Suveen Kumar

Microfluidic-integrated biosensors: Prospects for point-of-care diagnostics

There is a growing demand to integrate biosensors with microfluidics to provide miniaturized platforms with many favorable properties, such as reduced sample volume, decreased processing time, low cost analysis and low reagent consumption. These microfluidics‐integrated biosensors would also have numerous advantages such as laminar flow, minimal handling of hazardous materials, multiple sample detection in parallel, portability and versatility in design. Microfluidics involves the science and technology of manipulation of fluids at the micro‐ to nano‐liter level. It is predicted that combining biosensors with microfluidic chips will yield enhanced analytical capability, and widen the possibilities for applications in clinical diagnostics. The recent developments in microfluidics have helped researchers working in industries and educational institutes to adopt some of these platforms for point‐of‐care (POC) diagnostics. This review focuses on the latest advancements in the fields of microfluidic biosensing technologies, and on the challenges and possible solutions for translation of this technology for POC diagnostic applications. We also discuss the fabrication techniques required for developing microfluidic‐integrated biosensors, recently reported biomarkers, and the prospects of POC diagnostics in the medical industry.

Reduced graphene oxide modified smart conducting paper for cancer biosensor

UNLABELLED We report results of the studies relating to the fabrication of a paper based sensor comprising of poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) ( PEDOT PSS) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composite. The effect of various solvents like methanol, ethylene glycol and H2SO4 on the electrical conductivity of PEDOT PSS coated Whatman paper has been investigated. The conductivity of this solution processed conducting paper significantly increases from ~1.16×10(-4) S cm(-1) up to ~3.57×10(-2) S cm(-1) (~300 times) on treatment with ethylene glycol. The observed significant increase in electrical conductivity is due to conformational rearrangement in the polymer and is due to strong non-covalent cooperative interaction between PEDOT and the cellulose molecules. Further, incorporation of RGO into the conducting paper results in improved electrochemical performance and signal stability. This paper electrode is a promising alternative over the expensive conventional electrodes (ITO, gold and glassy carbon), that are known to have limited application in smart point-of-care (POC) devices. This low cost, flexible and environment friendly conducting paper based biosensor utilized for cancer biomarker (carcinoembryonic antigen, CEA) detection reveals high sensitivity of 25.8 µA ng(-1) mL cm(-2) in the physiological range, 1-10 ng mL(-1).

Nanostructured zirconia decorated reduced graphene oxide based efficient biosensing platform for non-invasive oral cancer detection

We report results of the studies relating to fabrication of a non-invasive, label-free and an efficient biosensing platform for detection of the oral cancer biomarker (CYFRA-21-1). One step hydrothermal process was used for uniform decoration of nanostructured zirconia (average particle size 13 nm) on reduced graphene oxide (ZrO2-RGO) to avoid coagulation of the zirconia nanoparticles and to obtain enhanced electrochemical performance of ZrO2-RGO nanocomposite based biosensor. Further, ZrO2-RGO has been functionalized using 3-aminopropyl triethoxy saline (APTES) and electrophoretically deposited on the indium tin oxide coated glass substrate at a low DC potential.The APTES/ZrO2-RGO/ITO electrode exhibits improved heterogeneous electron transfer (more than two times) with respect to that of the APTES/ZrO2/ITO electrode indicating faster electron transfer kinetics. The -NH2 containing APTES/ZrO2-RGO/ITO platform is further biofunctionalized with anti-CYFRA-21-1. The structural and morphological investigations of the ZrO2-RGO based biosensing platform have been accomplished using X-ray diffraction (XRD), electrochemical, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) studies. This immunosensor exhibits a wider linear detection range (2-22 ng mL(-1)), excellent sensitivity (0.756 µA mL ng(-1)) and a remarkable lower detection limit of 0.122 ng mL(-1). The observed results have been validated via enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Microfluidics Based Point-of-Care Diagnostics

Point‐of‐care (POC) diagnostic devices have been predicted to provide a boon in health care especially in the diagnosis and detection of diseases. POC devices have been found to have many advantages like a rapid and precise response, portability, low cost, and non‐requirement of specialized equipment. The major objective of a POC diagnostic research is to develop a chip‐based, self‐containing miniaturized device that can be used to examine different analytes in complex samples. Further, the integration of microfluidics (MF) with advanced biosensor technologies is likely to result in improved POC diagnostics. This paper presents the overview of the different materials (glass, silicon, polymer, paper) and techniques for the fabrication of MF based POC devices along with their wide range of biosensor applications. Besides this, the authors have presented in brief the challenges that MF is currently facing along with possible solutions that may result in the availability of the accessible, reliable, and cost‐efficient technology. The development of these devices requires the combination of developed MF components into POC devices that are user‐friendly, sensitive, stable, accurate, low cost, and minimally invasive. These MF based POC devices have tremendous potential in providing improved healthcare including easy monitoring, early detection of disease, and increased personalization.

A biocompatible serine functionalized nanostructured zirconia based biosensing platform for non-invasive oral cancer detection

We report results of studies relating to the fabrication of nontoxic, biocompatible serine functionalized nanostructured zirconia (serine/nZrO2) for oral cancer detection. The hydrothermally synthesized ZrO2 nanoparticles (∼4.5 nm) have been characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The cytotoxicity studies of serine/nZrO2 carried out using MTT assay on the HEK 293 human cell line reveal biocompatibility of the serine/nZrO2. The serine functionalized nZrO2 are electrophoretically deposited onto a hydrolysed indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass electrode (serine/nZrO2/ITO). Furthermore, monoclonal antibodies (anti-CYFRA-21-1) were covalently immobilized onto the serine/nZrO2/ITO electrode and BSA was been used for blocking of the non-specific binding sites. The fabricated BSA/anti-CYFRA-21-1/serine/nZrO2/ITO immunoelectrode was used for label free, non-invasive and efficient detection of an oral cancer biomarker (CYFRA-21-1). The electrochemical response studies of this immunoelectrode exihibited a wider linear detection range (0.01–29 ng mL−1) with a remarkable detection limit (0.01 ng mL−1) and a quick response time (6 min) for detection of the CYFRA-21-1 antigen. The results of validation studies conducted on the fabricated immunoelectrode (BSA/anti-CYFRA-21-1/serine/nZrO2/ITO) using saliva samples of oral cancer patients indicate a good agreement with the results obtained via enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Polyaniline modified flexible conducting paper for cancer detection

We report results of studies relating to the fabrication of a flexible, disposable, and label free biosensing platform for detection of the cancer biomarker (carcinoembryonic antigen, CEA). Polyaniline (PANI) has been electrochemically deposited over gold sputtered paper (Au@paper) for covalent immobilization of monoclonal carcinoembryonic antibodies (anti-CEA). The bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been used for blocking nonspecific binding sites at the anti-CEA conjugated PANI/Au@Paper. The PANI/Au@Paper, anti-CEA/PANI/Au@Paper, and BSA/anti-CEA/PANI/Au@Paper platforms have been characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy, chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance techniques. The results of the electrochemical response studies indicate that this BSA/anti-CEA/PANI/Au@paper electrode has sensitivity of 13.9 μA ng−1 ml cm2, shelf life of 22 days, and can be used to estimate CEA in the range of 2–20 ng ml−1. This paper sensor has been v...

