Potent Biological Agents Research Articles

Advancements and clinical applications of extended platelet-rich fibrin (E-PRF)

Extended platelet-rich fibrin (E-PRF) has emerged as a potent biological agent in regenerative medicine and dentistry. It leverages the natural healing capacities of growth factors and cytokines from platelets and leukocytes to promote tissue repair. This systematic review explores the role of E-PRF in various clinical applications, including wound healing, bone regeneration, and periodontal therapy. The findings indicate that E-PRF provides an enhanced bioactive matrix, supporting superior clinical outcomes compared to conventional treatments. Future studies should focus on optimizing E-PRF protocols and investigating its long-term effectiveness.

Experimental and computational investigations of new organotin(IV) complexes derived from hydrazone ligands: Synthesis, structural analysis and biological assessment

In this article, we have presented the synthesis, structural analysis, and biological assessments of twelve new diorganotin(IV) complexes (derived from heterocyclic hydrazone ligands through condensation reaction between 9-formyl-8-hydroxyjulolidine and aromatic hydrazide derivatives) to discover potent biological agents. The synthesized compounds have been thoroughly characterized using numerous spectroscopic and physicochemical methods, including (1H, 13C and 119Sn) NMR, FT-IR, mass spectrometry, powder XRD and SEM. These scrutinizes indicate that complexes exhibited a pentacoordinated geometry, coordinating through azomethine nitrogen atom, enolic oxygen atom, phenolic oxygen atom and carbon atoms of alkyl/aryl groups of organotin derivatives. DFT (Density functional theory) studies were conducted at the B3LYP/LanL2DZ/6-311G level of hypothesis to investigate the quantum chemical aspects of specified compounds. These properties were facilitated through analyses of charge distribution and molecular orbitals. The antioxidant effectiveness of the prepared compounds was examined employing the DPPH assay and the results revealed that complex 7 exhibited strong antioxidant potential, having an IC50 value of 2.3 µM. Moreover, the prepared compounds were assessed for their effectiveness against four bacterial (B. cereus, B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa, E. coli) as well as two fungal strains (C. albicans and A. niger) using serial dilution approach. Complexes 7, 11, 14 and 15 having MIC values ranging from 0.0051-0.0048 µmol/mL have highest antimicrobial potency equivalent to reference drugs, Fluconazole (MIC = 0.0051 µmol/mL) and Ciprofloxacin (MIC = 0.0048 µmol/mL).

Synthesis of 2-aminothiazole sulfonamides as potent biological agents: Synthesis, structural investigations and docking studies

A simplified synthetic approach involving sulfonylation followed by amino group alkylation produced new 2-aminothiazole derivatives. UV/Vis, infrared, and NMR spectroscopies confirmed their structures. Compounds 36, 22, 34, and 35 showed strong inhibition against Jack bean and Bacillus Pasteurii urease, with IC50 values from 14.06 to 20.21 μM/mL. Compounds 20, 26, 21, 29, 30, 31, and 32 exhibited potent inhibitory effects against α-glucosidase and α-amylase, with IC50 values between 20.34 and 37.20 μM/mL. Compounds 33, 26, and 27 demonstrated potent DPPH scavenging, with IC50 values around 34.4–39.2 μM/mL. FMO analysis showed compounds 21, 22, 24, and 25 having parallel aromatic ring systems due to π cloud interactions, while compounds 32 and 38 had distinct electronic density distributions. Compound 22 had HOMO and LUMO energy gaps of 5.805 eV, with bromo and fluoro substitutions in compounds 21 and 24 slightly increasing the gaps to 6.089 eV and 6.078 eV, respectively. Nitro groups in compounds 25 and 32 reduced the gaps to 0.384 eV and 1.187 eV. All compounds demonstrated high gastrointestinal absorption, non-permeability to the blood-brain barrier, and optimal skin permeation (Log Kp between −5.83 and −6.54 cm/s). Compounds 22, 24, and 38 had promising QED scores of 0.719, 0.707, and 0.860, respectively, with synthetic accessibility scores from 2.057 to 2.517. ADMET predictions indicated minimal toxicity, cardiovascular safety, and significant inhibitory potential for CYP enzymes. Strong in silico binding affinities (binding energies −5.75 to −7.63 kcal/mol) and metabolic stability suggest these derivatives are promising candidates for further drug development.

Biological Activities of Novel Oleanolic Acid Derivatives from Bioconversion and Semi-Synthesis.

