Life Sciences
Current Scenario and Global Perspective of Sustainable Algal Biofuel Production
Industrialization and globalization have increased the demand for petroleum products that has increased a load on natural energy resources. The escalating fossil fuel utilization has resulted in surpassing the Earth's capacity to absorb greenhouse gases necessitating the exploration of sustainable bioenergy alternatives to mitigate emissions. Biofuels derived from algae offer promising solutions to alleviate fossil fuel dependency. Algae often regarded as third-generation biofuels present numerous advantages owing to their high biomass production rates. While algae have been utilized for their bioactive compounds their capability as biomass for the production of biofuel has gained traction among researchers. Various biofuels such as bio-hydrogen bio-methane bio-ethanol bio-oil and bio-butanol can be derived from algae through diverse processes like fermentation photolysis pyrolysis and transesterification. Despite the enormous commercial potential of algae-derived biofuels challenges such as high cultivation costs persist. However leveraging the utilization of algae byproducts could improve economic viability of biofuel production. Moreover algae derived biofuels offer environmental sustainability cost-effectiveness and waste reduction benefits promising novel opportunities for a more sustainable energy future. Moreover advancements in the field could lead to patents that drive innovation and commercialization in algae-based biofuel technologies.
A Patent Landscape on Methane Oxidizing Bacteria (MOB) or Methanotrophs
Methane-oxidizing bacteria (MOB) or methanotrophs are a category of bacteria that rely on methane as their primary carbon and energy source. Methane is the second most abundant greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide and is comparatively far more potent in trapping heat in the atmosphere. MOBs are important microorganisms in the global carbon cycle where they play a crucial role in the oxidation of methane. The present review provides a comprehensive patent landscape on technology development using MOB. The first patent in this technology domain was recorded in 1971 with a notable surge in activity observed in 2020. A detailed patent analysis revealed that the early inventions were mainly focused on the production of various metabolites and bioremediation using MOB. In the later years patents were filed in the area of identification of various species of MOB and their large-scale production. From 2010 onwards consistent patent filing was observed in the genetic engineering of MOB to enhance their methane oxidizing capacity. The United States and China have emerged as the global leaders in terms of patent filing in this technology space. Precigen Inc. and Exxon Research Engineering Co. US were the top patent assignees followed by the University of Tsinghua and Calysta Inc. The Highest number of patent applications have claimed metabolite production by using MOB followed by their use in bioremediation. Methylosinus has emerged as the predominant microorganism of choice for methane oxidation applications.
Relevance of Microorganisms in Causing Rain and Snow
Various natural phenomena (such as solar fluctuations oceanic patterns volcanic eruptions and tectonic movements) alongside human activities (including deforestation CO and CO2 emissions and desertification) contribute to ongoing climate change and subsequent global warming. However human actions significantly exacerbate global warming amplifying its adverse impacts worldwide. With rising temperatures water evaporation from water bodies and soils intensifies leading to heightened water scarcity particularly in drought-prone regions. This scarcity compounds rainfall deficits posing significant challenges. Precipitation essential for the biosphere's hydrological cycle replenishes much of the world's freshwater. It occurs when condensed water vapor in the atmosphere falls back to Earth as rain drizzle sleet graupel hail or snow due to gravity. Literature highlights the indispensable role of microbial populations in this process termed bio-precipitation. This phenomenon begins with microbial colonization on plant surfaces with colonies subsequently dispersed into the atmosphere by winds triggering ice crystal formation. Through their ice nucleating property these microbes facilitate the growth of larger ice crystals which eventually melt and precipitate as rain or snow. This mechanism aids in nutrient transfer from clouds to soil or vegetation. Pseudomonas syringae stands out as the most notable microorganism exhibiting this ice-nucleation property serving as the primary source of ice nucleators driving bio-precipitation. Despite limited literature on “rain and snow-causing microorganisms” this review comprehensively explores the conceptual background of bio-precipitation the involved bio-processes and the critical role of bacteria like P. syringae offering insights into future research directions and patent innovations.
Curcumin-assisted Preparation of α-Fe2O3@TiO2 Nanocomposites for Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Activity
Harmful microorganisms like pathogens significantly impact human health. Meanwhile industrial growth causes pollution and water contamination by releasing untreated hazardous waste. Effective treatment of these microorganisms and contaminants is essential and nanocomposites may be a promising solution. The present attempt demonstrates the green synthesis of α-Fe2O3@TiO2 nanocomposites (FTNCs) for the effective treatment of pathogens and organic contaminants.
The FTNCs have been synthesized through a green approach utilizing curcumin extract. Curcumin (Turmeric) extract (TEx) was prepared by washing drying and crushing 5 g of turmeric then boiling it in 100 mL distilled water at 70°C for 1 hour. Metal salts (Fe3+/Ti4+ 2:1) were added to 100 mL of TEx under continuous stirring at 70°C for 24 h. The solution was rinsed and dried at 80°C overnight and heated at 300°C for 3 h to remove impurities.
