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

School of Bio Sciences and Technology

Vellore Campus

World University root node

Rhizomicrobiome Dynamics in Bioremediation

Recent Updates on the Role of Biosurfactants forRemediation of Various Pollutants

Usage of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) and tetracycline (TC) has increased significantly in the present era. This leads to their release and accumulation in the environment. Both the compounds, individually, can have adverse toxic effects on the plants. Their binary mixtures can increase this degree of damage. The present study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of both the contaminants in individual and binary mixtures in Allium cepa. Further, the toxicity of TiO2 NPs upon UVA pre-irradiation was also measured. Results showed that UVA pre-irradiated NPs (UVA-TiO2 NPs) had a significant decrease in cell viability than their non-irradiated counterparts (NI-TiO2), denoting an increase in photocatalytic activity upon UVA pre-irradiation. Very low concentrations of TC (EC10 = 0.016 µmol/L) mixed with TiO2 NPs significantly increased the toxicity for both UVA-TiO2 and NI-TiO2 NPs. Intracellular ROS generation was significantly high for UVA-TiO2 NPs. However, TC did not have any effects on ROS production. Both the compounds exhibited genotoxic potential in A. cepa. Different chromosomal abnormalities like anaphase bridges, telophase bridges, laggard chromosomes, binucleate cells, etc. were observed. The binary mixture of UVA-TiO2 NPs and TC showed the highest chromosomal aberrations (64.0%±1.26%) than the mixture with NI-TiO2 or the individual contaminants. This decreased significantly after recovery (46.8%±1.92%), denoting the self-repair processes. This study proved that UVA-TiO2 NPs were more toxic and could be enhanced further when mixed with a sub-lethal concentration of TC. This work will help to assess the risk of both compounds in the environment. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2020, Higher Education Press.

Centre for Nanobiotechnology

Frontiers of Environmental Science and Engineering

Assessing combined toxic effects of tetracycline and P25 titanium dioxide nanoparticles using Allium cepa bioassay

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) often co-exist with the other co-contaminants like antibiotics. The antibiotics can potentially modify the toxic effects of the co-contaminants like the NPs in the environment. Hence, the present study aims to understand the toxic potential of a binary mixture of tetracycline (TC) and TiO2 NPs to a model freshwater alga – Scenedesmus obliquus. Since, TiO2 NPs are known to be photo-catalytically active, non-irradiated (NI-TiO2 NPs), UVA pre-irradiated (UVA-TiO2 NPs), and UVB pre-irradiated (UVB-TiO2 NPs) TiO2 NPs was mixed separately with TC and their toxicity evaluated. It was observed that the cell viability for the three experimental groups decreased significantly (p &lt; 0.001) with respect to the individual NPs-treated algae. Abbott's model suggested that the interaction between TC and Ni-TiO2 NPs was additive for all the concentrations of NI-TiO2 NPs tested. However, in the case of both the UV pre-irradiated NPs, the interaction was additive for the lower concentration (1.56 μM) and synergistic for both the higher concentrations (3.13, and 6.26 μM). At the concentrations tested the cell membrane damage and intracellular uptake of NPs increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) for the mixture in comparison with the individual NPs treated algae. This study suggested that even a non-lethal concentration of TC (EC10 = 0.135 μM) increased the toxic potential of the TiO2 NPs significantly and when this antibiotic was used in combination with the UV pre-irradiated NPs, toxicity even increased to a higher level. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd

Chemosphere

Antibiotic tetracycline enhanced the toxic potential of photo catalytically active P25 titanium dioxide nanoparticles towards freshwater algae Scenedesmus obliquus

We report the draft genome sequence of Streptomyces sp. strain VITNK9, isolated from a soil sample collected in Vellore District (12.9165°N, 79.1325°E), Tamil Nadu, India, with an assembly size of 7,920,076 bp and 72.7% GC content. © 2021 American Society for Microbiology. All rights reserved.

Fulltext

Microbiology Resource Announcements

Draft genome sequence of terrestrial streptomyces sp strain vitnk9, isolated from vellore, tamil nadu, india, exhibiting antagonistic activity against fish pathogens

The advent of COVID-19 has kept the whole world on their toes. Countries are maximizing their efforts to combat the virus and to minimize the infection. Since infectious microorganisms may be transmitted by variety of routes, respiratory and facial protection is required for those that are usually transmitted via droplets/aerosols. Therefore this pandemic has caused a sudden increase in the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks and many other important items since, the evidence of individual-to-individual transmission (through respiratory droplets/coughing) and secondary infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). But the disposal of these personal protective measures remains a huge question mark towards the environmental impact. Huge waste generation demands proper segregation according to waste types, collection and recycling to minimize the risk of infection spread through aerosols and attempts to implement measures to monitor infections. Hence, this review focuses on the impact of environment due to improper disposal of these personal protective measures and to investigate the safe disposal methods for these protective measures by using the safe, secure and innovative biological methods such as the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Ultraviolet (UV) lights for killing such deadly viruses.