Oleanolic acid (OA) is a vegetable chemical that is present naturally in a number of edible and medicinal botanicals. It has been extensively studied by medicinal chemists and scientific researchers due to its biological activity against a wide range of diseases. A significant number of researchers have synthesized a variety of analogues of OA by modifying its structure with the intention of creating more potent biological agents and improving its pharmaceutical properties. In recent years, chemical and enzymatic techniques have been employed extensively to investigate and modify the chemical structure of OA. This review presents recent advancements in medical chemistry for the structural modification of OA, with a special focus on the biotransformation, semi-synthesis and relationship between the modified structures and their biopharmaceutical properties.

Synthesis and characterization of indazole derived Schiff base ligands and their metal complexes: Biological and computational studies

Indazoles represent one of the most important heterocycles in drug molecules. Therefore, in the pursuit of potent biological agents, a series of ligands (HL1-HL4) and their corresponding transition metal complexes [M(L1-L4)2(H2O)2] were synthesized by the condensation reaction of 6-aminoindazole with various derivatives of salicylaldehyde. Further, the compounds underwent characterization through several physicochemical (TGA, powder XRD, SEM, EDAX) and spectroscopic techniques (FT-IR, UV–Vis, NMR, mass spectrometry, ESR). These techniques suggested hexacoordinated stereochemistry of the metal complexes, where ligands chelate via oxygen atom of phenolic ring, azomethine nitrogen and oxygen atom of water molecules in 1:2 (M:L) molar ratio. The thermal stability of the complexes was demonstrated by thermal analysis revealing three step decompositions leaving behind metal oxide as an end residue. The surface morphology of the ligands was distinct from metal complexes as revealed by SEM analysis, while mapping images demonstrated the simultaneously existence of the elements. While, to ascertain the nature of the obtained compounds (crystalline or amorphous), powder X-ray investigation was conducted by utilizing a wavelength of 1.54 Å. The compound’s antioxidant potential was assessed through DPPH assays and anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using BSA denaturation inhibition assay, while their antimicrobial potential was evaluated against six microbial strains (E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, C. albicans, A. niger) by serial dilution approach. The performed biological evaluations revealed that the complexes are more efficient in controlling infectious ailment in comparison of ligands. HL2 (2) and its Cu(II), Zn(II) complexes (11, 12) exhibited potent antimicrobial activity (MIC value: 0.0047, 0.0048 µmol/mL against B. subtilis) and potent anti-inflammatory efficacy (IC50 value: 6.7 ± 0.044, 6.9 ± 0.036 µM). All the complexes exhibited potent antioxidant activity and their is enhancement in the activity of Schiff base ligands upon complexation, complex (19) demonstrated the greatest activity with IC50 value 2.1 ± 0.059. Additionally, the ADMET score provided a robust indication of the compounds’ drug-like behaviour. Furthermore, the biological effectiveness of the highly microbial potent ligand HL2 (2) and its complexes (9–12) was demonstrated through computational studies. The binding studies exposed that complexes (11, 12) exhibited lowest binding energy at −7.8, −7.9 kcal/mol. While, DFT study emphasized that complex (12) exhibits the highest electrophilicity index value (6.359), suggesting its affinity for binding with biological molecules and also revealed that complexes exhibit greater potency compared to the ligands and could potentially be utilized as drugs for combatting pathogen-induced malformations.

A Critical Review on Therapeutic Potential of Benzimidazole Derivatives: A Privileged Scaffold.

Benzimidazole nucleus is a predominant heterocycle displaying a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities. The privileged nature of the benzimidazole scaffold has been revealed by its presence in most small molecule drugs and in its ability to bind multiple receptors with high affinity. A literature review of the scaffold reveals several instances where structural modifications of the benzimidazole core have resulted in high-affinity lead compounds against a variety of biological targets. Hence, this structural moiety offers opportunities to discover novel, better, safe and highly potent biological agents. The goal of the present review is to compile the medicinal properties of benzimidazole derivatives with a focus on SAR (Structure-Activity Relationships).