Protein functionalized nanostructured zirconia based electrochemical immunosensor for cardiac troponin I detection

B anthracis MoxXT is a Type II proteic Toxin–Antitoxin (TA) module wherein MoxT is a ribonuclease that cleaves RNA specifically while MoxX interacts with MoxT and inhibits its activity. Disruption of the TA interaction has been proposed as a novel antibacterial strategy. Peptides, either based on antitoxin sequence or rationally designed, have previously been reported to disrupt the MoxXT interaction but cause a decrease in MoxT ribonuclease activity. In the present study, we report the crystal structure of MoxT, and the effect of several peptides in disrupting the MoxXT interaction as well as augmentation of MoxT ribonuclease activity by binding to MoxT in vitro. Docking studies on the peptides were carried out in order to explain the observed structure activity relationships. The peptides with ribonuclease augmentation activity possess a distinct structure and are proposed to bind to a distinct site on MoxT. The docking of the active peptides with MoxT showed that they possess an aromatic group that occupies a conserved hydrophobic pocket. Additionally, the peptides inducing high ribonuclease activity were anchored by a negatively charged group near a cluster of positively charged residues present near the pocket. Our study provides a structural basis and rationale for the observed properties of the peptides and may aid the development of small molecules to disrupt the TA interaction.O is requisite in biological systems to converge their energy demands and supply of nutrients in our body. The generation of free radicals is the most common consequence of oxygen consumption which may lead to the damaging of cells. Importantly, antioxidant system of the body has a pertinent role in prevention of any loss that arises due to the generation of free radicals. However, dysfunction of antioxidant system or due to overproduction of free radicals may lead to some serious consequences which affect normal brain functionality. The brain tissue is greatly prone to the effects of reactive oxygen species due to its high demand for oxygen. Apart from several other environmental factors, oxidative stress (OS) plays a critical role in free-radical attack on neural cells leads to the loss of function that eventually contributes to neurodegeneration. However, antioxidants have defensive role against such kind of oxidative stress to prevent neuronal damage. Antioxidants may also be used as a therapeutic agent against intense neuronal loss, as they have the ability to neutralize free-radicals. Diet is a chief source of antioxidants, as well as medicinal herbs are also found to be a commercial source of antioxidants at present. Currently, we have focused on the natural compounds with good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory property that elicit neuroprotection. Herein, using different in silico techniques, we have validated the potential protective role of Cannabinoids in neurodegeneration. Furthermore, in silico techniques encompass string database for protein-protein interaction and docking for finding proper interaction between drugs and protein molecules have been identified.R solani Kuhn (Teleomorph: Thanatephorus cucumeris Donk) is a ubiquitous soil-borne plant pathogenic fungus which causes significant yield losses in many agriculturally important crops. R. solani isolates were collected from the diseased root of mung bean (RDLM-1, RMPM-5, RMHM-6, RJHM-20 & RJKM-5), cowpea (RPBC-1) and rice (Rice-17) plants from different locations in India. Mass multiplication of isolates of Rhizoctonia solani was done on sorghum grains. Soil was mixed with fully colonized seeds of sorghum grains with R. solani isolates at 10 gm per 4 inches pots (containing 1 kg sterilized sandy loam soil in each pot). After proper mixing of inoculum in soil, 20 seed each of seven wheat cultivars viz., HD-2967, Agra Local, Suhzae, Ning-8133, Chiraya-3, Milan and Sonalika was sown. The pots were maintained at 28o C and 95% relative humidity under glass house conditions. Soil sampling were done at 0, 10, 21 days after sowing and after harvesting for quantification of inoculum level in soil. The soil DNA was extracted by using ZR Soil Microbe DNA KitTM. Ning-8133 wheat cultivar found resistant against six R. solani isolates (RDLM-1, RPBC-1, RJHM-20, RJKM-5, Rice-17 & RMHM-6) except RMPM-5. RJLM-20 and RMHM-6 were not able to produce symptoms after 14 days of sowing. Isolate RMPM-5 recorded most virulent in all cultivars among all the R. solani isolates. R. solani inoculum in the rhizospheric soil of different wheat cultivars were quantified at different time interval (0, 10, 21 days after sowing and after harvesting) using serial dilution and specific primer through real time PCR. Maximum concentration of inoculum was observed after 10 days of sowing. Inoculums started decline after 10 days of sowing and it was almost equal to the initial level after the harvest of the crop. Results indicated that R. solani disease incidence in wheat varies with cultivar and isolates of the pathogen. Wheat crop is not promoting R. solani after seedling stage and not reducing the inoculums concentration also. Information generated will be helpful for the management of pathogen in rice-wheat, mung bean-wheat cropping system.T genre Azotobacter sp. represents a group of bacteria that can exert positive effects on the stimulation and plant growth promotion in multiples crops and additionally possess the capacity of asymbiotic nitrogen fixation. In the present work, the biomass production of two strains of A. chroococcum (named Ac1 and Ac10) using liquid fermentation for the further production of a biofertilizer was evaluated. For this, a liquid culture medium previously optimized (coded as MBR) was used for a liquid fermentation process in a Infors® model Minifors laboratory bioreactor with a capacity of 3.5 L initially a batch type strategy was applied for generate a baseline for this research. In order to increase process efficiency, the effect of reduce the stirring speed was evaluated; therefore, when a stirring speed of 200 rpm was evaluated while maintaining the air flow and the culture time under conditions of fed-batch type fermentation, an increase in the cell concentration was observed from 1.54E9 CFU/ml to 4.21E9 CFU/mL for Ac1 strain and increase of 2.21E9 CFU/ml to 3.92E9 CFU/ml for AC10 strain with a simultaneous reduction in energy consumption of 96.7%. Additionally, this increase in cell concentration for both strains also promote a rising of parameters of efficiency, biomass concentration and fermentation productivity about two times in comparison with the values determined at baseline.B fruit and plantain (Musa species) are among the world’s leading fruit crops. According to FAO database, 103 million tonnes of banana were produced in the year 2004. The plantain and unripe banana are consumed cooked and mature dissert banana is eaten raw. The pseudo stem and rhizome of banana has recently been identified as potential nutraceutical, antioxidant rich food beverage. Banana flower and pseudo stem are fibre rich potent antioxidant materials with low glycemic index value. Therefore, they may serve as a beneficial health food supplement for diabetic individuals. Banana flower is used for preparation of curries etc. The flower constitutes several parts such as bract, bell, tepals and stigma. Although, the whole flower has been studied for its health benefits, the individual parts are not analysed for their phytochemical constituents and their biological activities. Despite the observations that banana flower may become a health food supplement for diabetic individuals, the mechanism of its antidiabetic activity is not properly investigated. This research analyzed phytochemical constituents, in vitro antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant potentials in 50% aqueous methanol extract of various parts of banana flower. Our analysis showed that stigma of flowers is richest source of polyphenol, flavanoid and anthocyanins. The bract, fused tepals, stigma and bell posses potent free radicals scavenging activities and have varying degrees of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) formation inhibitory potentials. Furthermore, the bract and bell were observed to posses intestinal α-glucosidase inhibitory activities and fused tepals contain pancreatic lipase inhibitory potentials. Our research finds that the whole edible parts of banana flower are rich source of antioxidant activities and have the potentials of inhibiting the formation of various types of AGEs. The bract and bell are rich source of antihyperglycemic potentials and fused tepals as pancreatic-lipase inhibitors.T remains a major public health problem worldwide with a global mortality of 1.5 million in 2014. Though early diagnosis is mandatory in control of TB especially for pulmonary TB as it is transmissible, it has remained enigmatic. A major hindrance to the diagnosis of EPTB is the atypical presentation, often simulating neoplasia and or inflammatory disorders. The conventional techniques used in TB diagnosis like AFB smear microscopy lack sensitivity and the gold standard, culture test takes time. The sensitivity and specificity were compared with AFB smear examination, Lowenstein-Jensen culture test and single step PCR. In order to find a sensitive and rapid technique nested multiplex PCR (nMPCR) targeting the IS6110 and MTP40 gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was evaluated for detection of M. tuberculosis DNA directly from clinical specimens of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary origin. A total of 200 clinical specimens from clinically suspected cases of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis and 20 control specimens of non-tuberculous aetiology were processed by smear, culture, single step and by nested multiplex PCR technique for detection of M. tuberculosis. The conventional culture was positive only in 150 (75%) of 200 specimens and 162 (81%) were single step PCR positive. The overall positivity of nested multiplex PCR was 100% (200/200). All the 20 control specimens were negative by nested multiplex PCR. Nested multiplex PCR increased the sensitivity of PCR and will be useful in diagnosing smear negative samples. Further, it can also be used to detect samples with M. tuberculosis strains lacking IS6110.O transplantation and its techniques have encountered a great deal of improvement and development in last 50 years after the first renal transplant which took place in 1950 in United States of America on Ruth tucker a 44 years