Fibre Optic SPR Sensor Using Functionalized CNTs for the Detection of SMX: Comparison with Enzymatic Approach

Plasmonics - A novel approach for the detection of sulfamethaxazole (SMX) based on fibre optic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique and functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is proposed for 0...     

Designing novel inhibitors against falcipain-2 of Plasmodium falciparum

Coumarin containing pyrazoline derivatives have been synthesized and tested as inhibitors of in vitro development of a chloroquine-sensitive (MRC-02) and chloroquine-resistant (RKL-2) strain of Plasmodium falciparum and in vivo Plasmodium berghei malaria. Docking study was also done on cysteine protease falcipain-2 which showed that the binding pose of C-14 molecule and epoxysuccinate, inhibitor of falcipain-2, binds in the similar pattern. The most active antimalarial compound was 3-(1-benzoyl-5-(4-flurophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-3yl)-7-(diethyamino)-2H-chromen-2-one C-14, with an IC₅₀ of 4.21?µg/ml provided complete protection to the infected mice at 24?mg/kg X 4?days respectively.     

Aspergillosis in German cockroach Blattella germanica (L.) (Blattoidea: Blattellidae)

Natural infection of Aspergillus flavus was observed in adults of Blattella germanica. Though the adult insects exhibited no external symptoms, they became hypoactive and later died. The dead and experimentally infected insects repeatedly yielded Aspergillus flavus in culture on Czapek's medium. Direct microscopic observation of the tissues of infected insects revealed fungal material. The blood films stained with Giemsa stain showed granulocytes (GRs) engulfing fungal hyphae. A remarkable increase in GR and plasmatocyte (PL) counts occurred in differential haemocyte counts (DHCs) of the infected insects. Two main types of immunological responses of the insect noticed were phagocytosis and encapsulation. DHC showed maximum involvement of GRs and PLs in immune mechanism. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Rhamnolipid biosurfactants: evolutionary implications,applications and future prospects from untapped marine resource

Rhamnolipid-biosurfactants are known to be produced by the genus Pseudomonas, however recent literature reported that rhamnolipids (RLs) are distributed among diverse microbial genera. To integrate the evolutionary implications of rhamnosyl transferase among various groups of microorganisms, a comprehensive comparative motif analysis was performed amongst bacterial producers. Findings on new RL-producing microorganism is helpful from a biotechnological perspective and to replace infective P. aeruginosa strains which ultimately ensure industrially safe production of RLs. Halotolerant biosurfactants are required for efficient bioremediation of marine oil spills. An insight on the exploitation of marine microbes as the potential source of RL biosurfactants is highlighted in the present review. An economic production process, solid-state fermentation using agro-industrial and industrial waste would increase the scope of biosurfactants commercialization. Potential and prospective applications of RL-biosurfactants including hydrocarbon bioremediation, heavy metal removal, antibiofilm activity/biofilm disruption and greener synthesis of nanoparticles are highlighted in this review.     

Ethanol Biosensors and Electrochemical Oxidation of NADH

Comparative studies of the electrochemical oxidation of reduced nicotinamide coenzyme (NADH) at the surfaces of chemically modified graphite paste electrodes (CMEs) are reported. Three different electroactive materials, tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), tetrathiafulvalene (TTF), and dimethyl ferrocene (dmFc), were used to construct three different chemically modified paste electrodes. The oxidation of NADH was examined on the basis of cyclic voltammetric measurements. The results show that all three mediators (TCNQ, TTF, and dmFc) behave as efficient mediators of the oxidation of NADH. The typical response curves of NADH at the CMEs surfaces are reported. Incorporating alcohol dehydrogenase and electroactive materials (TCNQ, TTF, and dmFc) within the graphite paste electrodes has led to the development of ethanol biosensors. Typical response curves for the ethanol analysis are reported. Comparative studies on the mediated electrochemical responses of the biosensors to ethanol are discussed.