HARNESSING TRICHODERMA SPP. FOR SUSTAINABLE PLANT DISEASE MANAGEMENT: MECHANISMS, METABOLITES AND APPLICATION STRATEGIES- A REVIEW

Trichoderma spp. has emerged as a potent biological control agent (BCA) for managing plant diseases, offering sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fungicides. This review explores the multifaceted roles of Trichoderma spp. in plant disease suppression, growth promotion, and induced systemic resistance. The success of Trichoderma spp. as a BCA lies in its diverse mechanisms of action, including mycoparasitism, competition, antibiosis, and induction of systemic resistance. Notably, Trichoderma spp. produce a range of volatile compounds that inhibit plant pathogens while promoting plant growth. Furthermore, their ability to solubilize nutrients, such as iron and phosphate, and produce phytohormones like auxins, contributes to enhanced plant vitality. Molecular characterization has facilitated the identification of various Trichoderma species with distinct biocontrol properties. Application methods, including seed treatment, soil application, and foliar spray, have been developed to optimize the efficacy of Trichoderma-based biocontrol strategies. Overall, Trichoderma spp. exhibited the multiple mode of actions against the pathogens and which used as a versatile and effective biocontrol agent for integrated disease management and sustainable agriculture Keywords: Trichoderma spp., Biological control agent, Plant diseases, Disease suppression, Growth promotion, Sustainable agriculture

Synthesis of Chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4(3H)-dion Derivatives Fused with Indole Moiety as Potent Biological Agents

Synthesis of Chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4(3H)-dion Derivatives Fused with Indole Moiety as Potent Biological Agents

Bacillus subtilis NBRI-W9 simultaneously activates SAR and ISR against Fusarium chlamydosporum NBRI-FOL7 to increase wilt resistance in tomato.

The study aimed to determine the pathogenicity of Fusarium species currently prevalent in tomato fields having history of chemical fungicide applications and determine the bio-efficacy of Bacillus subtilis NBRI-W9 as a potent biological control agent. Fusarium was isolated from surface-sterilized infected tomato plants collected from fields. Pathogenicity of 30 Fusarium isolates was determined by in vitro and in vivo assays. Following Koch's postulates, F. chlamydosporum (FOL7) was identified as a virulent pathogen. The biological control of FOL 7 by B. subtilis NBRI-W9 (W9) and the colonization potential of W9 were established using spontaneous rifampicin-resistant mutants. W9 showed 82% inhibition of FOL7 on a dual-culture plate and colonization levels in tomato plants of ∼5.5, ∼3.3, and ∼2.2 log10 CFU/g in root, stem, and leaf tissue, respectively. Antagonistic activity was shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cell-wall-degradative enzymes. W9 reduced FOL7 infection in net-house and field experiments by 60% and 41%, respectively. Biochemical investigation, defence enzymes, defence gene expression analysis, SEM, and field studies provide evidence of hyperparasitism and induced resistance as the mode of biological control. The study also demonstrates that the potent biocontrol agent W9, isolated from Piper, can colonize tomato plants, control fungal disease by inducing induced systemic resistance (ISR) and systemic acquired resistance (SAR) simultaneously, and increase crop yield by 21.58% under field conditions. This study concludes that F. chlamydosporum (NBRI-FOL7) is a potent, fungicide-resistant pathogen causing wilt in tomatoes. NBRI-W9 controlled FOL7 through mycoparasitism and simultaneously activated ISR and SAR in plants, providing an attractive tool for disease control that acts at multiple levels.

Efficacy of Bacillus licheniformis: a biocontrol agent against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz. (Penz. & Sacc.) causing anthracnose in greater yam (Dioscorea alata L.)

BackgroundAnthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, is the most dangerous fungal disease of greater yam (Dioscorea alata L.), and leads to significant crop loss. Microbial technology in cropping systems is currently focused on biological control agents (BCAs), which include plant endophytes like bacteria, which contribute well to sustainable production. In the present study, the ability of an endophytic bacterium, Bacillus licheniformis (CTCRI EB12), isolated from Aloe vera was investigated to prevent the disease.ResultsThe bacterium, CTCRI EB12, was characterized as a member of the Bacillus genus by morphological and biochemical tests and confirmed as B. licheniformis via 16S ribosomal gene analysis. The effectiveness of the endophytic bacterium was affirmed through cell confrontation assays and scanning electron microscopy. In cell confrontation assay, the isolate inhibited all the three C. gloeosporioides isolates used in the study with more than 80% inhibition. The effect of culture filtrate of the isolate was also tested against pathogens that were compliant with the outcome of dual culture technique. The culture and culture filtrate could effectively restrain the spreading of C. gloeosporioides in greater yam leaf. The isolate could completely inhibit the growth of the pathogen through an antibiosis study, and the same could be explained through scanning electron microscopy results, in which the endophyte-treated C. gloeosporioides hyphae appeared longer and distorted compared to control and conidia possess disfigurement in endophyte-treated sample when compared to control.ConclusionsThe study showed that Bacillus licheniformis (CTCRI EB12), the endophytic bacterium that has the capacity to enhance the protection of greater yam plants, could be further developed as a microbial pesticide to reduce the effect of anthracnose in greater yam fields. Additional investigation will reveal the endophytic isolate's antifungal capabilities and assessment of their performance in the open field. The present study depicted that it might be a potent biological control agent against C. gloeosporioides causing greater yam anthracnose.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain 91: A Multifaceted Biocontrol Agent against Banana Fusarium Wilt.

