Unlocking the growth potential: harnessing the power of synbiotics to enhance cultivation of Pleurotus spp

The oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) is one of the most widely cultivated mushroom species globally. The present study investigated the effect of synbiotics on the growth and quality of Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus pulmonarius. Different synbiotics formulations were applied by spraying mushroom samples daily and measuring their growth parameters, yield, biological efficiency, proximate composition, mineral content, total phenolic content (TPC), and diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Results demonstrated that the most significant yield of oyster mushrooms was harvested from synbiotics sprayed with inulin and Lactobacillus casei (56.92 g). Likewise, the highest biological efficiency obtained with a similar synbiotic was 12.65%. Combining inulin and L. casei was the most effective method of improving the mushrooms' growth performance and nutrient content in both samples. Furthermore, synbiotics that combined inulin and L. casei resulted in the highest TPC (20.550 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry extract (DE)) in white oyster mushrooms (P. ostreatus). In comparison, in grey mushroom (P. pulmonarius) the highest TPC was yielded by L. casei (1.098 mg GAE/g DE) followed by inulin and L. casei (1.079 mg GAE/g DE). The DPPH results indicated that the oyster mushroom could be an efficient antioxidant. The results revealed that applying synbiotics improved the mushrooms' quality by increasing their antioxidant capacity with higher amounts of phenolic compounds and offering better health benefits with the increased levels of mineral elements. Together, these studies demonstrated the potential of using synbiotics as a biofertilizer, which is helpful for mushroom cultivation; therefore, it might solve the challenge of inconsistent quality mushroom growers face.

Phytochemistry of Medicinal Herbs Belongs to Asclepiadaceae Family for Therapeutic Applications: A Critical Review

The world of pharmaceutical research has been increasingly turning its gaze toward the treasure trove of natural products in search of novel drugs and therapeutic agents. Amidst the vast array of medicinal plants that dot our planet, the Asclepiadaceae family unexplored species have piqued the interest of researchers. Both medicinal plants are indigenous to specific regions and have been integral to traditional medicine systems for centuries. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge regarding the phytochemical profile of these plants and their potential implications in the pharmaceutical industry. These plants are rich in phytochemical constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, glycosides, and saponins. These constituents have been found to exhibit a range of pharmacological activities. They have antimicrobial properties, providing a defense against various microorganisms. They also show anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation in the body. In addition, these plants have antioxidant properties, which help protect cells from damage by harmful free radicals. They have shown anticancer activity, offering potential for cancer treatment. Their neuroprotective properties could be beneficial in treating neurological disorders. The analgesic properties of these plants could be harnessed for pain relief. Furthermore, they have antidiabetic properties, offering potential for diabetes management. The hope is that this review will stimulate further research into these fascinating plants and contribute to discovering new drugs from natural herbs.

Characterisation of synthesised trimetallic nanoparticles and its influence on anaerobic digestion of palm oil mill effluent

The augmentation of biogas production can be achieved by incorporating metallic nanoparticles as additives within anaerobic digestion. The objective of this current study is to examine the synthesis of Fe-Ni-Zn and Fe-Co-Zn trimetallic nanoparticles using the co-precipitation technique and assess its impact on anaerobic digestion using palm oil mill effluent (POME) as carbon source. The structural morphology and size of the synthesised trimetallic nanoparticles were analysed using a range of characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) . The average size of Fe-Ni-Zn and Fe-Co-Zn were 19-25.5 nm and 19.1-30.5 nm respectively. Further, investigation focused on examining the diverse concentrations of trimetallic nanoparticles, ranging from 0 to 50 mgL-1. The biogas production increased by 55.55% and 60.11% with Fe-Ni-Zn and Fe-Co-Zn trimetallic nanoparticles at 40 mgL-1 and 20 mgL-1, respectively. Moreover, the lowest biogas of 11.11% and 38.11% were found with 10 mgL-1 of Fe-Ni-Zn and Fe-Co-Zn trimetallic nanoparticles. The findings of this study indicated that the trimetallic nanoparticles exhibited interactions with anaerobes, thereby enhancing the degradation process of palm oil mill effluent (POME) and biogas production. The study underscores the potential efficacy of trimetallic nanoparticles as a viable supplement for the promotion of sustainable biogas generation.

Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of a Traditional Herb, Strobilanthes Cusia (Nees) Kuntze

The present investigation aimed to determine the effectiveness of bioactive components extracted from Hom herbs (Strobilanthes cusia (Nees) Kuntze) using the solvent-free microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method. The obtained bioactive components were analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC) and active ingredient content. The Hom extracts were examined for antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and anticancer activities. The comparative analysis of extraction methods MAE was studied by using different solvents such as ethanol (EtOH), 50% ethanol (50EtOH) and distilled water (DW). The results obtained by the MAE method with DW as solvent show the TPC of 104.41±1.36 mg GAE/g crude and tryptanthrin 0.1138±0.0014 mg/g crude and indigo 0.0622±0.0015 mg/g crude. Comparatively, values ​​detected in the 50% EtOH extract were not significantly different at the 95% confidence level. At the same time, levels of indirubin were detected at levels equivalent to that of ethanol extracts. The DW extract from MAE had an IC50 value against the DPPH scavenging assay of 0.1927±0.0756 mg/ml, comparable to the test results of extracts of ethanol and 50% ethanol. The bioactive extracted using the MAE with water as solvent had minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and could suppress infection at 10 mg/disc. It was also observed that the extracts from the conventional extraction technique using ethanol as the solvent continued to be highly effective against Bacillus cereus even after employing the EtOH or 50% EtOH. Hom extract's MIC value representing inhibiting B. cereus was 0.625 mg/disc. Still, EtOH-extracted Hom demonstrated the highest cytotoxicity against 16HBEo- by reducing cell survival rate by less than 50% while the others did not. Interestingly, Hom that had been extracted using 50EtOH and DW with MAE had an anticancer impact on A549 by reducing the survival rate in a dose-dependent manner.

A comprehensive review of the synthesis strategies, properties, and applications of transparent wood as a renewable and sustainable resource

The uncertainties of the environment and the emission levels of nonrenewable resources have compelled humanity to develop sustainable energy savers and sustainable materials. One of the most abundant and versatile bio-based structural materials is wood. Wood has several promising advantages, including high toughness, low thermal conductivity, low density, high Young's modulus, biodegradability, and non-toxicity. Furthermore, while wood has many ecological and structural advantages, it does not meet optical transparency requirements. Transparent wood is ideal for use in various industries, including electronics, packaging, automotive, and construction, due to its high transparency, haze, and environmental friendliness. As a necessary consequence, current research on developing fine wood is summarized in this review. This review begins with an explanation of the history of fine wood. The concept and various synthesis strategies, such as delignification, refractive index measurement methods, and transparent lumber polymerization, are discussed. Approaches and techniques for the characterization of transparent wood are outlined, including microscopic, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Furthermore, the characterization, physical properties, mechanical properties, optical properties, and thermal conductivity of transparent wood are emphasized. Eventually, a brief overview of the various applications of fine wood is presented. The present review summarized the first necessary actions toward future transparent wood applications.

Production of Volatile Compounds by a Variety of Fungi in Artificially Inoculated and Naturally Infected Aquilaria malaccensis

Aquilaria malaccensis, the resinous agarwood, is highly valued in the perfumery and medicinal industry. The formation of fragrant agarwood resin inconsistently by various fungi is still not clearly understood. The current study investigated the agarwood quality and fungal diversity in artificially inoculated and naturally infected A. malaccensis. The chemical analysis of volatile compounds of agarwood was performed using the Solid Phase Micro Extraction (SPME) method, and the identification of fungi was made through a morphological observation using a light microscope. Gas chromatography analysis revealed the presence of essential compounds related to high-quality agarwood, such as 4-phenyl-2-butanone, β-selinene, α-bulnesene, and agarospirol in both artificially inoculated and naturally infected agarwood but with some differences in the abundance. Further studies on the fungi associated with agarwood volatile compounds formation showed a total of ten fungal group isolates, which were identified based on morphological and molecular studies. The study revealed that agarwood from both artificial and natural sources were naturally infected with Fusarium, Botryosphaeria, Aspergillus, Schizophyllum, Phanerochaete, Lasiodiplodia, Polyporales, and Ceriporia species. This study has offered a potential opportunity to research further the promising development of fungal strains for artificial inducement of high-quality agarwood formation from A. malaccensis trees.

