Browsing by Author "Singh, B"

Now showing 1 - 11 of 11
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    Biotechnological Potential of Lignocellulosic Biomass as Substrates for Fungal Xylanases and Its Bioconversion into Useful Products: A Review
    (2024-01) Dahiya, S; Rapoport, A; Singh, B
    Lignocellulose, the most abundant and renewable plant resource, is a complex of polymers mainly composed of polysaccharides (cellulose and hemicelluloses) and an aromatic polymer (lignin). Utilisation of lignocellulosic biomass for biotechnological applications has increased over the past few years. Xylan is the second most abundant carbohydrate in plant cell walls, and structurally, it is a heteropolysaccharide with a backbone composed of β-1,4-d-xylopyranosyl units connected with glycosidic bonds. Xylanases degrade this complex structure of xylan and can be produced by various microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria, and yeasts. Lignocellulosic biomass is the most economical substrate for the production of fungal xylanases. The bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass to industrially important products, i.e., xylooligosaccharides and biofuels, is possible via the application of xylanases. These enzymes also play a key role in enhancing the nutrition of food and feed and the bio-bleaching of paper and kraft pulp. However, the demand for more potent and efficient xylanases with high activity has increased, which is fulfilled by involving recombinant DNA technology. Hence, in this review, we thoroughly discussed the biotechnological potential of lignocellulosic biomass for the production of fungal xylanases, their purification, molecular strategies for improving their efficiency, and their utilisation for the production of valuable products and in other industrial processes.
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    Biotechnological Potential of Lignocellulosic Biomass as Substrates for Fungal Xylanases and Its Bioconversion into Useful Products: A Review
    (2024-01) Dahiya, S; Rapoport, A; Singh, B
    Lignocellulose, the most abundant and renewable plant resource, is a complex of polymers mainly composed of polysaccharides (cellulose and hemicelluloses) and an aromatic polymer (lignin). Utilisation of lignocellulosic biomass for biotechnological applications has increased over the past few years. Xylan is the second most abundant carbohydrate in plant cell walls, and structurally, it is a heteropolysaccharide with a backbone composed of β-1,4-d-xylopyranosyl units connected with glycosidic bonds. Xylanases degrade this complex structure of xylan and can be produced by various microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria, and yeasts. Lignocellulosic biomass is the most economical substrate for the production of fungal xylanases. The bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass to industrially important products, i.e., xylooligosaccharides and biofuels, is possible via the application of xylanases. These enzymes also play a key role in enhancing the nutrition of food and feed and the bio-bleaching of paper and kraft pulp. However, the demand for more potent and efficient xylanases with high activity has increased, which is fulfilled by involving recombinant DNA technology. Hence, in this review, we thoroughly discussed the biotechnological potential of lignocellulosic biomass for the production of fungal xylanases, their purification, molecular strategies for improving their efficiency, and their utilisation for the production of valuable products and in other industrial processes.
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    Current Progress and Biotechnological Applications of Microbial Keratinases
    (2023-05) Gahatraj, I; Borah, A; Pandey, P; Bhattacharya, A; Mazumdar, S; Singh, B
    Keratin is a fibrous and recalcitrant protein found in feathers, nails, horns, hooves, and the epidermis of the skin. The presence of the high degree of disulfide bonds, hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic interactions makes them resistant to mechanical stress and are not degraded by common proteases such as trypsin, pepsin, and papain. Due to the slow degradation of keratinous protein, accumulation of solid wastes from the poultry, slaughterhouse, textile, and leather industries leads to solid waste problems and other environmental and health related problems. In this review, efficient biodegradation of keratinous wastes by microorganisms, as a low-cost, environmentally friendly strategy has been discussed. Keratinases are the microbial proteases and hydrolyze the hard keratin. The decomposition of keratin by keratinases maintains the original structure of the final products, including short peptides, amino acids, and organic nitrogen which are deteriorated when traditional or chemical method is implemented. In this article, the role of keratinases producing bacterial and fungal species and their attributes has been elaborated, along with the biochemical characteristics of keratinases, and further, protein engineering approaches has been discussed, with the prospects to enhance keratinases activity for their biotechnological applications.