Banana Fusarium wilt (BFW), caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), poses significant threats to banana cultivation. Currently, effective control methods are lacking, and biological control has emerged as a possible strategy to manage BFW outbreaks. In this investigation, 109 bacterial strains were isolated from the rhizospheric soil surrounding banana plants in search of potent biological agents against Foc. Strain 91 exhibited the highest antifungal activity against the causal agent of Foc and was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Elucidation of strain 91's inhibitory mechanism against Foc revealed a multifaceted antagonistic approach, encompassing the production of bioactive compounds and the secretion of cell wall hydrolytic enzymes. Furthermore, strain 91 displayed various traits associated with promoting plant growth and showed adaptability to different carbon sources. By genetically tagging with constitutively expressing GFP signals, effective colonization of strain 91 was mainly demonstrated in root followed by leaf and stem tissues. Altogether, our study reveals the potential of P. aeruginosa 91 for biocontrol based on inhibition mechanism, adaptation, and colonization features, thus providing a promising candidate for the control of BFW.

Bioassay and Whole-Genome Analysis of Bacillus velezensis FIO1408, a Biocontrol Agent Against Pathogenic Bacteria in Aquaculture.

Bacterial disease is one of the most critical problems in aquaculture. Probiotics represent a promising biological approach to control bacterial disease because it is effective against pathogens and environmentally friendly. This study assessed the antagonistic activities of a bacterial strain FIO1408 isolated from deep-sea water against many pathogenic bacteria in aquaculture, including Listonella anguillarum, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio alginolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, Edwardsiella anguillarum, Edwardsiella tarda, and Edwardsiella piscicida. The complete genome of strain FIO1408 consisted of a circular chromosome of 4,137,639bp and two plasmids of 16,439bp and 24,472bp. Phylogenetic analysis showed strain FIO1408 clustered with Bacillus velezensis strains. 12 genes/gene clusters responsible for the synthesis of secondary metabolites were identified in the FIO1408 genome, including three lipopeptides, three polyketides, three bacteriocins, one siderophore, one dipeptide, and one unknown type. Also identified were 273 unique orthologous genes primarily involved in phage resistance, protein hydrolysis, environmental survivability, and genetic stability compared to B. velezensis KACC 13105, B. velezensis FZB42T, and B. velezensis NRRL B-41580. The principal safety of FIO1408 was demonstrated by genetic analyses and feeding trials. These findings will contribute to studies on the biocontrol mechanisms of B. velezensis FIO1408 and facilitate its application as a potent biological control agent against bacterial pathogens in aquaculture.

Synthesis of New 4-[{2′-(2H-Tetrazol-5-yl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl}(2-R-2-oxoethyl)amino]benzoic Acid Derivatives as Potent Biological Agents with Docking Studies

Synthesis of New 4-[{2′-(2H-Tetrazol-5-yl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl}(2-R-2-oxoethyl)amino]benzoic Acid Derivatives as Potent Biological Agents with Docking Studies

Biocontrol potential of native isolates of Beauveria bassiana against cotton leafworm Spodoptera litura (Fabricius)

The entomopathogenic fungus (EPF), Beauveria bassiana, is reported as the most potent biological control agent against a wide range of insect families. This study aimed to isolate and characterize the native B. bassiana from various soil habitats in Bangladesh and to evaluate the bio-efficacy of these isolates against an important vegetable insect pest, Spodoptera litura. Seven isolates from Bangladeshi soils were characterized as B. bassiana using genomic analysis. Among the isolates, TGS2.3 showed the highest mortality rate (82%) against the 2nd instar larvae of S. litura at 7 days after treatment (DAT). This isolate was further bioassayed against different stages of S. litura and found that TGS2.3 induced 81, 57, 94, 84, 75, 65, and 57% overall mortality at egg, neonatal 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th instar larvae, respectively, over 7 DAT. Interestingly, treatment with B. bassiana isolate TGS2.3 resulted in pupal and adult deformities as well as decreased adult emergence of S. litura. Taken together, our results suggest that a native isolate of B. bassiana TGS2.3 is a potential biocontrol agent against the destructive insect pest S. litura. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the bio-efficacy of this promising native isolate in planta and field conditions.

