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Antibiotics are resistant compounds that become emerging contaminants that cause hazards to human health and the ecological environment due to their wide production and consumption. The present research reveals the remediation of amoxicillin (AMX) antibiotic by catalytic degradation using fabricated zinc oxide (ZnO) and zinc oxide-reduced graphene oxide (ZnO-rGO) catalysts. The characterization of the catalyst was carried out via UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy to evaluate the morphology and composition of synthesised catalyst. The catalytic ability of ZnO-rGO and ZnO was investigated by analysing the degradation of AMX. The ZnO-rGO nanocomposites (NCs) showed improved catalytic performance towards AMX degradation (96%) than pure ZnO nanoparticles (85%), which may be attributed to the incorporation of rGO, which enhanced the adsorption rate and changed the electron–hole recombination rate. The antioxidant potential of synthesised nanomaterials was also analysed by three different methods. The adsorption behaviour was explained through the Langmuir and Freundlich models, and the results revealed that AMX adsorption followed the Freundlich model more closely for both catalysts. The adsorption of AMX was also studied thermodynamically at different temperatures. The negative Gibbs energy change, positive enthalpy change, and entropy change showed the reaction’s spontaneity and endothermic nature. Finally, it can be assumed that the ZnO-rGO NCs could be an effective semiconductor for the degradation of AMX from wastewater.

This study is focused on synthesizing environmentally friendly nano-probes for rapid and sensitive detection of H.sub.2O.sub.2. Biogenic manganese oxide nanoparticles were prepared and capped with two different types of nitrogen doped carbon dots. Nanocomposites are designated as NC1 (semicarbazide hydrochloride as a dopant source) and NC2 (urea as a dopant source). Synthesized nanocomposites (NC1 and NC2) were characterized by different techniques. UV-visible spectra depicted peaks at 298 nm (NC1) and 299 nm (NC2). FTIR confirmed the presence of different functional groups at the surface of nanocomposites. XRD showed the amorphous carbon structure of nanocomposites with particle size of 7 nm (NC1) and 6 nm (NC2). Raman spectra showed the graphitic carbon structure. In both cases, D and G bands were observed with I.sub.D/I.sub.G ratio equal to 0.76 for NC1 and 0.16 for NC2. NC1 depicted linearity for the concentration range of 10-40 [micro]M with LOD and LOQ of 7 and 24 [micro]M, respectively, while NC2 exhibited linearity over the concentration range of 50-80 [micro]M with LOD of 12 [micro]M and LOQ of 40 [micro]M. Percentage recoveries for spiked samples were calculated to be 99.8-101.8 and 98.5-99.1% for NC1 and NC2, respectively., Author(s): Maria Zaib [sup.1] , Ayesha Safdar [sup.2] , Tayyaba Shahzadi [sup.2] , Tauheeda Riaz [sup.2] Author Affiliations: (1) Department of Chemistry, University of Jhang, , Jhang, Pakistan (2) Department [...]

In the present work, biosynthesis of two nanocomposites (NC1 and NC2) with different dopants (boron or sulfur) was carried out by utilizing secondary metabolites of Eucalyptus citriodora leaf extract for degradation studies of cationic and anionic dyes. Biosynthesized nanocomposites were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM imaging, and EDX spectra, which confirmed their functional groups, uniform structure, and the presence of desired dopants. Optimum response for crystal violet dye was observed with 2 mL and 1.5 mL volume, in alkaline medium (pH = 8) at room temperature with dye concentration = 5 mg/L within time interval of 60 and 45 min for NC1 and NC2, while eriochrome black T has shown maximum degradation at 1.5 mL and 1 mL volume in acidic medium at room temperature with 5 mg/L dye concentration in time period of 90 and 60 min for NC1 and NC2. Interference and radical scavenging experiment was performed to elaborate the efficiency and working