Synthesized FTNCs have been tested for the potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus Bacillus subtilis Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli Salmonella Abony Pseudomonas sp.). Observations discovered noteworthy inhibition of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria by FTNCs. Furthermore the FTNCs system shows the energy band gap of ~2.6 eV which may suppress electron recombination thereby enhancing photo-catalysis. The photo-degradation is examined against Evans blue (EB) and Congo red (CR) dyes under UV and visible light (125 W) irradiation. The remarkable photocatalytic degradation efficiency (DE) for CR reached ~67.4% in 60 min.
A simple green approach has been demonstrated for the synthesis of the FTNCs using curcumin-mediated reduction. As prepared FTNCs have been evaluated for potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus Bacillus subtilis Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli Salmonella Abony Pseudomonas sp.). The results show that the highest zone of inhibition diameter values have been obtained for 5 mg/mL concertation of FTNCs of ~14 22 18 21 and 20 and 29 mm for E. coli S. abony S. aureus B. subtilis E. faecalis and Pseudomonas sp. respectively. Additionally FTNCs demonstrate remarkable photocatalytic degradation efficiency against EB and CR dyes under UV (125 W) irradiation achieving 56 67% degradation within 60 min respectively. The findings indicate that FTNCs show long-term antimicrobial effectiveness and potential for water treatment through photocatalysis. This examination highlights recent advancements in intellectual property rights (IPR) and patent strategies shedding light on how patents influence eco-friendly synthesis and the development of multifunctional high-performance nanocomposites.
Application of Achras sapota Linn in Traditional Medicine
This patent article offers a thorough analysis of the contemporary application of Achras sapota Linn or sapodilla in conventional medicine. Tropical fruit-bearing Achras sapota Linn has long been used in many traditional medical systems. The study examines Achras sapota Linn's phytochemical makeup and pharmacological characteristics with an emphasis on the plant's possible medical uses in the treatment of a range of illnesses. Moreover it highlights the safety and efficacy characteristics of Achras sapota Linn and talks about new research and clinical trials that back up its traditional applications. This study also discusses obstacles and potential avenues for further research and application of Achras sapota Linn in contemporary medicine. All things considered it emphasizes how important Achras sapota Linn is to traditional medicine as a therapeutic resource.
Unveiling Anthraquinones: Diverse Health Benefits of an Essential Secondary Metabolite
Since ancient times plants have been used as a remedy for numerous diseases. The pharmacological properties of plants are due to the presence of secondary metabolites like terpenoids flavonoids alkaloids etc. Anthraquinones represent a group of naturally occurring quinones found generously across various plant species. Anthraquinones attract a significant amount of attention due to their reported efficacy in treating a wide range of diseases. Their complex chemical structures combined with inherent medicinal properties underscore their potential as agents for therapy. They demonstrate several therapeutic properties such as laxative antitumor antimalarial antibacterial antifungal antioxidant etc. Anthraquinones are found in different forms (derivatives) in plants and they exhibit various medicinal properties due to their structure and chemical nature. The precursors for the biosynthesis of anthraquinones in higher plants are provided by different pathways such as plastidic hemiterpenoid 2-C-methyl-D-erthriol4-phosphate (MEP) mevalonate (MVA) isochorismate synthase and polyketide. Anthraquinones possess several medicinal properties and a complex biosynthetic pathway making them good candidates for patenting new products synthesis methods and biotechnological production advancements. By conducting a thorough analysis of scientific literature this review provides insights into the intricate interplay between anthraquinone biosynthesis and its broad-ranging contributions to human health.
Emerging Methods in the Identification of Bacterial Respiratory Tract Pathogens
Here we will review different bacterial causes of respiratory tract infections and discuss the available diagnostic methods. Moreover we will provide some recently published patents and newer techniques such as respiratory panels and omics approaches and express the challenges in this path.
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) include those infections that can lead to the involvement of different respiratory parts including the sinuses throat airways and lungs. Acute respiratory tract infection is the leading cause of death from infectious illnesses worldwide. According to the World Health Organization 1.6 to 2.2 million deaths have occurred due to acute respiratory infections in children under five years of age. About 4 million people die annually from respiratory infections 98% of which are caused by lower respiratory infections.
Depending on the type of pathogen the severity of the infection can vary from mild to severe and even cause death. The most important pathogens involved in respiratory tract infections include Streptococcus pneumoniae Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis. The symptoms are often similar but the treatment can vary greatly. Therefore correct diagnosis is so important. There are several methods for diagnosing respiratory infections. Traditional tests include the culture of respiratory samples considered the primary tool for diagnosing respiratory infections in laboratories and less common standard tests include rapid and antigenic tests. It is essential to think that the culture method is reliable. In the original method of diagnosing respiratory infections some bacteria were challenging to grow successfully and many clinical laboratories needed to be equipped for viral cultures. Another issue is the time to get the results which may take up to 7 days. Rapid and antigenic tests are faster but need to be more accurate.
