Environmental friendly synthesis of TiO2-ZnO nanocomposite catalyst and silver nanomaterilas for the enhanced production of biodiesel from Ulva lactuca seaweed and potential antimicrobial properties against the microbial pathogens

Polylactic acid electrospun membrane loaded with cerium nitrogen co-doped titanium dioxide for visible light-triggered antibacterial photocatalytic therapy

Wound infection caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria poses a serious threat to antibiotic therapy. Therefore, it is of vital importance to find new methods and modes for antibacterial therapy. The cerium nitrogen co-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles (N-TiO2, 0.05Ce-N-TiO2, 0.1Ce-N-TiO2, and 0.2Ce-N-TiO2) were synthesized using the hydrothermal method in this study. Subsequently, electrospinning was employed to fabricate polylactic acid (PLA) electrospun membranes loaded with the above-mentioned nanoparticles (PLA-N, PLA-0.05, PLA-0.1, and PLA-0.2). The results indicated that cerium and nitrogen co-doping tetrabutyl titanate enhanced the visible light photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2 nanoparticles and enabled the conversion of ultraviolet light into harmless visible light. The photocatalytic reaction under visible light irradiation induced the generation of ROS, which could effectively inhibit the bacterial growth. The antibacterial assay showed that it was effective in eliminating S. aureus and E. coli and the survival rates of two types of bacteria under 30 min of irradiation were significantly below 20% in the PLA-0.2 experimental group. Moreover, the bactericidal membranes also have excellent biocompatibility performance. This bio-friendly and biodegradable membrane may be applied to skin trauma and infection in future to curb drug-resistant bacteria and provide more alternative options for antimicrobial therapy.

Recent advances in the synthesis, characterization and biomedical applications of zinc oxide nanoparticles

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have become the widely used metal oxide nanoparticles and drawn the interest of global researchers due to their biocompatibility, low toxicity, sustainability and cost-effective properties. Due to their unique optical and chemical properties, it emerges as a potential candidate in the fields of optical, electrical, food packaging and biomedical applications. Biological methods using green or natural routes are more environmentally friendly, simple and less use of hazardous techniques than chemical and/or physical methods in the long run. In addition, ZnONPs are less harmful and biodegradable while having the ability to greatly boost pharmacophore bioactivity. They play an important role in cell apoptosis because they enhance the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and release zinc ions (Zn2+), causing cell death. Furthermore, these ZnONPs work well in conjunction with components that aid in wound healing and biosensing to track minute amounts of biomarkers connected to a variety of illnesses. Overall, the present review discusses the synthesis and most recent developments of ZnONPs from green sources including leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruits, flowers, bacteria, fungi, algae and protein, as well as put lights on their biomedical applications such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, wound healing, and drug delivery, and modes of action associated. Finally, the future perspectives of biosynthesized ZnONPs in research and biomedical applications are discussed.

Availability of Biomass and Potential of Nanotechnologies for Bioenergy Production in Jordan

Jordan’s energy situation is in a critical state of dependency, with the country relying heavily on imports to satisfy its ever-increasing energy requirements. Renewable energy is a more competitive and consistent source of energy that can supply a large proportion of a country’s energy demand. It is environmentally friendly and minimizes atmospheric pollutant emissions. Thus, bioenergy has the potential to be a crucial alternative energy source in Jordan. Biomass is the principal source of bioenergy; it accounts for approximately 13% of the primary energy demand and is anticipated to supply half of the total primary energy demand by 2050. Nanotechnology has emerged as an important scientific research area with numerous applications, including biofuels. This review summarizes the application of nanoparticles to improve the properties and processes of biofuels. It presents the availability and viability of nanotechnology-supported bioenergy production in Jordan. Jordan generates up to 5.8 million tons of biomass each year and has access to abundant nonedible plant resources (such as Jojoba, Handal, and Jatropha). The theoretical energy potential of waste and residue available in Jordan was also assessed; it was discovered that the 1.28 million tons of dry crop residues (vegetables, fruits, and farming crops) could generate 6.8 PJ of energy per year and that biogas could be generated at a rate of 817 MCM/year

Transition metal-doped SnO2 and graphene oxide (GO) supported nanocomposites as efficient photocatalysts and antibacterial agents

