Use Of Higher Plants Research Articles

Carbohydrate Biolubricants from Algae and Cyanobacteria

Lubricants are used to prevent friction that causes resistance and heating up in oil drilling; ocular and orthopaedic implant materials; with Metal Working Fluids (MWF) and in general anti-wears. Conventional lubricants are either non-renewable petroleum-based or environmentally unfriendly synthetic materials, while biolubricants are renewable and eco-friendly of ‘biological origin’. Biolubricants are derived from either lipids/oils or carbohydrates obtained from living sources like animals (Chitosan, Hyaluronic acid), plants (Gum arabic, Guar gum), algae/cyanobacteria (oil, polysaccharide) and other microorganisms like bacteria (Gellan, Xanthan gum, Dextran, Lichenysin, Surfactin), yeast (single cell oil), filamentous fungi (esters). Lipids/Oils have varied uses in energy (biodiesel), food and other sectors, and are therefore in high demand, while extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) are of limited use at present. Biolubricants from animals have limitations. Similarly, the use of higher plants also has limitations as they require large arable land; only a part of their biomass, not the entire plant useful, and have long-life cycles compared to microorganisms. However, microorganisms like bacteria need specialized equipment and techniques to cultivate, increasing production costs. But, Algae and Cyanobacteria are photoautotrophs with minimal growth requirements and easy to cultivate. The viscous algal/cyanobacterial polysaccharides have remarkable rheological properties useful in reducing friction. Among algae, the seaweed products like agar, carrageenan and alginic acids are shown to provide lubrication, but they are needed more for other uses, and the macroalgae cultivation has its own limitations. Instead, Microalgae and Cyanobacteria pose relatively less problems and produce polysaccharides with remarkable rheological properties and physico-chemical characteristics, fit for lubrication. They can be cultivated round the year, some with seawater or even with wastewater or effluents (resulting also in bioremediation), reducing the cost of biomass production. This review highlights the emerging importance of carbohydrates especially the extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) of Algae and Cyanobacteria with commercial potential as Carbohydrate biolubricants. In addition, algal/cyanobacterial biomass production, together with optimizations required to maximize polysaccharides have been reviewed and the physicochemical properties including molecular weight, crystallinity, thermal characteristic and rheology of polysaccharides useful as biolubricants are discussed.

Field-Scale Evaluation of Botanical Extracts Effect on the Yield, Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Celeriac (Apium graveolens L. Var. rapaceum).

The use of higher plants for the production of plant growth biostimulants is receiving increased attention among scientists, farmers, investors, consumers and regulators. The aim of the present study was to examine the possibility of converting plants commonly occurring in Europe (St. John’s wort, giant goldenrod, common dandelion, red clover, nettle, valerian) into valuable and easy to use bio-products. The biostimulating activity of botanical extracts and their effect on the chemical composition of celeriac were identified. Plant-based extracts, obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction and mechanical homogenisation, were tested in field trials. It was found that the obtained formulations increased the total yield of leaves rosettes and roots, the dry weight of leaves rosettes and roots, the content of chlorophyll a + b and carotenoids, the greenness index of leaves, the content of vitamin C in leaves and roots. They mostly decreased the content of polyphenols and antioxidant activities in leaves but increased them in roots and conversely affected the nitrates content. Extracts showed a varied impact on the content of micro and macroelements, as well as the composition of volatile compounds and fatty acids in the celeriac biomass. Due to the modulatory properties of the tested products, they may be used successfully in sustainable horticulture.

