Plant Extract Solution Research Articles

Standardization of silver nanoparticle synthesis: Photocatalytic application (immobilized with chitosan complex) with textile dyes and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus using banana pseudo stem

The purpose of the study is to standardize the silver nanoparticle (BP-AgNPs) synthesis and its antibacterial activity and photocatalytic application with the selected dyes using the banana pseudo stem extract. “One-factor analysis (OFTA)” was carried out for the standardization of silver nanoparticle synthesis and nanoparticle-chitosan complex immobilization. The parameters were identified with plant quantity (20 g), silver nitrate concentration (1 mM), the ratio of plant extract and silver nitrate solution (2:8), pH (12), temperature (37 °C), dispersed light conditions, shaking conditions (120 rpm), and time (6 h) were analysed. The photocatalytic decolorization efficiency of the standardized BP-AgNPs (immobilized with chitosan complex) has shown 96.92% for methylene blue (10 ppm) at 3 h and 97.55% for safranin (100 ppm) at 15 h. The antibacterial activity for the synthesised BP-AgNPs was determined. MIC value of the BP-AgNPs was determined to be 15.62 μg. mL−1 for S. aureus. The synthesised BP-AgNPs treated with 0.5×, 1× and 2× MIC concentration (x = 15.62 μg. mL−1) showed decreased viable counts of S. aureus (99.6% at 2× concentration having viable count of 22.6 × 102 CFU. mL−1) at 24 h incubation when compared with the control culture. The structural characteristics of the BP-AgNPs were identified as spherical with SEM and the size was identified as 12.19 ± 1.62 nm with TEM and as 37.23 ± 17.89 nm with XRD. The parameters such as FTIR, Zeta potential, EDS further supports the nanoparticle synthesis with banana pseudostem extract. The current result suggested that, the silver nanoparticles (BP-AgNPs) synthesised using the extract of the banana pseudo stem could be used as an alternative source for dye decolorization and antibacterial activities.

Acaricidal activity of Egyptian crude plant extracts against Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks.

Haemaphysalis longicornis is a common Ixodida tick species found in temperate areas of Asian countries. An anti-tick assay was conducted on adult female H. longicornis ticks. Plant extract solutions were prepared at concentrations of 50, 25, and 10 mg/mL. Tick survival and mortality were assessed by counting the number of dead and live ticks at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h posttreatment. Out of 11 plant extracts screened, Artemisia judaica extract exhibited the highest potency with 100% mortality (5/5) at 48 h when applied at high and moderate concentrations (50 and 25 mg/mL). Similar results were observed at 96 h for the 10 mg/mL group compared to the untreated ticks. Cleome droserifolia extract demonstrated partial activity with 60% (3/5) and 20% (1/5) mortality at 96 h posttreatment at concentrations of 50 and 25 mg/mL, respectively. Forsskaolea tenacissima extract showed a weak effect with 100% tick mortality (5/5) only at the highest treatment concentration after 96 h. To confirm the activity of A. judaica, trial 2 was conducted. A. judaica demonstrated potency within 48 h in high dose and 72 h in moderate dose, with 100% mortality (15/15) at 96 h posttreatment compared to untreated ticks. The median lethal time 50 (LT50) values were 30.37 h for the high and 55.08 h for the moderate doses. Liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry was performed on the most potent candidate (A. judaica) to identify its phytochemical components. The results revealed the presence of 9 compounds identified through manual annotation and 74 compounds from the Global Natural Products Social library. These compounds included terpenoids, steroids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoid glycosides, flavonoids, and benzenoids. Camphor was identified as the major component via both approaches. These findings suggest the potential use of A. judaica extract in the future development of acaricidal therapeutics.

Innovative orthogonal two-dimensional reversed-phase liquid chromatography × supercritical fluid chromatography with a phenyl/tetrazole stationary phase for the preparative isolation of diarylheptanoids

In this investigation, we successfully isolated and purified natural diarylheptanoids using an orthogonal offline two-dimensional RPLC × SFC approach, employing only the phenyl/tetrazole stationary phase. First, a styrene-divinylbenzene matrix medium pretreatment liquid chromatography system effectively processed chlorophyll-containing plant extract solution with a recovery rate of 33.8 %, obviating the need for concentration steps. Subsequently, an offline two-dimensional RPLC × SFC employing only the phenyl/tetrazole stationary phase achieved a remarkable 96.38 % orthogonality and was established and utilized in the preparative separation and purification of natural products. Finally, the constructed single stationary phase highly orthogonal RPLC × SFC system was successfully applied in the preparative separation and purification of natural diarylheptanoids from the Saxifraga tangutica target fraction and yielded four diarylheptanoids with purities exceeding 95 %.

