Anjani Devi Chintagunta

The growing demand for sustainable, clean-label food ingredients has driven the search for alternative sources of functional biopolymers like pectin. This study explores fruit peel waste from Neolamarckia cadamba, an underutilized agro-resource, as a novel substrate for pectin extraction. The extraction process was optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), and the predictive capability of the model was further enhanced through Artificial Neural Network (ANN) analysis. ANN outperformed RSM in all statistical metrics (R ², RMSE, MAE), better capturing non-linear process dynamics. Under optimal conditions (pH 2.05, 90 °C, 60 min), a maximum pectin yield of 15.89% (w/w) was achieved. Structural characterization using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), and ¹H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹H NMR) confirmed the presence of galacturonic acid-rich homogalacturonan. The extracted pectin was subsequently evaluated as a gelling agent in mixed fruit jam formulations at concentrations of 2%, 4%, and 6%, and its performance was compared with that of a commercial jam. The 4% formulation showed favourable texture - hardness, chewiness, and springiness, closely matching the commercial product. Nutritional analysis revealed lower sugar (40.64-42.65 g/100 g), higher protein (4.2-4.5 g/100 g), and enhanced mineral content in the experimental jams. This work highlights N. cadamba peel as a promising, sustainable pectin source and showcases the strength of RSM-ANN integration for optimizing biopolymer extraction.

Cyanobacteria play a pivotal role in the sustainability of rice-based agroecosystems through biological nitrogen fixation and the synthesize of a variety of plant growth-promoting metabolites.In the present study, a heterocyst-forming cyanobacterial strain, Aliinostoc sp. VUB2213, was isolated from rice fields and characterized using a polyphasic approach. Detailed morphological and ultrastructural features were examined using light and transmission electron microscopy, confirming its assignment to the family Nostocaceae. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16 S rRNA gene sequences positioned this isolate within the Aliinostoc clade, suggesting a distinct lineage. Whole-genome annotation identified genes related to phytohormone biosynthesis, stress adaptation, and core metabolic pathways, including auxin-associated loci (ipdC, aldH, and ipt), indicating enzymatic potential relevant to plant growth promotion. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) synthesis was confirmed through combined analytical approaches, including TLC, FTIR, and HPLC profiling. Seed germination assays using rice demonstrated significant improvements in germination percentage, early growth traits, including enhanced root and shoot development and improved seedling vigor, in response to treatments with culture supernatant and crude IAA extract. Overall, the genomic and functional traits of Aliinostoc sp. VUB2213 highlight its promise as a bioinoculant for promoting rice growth and contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

This review critically evaluates the technological, environmental, and policy dimensions of green hydrogen using an integrated framework grounded in green chemistry, the circular economy, and the sustainable development goals.

Cyanobacteria, as vital photosynthetic microorganisms in soil ecosystems, contribute to soil stabilization, nutrient cycling, and water balance. They also produce bioactive compounds such as lipopeptides, carotenoids, and phytohormones. This study explored the plant growth-promoting potential of cyanobacterial strains isolated from native paddy field soils. A polyphasic approach, combining 16S rRNA gene sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, and morphological assessments was used to characterize the isolates. Microscopy revealed distinct traits, including barrel-shaped cells, intercalary and terminal heterocytes, solitary akinetes adjacent to heterocytes, and proakinetes occurring near heterocytes. The strain also displayed a fascicular thylakoid arrangement and contained distinct nutrient storage granules. Phylogenetic analysis placed the isolate in close relation to Neowollea manoromensis. The strain produced an auxin-like compound, identified as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), under various tryptophan concentrations. IAA was confirmed through TLC, FT-IR, and HPLC. In vitro experiments with paddy seeds treated with cyanobacterial extract showed 95.55% germination, with significant root elongation (11.27 ± 0.09 cm) and shoot growth (6.46 ± 0.050 cm) by day 12. Chlorophyll content (3.18 μg/mL), fresh weight (0.69 ± 0.09 g), and dry weight (0.08 ± 0.00 g) also increased. These results underline the auxin-producing potential of the cyanobacterium and its effectiveness in enhancing seed germination and plant growth, offering a sustainable strategy for improving paddy cultivation.

Green chemistry approaches to digestate valorization support circular bioeconomy and advance UN sustainable development goals.

Exosomes, a subpopulation of Extracellular vesicles (EVs), are cell-secreted vesicles found in the majority of biological fluids, including breast milk, tears, sweat, blood and, urine. The density and size of these vesicles depend on a variety of factors, including age, gender and the biological condition of the individual. Researchers are now focusing on the selective extraction of exosomes from bodily fluids due to the unique biomolecule composition of exosomes, which is critical for diagnosis, disease, and regeneration. Furthermore, current approaches for exosome isolation have limitations, necessitating the development of a simpler and more effective technique to achieve this goal. In this study, we investigated a quick and effective strategy for isolating exosomes from serum using a bench-top centrifuge. This was accomplished by raising antibodies against exosome surface tetraspanins (CD9, CD63 & CD81) in Leghorn chickens due to their phylogenetic distance from humans and cost-effectiveness for commercial use. In order to separate exosomes from a complex biological fluid, the antibodies were further coupled with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The findings were validated using ELISA, spectrophotometry, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Using this technique, exosome isolation from serum was achieved rapidly and these were captured by using anti CD63 antibodies bound to AuNPs. To summarize, exosomes were purified from serum using anti-CD63 antibodies conjugated to gold nanoparticles (IgY@AuNPs). Consequently, the approach for exosome isolation from biological fluid could be useful for clinically monitoring the biological state of the patients.