Advancement of fermentable sugars from fresh elephant ear plant weed for efficient bioethanol production

Bioethanol is considered one of the most promising next-generation automotive fuels, as it is carbon neutral and can be produced from renewable resources, like lignocellulosic materials. The present research investigation aimed to utilize the elephant ear plant, a hazardous plant (weed) also considered an invasive species, as a font of non-edible lignocellulosic biomass for bioethanol production. The freshly collected elephant ear plant (leaves and stalk) was chopped into small pieces (1-2 cm) and then homogenized to a paste using a mechanical grinder. The sample pretreatment was done by flying ash for three different time durations (T1 = 0 min, T2 = 15 min, and T3 = 30 min) with 3 replications. All treatment samples were measured for total sugar and reducing sugar content. The concentration of reducing sugar archived was T1 = 0.771 ± 0.1 mg/mL, T2 = 0.907 ± 0.032 mg/mL, and T3 = 0.895 ± 0.039 mg/mL, respectively. The results revealed that the chemical composition was different among treatments. The hydrolysis was performed using cellulase enzymes at 35 °C for the hydrolysis process. The hydrolysate was inoculated with 1% of S. cerevisiae and maintained at room temperature without oxygen for 120 h. Bioethanol concentration was measured by using an ebulliometer. The efficient ethanol percentage was 1.052 ± 0.03 mg/mL achieved after the fermentation. Therefore, the elephant ear plant invasive weed could be an efficient feedstock plant for future bioethanol production.

Microalgae cultivation in wastewater effluent from tilapia culture pond for enhanced bioethanol production

The large number of wastewaters are generated because of the various production processes. Vegetable and fish processing can be considered an important industry for wastewater generation. The essential method for completing this waste is to digest the organic matter using anaerobic digestion followed by aerobic wastewater treatment processes; however, wastewater from tilapia culture pond retains considerable quantities of inorganic substances, particularly nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. The optimal conditions for cultivating Chlorella vulgaris from wastewater treatment effluent from tilapia culture pond were investigated in this study. The appropriate conditions were found to be 10% initial stock suspension, 20 cm depth, and 12 days of culture conditions. C. vulgaris had an optical density of 0.649, a cell density of 17.68 × 10⁵ cells/mL, and biomass of 0.376 ± 94.21 mg/L after cultivation. Discharged wastewater from the fishpond was utilized for the improved growth of microalgae and obtained biomass was used for bioethanol production. This study verified that fishpond wastewater is the best source of nutrients for algal mass production and biofuel applications.

Biomass generation and biodiesel production from macroalgae grown in the irrigation canal wastewater

The wastewater concentration is commonly acceptable for macroalgae growth; this process consumes water and is applicable for bioremediation. This study evaluated biodiesel's potential production from freshwater macroalga, Nitella sp., using batch experiment. Algae were collected from wastewater saturated from irrigation canals. Water quality and algae growth environment characteristics were monitored and analyzed. COD and BOD values were 18.67 ± 4.62 mg/L and 5.40 ± 0.30 mg/L, respectively. The chemical composition contents were high, demonstrating that water quality and sufficient nutrients could support algae growth. Oil extraction was estimated by the room temperature and heat extraction methods. The biodiesel in room temperature treatment was 0.0383 ± 0.014%, and in heat, extraction treatment was 0.0723 ± 0.029%. Results confirmed that the heat extraction treatment gave a high amount of oil and biodiesel yield. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to analyze fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). Results revealed that 9-octadecane was a major portion of the substance. The obtained results confirmed that the wastewater contains many elements that can be utilized for dual-mode, like bioremediation and enhanced macroalgae growth for biodiesel production. Therefore, macroalgae grown in canal wastewater were highly feasible for use in sustainable biodiesel production.

EXPLORATION OF EFFICIENCY OF NANO CALCIUM OXIDE (CaO) AS CATALYST FOR ENHANCEMENT OF BIODIESEL PRODUCTION

Present work proposes on the synthesis of nano calcium oxide derived from waste cockle shell (Anadara granosa) and applied as heterogenous catalyst in biodiesel production via transesterification reaction under reaction parameter 15:1 methanol to oil ratio, 5 wt.% catalyst and 3 hour reation time and constant temperature at 65 ± 2 °C. The waste cockle shell was prepared in nano size via ball mill technique which was run for 36 hours at 350 rpm speed and then calcined at 900 °C for 2 hours to decompose calcium carbonate, CaCO₃ into nano calcium oxide, n-CaO. The catalyst was characterized by particle size analyzer, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope, Surface Area Analyser, X-Ray Diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared, Hammet indicator and benzoic acid titration. Particle size of n-CaO catalyst was found within the range of  29 nm to 67.5 nm. Specific surface area of synthesised n-CaO is 8.41 m²/g with basicity strength of 0.055 mmol/g.  Methyl ester conversion of palm oil with n-CaO as a catalyst was 88.87 wt.%