Use of plant extracts in fabricating manganese-based film electrode for capacitor

The possibility of using plant extracts to fabricate manganese-based film electrode for capacitor was explored in this study. This was achieved by using manganese sulfate as the source of manganese as well as triethylenetetramine (TETA) and extracts from pineapple leaf (ananas comosus), hibiscus rosa leaf, and ginger root (zingiber Officinale) to prepare the ink. During the experimentation, it was discovered that the application of different plant extract solutions led to the production of several manganese oxides. Moreover, electrode fabricated from Mn-TETA-GE had different forms of MnO, Mn2O3, and Mn3O4 as well as the highest average specific capacitance of 38 F g−1 which was almost a steady value. The results also showed that the presence of gingerol in the ginger extract solution led to the reduction of manganese ion to Mn. Furthermore, the oxidation state of Mn was varied to Mn2+ and Mn3+ due to the acidic condition of gingerol content. The variation of manganese oxide was not found to be significant in film electrode fabricated using hibiscus rosa and pineapple extracts. This confirmed that gingerol had the potential to be applied in fabricating electrode for capacitor.

Effect of electrolyte additives derived from natural plant extracts - Hibiscus Sabdariffa &Bidens Pilosa, on electrochemical performance of a lead-acid battery

Lead-Acid Batteries (LABs) remain a popular choice for energy storage due to their wide availability and reasonably low cost, but they exhibit a shorter cycle life and are non-eco-friendly. The objective of this study was to evaluate the discharge capacity of a flooded lead-acid battery using an electrolyte modifiedwith additives from natural plant extracts -Hibiscus Sabdariffa (H–S) and Bidens Pilosa (B–P) plants. The study utilized commercial LABs with electrolyte solutions of 100% sulfuric acid and varying volumes of plant extract solutions at concentration of 10% (w/v), 15.86% (w/v), 30% (w/v) and 44.14% (w/v). The effect of the additives was assessed by comparing the charge-discharge cycle times, coulombic efficiency and energy efficiency. The results show the longest measured discharge time of 4.63 h at 15.86% (w/v) of H–S additive-electrolyte solution, 0.13 h longer than for the standard electrolyte. The highest coulombic efficiency (CE) was 97.3% at 44.14% (w/v) of H–S additive electrolyte solution, 10% above the standard electrolyte. The highest value for energy efficiency (EF) was 83.8% achieved in the battery with 44.14% (w/v) H–S additive electrolyte solution. The best recorded performance with B–P additive electrolyte solution was, CE of 94.6% and EF of 81.3%, obtained at 15.86% (w/v) additive concentration. It is evident from the results that bio-active compounds present in the additive solution of plant extracts influenced the electrochemical performance of the battery. The novelty of this work lies in the choice of candidate plants named, H–S and B–P for green extracts and the methodology of extraction, which is low-cost, eco-friendly and sustainable. This study contributes to fundamental understanding and strategies towards economical and eco-friendly plant electrolyte batteries.

Greenery method for Synthesis of some alkali and alkaline earth metallic nanoparticles and its antibacterial screening activity

In the presence study of science and technology has greater significance for the development of nanoparticles and its physicochemical properties. Alkali and alkaline earth metalic nanoparticle has synthesized by using various plant extract and metalic solution. However, biogenic reduction of metal precursors to produce corresponding metalic nanoparticle is eco-friendly, low cost, free of chemical contaminants for medical and biological applications. The synthesized Metallic nanoparticle is found to be more susceptible towards the bacterial strains.

Nanofiber production from rose water and mate plant extract solutions using environmentally friendly electrospinning

In this study, it was aimed to produce nanofibers from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer using natural solvents such as rose water, rose extract and mate plant extract by the environmentally friendly electrospinning or green electrospinning technique in other words and it was also aimed to investigate the morphological properties of produced nanofibers. For this purpose, nanofibers having 7 different morphologies were produced from 4% PVA aqueous solutions. The morphologies of the produced nanofibers were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As a result of these analyses, it was observed that uniform nanofiber morphology was formed in nanofiber productions made with distilled water, while in the others, dense bead structure was formed at low voltages and nanofiber morphology with reduced bead amount at high voltages was observed. In all electrospinning experiments, it was observed that the nanofibers were randomly collected on the collector plate. It was observed that the nanofibers obtained from the solutions prepared from solvents other than distilled water, especially the one from the mate plant extract, had a low bead structure and a smooth morphology. These results showed that environmentally friendly nanofibers can be produced from natural solvents by electrospinning technique and their morphological properties can be improved via modification in process conditions. It is thought that the nanofibers produced within the scope of the study are candidate materials especially for health, hygiene and food applications since they are produced in pure properties without using any other additives.