Phytoremediation of lead-contaminated soil by ornament plant Codiaeum variegatum

Phytoremediation is an emerging technology that employs the use of higher plants for the clean upt he contaminated environment, a cost-effective, environment-friendly. In this study, the role of puring(Codiaeumvarigatum) plants as a potential phytoremediator to soils contaminated with lead (Pb) was investigated. A pot experiment was conducted for four and eight weeks to compare the biomass andlead content in root, stem and leaf by puring. The plant grew well exposed Plants that grow well are exposed to Pb with as much as 250 mg.kg−1 and 375 mg.kg−1 soil. The result presented here showed that root, stem and leaf biomassdecrease with increasing concentration and exposure time. Pb accumulation increases with increasing concentration and time of exposure. Pb accumulation in roots> stems> leaves. Bioaccumulation of factors is less than 1 while factor translocation is more than one. Metal tolerance index values range 95.545%to103.406%. This suggests that Codiaeumvarigatum was a candidate for phytoremediation of lead

Making light work of heavy metal contamination: the potential for coupling bioremediation with bioenergy production

AbstractIntense anthropogenic activity continues to expose the natural environment to heavy metal contamination. Whilst a number of physical and chemical solutions for remediation exist, the use of higher plants and algae for clean‐up of contaminated landscapes, termed ‘phytoremediation’ and ‘phycoremediation’, respectively, offer an attractive and sustainable alternative. However, these remediation processes will always lead to a high‐moisture, heavy metal‐contaminated biomass, which must be further processed to partition, or render inert, the metal contaminants. Conversion of this metal‐rich biomass into second‐generation biofuels offers a useful route to subsidise the economics of remediation activities. Here we briefly review the various methods for bioremediation of heavy metals, and discuss the potential to produce bioenergy from these biomass sources. Coupling the bioremediation activity to bioenergy production gives far‐reaching social and economic benefits; however, established processes such as direct combustion and anaerobic digestion risk releasing heavy metals back into the environment. Alternatively, thermochemical conversions such as pyrolysis or hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) offer significant advantages in terms of the segregation of metals into a relatively inert and compact solid phase while producing a biocrude oil for bioenergy production. In addition, preliminary work suggests that the HTL process can also be used to partition essential macronutrients, such as N, P and K, into an aqueous medium, allowing additional nutrient recycling. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry

HYPOCHOLESTEROLEMIC EFFECT AND PIGMENTS COMPOSITION OF HERBAL MEDICINE CONTAINING HIGHER AND LOWER PLANTS

Objective: The objective of this research was to investigate the antihypercholesterolemic activity of herbal medicine which consisted of pigment-rich simplicia from higher and lower plants, as well as to determine its pigments composition.Methods: Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into five cholesterol-rich diet groups as well as one negative control group with a normal diet, in order to investigate its effect on plasma lipid. The new herbal formulation was administered orally to induced-rats at three dosage levels, whereas simvastatin was used as a comparable generic drug. Pigments composition was determined by means of reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using gradient protocol, monitored with diode array detector at 430 nm.Results: The administration of herbal medicine was able to significantly reduce total plasma cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p<0.05) at a dose of 312.5 mg/kg of body weight/day compared to positive control group, and hence the atherogenic index was also lowered. The chromatographic analysis of pigments determination and quantification are reported correspondingly to support the possible active compounds data of hypocholesterolemic property.Conclusion: The results obtained in this research work indicated the potency of pigment-rich lower plants to substitute the obtrusive exploration and dominant use of higher plants for treating dyslipidemia.

English

Air pollutants affect their quality, making, inappropriate, harmful and damaging to health in general. The air quality can be measured by the use of higher plants as bioindicators in environmental biomonitoring. In this study, we evaluated the increased frequency of micronuclei (MN) in Tradescantia pallida exposed to potentially toxic environments. The vegetables were implanted in five points (4 test and 1 control) for 15, 30 and 60 days. After this period of exposure, the young inflorescences were analyzed and the observation frequency of MN using the technique of Tradescantia-micronucleus (TRAD-MCN). The results showed an increased frequency of MN in pollen grains of T. pallida in environment with severe vehicular exhaust and manipulation of benzene derivatives, indicating that the compounds present in the atmosphere of these environments have genotoxic potential. Key words: Atmospheric pollutants, bioindicators; genotoxicity, pollen grains, Tradescantia pallida.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity and Preliminary Phytochemical Screening of Moringa oleifera on Pathogenic Bacteria

