Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 104 in total

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  1. Elgharbawy AA, Alam MZ, Moniruzzaman M, Kabbashi NA, Jamal P
    3 Biotech, 2018 May;8(5):236.
    PMID: 29744268 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-018-1253-8
    The pretreatment of empty fruit bunch (EFB) was conducted using an integrated system of IL and cellulases (IL-E), with simultaneous fermentation in one vessel. The cellulase mixture (PKC-Cel) was derived from Trichoderma reesei by solid-state fermentation. Choline acetate [Cho]OAc was utilized for the pretreatment due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. The treated EFB and its hydrolysate were characterized by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and chemical analysis. The results showed that there were significant structural changes in EFB after the treatment in IL-E system. The sugar yield after enzymatic hydrolysis by the PKC-Cel was increased from 0.058 g/g of EFB in the crude sample (untreated) to 0.283 and 0.62 ± 06 g/g in IL-E system after 24 and 48 h of treatment, respectively. The EFB hydrolysate showed the eligibility for ethanol production without any supplements where ethanol yield was 0.275 g ethanol/g EFB in the presence of the IL, while lower yield obtained without IL-pretreatment. Moreover, it was demonstrated that furfural and phenolic compounds were not at the level of suppressing the fermentation process.
  2. Elgharbawy AA, Alam MZ, Kabbashi NA, Moniruzzaman M, Jamal P
    3 Biotech, 2016 Dec;6(2):128.
    PMID: 28330203 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-016-0440-8
    Lignocellulosic biomasses, exhibit resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis due to the presence of lignin and hemicellulose. Ionic liquids proved their applicability in lignin degradation, however, ionic liquid removal has to be performed to proceed to hydrolysis. Therefore, this study reports an in situ hydrolysis of empty fruit bunches (EFB) that combined an ionic liquid (IL) pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. For enzyme production, palm kernel cake (PKC) was used as the primary media for microbial cellulase (PKC-Cel) from Trichoderma reesei (RUTC30). The obtained enzyme exhibited a promising stability in several ionic liquids. Among few, in choline acetate [Cho]OAc, PKC-Cel retained 63.16 % of the initial activity after 6 h and lost only 10 % of its activity in 10 % IL/buffer mixture. Upon the confirmation of the PKC-Cel stability, EFB was subjected to IL-pretreatment followed by hydrolysis in a single step without further removal of the IL. The findings revealed that choline acetate [Cho]OAc and choline butyrate [Cho]Bu were among the best ILs used in the study since 0.332 ± 0.05 g glucose/g and 0.565 ± 0.08 g total reducing sugar/g EFB were obtained after 24 h of enzymatic hydrolysis. Compared to the untreated EFB, the amount of reducing sugar obtained after enzymatic hydrolysis increased by three-fold in the case of [Cho]OAc and [Cho]Bu, two-fold with [EMIM]OAc and phosphate-based ILs whereas the lowest concentration was obtained in [TBPH]OAc. Pretreatment of EFB with [Cho]OAc and [Cho]Bu showed significant differences in the morphology of EFB samples when observed with SEM. Analysis of the lignin, hemicellulose and hemicellulose showed that the total lignin content from the raw EFB was reduced from 37.8 ± 0.6 to 25.81 ± 0.35 % (w/w) upon employment of [Cho]OAc in the compatible system. The PKC-Cel from T. reesei (RUTC30) exhibited promising characteristics that need to be investigated further towards a single-step process for bioethanol production.
