Plant Gums Research Articles

Rheological Properties of Five Plant Gums

The rheological properties of five gum solutions (Gum Shiraz, Karaya Gum, Ghatti Gum, Arabic Gum and Gum Tragacanth) have been examined. The five mucilage solutions exhibited non-Newtonian, shear-thinning with thixotropy at higher concentrations (0.5% - 1%, m/v). According to the change of viscosity with increasing temperature, all five gums could be defined as three types: gum tragacanth and gum shiraz have a good temperature stability; karaya gum is affected by temperature obviously; the remaining two gums have a general stability. The viscosity of mucilage solutions (Arabic Gum, Ghatti Gum and Karaya Gum) had an apparent dependence on temperature. The parameter n of Shiraz Gum is the minimum, which means it has the best flow properties. The flow activation energy of karaya gum is 2.683 kcal which is the highest than other gums so that it has a great influence on temperature. The gum solutions’ viscosity had different sensitive degree over tested pH range (pH 2 - 10). Shiraz gum and arabic gum possessed better acid-proof and alkali-proof respectively. The addition of salts (NaCl and CaCl2) led to the reduction of viscosity, which was more sensitive to Ca2+ than to Na+. Both storage modulus G’ and loss modulus G” of all five gums had a dependence on temperature and frequency. These results are potentially useful for the application in the field of food processing.

Clinicopathological evaluation of Newcastle disease virus vaccination using gums from Cedrela odorata and Khaya senegalensis as delivery agents in challenged chickens

Following previous studies on delivery potential and immune response of chickens given Newcastle disease vaccine with gums, this study was conducted to evaluate the protective ability of vaccines delivered with plant gums against clinicopathological features of Newcastle disease (ND). Processed gums from incised trunks of Cedrela odorata and Khaya senegalensis trees were combined with ND vaccine in ratio 2:2:1 and administered at 21 days to white leghorn cockerels after weaning of maternal antibodies. The birds were grouped into gum-vaccine-oral (GVOR), vaccine-oral (VOR), gum-vaccine-ocular (GVOC), vaccine-ocular (VOC), gum-oral (GOR), gum-ocular (GOC), no-gum-no-vaccine/challenged (NGNV/C), no-gum-no-vaccine/unchallenged (NGNV/U). Vaccination was boosted with the same preparation at day 42 while birds were challenged with live ND virus (KUDU strain) at day 84. Clinical signs (Dullness, Diarrhoea, Paralysis, Torticollis) Post infection (Pi), terminal weakness, gross and histology lesions were scored on a severity scale from absent (0-), mild (1+) to moderate (2+) and severe (3+). Scores were assigned a quantitative score of 0, 10, 20, 30 respectively. Clinical signs scores for the 5 week Pi were subjected to Friedman test to assess the significance of severity among the groups. The test was significant at 1% significance level which implies that the clinical signs ranked highest in the NGNV/C, followed by the Gum alone groups, the vaccine alone groups and the gum-vaccine groups irrespective of route. Moribund birds subsequently euthanized were seen in the GOR and GOC group at 21% each and at 57% in NGNV/C group alone. No signs were seen in the NVNG/U group. Grossly, mild to moderate lesions were seen in all groups except GVOR and NGNV/U. At histology, pulmonary congestion, acute pneumonia, cecal tonsilar haemorrhages, gliosis and neuronophagia were present at different proportions in all groups except the GVOR and NGNV/U. Overall, lesion severity was least in the gum-vaccine groups while the oral groups had less lesion score compared to the ocular. From this study, phytogenic mucoadhesives polymers used hold immense potential as a delivery agent capable of improving protection against clinicopathologic features of Newcastle disease in previously vaccinated birds.

Chemical composition of felt-tip pen inks.

