Current Trends in Biotechnology and Pharmacy

The Potential Impact of Probiotics Along with Prebiotic Against the Dermatic Pathogen Staphylococcus aureus: Isolation and Characterization

Nandini Sinhmar — 2025-04-23

In recent years, probiotics and prebiotics are now well known for their expanded clinical applications beyond the gut microbiome to the skin microbiome by managing several skin disorders from acne to skin cancer. Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium were extracted from non-dairy origins such as honey, tomato, and banana. The obtained isolates, recognized as Lactiplantibacillus pentosus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and Bifidobacterium animalis, underwent detailed analysis to assess their probiotic qualities. This assessment involved various morphological and biochemical tests, including the catalase test, pH tolerance, temperature resistance, salt sensitivity, antibiotic susceptibility, and antimicrobial activity. All three isolates showed increased growth under skin-like conditions including higher growth at pH 4 to 5, at wide range of temperature and at various salt concentrations. This research paper deals with the isolation of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium from non-dairy sources and further characterization to evaluate their antibiotic sensitivity against Ampicillin, Penicillin, Gentamycin, Ciprofloxacin, and Tetracycline and to study their antimicrobial effect against the main skin’s opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, that causes approx. 80% of skin diseases. Furthermore, research was undertaken to formulate optimal synbiotics. This involved assessing the preferential growth of isolated probiotics in the presence of prebiotics, specifically inulin, following an evaluation of the isolates’ activity scores both with and without prebiotic supplementation.

Engineering Cefpodoxime Prodrug using Nanosuspension Approach to Modulate Solubility, Antimicrobial and Pharmacokinetic Profile

Prerana Bhosale — 2025-04-23

Cefpodoxime proxetil (CP) is broad-spectrum antibiotic belongs to third-generation cephalosporin family. Its low solubility and bioavailability have been a challenge for drug delivery. Nanosuspension (NS) technology has been explored in drug delivery to address the issues of drugs with poor water solubility. The study focused on developing a CP nanosuspension (CP-NS) formulation using solvent-antisolvent precipitation technique. The CP-NS was synthesized by precipitation using 0.5 % w/v sodium lauryl sulphate and 1.5 % w/v poloxamer-188 under controlled ultrasonication. CP-NS was characterized for Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In vitro dissolution studies revealed that CP-NS exhibit increased dissolution rate 2-folds than pure drug and 1.3-folds higher than marketed formulation. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies revealed 4.3- fold improvement in oral bioavailability of CPNS than pure drug and marketed formulation. In conclusion, the formulation of cefpodoxime proxetil nanosuspension showed promising results in terms of drug dissolution and antimicrobial activity for prodrug based active moieties.

A Preliminary Bioinformatics Data Analysis of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the PON1 Genes in Chronic Kidney Disease: In Silico Analysis

Supriya Pathi — 2025-04-23

Serum paraoxonase (PON1), a glycoprotein synthesized in the liver, protects against oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, potentially reducing the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). A study using bioinformatics methods, such as PROVEAN (Protein Variation Effect Analyzer), SIFT (Sorting Intolerant from Tolerant), Polyphen 2, and I-Mutant 2.0 analyzed non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the PON1 gene. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment were used to identify biological processes and pathways. SIFT analysis of the PON1 gene’s SNPs showed that 55 and 33 were tolerable, and 22 were harmful alterations. According to PROVEAN analysis, 22 mutations were neutral, and 33 were harmful. Polyphen 2 revealed that 26 were damaging and 32 were benign. Thirty-four SNPs on I-Mutant analysis showed decreased thermodynamic stability, while twenty-one showed enhanced stability. The study found that the structure and function of the PON1 gene are impacted by mutations, with decreased stability predicted. These mutations may affect CKD’s pathobiology and risk for cardiovascular disease. A wet lab investigation on PON1 pathways could help link CKD pathophysiology and progression.