Environmental Research

Environmental survival of SARS-CoV-2 – A solid waste perspective

Background In recent years, female infertility from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has gained scientific interest. PCOS alters the metabolic and endocrine functioning in females. The elevation in androgens can damage the androgen receptors present on the kidney giving rise to renal disorders like Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) in the ovary is activated by activin for Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) secretion and in the kidney by thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) for cell growth and apoptosis. Studies show that gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) effectively treats breast cancer, eczema, inflammatory conditions and PCOS. Aim The study aimed to find out the possibility of FSGS development in PCOS and to understand the effect of GLA on FSGS via the TGF-β pathway. Method To carry out the study, the dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) induced PCOS model was used. Three groups namely vehicle control, DHEA and DHEA+GLA, were used with six animals in each. TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TSP1 genes were studied using real-time PCR. Results The study showed an increase in the level of renal fibrosis biomarker, TSP1, in the DHEA group, which was further decreased by an anti-inflammatory agent, GLA. The TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 genes associated with the TGF-β pathway were seen to be increased in DHEA-induced PCOS rats which showed a possible relation between the two conditions. Conclusion The study shows a possible development of renal fibrosis in the DHEA-induced PCOS model. The GLA might act as a ligand to regulate TGF-β signaling in glomerulosclerosis in a DHEA-induced PCOS model.

Life Sciences

The effect of γ-linolenic acid on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome associated Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis via TGF-β pathway

Excessive alcohol consumption leads to damage to the organs of the body. More importantly, the liver is majorly affected organ upon alcohol consumption for most of the people; it causes inflammation and affects various pathways involved in metabolism. If the person is with high response of inflammatory in conduct with alcohol leads to the liver damage, which involves the creating effects with major cycle leads to homeostasis. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms of alcoholic liver disease, such as the important role of genes, risk factors, pathogenicity and role of micro RNA, the role of inflammation in the liver and alcoholic fibrosis in the liver. There is increased oxidative stress, change in the biochemical alterations and reduction in the antioxidant enzymes. These changes in the mechanism lead to liver injury. Hepatocyte nuclear factor-4 is the major transcriptional factor for the regulation of some genes involved in the lipid metabolism and oxidation process; with the help of the agonist, we can attenuate the level of the gene in the site of hepatic tissues, which will prevent the homeostatic condition. This review shows a clear view of the various pathways involved in alcohol consumption, which helps in the prevention of ALD using an agonist.

A review on molecular mechanism of alcoholic liver disease

This work is aimed to develop a biocompatible, bactericidal and mechanically stable biomaterial to overcome the challenges associated with calcium phosphate bioceramics. The influence of chemical composition on synthesis temperature, bioactivity, antibacterial activity and mechanical stability of least explored calcium silicate bioceramics was studied. The current study also investigates the biomedical applications of rankinite (Ca3Si2O7) for the first time. Sol-gel combustion method was employed for their preparation using citric acid as a fuel. Differential thermal analysis indicated that the crystallization of larnite and rankinite occurred at 795 °C and 1000 °C respectively. The transformation of secondary phases into the desired product was confirmed by XRD and FT-IR. TEM micrographs showed the particle size of larnite in the range of 100–200 nm. The surface of the samples was entirely covered by the dominant apatite phase within one week of immersion. Moreover, the compressive strength of larnite and rankinite was found to be 143 MPa and 233 MPa even after 28 days of soaking in SBF. Both samples prevented the growth of clinical pathogens at a concentration of 2 mg/mL. Larnite and rankinite supported the adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. The variation in chemical composition was found to influence the properties of larnite and rankinite. The results observed in this work signify that these materials not only exhibit faster biomineralization ability, excellent cytocompatibility but also enhanced mechanical stability and antibacterial properties. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.

Department of Chemistry

School of Advanced Sciences

Materials Science and Engineering C

Biomineralization, mechanical, antibacterial and biological investigation of larnite and rankinite bioceramics

Constituents of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (neem), have antimicrobial, cell proliferative, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. In the present study, neem seed oil is emulsified with an alkyl polyglucoside, Montanov 202™, to produce a topical applicant with liquid crystals that ensconce depot as confirmed by polarised microscopic, thermal and WXRD studies. Anti-inflammatory investigations by paw edema model, with this topical applicant in female Wistar rats showed inhibition of paw swelling by 39–60% over 30–180 min when compared to untreated animals. Similarly, wounds induced by incision procedure also had a significantly higher breaking strength (353.46 ± 7.95 g) when treated with this applicant after induction. Further, upon similar application, contraction was significantly higher (95% by 16th day) in wounds induced by excision procedures, with a re-epithelization period of 10.21 ± 2.31 days. Histopathology of these skin sections showed accelerated healing with development of dermis/epidermis and collagen with results that were synchronous to neomycin treated positive control rats. This applicant was also able to inhibit the growth of methicillin resistant S. aureus strains as shown by in vitro studies. It is inferred that the depot water ensconced in its liquid crystals synergistically supports the bioactivity of neem oil constituents to aid the healing of topical wounds as effectually as synthetic antibiotics. Simultaneous protection against MRSA induced wound infections serves as an additional advantage of this neem oil topical applicant. © 2021 Elsevier B.V.

Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology

Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Neem) oil topical formulation with liquid crystals ensconcing depot water for anti-inflammatory, wound healing and anti-methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus activities

The role of the human gut phageome (HGP) for a healthy gut microbiome is not well-established. This study aims to identify phages based on Reduced Metagenome Sequencing (RMS) fragments from an Indian mother and child cohort. For this study, fecal samples were collected from 17 mother-infant pairs at Nishanth Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India. RMS data analysis and shotgun sequencing approaches were used to assemble and identify the genome fragments. Out of the 156,926 RMS fragments, 434 were classified as bacteriophages by Kraken 2. Mapping of virus sequences in NCBI and de novo assembly with subsequent taxonomic assignment revealed 41 different phage species. The prevalence (>50%) of three bacteriophages was observed in mother and child; overall four phages were more prevalent in the mothers while one phage was more prevalent in the children. Even at the species level, mothers were found to have more diverse phage species than children. No significant association was observed for mother–child sharing of phages. This study highlights the prevalence of Caudovirales phages in healthy HGP and also the use of the RMS approach to study the phageome composition. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd