Research Papers

Silk Industry Waste Protein-Derived Sericin Hybrid Nanoflowers for Antibiotics Remediation via Circular Economy

Koshy Divya S. , Allardyce Benjamin J. , Dumée Ludovic F. , Sutti Alessandra , Rajkhowa Rangam , Agrawal Ruchi
| 2024

Hybrid protein−copper nanoflowers have emerged as promising materials with diverse applications in biocatalysis, biosensing, and bioremediation. Sericin, a waste biopolymer from the textile industry, has shown potential for fabricating such nanoflowers. However, the influence of the molecular weight of sericin on nanoflower morphology and peroxidase-like activity remains unexplored. This work focused on the self-assembly of nanoflowers using high- and low-molecular-weight (HMW and LMW) silk sericin combined with copper(II) as an inorganic moiety.

Application of microbial resources in biorefineries: Current trend and future prospects

Gaur Suchitra, Kaur Mehak, Kalra Rishu , Rene Eldon R., Goel Mayurika
| 2024

The recent growing interest in sustainable and alternative sources of energy and bio-based products has driven the paradigm shift to an integrated model termed “biorefinery.” Biorefinery framework implements the concepts of novel eco-technologies and eco-efficient processes for the sustainable production of energy and value-added biomolecules. The utilization of microbial resources for the production of various value-added products has been documented in the literatures.

Penicillium: A Treasure Trove for Antimycobacterial and Antioxidant Metabolites

Kaur Mehak , Peshwani Hishita , Goel Mayurika
| 2024

Penicillium, belonging to the phylum Ascomycota, is one of the most studied genera for its therapeutic properties. Based on ascocarps, it can be divided into two groups: Eupenicillium and Talaromyces. Bioactive secondary metabolites with antimicrobial, anticancer, antimycobacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, and biocontrol properties have been isolated from various species of this genus. The agricultural, biotechnological, and pharmaceutical applications of these metabolites are currently being investigated.

Seed treatment with biopolymers for alleviation of abiotic stresses in plants

Sharma Neha, Kaur Prabhpreet, Agrawal Ruchi
| 2024

Seed germination is the most fundamental and crucial physiological phenomenon in the plant lifecycle, which often falls victim to external stress conditions. This causes inconsistent germination rate and crop stand which ultimately lowers the overall crop yield. One of the most promising approaches to getting favorable crop production is seed priming. These techniques have remarkable outcomes on germination processes and even during later stages of seedling emergence, crop growth, and productivity under drought and saline conditions.

Development of stimuli-responsive nano-based formulations as an opportunity for crop stress management

Sharma Neha, Kaur Prabhpreet, Benjamin Allardyce James , Rajkhowa Rangam, Agrawal Ruchi
| 2024

Currently, the challenges associated with agriculture are to limit the extensive utilization of agrochemicals, including herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. Agrochemicals harm the environment and society and can induce resistance in target micro-organisms. To overcome such issues, controlled-release nano-based formulations can be implemented. Numerous advantages of controlled release systems include the reduction of leaching losses, volatilization, drift, and soil degradation.

Spirulina in fish immunity development: find the black box

Mandal Shovon, ​Rana Masud, Kabita S.K
| 2024

In aquaculture studies, Spirulina can be used to replace fish meal in aquafeed to lower the cost of producing fish feed while adding therapeutic and health benefits. Proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, pigments, and fatty acids from Spirulina could enhance the cellular and humoral immunities of a variety of fish species.

Impact of Biodiesel Blending on Indian Oil Market by 2030

Jamal Faiz
| 2024

In the recent years, India’s demand for fuel and petroleum products has increased rapidly, leading to 87.3% reliance on imported crude in 2022-23, up from 85.5% in 2021-22 (PPAC, 2023). This further indicates the need for increased investment in domestic oil production alternatives to enhance energy security and reduce import dependence. As the nation seeks to transition towards a greener future, the adoption of biodiesel presents a promising area to reduce emissions and foster sustainable growth in the transport sector.

Unveiling the potential of cellulose nanofibre based nitrogen fertilizer and its transformative effect on Vigna radiata (Mung Bean): Nanofibre for sustainable agriculture

​Sharma Neha, Kochar Mandira , Allardyce Benjamin James , Rajkhowa Rangam, Agrawal Ruchi
| 2024

Fertilizer management is crucial to maintaining a balance between environmental health, plant health, and total crop yield. Farmers are overutilizing fertilizers with a mind set to enhance the productive capacity of the field, which adversely impacts soil fertility and causes serious environmental hazards. To mitigate the issues of over-utilization of fertilizers, controlled-release fertilizers were developed using nitrogen fertilizer (ammonium chloride) loaded on cellulose nanofibres (named CNF*N).

Biodegradable Cellulose and Cellulose Nanofibres‑Based Coating Materials as a Postharvest Preservative for Horticultural Products

Sharma Neha , Allardyce Benjamin James , Rajkhowa Rangam , Agrawal Ruchi
| 2023

Currently, the packaging material is composed of fossil fuel-based plastics, which are non-biodegradable. Therefore, the biodegradable coating material developed from cellulose can be explored for applications like packaging, cutlery, bowls, straws, etc. The aim of the present study was to develop an agro-waste-based sustainable coating material using a waste-towealth approach. The study focused on transforming cellulose and cellulose nanofibre (CNF) derived from rice straw into biodegradable polymeric coatings.

Filling in the gaps in second‑generation biorefineries: evaluating rice straw and its bioethanol residue for the production of biogenic silica nanoparticles

Kaur Prabhpreet , Singh Suneeti , Sharma Neha , Agrawal Ruchi
| 2023

In the present scenario of accelerated research on production of ecofriendly bioethanol, second-generation bioethanol generation has particularly gained wide attention. These utilize agricultural feedstock and industrial residues, therefore assisting in their management without presenting any competition for food supplies. Rice straw is one such abundantly generated agricultural residue with a great potential for sustainable production of bioethanol.