The clinical laboratories are trying to be equipped with molecular methods for detecting respiratory pathogens and identifying the genetic material of the infectious agent in these new methods as the primary method in their agenda.
The Role of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Orchids
In nature orchid plants are obligate myco-heterotrophs and rely on mycorrhizal nutrient resources to grow and sustain in the wild until they become physiologically active photosynthetic plants. Their seeds lack nutrient reserves and receive the necessary carbon from symbiotic fungi during germination. A mycorrhizal fungus provides nutrients especially sugars as well as water to the corresponding host plant. The range and distribution of orchid mycorrhizal fungi influence the survivability of orchid populations in their natural habitats. Mycorrhizae form symbiotic connections with the parenchymatous tissues of the roots of orchid plants. That the symbiotic orchid mycorrhiza can invade through roots of orchid seedling raised in vitro has been patented.
The objective of this study was to examine the presence of mycorrhiza in the roots of Aerides multiflora during the vegetative phase.
Fresh roots were hand-sectioned and thin sections were observed under the microscope to locate the presence of mycorrhiza. Simultaneously to observe the expansion of mycorrhiza in the cortical region.
During the vegetative phase of plant growth a peloton-like structure forms within the cortical region of the orchid roots. Mycorrhizae was observed to be distributed throughout the cortical layer of the root.
This communication reviews the role of mycorrhiza in orchid plants.
Phytochemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Potential of Parthenium hysterophorous and Lantana camara
Parthenium hysterophorous and Lantana camara are notable for their significant phytochemical and antimicrobial properties. Advancements in phytochemical research have led to the development of novel formulations and products derived from P. hysterophorus and L. camara. For instance patent extracts from these plants have been utilized in the formulation of pharmaceutical drugs herbal supplements cosmeceuticals and agricultural products. P. hysterophorous commonly known as Santa Maria feverfew or Congress grass contains various bioactive compounds like terpenoids flavonoids phenolics and alkaloids.These compounds are the key to its medicinal properties particularly its antimicrobial activity. On the other hand L. camara often referred to as wild sage is rich in phytochemicals such as terpenoids flavonoids and alkaloid glycosides.
P. hysterophorous and L. camara plants selected and checking their antimicrobial activity by agar well diffusion method.
In our study we found that the leaf extract of P. hysterophorous exhibited the most potent antibacterial activity against E. coli. P. hysterophorous exhibited the most potent antifungal activity against A. niger and T. viride with a diameter of inhibition zone measuring 12 mm followed by A. flavus and A. parasiticus. In case of L. camara the inhibitory zone ranging from 14 to 18 mm was detected against S. abony P. aeruginosa E. coli and K. pneumonia. The leaf extract of the maximum zone of inhibition in case of L. camara was shown by A. flavus (12 mm).
The present study suggests that these two weeds could be useful in the development of bactericides and fungicides
Exploration of Developmental Variants of Predatory Ladybird, Coccinella septumpunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on an Artificial Diet
This study aimed to focus on the identification rearing and exploration of developmental variants of the predatory ladybird Coccinella septempunctata L. renowned for its efficacy as a biological control agent and its predation on agricultural pests. However comprehensive knowledge concerning the occurrence and characteristics of developmental variants in this species remains limited.
In this study through meticulous monitoring and exploration we identified developmental variants exhibiting distinct sexual attributes as well as survival rates.
The research outcomes enhance our understanding of the developmental variations within an egg batch of C. septempunctata.
Moreover the findings hold practical implications for the implementation of biological control strategies in agriculture as specific variants may possess unique characteristics that enhance their effectiveness as natural enemies against pests. Furthermore the increasing competitiveness in the artificial diet space for scientific models raises questions about intellectual property rights (IPR) patents and strategies. This overview looks at recent developments and advanced protection strategies in this field to help understand the present state of IPR and patents in an artificial food for insects.
The Landscape of Products for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Scientific and Patent Systematic Review
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a complication of diabetes that occurs in 40 - 60 million individuals worldwide and is associated with other chronic diseases. However there are no review studies that present the state-of- the- art and technologies developed to circumvent this important health problem.
This review was conducted based on scientific papers and patents. The papers were retrieved from Lilacs PubMed and Web of Science databases and the patents from INPI ESPACENET WIPO and GOOGLE PATENTS. Thus a sample consisting of 14 scientific articles and 667 patents was analyzed.
From the analysis of the data we drew an overview of the development of biomedical technologies for DPN and detected the pioneering spirit of China the USA and Japan in the area with a focus on the treatment of DPN. Based on this we carried out a SWOT analysis to help direct future efforts in the area which should focus primarily on developing technologies for prevention early diagnosis and above all cure of the disease to reduce the important impact of this disease in various sectors of society.
This study finds a concentration of diabetic peripheral neuropathy products especially therapeutic drugs in high-income countries. It highlights the need for global collaboration and strategic focus on therapeutic adherence and preventive strategies to effectively manage DPN.