Application of Statistical Model To Determine The Effectiveness of Plant Extract on The Mortality of Tea Thrips

Bioactive chemicals found in medicinal plant extracts aid in the mitigation, eradication and cure of diseases of living animals and plants. In the quest for novel medicinally significant plants, the current article focuses on determining the most successful and promising plants for suppressing tea leaf thrips (Scirtothrips bispinosus) through applying statistical model. 22 medicinal plants extraction had been used to achieve the stated goals of the study. Plant extract solutions were dissolved in their respective solvents at varied concentrations for the assessment of entomopathogenic activity, namely 1, 5, 10 and 15%. According to the Translog stochastic frontier model, the level of solution concentration has had a substantial negative influence on the mortality of tea thrips, with thrips mortality increasing dramatically as the concentration level was decreased. The technical effectiveness of the mortality showed that plant extracts and their related features were over 98 percent effective in controlling tea thrips, as opposed to chemicals and pesticides. Bangladesh J. Bot. 51(3): 401-410, 2022 (September)

Green Synthesis of Magnetic Ferrites (Fe3O4, CoFe2O4, and NiFe2O4) Stabilized by Aloe Vera Extract for Cancer Hyperthermia Activities

The magnetic nanoferrites (Fe <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sub> O <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">4</sub> , CoFe <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> O <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">4</sub> , and NiFe <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> O <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">4</sub> ) were synthesized via hydrothermal method using an aloe vera plant extract solution. Magnetic nanoferrites were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), field emission electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS). Cytotoxicity was obtained using the water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST) assay. X-ray diffraction analysis also demonstrated that the size range of the nanoferrites exhibited average diameters of 6–28 nm and also exhibited high crystallinity. Results showed that all the metallic nanoparticles (NPs) are magnetic with saturation values of Fe = 52 emu/g, Co = 33 emu/g, and Ni = 20.43 emu/g. The magnetic nanoferrites exhibited a high cell viability rate at high concentrations and as shown from the optical images of the cells signifies their nontoxic and biocompatibility property. From SEM and TEM, the spherical structure was noticeable and the particle size is also in accordance with XRD. The chemical states for each NP also confirmed the successful synthesis of each nanoferrite. Not to mention, the heating capabilities of the nanoferrites were investigated and showed significant temperature increase of 6 °C–8 °C and acceptable specific absorption rate (SAR) values. Interestingly, the results assure that the materials would be suitable as magnetic mediators for magnetic hyperthermia application for cancer treatment.

Effects of different plant (Marjoram and Olive leaf) extracts on quality characteristics of red and ordinary muscles of vacuum–packaged tuna–like fillets

A comparative study on the effects of marjoram (ME) and olive leaf (OLE) extracts on the quality parameters of red and ordinary muscles of tuna–like fillets kept under vacuum–packaging at refrigerated storage were investigated in this study. Tuna–like (Auxis thazard) fillets were dipped in sterile plant extract solutions (0.5% w/v) for five minutes and vacuum–packaged. Chemical, microbiological, and sensory assessments were performed on each of the muscles throughout the 18 days of the refrigerated storage. Several quality indices were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in ordinary muscle than in red muscle. However, the quality parameters of both muscles had the same tendency and were significantly affected by time as well as by the applications of plant extracts. Sensory assessments showed that both muscles from tuna–like fillets had 12 days of shelf–life, while OLE and ME applications extended significantly (P < 0.05) the shelf–life of both muscles for 3 and 6 more days, respectively. Microbiological analyses and total volatile base–nitrogen (TVB–N) assessment revealed a longer shelf–life for all samples, whilst thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBA) analysis suggested that vacuum–packaging alone was sufficient to delay lipid oxidation of fish fillets, especially on dark muscle. However, the application of ME was more effective in prolonging the shelf–life of vacuum–packaged tuna–like fillets. Thus, the employment of OLE or ME improved the quality parameters of fillets throughout the experiment and can be used by the fish processing industry.