In the present work, pristine and transition metal (TM) (W, Ag, Zn)-doped SnO₂ nanocrystals using a facile sol-gel approach were synthesized. The grown products were anchored on graphene oxide (GO) sheets via a simple ultrasonication technique to fabricate binary nanocomposites. The structural, optical, and morphological properties of as-synthesized samples were studied by XRD, FTIR, Raman, EDX, UV-Visible, PL, and FE-SEM. The charge transferability of graphene oxide-based samples was investigated by EIS. The XRD exhibited the TM doping in SnO₂ and the development of GO-based nanocomposite. FTIR data evidenced the existence of the metal-oxygen bonds. Raman spectra presented the optical phonon modes of SnO₂ and the existence of oxygen vacancy defects. FE-SEM images demonstrated the anchoring of particles on the GO sheet, and EDX further approved the existence of desired dopants. The integration of SnO₂ with TM doping remarkably reduced optical bandgap (3.65-3.10 eV), which was further decreased (3.10-2.99 eV) by making composite with GO. The photodegradation results exhibited that GO-based nanocomposites have the higher potential to degrade synthetic dyes (methyl red (MR), and methyl orange (MO) and SnZnO₂/GO have shown superb photocatalytic performance after 80-min sunlight illumination (99.9% MR and 95.0% MO dyes) with the higher rate constant and superior stability up to 6th cycle against MR dye. The grown samples were tested for bacterial disinfection, and SnZnO₂/GO sample showed a higher zone of inhibition towards S. aureus and K. pneumoniae bacteria strains. The greater charge transfer rate and lower recombination of charge carriers in GO-based composites were also observed by EIS and PL analysis. Moreover, the present article ascribed that the photocatalytic and antibacterial properties of bare SnO₂ could be improved by TM doping and fabricating their composite with GO.

Microwave assisted hydrothermally synthesized cobalt doped zinc ferrites nanoparticles for the degradation of organic dyes and antimicrobial applications

A novel photocatalyst based cobalt doped zinc ferrites nanoparticles (Co-ZnFe₂O₄ NPs) was prepared to actively concentrate degradation of organic dyes in water. The aim this study is to investigate the effect of substitution of Co²⁺ for Zn²⁺ in zinc ferrites nanoparticles and is characterized with UV-visible spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, SEM, Photoluminescence and Vibrating sample magnetometer technique. When the calcinations temperature increases from 150 °C to 450 °C the amorphous ferrites begins to vanish and the characteristic reflections of cubic spinal Co-ZnFe₂O₄ phase are only observed at 450 °C. The band gap energy (E_g) of sample calcined at 250 °C is calculated at 5.2 eV and that of 450 °C is 4.5 eV. The observed value of band gap energy decreased with increasing calcinations temperature in the samples. The increase in PL peak intensity is due to collective emissions and light-scattering. The doping material, cobalt substitution at spinel zinc ferrites surface, and hence gradually decrease the amorphous effect, increase the saturation magnetization and decrease the coercivity while increasing the temperature. The compounds calcined at 250 °C and 450 °C were investigated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. A sample with 450 °C calcination temperature leads to higher efficiencies in the inhibition of growth of bacteria and degradation of organic dyes. Hence, this study provides a novel photocatalyst of Co-ZnFe₂O₄ NPs in the tile to degrade and analyze the environmentally ignored organic compounds.

Milking microalgae in conjugation with nano-biorefinery approach utilizing wastewater

In today's era, we need to replace chemical or physical processes of nanoparticle synthesis with biosynthesis processes to avoid environmental damage. These bioderived nanoparticles can help in addressing the problems of wastewater treatment and biofuels production. This review gives an insight into solving multiple problems using a nano-biorefinery approach in conjugation with wastewater treatment. The major advantage of using a bio-derivative method in nanoparticle synthesis is its low toxicity towards the environment. The current review discusses the development of nanoscience and its biogenic importance. It covers the usage of microalgae for (A) Nanoparticle's biosynthesis (B) Mechanism of nanoparticle biosynthesis (C) Nanoparticles in bio-refinery processes (D) Wastewater treatment with microalgae and bio-derived nanoparticles (E) A hypothetical mechanistic approach, which utilizes the photothermal effect of metallic nanoparticles to extract lipids from the cells without cell damage. The term "cell milking" has been around for quite some time, and the hypothesis discussed in the present study can help in this context. The current hypothesized process can pave ways for futuristic endeavors to conjugate nanoparticles and microalgae for viable and commercial production of biofuel, nanoparticles, and many other molecules.