The use of higher plants and their extracts to treat infections is an old practice in traditional African medicine. However, scientific research has shown that bioactive compounds in plants are valuable medically in the treatment of infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms. This research work is aimed to evaluate the antibacterial potential of Moringa oleifera extracts on standard microorganisms strains as well as multi-drug resistant strains of medical importance. Acetone, aqueous, ethanol and chloroform extracts of bark, leaves and seeds of Moringa oleifera were investigated for antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis. The preliminary phytochemical screening and antibacterial assay were carried out using chemicals and agar well diffusion method respectively. The results of phytochemicals analysis revealed differences in the presence of alkaloids, reducing sugars, saponins and volatile oil in all the extracts. Tannins were present in the extract of leaves while terpenes were present in the extract of bark and leaves. Phlobatannins and flavonoids were absent in all the extracts. The antibacterial assay results showed that M. oleifera extracts exhibited broad spectrum activity against four to six bacteria isolates as indicated by the zone of inhibition ranging from 10 to 36mm with variation in the percentage sensitivity of 100% depending on the plant part and solvent used. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and bactericidal concentration (MBC) ranged from 100mg/ml to 450mg/ml and 250mg/ml to 500mg/ml respectively against the isolates used. Standard antibiotic disc (Ofloxacin- 5?g) inhibited the growth of all the tested bacteria isolates except P. mirabilis . The results of this research work showed that M. oleifera has great potential as antibacterial compounds against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria.

The effects of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) extracts on Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01 quorum sensing system

Quorum sensing (QS) refers to a phenomenon where the bacteria can communicate and coordinates different behaviours based on the population density of small and self-generated signalling molecules known as the autoinducers. Previous research has shown that higher plants have a rising name in producing compounds that can act as QS inhibitors. This has been a promising strategy to combat the bacteria as it has a lower chance to develop multidrug resistant pathogens since it does not impose any selection pressure like antibiotics. Our group has previously showed that malabaricone C extracted from the Malaysian Myristica cinnamomea attenuate the QS-mediated virulence determinants in the pathogenic bacteria. This research aimed to study the effects of Momordica charantia extracts against P. aeruginosa PA01 QS system. By using the bioassay guided isolation, the sample was found to inhibit the selected virulence determinants of P. aeruginosa PA01. Our data validate the use of higher plants as rich source of anti-QS compounds that can attenuate the bacteria virulence which may be valuable source for novel drug discovery.

Virtual screening of compounds derived from <i>Garcinia pedunculata</i> as an inhibitor of gamma hemolysin component A of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>

With the emergence of multi-drug resistant pathogens at alarming frequency, there has been an increase interest in the development of novel drugs from natural resources. The use of higher plants and preparations made from them to treat infections is a longstanding practice in a large part of the population, especially in the developing countries, where there is dependence on traditional medicine for a variety of ailments. The virtual screening method was used in this study to analyze the docking and inhibitory activities of some natural bioactive compounds present within Garcinia pedunculata against hemolysin toxin of Staphylococcus aureus, gamma-hemolysin component A hlgA. The study resulted in identifying compounds 1,3,6,7-tetrahydroxyxanthone and garcinone D with high binding affinity towards the target protein revealing them as potent inhibitors that could be further used to create new drug source in the treatment of staphyloccocal infections.

Antibacterial Studies on Toona Ciliata. Roemer.

The use of higher plants and their extracts to treat infectious is an age old practice in traditional Indian medicine. The aromatic and medicinal plants represent enormous reservoir of potential microbicidal compounds that could be useful alternative to synthetic microbicides and are being used to develop drugs. In the present study Toona ciliata Roemer. leaf, stem and root powder extracts were tested against ten different randomly selected bacteria by disc diffusion method. It was found the methanol extract strongly effective against all the chosen bacteria. The Minimum inhibitory concentration value ranges from 10mg/ml to 35mg/ml.