women. Organ transplant have become safer and lesser risky due to several advancements in the surgical and medicinal fields. Renal transplant is one of the major organ transplant which accounts for around 12,000 transplants all over the world. Despite of these enhancements still there are failures and lives are lost due to low graft survival in the long run which is termed as chronic renal failure. This is also affected by lifestyle issues but mainly immunological and non immunological aspects like medication used, blood pressure, donor age, senescence and aging of the cells, late antibody response etc. Generally the age of the transplant and the patient is 8-12 years after the transplant takes place but the number of years that the patient lives can be increased and the life expectancy rate can be enhanced by the application of medication including Tacrolimus and cyclosporine and rapamycin etc and keeping a check on after transplant complications like increase in protein urea, development of antibodies in renal cells which can be detected by processes like ELISPOT etc. This way a longer and better life can be given to patients who have given so much in combating the disease.P growth promoting rhizobacteria are one of the most beneficial bacterial strains found in rhizosphere which has been seen to improve crop yield leading to its extensive use in the field of organic farming. This study was carried-out to evaluate nine rhizobacterial strains associated with Spinacea oleracea for different plant growth parameters under pot conditions. The tested rhizobacterial strains were isolated in a previous study from soil that had been cultivated with Spinacia oleracea for at least three consecutive seasons. This study is further extension of our work which involved the in vitro analysis of the rhizobacterial strains for different plant growth promoting activities. In this pot study, all the rhizobacterial strains showed positive result in terms of improvement in plant growth parameters when compared to that of control specimen. Strains R13, R40, R50 and R53 showed best plant growth parameters. The shoot length of plants were inoculated with isolate R13, R40, R50, R53 was 32 cm, 26.5 cm, 34 cm, 38.6 cm respectively, compared to control i.e., 21 cm, whereas root length for the same isolates were 8 cm, 15 cm, 12.5 cm, 8 cm respectively, compared to control i.e., 9.5 cm. Number of leaves per plant for these strains was 8 units, 6 units, 8 units and 7 units respectively, compared to control i.e., 6 units and leaf area was 20 cm2, 18.15 cm2, 20.07 cm2 and 13 cm2 respectively, compared to control i.e., 19.68 cm2. These results suggest that isolate R13, R40, R50, R53 may be tested further for more plant growth promoting traits eventually developing it as potential soil inoculants in order to enhance the growth of Spinacia oleracea.H SAMHD1 possesses dual enzymatic functions. It acts as both a dGTP-dependent triphosphohydrolase and as an exoribonuclease. The dNTPase function depletes the cellular dNTP pool which is required for retroviral reverse transcription in differentiated myeloid cells and resting CD4+ T cells; thus this activity mainly plays a role in SAMHD1mediated retroviral restriction. However, a recent study demonstrated that SAMHD1 directly targets HIV-1 genomic RNA via its RNase activity and that this function (rather than dNTPase activity) is sufficient for HIV-1 restriction. While HIV-1 genomic RNA is a potent target for SAMHD1 during viral infection, the specificity of SAMHD1-mediated RNase activity during infection by other viruses is unclear. The results of the present study showed that SAMHD1 specifically degrades retroviral genomic RNA in monocyte-derived macrophage-like cells. Consistent with this, SAMHD1 selectively restricted retroviral replication but did not affect the replication of other common non-retro RNA genome viruses suggesting that the RNase mediated antiviral function of SAMHD1 is limited to retroviruses. In addition, neither inhibiting reverse transcription by treatment with several reverse transcriptase inhibitors nor infection with reverse transcriptase-defective HIV-1 altered RNA levels after viral challenge indicating that the retrovirus-specific RNase function is not dependent on processes associated with retroviral reverse transcription.W scarcity has threatened the traditional way of rice cultivation. Conventionally, rice is cultivated in flooded conditions and it requires huge amount of water (5000 litres of water for producing one kg rice). Asia’s irrigated rice fields produce about 75% of all rice harvested and account for more than 45% of the total diverted fresh water. To tackle the problem of water scarcity, research has been directed towards the development of “aerobic rice” varieties that combine the drought-resistant characteristics of upland varieties with the high-yielding traits of lowland varieties. Aerobic rice has advantage of the droughtresistant characteristics of upland varieties with the high-yielding traits of lowland varieties, grown in irrigated, flooded fields. In aerobic rice varieties, roots grow deeper and more profusely in comparison to shallow roots of 5 inches in conventional rice varieties which help in better absorption of water thereby eliminating the need for water logging and non-methane emitting. Aerobic rice system eliminates surface runoff, percolation and evaporation losses resulting in twice the water productivity of flood irrigated rice. Aerobic rice requires 50% or less of the amount of water used by lowland rice. In India, development of aerobic rice varieties was initiated at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore in 1980 using the available upland paddy and high-yielding rice germplasm and several aerobic rice varieties such as MAS946-1, PMK3, MAS25, MAS26 and MAS946 have also been developed for aerobic cultivation using conventional breeding and marker-assisted selection techniques in combination. Basmati rice breeding has been proven difficult because of poor combining ability, incompatibility with indica/japonica cultivars and high inter-group hybrid sterility. Introgression of desirable traits from indica, japonica or aus rice varieties into basmati rice is further complicated because of the need to keep all the basmati rice grain and cooking quality traits intact during the selection process.P roxburghii (F-Pinaceae) is one of the most common chir-pine found in the mid-Himalayan region. The crown of this species display three different needle color morphotypes (dark green, light green and yellow) and all have a considerable economic importance. Wood of the tree exudes oleoresin which yields rosin and turpentine oil having important role in commercial industry. Present study was focused on the identification of superior phenotypes possessing higher quality resin yield from three morphotypes of P. roxburghii of Himachal Pradesh. Three sampling areas were selected with varying latitude; each provenance was divided into three altitudinal clines (800 m, 800 m-1500 m, 1500 m-2000 m onwards) and from each altitudinal cline research material was collected from six different trees representing different morphotypes. Selected trees were tapped for one month (May-June) using Borehole method and the yield was detected. Results showed that dark green needle morphotypes produced significantly higher yield of resin than other morphotypes. The maximum oleoresin yield production (904.60 g) was obtained from the trees located on site with altitude 1500 m-2000 m and latitude 32°-33° N whereas maximum oleoresin production (253.40 g) was observed from trees located on site with altitude 700 m-1500 m and latitude 31°-32° N.Background: The WHO HCV NAT international standard is being used by manufacturers of molecular in vitro diagnostics (IVDs), blood transfusion units, quality evaluation authorities and diagnostic laboratories in the validation of HCV NAT assays and to calibrate secondary reference materials. First WHO HCV NAT international standard was established in 1997 and even after 18 years of its establishment, we do not see the availability of indigenous HCV NAT standard in India. All versions of HCV NAT international standard comprised of HCV genotype-1 as per its dominancy in western countries. The purpose of this study is to identify suitable material for development of indigenous HCV NAT standard consisting of HCV genotype-3, which is dominant in larger part of India.G in a dioecious tree species is generally identified at reproductive phase. In case nursery growers are able to know the gender at early stage of growth (seedling stage) it will be economically beneficial. The present investigations are undertaken verifying this fact in view and Populus ciliata was taken as first plant. It is hypothesized that in plants where the sex chromosomes are not identified, there may be a region in the genome or DNA of the tree which may influence the gender of the plant. RAPD markers were used as a tool of study along with variation in leaf morphological characters between male and female mature trees. Out of ten polymorphic random primers used, one primer (OPK-20) gave significant difference between male and female trees and identified as female specific marker (OPK-20400, OPK-20500 and OPK-20800). This marker is distinct to determine the sex of P. ciliata at an early stage. The qualitative traits (i.e., shape of base and tip of leaf blade, sinus with petiole, pubescence on the lower surface of the leaf blade, leaf margin and colour of the blade) and quantitative traits (i.e., LA, L/W%, P/N%, perimeter, aspect ratio and shape factor) in male and female tree showed that three qualitative characters (shape of base of leaf blade, sinus with petiole and leaf margin) were distinct in male and female trees. The quantitative parameters, except the shape factor showed non-significant differences. It is concluded that qualitative differences exists between the two genders in P. ciliata besides the specific marker.P modeling gives us a view of the natural systems and their interactions and helps to generate new hypothesis. The present study focuses on the analysis of pathways involvedin Breast cancer and Prostate cancer.The hypersensitivity pathway responsible for Androgen Independent Prostate Cancer showed that the enzyme 5-α-reductase is the key regulator of this pathway. Hence, if this enzyme is targeted from the drug development aspect it may help to combat prostate cancer. Similarly, by reducing the concentration of homocysteine and controlling the low levels of folate in the metabolic pathways with respect to time course would help to control the breast cancer risk in women. Here, the COPASI model is used to know the pathway modelling of particular pathway which would help in altering the malfunctioning of the pathway. As the pathway modelling completely based on the time course and concentration levels, the amount risk factors can be controlled with equal maintenance of time and concentrations.Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is one of the main diseases to mankind. Designing of appropriate antimicrobial agents depend upon the novel drug targets of pathogen. COPASI model has been used for the simulation and modeling of shikimate pathway. The shikimate pathway starts from condensation of 2-phosphoenolpyruvate and D-erythrose-4phosphate to chorismate.Chorismate is the only precursor for the amino acid biosynthesis in this pathogen.The validated kinetic model can be used to determine the contribution of each enzyme to the final product formation rate, to profile intermediate concentrations, and predict responses to inhibition effects. Using the model, conditions most appropriate for high-throughput screening can be optimized.A (As) is a metalloid of great environmental concern because of its highly toxic nature and colossal abundance. Several plant species such as ferns have been studied for their ability to accumulate arsenic. The Chinese brake fern (Pteris vittata) was reported as the hyper accumulator of arsenic and can remove arsenic from soil. High amount of arsenic can be accumulated in edible plants like rice, wheat, barley, maize, cumin, turmeric, arum, Kachu sak (Colocasia antiquorum) and Ipomea sp. (kalmi). The arsenic concentrations in the edible parts of a plant depend on the availability of the soil arsenic and the accumulation and translocation ability of a plant. In general, plants uptake and metabolize As (V) through the phosphate transport channels. In rice plants, As (III) is taken up at high rates of influx which follows the Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Rice is a strong accumulator of silicon which may allow efficient uptake and translocation of arsenite (AsIII) in the shoots. The aquaporin Lsi1 (protein) which is responsible for the influx of silicon into the root cells is permeable to arsenite. Inside plant tissues, arsenic is reduced from pentavalent to trivalent state or is bio-transformed to less toxic organic compounds such as DMA, MMA. Trivalent arsenic can form complex with thiol groups inside the plant tissues. Many plants can synthesize arsenic reductase, which can convert the pentavalant arsenic into trivalent form. Trivalent arsenic is the predominant species in the plant tissues and 50-65 % of the total arsenic accumulated in stem or leaf parts are trivalent. The effect of arsenic toxicity in plants increase in low pH, but the uptake mechanism can enhance in higher pH soil. Rice plants are generally grown in submerged soil condition, where arsenic bioavailability is generally high. Iron plaque formed in the rhizosphere zones can efficiently bind arsenic and can reduce its translocation to the above ground tissues (straw, husk and grain) of rice plants. Experiments proved that arsenic causes quantitative changes in the level of RNA, soluble proteins, free amino acids and proline and inhibits the activities of RNase and protease and retard photosynthesis rate in rice plants. As arsenic species are very much toxic to plants, they can affect the overall production of rice and other vegetables and can affect the agricultural economy of a country as whole. Detailed investigation on the molecular behaviors of plants in response to arsenic should be done for future prospects of arsenic bioremediation.Introduction: VVI is a frequent complaint of women of child bearing age. Common causes of VVI include bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis and trichomoniasis. Toll-like receptors and C-type lectins (CLR) play a major role in recognition of molecular patterns of these pathogens. Mannose Binding Lectin-2 (MBL-2) is asoluble CLR which triggers the complement cascade by binding to carbohydrate moieties on the surface of microorganisms. The MBL-2 codon 54 polymorphism has been associated with increased rate of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. The objective of the present study was to evaluate promoter polymorphism of MBL-2 gene in VVI patients.M early studies reported that yeasts caused spoilage of various high-sugar foods and high salted foods such as honey, raw sugar cane, jams. The dominant yeasts isolated from these foods belongs to the genus Zygosaccharomyces, the majorly of which are Z. rouxii, Z. bailii and Z. bisporus. The yeast Zygosaccharomyces bisporous is commercially known for its osmotolerance and moderately halotolerance. When exposed to NaCl, the cells experience both osmotic stress and ion toxicity. Specifically, this research work is focused on the evaluation of NaCl-induced stress responses of a food spoilage yeast Zygosaccharomyces bisporous, particularly with regard to yeast cell growth, viability and various biochemical mechanisms. Experiments were designed by pretreating cells with different sodium chloride concentrations (NaCl; 0.0 M, 0.5 M, 0.75 M, 1.0 M) growing in defined YEPD media and it was clearly observed that growth of cells was reduced with increased concentration of stress agent from 0.0 M to 1.0 M NaCl. Further, we assessed and compared the growth, percent viability and measured the intracellular polyols (mainly glycerol), osmolytes (like trehalose, glutathione) and cations (Na+ or K+) accumulated during growth leading to ‘osmotic adjustment’ as a major element in accomplishing tolerance in the absence and presence of 1.0 M NaCl concentration. It was observed that salt stress is accompanied by an increase in intracellular level of trehalose, glutathione, glycerol and decreasing intracellular Na+/K+, thus reducing sodium toxicity that maintains intracellular redox balance compared to control cells. Moreover, elevated levels of protein carbonyl and lipid peroxidation product especially MDA as oxidation markers was determined and is known to be involved in the disrupting cell membranes. The study of the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying yeast osmo-regulation and long term osmo-adaptation relate to the importance of these aspects in biotechnology and in agriculture but yet poorly understood. For instance, improving crop resistance to soil salinity stresses is a long-standing goal of agricultural biotechnology. Thus, the understanding of ion homeostasis mechanisms and the creation of salt tolerant yeasts and plants by metabolic engineering is a very important goal of salt stress research. The information hidden in yeast genes may be successfully transferred to other microorganisms, plants and other higher eukaryotes, resulting in the improvement of resistance capabilities. Thus, heterologous expression of genes associated with salt stress resistance remains one of the most important goals in salt stress research. Also, there is almost no substantial knowledge on basic areas of physiology, biochemistry and even genetics related with salt stress in these and other yeasts suggesting the study of more halotolerant yeasts, since they represent potentially good models to unveil some of the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying yeast long-term extreme tolerance to salt which cannot be approached in less tolerant yeasts such as S. cerevisiae.A resistance has emerged as a great health care problem throughout the world. The β-lactam antibiotics act as life saving drugs for their large contribution to fight against bacterial infections. These antibiotics are no longer as effective due to escalating resistance problem. One of the most efficient mechanisms of resistance towards β-lactam antibiotics is the production of extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). Among ESBLs, CTX-M type is most rapidly emerging and grievous groups. In aquatic environments bacteria from diverse origins are able to exchange their resistance genes through different genetic elements. In this present study, epidemiological survey of CTX-M type ESBL producing bacterial isolates from Delhi stretch of river Yamuna was carried out. Out of 402 isolates screened, 110 were found to be positive for ESBLs production through preliminary and PDCT analysis. Antibiotic susceptibility test against different class of antibiotics revealed a high level resistance among these isolates. The molecular analysis depicts the presence of blaCTX-M gene in majority of isolates tested. Presence of resistance genes in the aquatic environment to such an extent indicates the seriousness and severity of the problem. It raises the concern for the awareness of society and advance research to prevent emergence and dissemination of drug resistance in natural habitats.A gene encoding a thermostable, methanol-stable and enantioselective lipase YLIP9 of Yarrowia lipolytica MSR80 was cloned and expressed in pEZZ10-HB101 vector-host system. pEZZ18 vector has a 14 kDa ZZ-tag and the purified protein of 60 kDa was obtained. In this system, constitutive extracellular expression of ZZ-YLIP9 was observed, after 48 hours incubation at 37o C/300 rpm with expression level of 0.25±0.15 U/ml. As the titres were low, this gene was sub-cloned and expressed in vectors with different tags-pET22b (C-terminal His-tag), pET51b (N-terminal Strep and C-terminal His-tag), pET22b-SUMO (N-terminal His, 10 kDa SUMO-tag and C-terminal His-tag) and pGEX-4t1 (N-terminal 26 kDa GST-tag) with protein of 45, 45, 55 and 70 kDa, respectively. Periplasmic expression in pET22b and pET22b-SUMO and intracellular expression in pET51b and pGEX-4t1 was observed 3 h after IPTG induction. In pET22b the expressed protein was inactive while expression of 3.25±0.13, 3.5±0.09 and 1.75±0.21 U/ml was obtained with pET51b, pET22b-SUMO and pGEX-4t1, respectively. Around 14fold enhancement was observed with pET22b-SUMO. However, the expression was not substantial so the usage of codons in E. coli was compared to that of Y. lipolytica using the codon usage database. About 80% of the codons were changed and the gene was synthesized, re-sequenced followed by its sub cloning and expression in pET22b, pET51b, pET22b-SUMO and pEZZ18 vector-E. coli host systems. As compared to earlier observation this time the protein that was expressed in pET22b was active with an expression level of 2.98±0.18 U/ml and a further 2-3 fold enhancement was observed for pET51b and pET22b-SUMO, whereas, a significant 40-fold enhancement was observed in pEZZ18-HB101 system. Hence, host-vector combinations, tags and codon usage have a significant effect on protein expression.I the last few decades there has been a