Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) is a private university located in&nbsp;Tamil Nadu, India. Founded in 1984, as Vellore Engineering College, the institution offers 20 undergraduate, 34 postgraduate, four integrated and four research programs. It has campuses in Vellore, Amravati, Bhopal and Chennai.

VIT is one of the top ranked private universities in India according to NIRF, THE and QS Rankings.&nbsp;Govt. of India has recognized&nbsp;VIT, Vellore as an&nbsp;Institution of Eminence. This has allowed VIT to take independent quality initiatives and move up in world ranking.

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VIT University

Department of Bio-Medical Sciences

Staphylococcus is a natural inhabitant of the skin and nasal cavities of almost 30 percent of the healthy population. The Staphylococcus strains which have developed resistance towards penicillin-related drugs such as amoxicillin and methicillin are known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The emergence and various outbreaks of MRSA over the decades have made it difficult to combat antibiotic resistance with the current class of antibiotics. The major causes for prevalence of MRSA are the increasing hospital-associated bacterial infections (HA-MRSA), health care associated MRSA-patients with ongoing dialysis or chemotherapy and also community associated MRSAtransfer from human to human transmission. The present book chapter emphasizes the occurrence of MRSA in health care settings as well as community-based infections, the symptoms and diagnosis associated with MRSA infections, treatment and various mechanisms to combat methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. © 2020 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

World University root node

School of Bio Sciences and Technology

Vellore Campus

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

An overview on pathogenesis and treatment of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Researchers and pharmacists are replacing synthetic chemicals with natural resources for drug manufacturing purposes. Plants produce secondary metabolites which possess antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antimalarial, antiprotozoal, antioxidant properties, etc. These metabolites are beneficial for plant growth and development by protecting them from harmful UV irradiation, insects and extreme temperatures. Phytochemicals with bioactive potential like salicylates found in the willow tree bark for reducing inflammation, lycopene- a phytochemical found in tomato to fight against cardiovascular diseases and lung cancers. In general, medicinal plants harbour endophytes (the group of microorganisms inhabiting within the plant host for a particular life cycle without harming the host) which are a prolific source of secondary metabolites and phytochemical production. Production of these metabolites by the endophytes from medicinal plants has shifted the focus from using chemicals to natural resources for drug discovery. The microbial biotransformation is an alternative method for the production of bioactive compounds. A single endophyte is responsible for various other secondary metabolites like terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, etc. Hence, phytochemicals with novel structures can be exploited in the field of medicine for new drug discovery. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020.

Advances in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology: Recent Progress and Future Applications

Phytochemicals and their role in pharmaceuticals

In the present study, carbendazim (MBC) degrading bacterial strains were isolated and identified as Chryseobacterium sp. JAS14 and Aeromonas caviae JAS15. Both the strains completely degraded 200 mg l−1 of MBC in the aqueous medium and soil within 4–9 days of incubation. In an aqueous medium, the degradation process was characterized by a rate constant of 53.16 day−1 and 42.60 day−1, following zero order model and DT50 was 1.8 days and 2.34 days for Chryseobacterium sp. JAS14 and A. caviae JAS15, respectively. A Chryseobacterium sp. JAS14 and A. caviae JAS15 inoculated into the soil without the addition of nutrients showed the degradation rate constant of 27.30 day−1 and 23.87 day−1, and DT50 was 3.66 days and 4.18 days, respectively. The metabolites during MBC biodegradation by Chryseobacterium sp. JAS14 and A. caviae JAS15 were identified as 2-aminobenzimidazole, 2-hydroxybenzimidazole, 1, 2 diaminobenzene and catechol. To our knowledge, this is the first study of the detailed biodegradation pathway of MBC by Chryseobacterium sp. JAS14 was proposed. Phytotoxicity and cytogenotoxicity assays showed that the toxicity of the MBC reduced after biodegradation by Chryseobacterium sp. JAS14 and A. caviae JAS15. In addition, A. caviae JAS15 possess important plant growth promoting traits under normal and MBC stress condition. These results suggest the Chryseobacterium sp. JAS14 and A. caviae JAS15 could be used as a bioresource for the reclamation of MBC contaminated soil. © 2020, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.

