Use Of Different Concentrations Research Articles

Physical and Microbiology Characterization of Chicken Sausage that Added by Oyster Mushroom

Oyster mushrooms are a healthy alternative food source for reducing the fat content of sausages due to their low fat content. Chicken sausage is a processed meat product that typically contains meat, binders, and fillers. This study aimed to investigate the physical and microbiological properties of chicken sausage with varying concentrations of oyster mushrooms, which are added to improve its quality. The study employed a completely randomized design with three treatments. If a treatment showed a difference, the Duncan Multiple Range Test was conducted. The treatments consisted of J0: 0% oyster mushroom, J1: 1% oyster mushroom, and J2: 2% oyster mushroom. Statistically, the use of different concentrations of oyster mushrooms did not result in a significant difference (P>0.05) in the water binding capacity, breaking power, pH, and total plate count of chicken sausages. However, the addition of oyster mushroom concentrations can improve the physical and microbiological quality of the sausages. The addition of different concentrations of oyster mushroom to chicken meat sausage resulted in a water binding capacity of 39.28-46.12%, breaking strength of 0.4-0.5 kg/cm2, pH value of 6.46-6.56, and total plate count of 1.57-1.86 cfu/g. The treatment that yields the highest water binding capacity (45.06%), breaking power (0.04 kg/cm2), pH (6.56), and total plate count (1.57 cfu/g) is the addition of 1% oyster mushroom concentration. The concentration of oyster mushroom used in the preparation of chicken meat sausages should not exceed 1% of the total sausage mixture.

Carbon dots on LAPONITE® hybrid nanocomposites: solid-state emission and inter-aggregate energy transfer.

This study delves into the photoluminescent characteristics of solid-state hybrid carbon dots/LAPONITE® (CDLP). These hybrid materials were synthesized using the hydrothermal method with a precise pH control set at 8.5. The LAPONITE® structure remains intact without structural collapse, and we detected the possible deposition of carbon dots (CDs) aggregates on the clay mineral's edges. The use of different concentrations of citric acid (10-, 6-, 2- and 1-times weight/weight of LAPONITE® mass, maintaining the 1 : 1 molar ratio with ethylenediamine) during synthesis results in different CDs concentrations in CDLP-A (low precursors concentration) and CDLP-D (high concentration) with an amorphous structure and average size around 2.8-3.0 nm. The CDLP displayed visible photoluminescence emission in aqueous and powder, which the last underwent quenching according to lifetimes and quantum yield measurements. Low-temperature measurements revealed an enhancement of the non-radiative pathways induced by aggregation. Energy transfer modelling based on Förster-Dexter suggests an approximate mean distance of 9.5 nm between clusters of CDs.

Characterization of a new isolate of Beauveria bassiana in Algeria and evaluation of its pathogenicity against the cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch)

BackgroundThe cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphidiidae) is a polyphagous aphid species that causes various damage on different crops. The conventional method of controlling this pest is the use synthetic insecticides that threaten both the environmental safety and human health. Moreover, it contributes to the emergence of insecticide-resistant generations. Hence, relying on Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) remains one of the most safe and effective alternative solutions to control insect pests. For the mentioned reasons, the EPF, Beauveria bassiana was isolated and characterized; besides, its efficiency against adults’ A. craccivora was evaluated both in the laboratory and in the greenhouse.ResultsA new isolate of B. bassiana was isolated from collected cadavers’ insects associated with the population of A. craccivora in a rural area in the Northwest of Algeria. This isolate was identified on the basis of its morphological and molecular characteristics and was referred to as B. bassiana BBAA. The enzymatic activities of this isolate revealed a high production of chitinase, protease and lipase, without any production of amylase. The use of different concentrations of B. bassiana BBAA conidia against A. craccivora led to a high mortality rate, ranging from 64 to 74% mortality on the seventh day post-treatment in vitro and 58 to 70% in greenhouse.ConclusionVirulence and enzymatic activities produced by B. bassiana BBAA demonstrated the necessity to exploit entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) in pest control.

Evaluation of the effects of 10% and 30% gluconolactone chemical peel on sebum, pH, and TEWL.

