Juhi Saxena

Soil salinization due to anthropogenic activity and climate change is a bottleneck to the global agricultural yield and food security. Conventional approaches for mitigating salt stress, including utilization of chemical fertilizers, have shown limited success, and the use of genetically engineered microbes as bioinoculants or salt-tolerant crop varieties against abiotic salinity stress often faces regulatory challenges with extended timelines. Contrary to the existing approaches, employment of halophilic bacteria and archaea offers a promising platform for eco-friendly and sustainable crop cultivation under salt-affected soils. These unique salt-loving microbes can thrive in hypersaline ecosystems and exhibit physiological features for tolerating salt stress along with plant growth-promoting traits. They have distinctive adaptations in homeostasis, biosynthesis, and accumulation of compatible solutes like glycine betaines and amino acids, production of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as osmo-protectants, and exopolysaccharide (EPS) formation. Apart from salt tolerance, plant growth-promoting bacteria and Halobacteria (PGP-HB) exhibit direct and indirect mechanisms. Direct mechanisms involve 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase activity, phytohormone production, siderophore production, nutrient solubilization, and biological nitrogen fixation, whereas indirect mechanisms involve the production of lytic enzymes, hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and antimicrobial production, as well as induced systemic resistance. Biochar and Nano-encapsulated halophilic plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (HT-PGPR) together are an effective strategy for plant growth promotion. This review highlights the importance of halobacteria and halotolerant PGPR with an integrated omics approach to potentiate molecular mechanisms underlying adaptations and plant growth promotion in salt-affected soils. The focal point of this review is to explore the possibilities of exploiting halophilic bacteria and archaea in mitigating the negative impact of salt stress on crop production. It emphasizes solutions to current challenges, limitations, prospects of exploiting halophiles, and provides a translational route of eco-friendly bioformualtion production for sustainable agriculture with food security and is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2). Graphical abstract

Candida is a devastating fungal pathogen causing infection, exhibiting biofilm formation and leading to significant mortality and morbidity. This study aims to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of Atorvastatin against Candida albicans. We compared the antifungal activity of two statins, Atorvastatin and Simvastatin, against C. albicans (MTCC 854) using well diffusion, broth dilution for method for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and non-inhibitory concentration (NIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), as well as growth kinetic assay. Furthermore, the anti-biofilm activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation assays were performed. Molecular docking studies were conducted with C. albicans target proteins to analyze binding interactions. Atorvastatin demonstrated a larger zone of inhibition than amphotericin B (positive control) and a lower MIC (6.65 µg/ml), whereas Simvastatin was found to be less effective. Further, Atorvastatin showed better growth inhibitory and anti-biofilm activity in comparison to Simvastatin. ROS generation assay revealed an 18-fold increase in oxidative stress with Atorvastatin, while Simvastatin showed only a 4-fold increase. Molecular docking confirmed high binding affinity of Atorvastatin as compared with lovastatin and simvastatin to key virulence proteins of C. albicans, supporting its antifungal potential. Atorvastatin exhibits antifungal activity against C. albicans by targeting multiple proteins and can be used as a repurposed antifungal agent. The present study is aligned with SDG-3.

Cromolyn sodium: cetylpyridinium chloride ionic complex (CP-CPCS complex) nanocarriers stabilized with ferulic/cinnamic acid-grafted gelatin for enhanced topical delivery.

Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is a 140 amino acid neuronal protein linked to different neurodegenerative disorders. A point mutation in its gene has been related to a rare family type of Parkinson's disease (PD), and more alterations have been discovered in familial PD cases. Abnormal processing of α-syn can cause pathological alterations, altering its binding characteristics and functionality. Clinical trials aimed at reducing α-syn aggregation have faced obstacles due to challenges in identifying effective drugs during preclinical studies. Method To address this issue, we present computational methods that combines pharmacophore modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, free energy calculations, and similarity index investigations to find possible hit compounds for preventing α-syn aggregation. Results A validated pharmacophore model was used to screen the ZINC natural product library, followed by established computational pipeline, yielding four novel inhibitors (ZINC000150351590, ZINC000299817386, ZINC000085509805, ZINC000095911811) with strong binding affinities (− 9.43 to − 9.06 kcal/mol). Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stable protein–ligand complexes (average RMSD < 2.5 Å), while MM/PBSA analysis showed favorable binding free energies (− 56.7 to − 49.2 kcal/mol). Conclusion Evaluation of docking performance, stability, and binding energetics using MM/PBSA enabled the identification of four natural inhibitors of α-syn aggregation. These compounds represent promising leads for further investigation in Parkinson’s disease drug discovery.

Cyanobacterial algal blooms (CABs) are recognized as an emergent concern globally due to their undesirable impacts on water quality, agricultural ecosystems, and human health. These blooms, fueled by nutrient pollution and climate change, lead to the excessive growth of cyanobacteria, which can release harmful toxins known as cyanotoxins. The current review bestows a comprehensive overview of CABs, their environmental drivers, and the types of cyanotoxins produced. It explores the implications of these toxins for agricultural productivity, ecosystem sustainability, and public health. Furthermore, emerging mitigation approaches are discussed, including physical, chemical, and biological methods aimed at controlling bloom formation and reducing toxin release. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have appeared as powerful tools for environmental monitoring and prediction. Keeping this in mind, the present article highlights for the very first time the integration of AI/ML techniques for enhancing early detection of CABs, predicting the bloom dynamics, and optimizing the mitigation strategies. By combining traditional mitigation strategies with AI-driven insights, this paper provides a roadmap for addressing the challenges posed by CABs in a rapidly changing global environment, offering solutions that balance agricultural productivity with environmental and human safety.

