Coconut Shell Extract Research Articles

Effect of coconut shell extract on the growth performance and some haemato-biochemical parameters of broiler chicken

This experiment was carried out at Sumitra Research Institute, Gujarat, India to evaluate the effect of coconut shell extract on the growth performance and some haemato-biochemical parameters of broiler chicken. 240 – 1 day old Hubbard broiler chicks of mixed sex were randomly distributed to six treatments with six replicates containing ten birds each in a completely randomized design. Birds in treatment 1(T1) was fed standard diet with no coconut shell extract; T2: standard diet with 1.0 mL coconut shell extract per liter of water; T3: standard diet with 2.0 mL coconut shell extract per liter of water and T4: standard diet with 3.0 mL coconut shell extract per liter of water. Standard diet was formulated according to the nutritional needs of broilers. The study lasted for fifty-six day and birds were offered fresh clean water and feed ad libitum. Phenols (410.3 mg/g-1), tannins (98.21 mg/g-1), alkaloids (100.6 mg/g-1), flavonoids (309.5 mg/g-1), saponins (71.4 mg/g-1) and steroids (28.7 mg/g-1) were identified coconut shell extract. Overall weight gains of birds fed T3 (2506.3 g) and T4 (2527.6 g) had a numerical and a remarkable significant improvement if feed conversion ratio from 1.92 to 1.59 compared to T2 (2210.0 g) and T1 (1996.1 g). Mortality was only recorded among birds in T1 (2.00 %) (p < 0.05). Pack cell volume, red blood cell, white blood cell, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentrations were influenced (p < 0.05) by the treatments. However, values were within the normal range for healthy birds. Total protein, albumin and globulin values were higher in T2, T3 and T4 except for alanine phosphatase, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase values which were not significantly (p > 0.05) different among the treatment. Total cholesterol was higher (p < 0.05) in T1 relative to the other treatments. It was concluded that coconut shell extract can be fed to broilers up to 3.0 mL without causing any negative effect on the health status of animals.

Biotransformation of banana peel waste into bacterial nanocellulose and its modification for active antimicrobial packaging using polyvinyl alcohol with in-situ generated silver nanoparticles

The present study explored the banana peel waste extract (E-BPW) as economic BNC production using a static intermittent fed-batch (SIFB) strategy, which supported about 9.24 ± 0.31 g L−1 with HS medium. BNC matrix was further loaded with polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and silver nitrate by simple immersion and analyzed for suitable capacity for an antimicrobial active packaging system. Using coconut shell extract as a reducing agent, a green route was exercised for the in-situ generation of AgNPs inside the BNC and PVOH matrix. The parameters’ level and effect were studied statistically using a complete factorial design. PVOH-incorporated BNC matrix improved mechanical behavior while moisture content and WVTR decreased. The BNC/PVOH/AgNPs films exhibited maximum inhibition zone widths of approximately 17 ± 0.5 mm against E. coli and 14 ± 0.0 mm against S. aureus. Investigation of pure BNC, BNC/PVOH/AgNPs bionanocomposite films was done by using advanced analytical techniques. Bionanocomposite films also showed excellent mechanical strength, thermal properties, and sensory evaluation results due to the reinforcing effect of PVOH and AgNPs on the BNC matrix. Overall, the present findings supported the use of EBPW for BNC production and the possibility of PVOH/BNC/AgNPs bionanocomposite films as an active antimicrobial packaging system.

Synergistic enhancement of biohydrogen production by supplementing with green synthesized magnetic iron nanoparticles using thermophilic mixed bacteria culture

The production of biohydrogen can be improved by focusing on the nutrients needed by fermentative bacteria like iron. Iron reacts with the [Fe-Fe]-hydrogenase enzyme within the mixed bacteria culture for optimum hydrogen release. Iron nanoparticles (NPs) are attractive due to its unique properties and high reactivity. It can be produced through green synthesis, a more eco-friendly and relatively lower cost process, by using iron salt as precursor and green coconut shell extracted by deep eutectic solvent (DES) as reducing agent. The coconut shell extract consists of phytochemicals that help in producing polydisperse magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles at ∼75 nm in size. The addition of optimum concentration of 200 mg Fe/L magnetic iron NPs resulted in the maximum cumulative hydrogen production, glucose utilization and hydrogen yield of 101.33 mL, 9.12 g/L and 0.79 mol H2/mol glucose respectively. Furthermore, the kinetic analysis on Gompertz model using the optimum magnetic iron NPs concentration showed that the hydrogen production potential (P) and hydrogen production rate (Rm) increased to 50.69 mL and 3.30 mL/h respectively and the lag phase time reduced about 7.12 h as compared with the control experiment (0 mg Fe/L). These results indicated the positive effects of magnetic iron NPs supplementation on fermentative biohydrogen production of mixed bacteria culture and proved the feasibility of adding the magnetic iron NPs as the micronutrient for enhancement of such hydrogen production system.

Comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of various concentrations of nonalcoholic extracts of crude coconut shell oil, orange peel, and mango leaf with that of xylitol on Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans

Background: The use of plant extracts, as well as other alternative forms of medical treatments, is enjoying great popularity since late 1990s. Scientists from all over the have found literally thousands of phytochemicals which have inhibitory effects on all types of microorganisms in vitro. Moreover, there are the reports of potential hazards and microbial resistance against the commonly used antibiotics. Aim: The objective of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of various concentrations of nonalcoholic extracts of crude coconut shell oil, orange peel, and mango leaf with that of xylitol on Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: Microbial strains were procured and revived on nutrient agar media. Coconut shell oil extract was prepared by heating ground shell in an earth pot for 3 h. Mango leaf extract was collected by powdering them using a blender and water extracts were prepared using agitation method. Orange peel extract was collected from the fresh peels of oranges which was pureed in a blender. The puree was subjected to hydrodistillation. The oil was separated. 10 g of Xylitol was dissolved in 10 ml of distilled water for base extract. 25%, 50%, 100%, and 200% dilutions of the extracts and xylitol were prepared. The susceptibility of the oral pathogens was determined by the well diffusion method. The extracts were pipetted into the wells and then incubated at 37°C overnight. After overnight incubation, the diameter of the clear zone produced was measured in cm. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts was evaluated by the microdilution method. Serial dilutions of the extracts and xylitol were added to the wells prepared in the agar plate along with nutrient broth and culture. The plates were placed in an incubator at 37°C for 24 h. The absence of turbidity in the wells was recorded as MIC. Results: Highest zone of inhibition was recorded for coconut shell extract against both the test organisms followed by Xylitol. Mango leaf extract and orange peel extract could not demonstrate statistically significant results. The inhibitory effect increased with increasing concentration. MIC of coconut shell extract against C. albicans and S. mutans was found out to be 37.5 mg and 25 mg, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, it may be concluded that antibacterial and antifungal effect of nonalcoholic extracts of crude coconut shell extract is more when compared to mango leaf, orange peel, and xylitol. Mango leaf and orange peel extracts showed minimum activity.

Propiedades fisicoquímicas y antifúngicas de películas activas de gelatina-carboximetilcelulosa con extracto de cáscara de coco

Introduction: The formulation of bioactive packaging represents an innovative alternative to control the development of microorganisms affecting the shelf life of foods. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of a coconut shell extract added to gelatincarboxymethylcellulose biopolymeric films on their physicochemical and antifungal properties to determine their potential use as packaging material for fruit and vegetable products. Methodology: Gelatin-carboxymethylcellulose films were prepared with different concentrations of coconut shell extract and their thickness, mechanical (puncture force and tensile strength), physical (water vapor permeability) and microstructural properties, color, FTIR, UV light transmittance, opacity and in vitro antifungal activity were determined. Results: Changes in mechanical, physical and microstructural properties were observed depending on the concentration of the extract. The color was modified by the effect of the extract, with higher opacity and lower light transmittance as its concentration increased. Intermolecular interactions between the biopolymers and the extract components were observed in the FTIR spectra. In vitro tests showed inhibitory capacity on the growth of Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus stolonifer. Limitations of the study: The effect of the coconut shell additive only applies to the extraction conditions used. Originality: There are no studies supporting the antifungal capacity of coconut shell extract added to biopolymer films. Conclusions: Active gelatin-carboxymethylcellulose films with antifungal activity were reported. The physical and structural properties of the films make them suitable for use as packaging material for fruit and vegetable products.

