Macro and Micro-fungi mediated synthesis of Silver

Silver nanoparticles of size ranging from 1 ∼ 100 nm are petite metallic colloidal particles, with its applications in diagnostics, biomarkers, imaging, cell labeling and drug delivery. Fungus-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles is an ecofriendly andgreen process with a comparatively simpler downstream processing. In the presentstudy, the ability of macrofungi and pine stand soil fungi was evaluated for their ability tosynthesize both extracellular as well as intracellular silver nanoparticles. When the macroand microfungi were challenged with 1 mM silver nitrate, colour change of the cell freefiltrates indicated the formation of silver nanoparticles. The presence of silvernanoparticles was confirmed by Surface Plasmon Resonance absorption band in visiblewavelength visualized every 24h upto 72h.Silver nanoparticles are known to possess asharp peak in a range of 400-450 nm and peaks observed at 457nm, 403nm and 414nm bymushroom support their synthesis in comparison to that of 349nm by soil fungi.Transmission Electron Microscopic analysis of the silver nanoparticles revealed thenanorange, dimensions and structural conformation ofbio synthesized nanoparticles.Synergistic study of the synthesized nanoparticles revealed a significant antibacterialactivity against four pathogens viz. MTCC 730 (Escherichia coli), MTCC 1925(Streptococcus pyogenes), MTCC 96 (Staphylococcus aureus) and MTCC 430 (Bacilluscereus).Additionally, the silver nanoparticles inhibited the growth of the yeastpathogen MTCC 183 (Candida albicans) which showed synergistic enhancement inactivity along with flucanazole. The fungal samples were analyzed for phytochemicalconstituents who led to reduction of silver nitrate into nanoparticles. The results obtainedindicated that the experimental voucher fungus are more competent than soil fungi insynthesizing silver nanoparticles and can be used a potent natural antibacterial source forvarious pharmaceutical and textile applications

Pathology of co-contamination of mycotoxins in poultry farms of Aizawl district of Mizoram

The study was conducted to investigate the naturally occurring pathology of co-contamination of mycotoxins in poultry farms in Aizawl, Mizoram. During the investigation, different chicken farms (n=73) were surveyed for occurrence of disease and mortality. The feed samples collected from affected farms were tested for the presence of aflatoxin, ochratoxin and zearalenone by ELISA kits. The dead birds were subjected to necropsy. Visceral organs from the dead birds were processed for histopathological studies. Fourteen feed samples, out of 49 tested (28.5%) were found affected by co-contamination with aflatoxin, ochratoxin and zearalenone. In this study, the mean level of aflatoxin, ochratoxin and zearalenone was 13.49693 ppb, 4.296286 ppb and 81.74543 ppb, respectively. Clinical signs were ruffled feathers, depression, dullness, huddling, poor growth, anorexia. Necropsy revealed pathological lesions in visceral and lymphoid organs. Histopathological findings were inflammations, degenerative, and necrotic lesions in liver and kidneys. A perusal of available literature did not reveal any study on the presence of co-contamination of Mycotoxicosis in poultry and poultry feed in Aizawl