giant leap in the DNA sequencing technique from capillary method to high-throughput sequencing. The main advantage of high-throughput sequencing over capillary method is that the former uses shot-gun approach, therefore eliminating the tedious task of constructing clone libraries and also it uses parallel sequencing approach. In this study we used high-throughput sequencing for bacterial communities residing in oil contaminated region of Assam, India. Illumina MiSeq platform was used for generating 16S rDNA hyper variable V3 region reads. These sequences were further processed using QIIME software and other bio-informatics tool. Lastly we concluded our study by comparing species richness within and in-between samples using statistical method.W report results of the studies relating to the fabrication of nanostructured zirconia (ZrO2) based immunosensor for cardiac troponin I biomarker (myocardial infarction) detection. One step, low temperature hydrothermal process has been used for the synthesis of nanostructured ZrO2 (4.5 nm). These ZrO2 nanoparticles have been functionalized with 3-amino propyl triethoxy silane (APTES) and thereafter electrophoretically deposited (15 V, 3 minutes) on indium tin oxide coated glass electrode (ITO). EDC/NHS chemistry has been used for covalent immobilization of anti-troponin-I (anti-cTnI) onto APTES/ZrO2/ITO electrode. Structural, morphological and functional characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles and the fabricated immunoelectrode have been carried out via X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and cyclic voltammetry techniques. The results of electrochemical response studies of BSA/anti-cTnI/APTES/ZrO2/ITO immunoelectrode reveal that this smart platform can be used for the detection of troponin I biomarker with a wide linear detection range (0.01 to 100 ng mL-1), high sensitivity (3.7×10-4 mA mL ng-1 cm-2), remarkable lower detection limit (0.036 ng mL-1) and stability of upto 30 days. The obtained results have been validated through enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The emergence of multidrug resistance strains of Salmonella typhi poses a big challenge to the eradication of typhoid fever. Typhoid fever shares similar transmission factors with malaria, and require careful and accurate laboratory diagnosis for effective treatments of patients. Increased request for Widal test as a quick diagnosis of typhoid fever has produced exaggerated results since typhoid fever and malaria often show mimicking symptoms even in laboratory diagnosis. The main objective of this study is to investigate the rate of infection of typhoid fever in Aba, southeastern Nigeria, using Widal test and blood culture methods. Widal and blood culture were carried out on all the samples. Out of 400 blood samples examined, comprising of 126 (31.5%) males and 274 (68.5%) females, 98 (24.5%) were tested positive for Salmonella typhi using the Widal test while the blood culture method only recorded 37 (9.3%). On age-related prevalence, the age bracket 31-40 years showed the highest prevalence rate for both methods with 23 (32.4%) for Widal test and 9 (12.7%) for blood culture method. Sex- related prevalence also showed that more males (34.9% and 11.1%) were infected with Salmonella typhi than females (19.7% and 8.4%) for Widal and blood culture methods respectively. The result of this study shows a significant mean difference (t-value = 2.95, p-value = 0.026) between Widal and Blood culture at 5% level of significance. The blood culture test was found to be more sensitive than the widal test. It is therefore recommended that the assumingly high incidence of the disease using Widal test will be greatly reduced if blood culture technique is routinely adopted as a baseline for the diagnosis of typhoid fever.Natural processes for instance volcanic eruptions and anthropogenic activities lead to emission of heavy metals in ecosystem. Brassica species have competency to absorb and sequester Se and harness to manage environmental Se contamination via phytoremediation. All the test species of Brassica were found to respond to Se by registering changes in the expression of antioxidative enzymes, and tolerance level showed significant inhibition at higher concentration. The raised value of oxidative stress determinants lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide, near 100μM signified build up of stress at this concentration. Brassica rapa showed greater Se tolerance as was evident from the increased expression of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in the treated plants, results corroborated with in gel assays for the enzymes, whereas little or no basal activity was found in the control plants. The positive tie-up between Se enhancement and GPX activity is suggestive for the existence of Se-dependent GPX despite the fact that most plant GPX studied so far have not been reported to require Se for their function. One noteworthy attribute of Brassica rapa PS66 and Toria have adequacy to transform inorganic Se to volatile forms, principally dimethylselenide (DMSe), which is 500-600 times less toxic than the available form of selenium in the environment, thus a prospect benefit for selenium phytoremediation.Objective: CaMM-Db has been developed to manage the molecular marker information on Chondrus crispus (carragheen) and to make it accessible to the biological community. The database contains derived microsatellites and SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) from carragheen genomic sequences. The purpose for which carragheen is used, is also achieved by other Indian red seaweeds like, Gracilaria and Hypnea species. Except carragheen, the genome sequences of none of the red seaweeds are available in public domain. Thus, an insight into carragheen genome will help enable the biotechnologists to work on carragheen and the other red seaweeds. Methods: Keeping the above in view, CaMM-Db was developed using the carragheen genomic sequences from the databases of National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) for microsatellite determination and SNP discovery. Till date, no SNPs for Chondrus crispus are submitted to NCBI, thus, here an attempt has been made to discover SNPs from carragheen genomic sequences. Results: This database provides information on different types motifs categorized based on different properties. The database is further integrated with Primer3 to facilitate the generation of suitable primers of interest for wet lab experimentation. Conclusion: As it is the first database on the molecular markers in carragheen genome, it can be used as a valuable resource for the scholars indulged in genetic research on carragheen and other Indian seaweeds.I the past few decades, scientists have assembled considerable amount of database which speak in favor of the causes and projected impacts of the growing concern of climate change. The changes in the hydrological response of a river basin will depend on the sources of runoff, climatic conditions & physical characteristics of the basin and the magnitude of projected climatic scenarios. All the 20 river basins in India are different from each other in terms of spatial and temporal water resources availability; topography; geomorphological characteristics; meteorological behaviors, etc. Climate change can bring significant changes in these basins along with adverse socio-economic consequences. The quantity of surface run-off due to climate change would vary across the river basins as well as sub-basins in India. However, there is general reduction in the quantity of the available run-off. There is rising trend in temperature in the basin, however minimum temperature has shown falling trend. The Ganga basin is richest basin in terms of availability of utilizable surface water resources and replenishable ground water resources. There is a rising trend in temperature in the basin except minimum temperature in monsoon period which is showing falling trend. Similar types of findings were also recorded for Indus basin. The trends of changes in temperature suggest that majority of the basins have experienced an increasing trend in mean annual temperature over the last century (7 river basins: Ganga, Indus-lower, Mahanadi, Mahi, Narmada, Brahamani & Subaranrekha, and Tapi), while 2 basins (Sabarmati and Luni & other small rivers) have experienced cooling trends. Narmada basin experienced maximum warming as compared to other basins, while Sabarmati river basin has shown the largest cooling trend. Majority of river basins have shown increasing trend both in annual rainfall and relative humidity. The magnitude of increased rainfall for considered river basins varied from 2 to 19% of mean per 100 years. Maximum increase in rainfall is observed in the Indus (lower) followed by the Tapi river basin. Most of the river basins have experienced decreasing trend in annual rainy days with maximum decrease in the Mahanadi basin. The identification and prioritization of actions should be taken to enhance the resilience of Indian riverine ecosystems to mitigate biodiversity loss or severe flooding.B (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica cv. Solan green head) is an important nutritionally rich vegetable cole crop grown in the world. The production of broccoli is challenged by many stresses including infestation of insects. The conventional insect control method is mainly dependent on the intensive and extensive use of chemical pesticides, which have drawbacks such as damage to the ecological system and residual poisoning to humans and animals. Therefore, it is desirable to develop insect resistant plants through plant genetic engineering. Among insecticidal genes, Bacillus thuringienesis crystal protein genes have been proven effective in controlling insect larvae in many crop plants. Genetically engineered disarmed Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain containing binary vector pBin-1Aa with cry1Aa (insect resistance gene) and npt-II (neomycin phosphotransferase-II) genes was used for genetic transformation studies. Successful plant transformation requires efficient high frequency shoot regeneration protocol and suitable selection system. In this regard, the effect of kanamycin and cefotaxime was studied on cultured hypocotyl, cotyledon, leaf and petiole tissues of broccoli to explore the aptness of kanamycin resistance as a selectable marker and cefotaxime in controlling excessive bacterial growth during genetic transformation studies. Explants showed decrease in fresh weight as concentration of the kanamycin increased resulting in full or partial inhibition of shoot regeneration. A negative