Synthesis of novel 2, 5-disubstituted tetrazole derivatives as potent biological agents

In the present work, we have discussed the synthesis of a series of 1-((2'-(2-(2-(substitutedphenyl))-2-oxoethyl)-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)piperidine-4-carboxylic acid derivatives by the reaction of 1-((2'-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)methyl)piperidine-4-carboxylic acid with phenacyl bromides using potassium carbonate. The structures of synthesized derivatives have been characterized using different spectroscopic techniques like FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and Mass. Synthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial and anti-TB activities all the compounds have found better activity against selected pathogenic strains. In addition, in silco molecular docking studies were carried out on targeted enzymes DNA gyrase and 3-oxoacyl-ACP reductase with ADME-toxicology studies.

Schiff bases from chlorine substituted anilines and salicylaldehyde: Synthesis, characterization, fluorescence, thermal features, biological studies and electronic structure investigations

Schiff bases have been developed as potent biological agents due to their advanced physical, chemical and biomedical characteristics. Herein, 2 and 4 chloro anilines containing salicylaldehyde Schiff bases (2CAS and 4CAS) were successfully synthesised. Both simulated and experimental FTIR, UV–vis, 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectroscopic techniques were employed to characterise the synthesised compounds and the comparable spectra confirm the formation of products. The obtained fluorescence intensity values 219 (2CAS) and 1369, 2429 (4CAS) strongly suggest the fluorescence nature of the compounds. Using thermogravimetric analysis, thermal stability of the compounds were measured that were found to be 288 and 299 °C respectively. DFT optimised the geometry.Calculated energy gap for both the compounds were found to be 4.01 and 3.98 eV respectively.Molecular electrostatic potential analysis showed that carbon and oxygen atoms for both the compounds are susceptable to electrophillic attack. Mullicken charge analysis identified, for both compounds carbon atoms showed positive and negative charges, hydrogen atoms showed positive charges only,electronegative atoms such as chlorine,oxygen and nitrogen atoms showed negative charges only. NBO analysis explained detailed hyperconjugative interactions present in both the compounds. Wave function studies such as ELF found that delocalised electron density were found on the Cl, N and C atoms of both compounds and its delocalised orbitals positions were present in Cl, N, C and localised orbitals positions in hydrogen atoms of both compounds, which were identified by LOL. RDG maps demonstrates regions where van der waals interactions weak and the steric effects dominates in the prepared compounds. The antimicrobial study of the synthesised compounds showed higher activity than the commercial amoxicillin against gram positive staphylococcus aureus bacteria and moderate activity against candida albicans fungi. Furthermore, the compounds were subjected to molecular docking studies using PDB:4F2T protein of staphylococcus aureus with lowest binding attractions were determined to be- 4.94 (2CAS) and −5.02 (4CAS) kcal/ml respectively and the results were comparable to the experimental data.

Survey of Mosquito Larvae for Potential Nematode Parasitic Biological Control in Alachua County

There is an obvious and considerable interest in developing novel methods to control mosquito-borne diseases due to their impacts on mammalian hosts. Biological control practices are sustainable alternatives to chemical control of mosquito populations. Some nematodes are efficient insect parasites and represent a potential source of novel biological control agents. Such beneficial nematodes are potent biological control agents that can remove harmful pests whilst also preserving non-target insect populations. One such nematode, Romanomermis culicivorax, is a parasite of mosquito larvae, inducing paralysis and eventually killing its host. The potential success of a biological control agent can be informed from the current prevalence of native populations. Thus, we conducted a survey of parasitic nematodes in mosquito larvae in Alachua County. Twenty-five samples were obtained from all around Alachua County, with assistance from the Gainesville Department of Public Works Mosquito Control Section. Subsequent visual inspection and PCR for R. culicivorax were conducted to detect the presence of mosquito and nematode DNA in each sample. Out of the twenty-five mosquito samples tested, only one sample tested positive for the presence of the beneficial nematode. This sample was found in an apartment complex in proximity to Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park. This work demonstrates the presence of mosquito parasitic nematodes in Alachua County, but at very low levels, potentially discouraging the use of such biological control practices. In addition, the proximity of the positive sample to the natural area may indicate the need to preserve such habitats for effective biological control measures.