Field crops for phytoremediation of metal-contaminated land. A review

The use of higher plants to remediate contaminated land is known as phytoremediation, a term coined 15 years ago. Among green technologies addressed to metal pollution, phytoextraction has received increasing attention starting from the discovery of hyperaccumulator plants, which are able to concentrate high levels of specific metals in the above-ground harvestable biomass. The small shoot and root growth of these plants and the absence of their commercially available seeds have stimulated study on biomass species, including herbaceous field crops. We review here the results of a bibliographical survey from 1995 to 2009 in CAB abstracts on phytoremediation and heavy metals for crop species, citations of which have greatly increased, especially after 2001. Apart from the most frequently cited Brassica juncea (L.) Czern., which is often referred to as an hyperaccumulator of various metals, studies mainly focus on Helianthus annuus L., Zea mays L. and Brassica napus L., the last also having the greatest annual increase in number of citations. Field crops may compensate their low metal concentration by a greater biomass yield, but available data from in situ experiments are currently very few. The use of amendments or chelators is often tested in the field to improve metal recovery, allowing above-normal concentrations to be reached. Values for Zn exceeding 1,000 mg kg−1 are found in Brassica spp., Phaseolus vulgaris L. and Zea mays, and Cu higher than 500 mg kg−1 in Zea mays, Phaseolus vulgaris and Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. Lead greater than 1,000 mg kg−1 is measured in Festuca spp. and various Fabaceae. Arsenic has values higher than 200 mg kg−1 in sorghum and soybean, whereas Cd concentrations are generally lower than 50 mg kg−1. Assisted phytoextraction is currently facilitated by the availability of low-toxic and highly degradable chelators, such as EDDS and nitrilotriacetate. Currently, several experimental attempts are being made to improve plant growth and metal uptake, and results are being achieved from the application of organic acids, auxins, humic acids and mycorrhization. The phytoremediation efficiency of field crops is rarely high, but their greater growth potential compared with hyperaccumulators should be considered positively, in that they can establish a dense green canopy in polluted soil, improving the landscape and reducing the mobility of pollutants through water, wind erosion and water percolation.

Phytoremediation of polychlorinated biphenyls: new trends and promises.

Transgenic plants and associated bacteria constitute a new generation of genetically modified organisms for efficient and environment-friendly treatment of soil and water contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). This review focuses on recent advances in phytoremediation for the treatment of PCBs, including the development of transgenic plants and associated bacteria. Phytoremediation, or the use of higher plants for rehabilitation of soil and groundwater, is a promising strategy for cost-effective treatment of sites contaminated by toxic compounds, including PCBs. Plants can help mitigate environmental pollution by PCBs through a range of mechanisms: besides uptake from soil (phytoextraction), plants are capable of enzymatic transformation of PCBs (phytotransformation); by releasing a variety of secondary metabolites, plants also enhance the microbial activity in the root zone, improving biodegradation of PCBs (rhizoremediation). However, because of their hydrophobicity and chemical stability, PCBs are only slowly taken up and degraded by plants and associated bacteria, resulting in incomplete treatment and potential release of toxic metabolites into the environment. Moreover, naturally occurring plant-associated bacteria may not possess the enzymatic machinery necessary for PCB degradation. To overcome these limitations, bacterial genes involved in the metabolism of PCBs, such as biphenyl dioxygenases, have been introduced into higher plants, following a strategy similar to the development of transgenic crops. Similarly, bacteria have been genetically modified that exhibit improved biodegradation capabilities and are able to maintain stable relationships with plants. Transgenic plants and associated bacteria bring hope for a broader and more efficient application of phytoremediation for the treatment of PCBs.