Green synthesis of Nd substituted Co-Ni nanospinel ferrites: a structural, magnetic, and antibacterial/anticancer investigation

Co0.5Ni0.5Nd0.02Fe1.98O4 (CoNiNdFO) nanospinel ferrites (NSFs) with and without plant extracts (cardamom seeds, date fruits, flaxseed, tragacanth gum, lavender seeds, and moringa) were prepared using a sol-gel approach. The impact of utilizing different plant extracts on the structural, morphological, and magnetic features of the final products is discussed. Room temperature (300 K) magnetization findings illustrate superparamagnetic (SPM) characteristics for the products synthesized using the cardamom and moringa plant extracts mediated sol-gel approach, whereas the remaining products display ferromagnetic characteristics. On the other hand, lower temperature (10 K) magnetization curves indicate that all the prepared samples exhibit ferromagnetic (FM) behavior. It was found that the magnetic parameters vary greatly with the synthesis approach, plant extract solution, distribution of cations, morphology, and size of NSFs, spin canting, etc. The obtained results indicate that the different synthesis approaches employed in the present investigation are simple, inexpensive, and eco-friendly, and could lead to obtaining interesting magnetic properties. The biological applications of these NSFs were examined. The impact of NSFs with and without cardamom and moringa extracts on human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT-116) and cervical cancer cells (HeLa) was assessed by checking cell viability using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining methods. The treatments of NSFs with and without cardamom and moringa extracts decreased cancer cell viability. We calculated the inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for NSFs with and without cardamom and moringa extracts. The treatment of NSFs with and without cardamom and moringa extracts on HCT-116 cells and HeLa cells induced a significant decrease in cancer viability, as revealed by MTT assay. The treatment of NSFs with and without cardamom and moringa extracts caused a noteworthy decrease in colon cancer cells as the number of DAPI stained cells was found to be less in the treated cells. The evaluation of the anti-staphylococcal activity of NSFs with and without cardamom and moringa extracts via the colony-forming unit (CFU) method showed growth inhibition of S. aureus. It was observed that the nanoparticles synthesized via green synthesis had a marked cell count reduction, proving the microbial toxicity of nanoparticles to S. aureus.

Larvicidal Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Azadirachta indica Leaf Extract Against Oryctes rhinoceros (L.) Beetle

The coconut rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros (L), has been one of the major pests of coconut in India and other coconut producing countries causing direct or indirect losses to the crop. It can be controlled by eliminating the places where they breed and by manually destroying adult and immature (larvae). Botanical insecticides are relatively safer, degradable and are readily available source of biopesticides. Biosynthesis of pesticides from plant extracts is most promising approach for pest control. The present investigation aims to find out the possibility of eco-friendly management of the pest Oryctes rhinoceros by incorporating with silver nanoparticle synthesized from neem plant extracts. The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by using aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica. Formation of silver nanoparticles was observed by colour change of the solution, UV, FT-IR and SEM analysis. The Larvae is treated against different concentrations of plant extract and silver nanoparticles solution. 100% larval mortality was observed in higher concentration of silver nanoparticle solution. This result concluded that both silver Nanoparticles and leaf extract have larvicidal properties but Silver nanoparticles are more efficient and it serves as an alternative to synthetic insecticides for controlling harmful pest larvae. Hence the synthesized silver nanoparticles from the A.indica can be used as potential biolarvicidal agent against Oryctes rhinoceros.

Anti-Amnesic Effect of Curculigo orchioides Plant Extract and Its Function on Acetylcholinesterase Enzyme

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, and one of the most predominant causes of dementia in older people. Preventing acetylcholine from breakdown by an excess amount of acetylcholinesterase is a proven therapy for AD. Traditionally Curculigo orchioides is known for its antioxidant activity, enzyme inhibition activity, and other medicinal uses. In this study, in vitro acetylcholinesterase, inhibitory activity was investigated, and methanolic extract of the plant showed significant activity. This study aims to investigate cholinesterase inhibitory activity, learning, and memory-enhancing activity of Curculigo orchioides.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The crude methanol extract of the dried powder was prepared by the cold extraction method. In-vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities were determined by the modified Ellman’s method. To confirm learning and memory-enhancing effects, the scopolamine-induced memory impairment Swiss-albino mice were used, and to find the anti-amnesic effect of the extract, a passive shock avoidance task was applied.&#x0D; Results: Results proved that scopolamine-induced cognitive dysfunction decreased significantly by administration of the plant extract solution in the passive avoidance task, and inhibited brain acetylcholinesterase activity. While running an in-vitro AChE inhibitory test the IC50 was 0.782±0.067μg/ml.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results suggested that methanolic extract of Curculigo orchioides can inhibit AChE in-vitro. Besides this, it provides data that proves its ability to improve whole brain AChE activity and enhance memory.