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    Distribution and temporal variation of total volatile organic compounds concentrations associated with health risk in Punjab, India
    (2023-07) Singh, B; Singh, M; Ulman, Y; Sharma, U
    In December 2019, a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak occurred due to a human respiratory virus that originated in the city of Wuhan, China. During the COVID-19 lockdown, there was a significant improve ment in the air quality across the world. We analyzed the data for BTEX over the three years (January to December 2019 to 2021) with pairwise comparison and trend analysis for pre-, during, and post-pandemic pe riods. This study demonstrates the substantial changes in the concentration of VOCs in the urban area (Punjab) due to the lockdown effects. The results indicate a substantial reduction in the mean TVOCs concentration for all the monitoring stations was found to be 8.89 ± 1.80, 5.59 ± 1.71, and 5.57 ± 1.43 μg/m3 for before, during, and post-pandemic, respectively. The level of TVOCs declined by − 43% for all monitoring stations during the lockdown period compared to the previous years. A higher T/B ratio was found in Patiala (2.97 μg/m3 ) before the pandemic, which may indicate vehicle emission sources. The LCR values for benzene were found to be higher in children than in males and females, which indicated the possible risk. The LCR values for benzene exceeded the prescribed value by CPCB for children.
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    Ginnalin A and hamamelitannin: the unique gallotannins with promising anti-carcinogenic potential
    (2023-04) Rippin; Beniwal, V; Sharma, A; Singh, B; Sharma, A
    Tannins are secondary metabolites that belong to the family of polyphenolic compounds and have gained a huge interest among researchers due to their versatile therapeutic potential. After lignin, these are the second most abundant polyphenols found in almost every plant part like stem, bark, fruit, seed, leaves, etc. Depending upon their structural composition, these polyphenols can be divided into two distinct groups, namely condensed tannins and hydrolysable tannins. Hydrolysable tannins can be further divided into two types: gallotannins and ellagitannins. Gallotannins are formed by the esterification of D-glucose hydroxyl groups with gallic acid. The gallolyl moieties are bound by a depside bond. The current review focuses mainly on the anti-carcinogenic potential of recently discovered gallotannins, ginnalin A, and hamamelitannin (HAM). Both of these gallotannins possess two galloyl moieties linked to a core monosaccharide having anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic abilities. Ginnalin A is found in plants of the genus Acer whereas HAM is present in witch hazel plants. The biosynthetic pathway of ginnalin A along with the mechanism of the anti-cancer therapeutic potential of ginnalin A and HAM has been discussed. This review will certainly help researchers to work further on the chemo-therapeutic abilities of these two unique gallotannins.
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    Improving the Agronomic Value of Paddy Straw Using Trichoderma harzianum, Eisenia fetida and Cow Dung
    (2023-07) Sharma, N; Singh, J; Singh, B
    The aimofthepresentstudywastoassesstheeffects of inoculation of Trichoderma harzianum, Eisenia fetida and cow dung on the physicochemical quality of paddy straw composting which was carried out for 90 days. The different treatment groups were Paddy straw (T0), Paddy straw + Cow dung (T1), Paddy straw + Cow dung + Eisenia fetida (T2), Paddy straw + Cow dung + Trichoderma harzianum (T3), Paddy straw + Cow dung + Eisenia fetida + Trichoderma harzianum (T4). The ratio of cowdungandpaddystrawwas2:1. Amongalltreatments, T4 was identified as the best treatment for decomposing the paddy straw as it recovered the nutrients within the recommended levels of a high quality product. The consortium of Trichoderma harzianum, Eisenia fetida and cow dung lowered the total organic carbon (TOC)andC:Nratioby28.8%and33.1%,respectively, atpH6.5. TheincreaseinN (0.87%), P (0.47%), K (2.66%), Ca (0.033%), Mg (0.056%) and Na (0.42%) was significant in T4 treatment. Themicronutrients, namely Cu(47.9 ppm), Fe(1128ppm)andZn(500ppm),alsoshowedasignificant increase in this treatment, i.e., T4. Therefore, results suggested that combinatorial composting by Trichoderma harzianum, Eisenia fetida and cow dung is quite promising in the decomposition of paddy straw to obtain quality compost in a short time. Furthermore, this study will help in the sustainable management of paddy straw with concomitant reduction inenvironmental pollution caused by the open burning of paddy straw.