  3. Foo SC, Lee ZS, Yap MKK, Tan JW
    3 Biotech, 2023 Feb;13(2):71.
    PMID: 36742448 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-022-03448-0
    Cyanobacteria bioactive compounds are chemical treasure troves for product discovery and development. The wound healing effects and antioxidant capacities of water extracts from Nostoc NIES-2111_MUM004 were evaluated via in vitro wound scratch assay and three antioxidant assays respectively. Results showed that the water extracts were protein-rich and exhibited good antioxidant properties in ABTS radical scavenging (11.27 ± 0.205 mg TAE g-1 extract), Ferric reducing antioxidant power (1652.71 ± 110.71 mg TAE g-1 extract) and β-carotene bleaching assay (354.90 ± 31.80 mg TAE g-1 extract). Also, extracts were non-cytotoxic in concentrations up to 250 µg/mL as reflected in cytotoxicity assay. Importantly, water extracts showed considerable proliferation and migration activity at 125 µg/mL with wound closure rate as high as 42.67%. Statistical correlation revealed no significant relationship (p > 0.05) between protein fraction and the wound healing properties, confirming that phycobiliproteins were not solely responsible for wound healing activities. Subsequent Q-TOF-LCMS analysis identified six protein families involved in enhancing the proliferation and migration of epithelial cells. These findings are antecedent in the uncovering of continuous supplies of bioactive compounds from new and sustainable sources. Ultimately, enriching the microalgae menu for applications in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmeceuticals.
  4. Gantait S, Debnath S, Nasim Ali M
    3 Biotech, 2014 Dec;4(6):563-578.
    PMID: 28324311 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-014-0218-9
    There is an ample genetic diversity of plants with medicinal importance around the globe and this pool of genetic variation serves as the base for selection as well as for plant improvement. Thus, identification, characterization and documentation of the gene pool of medicinal plants are essential for this purpose. Genomic information of many a medicinal plant species has increased rapidly since the past decade and genetic resources available for domestication and improvement programs include genome sequencing, expressed sequence tags sequencing, transcript profiling, gene transmit, molecular markers in favor of mapping and breeding. In recent years, multiple endeavors have been undertaken for genomic characterization of medicinal plant species with the aid of molecular markers for sustainable utilization of gene pool, its conservation and future studies. Recent advancement in genomics is so fast that only some researches have been published till date and to a large extent documentation is restricted to electronic resources. Whole genome profiling of the identified medicinal plant species, carried out by several researchers, based on the DNA fingerprinting, is well documented in the present review. This review will facilitate preparing a database of the widely used, economically important medicinal plant species, based on their genomic organization.
  5. Ghosh A, Tiwari GJ
    3 Biotech, 2018 Aug;8(8):338.
    PMID: 30073123 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-018-1337-5
    In the present study, Karanjin and Pongapin, two important furanoflavone, constituents of Pongamia pinnata were studied in the management of Psoriasis. Presently, we have experimentally studied the free radical quenching property of Karanjin and Pongapin. A modified method was used to estimate the scavenging effect of the Karanjin (the highest activity of 95.60%) and Pongapin (68.05%) compared to the ascorbic acid as standard (11.60%) against nitric oxide. Furthermore, Molecular docking studies were performed using CLC drug discovery workbench software version 3.0 of the studied flavones (Karanjin and Pongapin) with the receptors responsible for psoriasis (viz. IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-23, RORγt, and TLR-7). Docking scores of Karanjin and Pongapin with different studied receptors were found to be comparable to that of Methotrexate, a known drug for treating Psoriasis. Docking results suggest that Karanjin and Pongapin might also help in controlling the disease. Overall, our results indicate that flavones (Karanjin and Pongapin) could be a natural and better alternative in curing psoriasis without any side effects.
  6. Gopinath SCB, Perumal V, Xuan S
    3 Biotech, 2020 Jun;10(6):270.
    PMID: 32523864 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-020-02261-x
    This study correlated and quantified the expression of microRNA-155 with breast cancer to determine breast cancer progression. The target microRNA-155 sequence was identified by complementation on a capture-probe sequence-immobilized interdigitated dual electrode surface. The sensitivity was found to be 1 fM, and the limit of detection fell between 1 and 10 fM. The specific sequence selectivity with single mismatches, triple mismatches, and noncomplementary bases failed to complement the capture-probe sequence. The obtained results demonstrate the selective determination of the microRNA-155 sequence and can help to diagnose breast cancer.