Gluconolactone (GLA) exhibits antioxidant and moisturizing effects. It also presents soothing effects, protects elastin fibers from UV-induced degradation, and improves the function of the skin barrier. Evaluation of skin parameters such as pH, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum levels before, during, and after a series of applications of 10% and 30% GLA chemical peel in a split-face model. The study involved 16 female subjects. Three split-face procedures were performed using two concentrations of GLA solution applied on two sides of the face. The skin parameters were measured before treatments and 7 days after the last procedure at four measurement sites on either side of the face, that is, on the forehead, around the eye, on the cheek, and on the nose wing. Measurement of sebum demonstrated some statistically significant changes between sebum levels in the cheeks after a series of treatments. The pH measurement showed that the pH value was reduced after each treatment at all measurement points. The level of TEWL after treatments was significantly lower around the eyes, on the left forehead, and on the right cheek. There were no significant differences between the use of different concentrations of the GLA solution. The results of the study show that GLA has a significant influence on lowering skin pH and TEWL. GLA also has seboregulatory properties.

Optimization of edible film production: natural dyes addition

Several studies have been conducted to enhance the properties of nata de coco (NDC) based edible films. Previous works include the use of different concentrations of plasticizers, NDC slurry preparation to improve solubility, and the incorporation of essential oils as antibacterial agents. This paper focuses on enhancing the appearance of edible film by adding natural dyes. Commercial natural dyes at varying concentrations were added to the NDC-based edible film formulation and subjected to characterization. The physical properties analysis revealed that the use of natural brown dye from caramelized carrots was the most suitable option. The edible film with 1% v/v brown dye demonstrated 18.701% GL, 20.163 MPa, and 213.900 MPa for elongation, tensile strength, and Young’s modulus, respectively. The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of NDC edible film with brown dye also complies with the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS), measuring 1.395 g/m2. Given the increasing demand for environmentally friendly packaging that also offers food preservation, it is anticipated that further improvements in edible films will continue to be explored in the food industry.

Microstructural effect of different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide photoactivated with LED/laser

BackgroundThe use of different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (HP) photoactivated with LED/laser sources is common however, their influence on tooth structure is not yet fully elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the pH, microhardness and surface roughness of different bleaching protocols photoactivated with LED/laser. MethodsForty bovine incisors were sectioned (7 × 7 × 2 mm) and randomized into four groups for analysis of pH (n = 5), microhardness and roughness (n = 10): HP35, HP6_L, HP15_L, HP35_L. The pH analysis was performed in the initial and final minute of the bleaching protocol. Microhardness and roughness were evaluated before and 7 days after the last bleaching session. Results were obtained from two-way ANOVA for repeated measures and Bonferroni post-test at a significance level of 5%. ResultsHP6_L showed higher pH and greater stability between the initial and final evaluations, while the other groups showed similar pH with reduced values in the intragroup evaluation. No differences between groups in microhardness and roughness evaluations were observed. ConclusionsAlthough HP6_L showed higher alkalinity and pH stability, none of the protocols reduced the microhardness and surface roughness of bovine enamel.

The Effect of the Mechanical Properties of the 3D Printed Gelatin/Hyaluronic Acid Scaffolds on hMSCs Differentiation Towards Chondrogenesis.

Tissue engineering, including 3D bioprinting, holds great promise as a therapeutic tool for repairing cartilage defects. Mesenchymal stem cells have the potential to treat various fields due to their ability to differentiate into different cell types. The biomimetic substrate, such as scaffolds and hydrogels, is a crucial factor that affects cell behavior, and the mechanical properties of the substrate have been shown to impact differentiation during incubation. In this study, we examine the effect of the mechanical properties of the 3D printed scaffolds, made using different concentrations of cross-linker, on hMSCs differentiation towards chondrogenesis. The 3D scaffold was fabricated using 3D bioprinting technology with gelatin/hyaluronic acid (HyA) biomaterial ink. Crosslinking was achieved by using different concentrations of 4-(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-4-methlymorpholinium chloride n-hydrate (DMTMM), allowing for control of the scaffold's mechanical properties. The printability and stability were also evaluated based on the concentration of DMTMM used. The effects of the gelatin/HyA scaffold on chondrogenic differentiation was analyzed by utilizing various concentrations of DMTMM. The addition of HyA was found to improve the printability and stability of 3D printed gelatin/HyA scaffolds. The mechanical properties of the 3D gelatin/HyA scaffold could be regulated through the use of different concentrations of DMTMM cross-linker. In particular, the use of 0.25mM DMTMM for crosslinking the 3D gelatin/HyA scaffold resulted in enhanced chondrocyte differentiation. The mechanical properties of 3D printed gelatin/HyA scaffolds cross-linked using various concentrations of DMTMM can influence the differentiation of hMSCs into chondrocytes.