mechanism of nanocatalysts. The proposed mechanism regarding nanoparticles formation was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is focused on synthesizing environmentally friendly nano-probes for rapid and sensitive detection of H2O2. Biogenic manganese oxide nanoparticles were prepared and capped with two different types of nitrogen doped carbon dots. Nanocomposites are designated as NC1 (semicarbazide hydrochloride as a dopant source) and NC2 (urea as a dopant source). Synthesized nanocomposites (NC1 and NC2) were characterized by different techniques. UV-visible spectra depicted peaks at 298 nm (NC1) and 299 nm (NC2). FTIR confirmed the presence of different functional groups at the surface of nanocomposites. XRD showed the amorphous carbon structure of nanocomposites with particle size of 7 nm (NC1) and 6 nm (NC2). Raman spectra showed the graphitic carbon structure. In both cases, D and G bands were observed with ID/IG ratio equal to 0.76 for NC1 and 0.16 for NC2. NC1 depicted linearity for the concentration range of 10–40 µM with LOD and LOQ of 7 and 24 µM, respectively, while NC2 exhibited linearity over the concentration range of 50–80 µM with LOD of 12 µM and LOQ of 40 µM. Percentage recoveries for spiked samples were calculated to be 99.8–101.8 and 98.5–99.1% for NC1 and NC2, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of Dodonaea viscosa Jacq. Methanolic extract of the plant was dissolved in distilled water and partitioned with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and nbutanol sequentially. Phytochemical screening showed presence of phenolics, flavonoides and cardiac glycosides in large amount in chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fraction. The antioxidant potential of all these fractions and remaining aqueous fraction was evaluated by four methods: 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, total antioxidant activity, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay and ferric thiocyanate assay along with determination of their total phenolics. The results revealed that ethyl acetate soluble fraction exhibited highest percent inhibition of DPPH radical as compared to other fractions. It showed 81.14 ± 1.38% inhibition of DPPH radical at a concentration of 60 μg/ml. The IC50 of this fraction was found to be 33.95 ± 0.58 μg/ml, relative to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), having IC50 of 12.54 ± 0.89 μg/mL. It also showed highest FRAP value (380.53 ± 0.74 μM of trolox equivalents) as well as highest total phenolic contents (208.58 ± 1.83 GAE μg/g) and highest value of inhibition of lipid peroxidation (58.11 ± 1.49% at concentration of 500 μg/ml) as compared to the other studied fractions. The chloroform fraction showed highest total antioxidant activity i.e.1.078 ± 0.59 (eq. to BHT).

The methanolic extract of Artemisia incisa Pamp. was dissolved in distilled water and successively partitioned with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The antioxidant potential of all these fractions and remaining aqueous fraction was evaluated by four methods, i.e., the scavenging activity of the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), the total antioxidant activity, the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and the ferric thiocyanate assay. In addition, the total phenolics was determined. The obtained results revealed that among the studied fractions the ethyl acetate soluble fraction showed the most potent DPPH-radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 5.3 ± 0.71 μg mL-1, which is even more effective than the standard antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (IC50 value 0f 12.1± 0.92 μg mL-1). The ethyl acetate fraction also showed the highest FRAP value (3677.13 ± 27.1 μg TE mL-1), inhibition of lipid peroxidation (60.93 ± 0.84 % at 500 μg mL-1) and total phenolic content (95.5 ± 0.05 μg GAE g-1) as compared to other fractions. However, the remaining aqueous fraction was found to posses the highest antioxidant activity of all the fractions.