Fulltext

3 Biotech

Biodegradation of carbendazim by a potent novel Chryseobacterium sp. JAS14 and plant growth promoting Aeromonas caviae JAS15 with subsequent toxicity analysis

Caries is a multifactorial infection that can be caused by Streptococcus mutans. This bacteria is responsible for the formation of oral biofilms and incorporates properties that is conducive for its survival in hostile oral environments. Long-term adverse effects like hypersensitivity reactions, supra-infections and teeth staining coupled with the risk of resistance-development limit use of chemical preparations and antibiotics for caries prevention. Hence plant-based formulations with substantial antimicrobial and anti-cariogenic properties, could serve as alternatives for caries prevention. In this study, a Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) oil-in-water emulsion with Tween80/Span80 was formulated and favorably characterized using particle size (252.3±1.15nm with polydispersity index of 0.111± 0.01), FTIR and AFM analyses and stability studies. Its MIC and the MIC of alumina nanoparticles against cultures and isolates of Streptococcus mutans was around 600ppm. However, with the alumina nanoparticle loaded emulsion, the MIC was observed at a much lower concentration of around 400ppm. This nanoparticle incorporated emulsion was also able to inhibit the biofilm formation, with t he time kill assay showing a decrease in cell numbers within 60 to 120 minutes post incubation. Alumina incorporated lemon grass oil emulsion may thus to prevent dental caries induced by Streptococcus mutans. © RJPT All right reserved.

Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology

Synthesis and characterization of a lemongrass oil emulsion formulation incorporating alumina nanoparticles for activity against streptococcus mutans isolated from dental caries

Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology

Antibacterial activity of Dracaena colorama

In the current study, Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer (SLF) prepared from the combination of two marine algae namely Turbinaria ornata and Ulva reticulata, was investigated on Raphanus sativus (Radish), Phaseolus vulgaris (Green Pea) and Vigna radiata (Mung). The potentiality was evaluated on the basis of seed germination, plant growth and various biochemical criterions in comparison with chemical fertilizer and plants without any supplement. The seeds of V. radiata, P. vulgaris, and R. sativus were supplemented with 5 different SLF concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%) and allowed for germination. Seeds of all the plants showed 100% germination with both 80% and 100% SLF concentrations. It has been observed that 100% SLF treated plants was very effective in enhancing growth rate followed by 80% SLF. The root and shoot length, protein, amino acid, amino acid, carbohydrate and phenol concentration of the plants were found to be maximal at 100% SLF. Among the three plants, P. vulgaris has shown remarkable growth and yield followed by R. sativus and V. radiata. Additionally, the SLF also displayed antagonistic activity against plant phytopathogens such as Rhizoctonia solani, Macrophomina phaseolina, Sclerotium rolfsii and Alternaria solani. The GC-MS analysis of SLF indicated the presence of several bioactive compounds such as cyclopentasiloxane tetradeca-methyl, 3-acetonylcyclopentanone, etc. which are known for its role in plant growth and antifungal activity. The results suggest that the T. ornata and U. reticulata derived SLF could be an effective alternative to chemical fertilizers and warrant further research to investigate its possible use on field. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd

Department of Biotechnology

Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology

Preparation and evaluation of liquid fertilizer from Turbinaria ornata and Ulva reticulata

Hydrogen production using novel catalysts is regarded as one of the most needed technology for the future economic needs and water splitting to give H2 gas, which is a challenging task for large-scale production. This work reports the synthesis of Meso-Cu-BTC metal organic framework and further used for understanding its role in electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in 1 M NaOH solution. Meso-Cu-BTC electrocatalyst showed a less overpotential of 89.32 mV and an onset potential of 25 mV with an appreciable current density. Results show a low Tafel slope of 33.41 mVdec-1 and long-term durability. Thus, the overall results show that Meso-Cu-BTC acted as a good candidate for electrocatalysis towards hydrogen evolution. © 2020 The Author(s). Published by IOP Publishing Ltd.