Chronomodulated Therapy for the Treatment of Type II Diabetics by Using alpha-GlucosidaseI Inhibitor

M. Sreelatha — 2025-04-23

Miglitol is an Anti-diabetic having a place with the class of α-glucosidase inhibitors, it has ability to bring down the postprandial glucose level in type-II diabetic patients. The present work was aimed to prepare miglitol pulsincaps to reduce the dose frequency and increase the patient compliance. Arrangement of pulsicapsules is associated with the four distinct stages: First stage involved preparation of immediate release granules and optimization of immediate release granules which were prepared by using crospovidone as superdisintegtrant in different conc. (MCM1-MCM6) by wet granulation method and granules were evaluated for the flow properties, drug content and in-vitro dissolution. Based on the results MCM5 was optimized to prepare the pulsincaps. In the second stage insoluble bodies of the capsules was prepared by treating with the formaldehyde solution. Third step was preparation of hydrogel plugs with 6 hr. lag time and the final stage was assembling of pulsincaps with three pulses of immediate release granules (MCM5) which were separated by two hydrogel plugs. The prearranged pulsincaps were assessed for in vitro drug release in three distinctive dissolution media. From the results CDC8 was optimized based on the predetermined lag time and drug release. Stability studies led at 40±2˚C/75±5% RH showed no note worthy changes inferring that an effective pulsatile drug delivery system of Miglitol was designed.

Formulation Development and Characterization of Ritonavir Loaded Controlled Release Matrix Tablet

Sujit Shinde — 2025-04-23

The aim of this study was to design Ritonavir loaded controlled-release matrix tablet (CRMT) for the treatment against Human immunodeficiency virus, with an emphasis on the drug’s pharmacokinetic and physicochemical characteristics for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and decreased gastrointestinal side effects. The tablet was prepared by using rate-controlling polymers like Hydroxy-propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) K4M and xanthan gum by direct compression method. Formulation batches F1-F9 were developed, optimized using 3² full factorial design and evaluated for pre and post compressional studies. Drug-excipients studies were performed by IR spectra and DSC thermogram. All batches of powder blends were evaluated for particle size, angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, % Compressibility index and Hausner’s ratio. The prepared tablets were characterized for Weight variation, Hardness, Thickness, Friability, % Drug content, % Swelling index and In-vitro cumulative drug release study up to12h. Analysis of variance was used to handle acquired data for statistical analysis. In conclusion, maximum drug release 96.29% and swelling index 81.29±0.09%, was observed in F9, after 12 h of studies and found stable under short term stability study as per ICH guideline. The article developed a potential scope in reducing the dose-dependent gastrointestinal toxicity of ritonavir with fewer side effect and a hope in future.

In vitro Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activity of Selected Sri Lankan Medicinal Plants

Waradana Sadin de Silva — 2025-04-23

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition is a well-accepted therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s disease and many categories of dementia. Medicinal plants are promising sources of useful AChE inhibitors and have been used to treat Alzheimer’s disease by people around the world. This investigation was carried out to assess the AChE inhibitory activities of the crude organic extracts of nine Sri Lankan medicinal plants. Air dried, powdered samples of different plant parts were sequentially extracted with 3 organic solvents to yield a total extract of the individual plant part. These extracts were tested for AChE inhibitory activity using Ellman’s assay in 96-well microplates. Galantamine (IC50 1.57 ±0.01 μg/ml) was used as the standard acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and all the tests were done in triplicates. Potent AChE inhibitory activities were shown by the leaf extracts of Wrightia antidysenterica and Flueggea leucopyrus with IC₅₀ values of 64±0.5 μg/ml and 107±0.1 μg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, Zingiber cylindricum rhizome extract and Areca concinna seed extract also exhibited considerable AChE inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 189±1.4 μg/ml and 217±1.2 μg/ml, respectively. Hence, it can be concluded that W. antidysenterica and F. leucopyrus possess potent anti-cholinesterase activity and can be used to isolate drug leads with anti-acetylcholinesterase activity.