Development and characterization of PVA-starch incorporated with coconut shell extract and sepiolite clay as an antioxidant film for active food packaging applications

An active antioxidant film was fabricated by using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and corn starch (ST) and incorporated with and 3, 5, 10, and 20% (v/v) coconut shell extract (CSE) and sepiolite clay (SP) for the first time. The microstructure and physical properties of prepared films were characterized and examined. The addition of sepiolite clay to PVA improved the elongation break 15.57 to 69.24%, and water vapor permeability increased with the addition of CSE. In addition to CSE to films, the antioxidant activity properties of the films were enhanced up to 80%. Further, increasing the amount of CSE slightly affected the color of the active films. The thermal properties of films were enhanced with the addition of CSE and SP. The dispersion of SP in the PVA matrix was affected by an increase in CSE concentration in the PVA matrix. Remarkably, PVA-ST film-based sachets successfully improved the oxidative stability of packaged soybean oil. Our results suggest PVA-ST film containing CSE and sepiolite clay can be utilized as a novel antioxidant packaging material in the food processing industry.

Gallic Acid an Agricultural Byproduct Modulates the Biofilm Matrix Exopolysaccharides of the Phytopathogen Ralstonia solanacearum

Ralstonia solanacearum is a soil-borne plant pathogen which causes wilt disease in economically important crops of the Solanaceae family in tropical and temperate regions. As biofilm formation is the major virulence factor in R. solanacearum, research inputs are necessary to identify natural biofilm inhibitors to mitigate virulence of this bacterium. Hence in the present work, the anti-biofilm potential of phytochemical compound gallic acid (GA) isolated from an agricultural byproduct (cashewnut shell) was investigated. Initially the Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of crude extracts of cashewnut shell and coconut shell against R. solanacearum were investigated. The MIC of both the extracts were 400µg/ml and their sub-MIC (200µg/ml) inhibited biofilms in the range of 62-70% and 49-57%, respectively. As the cashewnut shell extract have higher biofilm inhibitory effect compared to coconut shell extract, we proceeded our further study by isolating the major compound GA from cashewnut shell by acid hydrolysate method. The sub-MIC of crude cashewnut shell extract inhibited 85% of young biofilms. The MIC of GA were observed at 3mg/ml and sub-MIC (1.5mg/ml) was found to eradicate 85% of mature biofilms which was confirmed by standard crystal violet assay and the biofilm reduction was further visualized under light microscopy and scanning electron microscopic images. Toxicity of GA was evaluated against R. solanacearum through XTT cell viability assay and found no antibacterial effect at sub-MIC. Additionally, it is confirmed with growth curve and time kill assays. Swimming and twitching motility were considered as an important virulence factors to invade plants and to block the xylem vessels. Therefore, sub-MIC of GA was found to inhibit both swimming and twitching motility of about 93% and 63% respectively. Anti-biofilm efficacy of GA was also worked well with tomato plant model where remarkable biofilm inhibition was found on treatment with GA before and after 24h of infection with R. solanacearum. Hence GA will be an alternative, cheap source which is eco-friendly as well as novel source for the treatment of R. solanacearum biofilms and to prevent wilt disease in important crops.

Antimicrobial and Phytochemical Activity of Coconut Shell Extracts

Coconut shell extract contains phytochemical compounds tannins, saponins and steroids which are thought to act as antimicrobial compounds. This makes coconut shell extract has great potential as a natural preservative, one of which is the natural preservative coconut sap. This study aims to know the effect of coconut shell type, extraction time, extraction temperature and the combination of the three treatments on the antimicrobial activity and phytochemical extracts produced. This study using a Randomized Block Design (RBD). The factors tested were coconut shell type consisting of: fresh old coconut shell; dry old coconut shell; fresh young coconut shell; dry young coconut shell; length of extraction time consisting of: 3 and 5 hours‘ extraction time, and extraction temperature consisting of: 28°C and 70°C. The variables observed in this study include microbiological and phytochemical variables. The results showed that all type of coconut shell extract contains phytochemical compounds such as tannin, saponins, and some samples contain steroid compounds and had the ability of antimicrobial activity, especially in the bacterium A.aceti. The combination of a dry old shell with an extraction time of 3 hours and extraction temperature of 28°C has the highest antimicrobial activity against A.aceti bacteria with inhibition zone diameter of 13.25 mm, positive containing phytochemical compounds tannins, saponins and steroids and contains total phenol levels of 18.67 mg/100g.