In vitro test for inhibition of betel (Piper betle L.) and tembelekan (Lantana camara) extracts to anthracnose disease (Colletotrichum acutatum) in cayenne chili (Capsicum frutescens)

The continuous and excessive use of fungicides will disrupt the balance of the environment and is directly harmful to the health of consumers. The use of plants as botanical pesticides is an ecologically safe control method that has begun to be developed. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of betel and tembelekan extracts and the effect of the concentrations used in suppressing the growth of Colletotrichum acutatum fungi. Extraction was carried out using the maceration method, then the extract was concentrated using a rotary vaccum evaporator at a temperature of 40°C repeatedly until a concentrated solution was obtained. In the test of using treatments with several concentrations, that is K0:0%, K1:0.5%, K2:2%, K3:3.5% and K4:5%. Tests were carried out by growing C. acutatum mycelium on PDA media that had been mixed with plant extract solutions according to the treatment concentration. Colletotrichum acutatum mycelium was taken by cutting the PDA which was overgrown with a pure culture of C. acutatum with a media cutter using a cork borer. The results showed that the higher the concentration of the extract given would reduce the colony diameter of Colletotrichum acutatum and increase the percentage of inhibition. Betel extract at a concentration of 5% had the highest average percentage of inhibition compared to the tembelekan extract, namely 72.45%.

Optimization of the Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticle with Box-Behnken Design: Using Aloe Vera Plant Extract as a Reduction Agent

Nowadays, many of plants are used as a reduction agent in biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles. In this study, green synthesis of silver nanoparticles was aimed to optimize with Box-Behnken design. Aloe vera plant extract was utilized as a reduction agent as it is the famous natural product in field of cosmetic and skin health care. The synthesized silver nanoparticles using Aloe vera plant extract solution were optimized by Box-Behnken design due to the influence of different factors such as microwave power, time, AgNO3 concentration, and ratio of volume of Aloe vera plant extract solution to volume of AgNO3 and the percentage yield of particle formation as a response. Quadratic polynomial model was used to carry out mathematical modelling and response surface analysis was performed to determine the independent variable-response relationship. The optimized silver nanoparticles were characterized using instrumental devices like FTIR spectroscopy UV-VIS spectrophotometry. In addition, the optimized silver nanoparticles were tested for antibacterial activity on Gram positive (S. aureus, E. faecalis) and Gram negative ( P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae )bacteria. Briefly, the trials interpreted successful synthesis of the silver nanoparticles along with comprehension of the related factors affecting their quality characteristics and remarkably developed antibacterial activity as helpful impact.

Facile and green fabrication of efficient Au nanoparticles catalysts using plant extract via a mesoporous silica-assisted strategy

In this study, highly dispersed Au nanoparticles supported on mesoporous silica were successfully prepared using avocado leaf extract. Due to the in-situ growth of the Au nanoparticles within the confined geometric space of the silica pores these nanoparticles are on average ≈7.7 nm in diameter, much smaller than those prepared without mesoporous silica (≈20 nm), and within the critical size range required for Au catalysts (<10 nm). The reduction and stabilization of the Au nanoparticles within the silica pores is enabled by aqueous biomolecules from the plant extract. The immobilization of the Au nanoparticles on the silica facilitates their separation and purification from the complex plant extract solution. Excellent catalytic performance and reusability is demonstrated by the reduction of 4-nitrophenol. This approach offers a facile, low-cost and environmentally benign method for synthesis of advanced Au-based catalysts from readily available silica materials and Au complexes with potential application in areas such as drug delivery and chemical/bio-sensing. The design concept can be extended to green synthesis of other metal or metal oxide compositions.

