Search

Highlights: [•] Identification of the microalga strain was confirmed by 18S rRNA sequence analysis. [•] The strain B. braunii GUBIOTJTBB1 is reported for the first time from Assam, India. [•] Maximum yield of total lipid (57.14%) and hydrocarbon (52.6%) were determined. [•] High energy value 54.69kJ/g and ash content 3.11% were determined from dry biomass. [•] Lipid content of GUBIOTJTBB1 was found higher than the other reported Indian strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CS triggered by excessive inflammatory response drives the pathogenesis of COVID-19. • ASX inhibits TNFα, IL1β, IL6 via regulation of NF-kB & JAK/STAT; prevents CS & ALI/ARDS. • ASX suppresses plasma CRP, iNOS, COX2, PGE2 & ICAM-1; prevents oxidative damages. • ASX inhibits NLRP3, HIF1α, activates Nrf2, Sirtuin pathways; exerts antioxidant effect. • ASX enhances immune responses, NK cell activity, T- & B- cell population. Host excessive inflammatory immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection is thought to underpin the pathogenesis of COVID-19 associated severe pneumonitis and acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Once an immunological complication like cytokine storm occurs, anti-viral based monotherapy alone is not enough. Additional anti-inflammatory treatment is recommended. It must be noted that anti-inflammatory drugs such as JAK inhibitors, IL-6 inhibitors, TNF-α inhibitors, colchicine, etc., have been either suggested or are under trials for managing cytokine storm in COVID-19 infections. Natural astaxanthin (ASX) has a clinically proven safety profile and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. There is evidence from preclinical studies that supports its preventive actions against ALI/ARDS. Moreover, ASX has a potent PPARs activity. Therefore, it is plausible to speculate that ASX could be considered as a potential adjunctive supplement. Here, we summarize the mounting evidence where ASX is shown to exert protective effect by regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α. We present reports where ASX is shown to prevent against oxidative damage and attenuate exacerbation of the inflammatory responses by regulating signaling pathways like NF-ĸB, NLRP3 and JAK/STAT. These evidences provide a rationale for considering natural astaxanthin as a therapeutic agent against inflammatory cytokine storm and associated risks in COVID-19 infection and this suggestion requires further validation with clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bimetallic Gold–silver core–shell nanoparticles (Au@Ag NPs) were synthesized at room temperature, where gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) served as seeds for continuous deposition of silver atoms on its surface. The core–shell structure was examined by UV–vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The catalytic activity of these nanoparticles toward biodiesel production from Sunflower oil through transesterification was studied. The confirmation for biofuel synthesis was performed using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy. Fuel properties are determined by standard ASTM (American society for Testing and Materials) protocols. Our observations show that at certain catalyst concentration, temperature and reaction time, highest yield of biodiesel (86.9%) is attained. The fuel properties of the synthesized biofuel are at par with standard biofuel. Further, the catalyst showed sustained activity for 3 cycles of transesterification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]