In reported work, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) had been synthesised by a green method using aqueous extract of Cannabis sativa leaves. A facile, eco-friendly, time saving and beneficial procedure for the preparation of metal nanoparticles had been developed. UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to characterise the ZnONPs composition, their shape, size and crystallinity. Ultraviolet-visible spectra showed the absorbance band between 300 and 400 nm, which indicated the synthesis of stable ZnO nanoparticles. Average size of ZnONPs was calculated from XRD as 46 nm. SEM and EDX spectra confirmed the synthesis of spherical shaped ZnONPs. FTIR spectra showed that different functional groups were present in aqueous extract of plant's leaves, which acted as reducing agents in the formation of stable ZnONPs. The value of DPPH radical inhibition percentage shown by ZnONPs was 88 ± 0.08% at 1500 µg/ml concentration revealing its good antioxidant activity. The total antioxidant activity calculated for ZnONPs was 0.521 ± 0.34 against BHT as standard. Total phenolic contents for ZnONPs was calculated to be 292.60 ± 1.12 mg/g GAE. Then the synthesised ZnONPs were utilised as catalyst for the removal of harmful organic dyes methylene blue (MB) and Congo red (CR). Various factors like adsorbent dosage, dye concentration, pH and temperature were studied and optimised for maximum removal of dyes. Pseudo-first-order model was followed for adsorption kinetics of both dyes. Adsorption isotherms were also assessed using Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models. Hence, green approach was easy and cost effective for the removal of organic dyes and found as efficient antioxidant in current study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of the present investigation were to assess the antibacterial, antifungal, enzyme inhibition and hemolytic activities of various fractions of Rhynchosia pseudo-cajan Cambess. The methanolic extract of the plant was dissolved in the water (distilled) and then partitioned with the n-hexane, chloroform, EtOAc and n-BuOH sequentially. Antibacterial activity was checked against Escherichia coli, Pasturella multocida, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus by the disc diffusion method using streptomycin sulphate, a standard antibiotic, as positive control. Chloroform and ethyl acetate soluble fractions showed good activity against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. These fractions also showed good MIC values. The n-butanol soluble and remaining aqueous fraction also showed good activity against some strains. Antifungal activity was studied against four fungi i.e. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Ganoderma lucidum and Alternaria alternata by the disc diffusion method using fluconazole, a standard antifungal drug, as positive control. Chloroform, n-butanol and ethyl acetate soluble fraction showed good activity only against G. lucidum. Enzyme inhibition studies were done against four enzymes i.e. α-glucosidase, butyrylcholinesterase, acetyl cholinesterase and lipoxygenase. Aqueous fraction possessed very good activity against α- glucosidase, even greater than acarbose, a reference standard drug. Its IC50 value was found as 29.81±0.12 µg/ml as compared to acarbose having IC50 38.62±0.04 µg/ml. Chlroform and ethyl acetate soluble fractions also showed good activity against α-glucosidase. Ethyl acetate soluble and remaining aqueous fractions showed good activity against lipoxygenase. All the studied fractions showed very less toxicity i.e. <2.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the antibacterial, antifungal and hemolytic activities of organic and aqueous fractions of Fumaria indica, Dicliptera bupleuroides and Curcuma zedoaria. The methanolic extracts of the plants were dissolved in the water (distilled) separately and then partitioned with the n-hexane, CHCl3, EtOAc and n-BuOH sequentially. Antibacterial activity was checked against Escherichia coli, Pasturella multocida, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus by the disc diffusion method using streptomycin sulphate, a standard antibiotic, as positive control. Antifungal activity was studied against four fungi i.e. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Ganoderma lucidum and Alternaria alternata by the disc diffusion method using fluconazole, a standard antifungal drug, as positive control. It was revealed that aqueous fraction of F. indica showed very good antibacterial activity against P. multocida with zone of inhibition 26mm and MIC of 98µg/mL. Its CHCl3 and n-BuOH fractions also displayed good results. Its CHCl3 fraction showed good antifungal activity against G. lucidum with zone of inhibition 24mm and MIC of 115µg/mL. Other polar fractions of F. indica showed good activity against somefungal strains. The CHCl3 and EtOAc fractions of D. bupleuroides displayed good antibacterial activity against some bacterial strains. Its EtOAc fraction showed good antifungal activity only against G. lucidum. The CHCl3 fraction of C. zedoaria showed good activity against all studied bacterial strains, while its EtOAc and n-BuOH fractions displayed good results against some bacterial strains. None of the fractions of C. zedoaria displayed antifungal activity against the