COMBINED EFFECT OF EUCALYPTUS MICROCORYS AQUEOUS EXTRACT AND LIGHT ON PATHOGENIC ESCHERICHIA COLI SURVIVAL IN AQUATIC MICROCOSM

Microcosm experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of Eucalyptus microcorys aqueous plant extract on pathogenic Escherichia coli survival in water. The results clearly showed that the combined effect of light and extract concentration impacted significantly survival of the bacteria. The dark inhibition coefficient (KD) was 0.102 h-1, 0.116 h-1, 0.111 h-1, 0.123 h-1, 0.136 h-1 and 0.146 h-1 with 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% of extract concentration respectively. In the light conditions, we noted a relative increase of light inhibition coefficient (KL). The Self-Organizing Map according to incubation duration of cells in the extract solution permitted to group bacterial abundances in three clusters. Cluster I is the abundance of cells registered after 24 hours incubation in the plant extract solution. Cluster II is made up of all cells abundances registered after 9 and 12 hours incubation and Cluster III is constituted by cells abundances obtained after 3 and 6 hours incubation. Globally, for extract concentration 1, 1.5 and 2%, a calculation using Chick-Watson model resulted to a value of log(N/No) = -0.1Ct which is very close to chlorine disinfectant Chick-Watson model log(N/No) = -0.16 Ct. These results can improve in the new alternative method of treatment water by plant extracts.

Laccase-catalyzed simultaneous dye synthesis and cotton dyeing by using plant extracts as dye precursor

Natural dyes are gaining importance in recent years due to their advantages in terms of ecology, but the need of heavy metal salt (mordant) usage is an important limitation for their use. For this reason, it is very important to find alternative methods for textile dyeing with industrial dye plants. At this point, enzymatic processes are an important alternative. One of the most recent applications of enzymes in textile dyeing is laccase assisted coloration of textile materials. In this study, laccase-catalyzed enzymatic dye synthesis was used to dye cotton fabrics with St. John’s wort and white onion peel extracts as an alternative to conventional mordants. For this aim, experiments were conducted at various laccase enzyme concentrations, plant extract solution concentrations, temperatures and times and results of color yield values were evaluated statistically. Furthermore, effect of enzymatic dyeing on the fastness values of these natural dyes was also investigated. According to the experimental results it was observed that enzyme concentration, plant extract concentration, time and temperature parameters on enzymatic dyeing with both St. John’s wort and onion peel extract was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The optimum conditions were 1 g/L enzyme, 40 g/L plant extract, 60 °C, 3 h for St. John’s wort. On the other hand, for white onion peel, optimum results were obtained with 1 g/L enzyme and 40 g/L plant extract at 80 °C for 2 h. Besides, in the natural dyeings made by adding laccase enzyme to the dye bath, the colors obtained are darkened and washing, rubbing and light fastness values were improved.

Usage of Non-chemical Methods to Counter the Damages Caused by Tomato Mosaic Virus

Background: Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) is the most common and important pathogen of tomato crop. The infected plants show mosaic, mottle, wrinkling, reduced leaf size and uneven ripening of fruits. ToMV is transmitted mechanically, by cultural operations, farm implements and also through seed. Methods: The present study was planned to evaluate environment friendly strategies for the management of ToMV disease. Different non-chemical means viz., Elephant Ear plant extract, Eucalyptus extract, Zinc and Boron solution, NPK solution, Milk and Urea were used on four tomato varieties (Tanja, Chico, Manik and Sahil). All the treatments were used at three different concentrations (1%, 2% and 3%) and replicated three times. Result: The maximum disease reduction was recorded in plants treated with NPK solution (16.35%) and minimum in plants treated with Elephant Ear plant extract (29.65%). The maximum mean disease severity was recorded at 1 percent concentration of all the treatments (32.46%) which was statistically significant from that of 2 and 3% (24.74% and 19.23%), respectively. Among the varieties, minimum disease severity was recorded in Manik (24.64%) variety and maximum in Chico (31.27%) variety. All the treatments contributed towards reduction in disease severity of which NPK solution being most efficient.

Green synthesis of calcium carbonate nanoparticles using waste fruit peel extract

Nanotechnology is a trending field that addresses the issues in the range of 1–100 nm. Due to their small size, orientation and physical properties, nanoparticles are used immensely and the output of any other substance that has contact with such small particles is reportedly altered. The various chemical, physical, and biological methods can easily be used for the preparation of these particles. However, the biological approach is the better approach, being eco-friendly, less time-consuming and cost-effective as well as simpler than the other approaches. This paper uses the aqueous extract of orange peel to reduce and enclose the green synthesis of calcium carbonate nanoparticles. The formation of nanoparticles has been shown to be obtained at a fixed ratio of plant extract and metal solution. FTIR, XRD and SEM analysis has been used to characterize the nanoparticles. The crystalline phase of calcium carbonate nanoparticles was identified as polymorphic phase. The study provided an easy technique to synthesize the nanoparticles for further use in various fields.