A Solution for Detection of Ethanol and Methanol With Overlapping Refractive Indexes Based on Photonic Crystal Ring Resonator Optical Sensors

In this paper, a selective and sensitive photonic crystal (PC) sensor is designed to detect two types of alcohol, namely ethanol and methanol and to measure their concentration percentages. The use of different concentrations of each compound leads to a change in their densities which have definite correlations with the refractive indexes based on the Gladstone–Dale theory. According to the experimental results and the Gladstone–Dale theory, the value of the refractive index in different percentages of alcohols overlaps, which makes it difficult to detect them with optical techniques. We present a new solution to solve this problem, which is very interesting. The FWHMs for spectrum of the ethanol and methanol mixtures with water are obtained as 1.2 nm and 1.4 nm, respectively. This way, it is possible to distinguish between two types of alcohols. After this process and by diluting the solution of each of the alcohols below 30%, the overlap of the refractive indexes is prevented and the obtained resonance wavelength can be attributed to a determined percentage of alcohol. The performance parameters of the proposed sensor for both alcohols are quite promising so that the transmission, the quality factor, the sensitivity and the FOM are above 97%, 1092, 756 nm/RIU and 593.9 RIU-1 respectively. Even, when two typical samples have the same refractive indexes, the sensor can distinguish the alcohol type and the sample’s concentration. This capability along with the small size (123 μm2) and high sensitivity, are the special features of the proposed PC sensor.

Effect of Enrofloxacin on the Microbiome, Metabolome, and Abundance of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in the Chicken Cecum.

Enrofloxacin is an important antibiotic for the treatment of Salmonella infections in livestock and poultry. However, the effects of different concentrations of enrofloxacin on the bacterial and metabolite compositions of the chicken gut and changes in the abundance of resistance genes in cecum contents remain unclear. To investigate the effects of enrofloxacin on chickens, we orally administered different concentrations of enrofloxacin to 1-day-old chickens and performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing to assess changes in the gut microbiomes of chickens after treatment. The abundance of fluoroquinolone (FQ) resistance genes was measured using quantitative PCR. Metabolomics techniques were used to examine the cecal metabolite composition. We found that different concentrations of enrofloxacin had different effects on cecum microorganisms, with the greatest effect on cecum microbial diversity in the low-concentration enrofloxacin group at day 7. Enrofloxacin use reduced the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillaceae and Oscillospira. Furthermore, cecum microbial diversity was gradually restored as the chickens grew. In addition, enrofloxacin increased the abundance of resistance genes, and there were differences in the changes in abundance among different antibiotic resistance genes. Moreover, enrofloxacin significantly affected linoleic acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and signaling pathways. This study helps improve our understanding of how antibiotics affect host physiological activities and provides new insights into the rational use of drugs in poultry farming. The probiotics and metabolites that we identified could be used to modulate the negative effects of antibiotics on the host, which requires further study. IMPORTANCE In this study, we investigated changes in the cecum flora, metabolites, and abundances of fluoroquinolone antibiotic resistance genes in chickens following the use of different concentrations of enrofloxacin. These results were used to determine the effects of enrofloxacin on chick physiology and the important flora and metabolites that might contribute to these effects. In addition, these results could help in assessing the effect of enrofloxacin concentrations on host metabolism. Our findings could help guide the rational use of antibiotics and mitigate the negative effects of antibiotics on the host.

Effects of FAME Biofuel and Jet A-1 Aviation Kerosene Blends on the Operating Characteristics of Aircraft Jet Engines

The article investigates the possibilities for the miscibility and practical use of different concentrations of biofuel rapeseed fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) with aviation kerosene Jet A-1 (or aviation kerosene PL-7 used in the Air Force of the Slovak Republic) in aircraft jet engines. The main objective of this research was the experimental verification of the technical possibilities of reliable operation of the experimental engine SJE-20 in a special laboratory of small jet engines using different concentrations of the mixture of aviation kerosene Jet A-1 and biofuel FAME and their influence on the selected operating parameters of the experimental engine. The motivation for this research is the desire to replace conventional aviation fuels with fuels that can be obtained from renewable sources. Investigation of the possibilities of powering the experimental SJE-20 engine with a mixture of traditional aviation kerosene Jet A-1 (PL-7) and rapeseed fatty acid methyl ester FAME was the subject of the internal project BIOFUEL (Biofuel for Aviation).