under test strains. All the studied fractions of three plants showed very less toxicity except n-hexane fraction of D. bupleuroides which showed 79% toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the enzyme inhibition, antifungal, antibacterial and hemolytic activities of various fractions of Colebrookia oppositifolia Smith. The MeOH extract of plant was dissolved in dist. water and partitioned with n-hexane, CHCl3, EtOAc and n-BuOH sequentially. Enzyme inhibition studies were done against four enzymes i.e. α-glucosidase, butyrylcholinesterase, acetyl cholinesterase and lipoxygenase. Ethyl acetate fraction possessed very good activity against a-glucosidase (IC50 57.38±1.23µg/mL). CHCl3 fraction displayed good activity against a-glucosidase and lipoxygenase while moderate activity against butyryl cholinesterase. EtOAc fraction displayed good activity against lipoxygenase. Antifungal activity was studied against four fungi i.e. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Ganoderma lucidum and Alternaria alternata by the disc diffusion method using fluconazole, a standard antifungal drug, as positive control. Aqueous fraction displayed good activity against G. lucidum and A. flavus. Antibacterial activity was checked against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pasturella multocida and Escherichia coli by the disc diffusion method using streptomycin sulphate, a standard antibiotic, as positive control. Chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous fraction showed good activity against E. coli. Chloroform fraction showed good activity against B. subtilis. Ethyl acetate fraction showed good activity against the P. multocida. All the studied fractions showed very less toxicity i.e. < 7%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytochemical investigation of the ethylacetate-soluble fraction of Caryopteris odorata (Ham. ex Roxb.) led to the isolation of four new iridoid glucosides (1–4): 8-O-trans-cinnamoyl caryoptoside (1), 8-O-trans-cinnamoyl shanzhiside methylester (2), 8-O-trans-cinnamoyl mussaenoside (3) and 8-O-cafeoyl massenoside (4). The structures of these compounds were determined by FAB-MS, IR, 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopy and by comparing with the published data of the closely related compounds. The antioxidant potential of the isolated iridoids (1–4) was evaluated relative to conventionally used standards and these molecules exhibited good antioxidant potential. Moreover, their inhibitory potential was also screened against three enzymes, namely acetyl cholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and lipoxygenase. These iridoid glucosides were found to be inactive against acetyl and butyrylcholinesterases but active against lipoxygenase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methanolic extract of Cotinus coggyria Scop. was mixed in distilled water and partitioned first with the nhexane, then with chloroform, then ethyl acetate and at the end with n-butanol. The phytochemical screening of plant showed presence of the phenolics, cardiac glycosides and flavonoides in large amount in the chloroform, n-butanol and ethyl acetate soluble fraction. Antioxidant activity of these four fractions and the left behind aqueous fraction was measured by four methods such as: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, ferric thiocyanate assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and total antioxidant activity. Total phenolics were also measured. Noteworthy antioxidant potential was shown by the chloroform, n-butanol and ethyl acetate soluble fraction showed. Ethyl acetate fraction showed highest % inhibition of the DPPH radical when compared with the other studied fractions i.e. 81.64 ± 1.29% inhibition of the DPPH radical at the concentration of 30 µg/ml. Its IC50 value was found to be 15.58 ± 0.09 µg/ml, comparative to the butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which has IC50 value 12.6 ± 0.85µg/mL. This fraction also showed the highest lipid peroxidation inhibition (61.41 ± 1.16%), as well as highest values of FRAP (697.76 ± 1.98 µg of trolox equivalents) total antioxidant activity (1.02 ± 0.09) and total phenolic contents (229.34 ± 0.57) comparative to the other studied fractions. The chloroform and n-butanol soluble fraction also showed good results for all the studied antioxidant assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methanolic extract of Boerhavia procumbens Bank ex Roxb. was partitioned with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol sequentially after dissolving in distilled water. Phytochemical screening showed presence of phenolics, flavonoides and cardiac glycosides in large amount in chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol soluble fraction. The antioxidant activity of all these fractions and the remaining aqueous fraction was evaluated by four methods such as: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, total antioxidant activity and ferric thiocyanate assay. Total phenolics were also determined. Some fractions showed noteworthy antioxidant activity. The results of the antioxidant activity revealed that the ethyl acetate soluble fraction showed the highest value of percent inhibition of DPPH (82.54 ±0.62) at the concentration of 125 µg/ml. The IC50 of this fraction was 37.11± 