correlation was observed between the concentration of kanamycin and fresh weight of the explants at different intervals of time. Effect of different concentrations of cefotaxime was studied on the regeneration potential in cotyledon and hypocotyl explants of broccoli and found no much effect of cefotaxime on regeneration potential. Effect of different concentrations of cefotaxime and kanamycin (50 mg/l) were studied on the growth of agrobacterial cells and regeneration potential of cotyledon and hypocotyl tissues after cocultivation. In both the explants, the growth of agrobacterial cells were controlled at concentration of 400 mg/l cefotaxime and maximum per cent shoot regeneration in hypocotyl (44.88 %) and cotyledon (36.29 %) was obtained on MS selective medium supplemented with 400 mg/l cefotaxime respectively. PCR analysis of genomic DNA using specific designed primers was done to detect the presence of the cryIAa and npt-II genes in kanamycin resistant shoots of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica cv. Solan green head). Out of randomly selected five putative transgenic shoots, three shoots were found to be found to be positive for the presence/integration of transgene i.e., cryIAa and npt-II during T-DNA transfer and integeration into the plant genome. Thus the results indicated that kanamycin and cefotaxime as an effective selective agent during genetic transformation studies.A insemination in cattle and buffalo is the common practice and to keep the success at high, the quality of the semen must be good. Seminal plasma is a complex secretion composed by fluids from accessory sex glands, epididymis and testicles and its molecular composition is capable of modulating sperm function. Proteins are the most abundant organic compounds in seminal plasma and play a crucial role in processes related to fertilizing capacity of sperm and can be considered as potential molecular markers of fertility. This study was carried out to assess the protein profile of the Murrah buffalo seminal plasma by using SDS-PAGE and to correlate them with the semen characteristics. Semen samples were collected by a bovine artificial vagina from 8 Murrah buffalo bulls maintained at College of Veterinary Science, N. D. University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad. Semen characteristics were measured using standard procedures. Seminal plasma was separated after centrifugation of semen at 5000 rpm for 10 min. The supernatants were collected and precipitated using nine volumes of cold ethanol and the proteins recovered. These seminal plasma proteins were separated on a 12% SDS-PAGE using standard procedure. A total of 22 protein bands could be identified by the fractionation of seminal plasma protein on the SDS-polyacrylamide gels. Some of these bands were more prominent in some samples. A protein fraction of 25.8 kDa was significantly correlated with progressive motility of sperm. The semen samples that had greater sperm viability showed a prominent fraction of 58 kDa protein in the SDS-PAGE.H SAMHD1 possesses dual enzymatic functions. It acts as both a dGTP-dependent triphosphohydrolase and as an exoribonuclease. The dNTPase function depletes the cellular dNTP pool which is required for retroviral reverse transcription in differentiated myeloid cells and resting CD4+ T cells; thus this activity mainly plays a role in SAMHD1mediated retroviral restriction. However, a recent study demonstrated that SAMHD1 directly targets HIV-1 genomic RNA via its RNase activity and that this function (rather than dNTPase activity) is sufficient for HIV-1 restriction. While HIV-1 genomic RNA is a potent target for SAMHD1 during viral infection, the specificity of SAMHD1-mediated RNase activity during infection by other viruses is unclear. The results of the present study showed that SAMHD1 specifically degrades retroviral genomic RNA in monocyte-derived macrophage-like cells. Consistent with this, SAMHD1 selectively restricted retroviral replication but did not affect the replication of other common non-retro RNA genome viruses suggesting that the RNase mediated antiviral function of SAMHD1 is limited to retroviruses. In addition, neither inhibiting reverse transcription by treatment with several reverse transcriptase inhibitors nor infection with reverse transcriptase-defective HIV-1 altered RNA levels after viral challenge indicating that the retrovirus-specific RNase function is not dependent on processes associated with retroviral reverse transcription.T development of a reliable biological process for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles is an emerging field of nanotechnology research. Metal nanoparticles exhibit wide range of applications in diverse branches of science and technology due to their unique properties as compared to bulk counterpart. In the present study, biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was achieved using cell free culture supernatant of bacterial strain Aeromonas dhakensis AS3. The brown color appearance of solution due to the Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and absorption maxima centered at 405 nm indicates formation of AgNPs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed the association of protein with AgNPs and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) spectrum showed crystallinity of silver. Spherical particles with an average size of 5 nm were observed in Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized in this study are eco-friendly and showed significant antibacterial activity against ESBLs producing waterborne pathogens.C beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are a rich source of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and certain other microelements that are generally found to be lower in cereals and other crops. Micronutrients like Fe and Zn play an important role in both plant and animal metabolism. In humans, Fe is essential for preventing anaemia and for the proper functioning of many metabolic processes, whereas Zn is essential for proper growth and for resistance to gastro enteric and other respiratory infections. In Plants, Fe and Zn play important role in maintaining proper metabolic and physiological cellular processes. Deficiency of these nutrients leads to various abnormalities in both plants and animals. In order to enhance their uptake in plants, there is a need to identify genes that are involved in transport of these micronutrients. We here propose proteogenomics based approaches for identification of candidate genes regulating uptake of these micronutrients. We evaluated seeds of 138 diverse common bean genotypes for Fe, Zn and protein contents. We observed significant variation among these genotypes for Fe, Zn and protein contents. The Fe and Zn contents varied from (0.059 mg 100 g-1 to 7.22 mg 100 g-1) and (0.15 mg 100 g-1 to 1.931 mg 100 g-1) respectively. Further, protein content varied from 7.2% to 31.6%. No correlation among Fe, Zn and protein content was observed. Now we are in process of developing a mapping population for identifying genes/QTLs contributing for higher accumulation of Fe and Zn. Moreover, for understanding the genetic regulation of these micronutrients we will focus on gel based proteomic approach.E in technological advancements and urbanization, results in huge energy requirement at the same time requirement of alternate biological energy. A cost effective alternative energy production technique can be developed by using Thermal power-plant waste-water as a nutrient source and exhaust gas as an inorganic carbon source for micro-algae growth. The harmful effect of waste-water and exhaust gas of thermal power-plant is well known which can also diminished by coupling technology of remediation and bio-diesel production using micro-algae. Chlamydomonas oblonga has grown at indoor and outdoor conditions, which shows that in presence of 100% wastewater at outdoor conditions gives best result and provide specific growth rate of 0.188 d-1, hence this conditions were selected for large scale production of micro-algae. Total large scale culture was done with 60 liters of microalgae culture in glass bottles. Temperature was in the range of (20-36o C) with no aeration. Dry biomass produced is 1.087 g/l. Total dry biomass produced from 60 liter culture is 60.22 gms. Lipid content of C. oblonga grown in outdoor condition and wastewater is 29.72%. High growth rate was accomplished by Chlamydomonas oblonga in 100% waste-water and 7% carbon-dioxide from flue gas. Co-utilization of exhaust gases and waste-water can prompts to triple advantages, firstly energy production in terms of bio-diesel, secondly air pollution reduction through carbon dioxide sequestration and lastly water pollution reduction as well as waste utilization. As this technology is both environment friendly and economic viable, it can be applied for substantial scale production as integrated bio-diesel production plant combined with thermal power-plant.M of neocortex in context of neurodegenerative diseases is vaguely defined. Regarded as an issue of public health, neural degeneration in Alzheimer’s is still feebly understood ascribing to its profoundly complex microcircuitory. Several attempts have been made to decipher various microneuronal pathways with the help of viral tracers like adenoassociated virus, herpes simplex virus and many more, one such virus being VSV, owing to its relatively low virulence in humans with rapid replication cycle and ease of delivery. We will hypothesize the use of VSV to study neural degeneration, elucidate the microcircuitory involved and the minute receptor expression polymorphisms associated with cortical neurons in case of susceptible cohorts for early and differential diagnosis. Pseudotyping VSV and substituting its G protein with that of a laboratory “fixed” strain of rabies virus, namely, CVS II (Ugolini, 2011) and introducing luciferase tagging for efficient tracing of infected neurons will enable it to travel transsynaptically in a retrograde fashion across cortical neurons. The pseudotyped VSV may target and infect neurons actively displaying the nACh receptor, whose surface expression tends to decrease with progression of Alzheimer’s in affected cohorts. Metabolic viability of infected neurons could be maintained by manipulating the pseudotyped VSV’s polymerases to decrease the rate of its replication in a highly regulated time frame. Decrease in the nAChR expression may help us to determine the extent of viral tracer infection in targeted neurons as well as establish a relation between receptor expression and disease progression to determine Alzheimer’s mircocuitory pathway.

Effect of Brownian motion on reduced agglomeration of nanostructured metal oxide towards development of efficient cancer biosensor

We report results of the studies relating to fabrication of nanostructured metal oxide (NMO) based cancer biosensor. With the help of 2D electroactive reduced graphene oxide (RGO), we successfully inhibited the Brownian motion of NMO that led to reduced agglomeration of NMO. The nanostructured hafnium oxide (nHfO2) was used as a model NMO. The reduced agglomeration of nHfO2 was achieved through controlled hydrothermal synthesis and investigated via nanoparticles tracking analysis (NTA). X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) techniques were used for phase identification as well as morphological analysis of the synthesized nanohybrid (nHfO2@RGO) material. The 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) was used for the functionalization of nHfO2@RGO and electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique was used for its deposition onto ITO coated glass electrode. Further, antibodies of cancer biomarker (anti-CYFRA-21-1) were immobilized via EDC-NHS chemistry and Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used for blocking of the non-specific binding sites. The electrochemical response studies of fabricated immunoelectrode (BSA/anti-CYFRA-21-1/APTES/nHfO2@RGO/ITO) revealed higher sensitivity (18.24µAmLng-1), wide linear detection range (0 to 30ngmL-1), with remarkable lower detection limit (0.16ngmL-1). The obtained results showed good agreement with the concentration of CYFRA-21-1 obtained through enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in saliva samples of oral cancer patients.

Excellent storage stability and sensitive detection of neurotoxin quinolinic acid

Quinolinic acid (QA) is a metabolite of tryptophan degradation obtained through kynurenine pathway, produced naturally in the mammalian brain as well as in the human cerebrospinal fluid. The presence of QA ~10-40µM is a clear indicator of many neurological disorders as well as deficiency of vitamin B6 in human being. In the present work; rapid, sensitive and cost-effective bio-electrodes were prepared to detect the trace amount of endogenous neurotoxin (QA). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) studies were carried out to measure the electrochemical response of the fabricated bio-electrodes as a function of QA concentrations. These devices were found to exhibit desirable sensitivity of ~7.86mAμM-1cm-2 in wide concentration range (6.5μM-65mM). The lower detection limit of this device is as low as 6.5μM and it has excellent storage stability of ~30 days. The capability of the proposed electrochemical bio-sensor was also checked to detect QA in the real samples (human serum). These results reveal that the use of this electrochemical bio-sensor may provide a potential platform for the detection of QA in the real samples for the prior detection of many diseases.

Conducting paper based sensor for cancer biomarker detection

We report results of studies relating to the fabrication of a paper based impedimetric biosensor using poly (3,4ethylenedioxythiophene):poly (4-styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) modified Whatman paper. The layer-by-layer assembly of PEDOT:PSS deposited on the paper substrate results in the formation of a stable, conductive and homogenous film. The film has been characterized using Fourier transfer Infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. This conducting paper platform has been used for the conjugation of anti-carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) protein for quantitative estimation of CEA, a cancer biomarker that is frequently used in detection and monitoring of cancer. The results of the electrochemical impedimetric response studies indicate that the fabricated paper electrode can be used to estimate CEA in the range from 6-20 ngmL-1, has sensitivity of 3.6 Ω mL ng-1 with a lower detection limit of 2.68 ng mL-1.