Grafting of maleic anhydride on poly(lactic acid)/hydroxyapatite composites augments their ability to support osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells.

Implantation of bone substitutes is the treatment of choice for bone defects exceeding a critical size, when self-healing becomes impossible. The use of 3D printing techniques allows the construction of scaffolds with customized properties. However, there is a lack of suitable materials for bone replacement. In this study, maleic anhydride-grafted poly (lactic acid) (MAPLA) was investigated as a potential compatibilizer agent for 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA)/hydroxyapatite (HA) composites, in order to enhance the physicochemical and biological properties of the scaffolds. The grafting process was performed by reactive processing in a torque rheometer, with the evaluation of the use of different concentrations of maleic anhydride (MA). The success of the grafting reaction was confirmed by titration of acid groups and spectroscopic analyses, indicating the presence of succinic anhydride groups on the PLA chain. Morphological analysis of the PLA/HA 3D scaffolds, using SEM, revealed that the use of the compatibilizer resulted in a structure free from voids and holes. The compatibilization also increased the degradation process. On the other hand, TGA and DSC analyses revealed that the use of a compatibilizer had little effect on the thermal properties of the composite. Most importantly, the samples with compatibilizer were demonstrated to have a minimal cytotoxic effect on human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), promoting the osteogenic differentiation of these cells in a medium without the addition of classical osteogenic factors. Therefore, the grafting of PLA/HA composites improved their physicochemical and biological properties, especially the induction of MSC osteogenic differentiation, demonstrating the potential of these scaffolds for bone tissue replacement.

The Use of Different Concentrations of Oxalic Acid to Decrease the Infestation of Varroa Destructor during Autumn Season as One of Integrated Management Methods

Trait results is applying different concentrations of oxalic acid on Varroa mite population parasitoid on honey bee which was conducted in the apiary of the College of Agriculture & Forestry for the year 2020. The concentration treatment of 4.2% showed the lowest mean number of mites falling on the hive board which amounted to 27.42 mites compared with the highest mean of 49.10 mites in the control treatment. This was reflected in the mean number of mites expected inside the cell. It was recorded in the control treatment which amounted to 4910 mites As for the relative effectiveness of the different treatments, the highest mean was recorded in the concentration treatment 3.5% with a mean of 86.84 compared with the lowest mean of 58.85 which was recorded in the concentration treatment 4.2%. As for the treatment efficiency, the highest mean efficiency was recorded 15.91% in the treatment concentration 4.2% compared with the lowest mean of 8.27% which was recorded in the 3.5% concentration treatment. Correlation statistical analysis showed some significant and non-significant differences among some characters in the different treatments.

Hydrocarbon Degradation and Microbial Survival Improvement in Response to γ-Polyglutamic Acid Application.

To improve the environmental sustainability of cleanup activities of contaminated sites there is a need to develop technologies that minimize soil and habitat disturbances. Cleanup technologies, such as bioremediation, are based on biological products and processes, and they are important for the future of our planet. We studied the potential of γ-poly glutamic acid (PGA) as a natural component of biofilm produced by Bacillus sp. to be used for the decomposition of petroleum products, such as heavy naphtha (N), lubricating oil (O), and grease (G). The study aimed to assess the impact of the use of different concentrations of PGA on the degradation process of various fractions of petroleum hydrocarbons (PH) and its effect on bacterial population growth in harsh conditions of PH contamination. In laboratory conditions, four treatments of PGA with each of the petroleum products (N, O, and G) were tested: PGA0 (reference), PGA1 (1% PGA), PGA1B (1% PGA with Bacillus licheniformis), and PGA10 (10% PGA). After 7, 28, 56, and 112 days of the experiment, the percentage yield extraction, hydrocarbon mass loss, geochemical ratios, pH, electrical conductivity, and microorganisms survival were determined. We observed an increase in PH removal, reflected as a higher amount of extraction yield (growing with time and reaching about 11% in G) and loss of hydrocarbon mass (about 4% in O and G) in all treatments of the PGA compared to the reference. The positive degradation impact was intensive until around day 60. The PH removal stimulation by PGA was also reflected by changes in the values of geochemical ratios, which indicated that the highest rate of degradation was at the initial stage of the process. In general, for the stimulation of PH removal, using a lower (1%) concentration of PGA resulted in better performance than a higher concentration (10%). The PH removal facilitated by PGA is related to the anionic homopoliamid structure of the molecule and its action as a surfactant, which leads to the formation of micelles and the gradual release of PH absorbed in the zeolite carrier. Moreover, the protective properties of PGA against the extinction of bacteria under high concentrations of PH were identified. Generally, the γ-PGA biopolymer helps to degrade the hydrocarbon pollutants and stabilize the environment suitable for microbial degraders development.