  7. Gumel AM, Annuar MSM
    3 Biotech, 2016 Jun;6(1):24.
    PMID: 28330099 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-015-0355-9
    Enzymatic catalysis is considered to be among the most environmental friendly processes for the synthesis of fine chemicals. In this study, lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus (Lecitase Ultra™) was used to catalyze the synthesis of flavor esters, i.e., methyl butanoate and methyl benzoate by esterification of the acids with methanol in a microfluidic system. Maximum reaction rates of 195 and 115 mM min(-1) corresponding to catalytic efficiencies (k cat/K M) of 0.30 and 0.24 min(-1) mM(-1) as well as yield conversion of 54 and 41 % were observed in methyl butanoate and methyl benzoate synthesis, respectively. Catalytic turnover (k cat) was higher for methyl butanoate synthesis. Rate of synthesis and yield decreased with increasing flow rates. For both esters, increase in microfluidic flow rate resulted in increased advective transport over molecular diffusion and reaction rate, thus lower conversion. In microfluidic synthesis using T. lanuginosus lipase, the following reaction conditions were 40 °C, flow rate 0.1 mL min(-1), and 123 U g(-1) enzyme loading found to be the optimum operating limits. The work demonstrated the application of enzyme(s) in a microreactor system for the synthesis of industrially important esters.
  8. Gunny AAN, Fang LP, Misnan NM, Gopinath SCB, Salleh NHM, Hashim RHR, et al.
    3 Biotech, 2021 Apr;11(4):166.
    PMID: 33816043 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-021-02701-2
    This work evaluates the fungicidal effect of essential oil from Coleus aromaticus (C. aromaticus) by solvent-free microwave-assisted extraction with a yield of 0.54%. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was utilised to identify the functional groups, which were O-H, C-O, C-H, and C=C. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was performed to determine the primary essential oil components, namely, thymol (92.62%), thymoquinone (2.64%), creosol (1.77%), linalool (1.68%), p-Cymene-2,5-diol (0.73%), and p-Cymene (0.56%). The inhibitory effect of essential oil extracted from C. aromaticus against the isolated fungi, Aspergillus niger from mango, was investigated. The mycelial growth inhibition of the extracted essential oil by the poisoned food test and disc diffusion assay showed the reduction at 79.63 ± 1.7 and 70.45 ± 6.54%, respectively. In vivo experiment was conducted with artificially wounded and unwounded mangoes, applying the extracted essential oil to the wounded mangoes inoculated with A. niger that could decrease the disease incidence from 100 to 58.33 ± 14.43%. Meanwhile, the treatment of the extracted essential oil did not affect the quality of the mango and it also shows improvement in weight loss reduction of the mango in comparison to the chemical fungicide and untreated mango. Hence, essential oil from C. aromaticus by solvent-free microwave-assisted extraction could be used as an effective control for the fruit spoilage and potential source of fruit preservative.
  9. Hafshejani MK, Ogugbue CJ, Morad N
    3 Biotech, 2014 Dec;4(6):605-619.
    PMID: 28324306 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-013-0192-7
    The decolorization and degradation of Direct Blue 71 were investigated using a mono culture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The bacterium was able to decolorize the dye medium to 70.43 % within 48 h under microaerophilic conditions. The medium was then aerated for 24 h to promote the biodegradation of the aromatic amines generated from azo bond cleavage. Reduction in total organic carbon in dye medium was 42.58 % in the microaerophilic stage and 78.39 % in the aerobic stage. The degradation metabolites formed were studied using UV-vis techniques, high performance liquid chromatography, Fourier transform infra red spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis. Data obtained provide evidence for the formation of aromatic amines and their subsequent oxidative biodegradation by a single strain of P. aeruginosa during successive microaerophilic/aerobic stages in the same flask. The influence of incubation temperature (20-45 °C), medium pH (5-10) and initial dye concentration (25-150 mg/L) on decolorization was evaluated to greatly influence decolorization extent. The optimal decolorization conditions were determined by response surface methodology based on three-variable central composite design to obtain maximum decolorization and to determine the significance and interaction effect of the variables on decolorization. The optimal conditions of response were found to be 35.15 °C, pH 8.01 and 49.95 mg/L dye concentration giving an experimental decolorization value of 84.80 %. Very high regression coefficient between the variables and the response (R(2) = 0.9624) indicated a good evaluation of experimental data by polynomial regression model.