Felt-tip pens are frequently used for the realization of sketches, drawings, architectural projects, and other technical designs. The formulations of these inks are usually rather complex and may be associated to those of modern paint materials where, next to the binding medium and pigments/dyes, solvents, fillers, emulsifiers, antioxidants, plasticizers, light stabilizers, biocides, and so on are commonly added. Felt-tip pen inks are extremely sensitive to degradation and especially exposure to light may cause chromatic changes and fading. In this study, we report on the complete chemical characterization of modern felt-tip pen inks that are commercially available and commonly used for the realization of artworks. Three brands of felt-tip pens (Faber-Castell, Edding, and Stabilo) were investigated with complementary analytical techniques such as thin-layer chromatography (TLC), VIS-reflectance spectroscopy, μ-Raman spectroscopy, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), GC-MS, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The use of TLC proved to be very powerful in the study of complex mixtures of synthetic dyes. First derivatives of the reflectance spectra acquired on the TLC spots were useful in the preliminary identification of the dye, followed by Raman spectroscopy and SERS, which allowed for the unambiguous determination of the chemical composition of the pigments (phthalocyanines, dioxazines, and azo pigments) and dyes (azo dyes, triarylmethanes, xanthenes). FTIR spectroscopy was used especially for the detection of additives, as well as for confirming the nature of solvents and dyes/pigments. Finally, (Py-)GC-MS data provided information on the binders (styrene-acrylic resins, plant gums), solvents, and additives, as well as on pigments and dyes.

Artists before Columbus: A multi-method characterization of the materials and practices of Caribbean cave art

This study represents the first positive identification of plant gum binding media in pre-Columbian art, and the first dates from indigenous cave art in the Caribbean. Mona Island reveals an extensive and well-preserved pre-Columbian and early colonial subterranean cultural landscape with dense concentrations of newly-discovered cave art in up to 30 caves. A multi-method approach to the research of pigments and binding media, charcoal, and cave sediments was used to elucidate the technologies, chronologies and processes of indigenous art and artists. Analyses included on-site use of a portable X-ray fluorescence (P-XRF) device to inform sample selection, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) on paint and charcoal samples, polarized light microscopy (PLM) for material characterizations, and gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for detailed chemical analysis of paint structures and composition. In addition direct dates of cave art using radiocarbon (C14) and Uranium-thorium (U-Th) dating methods are discussed. Results demonstrate multiple centuries of cave use during indigenous occupation and multiple phases and techniques of mark-making in dark zone locations within extensive cave systems. Visitors set out on pre-meditated journeys underground, making rock art using pigments from the cave floors, which they mixed into complex paints with the addition of plant gums from outside. This study is the first of its kind in the Caribbean providing insight into native paint recipes, material choices, and mark-making techniques. The methods have scope for widespread application and advance the integration of cave art research in archaeology.

Evaluation of two novel plant gums for bioadhesive microsphere and sustained-release formulations of metformin hydrochloride.

The biological half life of metformin requires multiple doses which are associated with poor patient compliance. This justifies the need for a dosage form with reduced dosing frequency. Gums from Enterolobium cyclocarpum and Cedrela odorata trees were evaluated in formulating bioadhesive microspheres containing metformin hydrochloride, for sustained drug release. Hydroxylpropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) was the standard. Microspheres were produced from formulations of API and either cedrela gum (FC), enterolobium gum (FE) or HPMC (FH), using a W/O solvent extraction technique. The microspheres were characterized using a particle size analyzer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffractometer (PXRD), drug entrapment, in vitro release and mucoadhesion studies. The data was analyzed using ANOVA and t-test at p = 0.05. FT-IR spectroscopy indicated no alteration in the functional groups of metformin. A yield of 92-98% microspheres was obtained from all the formulations which had a particle size range of 72-84 μm. SEM revealed cylindrical to near-spherical particles with rough surfaces. The drug release profile showed a burst over the first 30 min followed by a steady release for about 5 h and a slow release for 5 days. Formulations containing the gums sustained the release of API for almost the same time as HPMC formulations; the ranking order was FE > FH > FC (p > 0.05). All the formulations exhibited good concentration-dependent mucoadhesive properties. The gums were suitable for formulation of mucoadhesive microspheres for sustained release of metformin. The formulations showed good release properties in an alkaline pH.

