Characterization and stability of nanostructured lipid carriers as drug delivery system

Recently more focus has been put to the development of innovative drug-delivery systems that includes polymer nanoparticles, emulsions and liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). The SLNs have been proposed to be an alternative colloidal drug delivery system. The aim of this study was preparation and characterization of solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) using varieties of emulsifier for encapsulation of the drug with poor water solubility. In these study four types of solid lipid nanoparticles were prepared based on different compositions of palm oil (S154) and lecithin (Lipoid 100) using the high pressure homogenization method. The SLN formulation had the following (palm oil+lecithin) compositions: SLN-01 (90 + 10%, respectively), SLN-02 (80 + 20%, respectively), SLN-03 (70 + 30%, respectively) and SLN-04 (60 + 40%, respectively). The SLNs were characterized and the optimum stability factors for one year storage determined. The parameters used to characterize the SLNs were particle size and polydispersity index (particle sizer), zeta potential (zetasizer), crystallinity (differential scanning calorimetry and wide angle X-ray diffraction), ultrastructure (transmission electron microscopy). Varying the palm oil and lecithin compositions resulted in SLNs of variable sizes and zeta potentials. The particle sizes of SLN-01, SLN-02, SLN-03 and SLN-04 were 298.40 +/- 11.80, 255.40 +/- 3.20, 145.00 +/- 3.39 and 273.00 +/- 86.50 nm, respectively, while the zeta potentials were -19.44 +/- 60.00, -19.50 +/- 1.80, -17.83 +/- 10.00 and -13.33 +/- 2.30 mV, respectively. Thermoanalysis and X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the SLNs had lower crystallinity than bulk lipid. The SLNs were generally round and uniform in shape under transmission electron microscopy. The SLN dimensional data suggested they had high quality physicochemical characteristics, which are conducive for the loading of poor water solubility drugs.     

Support vector machine approach to real-time inspection of biscuits on moving conveyor belt

An intelligent system for colour inspection of biscuit products is proposed. In this system, the state-of-the-art classification techniques based on Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Wilk's λ analysis were used to classify biscuits into one of four distinct groups: under-baked, moderately baked, over-baked, and substantially over-baked. The accuracy of the system was compared with standard discriminant analysis using both direct and multi-step classifications. It was discovered that the radial basis SVM after Wilk's λ was more precise in classification compared to other classifiers. Real-time implementation was achieved by means of multi-core processor with advanced multiple-buffering and multithreading algorithms. The system resulted in correct classification rate of more than 96% for stationary and moving biscuits at 9 m/min. It was discovered that touching and non-touching biscuits did not significantly interfere with accurate assessment of baking. However, image processing of touching biscuits was considerably slower compared to non-touching biscuits, averaging at 36.3 ms and 9.0 ms, respectively. The decrease in speed was due to the complexity of the watershed-based algorithm used to segment touching biscuits. This image computing platform can potentially support the requirements of the high-volume biscuit production.     

Experimental infection of brown‐marbled grouper,Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (Forskal), with Vibrio parahaemolyticus identifies parvalbumin beta‐2 subunit I,alpha‐2‐macroglobulin,nattectin and immunoglobulin light chain,differentially expressed in resistant grouper

The mechanisms through which brown‐marbled grouper accomplishes resistance to infection, particularly against Vibrios, are not yet fully understood. In this study, brown‐marbled grouper fingerlings were experimentally infected with Vibrio parahaemolyticus, to identify disease resistance grouper, and the serum proteome profiles were compared between resistant and susceptible candidates, via two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE). The results showed that putative parvalbumin beta‐2 subunit I, alpha‐2‐macroglobulin, nattectin and immunoglobulin light chain proteins were among proteins that significantly overexpressed in the resistant fish as compared to the susceptible group of fish, whereas apolipoprotein E and immunoglobulin light chain proteins were observed to be differentially overexpressed in the susceptible fish. Further analysis by peptide sequencing revealed that the immunoglobulin light chain proteins identified in the resistant and susceptible groups differed in amino acid composition. Taken together, the results demonstrated for the first time that putative parvalbumin beta‐2 subunit I, alpha‐2‐macroglobulin, nattectin and immunoglobulin light chain are among important proteins participating to effect disease resistance mechanism in fish and were overexpressed to function collectively to resist V. parahaemolyticus infection. Most of these molecules are mediators of immune response.     

