Emergence of SARS-CoV-2: Insight in genomics to possible therapeutics

Rising of a new virus from city of Cathay, responsible for 2019 global pandemic is caused by SARS-CoV-2marked as a great threat for populations. The member (CoV-2) from vast family of Covid virus with single- stranded RNA spread to over 216 countries and billions of individuals died all around the globe. Regardless of all strict standard operating procedures, special care and therapies, SARS-CoV-2 mutating its genomic structure and leads to shutting the world. While different therapeutic approaches face problems due to the complexity in pathogenicity mechanism of CoV-2 and its variants. Mechanism of action, genome analysis, transmission, development of broad-spectrum antiviral medications and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have been reported which are essential for future directions to control this pandemic. Here, in this review, these domains were discussed to highlight the genome structure pathophysiology, immune response, multiple diagnostic methods, and possible treatment strategies. This review deliberates the methodologies for creating practical vaccinations and treatment cocktail to manage this eruption.Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; Genetics; Epidemiology   

Probiotic potential of encapsulated Lactobacillus species in yogurt formation indigenously isolated from dairy source

Background: Exploration of beneficial bacteria as probiotics inputs are drawing interest in dairy industry but their long-term survival and viability is an important consideration.Methods: The current work focused on the exploration of probiotic potential of indigenously isolated Lactobacillus strains from dairy products and their encapsulation and utilization in yogurt formation.Results: These Lactobacillus strains were identified as Lactobacillus fermentum MGA23-1 and Lactobacillus fermentum LMEM19 and found resistant to inhibitory substances like phenol (0.2%), bile salts (0.3%), pancreatin (0.5%) and pepsin (0.3%). The highest antibacterial activity was observed by Lactobacillus fermentum MGA23-1 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13mm). Encapsulation experiment showed that the number of bacterial CFU/g increased significantly (p < 0.05) in beads during storage up to 7 days. Chemical characterization of microcapsules was assessed using FTIR and showed characteristics wavelength major at 1541 – 1716 cm-1 and 3336 cm-1. Yogurt was prepared using a single probiotic strain, in a consortium of Lactobacillus fermentum MGA23-1 and Lactobacillus fermentum LMEM19 and in the form of beads. Best results were observed in the case of microencapsulation.Conclusion: It was concluded that both strains had the potential to be used as a probiotic in the dairy industry.Keywords: Probiotic; Tolerance to inhibitory substances; Antibacterial activity; Adhesion ability; Safety; Microencapsulation; FTIR  

Biodeterioration of Microplastics: A Promising Step towards Plastics Waste Management

Polyethylene and Polyester materials are resistant to degradation and a significant source of microplastics pollution, which is an emerging concern. In the present study, the potential of a dumped site bacterial community was evaluated. After primary screening, it was observed that 68.5% were linear low-density polyethylene, 33.3% were high-density, and 12.9% were Polyester degraders. Five strains were chosen for secondary screening, in which they were monitored by FTIR, SEM and weight loss degradation trials. Major results were observed for Alcaligenes faecalis (MK517568) and Bacillus cereus (MK517567), as they showed the highest degradation activity. Alcaligenes faecalis (MK517568) degrades LLDPE by 3.5%, HDPE by 5.8% and Polyester by 17.3%. Bacillus cereus (MK517567) is better tolerated at 30 °C and degrades Polyester by 29%. Changes in infrared spectra indicated degradation pathways of different strains depending on the types of plastics targeted. Through SEM analysis, groves, piths and holes were observed on the surface. These findings suggest that soil bacteria develop an effective mechanism for degradation of microplastics and beads that enables them to utilize plastics as a source of energy without the need for pre-treatments, which highlights the importance of these soil bacteria for the future of effective plastic waste management in a soil environment