Therapeutic and Preventive Effects of Piperine and its Combination with Curcumin as a Bioenhancer Against Aluminum-Induced Damage in the Astrocyte Cells.

Recently, studies conducted with astrocyte cells have drawn attention to neurodegeneration pathologies caused by aluminum exposure. In particular, investigating the potential of herbal therapeutic agents to prevent this effect of aluminum has gained importance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic and preventive effects of piperine, curcumin, and the combination of these compounds on reactive primary astrocyte cells. In order to examine the preventive effect, certain concentrations of compounds were applied to the cells before the aluminum application, and to be able to determine the therapeutic effect, the compounds were examined after the aluminum application. The efficacy of the compounds was analyzed in terms of cell viability, apoptosis, necrosis, and cytokine release. In conclusion, the results of the study showed that the use of different concentrations of piperine, curcumin, and their combination had significantly higher % cell viability on aluminum-induced damage in astrocyte cells compared to the damaged control group. In addition, a decrease in the number of apoptotic and necrotic cells was observed in the same groups, which indicated that piperine increased curcumin activity. The decrease in the amount of IL-6 and TGF-β cytokines also supported that piperine increased the effectiveness of curcumin. Considering all these results, it can be said that in terms of aluminum damage in astrocyte cells, the bioavailability-enhancing property of piperine on curcumin was shown for the first time in the literature. In line with these results, it is inevitable to carry out further studies.

Recovery of Rare-Earth Elements from Brazilian Ion-Adsorption Clay: A Preliminary Study

Ion-adsorption clays (IAC) are alumino-silicate ores, considered an essential source of heavy rare-earth elements (REE). With the increasing discovery and exploitation of IAC deposits, the present work sought to evaluate different methods of solubilization of REE through the use of different concentrations of inorganic acids (H 2 SO 4 , HCl, and HNO 3 ), as well as different concentrations of ammonium sulfate and lactic acid. According to the results, the sulfuric acid solution favored the solubilization of both La 3+ and Sm 3+ elements. The solubilization of REE in the presence of ammonium sulfate showed no significant differences as a function of the leaching time but favored the solubilization of Y 3+ and Tb 3+ . More efficient solubilization of Sm 3+ was observed with the addition of lactic acid at a concentration of 30 g L -1 , leading to 90% (4.5 ppm) of Sm 3+ extraction. The solubilization of La 3+ was favored by the contact time, with higher Sm 3+ extraction yields in 14 days of leaching. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v14i1.1569

Fish carcass flours from different species and their incorporation in tapioca cookies

This study aimed to evaluate different methods to produce flour from tilapia carcasses (cooked, cooked/aromatized, and flavored), and the use of different concentrations of cooked tilapia carcass flour for the enrichment of tapioca cookies. Tapioca cookies with the inclusion of cooked carcass flour from different fish species (tilapia, tuna, sardines, and salmon) were also studied. The flour from the cooked carcass showed low moisture and lipid contents and high protein, calcium, and phosphorus contents, as well as high L* values, and low a* and b* values. The tapioca cookies enriched with cooked tilapia carcass flour (9%) showed high protein content and good sensory acceptance. Concerning the cookies made with flour from different fish species, the tilapia flour led to an increase in protein contents, as well as linoleic, arachidonic, and eicosapentaenoic fatty acids concentrations of the cookies. These cookies also received the highest purchase intent scores. Therefore, the inclusion of flour from fish carcasses in tapioca cookies may be an effective alternative to increase the nutritional value of the product, besides adding value to the fishery waste and reducing the environmental impact of farming fish.