  10. Haque M, Islam SMS, Subramaniam S
    3 Biotech, 2017 May;7(1):63.
    PMID: 28452013 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-017-0675-z
    An efficient callus induction and plant regeneration system has been developed using salt and heat as pre-treatment factors for three barley genotypes viz. BB-3, BB-6 and BHL-18. Different concentrations of NaCl (1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 5.5 and 6.5 g/L) were used and its effects were determined on the basis of the viability of callus (CV), plant regeneration (PR), relative growth rate (RGR) and tolerance index (TI). The BB-6 showed highest performance on tolerance based on CV (14.72%), PR (7.69%), RGR (0.91%) and TI (0.42%) at 6.5 g/L NaCl. Various NaCl concentrations displayed significantly differences at P 
  11. Hassan MI, Sultana N
    3 Biotech, 2017 Aug;7(4):249.
    PMID: 28714045 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-017-0889-0
    Considering the important factor of bioactive nanohydoxyapatite (nHA) to enhance osteoconductivity or bone-bonding capacity, nHA was incorporated into an electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) membrane using electrospinning techniques. The viscosity of the PCL and nHA/PCL with different concentrations of nHA was measured and the morphology of the electrospun membranes was compared using a field emission scanning electron microscopy. The water contact angle of the nanofiber determined the wettability of the membranes of different concentrations. The surface roughness of the electrospun nanofibers fabricated from pure PCL and nHA/PCL was determined and compared using atomic force microscopy. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to study the chemical bonding of the composite electrospun nanofibers. Beadless nanofibers were achieved after the incorporation of nHA with a diameter of 200-700 nm. Results showed that the fiber diameter and the surface roughness of electrospun nanofibers were significantly increased after the incorporation of nHA. In contrast, the water contact angle (132° ± 3.5°) was reduced for PCL membrane after addition of 10% (w/w) nHA (112° ± 3.0°). Ultimate tensile strengths of PCL membrane and 10% (w/w) nHA/PCL membrane were 25.02 ± 2.3 and 18.5 ± 4.4 MPa. A model drug tetracycline hydrochloride was successfully loaded in the membrane and the membrane demonstrated good antibacterial effects against the growth of bacteria by showing inhibition zone for E. coli (2.53 ± 0.06 cm) and B. cereus (2.87 ± 0.06 cm).
  12. Hessami MJ, Cheng SF, Ambati RR, Yin YH, Phang SM
    3 Biotech, 2019 Jan;9(1):25.
    PMID: 30622863 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-018-1549-8
    In this study, Gelidium elegans is investigated for ethanol production. A combination of factors including different temperatures, acid concentration and incubation time was evaluated to determine the suitable saccharification conditions. The combination of 2.5% (w/v) H2SO4 at 120 °C for 40 min was selected for hydrolysis of the seaweed biomass, followed by purification, and fermentation to yield ethanol. The galactose and glucose were dominant reducing sugars in the G. elegans hydrolysate and under optimum condition of dilute acid hydrolysis, 39.42% of reducing sugars was produced and fermentation resulted in ethanol concentration of 13.27 ± 0.47 g/L. A modified method was evaluated for sample preparation for gas chromatography (GC) analysis of the ethanol content. A solvent mixture of acetonitrile and iso-butanol precipitated dissolved organic residues and reduced water content in GC samples at least by 90%. Results showed that this method could be successfully used for bioethanol production from seaweed.