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    Improving the Agronomic Value of Paddy Straw Using Trichoderma harzianum, Eisenia fetida and Cow Dung
    (2023-07) Sharma, N; Singh, J; Singh, B
    The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of inoculation of Trichoderma harzianum, Eisenia fetida and cow dung on the physicochemical quality of paddy straw composting which was carried out for 90 days. The different treatment groups were Paddy straw (T0 ), Paddy straw + Cow dung (T1 ), Paddy straw + Cow dung + Eisenia fetida (T2 ), Paddy straw + Cow dung + Trichoderma harzianum (T3 ), Paddy straw + Cow dung + Eisenia fetida + Trichoderma harzianum (T4 ). The ratio of cow dung and paddy straw was 2:1. Among all treatments, T4 was identified as the best treatment for decomposing the paddy straw as it recovered the nutrients within the recommended levels of a high quality product. The consortium of Trichoderma harzianum, Eisenia fetida and cow dung lowered the total organic carbon (TOC) and C:N ratio by 28.8% and 33.1%, respectively, at pH 6.5. The increase in N (0.87%), P (0.47%), K (2.66%), Ca (0.033%), Mg (0.056%) and Na (0.42%) was significant in T4 treatment. The micronutrients, namely Cu (47.9 ppm), Fe (1128 ppm) and Zn (500 ppm), also showed a significant increase in this treatment, i.e., T4 . Therefore, results suggested that combinatorial composting by Trichoderma harzianum, Eisenia fetida and cow dung is quite promising in the decomposition of paddy straw to obtain quality compost in a short time. Furthermore, this study will help in the sustainable management of paddy straw with concomitant reduction inenvironmental pollution caused by the open burning of paddy straw.
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    Multivariate analysis of structural and functional properties of fbres from apple pomace using diferent extraction methods
    (2023-02) Goel, G; Singh, B
    In recent years, diets rich in fbres have become more popular due to their well-documented benefcial health efects. This has driven exploration of novel dietary fbres from various bioresources. Apple pomace, an industrial waste rich in fbres was used in this study to extract the insoluble dietary fbres. The efect of various extraction methods (hot water, acid, and alkali) on the physico-chemical, structural and functional properties, and prebiotic activity of dietary fbres was evaluated. Hot water extraction resulted in highest yield of dietary fbres in comparison to other methods (p<0.05). All the fractions resulted in diferent organization of fbrous components as depicted by scanning electron micrographs, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Difraction (XRD) pattern and Thermo Gravimet ric Analysis (TGA). The acid extracted fbre fraction was observed to be amorphous with loose and porous structure whereas the alkali extracted fraction was more thermal stable based on TGA profle. Among the functional proper ties, acid extracted dietary fbres fraction possessed highest water and oil holding capacity (p<0.05). The hot water extracted dietary fraction resulted in maximum increase in viable cell count of standard probiotic strains Lactobacillus sporogenes and Streptococcus faecalis. The Principal Component Analysis revealed that acid extracted fraction pos sessed better functional activity which also correlates with the structural properties whereas for prebiotic activities, the fbre obtained from hot water extraction method served the best method. These results indicate that dietary fbres extracted through hot water can be employed as a potential prebiotic substrate for the probiotic cultures and could be further explored in foods to improve textural, functional, and bioactive properties of foods.
