Exploring the untapped potential of naturally occurring antimicrobial compounds: novel advancements in food preservation for enhanced safety and sustainability

Current research trends emphasize the strategic utilization of natural and renewable resources, specifically within food and medicine, focusing on naturally occurring antimicrobial compounds. While growing interest is in extracting secondary metabolites from plants, bacteria, and enzymes, a substantial portion of these naturally derived molecules remains inadequately explored. These antimicrobial agents exhibit heightened safety compared to their synthetic counterparts, posing no health risks to consumers. This presents an opportunity to replace perilous synthetic chemicals within the food sector. Despite the increasing popularity of natural additive sources, there is a potential for adverse effects on product sensory qualities. Therefore, notwithstanding recent advancements, further investigation is imperative to optimize effective quantities for the successful inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms. This article delves into pioneering developments in food preservation, offering contemporary insights into natural preservation solutions, especially for perishable commodities

PHYTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION, GC-MS PROFILE AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF A MEDICINAL PLANT RUTA GRAVEOLENS L. FROM ETHIOPIA

Objective: This study was designed to screen the phytochemicals present in various solvents extracts of Ruta graveolens (Rue) and furthermore to investigate their antimicrobial activity.Methods: The leaves, stems and seeds of Rue were extracted using four different solvents viz. ethanolic, methanolic, chloroform, and aqueous of varying polarity. The phytochemical screening was carried out qualitatively and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis was performed to identify major phytoconstituents present in the methanolic leaf extract. The antimicrobial effect of extracts was evaluated against six microbial strains namely Bacillus subtillis, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Micrococcus luteus with disc diffusion method.Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins and carotenoid. The methanolic leaf extract showed the presence of both tannin and phenolic contents in the higher amount, whereas aqueous extract displayed in the least amount. GC-MS analysis of methanolic leaf extract revealed the presence of approximately 26 phytochemical constituents. The antimicrobial assay revealed that B. subtilis showed a high zone of inhibition (20 mm) at 200 mg/ml of methanolic extract. However, E. coli and C. tropicalis did not show any zone of inhibition against each solvent extract.Conclusion: In conclusion, secondary metabolites present in the extracts have biological activities which warrant further to evaluate in vivo pharmacological studies

IMPROVED GROWTH AND COLCHICINE CONCENTRATION IN GLORIOSA SUPERBA ON MYCORRHIZAL INOCULATION SUPPLEMENTED WITH PHOSPHORUS-FERTILIZER

Background: Gloriosa superba produces an array of alkaloids including colchicine, a compound of interest in the treatment of various diseases. The tuber of Gloriosa superba is a rich source of colchicine which has shown anti-gout, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor activity. However, this promising compound remains expensive and Gloriosa superba is such a good source in global scale. Increase in yield of naturally occurring colchicine is an important area of investigation. Materials and Methods: The effects of inoculation by four arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM), fungi, Glomus mossae, Glomus fasciculatum, Gigaspora margarita and Gigaspora gilmorei either alone or supplemented with P-fertilizer, on colchicine concentration in Gloriosa superba were studied. The concentration of colchicine was determined by high-performance thin layer chromatography. Results: The four fungi significantly increased concentration of colchicine in the herb. Although there was significant increase in concentration of colchicine in non-mycorrhizal P-fertilized plants as compared to control, the extent of the increase was less compared to mycorrhizal plants grown with or without P-fertilization. This suggests that the increase in colchicine concentration may not be entirely attributed to enhanced P-nutrition and improved growth. Among the four AM fungi Glomus mossae was found to be best. The total colchicine content of plant (mg / plant) was significantly high in plants inoculated with Glomus mossae and 25 mg kg-1phosphorus fertilizer (348.9 mg /plant) while the control contain least colchicine (177.87 mg / plant)

An integrated approach of bioleaching-enhanced electrokinetic remediation of heavy metals from municipal waste incineration fly ash using Acidithiobacillus spp

Introduction: Municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration fly ash is a harmful residue formed during the incineration process. It contains high concentrations of hazardous heavy metals, such as lead, zinc, aluminum, and iron.Methodology: In this study, bioleaching integrated with an electrokinetic approach for heavy metal remediation from MSW incineration fly ash using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans bacteria was tested.Results and discussion: The physicochemical properties of fly ash included a particle size of 26.1 μm, with the presence of heavy metals. A. ferrooxidans and A. thiooxidans produced sulphuric acid (0.0289 M and 0.0352 M) during the proliferation; this acid enhances the bioleaching of heavy metals from fly ash. The results of an integrated approach showed an 85%, 47%, 92%, 85%, 46%, 67% 11%, and 55% removal of the heavy metals K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, Zn, Pb, and Mg, respectively, in the presence of A. ferrooxidans. Overall, these results evidenced that heavy metals were completely removed from the fly ash using an integrated approach. Therefore, this integrated approach can be used as an effective heavy metal removal method for treating fly ash in MSW

Endophytic fungi: hidden treasure chest of antimicrobial metabolites interrelationship of endophytes and metabolites

Endophytic fungi comprise host-associated fungal communities which thrive within the tissues of host plants and produce a diverse range of secondary metabolites with various bioactive attributes. The metabolites such as phenols, polyketides, saponins, alkaloids help to mitigate biotic and abiotic stresses, fight against pathogen attacks and enhance the plant immune system. We present an overview of the association of endophytic fungal communities with a plant host and discuss molecular mechanisms induced during their symbiotic interaction. The overview focuses on the secondary metabolites (especially those of terpenoid nature) secreted by endophytic fungi and their respective function. The recent advancement in multi-omics approaches paved the way for identification of these metabolites and their characterization via comparative analysis of extensive omics datasets. This study also elaborates on the role of diverse endophytic fungi associated with key agricultural crops and hence important for sustainability of agriculture