Salinity-induced dormancy associated with fungal infection during germination in plants is the major contributor to abiotic and biotic stress, leading to a loss in crop productivity. The present study has been designed to evaluate the dual functions of Cymbopogon citratus-derived silver nanoparticles (CC-AgNPs) for enhancing the germination and prevention of Aspergillus niger (ATCC 6275) infection in seeds of Brassica juncea. AgNPs were synthesized using the cell-free aqueous extract of C. citratus followed by their characterization using LC–MS at variable voltage for trace level detection of compounds responsible for bio-reduction. The extract contained metabolites belonging to alkaloids, flavonoids, amino acid, and saponins. UV–Vis spectra revealed AgNP synthesis with a peak at 430 nm and stability for up to 180 days. Additionally, FTIR peaks demonstrated the presence of capped bioactive as reducing and stabilizing agents. TEM analysis depicted an AgNP size of 33 nm and spherical. Salt-stressed B. juncea seeds were primed with 100 ppm of CC-AgNPs, which significantly increased the germination rates and total seedling growth. This has been mainly favored by the restoration of proteins involved in germination, the antioxidant potential of green nano-silver, along with ameliorating amylase activity (15.53 ± 0.3 mg g⁻¹ fresh weight min⁻¹) for increasing soluble sugars (15.37 ± 0.3 mg g⁻¹ fresh weight) to support the germination process. Furthermore, CC-AgNPs showed antifungal activity against A. niger as demonstrated by radial growth inhibition assay. Machine learning models, including Extra Trees, CatBoost, XGBoost, and Ensemble Averaging, have also been employed to predict seedling growth performance under AgNP treatment, enhancing the predictive and analytical strength of the study. Molecular docking results revealed that Ag in CC-AgNPs collectively mediate the antifungal activity by interacting with specific domains of fungal protein chitin deacetylase. Also, these CC-AgNPs are safe to use, as examined by biocompatibility assays on soil microbiota, human RBCs, and human skin fibroblast cell lines. The results herein prospect the employment of phyto-synthesized AgNPs for nanospray applications in the field, mitigating not only the salt-induced seed dormancy but also battling fungal infections during seed germination. Graphical Abstract

Infectious diseases and cancers are the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Despite the discovery of antimicrobials and anticancer drugs, the mortality rate has not declined significantly. Hence, new novel agents with antibacterial and anticancer properties without toxicity are urgently needed. In the present study, carbonaceous hybrid nanocomposites multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)/hydroxyapatite (HAp)/polyetheretherketone (PEEK)-MWCNT/HAp/PEEK were synthesized using Alphie 3D Tumbler Mixer (Synthesis Method-1), solid-state mixing (Synthesis Method-2), and chemical mixing and solvent casting (Synthesis Method-3). Synthesis Method-2 and Method-3 exhibited antibacterial activities at 250 and 500 µg/mL concentrations, and no antibacterial activity in the nanocomposite fabricated by Synthesis Method-1. However, nanocomposites prepared by Synthesis Method-1 demonstrated enhanced anticancer activity compared to Synthesis Method-2 and Synthesis Method-3. Moreover, these nanocomposites did not show any haemolytic activity at 250 and 500 µg/mL concentrations. These nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). SEM data demonstrated that nanocomposites fabricated by Synthesis Method-3 were a homogeneous, defect-free PEEK matrix with well-dispersed MWCNTs and HAp compared to Methods-1 and 2. EDS analysis showed that Synthesis Methods-2 and -3 exhibited enhanced PEEK and MWCNT dispersion. TGA analysis exhibited that Synthesis Method-3 led to the highest thermal stability. FTIR data demonstrated the presence of various functional groups in hybrid nanocomposites. XRD analysis confirmed that these nanocomposites were crystalline in nature. The TEM analysis confirms that amine-functionalized MWCNTs and HAp nanoparticles are well dispersed within the PEEK matrix. In conclusion, the synthesis strategy adopted has influenced and resulted in safe and bi-functional nanocomposites having antibacterial and anticancer activity in line with SDG-3. Graphical abstract

Wound healing process is associated with multifaceted complications and is a functional way to advance the therapeutic process. Polymeric biomaterials exhibit structural mimicry with the extracellular matrix of the tissue to be regenerated and they also avoid chronic inflammation and immunological responses. Chitosan, a biopolymer demonstrates exceptional healing properties because of its biocompatibility, biodegradability, antimicrobial nature and affinity for biomolecules. Biomaterials consisting of chitosan along with herbal extracts could be ideal for wound healing. Click chemistry can provide one of the best ways to combine these bio-actives with chitosan. Advancing wound healing strategies with artificial intelligence /machine learning approaches can be employed further to boost the clinical efficacies of bioactive-loaded chitosan composite hydrogels. This review article investigates functionalized wound dressings with special emphasis on chitosan-based hydrogels, their effects on wound healing, and advanced approaches to increase hydrogel benefits by adding bioactive substances to form nanocomposites.