Potent Chitin Synthase Inhibitors from Plants

Background:Chitin is the main component of fungal, protozoan and helminth cell wall. They help to maintain the structural and functional characteristics of these organisms. The chitin wall is dynamic and is repaired, rearranged and synthesized as the cells develop. Active synthesis can be noticed during cytokinesis, laying of primary septum, maintenance of lateral cell wall integrity and hyphal tip growth. Chitin synthesis involves coordinated action of two enzymes namely, chitin synthase (that lays new cell wall) and chitinase (that removes the older ones). Since chitin synthase is conserved in different eukaryotic microorganisms that can be a ‘soft target’ for inhibition with small molecules. When chitin synthase is inhibited, it leads to the loss of viability of cells owing to the self- disruption of the cell wall by existing chitinase.Methods:In the described study, small molecules from plant sources were screened for their ability to interfere with hyphal tip growth, by employing Hyphal Tip Burst assay (HTB). Aspergillus niger was used as the model organism. The specific role of these small molecules in interfering with chitin synthesis was established with an in-vitro method. The enzyme required was isolated from Aspergillus niger and its activity was deduced through a novel method involving non-radioactively labelled substrate. The activity of the potential lead molecules were also checked against Candida albicans and Caenorhabditis elegans. The latter was adopted as a surrogate for the pathogenic helminths as it shares similarity with regard to cell wall structure and biochemistry. Moreover, it is widely studied and the methodologies are well established.Results:Out of the 11 compounds and extracts screened, 8 were found to be prospective. They were also found to be effective against Candida albicans and Caenorhabditis elegans.Conclusion:Purified Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Fraction1 (F1) of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Shell Extract (COSE) was found to be more effective against Candida albicans with an IC50 value of 3.04 μg/mL and on L4 stage of Caenorhabditis elegans with an IC50 of 77.8 μg/mL.

Protective effects of Coconut(Cocos Nucifera Linn) shell extract on the microstructural and functional abnormalities of kidneys in rats with metabolic syndrome

Protective effects of Coconut(Cocos Nucifera Linn) shell extract on the microstructural and functional abnormalities of kidneys in rats with metabolic syndrome

In vitro antibacterial activity of nut by-products against foodborne pathogens and their application in fresh-cut fruit model.

Aqueous extract of nut by-products (cashewnut shell, coconut shell, and peanut hull) were studied for their physicochemical properties, antibacterial activity and food preservation potential in an artificially inoculated fresh-cut fruit (papaya) model. Physicochemical characteristics revealed the colour, odor, nearly neutral pH (6.67-6.83), high water solubility (69.18-82.63%) and total phenolic content (1130.54-2403.41mg GAE/100g) of the extracts. The antibacterial property of the extracts evaluated by zone of inhibition assay revealed that cashew nut shell extract had a strong inhibition effect on Escherichia coli (18mm), Listeria monocytogenes (18mm), and Salmonella enterica (16mm). Food preservative effect of extracts was examined in an artificially inoculated fresh-cut papaya model, and both cashewnut and coconut shell extracts significantly reduced the population of the above mentioned foodborne pathogens. However, when compared to coconut shell extract, the application of cashewnut shell extract was found to affect the sensory property of the fresh-cut fruit as darkening of the cut fruit was observed. So, the coconut shell extract could be considered as a natural source of antibacterial agent for food preservative applications. Phytochemical investigation through LC-MS/MS technique revealed that luteolin as the major constituent of coconut shell extract.