Improvement in growth and alkaloid content of Rauwolfia serpentina on application of organic matrix entrapped biofertilizers (Azotobacter chroococcum, Azospirillum brasilense and Pseudomonas putida)

ABSTRACTThe field experiment was conducted to study the effect of conventional chemical fertilizer (urea),conventional biofertilizers (charcoal based) and organic matrix entrapped biofertilizer; (OMEB: a consortium of Azotobacter chroococcum, Azospirillum brasilense and Pseudomnas putida entrapped with clay soil, neem leaves, and cow dung in ratio of 1:1:1 and 15% saresh (plant gum of Acacia sp.) in various doses on growth parameters of Rauwolfia serpentina in terms of root length, shoot length, number of leaves, number of roots and fresh and dry weight of roots and shoots. Replacement of conventional chemical fertilizer by the consortium of biofertilizers (un-entrapped) increased plant growth in a dose dependent manner up to triple dose of the recommended dose (RD) of biofertilizers (1.80 kg ha-1). This increase in plant growth was not up to the level which appeared in the application of RD of urea. Entrapment of the same biofertilizers in an organic matrix mentioned above enhanced the plant growth similar to that observed for urea. The percentage increase of 9.57 and 7.54 in fresh weight (FW) and 11.93 and 11.12% in dry weight (DW) of shoot and 17.94 and 37.87% in FW of roots and 31.90 and 50.08% in DW of roots were recorded in 75 days old plant by the application of OMEB- triple dose over the conventional biofertilizers triple dose and recommended dose of urea. Conventional biofertilizers enhanced the availability of nitrate, nitrite and phosphate in the roots and leaves of the plant over application of urea as well as conventional biofertilizers. This formulation also increased alkaloid contents of in the roots of this plant. Microbial population of soil was also improved indicating enhanced soil fertility with application of OMEB. The results indicate that replacement of chemical fertilizers with microbial biofertilizers is possible with application of higher dose of biofertilizers entrapped into the organic matrix for the cultivation of medicinal plants like R. serpentina.

Ultra-high performance supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectrometry procedure for analysis of monosaccharides from plant gum binders

The ultra-high performance supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPSFC/MS) procedure for analysis of native monosaccharides was developed. Chromatographic conditions were investigated to separate a mixture of four hexoses, three pentoses, two deoxyhexoses and two uronic acids. Increasing water content in methanol modifier to 5% and formic acid to 4% improved peak shapes of neutral monosaccharides and allowed complete elution of highly polar uronic acids in a single run. An Acquity HSS C18SB column outperformed other three tested stationary phases (BEH (silica), BEH 2-ethylpyridine, CSH Fluoro-Phenyl) in terms of separation of isomers and analysis time (4.5 min). Limits of detection were in the range 0.01–0.12 ng μL−1. Owing to separation of anomers, identification of critical pairs (arabinose-xylose and glucose-galactose) was possible. Feasibility of the new method was demonstrated on plant-derived polysaccharide binders. Samples of watercolor paints, painted paper and three plant gums widely encountered in painting media (Arabic, cherry and tragacanth) were decomposed prior the analysis by microwave-assisted hydrolysis at 40 bar initial pressure using 2 mol L−1 trifluoroacetic acid. Among tested temperatures, 120 °C ensured appropriate hydrolysis efficiency for different types of gum and avoided excessive degradation of labile monosaccharides. Procedure recovery tested on gum Arabic was 101% with an RSD below 8%. Aqueous hydrolysates containing monosaccharides in different ratios specific to each type of plant gum were diluted or analyzed directly. Filtration of samples before hydrolysis reduced interferences from a paper support and identification of gum Arabic in watercolor-painted paper samples was demonstrated. Successful identification of pure gum Arabic was confirmed for sample quantities as little as 1 μg. Two classification approaches were compared and principal component analysis was superior to analysis based on peak area ratios of monosaccharides. The proposed procedure using UHPSFC/MS represents an interesting alternative which can compete with other chromatographic methods in the field of saccharide analysis in terms of speed, sensitivity and simplicity of workflow.

Revealing the binding medium of a Roman Egyptian painted mummy shroud

Abstract Ancient Egyptian painted artworks are usually understudied from an analytical point of view, due to their extremely fragile nature. Attention typically focuses on pigments since identification is possible with non-invasive techniques, while limited information is available in the literature regarding the organic binding media. Here successful determination of the binder of a Roman Egyptian painted mummy shroud (2nd–3rd century A.D.) achieved through the application of enzymatic digestion followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) is reported. The high specificity and sensitivity of this analytical strategy not only allowed the identification of the binding medium as a mixture of two different plant gums but also allowed the discrimination of the different species sources, even though the organic material was present in very small amounts and subject to degradation. The results of this study represent the first analytical identification of the earliest use of locust bean gum as a paint binder material as well as the use of gum arabic from an Acacia species different from the well-known Acacia senegal . The precise identification of the organic binder is a great step forward in the understanding of the painting materials and techniques used in Roman Egypt, of which little is known. The result of this research opens new avenues of art historical and conservation investigation into the specific plant sources and types selected by artists and it has implications for future conservation treatment options.