Fluoride mediated conversion of FeOOH into NiFeOOH for outstanding oxygen evolution reaction

By the use of different concentrations of F, we modulate the structure of NiFe catalysts to have a hybrid structure composed of different phases involved in Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) process. For the first time, in-situ Raman spectroscopy was used to study the structural change of the NiFe catalyst, associated with the effects of the concentration of F during the OER process. At a moderate concentration of F, it was found that; (1) the catalysts have a well-conductive hybrid structure composed of NiFeOOH (474 cm−1 and 544 cm−1), FeOOH (715 cm−1) and NiF2 (310 cm−1) phases, and (2) F promotes an optimum mass ratio between Ni and Fe, which helps in the collaborative operation between Ni and Fe. This led to generation of catalysts with an optimum structure portraying excellent OER performance. Specifically, the synthesized catalysts required explicit low overpotential of 259 mV to generate current density of 100 mAcm−2, Tafel slope of 60.3 mVdec−1, high charge transfer rate signified by low resistance of 1.46 Ω, and high number of active OER sites implied by large double layer capacitance of 2.90 mF. This study shades light to the understanding of the involved vital phases of F-NiFe catalysts and how F mediates the active phases during the OER process, hence contributing to the knowledge required for the designing of better catalysts for future electrodes.

The use of different concentrations of Nickel and Lead for the inhibition growth of some types of soil microorganisms

Three types of Mycorrhiza has been chosen R. rosulus, S. varigatus and P. involutus in removing and lowering the ascending concentration of nickel and lead elements during three incubation and contact periods (5,7 and 10 days), and comparing the isolated growth with control sample. Type of P. involutus is the most efficient in the removal by observing the growth of isolates by increasing it's diameter compared to the control samples and the concentration of nickel and lead, and for all the days of incubation, while the type S. varigatus was the highest growth at low concentration of nickel and lead only for all periods of incubation, for type R. rosulus, the diameter was smaller as compared to control samples and for all elements concentration of nickel and lead, except at concentration (2.5ppm), which showed increase in diameter for nickel, and is generally observed increase diameters of the isolates of the three types by increasing periods of incubation and all elemental concentrations of nickel and lead, and this increase is less than at high concentrations of these elements and of all species studied.

Cryoprotective Activity of Glycerol and Ethylene Glycol: Dynamics with Canine Sperm Integrity

Background: Different cryoprotectants had been used for safe gaurding the post thaw Canine sperm cell motility. Glycerol and ethylene glycol may be used as cryoprotectants. However, scanty reports are available on use of different concentrations of glycerol, ethylene glycol and the combination of glycerol and ethylene glycol as cryoprotectants for canine spermatatozoa. Methods: In present study, the semen samples were collected from 4 different adult spitz male dogs. The diluted semen was divided into four aliquots, Group I: 8% glycerol (control); Group II: 4% glycerol; Group III: 5% ethylene glycol; Group IV: 4% glycerol + 4% ethylene glycol. Result: The result showed that post-thaw sperm motility in canine semen with 5% ethylene glycol was recorded as 36.83±1.26%. For Group I (8% glycerol) and Group II (4% glycerol), the same was 34.25±0.95% and 26.50±0.81%, respectively whereas Group IV (4% glycerol + 4% ethylene glycol) it was 29.25%. However, there was no significant correlationship between abnormal sperm count and live spermatozoa; abnormal sperm count and dead spermatozoa; dead spermatozoa and DNA integrity and in between HOST (hypo-osmotic swelling test) and acrosomal integrity of spermatozoa.

Functionalization with bio-molecules derived from oyster mushroom (Pleurotus florida) diminished the antibacterial potential of the mycogenic metal oxide nanoparticles (nps)

Mushrooms are mostly decomposers and possess the ability to digest food extracellularly by secreting specific enzymes. These enzymes and other bio-molecules present in the mycelium extracts of the P. florida have been used to produce zinc, copper and iron NPs extracellularly using metal salts as precursors. This work includes synthesis of metal oxide NPs by use of different concentrations (0.1to 0.9 mM) of three metal salts viz., zinc, copper and iron which were formed by incubating the salts with mycelium extracts of P. florida up to 96 hours under shaking conditions at 25±2°C in BOD incubator. The synthesis of the NPs was identified by performing the UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis at regular intervals to observe the time-dependent NPs synthesis. The visual color change in the reaction mixture was recorded and development of white, green and brown colors in zinc, copper andiron salt precursor containing sols respectively was recorded. The shape and formation of NPs was identified through TEM analysis. Incubation of the ferric chloride salt precursor with mycelial extract produced cubic shaped NPs. The antibacterial activity studies of the developed NPs using different concentrations (0.1 to 0.9 mM) along with the antibiotic standards (penicillin and gentamycin at the rate of 200 and 20 mg L-1 respectively) were performed against both gram positive and gram-negative bacteria. The results revealed formation of no inhibition zone by the biogenic NPs as compared to inhibition zones formed by the standard antibiotics (maximum 17 mm for E . coli in gentamycin).