  13. Hishamuddin MS, Lee SY, Syazwan SA, Ramlee SI, Lamasudin DU, Mohamed R
    3 Biotech, 2023 Mar;13(3):78.
    PMID: 36761338 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03479-1
    Members of Aquilaria Lam. (Thymelaeaceae) are evergreen trees that are widely distributed in the Indomalesia region. Aquilaria is highly prized for its unique scented resin, agarwood, which is often the subject of unlawful trade activities. Survival of the tree is heavily threatened by destructive harvesting and agarwood poaching, leading to its protection under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Unfortunately, an efficient species identification method, which is crucial to aid in the conservation efforts of Aquilaria is lacking. Here, we described our search for a suitable specific DNA barcode for Aquilaria species using eight complete plastome sequences. We identified five highly variable regions (HVR) (matK-rps16, ndhF-rpl32, psbJ-petA, trnD, and trnT-trnL) in the plastomes. These regions were further analyzed using the neighbor-joining (NJ) method to assess their ability at discriminating the eight species. Coupled with in silico primer design, two potential barcoding regions, psbJ-petA and trnT-trnL, were identified. Their strengths in species delimitation were evaluated individually and in combination, via DNA barcoding analysis. Our findings showed that the combined dataset, psbJ-petA + trnT-trnL, effectively resolved members of the genus Aquilaria by clustering all species into their respective clades. In addition, we demonstrated that the newly proposed DNA barcode was capable at identifying the species of origin of six commercial agarwood samples that were included as unknown samples. Such achievement offers a new technical advancement, useful in the combat against illicit agarwood trades and in assisting the conservation of these valuable species in natural populations.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03479-1.

  14. Huey CJ, Gopinath SCB, Uda MNA, Zulhaimi HI, Jaafar MN, Kasim FH, et al.
    3 Biotech, 2020 May;10(5):204.
    PMID: 32337150 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-020-02188-3
    In this overview, the authors have discussed the potential advantages of the association between mycorrhizae and plants, their mutual accelerated growth under favorable conditions and their role in nutrient supply. In addition, methods for isolating mycorrhizae are described and spore morphologies and their adaptation to various conditions are outlined. Further, the significant participation of controlled greenhouses and other supported physiological environments in propagating mycorrhizae is detailed. The reviewed information supports the lack of host- and niche-specificity by arbuscular mycorrhizae, indicating that these fungi are suitable for use in a wide range of ecological conditions and with propagules for direct reintroduction. Regarding their prospective uses, the extensive growth of endomycorrhizal fungi suggests it is suited for poor-quality and low-fertility soils.
  15. Ismail NZ, Arsad H, Samian MR, Hamdan MR, Othman AS
    3 Biotech, 2018 Jan;8(1):62.
    PMID: 29354373 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-018-1092-7
    This study was conducted to determine the feasibility of using three plastid DNA regions (matK, trnH-psbA, and rbcL) as DNA barcodes to identify the medicinal plant Clinacanthus nutans. In this study, C. nutans was collected at several different locations. Total genomic DNA was extracted, amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and sequenced using matK, trnH-psbA, and rbcL, primers. DNA sequences generated from PCR were submitted to the National Center for Biotechnology Information's (NCBI) GenBank. Identification of C. nutans was carried out using NCBI's Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST). The rbcL and trnH-psbA regions successfully identified C. nutans with sequencing rates of 100% through BLAST identification. Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis (MEGA) 6.0 was used to analyze interspecific and intraspecific divergence of plastid DNA sequences. rbcL and matK exhibited the lowest average interspecific distance (0.0487 and 0.0963, respectively), whereas trnH-psbA exhibited the highest average interspecific distance (0.2029). The R package Spider revealed that trnH-psbA correctly identified Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) 96%, best close match 79%, and near neighbor 100% of the species, compared to matK (BOLD 72%; best close match 64%; near neighbor 78%) and rbcL (BOLD 77%; best close match 62%; near neighbor 88%). These results indicate that trnH-psbA is very effective at identifying C. nutans, as it performed well in discriminating species in Acanthaceae.