Immunoinformatics-aided rational design of a multi-epitope vaccine targeting feline infectious peritonitis virus

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a grave and frequently lethal ailment instigated by feline coronavirus (FCoV) in wild and domestic feline species. The spike (S) protein of FCoV assumes a critical function in viral ingress and infection, thereby presenting a promising avenue for the development of a vaccine. In this investigation, an immunoinformatics approach was employed to ascertain immunogenic epitopes within the S-protein of FIP and formulate an innovative vaccine candidate. By subjecting the amino acid sequence of the FIP S-protein to computational scrutiny, MHC-I binding T-cell epitopes were predicted, which were subsequently evaluated for their antigenicity, toxicity, and allergenicity through in silico tools. Our analyses yielded the identification of 11 potential epitopes capable of provoking a robust immune response against FIPV. Additionally, molecular docking analysis demonstrated the ability of these epitopes to bind with feline MHC class I molecules. Through the utilization of suitable linkers, these epitopes, along with adjuvants, were integrated to design a multi-epitope vaccine candidate. Furthermore, the stability of the interaction between the vaccine candidate and feline Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) was established via molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation analyses. This suggests good prospects for future experimental validation to ascertain the efficacy of our vaccine candidate in inducing a protective immune response against FIP

An evidence based efficacy and safety assessment of the ethnobiologicals against poisonous and non-poisonous bites used by the tribals of three westernmost districts of West Bengal, India: Anti-phospholipase A2 and genotoxic effects.

IntroductionTo explore the ethnobiological wisdom of the tribals of three western districts of West Bengal, India against poisonous and non-poisonous bites and stings, a quantitative approach was adopted. These age-old yet unexplored knowledge can be utilized in finding lead-molecules against poisonous and non-poisonous animal-bites. Further, an evidence-based approach is needed to assess the venom-neutralization ability of plants by experimental studies.Materials and methodsDuring 2008-2009 and 2012-2017, 11 ethnomedicinal surveys were carried out to explore the use of medicinal flora and fauna via conducting open semi-structured interviews with 47 traditional healers (THs) or informants. The retrieved dataset was statistically evaluated using seven quantitative-indexes: use-value (UV), informants'-consensus-factor (ICF), fidelity-level (FL), relative-importance (RI), cultural importance-index (CI), index of agreement on remedies (IAR) and cultural agreement-index (CAI). Anti-phospholipaseA2 (PLA2) properties of selected plant extracts were also examined. In addition, the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the water extract of the plants showing high FL as well as significant PLA2 inhibitory potential were investigated using Allium cepa root tip assay.ResultsA total of 41 traditional-formulations (TFs) containing 40 plant species (of 39 genera from 28 families) and 3 animal species were prescribed by the THs. Fabaceae exhibited most number of medicinal plants. Piper nigrum (1.78) and Apis cerana indica and Crossopriza lyoni (both 0.21) exhibited the highest UV among the plants and the animals respectively. Stinging of centipede and dog/cat/hyena bite displayed highest ICF (1.00 each). Among the plants, the maximum RI (0.91) and CI (4.98) values were observed for Aristolochia indica. IAR (1.00) was recorded maximum for Achyranthes aspera, Gloriosa superba, Lycopodium cernuum, Smilax zeylanica and Streblus asper. Maximum CAI value was noted for Piper nigrum (5.5096). Among the animals, Apis cerana indica (0.31) and Crossopriza lyoni (1.52) displayed the highest RI and CI values respectively. Crossopriza lyoni (0.99) and Apis cerana indica (1.3871) exhibited maximum IAR and CAI values respectively. Plants showing higher FL exhibited higher anti-PLA2 activity via selective inhibition of human-group PLA2. In addition, Allium cepa root tip assay has indicated the safety and/or toxicity of the plant parts prescribed by the THs. Root water extracts of Aristolochia indica and Gloriosa superba exhibited significant genotoxicity and cytotoxicity.ConclusionsThree western districts of West Bengal is the natural abode for many tribal and non-tribal communities. A noteworthy correlation was established between the plants used against poisonous-bites and their anti-PLA2 activity. A few plant parts used by the THs also exhibited high toxicity. Such alternative medical practices serve as the only option in these underprivileged and backward areas during medical-exigencies

Assessment of Phytoremediation Potential of Three Weed Plant Species in Soil Contaminated with Lead and Chromium

The study aimed to compare the tolerance capacity of Cyperus iria, Achyranthes aspera, and Eruca sativa to lead-contaminated and chromium-contaminated soils and to check their phytoremediation potential by pot culture experimentation. The experiment was conducted in three replicates in pots having 4 kg of sieved soil mixed with different doses of chromium, 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, and 350 mg·kg−1, and lead, 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800 mg·kg−1. The experiment was conducted for 80 days, and roots were harvested two times, i.e., at 40 days and 80 days after sowing. Metal accumulation in the roots was determined by the atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. The result of the study indicated that C. iria has the maximum potential to accumulate both the metals in its roots than other two plants. The order of chromium metal accumulation was found to be C. iria > E. sativa > A. aspera. On the other hand, the order of lead metal accumulation was found to be C. iria > A. aspera > E. sativa