Stimulation of natural enzymes for germination of mimosa weed seeds to enhanced bioethanol production

Depleting fossil fuels target plant weeds which have the potential to be converted into efficient biofuels. In this study, mimosa seeds were utilized as a substrate for bioethanol production. This investigation was divided into three parts: breaking dormancy of seeds, mimosa seeds germination, and bioethanol production from mimosa seeds. Seed dormancy breaking was initiated by seeds soaked in hot distilled water to analyze the sugar quantity. Sugar content was measured relevance with root length results. According to results, root length obtained revealed that at 0.5-1.0 cm for root size has the most sugar availability. It was revealed that the total sugar 548.21 g/L and reducing sugar has a concentration of 248.67 g/L. Therefore, the broken dormancy of seeds using hot water at 95 °C for 10 min with a root length of 0.5-1 cm was used for ethanol fermentation. Ethanol fermentation was done by free yeast cell and immobilized yeast by injecting yeast directly. The ethanol yield was measured on the 3rd day of every fermentation. Results showed that the free cell yeast during the 1st day of fermentation afforded an ethanol production of 57.574 g/L, while the yield for immobilized yeast was 60.714 g/L. Consequently, the ethanol yield on the 2nd day of fermentation from the directly injected immobilized yeast was 60.088 g/L. Results revealed that the immobilization of yeast cells in fermentation provided a higher probability for bioethanol yield and could be utilized as a baseline for future bioethanol production. Stimulation of natural enzymes by germination of seeds for enhanced bioethanol production will be a novel approach towards next-generation biofuels.

Effects of light intensity and nutrients on the lipid content of marine microalga (diatom) Amphiprora sp. for promising biodiesel production

In this research investigation, three microalgal species were screened (Pleurosigma sp., Amphora sp., and Amphiprora sp.) for lipid content before choosing the potential microalgae for biodiesel production. It was found that the lipid content of Amphiprora sp. was 41.48 ± 0.18%, which was higher than the Pleurosigma sp. (27.3 ± 0.8%) and Amphora sp. (22.49 ± 0.21%). The diatom microalga, Amphiprora sp. was isolated and exposed to a controlled environment. Two different media were prepared, and the main research was on the SiO₂-NP medium as the cell wall of diatom was made up of silica. Essential growth parameters were studied such as dry cell weight and chlorophyll a content. The results revealed that Amphiprora sp. cultured in the modified medium showed a higher biomass yield and growth rate in all the analyses. In Soxhlet extraction method, biodiesel yield of Amphiprora sp. in modified medium under 24 μmol m^-2 s^-1 of light intensity was 81.47 ± 1.59% when using 2% of catalyst amount with 1.5:1 volume ratio of methanol/oil in 3 h reaction time at 65 °C. Results reveled that Amphiprora sp. diatom has a higher yield of oil 52.94 ± 0.42% and can be efficiently optimized with further studies with modified nanomaterial culture medium. The present research revealed the series of experiments on microalgal lipid transesterification and in future investigation different types of nanomaterials should be used in culture medium to identify the lipid production in microalgal cells.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using marine macroalgae Padina sp. and its antibacterial activity towards pathogenic bacteria

Background

Marine algae used as a food source for ocean life and range in color from red to green to brown grow along rocky shorelines around the world. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles by marine alga Padina sp. and its characterization were fulfilled by using UV-visible spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.

Results

UV-visible absorption spectrum revealed that the formation of Ag nanoparticles was increased by the addition of marine algae and the spectral peak observed between a wavelength of ~ 420 nm and 445 nm. In addition, SEM and FESEM images examined the surface morphology and the size of the synthesized NPs was relatively uniform in size ~ 25–60 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis confirmed the purity of Ag NPs with atomic percentage of 48.34% Ag. The synthesized Ag NPs showed highly potent antibacterial activity. The Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were found to be more susceptible to silver nanoparticles by forming 15.17 ± 0.58 mm and 13.33 ± 0.76 mm of diameter of the inhibition zone, respectively.

Conclusions

The study suggested that marine alga Padina sp. could be an alternative source for the production of Ag nanoparticles and are efficient antimicrobial compounds against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria which can be a promising material against infectious bacteria.