  16. Jaganathan SK, Mani MP
    3 Biotech, 2018 Aug;8(8):327.
    PMID: 30073112 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-018-1356-2
    In this study, a wound dressing based on polyurethane (PU) blended with copper sulphate nanofibers was developed using an electrospinning technique. The prepared PU and PU nanocomposites showed smooth fibers without any bead defects. The prepared nanocomposites showed smaller fiber (663 ± 156.30 nm) and pore (888 ± 70.93 nm) diameter compared to the pristine PU (fiber diameter 1159 ± 147.48 nm and pore diameter 1087 ± 62.51 nm). The interaction of PU with copper sulphate was evident in the infrared spectrum through hydrogen-bond formation. Thermal analysis displayed enhanced weight residue at higher temperature suggesting interaction of PU with copper sulphate. The contact angle measurements revealed the hydrophilic nature of the prepared nanocomposites (71° ± 2.309°) compared with pure PU (100° ± 0.5774°). The addition of copper sulphate into the PU matrix increased the surface roughness, as revealed in the atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis. Mechanical testing demonstrated the enhanced tensile strength behavior of the fabricated nanocomposites (18.58 MPa) compared with the pristine PU (7.12 MPa). The coagulation assays indicated the enhanced blood compatibility of the developed nanocomposites [activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT)-179 ± 3.606 s and partial thromboplastin time (PT)-105 ± 2.646 s] by showing a prolonged blood clotting time compared with the pristine PU (APTT-147.7 ± 3.512 s and PT-84.67 ± 2.517 s). Furthermore, the hemolysis and cytotoxicity studies suggested a less toxicity nature of prepared nanocomposites by displaying low hemolytic index and enhanced cell viability rates compared with the PU membrane. It was observed that the fabricated novel wound dressing possesses better physicochemical and enhanced blood compatibility properties, and may be utilized for wound-healing applications.
  17. Jamil SZMR, Rohani ER, Baharum SN, Noor NM
    3 Biotech, 2018 Aug;8(8):322.
    PMID: 30034986 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-018-1336-6
    Callus was induced from mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) young purple-red leaves on Murashige and Skoog basal medium with various combinations of plant growth regulators. Murashige and Skoog medium with 4.44 µM 6-benzylaminopurine and 4.52 µM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid was the best for friable callus induction. This friable callus was used for the initiation of cell suspension culture. The effects of different combinations of 6-benzylaminopurine and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, carbon sources and inoculum sizes were tested. It was found that combination of 2.22 µM 6-benzylaminopurine + 2.26 µM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, glucose (30 g/l) and 1.5 g/50 ml inoculum size was the best for cell growth. Callus and cell suspension cultures were then treated either with 100 µM methyl jasmonate as an elicitor for 5 days, or 0.5 g/l casein hydrolysate as an organic supplement for 7 days. Metabolites were then extracted and profiled using liquid chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry. Multivariate discriminant analyses revealed significant metabolite differences (P ≤ 0.05) for callus and suspension cells treated either with methyl jasmonate or casein hydrolysate. Based on MS/MS data, methyl jasmonate stimulated the production of an alkaloid (thalsimine) and fatty acid (phosphatidyl ethanolamine) in suspension cells while in callus, an alkaloid (thiacremonone) and glucosinolate (7-methylthioheptanaldoxime) was produced. Meanwhile casein hydrolysate stimulated the production of alkaloids such as 3ß,6ß-dihydroxynortropane and cis-hinokiresinol and triterpenoids such as schidigerasaponin and talinumoside in suspension cells. This study provides evidence on the potential of secondary metabolite production from in vitro culture of mangosteen.