Plant gum identification in historic artworks

We describe an integrated and straightforward new analytical protocol that identifies plant gums from various sample sources including cultural heritage. Our approach is based on the identification of saccharidic fingerprints using mass spectrometry following controlled enzymatic hydrolysis. We developed an enzyme cocktail suitable for plant gums of unknown composition. Distinctive MS profiles of gums such as arabic, cherry and locust-bean gums were successfully identified. A wide range of oligosaccharidic combinations of pentose, hexose, deoxyhexose and hexuronic acid were accurately identified in gum arabic whereas cherry and locust bean gums showed respectively PentxHexy and Hexn profiles. Optimized for low sample quantities, the analytical protocol was successfully applied to contemporary and historic samples including ‘Colour Box Charles Roberson & Co’ dating 1870s and drawings from the American painter Arthur Dove (1880–1946). This is the first time that a gum is accurately identified in a cultural heritage sample using structural information. Furthermore, this methodology is applicable to other domains (food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, biomedical).

Plant gum exudates (Karau) and mucilages, their biological sources, properties, uses and potential applications: A review

This paper or review discusses the natural plant exudates and mucilages, their sources, properties and uses and the potential applications. Research in natural polymeric materials has witness growing interest and attention. This is attributable to a number of factors which include their relative abundance, low cost, biodegradable nontoxic, and ecofriendly profile.They are polymers that are mostly plant in origin with a vast applications.Polysaccharides hydrocolloids including gum and mucilage are abundant in nature and commonly found in many higher plants. These polysaccharides constitute a structurally diverse class of biological macromolecules with a broad range of physicochemical properties which are widely used for various applications in pharmacy, medicine, food and other non- food applications. In recent years those polymers derived from plants have evoke tremendous interest because of their industrial applications as diluent binders, thickening agents, smoothening, emulsifiers, gelling agents and stabilizers. This increasing research in this group of these plant materials are clear indications of their increasing importance.The fact for increase in importance of natural plant based materials is that plant resources are renewable and if cultivated or harvested in a sustainable manner, they can provide a constant supply of raw materials. To that effect, more understanding of their nature, physicochemical properties, sources, uses be gained so that can be used for wider applications. Key words :, Polymer,GumExudate, Mucilage, Biological sources, Potential application

EVALUATION OF THE SUSPENDING PROPERTIES OF A NEW PLANT GUM IN SULPHAMETOXAZOLE FORMULATIONS

Suspension dosage forms require the use of suspending agents in order to deliver a uniform dose of the active ingredient. The purpose of this study is to investigate the properties of a new plant gum as a cheap and effective natural polymer in the formulation of pharmaceutical suspensions. The gum obtained from the incised trunk of Cedrela odorata (family Meliaceae) was compared with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and gelatin in Sulphamethoxazole suspension formulations at concentrations of 1.0 – 4.0%w/w. Assessment parameters were sedimentation volume, flow rate, viscosity and the effect of temperature on these parameters. The suspending characteristics of Cedrela gum compared well with that of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose in term of sedimentation volume, flow rate and viscosity and the natural gum could be used as a substitute in pharmaceutical suspensions.

A Viewpoint on the Leaky Gut Syndrome to Treat Allergic Asthma: A Novel Opinion.

Asthma is a common respiratory disease characterized by airway inflammation, airway hyperreactivity, and reversible airflow obstruction. Despite current treatments, the prevalence of asthma has increased markedly over decades. According to the theories proposed to explain the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases in integrative medicine, leaky gut syndrome is a phenomenon of increased intestinal permeability due to the disruption of tight junctions and is thought to be related to many chronic diseases, such as food intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and other autoimmune disease. One of the classical approaches used by integrative physicians to treat leaky gut syndrome is to repair intestinal permeability to prevent allergic cascade. Due to several mechanisms that have been mentioned in the protective effects of plant gums and plantain family seeds on the intestinal epithelium, we can propose an effective management for leaky gut syndrome to treat asthma.