Exosomes, a subpopulation of Extracellular vesicles (EVs), are cell-secreted vesicles found in the majority of biological fluids, including breast milk, tears, sweat, blood and, urine. The density and size of these vesicles depend on a variety of factors, including age, gender and the biological condition of the individual. Researchers are now focusing on the selective extraction of exosomes from bodily fluids due to the unique biomolecule composition of exosomes, which is critical for diagnosis, disease, and regeneration. Furthermore, current approaches for exosome isolation have limitations, necessitating the development of a simpler and more effective technique to achieve this goal. In this study, we investigated a quick and effective strategy for isolating exosomes from serum using a bench-top centrifuge. This was accomplished by raising antibodies against exosome surface tetraspanins (CD9, CD63 & CD81) in Leghorn chickens due to their phylogenetic distance from humans and cost-effectiveness for commercial use. In order to separate exosomes from a complex biological fluid, the antibodies were further coupled with gold nanoparticles. The findings were validated using ELISA, spectrophotometry, and electron microscopy. Using this technique, exosome isolation from serum was achieved rapidly and these were captured by using anti CD63 antibodies bound to AuNPs. To summarize, exosomes were purified from serum using anti-CD63 antibodies conjugated to gold nanoparticles (IgY@AuNPs). Consequently, the approach for exosome isolation from biological fluid could be useful for clinically monitoring the biological state of the patients.

Exosomes are nanosized cell-derived vesicles that have recently gained attention for their use as a biomarker since the biomolecules encountered in these vesicles are directly linked to specific diseases including immuno-inflammatory, cardiovascular, and hepatic disorders. Furthermore, due to their nano size and safe travel in extracellular fluids, exosomes have been investigated as natural drug delivery systems, delivering cargo to destined cells with excellent specificity and efficiency, and crossing the blood–brain barrier. This necessitates the isolation and detection of exosomes. However, numerous exosome isolation techniques are available, including ultracentrifugation, size-based chromatography, polymer precipitation, microfluidics, and immunoaffinity-based isolation, with the downfalls of non-specificity and lower cost-effectiveness. This article introduces an immunoaffinity-based detection of exosomes using targeted anti-exosome antibodies raised in chickens due to its economic and commercial viability. The current study is unique in that it identified a specific antigenic region on exosomal surface tetraspanins (CD9, CD63, CD81) and constructed a multiple antigenic peptide dendrimer for making a small peptide as an immunogen without the use of a carrier protein. The antigenic region selection is critical to the study because it determines the efficiency of antibodies for exosome capture. This technique was validated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in various biological fluids such as serum, urine, milk, plasma, and blood due to its numerous advantages including high sensitivity, specificity, handling multiple samples at once, requiring a small sample amount, and no purification as an antigen. In light of this technique, it is a useful tool for clinical monitoring of the patient’s biological conditions.

The aim of this work is to purify and characterise bioactive molecules from various solvent extracts prepared with the leaves of Rhizophora mucronata , a mangrove plant. In vitro assessment of antibacterial activity of n -hexane, diethyl ether, ethanol, and aqueous extracts (AEs) against Bacillus subtilis (0.4 ± 0.1, 1.1 ± 0.3, 0.9 ± 0.1, and 1.2 ± 0.7 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (1.2 ± 0.1, 2.3 ± 0.5, 3.2 ± 1.2, and 4.4 ± 1.7 mm), Klebsiella pneumoniae (0.5 ± 0.3, 1.7 ± 0.4, 3.9 ± 1.4, and 3.9 ± 0.9 mm), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (0.2 ± 0.1, 2.5 ± 0.6, 3.7 ± 0.5, and 4.2 ± 1.3 mm) has proven to act as potent similar to that of commercial antibiotic. Corresponding to antibacterial activity result, antioxidant activity was also higher for AE (75.97% ± 0.5%) compared to remaining extracts (73.77% ± 2.5%, 69.99% ± 0.4%, and 65.24% ± 1.8%) at a concentration of 500 μg·mL ⁻¹ . Considering both the activities, AE was selected for separation of bioactive molecule by deploying two purification techniques – column chromatography and preparative thin layer chromatography consecutively. After purification, the sample was injected into mass spectrometer and the presence of N - p -coumaroyltyramine and luteolin with excellent antibacterial and antioxidant properties (13.1 ± 2.2 mm and 80.9% ± 2.3%, respectively) were recognised. Further, in vivo investigations on Catla catla fingerlings infected with P. aeruginosa indicated that partially purified extracts cured the infection and resulted in a 100% survival rate.

Psidium guajava L. (guava) is predominantly grown throughout the world and known for its medicinal properties in treating various diseases and disorders. The present work focuses on aqueous extraction of bioactive compounds from the guava leaf and its utilization in the formulation of jelly to improve the public health. The guava leaf extract has been used in the preparation of jelly with pectin (1.5 g), sugar (28 g) and lemon juice (2 mL). The prepared guava leaf extract jelly (GJ) and the control jelly (CJ, without extract) were subjected to proximate, nutritional and textural analyses besides determination of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. GJ was found to contain carbohydrate (45.78 g/100 g), protein (3.0 g/100 g), vitamin C (6.15 mg/100 g), vitamin B3 (2.90 mg/100 g) and energy (120.6 kcal). Further, the texture analysis of CJ and GJ indicated that both the jellies showed similar properties emphasizing that the addition of guava leaf extract does not bring any change in the texture properties of jelly. GJ exhibited antimicrobial activity against various bacteria ranging from 11.4 to 13.6 mm. Similarly, GJ showed antioxidant activity of 42.38% against DPPH radical and 33.45% against hydroxyl radical. Mass spectroscopic analysis of aqueous extract confirmed the presence of esculin, quercetin, gallocatechin, 3-sinapoylquinic acid, gallic acid, citric acid and ellagic acid which are responsible for antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.