Application of X-ray fluorescence analytical techniques in phytoremediation and plant biology studies

Phytoremediation is an emerging technology that employs the use of higher plants for the clean-up of contaminated environments. Progress in the field is however handicapped by limited knowledge of the biological processes involved in plant metal uptake, translocation, tolerance and plant–microbe–soil interactions; therefore a better understanding of the basic biological mechanisms involved in plant/microbe/soil/contaminant interactions would allow further optimization of phytoremediation technologies. In view of the needs of global environmental protection, it is important that in phytoremediation and plant biology studies the analytical procedures for elemental determination in plant tissues and soil should be fast and cheap, with simple sample preparation, and of adequate accuracy and reproducibility. The aim of this study was therefore to present the main characteristics, sample preparation protocols and applications of X-ray fluorescence-based analytical techniques (energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry—EDXRF, total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry—TXRF and micro-proton induced X-ray emission—micro-PIXE). Element concentrations in plant leaves from metal polluted and non-polluted sites, as well as standard reference materials, were analyzed by the mentioned techniques, and additionally by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The results were compared and critically evaluated in order to assess the performance and capability of X-ray fluorescence-based techniques in phytoremediation and plant biology studies. It is the EDXRF, which is recommended as suitable to be used in the analyses of a large number of samples, because it is multi-elemental, requires only simple preparation of sample material, and it is analytically comparable to the most frequently used instrumental chemical techniques. The TXRF is compatible to FAAS in sample preparation, but relative to AAS it is fast, sensitive and multi-elemental. The micro-PIXE technique requires rather expensive instrumentation, but offers multi-elemental analysis on the tissue and cellular level.

Microgravity effects on leaf morphology, cell structure, carbon metabolism and mRNA expression of dwarf wheat

The use of higher plants as the basis for a biological life support system that regenerates the atmosphere, purifies water, and produces food has been proposed for long duration space missions. The objective of these experiments was to determine what effects microgravity (microg) had on chloroplast development, carbohydrate metabolism and gene expression in developing leaves of Triticum aestivum L. cv. USU Apogee. Gravity naive wheat plants were sampled from a series of seven 21-day experiments conducted during Increment IV of the International Space Station. These samples were fixed in either 3% glutaraldehyde or RNAlater or frozen at -25 degrees C for subsequent analysis. In addition, leaf samples were collected from 24- and 14-day-old plants during the mission that were returned to Earth for analysis. Plants grown under identical light, temperature, relative humidity, photoperiod, CO(2), and planting density were used as ground controls. At the morphological level, there was little difference in the development of cells of wheat under microg conditions. Leaves developed in mug have thinner cross-sectional area than the 1g grown plants. Ultrastructurally, the chloroplasts of microg grown plants were more ovoid than those developed at 1g, and the thylakoid membranes had a trend to greater packing density. No differences were observed in the starch, soluble sugar, or lignin content of the leaves grown in microg or 1g conditions. Furthermore, no differences in gene expression were detected leaf samples collected at microg from 24-day-old leaves, suggesting that the spaceflight environment had minimal impact on wheat metabolism.

Suitability of different photosynthetic organisms for an extraterrestrial biological life support system

In the present era of intensive space and planetary research, efficient life support systems (LSSs) are needed to maintain suitable living conditions when humans move into space, i.e. away from the Earth's atmosphere. Thus far, such suitable conditions on various space flights and on the space stations (Mir and the International Space Station) have been maintained solely via physical and chemical means (transport of O 2, H 2O and food from the Earth, cleaning and recycling of air and water). However, for long-duration missions to distant destinations, such as exploratory missions to Mars, biological life support systems (BLSSs) may be needed to convert local CO 2 and H 2O to O 2, and to food. As on earth, this conversion process would need to be based on photosynthesis. Use of higher plants and microalgae as BLSS organisms has been intensively studied. Here we review the growth requirements of these two types of photosynthetic organisms, with particular attention to their suitability for use in harsh Martian conditions, i.e. low temperatures, low atmospheric pressure, high CO 2 concentration, high UV radiation and dryness.

Sulphonated aromatic pollutants. Limits of microbial degradability and potential of phytoremediation.