Breaking wheat yield barriers requires integrated efforts in developing countries

Most yield progress obtained through the so called "Green Revolution", particularly in the irrigated areas of Asia, has reached a limit, and major resistance genes are quickly overcome by the appearance of new strains of disease causing organisms.New plant stresses due to a changing environment are difficult to breed for as quickly as the changes occur.There is consequently a continual need for new research programs and breeding strategies aimed at improving yield potential, abiotic stress tolerance and resistance to new, major pests and diseases.Recent advances in plant breeding encompass novel methods of expanding genetic variability and selecting for recombinants, including the development of synthetic hexaploid, hybrid and transgenic wheats.In addition, the use of molecular approaches such as quantitative trait locus(QTL) and association mapping may increase the possibility of directly selecting positive chromosomal regions linked with natural variation for grain yield and stress resistance.The present article reviews the potential contribution of these new approaches and tools to the improvement of wheat yield in farmer's fields, with a special emphasis on the Asian countries, which are major wheat producers, and contain the highest concentration of resource-poor wheat farmers.     

Water quality influences the presence of Streptococcus agalactiae in cage cultured red hybrid tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus × Oreochromis mossambicus

Attempts were made to identify the association between water quality parameters and the presence of Streptococcus agalactiae in cage cultured red hybrid tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus × O. mossambicus. Fish from commercial floating net cage‐culture systems in a river and lake were randomly sampled over a 24‐month period. Swabs from the brains, eyes and kidneys were streaked directly onto blood agar to isolate S. agalactiae. Water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, clarity, ammonia, nitrite, sulfide, rate of water flow and depth of water at sampling sites were measured at the same time of fish sampling. The prevalence of fish that were cultured positive to S. agalactiae was significantly higher in lake compared with river. The length and weight of the infected fish were between 9 and 33 cm, and between 20 and 760 g respectively. There was a significant and positive strong correlation between the presence of S. agalactiae and fish mortalities in lake. All water quality parameters showed significant differences between river and lake. However, only water temperature, clarity and pH of lake and the ammonia, temperature and dissolved oxygen in river showed significant correlation with the presence of S. agalactiae in the cultured fish. It was concluded that several unfavourable water quality in the fish farm influencing the presence of S. agalactiae in cultured red hybrid tilapia.     

Analysis of molecular variance and population structure in southern Indian finger millet genotypes using three different molecular markers

The genetic relationship among 42 genotypes of finger millet collected from different geographical regions of southern India was investigated using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR), and simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. Ten RAPD primers produced 111 polymorphic bands. Five ISSR primers produced a total of 61 bands. Of these, 23 bands were polymorphic. The RAPD and ISSR fingerprints revealed 71.3 and 37.4% polymorphic banding patterns, respectively. Thirty-six SSR primers yielded 83 scorable alleles in which 62 were found to be polymorphic. Out of 36 SSR primers used, 14 primers (46.6%) produced polymorphic bands. The SSR primer UGEP7 produced a maximum number of six alleles. Mean polymorphic information content (PIC) of RAPD, ISSR and SSR were 0.44, 0.28, and 0.14, respectively. Molecular variances among the population were 2, 11, and 1% for RAPD, ISSR, and SSR markers, respectively. SSR produced 99% molecular variance within individuals. RAPD and ISSR markers produced a low level of molecular variance within individuals. The STRUCTURE (model-based program) analysis revealed that the 42 finger millet genotypes could be divided into a maximum of four subpopulations. Based on the Bayesian statistics, each RAPD and SSR marker produced three subpopulations (K=3), while ISSR marker showed four subpopulations (K=4). This study revealed that RAPD and SSR markers could narrow down the analysis of population structure and it may form the basis for finger millet breeding and improvement programs in the future.     

Review on Labisia pumila (Kacip Fatimah): Bioactive phytochemicals and skin collagen synthesis promoting herb

Labisia pumila is a traditional herb widely used as post-partum medication for centuries. Recently, extensive researches have been carried out on the phytochemical identification, biological and toxicological studies for the herb. Phytochemicals found in the herbal extract showed high antioxidant properties, which were essential for various pharmacological activities. The significant findings are anti-estrogenic deficiency and -immunodeficiency diseases. Another finding that has considerable impact on natural product research is the contribution of L. pumila in promoting skin collagen synthesis. The performance of the herb as anti-aging agent due to natural aging process and accelerated by UV radiation was reviewed critically.     