Use of agricultural waste (coconut shell) for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles and evaluation of their antibacterial activity against selected human pathogens

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is environmentally satisfactory because of their low cost and safe to nature. In the present study, extract of an agricultural waste, coconut (Cocos nucifera) shell is used to synthesize AgNPs and their antibacterial effect was investigated against selected human pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium. The AgNPs synthesized using coconut shell extract (CSE-AgNPs) were characterized using UV–Visible spectroscopy (absorption peak at 432 nm), Transmission Electron Microscopy (spherical shaped particles size of 14.2–22.96 nm), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy indicating the CSE capping around the AgNPs (Peaks 1384, 1609 and 3418 corresponds to organic molecules) and X-Ray Diffraction (Peak at 32.078 and 2-Theta). CSE-AgNPs exhibited zone of inhibition against S. aureus (15 mm), E. coli (13 mm), S. typhimurium (13 mm) and L. monocytogenes (10 mm) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 26, 53, 106 and 212 μg/ml, respectively. Growth curve assay showed the effectiveness of CSE-AgNPs to inhibit the selected pathogens when compared to amphicillin control and extract. Scanning electron microscopy results indicated that the cell wall degradation might be the possible mechanism of antibacterial action of CSE-AgNPs. Different concentrations of AgNPs (0.078–2.5 mg/ml) showed no toxicity against human PBMC cell line. Hence, such highly effective CSE-AgNPs could be explored as antibacterial agent.

Fire resistant behaviour of cellulosic textile functionalized with wastage plant bio-molecules: A comparative scientific report

Three different wastage plant based bio-molecules named banana peel powder (Musa acuminata) (BPP), coconut shell (Cocos nucifera) extract (CSE) and pomegranate rind (Punica granatum) extract (PRE) have been explored as fire resistant material on the cellulosic polymer (cotton fabric). To this end, extracts have been applied to the cotton fabric in different concentration at elevated temperature for specific time period. Treated cotton fabric showed 6 (BPP), 8.5 (CSE) and 12 (PRE) times lower vertical burning rate compared to the control cotton fabric. Thermo-gravimetry (TG) curves and the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value revealed that the PRE extract (LOI: 32) treated fabric encompassed more thermal stability compared to the BPP (LOI:26) and the CSE (LOI: 27) treated fabric as it showed higher oxygen index and more weight retention (40%) at higher temperature 450°C. Moreover, the carbonaceous samples remained after the burning of the extracts and the treated fabrics showed structural integration and more carbon content [65.6 (PRE extract) and 76.3% (PRE treated cotton)] compared to the fragile, net like char of the control cotton fabric, having less carbon content (49.8%). Gas Chromatography Mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) of the different extracts (CSE, PRE, BPP) used for the study showed the presence of high molecular weight aromatic phenolic compounds, tannin based compound and the nitrogen containing alkaloids, responsible for fire resistant effect of the different extract treated fabric. Besides fire retardancy, all the treated fabric showed attractive natural colour (measured by colour strength values) and there has been no adverse effect on the tensile strength property of the fabric after the treatment.

Development of thermally stable and hygienic colored cotton fabric made by treatment with natural coconut shell extract

As far as the value addition of textile is concerned, flame retardancy of textile materials is considered to be one of the most important properties in textile finishing by both industries as well as academic researchers. Flame-retardant property with thermal stability was imparted to cotton by using green coconut ( Cocos nucifera Linn) shell extract, a natural waste source of coconut. Coconut shell extract was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry and its phytochemical analysis was also carried out. The coconut shell extract (acidic after extraction) was applied in three different pH (acidic, neutral, and alkaline) conditions to the cotton fabric. Flame-retardant properties of the untreated and the treated cotton fabrics were analyzed by limiting oxygen index and vertical flammability. The study showed that all the treated fabrics had good flame resistance property compared to that of the untreated fabric. The limiting oxygen index value was found to increase by 72.2% after application of the coconut shell extract from alkaline pH. Pyrolysis and char formation behavior of the concerned fabrics were studied using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetric analysis in a nitrogen atmosphere. The physicochemical composition of the untreated and coconut shell extract treated cotton fabrics were analyzed by attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscope, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Also, treated cotton fabric showed natural brown color and antibacterial property against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The durability of the flame-retardant functionality to washing with soap solution has also been studied and reported in this paper.

Novel Method of Ecofriendly Single Bath Dyeing and Functional Finishing of Wool Protein with Coconut Shell Extract Biomolecules

The present work mainly deals with the study of the efficacy of coconut shell extract (CSE), an eco-friendly natural waste product, as a dye and also as an acid dyeing medium, for coloration and multifunctional finishing of wool fabric for fire retardancy and UV-protective effects. The wool fabric was dyed with coconut shell extract “as-it-is” and in concentrated form at pH 4.5. A UV–visible spectrometry determination was used for color measurement whereas gas chromatography mass spectrometry identified some of the components of CSE. The limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical flammability, and fire retardancy were determined, while thermal degradation was studied using thermogravimetric analysis. Scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis was used to examine the surface depositions for elements present in the CSE treated fabric. The chemical modification and the structural conformation of the wool fabric were studied using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Fabric dyed with CSE at pH 4.5, and with synthetic acid dye in CSE, showed more exhaustion of color and color strength as well as thermal stability as compared to that of the fabric dyed in water medium with synthetic acid dye.