Modulating Effects of Arabinogalactans from Plant Gum Exudates on Human Complement System

Gum arabic and cashew nut tree gum exudate polysaccharide (CNTG) are plant polysaccharides composed of galactose and arabinose known as arabinogalactans (AGs). Although these fractions are used in food and pharmaceutical industry, cases of allergic reactions were described in clinical reports. As AGs were reported as modulators of the classical (CP) and alternative pathways (AP) of complement system (CS), in the present work, we investigate whether gum arabic and CNTG have an effect on both CS pathways. The complement fixation tests were performed with (CP-30 and AP-30) and without pre-incubation (CP-0 and AP-0). For CP-30, CNTG and gum arabic (833μg/ml) showed a reduction of 28.0% (P=0.000174) and 48.5% (P=0.000143), respectively, on CP-induced haemolysis. However, no effect was observed for CP-0 in the CP-induced haemolysis. For AP-30, both CNTG and gum arabic (833μg/ml) showed 87% reduction on the CP-induced haemolysis, with IC50 values of 100 and 7μg/ml, respectively. For AP-0, a reduction of 11.3% for gum arabic and no effect for the CNTG on the CP-induced haemolysis were observed. These results suggested that gum arabic and CNTG could be acting as activators of the CS. Thus, this effect on the CS, especially on the AP, which accounts for up to 80-90% of total CS activation, indicates that both fractions may be harmful because of their potential pro-inflammatory action. Considering that CS activation induces inflammatory response, further studies confirming this immunomodulatory effect of these fractions are required to insure their safe use.

Incorporation of biotransformed silver nanoparticles in plant polysaccarides resin and their effect on sustained drug release

The intension of current study was to determine antibacterial and drug releasing capacity of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNps) with Moringa oleifera resin in the presence of Montelukast sodium and Ibuprofen. This plant gum is economic, easily available, biodegradable, safe and potential tablet binder. There was no significant study reported on the incorporation of green synthesized silver nanoparticle with plant resin in drug release. The aqueous extract of Clerodendron phlomoides was used for the bioreduction of silver nanoparticles as well as a capping agent. This green synthesized AgNps was observed in UV at 489 nm due to the SPR (Surface Plasmon Effect) effect, and the presence of protein and polyol compounds was identified by FTIR. The crystalline structure of AgNps was analyzed by XRD, elemental silver composition was measured by EDAX, morphological structure and size was revealed by SEM and TEM analysis. The antibacterial effect of green synthesized AgNps was analyzed by zone of inhibition method. Silver nanoparticles incorporated in M. oleifera plant resin and its functional groups and thermal degradation properties were characterized by FTIR and TGA, respectively. The drug release properties of the AgNps incorporated with plant resin were evaluated for the sustained release and compared with raw plant gum without AgNps consistency.

Study on plant Gums and their new development in application: with focus on tragacanth, guar and arabic Gum; a short review

Gums refer to a type of polysaccharides which are used to increase viscosity and create some other functional properties such as thickening agent, emulsifying agent, stabilizer, crystal inhibitor and so forth. They are classifying based on their nature and originality including, microbial, plant, exudate and animal Gums. This article shortly reviews a group of plant Gums and recent findings in their application. Gums or Hydrocolloids are main compounds which create stability of emulsion via entering into water phase. The importance of these compounds is on viscosity and electrostatic reactions to stabilize nonalcoholic emulsion with below properties; 1) easily soluble in cold water, 2) the lowest amount of viscosity in water, 3) having maximum level of emulsifier amount, 4) no creation of gelling. Diversity and functionality of Gums and regarding their still novelty in food industries have made Gums one of the main additives in food formulations. Since sourced of Gums are different we must focus on using them together to improve their synergistic effect but interactions among them and combined matrixes produced by them also need to be studied in details.

Biocatalysis for biomass valorization

Biocatalysis is a more sustainable alternative to chemical catalysis. While trying to obtain value added products from a biomass, looking beyond lignocelluloses (e.g.: marine polysaccharides, plant gums) may pay dividend. Many waste materials can be looked upon as a source of oil. Oil can be a rich source of diverse types of chemicals apart from biodiesel. Similarly, glycerol, the common by-product during biodiesel production, irrespective of the oil used, itself is the starting material of many products. Biocatalysis already is a viable option for the biodiesel formation step and may have a greater potential scope in glycerol chemistry. The ways to obtain the necessary biocatalysts and tailoring a given biocatalyst for a particular activity in the context of biomass valorization are discussed.