0.23 µg/ml, compared with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which have IC50 of 12.1± 0.92 µg/mL. It also showed the highest FRAP value (251.08 ±1.46 µg of trolox equivalents) as well as the highest value of lipid peroxidation inhibition (57.21 ± 52%), the highest total antioxidant activity (0.549 ±0.08) and also the highest total phenolic contents (77.1± 0.6) as compared to the studied fractions. Phytochemical screening showed high percentage of phenolics, flavonoides and cardiac glycosides in this fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Plant constituents with antioxidant activity are capable of exerting protective effects against oxidative stress related diseases resulting due to accumulation of free radicals in biological systems. A lot of researches are going on worldwide directed towards finding natural antioxidants of plants origins. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro antioxidant activities and to screen for phytochemical constituents of organic and aqueous fractions of Curcuma zedoaria Roscoe. Methods: The antioxidant potential of all the studied fractions was evaluated by four methods: 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging activity, total antioxidant activity, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay and ferric thiocyanate assay and the total phenolics were also determined. Results: Chloroform soluble fraction exhibited highest percent inhibition of DPPH radical i.e. 67.97 ± 1.06% at concentration of 250 μg/ml as compared to other fractions. IC value of chloroform fraction was found to be 117.08 ± 0.71 relative to butylated 50 hydroxytoluene (BHT), having IC of 12.54 ± 0.89 μg/ml. It also showed highest value 50 of total antioxidant activity i.e.1.358 ± 0.47 as well as highest FRAP value (291.25 ± 1.53 TE μM/mL), highest amount of total phenolic compounds (155.27 ± 1.36 GAE ìg/g) and highest percentage of inhibition of lipid peroxidation (42.24 ± 0.53%) as compared to other studied fractions. Ethyl acetate soluble fraction showed moderate to good antioxidant activity. The n- hexane soluble fraction, n-butanol soluble fraction and remaining aqueous fraction showed no activity. Conclusion: It was concluded that chloroform fraction is rich in strong antioxidants while ethyl acetate fraction contain moderate amount of antioxidants so these fractions are potentially valuable sources of natural antioxidants and bioactive materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The sole purpose of this study was to investigate the in-vitro antioxidant and radical scavenging potential of different organic fractions and aqueous fraction of ipomoea hederacea Jacq. Methods: Antioxidant constituents were initially extracted in methanol and then the methanolic extract was dissolved in distilled water and different fractions were sequentially prepared with the solvents like n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. Four methods were employed to measure the antioxidant power of plant fractions viz: 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, total antioxidant activity and Folin-Ciocalteau reagent assay for the determination of total phenolics. Results: From the results thus obtained, it was known that ethyl acetate soluble fraction showed the highest value of % inhibition of DPPH (83.26 % ± 0.60) at concentration of 125 μg/ml. The IC50 of this fraction was 60.28 ± 0.61 μg/ml, relative to the butylated 50 hydroxytoluene (BHT), having IC50 of 12.10 ± 1.29 μg/ml. It also displayed the highest 50 FRAP value (80 ± 0.3 μg TE/mL) the higher total antioxidant activity (0.25 ± 0.31) as well as highest total phenolic contents (62.35 ± 0.30 μg GAE/g) as compared to the other fractions. Conclusion: Ethyl acetate soluble fraction of Ipomoea hederacea Jacq. contains very good antioxidant compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Many oxidative stress related diseases are as a result of accumulation of free radicals in the body. A lot of researches are going on worldwide directed towards finding natural antioxidants of plants origins. The aims of this study were to evaluate in vitro antioxidant activities and to screen for phytochemical constituents of crude, organic and aqueous fractions of Acrachne racemosa. Methods: The antioxidant potential of all these fractions and remaining aqueous fraction was evaluated by four methods: 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging activity, total antioxidant activity, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay and ferric thiocyanate assay and total phenolics were also determined. Results: The results revealed that chloroform fraction showed highest value of % inhibition of DPPH radical (80.72% ± 0.69), IC50 of chloroform fraction was 185.58 ± 0.84ìg/ml, relative to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), having IC50 of 12.1 ± 0.92ìg/mL. It also showed the highest total phenolic contents (54.38 ± 0.03 mg of gallic acid equivalents) and highest value of inhibition of lipid peroxidation (56.46 ± 1.05) as compared to other fractions. The ethyl acetate soluble fraction showed highest total antioxidant activity (0.31 ± 0.01) and FRAP value (204.33± 0.2ìg of trolox equivalents) as compared to other fractions. Conclusion: Phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of Reducing sugar, Terpenoids, Flavonoids, Saponins, Tannins, Cardiac glycosides and Phenolics. Ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions contain good antioxidants compounds. So, further phytochemical studies are needed to isolate these potent natural antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melamine is being added in pet food, milk and infant formula to enhance its “false” apparent protein contents but when it is present in milk beyond its allowed limit, it causes serious health problems which leads to renal failure and kidney stones. In this work a highly selective, sensitive and rapid method has been developed for determination of melamine as potential milk adulterant. Ag-MOFs doped with magnetic nanocatalyst were synthesized by using chemical reduction method and characterized through UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The strong SPR peak of Ag-MOFs was observed at 400–500 nm and Fe-SnO2 was observed at 250–300 nm. The absorption band of Ag-MOF@Fe/SnO2 was found at 250–350 nm with energy band gap of 2.78. The average particle size of nanocomposite was found to be 54.11 nm having uniform and crystalline shape. Different factors i.e. adsorbent dose, adsorbate dose, pH, temperature and time were optimized for maximum sensing of melamine. Prepared nanocomposite showed 97% detection efficiency for melamine at pH = 8 and 45 °C temperature in time limit of 25 min. Feasibility of prepared nanocomposite was also checked by standard melamine samples and pre-treated spiked milk sample. Prepared nanocomposite gave a rapid sensitive detection of melamine with limit of detection 1.8 ppm and 77% recovery from spiked raw milk without using any costly instrument.Graphical Abstract: Melamine is being added in pet food, milk and infant formula to enhance its “false” apparent protein contents but when it is present in milk beyond its allowed limit, it causes serious health problems which leads to renal failure and kidney stones. In this work a highly selective, sensitive and rapid method has been developed for determination of melamine as potential milk adulterant. Ag-MOFs doped with magnetic nanocatalyst were synthesized by using chemical reduction method and characterized through UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The strong SPR peak of Ag-MOFs was observed at 400–500 nm and Fe-SnO2 was observed at 250–300 nm. The absorption band of Ag-MOF@Fe/SnO2 was found at 250–350 nm with energy band gap of 2.78. The average particle size of nanocomposite was found to be 54.11 nm having uniform and crystalline shape. Different factors i.e. adsorbent dose, adsorbate dose, pH, temperature and time were optimized for maximum sensing of melamine. Prepared nanocomposite showed 97% detection efficiency for melamine at pH = 8 and 45 °C temperature in time limit of 25 min. Feasibility of prepared nanocomposite was also checked by standard melamine samples and pre-treated spiked milk sample. Prepared nanocomposite gave a rapid sensitive detection of melamine with limit of detection 1.8 ppm and 77% recovery from spiked raw milk without using any costly instrument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the antibacterial, antifungal and hemolytic activities of organic and aqueous fractions of Fumaria indica, Dicliptera bupleuroides and Curcuma zedoaria. The methanolic extracts of the plants were dissolved in the water (distilled) separately and then partitioned with the n-hexane, CHCl3, EtOAc and n-BuOH sequentially. Antibacterial activity was checked against Escherichia coli, Pasturella multocida, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus by the disc diffusion method using streptomycin sulphate, a standard antibiotic, as positive control. Antifungal activity was studied against four fungi i.e. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Ganoderma lucidum and Alternaria alternata by the disc diffusion method using fluconazole, a standard antifungal drug, as positive control. It was revealed that aqueous fraction of F. indica showed very good antibacterial activity against P. multocida with zone of inhibition 26mm and MIC of 98μg/mL. Its CHCl3 and n-BuOH fractions also displayed good results. Its CHCl3 fraction showed good antifungal activity against G. lucidum with zone of inhibition 24mm and MIC of 115μg/mL. Other polar fractions of F. indica showed good activity against somefungal strains. The CHCl3 and EtOAc fractions of D. bupleuroides displayed good antibacterial activity against some bacterial strains. Its EtOAc fraction showed good antifungal activity only against G. lucidum. The CHCl 3 fraction of C. zedoaria showed good activity against all studied bacterial strains, while its EtOAc and n-BuOH fractions displayed good results against some bacterial strains. None of the fractions of C. zedoaria displayed antifungal activity against the under test strains. All the studied fractions of three plants showed very less toxicity except n-hexane fraction of D. bupleuroides which showed 79% toxicity.

The title compound, C(7)H(8)O(4), isolated from Opuntia dillenii Haw (Cacta-ceae), is almost planar [maximum deviation of 0.027 (2) Å] except for the H atoms of the methylene and methyl groups. The crystal packing is stabilized by C-H⋯O and O-H⋯O inter-molecular hydrogen bonds, resulting in the formation of a three-dimensional network.