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    Nano-Conjugated Food-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides As Natural Biopreservatives: A Review of Technology and Applications
    (2023-01) Singh, B; Rohit; Manju, K; Sharma, R
    In recent years, microbial food safety has garnered a lot of attention due to worldwide expansion of the food industry and processed food products. This has driven the development of novel preservation methods over traditional ones. Food-derived antimicrobial peptides (F-AMPs), produced by the proteolytic degradation of food proteins, are emerging as pragmatic alternatives for extension of the shelf-life of food products. The main benefits of F-AMPs are their wide spectrum antimicrobial efficacy and low propensity for the development of antibiotic resistance. However, direct application of F-AMPs in food limits its efficacy during storage. Therefore, the development of nanocarriers for the conjugation and distribution of potential AMPs may hold great potential to increase their bioactivity. This review highlights the significance of F-AMPs as a feasible and sustainable alternative to conventional food preservatives. The most recent developments in pro duction, characterization, and mode of action of these AMPs against planktonic and biofilm forming pathogens are thoroughly discussed in this work. Moreover, nano-conjugation of F-AMPs with differ ent nano-carriers and potential future application in food packaging are emphasized. This review may aid in comprehending the nano-conjugation of F-AMPs and offer insightful recommendations for further exploration and potential uses in the food processing industry.
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    Probiotic fermentation of polyphenols: potential sources of novel functional foods
    (2022-09) Sharma, R; Diwan, B; Singh, B; Kulshrestha, S
    Fermented functional food products are among the major segments of food processing industry. Fermentation imparts several characteristic effects on foods including the enhancement of organoleptic characteristics, increased shelf-life, and production of novel health beneficial compounds. However, in addition to macronutrients present in the food, secondary metabolites such as polyphenols are also emerging as suitable fermentable substrates. Despite the traditional antimicrobial view of polyphenols, accumulating research shows that polyphenols exert differential effects on bacterial communities by suppressing the growth of pathogenic microbes while concomitantly promoting the proliferation and survival of probiotic bacteria. Conversely, probiotic bacteria not only survive among polyphenols but also induce their fermentation which often leads to improved bioavailability of polyphenols, production of novel metabolic intermediates, increased polyphenolic content, and thus enhanced functional capacity of the fermented food. In addition, selective fermentation of combinations of polyphenol-rich foods or fortification with polyphenols can result in novel functional foods. The present narrative review specifically explores the potential of polyphenols as fermentable substrates in functional foods. We discuss the emerging bidirectional relationship between polyphenols and probiotic bacteria with an aim at promoting the development of novel functional foods based on the amalgama tion of probiotic bacteria and polyphenols.
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    Sporotrichum thermophile culture extract-mediated greener synthesis of silver nanoparticles: Eco-friendly functional group transformation and anti-bacterial study
    (2020-10) Shankar, A; Kumar, V; Kaushik, N; Kumar, A; Malik, V; Singh, D; Singh, B
    Thermophilic mould Sporotrichum thermophile BJTLRMDU7 played the role in greener synthesis of the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) extracellularly using silver nitrate. The change in colour from transparent to dark brown primarily indicated the formation of AgNPs due to reduction of Ag (I) ions to Ag by the fungal culture extract. Nanoparticles synthetic process was optimized using “one variable at a time” approach. Sucrose containing medium having pH 8.0 supported the synthesis of AgNPs by the mould at 45 C. Furthermore, presence of light significantly accelerated the formation of silver nanoparticles. AgNPs were characterized by various techniques like UV–vis & FT-IR spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Appearance of a band at 426 nm in UV–vis spectrum revealed the reduction of Ag(I) ions to Ag (0) by mould’s culture filtrate. DLS data showed that AgNPs bear an average size of 70 nm, while XRD data revealed particle size of 40 nm. The application of AgNPs with their functional group transformation has successfully reduced p-nitrophenol into p aminophenol in an eco-friendly manner in the presence of light and NaBH4. Further, the synthesized AgNPs showed anti-bacterial potential against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria.