Swarna V. Kanth

Growth, osmolyte concentration and antioxidant enzymes in the leaves of Sesuvium portulacastrum L. under salinity stress.

In this study, growth and osmolyte concentration in the leaves of halophyte, Sesuvium portulacastrum, were studied with respect to salinity. Therefore, the changes in shoot growth, leaf tissue water content, osmolyte concentration (proline content, glycine betaine) and antioxidant enzymes [polyphenol oxidase (PPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)] were investigated. The 30-day old S. portulacastrum plants were subjected to 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600xa0mM NaCl for 28xa0days. The plant growth was steadily increased up to 500xa0mM NaCl stress at 28xa0days. TWC was higher in 300xa0mM NaCl treated leaves than that of 600xa0mM NaCl. Salinity stress induced the accumulation of osmolyte concentration when compared to control during the study period. The antioxidant enzymes PPO, CAT and SOD were increased under salinity.

Preparation, Characterization and Anti-Bacterial Activity of Zinc Oxide-Gelatin Nanocomposite Film for Food Packaging Applications

Gelatin based composite films were prepared using various crosslinking agents for possible application in the food packaging industry. In the present study, gelatin films were formed by the incorporation of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. The ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by a wet chemical method using zinc nitrate as precursor and starch as stabilizing agent. It was characterized by FTIR. Surface morphology and thermal studies were performed by SEM and TGA respectively. The average particle size was calculated from the X-ray diffraction pattern using Scherrers equation. Mechanical studies were done with a Universal Testing Machine. The distribution of particles was clearly seen by SEM and thermal studies showed that the decomposition temperature of gelatin was increases by the incorporation nano ZnO. The mechanical properties were also improved with increase in concentration of nano ZnO. Antibacterial activities of the films were also studied against S. aureus, V. cholera and E. coli by the disc diffusion method.