Integrating plant ontogeny and structure in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica napus</Emphasis> L. I. Forward phenomics

Defining a minimum set of phenotypic traits that can integrate ontogeny and structure of Brassica napus L. is required for breeding and selection of high yielding and adapted genotypes to the short growing season of the upper Midwest, USA. Forward phenomics was instrumental in striking a balance between accuracy, timing and speed of capturing multi-level, spatiotemporal data at different scales of integration. Quantitative and categorical data digitally recorded, measured or scored on whole canopies, single plants, single leaves, and single siliques; and on random mature seed samples of entries in a phenotyping nursery of B. napus were used to identify plant traits that can integrate the effects of time (ontogeny) and space (architecture) on oil%, and to develop a multilevel-multitrait protocol based on field and laboratory characterization of phenotypic and agronomic data while accounting for fixed and random sources of variation when interpreting components of phenotypic variance. Traits conferring tolerance to low temperatures during germination and early seedling growth included fast emergence, early vigor, early flowering combined with short duration of bolting-to-flowering, and early maturity. To approximate rapeseed yield potential in the upper Midwest, USA, genotypes with biomass?>?6.0 Mg ha^?1, seed?>?3.5 Mg ha^?1, oil?>?1.75 Mg ha^?1 and protein yield?>?0.75 Mg ha^?1 are envisioned. A subset of adaptive traits has been identified that can be combined in a selection index to develop a plant ideotype for B. napus.     

Biochar for crop production: potential benefits and risks

Purpose

Biochar, the by-product of thermal decomposition of organic materials in an oxygen-limited environment, is increasingly being investigated due to its potential benefits for soil health, crop yield, carbon (C) sequestration, and greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation.

Materials and methods

In this review, we discuss the potential role of biochar for improving crop yields and decreasing the emission of greenhouse gases, along with the potential risks involved with biochar application and strategies to avoid these risks.

Results and discussion

Biochar soil amendment improves crop productivity mainly by increasing nutrient use efficiency and water holding capacity. However, improvements to crop production are often recorded in highly degraded and nutrient-poor soils, while its application to fertile and healthy soils does not always increase crop yield. Since biochars are produced from a variety of feedstocks, certain contaminants can be present. Heavy metals in biochar may affect plant growth as well as rhizosphere microbial and faunal communities and functions. Biochar manufacturers should get certification that their products meet International Biochar Initiative (IBI) quality standards (basic utility properties, toxicant assessment, advanced analysis, and soil enhancement properties).

Conclusions

The long-term effects of biochar on soil functions and its fate in different soil types require immediate attention. Biochar may change the soil biological community composition and abundance and retain the pesticides applied. As a consequence, weed control in biochar-amended soils may be difficult as preemergence herbicides may become less effective.

     

Application of Box-Behnken Design for Optimization of Different Pretreatment Conditions for Cellulase Production

Effects of dilute acid and acid steam pretreatments were inspected for cellulose production of Eucalyptus leaves through Box-Behenken design,a three variable factors for response surface methodology by Bacillus subtilus K~(-1)8.Maximum cellulose production performed in 250 mL erlenmeyer flask with submerged fermentation attained at 50℃,p H 5,140 r·min~(-1) for 24 h.Results showed the efficient cellulose production from acid steam pretreatment(being autoclaved at 15 Psi for 15 min)than acid pretreatment.The optimum condition for maximum carboxymethyl cellulas(CMCase)was 1.811 IU·mL~(-1)·min~(-1)(0.8%acid conc.,10 g biomass loading,6 h reaction time)and filter paper activity(FPase)was 2.255 IU·mL~(-1)·min~(-1)(1%acid conc.,10 g biomass loading,8 h reaction time).Whereas,the acid steam maximum CMCase activity recorded was 2.585 IU·mL~(-1)·min~(-1)(0.8%acid conc.,15 g substrate loading and 8 h reaction time)and the highest FPase activity was 2.055 IU·mL~(-1)·min~(-1)(0.8%conc.,10 g biomass,6 h reaction time then autoclaved).Results revealed that acid pretreated Eucalyptus leaves were better lignocellulosic biomass for cellulose production by submerged fermentation.