Visible light assisted photocatalytic degradation of commercial dyes and waste water by Sn-F co-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles with potential antimicrobial application

The disintegration of natural water sources signals out the scarcity of adam's ale and will be hurdle for the human physical state. So it is necessary to decrease waste loads and hence pressure on the ecology for the sustainability of fishery and dye industry. Herein, TiO₂ nanoparticles doped with Sn and F are synthesized and the influence of simultaneous doping on the optical, surface morphological, structural, photocatalytic and antibacterial activities are investigated. Doping of TiO₂ with Sn and F suppress the growth of both anatase and rutile phase because of the dissimilar boundaries. All the prepared doped and undoped samples are found to possess tetragonal structure. The influence of F and Sn in TiO₂ lattice is recognized with the XRD and FT-IR spectra of the prepared particles The size of the obtained nanoparticles decreases as increasing concentration of F and Sn. TiO₂ is showing the presence of spherical and ellipsoidal nanoparticles whereas doped samples showing nanobulk, pentagons and rods. The absorption edge of the doped samples are blue shifted with increasing concentration of dopants indicates the control of optical absorption property of TiO_2. The visible light assisted photocatalytic degradation of fish processing waste water by doped and undoped samples are found to be established as 0.0076/min and 0.0071/min respectively. Visible light assisted degradation of commercially available dyes and fish processing waste water is assessed. Methyl blue showed enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation compared to Methyl orange. It is observed that all the prepared particles show good antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.

Potential antimicrobial properties of the Ulva lactuca extract against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-infected wounds: A review

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), currently a major problem in hospitals worldwide, is one of the most common causes of nosocomial disease through surgical wound infection. MRSA-infected wounds have very low recovery rates and have become more problematic as some antibiotics are not effective against MRSA. Several antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents of green algae (Ulva lactuca) in the form of alkaloids, triterpenoids, steroids, saponins, and flavonoids have the potential to accelerate the wound healing process following MRSA wound infection. Various active compounds contained in the U. lactuca extract are thought to have multiple antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can overcome the MRSA antimicrobial resistance and accelerate tissue growth in the wound healing process. This review aims to describe the potential of Ulva lactuca extract against MRSA-infected wound healing.

Green Synthesis and Applications of ZnO and TiO2 Nanostructures

Over the last two decades, oxide nanostructures have been continuously evaluated and used in many technological applications. The advancement of the controlled synthesis approach to design desired morphology is a fundamental key to the discipline of material science and nanotechnology. These nanostructures can be prepared via different physical and chemical methods; however, a green and ecofriendly synthesis approach is a promising way to produce these nanostructures with desired properties with less risk of hazardous chemicals. In this regard, ZnO and TiO2 nanostructures are prominent candidates for various applications. Moreover, they are more efficient, non-toxic, and cost-effective. This review mainly focuses on the recent state-of-the-art advancements in the green synthesis approach for ZnO and TiO2 nanostructures and their applications. The first section summarizes the green synthesis approach to synthesize ZnO and TiO2 nanostructures via different routes such as solvothermal, hydrothermal, co-precipitation, and sol-gel using biological systems that are based on the principles of green chemistry. The second section demonstrates the application of ZnO and TiO2 nanostructures. The review also discusses the problems and future perspectives of green synthesis methods and the related issues posed and overlooked by the scientific community on the green approach to nanostructure oxides.

Bioavailability and hepatoprotection enhancement of berberine and its nanoparticles prepared by liquid antisolvent method

The study was devised to prepare berberine nanoparticles by anti-solvent precipitation method and were assessed for their hepatoprotective effect in Male Sprague-Dawley rats against carbon tetrachloride. The pharmacokinetic parameters of the prepared nanoparticles and berberine were evaluated in rabbits. Histopathological studies and blood biochemical analyses were carried out to evaluate the role of both forms of berberine in the experimental animals. Substantial improvement in the liver function test enzymes levels and liver histopathology were achieved in the animals treated with berberine nanoparticles in comparison to the unprocessed berberine whereas, pharmacokinetic parameters for nanoform of berberine were about 3.97 and 3.88 folds higher than that of the unprocessed berberine. The study revealed that the reduction of berberine particle size to nano range improved pharmacokinetic parameters in rabbits. The nano berberine provided better liver protection in experimental rats and high berberine blood concentration. Thus, better hepatoprotective and pharmacokinetics effects were observed for the nano form in comparison to unprocessed form.