  18. Jeevanandam J, Chan YS, Danquah MK
    3 Biotech, 2020 Nov;10(11):489.
    PMID: 33123456 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-020-02480-2
    The present study investigates the cytotoxicity of hexagonal MgO nanoparticles synthesized via Amaranthus tricolor leaf extract and spherical MgO nanoparticles synthesized via Amaranthus blitum and Andrographis paniculata leaf extracts. In vitro cytotoxicity analysis showed that the hexagonal MgO nanoparticles synthesized from A. tricolor extract demonstrated the least toxicity to both diabetic and non-diabetic cells at 600 μl/ml dosage. The viability of the diabetic cells (3T3-L1) after incubation with varying dosages of MgO nanoparticles was observed to be 55.3%. The viability of normal VERO cells was 86.6% and this stabilized to about 75% even after exposure to MgO nanoparticles dosage of up to 1000 μl/ml. Colorimetric glucose assay revealed that the A. tricolor extract synthesized MgO nanoparticles resulted in ~ 28% insulin resistance reversal. A reduction in the expression of GLUT4 protein at 54 KDa after MgO nanopaSrticles incubation with diabetic cells was observed via western blot analysis to confirm insulin reversal ability. Fluorescence microscopic analysis with propidium iodide and acridine orange dyes showed the release of reactive oxygen species as a possible mechanism of the cytotoxic effect of MgO nanoparticles. It was inferred that the synergistic effect of the phytochemicals and MgO nanoparticles played a significant role in delivering enhanced insulin resistance reversal capability in adipose cells.
  19. Kaiser E, Jaganathan SK, Supriyanto E, Ayyar M
    3 Biotech, 2017 Jul;7(3):174.
    PMID: 28660462 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-017-0830-6
    Atrial septal defect (ASD) constitutes 30-40% of all congenital heart diseases in adults. The most common complications in the treatment of ASD are embolization of the device and thrombosis formation. In this research, an occluding patch was developed for ASD treatment using a well-known textile technology called electrospinning. For the first time, a cardiovascular occluding patch was fabricated using medical grade polyurethane (PU) loaded with bioactive agents namely chitosan nanoparticles (Cn) and collagen (Co) which is then coated with heparin (Hp). Fourier transform infrared spectrum showed characteristic vibrations of several active constituents and changes in the absorbance due to the inclusion of active ingredients in the patch. The contact angle analysis demonstrated no significant decrease in contact angle compared to the control and the composite patches. The structure of the electrospun nanocomposite (PUCnCoHp) was examined through scanning electron microscopy. A decrease in nanofiber diameter between control PU and PUCnCoHp nanocomposite was observed. Water uptake was found to be decreased for the PUCnCoHp nanocomposite against the control. The hemocompatibility properties of the PUCnCoHp ASD occluding patch was inferred through in vitro hemocompatibility tests like activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT) and hemolysis assay. It was found that the PT and APTT time was significantly prolonged for the fabricated PUCnCoHp ASD occluding patch compared to the control. Likewise, the hemolysis percentage was also decreased for the PUCnCoHp ASD patch against the control. In conclusion, the developed PUCnCoHp patch demonstrates potential properties to be used for ASD occlusion.
  20. Kamarudin NB, Sharma S, Gupta A, Kee CG, Chik SMSBT, Gupta R
    3 Biotech, 2017 Jun;7(2):127.
    PMID: 28573397 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-017-0767-9
    Uncontrolled disposal of feathers from the poultry industry and slaughterhouses is environmentally undesirable. The feathers are composed of approximately 90% of keratin which is an important ingredient of cosmetics, shampoos and hair treatment creams. This study aimed to determine the optimum conditions for the extraction of keratin from chicken feathers. The extraction of keratin using various reducing agents was studied using statistical experimental design. In the extraction process, pH, temperature, ratio of reducing agents, mass of chicken feathers and incubation time were analyzed. The keratin in the total extracted protein was purified by size exclusion chromatography, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and further characterized using amino acids profile analysis. The surface morphology and chemical composition were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Sodium sulfide (Na2S) yielded 84.5% of keratin as compared to sodium hydroxide (43.8), urea mixture (50.6), mixture of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium bisulfite (18.3) and a mixture of Na2S and sodium hydroxide (41.5%) under optimized conditions. The optimum yield of keratin was achieved at 80.9 °C in 9.5 h with 0.05 M sodium sulfide using response surface methodology (RSM). Among the five parameters screened, pH was found not to be significant because the p value was greater than 0.05.
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