Modification and Application of a Plant Gum as Eco-Friendly Drilling Fluid Additive

To enhance solubility and the performance of a plant gum (from south peach tree of China, SP gum) as a drilling fluid additive, we explored the potential of Modified SP (MSP) gum by modifying it with epichlorohydrin. The modification conditions, such as the mass ratio of the crosslinking agent, pH and temperature, were optimized and the results show that 56.40 g/100g mass ratio of the crosslinking agent to SP gum with pH=10 at the temperature of 50°C lead to the Modified SP (MSP) gum showed the well performance in the water based drilling fluids. It was discovered that drilling fluids modified with 0.5%wt MSP demonstrated more excellent rheology and lower filtration than that of SP treated drilling fluids, which should be contributed to the good clay inhibition obtained from swelling experiment and high inhibitive to the hydration and swell of the mud supported by mud ball immersing experiments .

Ameliorative effects of D-glucuronolactone on oxidative stress and inflammatory/fibrogenic responses in livers of thioacetamide-treated rats

D-Glucuronolactone (C6H8O6, lactone), naturally found in plant gums, is commercially acclaimed for its hepatoprotective effects. This study was to investigate whether lactone can attenuate thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis in a rat model. Results showed that lactone supplementation (75 mg kg−1 bw glucuronolactone) alleviated AST values in TAA-intraperitoneally-injected rats (100 mg kg−1 bw TAA) and increased antioxidant capacity of liver via elevations of antioxidant enzymes activities [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)], glutathione (GSH) and trolox equivalent antioxidative capacity (TEAC) levels (p < 0.05). Down-regulated (p < 0.05) expression of inflammation including interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), activator protein 1 (AP-1), krüppel-like factor 6 (KLF-6), and fibrosis related fibrotic factors, i.e., alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen alpha1 (I) (COLα1) through lactone supplementation underlay the lower collagen contents and less severe liver damage on histopathology observations. Therefore, hepatoprotection of lactone against TAA-induced liver fibrosis can be attributed to the amelioration of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Ultraviolet resistance and other physical properties of softwood polymer nanocomposites reinforced with ZnO nanoparticles and nanoclay

Wood polymer nanocomposites (WPNCs) based on nano-ZnO and nanoclay were prepared by impregnation of melamine formaldehyde–furfuryl alcohol copolymer, 1,3-dimethylol-4,5-dihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU), a cross-linking agent and a renewable polymer obtained as a gum from the plant Moringa oleifera under vacuum condition. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) studies were employed for the characterization of modified ZnO and WPNCs. The change in crystallinity index (CrI) value of the cellulose in wood and the distribution of ZnO nanoparticles in composites were determined using FTIR and XRD. Scanning electron microscopy and Transmission electron microscopy showed the presence of nanoparticles and nanoclay in the cell lumen or cell wall of wood. An enhanced UV resistance property was shown by the treated wood samples as judged by lower weight loss, carbonyl index, lignin index, cellulose CrI values, and mechanical property loss compared to the untreated wood samples. Wood polymer composites treated with 3 phr each of nanoclay, ZnO, and the plant gum showed an improvement in mechanical properties, flame-retarding properties, thermal stability, and lower water uptake capacity.

Increase in Growth, Productivity and Nutritional Status of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and enrichment in Soil Microbial Population Applied with Biofertilizers Entrapped with Organic Matrix

To find effective alternatives to reduce the application of conventional urea (CU), a conventional biofertilizer (CB) preparation (charcoal mixed Azotobacter chroococcum and Bacillus subtilis) and the same biofertilizers entrapped in an organic matrix consisting of cow dung, rice bran, dried powder of neem leaves, and clay soil in 1:1:1:1 ratio and 25% (w/w) saresh (plant gum of Acacia sp.), named as super granules of biofertilizers (SGBF) were applied to cultivate wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. ‘WH-711’) in experimental plots. The results revealed that the efficacy of commercially available charcoal mixed biofertilizers could not prove as effective alternative to CU, whereas the same dose of biofertilizers entrapped in the organic matrix, SGBF, resulted in a significant increase in growth and productivity of wheat. It appears that SGBF prepared and applied in this study is an effective organic alternative to the urea for wheat cultivation in semi-arid subtropical agro-ecosystems.