Many synthetic sulphonated aromatic compounds are used as starting material to produce dyes and pigments, or are released as by-products in the effluents of the textile and dye industry. A large number of these chemicals are poorly biodegradable and cannot be eliminated by classical wastewater treatment plants. To limit the impact of these pollutants on the environment, new processes, based on the use of higher plants (constructed wetlands or hydroponic systems), are under development. Detergents and surfactants are essential for both industrial and domestic applications, the most important family being the alkylbenzene sulphonates. Originally, the alkyl side chains were branched and thus recalcitrant to biodegradation. Therefore, they have been replaced by linear alkylbenzene sulphonates. Although more acceptable, present formulations still have adverse environmental and toxic effects. In this context, phytoremediation appears to be a promising approach to remove these compounds from contaminated soils and waters.

Phytoremediation of aged petroleum sludge: effect of irrigation techniques and scheduling.

The use of higher plants to accelerate the remediation of petroleum contaminants in soil is limited by, among other factors, rooting depth and the delivery of nutrients to the microsites at which remediation occurs. The objective of this study was to test methods of enhancing root growth and remediation in the subsurface of a contaminated petroleum sludge. The phytoremediation of highly contaminated petroleum sludge (total petroleum hydrocarbons >35 g kg(-1) was tested in the greenhouse as a function of the frequency and the depth of irrigation and fertilization. Water and dissolved plant nutrients were added to the soil surface or at a depth of 30 cm, either daily or weekly. Equivalent quantities of water and nutrients were added in all cases. Daily irrigation at a depth of 30 cm invoked greater root growth and enhanced contaminant degradation relative to all other treatments. In the absence of plants, residual concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons after 7 mo were higher than with plants. The presence of plant roots clearly improved the physical structure of the soil and increased microbial populations. Thus, the plant roots in conjunction with daily additions of soluble N and P appeared to enhance oxygen transport to greater depths in the soil, stimulate petroleum-degrading microorganisms, and provide microbial access to soil micropores. Subsurface irrigation with frequent, small amounts of water and nutrients could significantly accelerate phytoremediation of field soils contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons.

Phytoextraction of Metals from Contaminated Soil: A Review of Plant/Soil/Metal Interaction and Assessment of Pertinent Agronomic Issues

Phytoremediation is an emerging technology that employs the use of higher plants for the cleanup of contaminated environments. Fundamental and applied research have unequivocally demonstrated that selected plant species possess the genetic potential to remove, degrade, metabolize, or immobilize a wide range of contaminants. Despite this tremendous potential, phytoremediation is yet to become a commercial technology. Progress in the field is precluded by limited knowledge of basic plant remedial mechanisms. In addition, the effect of agronomic practices on these mechanisms is poorly understood. Another limitation lies within the very biological nature of this novel approach. For example, potential for phytoremediation depends upon the interaction among soil, contaminants, microbes, and plants. This complex interaction, affected by a variety of factors, such as climatic conditions, soil properties, and site hydro-geology, argues against generalization, and in favor of site-specific phytoremediating practices. Thus, an understanding of the basic plant mechanisms and the effect of agronomic practices on plant/soil/contaminant interaction would allow practitioners to optimize phytoremediation by customizing the process to site-specific conditions.

Controlled ecological life support systems (CELSS) flight experimentation

The NASA CELSS program has the goal of developing life support systems for humans in space based on the use of higher plants. The program has supported research at universities with a primary focus of increasing the productivity of candidate crops plants. To understand the effects of the space environment on plant productivity, the CELSS Test Facility (CTF) has been conceived as an instrument that will permit the evaluation of plant productivity on Space Station Freedom. The CTF will maintain specific environmental conditions and collect data on gas exchange rates and biomass accumulation over the growth period of several crop plants grown sequentially from seed to harvest. The science requirements of the CTF will be described, as will current design concepts and specific technology requirements for operation in micro-gravity.

Natural treatment systems

Natural treatment systems