Hydrothermal liquefaction of Prosopis juliflora biomass for the production of ferulic acid and bio-oil

The objective of this work was to study the hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of Prosopis juliflora biomass for the production of ferulic acid and bio-oil. Biomass was processed with various solvents (NaOH, KOH, HCl and H₂SO₄) to produce ferulic acid (FA). FA oxidation was carried out using the Nano ZnO catalyst to produce an optimum vanillin yield of 0.3 g at 70 °C with 0.4% catalyst loading for a time of 60 min. The spent solid residue was then processed using HTL at 5 MPa pressure and a temperature range of 240-340 °C. Various biomass loading (2.5 g to 12.5 g) was taken for a fixed water content of 200 mL. Bio-oil optimum yield was 22.5 wt% for 10 g/200 mL of biomass loading ratio. The optimum temperature was 300 °C for a processing time of 1 h. The catalyst showed the reusable capability of two three consecutive cycles.

Algal metabolites: An inevitable substitute for antibiotics

Antibiotic resistance is rising at a pace that is difficult to cope with; circumvention of this issue requires fast and efficient alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Algae inhabit a wide span of ecosystems, which contributes to their ability to synthesize diverse classes of highly active biogenic metabolites. Here, for the first time, we reviewed all possible algal metabolites with broad spectra antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains, and categorized different metabolites of both freshwater and marine algae, linking them on the basis of their target sites and mechanistic actions along with their probable nanoconjugates. Algae can be considered a boon for novel drug discovery in the era of antibiotic resistance, as various algal primary and secondary metabolites possess potential antibacterial properties. The diversity of these metabolites from indigenous sources provides a promising gateway enabling researchers and pharmaceutical companies to develop novel nontoxic, cost-effective and highly efficient antibacterial medicines.

In vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of polyherbal extracts from Vetiveria zizanioides, Trichosanthes cucumerina, and Mollugo cerviana on HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines

Various metabolites exist in the medicinal plants have lot of potential to cure various diseases and disorders. Plants such as, Vetiveria zizanioides, Trichosanthes cucumerina, and Mollugo cerviana were collected from Western Ghats, Tamilnadu, India. Phytochemicals were extracted from these plants using various organic solvents and tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The phytochemicals such as, carbohydrate, alkaloids, steroids, saponins, flavonoids and tannin were detected from these medicinal plants. Among the extracts, methanol showed potent activity and this solvent was used to extract polyherbal medicinal plants. Methanol extract of V. zizanioides was found to be highly active against E. coli (27 ± 2 mm), P. mirabilis (19 ± 3 mm) and B. subtilis (18 ± 2 mm). Ethyl acetate extract showed high activity against E. coli (24 ± 2 mm), P. mirabilis (22 ± 3 mm) and B. subtilis (20 ± 1 mm). These three plants were taken at 1:1:1 ratio and extracted with methanol at 1:10 ratio and synergistic activity was tested against bacterial pathogens. Synergistic activity of polyherbal extract was analyzed. The extracted crude herbal medicine was found to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Enterbacter sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Proteus mirabilis. The zone of inhibition was 33 ± 3 mm, 17 ± 2 mm, 22 ± 2 mm, 40 ± 2 mm, 33 ± 1 mm and 38 ± 2 mm zone of inhibition against E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, P. mirabilis, B. subtilis and Enterobacter sp. Polyherbal extract was found to be highly effective against P. mirabilis and Enterobacter sp. MIC values of polyherbal extract ranged from 29 ± 2.5 µg/ml to 34 ± 2.5 µg/ml. MIC value was found to be less against P. mirabilis and was high against S. aureus. Antioxidant property varied between 49 ± 3% and 95.3 ± 2%. At 20 µg/ml antioxidant activity was reported as 49 ± 3% and it was increased at higher concentrations of polyherbal extract. Two cell lines (HeLa and MCF cell lines) were selected to analyze cytotoxic activity of polyherbal extract. The methanol extract of polyherbal fraction showed cytotoxicity against these two cell lines. The LC50 value was 467 ± 2.9 µg/ml against HeLa cell line and >800 µg/ml against MCF-7 cell lines. The polyherbal extract showed antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer activities.