Coconut shell extract imparting multifunction properties to ligno-cellulosic material

Flame retardant textiles are increasingly in demand. There have been a number of approaches by which textile material is made flame retardant. The plant extracts imparting such properties to lingo-cellulosic material has been studied in this work. The paper reports the application of green coconut ( Cocosnucifera Linn) shell extract which is a natural waste source onto jute fabric. The acidic coconut shell extract was applied in neutral and alkaline conditions on jute fabric in different concentrations. The emerging fabric showed good flame retardant properties which were measured by different standard flammability tests. The limiting oxygen index value found to increase by 48% after application of alkaline coconut shell extract as such and on concentrating the coconut shell extract, it was found to increase 81%. The thermo gravimetric behaviour and degradation mechanism were studied by using thermo gravimetric analysis in nitrogen atmosphere. The presence of different elements, chemical groups and the structural topography of the untreated and coconut shell extract-treated lingo-cellulosic fabric were analysed by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared, Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and phytochemical analysis tests. In addition to the flame retardant property, the treated fabric showed natural colour (measured by colour strength value) and antibacterial property against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria.

Antifungal Potential and Antioxidant Efficacy in the Shell Extract of Cocos nucifera (L.) (Arecaceae) against Pathogenic Dermal Mycosis.

Background: Coconut is a tropical fruit well known for its essential oils that have been recognized for their biological activities since ancient times. There have been no previous investigations on the essential oils from coconut shells. Method: The shell extract of Cocos nucifera (L.) was prepared by the Soxhlet method and total phenolic content (TPC) in the extract was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) assay. The antioxidant potential of the coconut shell extract was evaluated by using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract was determined by the strip method against clinically isolated dermal mycosis of 20 infected patients. Result: Total antioxidant activity varied from 92.32% to 94.20% and total phenolic content was found at 5.33 ± 0.02 mg/g in the coconut shell extract. The extract was found to be most effective as an antifungal against human pathogenic fungi, including A. niger, A. flavus, T. rubrum, M. canis, M. gypseum, A. fumigates, T. mentagrophyte and T. vercossum. The crude shell extract was highly effective against all dermal mycosis tested with the MIC ranging from 62 mm to 90 mm, whereas all fungal samples showed good inhibitory effect. Conclusion: The results of the present study provide a potential cure for microbial infections.

Green coconut shell extract and boric acid: new formulation for making thermally stable cellulosic paper

Green coconut shell extract and boric acid: new formulation for making thermally stable cellulosic paper

Dyeing effect on silk-fabric with vegetable dye using greencoconut (cocos nucifera) shell

Silk fabric was dyed with vegetable dye using green coconut shell extract. The dyeing characteristics of the dye were investigated with regard to dye concentration, pH of dye-bath, different mordant uses and dyeing time. A small variation in these above experimental parameters gave numerous shades of satisfactory fastness when applying various destructive agents like wash and light. In all cases the optimum dyeing time was one hour and the pH of dye bath was 4.0-4.5 for 2-3% dye concentration and 3.0-3.5 for 5% dye concentration.

Green coconut (Cocos nucifera Linn) shell extract mediated size controlled green synthesis of polyshaped gold nanoparticles and its application in catalysis

The shell extract of green coconut (Cocos nucifera Linn) has been utilized for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles at room temperature under very mild condi- tion without any extra stabilizing or capping agents. The size of the synthesized gold nanoparticles could be con- trolled by varying the concentration of the shell extract. The stabilized gold nanoparticles were analyzed by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, HRTEM, Energy dis- persive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction studies. The catalytic activity of the freshly synthesized gold nanoparticles was studied for the sodium borohydride reduction of 4-nitrophenol and the kinetics of the reduction reaction were studied spectrophotometrically.