Centre for Nanotechnology Research

Department of Physics

School of Advanced Sciences

Materials Research Express

Cu based Metal Organic Framework (Cu-MOF) for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction

Continued use of P25 TiO2 NPs in several fields necessitates their toxicity evaluation towards the ecosystem. Considering the high photocatalytic activity of TiO2 NPs, they were selected in the current study. The photocatalytic potential and toxicity of NPs on freshwater algae Chlorella sp. were compared upon UVA pre-irradiation and UVB pre-irradiation. Low concentrations (1.56, 3.13, and 6.26 μM) of NPs used for the study correlate well with the available environmental concentrations. The mean hydrodynamic diameter (MHD) for UVB pre-irradiated NPs (159.34 ± 0.68 nm) was the least when compared with UVA pre-irradiated (179.99 ± 0.85 nm) and non-irradiated NPs (220.04 ± 6.05 nm). This decrease in MHD denoted lesser agglomeration of NPs upon UVB pre-irradiation. For all the tested concentrations, the cell viability was less for UVB pre-irradiated NP-treated algae when compared to UVA pre-irradiated NP-treated algae (p < 0.001). Extracellular ROS generation was significantly higher for UVB pre-irradiated NPs (p < 0.001) as compared to UVA pre-irradiation. The enhanced toxicity of UVB pre-irradiated NPs was accompanied by increased generation of intracellular ROS, which in turn increased the SOD, CAT, and APX enzyme activities. This study concludes that UVB pre-irradiation of P25 TiO2 NPs caused more harm to freshwater algae through oxidative stress when compared to UVA pre-irradiation. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd.

Centre for Nanobiotechnology

Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering

UVB pre-irradiation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles is more detrimental to freshwater algae than UVA pre-irradiation

The production of different size and shape silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has increased considerably in recent years due to several commercial and biological applications. Here, rod-shaped AgNPs (SNRs) were prepared using the microwaveassisted method and characterised by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy analysis. The present study aims to investigate the cyto-genotoxic effect of various concentrations (5, 10, and 15 μM) of SNRs using Allium cepa model. As a result, concentration-dependent cyto-genotoxic effect of SNRs was observed through a decrease in the mitotic index, and an increase in the chromosomal aberrations such as chromosome break, disturbed metaphase, and anaphase bridge. To check the impact of Ag+ ions, 15 μM silver nitrate (AgNO3) was prepared and tested in all the assays. Furthermore, cell viability and different reactive oxygen species assays were performed to test the cytotoxicity evaluation of SNRs. The authors found that in all the tested assays, SNRs at high concentrations (15 μM) and AgNO3 (15 μM) were observed to cause maximal damage to the roots. Therefore, the current study implies that the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of SNRs were dependent on the concentration of SNRs. © 2019 The Institution of Engineering and Technology.

IET Nanobiotechnology

Silver nanorods induced oxidative stress and chromosomal aberrations in the Allium cepa model

Aim: Our study focuses on the liposome-based nanoformulation, which can encapsulate Pterostilbene for its subsequent testing in relevant, model systems for cancer. Background: Pterostilbene, a plant-derived, hydrophobic, dietary stilbenoid, has been studied for its ability to induce cell death and regulate caspases in the different types of cancer cells. The potential of this drug can be improved by formulating a suitable vehicle for its delivery. Biocompatible, lipid-based nanoparticles called liposomes have been studied as a potent delivery vehicle for drugs in pre-clinical as well as in clinical studies. Liposomes can improve the drug uptake and bioavailability of the drugs. Materials and Methods: Pterostilbene loaded liposomes were constructed using DOTAP and Cholesterol, by the Thin-Film Hydration method. Along with the loaded liposomes, blank liposomes (only DOTAP and Cholesterol, without Pterostilbene) were also constructed. The liposomes were characterized for their size, Polydispersity Index (PDI) and Zeta potential using DLS. Shape of the liposomes was analysed using TEM. Encapsulation Efficiency (EE) of the Pterostilbene loaded liposomes was determined. Also, UV-Vis spectrophotometer was used to ensure that Pterostilbene was encapsulated inside the liposomes and there was no interaction between the drug and the lipids. Results: Liposomes were composed of DOTAP and Cholesterol with molar ratios 2:1. The DLS showed that the size of the Pterostilbene-loaded liposomes was 435.6±5 nm (n=3), PDI was 0.5±0.07 (n=3) and Zeta potential was-16.4±0.5 mV (n=3). The drug encapsulation efficiency was found to be 97.5±0.8% (n=3). Conclusion: Reproducibility in the results (DLS and EE data for Pterostilbene-encapsulated liposomes) provides a sound, scientific basis for evaluating their cell death potential of Pterostilbene loaded liposomes against cancer cells in comparison with that of free Pterostilbene (parent compound). Also, the experimental flow of ours can be used as a teaching tool by educators in drug delivery and allied fields. © 2020, Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India. All rights reserved.