significantly high levels (p

Selenium (Se) hyperaccumulated Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) cultivated in a seleniferous region of India was collected and quantified for Se levels using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The seeds were subjected to oil extraction using a conventional screw extractor and Se content was estimated in seed, oil and oil cake. High uptake of selenium by the mustard seeds occurred, which was predominantly found to be retained and concentrated in the oil cake (143 ± 5.18 mg kg−1) when compared to seed before extraction (110 ± 3.04 mg kg−1) or oil (3.50 ± 0.66 mg L−1) after extraction. In conclusion, the study envisages application of Se-rich mustard oil or cake as sources of chemotherapeutic isoselenocyanates and exploitation of their bioactivity.

With the aim to explore the possible role of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) in phosphorus (P) cycling in agricultural soils, we isolated PSB inhabiting naturally in the sandy loam soils under chickpea cropping of Patiala (Punjab State). A total of 31 bacterial isolates showing solubilizing activities were isolated on Pikovskaya agar plates. The potent phosphate solubilizers were selected for further characterization. These isolates were shown to belong to the genera Pseudomonas and Serratia by partial sequencing analysis of their respective 16S rDNA genes. ERIC-PCR based fingerprinting was done for tracking the survival of introduced populations of the PSB during mass inoculation of these strains under chickpea plots. The results showed positive correlation (r(2) = 0.853) among soil phosphatase activity and phosphate solubilizers population, which was also positively correlated (r(2) = 0.730) to available phosphorus. Identification and characterization of soil PSB for the effective plant growth-promotion broadens the spectrum of phosphate solubilizers available for field application.

Wheatgrass are young saplings of the common wheat plant containing significant amount of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like phenols/flavonoids. During its germination and growth, many biotic and abiotic factors influence the nutritional quality of wheatgrass. Present work was focused on understanding the profile of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants levels in wheatgrass when exposed to selenium (Se) and ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) radiation. Se‐rich wheat grains were used for cultivation of wheatgrass under UV‐B radiation whereas, nonseleniferous wheat and visible light were considered as control. The Se content in wheat grains was 115 μg/g whereas, in wheatgrass, the concentration reached upto 150 μg/g. Se and UV‐B enhanced flavonoid and phenolic contents in wheatgrass, whereas, combined interaction of Se and UV‐B exhibited synergistic effect in enhancing their levels further along with simultaneous increase in antioxidant properties vis‐a‐vis antioxidant enzymes. Se : UV‐B exposure also synergistically enhanced levels of many free and cell wall bound phenolic compounds. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Wheatgrass is a vital and well known food supplements rich in different phytonutrients along with significant amount of proteins, vitamins and minerals. Consumption of wheatgrass is known to have many health benefits such as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐aging properties. A nutritional value of wheatgrass is generally dependent of germination conditions and is greatly influenced by environmental stress. In this study, exposure of Se‐rich wheatgrass to UV‐B radiation has exhibited a significant increase in different antioxidant properties. Thus, wheatgrass naturally enriched with selenium can be an effective source of Se supplementation along with other nutritional benefits that it facilitates.

SUMMARYNative plantlets of Allium cepa (onion) were cultivated in selenium (Se)-supplemented soils to observe dose- and time-dependent uptake and associated pro/anti-oxidant activity. Allium plantlets were grown in soils supplemented with Se at 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 mg kg−1 as selenite (Na2SeO3) and selenate (Na2SeO4) for 40–120 days. The effect of different concentrations of Se oxyanions on the growth and accumulation profile in plants in relation to glutathione peroxidase activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was studied. Total Se concentrations in plantlets were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The accumulation of Se in plant was observed to be dose dependent in the case of selenite, but, no definite correlation between accumulation levels and exposed concentration was observed. The changes in pro/anti-oxidant properties were observed to be dependent on the accumulation of Se in plant.