An efficient one pot synthesis of (2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenyl-6-(pyrrolidine-1-carbonyl)-1H-pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4(3H,5H)-dione derivatives as a potent biological agents

In this paper, we reported the synthesis of a novel series of (2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenyl-6-(pyrrolidine-1-carbonyl)-1H-pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4(3H,5H)-dione derivatives 5(a–j) by the reaction of 4-hydroxy coumarin, substituted aldehydes, barbituric acid, and pyrolidine in ethanol at ambient temperature. The titled pyranopyrimidines 5(a–j) were characterized by spectral analysis including IR, NMR (1H & 13C), and HRMS. The newly synthesized compounds were examined for in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. The results demonstrated that compound 5b displayed excellent efficacy and the remaining compounds exhibited moderate activity. Also, the potency of the new compounds toward antimicrobial and antifungal activity was investigated by a disk diffusion method. The results show that compounds 5b and 5g were more potent than the other compounds. Furthermore, the molecular docking studies were carried out using a COX-2 receptor.

Endophytes in Lignin Valorization: A Novel Approach.

Lignin, one of the essential components of lignocellulosic biomass, comprises an abundant renewable aromatic resource on the planet earth. Although 15%––40% of lignocellulose pertains to lignin, its annual valorization rate is less than 2% which raises the concern to harness and/or develop effective technologies for its valorization. The basic hindrance lies in the structural heterogeneity, complexity, and stability of lignin that collectively makes it difficult to depolymerize and yield common products. Recently, microbial delignification, an eco-friendly and cheaper technique, has attracted the attention due to the diverse metabolisms of microbes that can channelize multiple lignin-based products into specific target compounds. Also, endophytes, a fascinating group of microbes residing asymptomatically within the plant tissues, exhibit marvellous lignin deconstruction potential. Apart from novel sources for potent and stable ligninases, endophytes share immense ability of depolymerizing lignin into desired valuable products. Despite their efficacy, ligninolytic studies on endophytes are meagre with incomplete understanding of the pathways involved at the molecular level. In the recent years, improvement of thermochemical methods has received much attention, however, we lagged in exploring the novel microbial groups for their delignification efficiency and optimization of this ability. This review summarizes the currently available knowledge about endophytic delignification potential with special emphasis on underlying mechanism of biological funnelling for the production of valuable products. It also highlights the recent advancements in developing the most intriguing methods to depolymerize lignin. Comparative account of thermochemical and biological techniques is accentuated with special emphasis on biological/microbial degradation. Exploring potent biological agents for delignification and focussing on the basic challenges in enhancing lignin valorization and overcoming them could make this renewable resource a promising tool to accomplish Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) which are supposed to be achieved by 2030.

Exploring the Journey of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) toward Biomedical Applications.

The field of nanotechnology is concerned with the creation and application of materials having a nanoscale spatial dimensioning. Having a considerable surface area to volume ratio, nanoparticles have particularly unique properties. Several chemical and physical strategies have been used to prepare zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). Still, biological methods using green or natural routes in various underlying substances (e.g., plant extracts, enzymes, and microorganisms) can be more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than chemical and/or physical methods in the long run. ZnO-NPs are now being studied as antibacterial agents in nanoscale and microscale formulations. The purpose of this study is to analyze the prevalent traditional method of generating ZnO-NPs, as well as its harmful side effects, and how it might be addressed utilizing an eco-friendly green approach. The study’s primary focus is on the potential biomedical applications of green synthesized ZnO-NPs. Biocompatibility and biomedical qualities have been improved in green-synthesized ZnO-NPs over their traditionally produced counterparts, making them excellent antibacterial and cancer-fighting drugs. Additionally, these ZnO-NPs are beneficial when combined with the healing processes of wounds and biosensing components to trace small portions of biomarkers linked with various disorders. It has also been discovered that ZnO-NPs can distribute and sense drugs. Green-synthesized ZnO-NPs are compared to traditionally synthesized ones in this review, which shows that they have outstanding potential as a potent biological agent, as well as related hazardous properties.