Effect of traditionally used herb Pedalium murex L. and its active compound pedalitin on urease expression - For the management of kidney stone

Pedalium murex L. is a medicinal herb that has been used for the treatment of diseases related to kidney in the traditional system of medicine. The current study aims to study the effect of ethyl acetate extract of P. murex (EAEP) and its fractionated compound pedalitin against urease production and UreC gene expression in Proteus mirabilis. The selected reference strain Proteus mirabilis (MTCC 425) and the isolates culture of Proteus mirabilis were subjected to study the antibacterial efficacy of P. murex. Expression analysis of P. mirabilis urease gene was successfully done by QPCR. The ethyl acetate extract effectively inhibit the reference Proteus mirabilis and bacterial isolates of Proteus mirabilis in the clinical samples studied. EAEP has showed more potent activity (56.7%) against urease enzyme and pedalitin also exhibited potent activity (30.1%). Using qPCR, the expression of UreC gene of P. mirabilis was controlled by EAEP and also its bioactive compound pedalitin. The present study clearly demonstrated the potency of P. murex in controlling the growth of pathogenic P. mirabilis and to control the expression of urease enzyme production as well as to restrict the urease gene expression in P. mirabilis.

Evaluation of antidiabetic activity of Pleurotus pulmonarius against streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic wistar albino rats

The current research aims to evaluate the antidiabetic properties of Pleurotus pulmonarius, an edible basidiomycetes mushroom fungi in diabetic induced wistar albino rats. Mycelial Hot Water Extracts (HWE) and Acetone Extracts (AE) of Pleurotus pulmonarius was orally administrated to STZ-NA induced (55 mg/kilogram body weight) diabetic wistar albino rats at a concentration of 200 and 400 mg/kg for 4 weeks. The outcomes revealed that the HWE of Pleurotus pulmonarius resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in blood glucose level. A noteworthy (p < 0.001) reduction in serum lipid profile and elevation in High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) after administration with HWE, also demonstrating the protective effects of HWE in diabetes-related complications. Besides all antidiabetic parameters, pathological morphology of the pancreas, liver and kidney are regularised. This observation indicated that HWE of Pleurotus pulmonarius possessed higher antidiabetic activity than AE. Besides, HWE also promoted a significant control of alpha amylase enzyme in a concentration-dependent manner with a maximum activity of 99.23% inhibition at 1000 µg/ml. The outcomes of the present study indicated that the HWE possesses a potential antidiabetic activity both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, it can be used as a nontoxic complementary drug in the controlling of diabetes and related complications, thus providing scientific authentication of its use as an antidiabetic agent.

Biodiesel Production Using Solid Acid Catalysts Based on Metal Oxides

The development of solid acid catalysts, especially based on metal oxides and different magnetic nanoparticles, gained much awareness recently as a result of the development of different nano-based materials. Solid acid catalysts based on metal oxides are promising for the (trans)esterification reactions of different oils and waste materials for biodiesel production. This review gives a brief overview of recent developments in various solid acid catalysts based on different metal oxides, such as zirconia, zinc, titanium, iron, tungsten, and magnetic materials, where the catalysts are optimized for various reaction parameters, such as the amount of catalyst, molar ratio of oil to alcohol, reaction time, and temperature. Furthermore, yields and conversions for biodiesel production are compared. Such metal-oxide-based solid acid catalysts provide more sustainable, green, and easy-separation synthesis routes with high catalytic activity and reusability than traditionally used catalysts.

Green synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles using endophytic fungi Fusarium solani and its in-vitro anticancer and biomedical applications

The present study aimed to explore the anticancer potentials of the gold nanoparticles (NPs) obtained by green synthesis method using an endophytic strain Fusarium solani ATLOY - 8 has been isolated from the plant Chonemorpha fragrans. The formation of the NPs was analyzed by UV, FTIR, SEM and XRD. The synthesized NPs showed pink-ruby red colors and high peak plasmon band was observed between 510 and 560 nm. It is observed that intensity of absorption steadily increases the wavelength and band stabilizes at 551 nm. The XRD pattern revealed the angles at 19, 38.32, 46.16, 57.50, and 76.81° respectively. Interestingly, the FTIR band absorption noted at 1413 cm-1, 1041 cm-1 and 690 cm-1 ascribed the presence of amine II bands of protein, C-N and C-H stretching vibrations of the nanoparticles. SEM analysis indicated that the average diameter of the synthesized nanoparticles was between 40 and 45 nm. These NPs showed cytotoxicity on cervical cancer cells (He La) and against human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and the NPs exhibited dose dependent cytotoxic effect. IC50 value was 0.8 ± 0.5 μg/mL on MCF-7 cell line and was found to be 1.3 ± 0.5 μg/mL on MCF-7 cell lines. The synthesized NPs induced apoptosis on these cancer cell lines. The accumulation of apoptotic cells decreased in sub G0 and G1 phase of cell cycle in the MCF-7 cancer cells were found to be 55.13%, 52.11% and 51.10% after 12 h exposure to different concentrations. The results altogether provide an apparent and versatile biomedical application for safer chemotherapeutic agent with little systemic toxicity.