A fungal strain, Syncephalastrum racemosum, was isolated from oil-leak contaminated soils from Kanpur, India. The strain was examined for potential to emulsify soybean oil using a 18 per cent oil supplement as carbon source in minimal salt medium. On 72 h growth of the fungus in oil and salt medium, the cellfree supernatant (CFS) showed presence of mono- and di-glycerides indicating degradation of oils to free fatty acids (FFAs). Increasing concentration of oil resulted in enhanced formation of FFAs. The degradation process was observed to be related to the emulsification activity in CFS which was observed to increase with time. The study reports the emulsification and hydrolytic activity of S. racemosum, an activity that can be exploited for increasing the accessibility and treatment of hazardous substance including hydrophobic explosives. Defence Science Journal, 2010, 60(3), pp.251-254 , DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.60.350

Selenium (Se) is a metalloid required at trace concentrations for normal metabolic activities of the cell. The bioavailable forms viz., selenate and selenite have been found in localized high concentrations in seleniferous environments. Studies are in progress on bacterial strains that were isolated from one such location in the North-West region of Punjab, India. A facultative anaerobe, identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa by 16S rRNA gene homology, was isolated from the rhizosphere of crop plants from this region and was examined for selenium mobilization potential in the presence of selenium oxyanions. The isolate was observed to reduce 53 and 21% of sodium selenite and selenate to elemental selenium, respectively, and volatilize 4.7 and 5.1% within 72-hour duration. This is one of the few selenium tolerant aerobic bacteria isolated and reported from tropical seleniferous soils from India, and the first to show volatilization potential. These organisms are being considered for bioaugmenting Se-impacted soils for enhanced Semobilization and removal. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Fungus isolate, Aspergillus sp. (RBD01), which was isolated from biocontaminated clarified butter was evaluated for its potential to transesterify used edible and non-edible oils for generation of alkyl esters, when used as biocatalyst as dry biomass. The work aimed at determining the potential of dry biomass of Aspergillus sp. (RBD01) to transesterify used cottonseed oil and non-edible oils viz., jatropha and karanj under various culture conditions. A conversion of oil (cotton seed) to ethyl ester to the extent of 84% was obtained at reaction temperature of 35°C, with 20% biomass and step-wise addition of ethanol at 1:5 molar ratio (oil to ethanol), within total reaction time of 36 h. Under similar conditions, transesterification of Jatropha and Karanj oils resulted in only 75 and 78.2% ethyl ester. Further, with reference to the effect of frying on transesterification, increase in frying time decreased the extent of transesterification from 84% to 30%.

Lipid peroxidation induced by metals at sub-lethal levels, alter physiological and biochemical characteristics of biological systems. To counter the detrimental effects of the prooxidant activity of metals, a group of antioxidant enzyme systems function in the organisms. The present study was performed to investigate into the lipid peroxidation product formation due to the exposure to effects of the metals namely aluminium, lead and cadmium at sub-lethal concentrations and the biological response through protective antioxidant enzyme activity in the marine mussels, Perna viridis Lin.. This organism is a known bioindicator and bioconcentrator of metals in the environment. The results of the present study were: (a) accumulation of lead showed a definite linear increase during the period of exposure whereas aluminium and cadmium showed fluctuations. Mantle and gill tissues showed greater accumulation of metals when compared to digestive gland; (b) lead and aluminium induced lipid peroxidation was greater in tissues than the peroxidation induced by cadmium. Cadmium induced peroxidation was observed only after the day 7 of the exposure; (c) anti-oxidant enzymes activity levels were significantly higher in digestive gland and mantle than gills; (d) mantle was observed to significantly contribute to the organismal response to lipid peroxidation as indicated by high activity levels of anti-oxidant enzymes.

Mussels are good bioaccumulators of metals and have been used as indicators for environmental monitoring. in this study on P. viridis from Pondicherry coast, metal content (aluminium, lead, cadmium, copper and zinc) were analysed in selected tissues and shell nacre for a period of one year. the metal content shows that digestive gland accumulates higher concentrations of metal ions followed by gill, mantle and shell. of the different components (digestive gland, gill, mantle and shell nacre) of the organism, only shell nacre exhibited a significant relationship with ambient levels and therefore can be applied to temporal monitoring of metal contamination.

Four bacterial strains designated as SNTP-1, NS-2 to NS-4 were isolated from selenium contaminated soils of Nawanshahr-Hoshiarpur region of Punjab, India, by enrichment technique and a consortium was developed using these isolates. The isolates were observed to be belonging to Bacillus sp. In soil microcosm, complete removal was observed by the consortium in selenite augmented soils while the rate of removal with consortia in selenate treatment was 72% after 120 days. Population survival of isolates showed stability at lower treatments and decline at higher levels of Se enrichment. The consortium can, thus, be used for removal of Se contaminated sites.