In-vitro antibacterial, antioxidant potentials and cytotoxic activity of the leaves of Tridax procumbens

The present study explored the phytochemicals, antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic effect of Tridax procumbens leaves. The leaves were dried and extracted with various organic solvents. The leaves contained the phytochemicals such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, polyphenols and tannins respectively. Antimicrobial potentials of the extracts were determined by performing the disc diffusion techniques. Results revealed that different organic solvents extracts namely methanol, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts documented comparatively good activity against the studied microbial strains. The methanol extract of leaves of T. procumbens showed combatively better antioxidant potential. The tested plant leaf extract showed high activity against human lung cancer cells than breast cancer cell lines. 250 µg/ml plants extract showed 84 ± 2.8% toxicity against human lung cancer cells.

Synthesis and biocompatible role of hierarchical structured carbon nanoplates incorporated α-Fe2O3 nanocomposites for biomedical applications with respect to cancer treatment

This study aimed to inspect the hierarchically structured spherical-like hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles synthesize by simple, low temperature solution combustion process. The uniformly distributed α-Fe₂O₃/carbon nanocomposite (α-Fe₂O₃/C nanocomposite) was prepared by incorporating carbon nanoplates into sphere-like α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles. The synthesized nanomaterials were characterized using various techniques such as XRD, FESEM, and EDS. The cytotoxicity of the material was evaluated by MTT assay and nuclear imaging based on the cell morphological changes on both human lung cancerous cell line A549 and chang liver as non cancerous cell line. The results demonstrated that the pure and composite material exhibited above 70% viability on non-cancerous cell line and around 60% inhibition on A549 lung cancer cell line indicates the α-Fe₂O₃/C nanocomposite is biocompatible and can be used for biological applications and anticancer therapy. Cell death induced by α-Fe₂O₃, carbon nanoplates and α-Fe₂O₃/C nanocomposites was further evidenced with DAPI.

Isolation and screening of Streptomyces sp. Al-Dhabi-49 from the environment of Saudi Arabia with concomitant production of lipase and protease in submerged fermentation

In this study, Streptomyces sp. Al-Dhabi-49 was isolated from the soil sample of Saudi Arabian environment for the simultaneous production of lipase and protease in submerged fermentation. The process parameters were optimized to enhance enzymes production. The production of protease and lipase was found to be maximum after 5 days of incubation (139.2 ± 2.1 U/ml, 253 ± 4.4 U/ml). Proteolytic enzyme increases with the increase in pH up to 9.0 (147.2 ± 3.6 U/ml) and enzyme production depleted significantly at higher pH values. In the case of lipase, production was maximum in the culture medium containing pH 8.0 (166 ± 1.3 U/ml). The maximum production of protease was observed at 40 °C (174 ± 12.1 U/ml) by Streptomyces sp. Lipase activity was found to be optimum at the range of temperatures (30-50 °C) and maximum production was achieved at 35 °C (168 ± 7.8 U/ml). Among the evaluated carbon sources, maltose significantly influenced on protease production (218 ± 12.8 U/ml). Lipase production was maximum when Streptomyces sp. was cultured in the presence of glucose (162 ± 10.8U/ml). Among various concentrations of peptone, 1.0% (w/v) significantly enhanced protease production. The lipase production was very high in the culture medium containing malt extract as nitrogen source (86 ± 10.2 U/ml). Protease production was maximum in the presence of Ca²⁺ as ionic source (212 ± 3.8 U/ml) and lipase production was enhanced by the addition of Mg²⁺ with the fermentation medium (163.7 ± 6.2 U/ml).