Optimizing Formulation and Economic Evaluation of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria for Enhanced Cauliflower Growth and Yield

Parmeshwar Singh — 2025-04-23

A shortage of phosphorus (P), a necessary mineral ingredient for agriculture, may result in lower grain quality, productivity, and growth in cereal crops. Much of the phosphorus that is sprayed in agricultural contexts is immobilized in the soil, which limits the amount of phosphorus that is available to plants. This study focused on investigating the microbial communities in the rhizosphere of cauliflower crops from Kanpur, Unnao, and Lucknow districts in India, known for their fertile soils and favorable agricultural conditions. Soil samples were collected and screened for phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. PSB was isolated using Pikovskaya’s agar medium, and nitrogen-fixing bacteria were identified through nitrogen-free media supplemented with a bromothymol blue indicator. Morphological, biochemical, and molecular techniques were employed for characterization. The isolated strains were then tested for their impact on cauliflower growth and yield parameters under controlled conditions. Results showed significant enhancements in plant growth and yield parameters, suggesting potential applications in agricultural practices.

Screening and Purification of L-asparaginase Production by Aspergillus quadrilineatus Using Agro Wastes and Vegetable Peels

Rupa Acharya — 2025-04-23

Enzymes are the name for the biocatalysts that are created by living cells. These are intricate protein molecules that start chemical reactions essential to life. They are colloidal, thermolabile, and have a particular action. L-asparaginase (also called L-asparagine amido hydrolase, E.C.3.5.1.1) is an extracellular enzyme that has attracted a lot of attention since it is used as an anticancer drug. To assess the growth capacity of the selected fungus Aspergillus quadrilineatus, a preliminary experiment was carried out using vegetable peels and agricultural waste as substrate. The by-products that were utilized included wheat bran, cornmeal, gram flour, wheat flour, rice flour, rice husk, and peels from green peas, onions, carrots, and papayas. On the other hand, papaya peel medium worked well as a source of media for improving growth in Aspergillus species. This work focuses on the purification, mass-scale production, screening, and characterization of the Fusarium proliferative-derived L-asparaginase enzyme. The crude enzyme was removed, followed by precipitation with ammonium sulphate, filtration over a Sephadex column, and ion exchange chromatography to further purify the L-Asparaginase. The reaction of the enzyme to different temperatures, pH values, substrate concentrations, and incubation times was evaluated in order to define it. Because it can catalyze the conversion of l-asparagine to l-aspartic acid and ammonia, l-asparaginase is one such crucial enzyme that has found commercial usage in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Although l-asparaginase may be produced by a variety of bacterial and fungal sources, researchers are particularly interested in how these organisms might generate the enzyme commercially utilizing less expensive substrates.

Advancing Cleanroom Contamination Control Strategies with Automation and AI: Current Status and Future perspectives in the Manufacturing of Parenterals

Tata Santosh — 2025-04-23

Contamination in parenterals affects products’ critical quality attributes and patient safety. lapses are frequently noticed, leading to product recalls. The most recent Annex-1 guidance expects manufacturers of parenteral products to evolve with a holistic contamination control strategy covering unit operations, processes and activities. The operation segments in cGMP environment are described wholly under 6M’s (Men, material, machines, Methods/processes, Mother nature/environment and Measurement/ controls) and their respective subfunctions. We discussed the role of critical controls to validate the process The need for automated equipment compliant with GAMP 5, the focus areas requiring technological advancement using artificial intelligence (AI) are discussed. Novel automation controls that can be installed in existing manufacturing units and the corresponding outcome for an improved CCS is summarized.

Hydroxyapatite Doped with Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd. Rhizome Extract Exhibits Potential Antioxidant and Antibacterial Features

Seethalakshmi Subramaniam — 2025-04-23

The study focused on doping of hydroxyapatite (HAp) with Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd. rhizome extract (Agr) to impart antioxidant and antimicrobial features to HAp by a green approach. The HAp was synthesized by solgel method using ortho-phosphoric acid and calcium nitrate tetrahydrate as precursors. The HAp was doped with Agr by the wet-precipitation method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that HAp and HAp-Agr biocomposite were crystalline. The FTIR study validated the successful impartation of Agr into HAp by confirming the presence of functional groups as alcoholic, phosphate, and carbonate groups in HAp-Agr biocomposite. The field emission scanning electron microscope analysis showed that HAp and HAp-Agr biocomposite were irregular and agglomerated. Moreover, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis showed the entrapment of phytomolecules of Agr into HAp- Agr biocomposite. The Zeta potential analysis revealed that HAp and HAp-Agr biocomposite were stable with −24.6 and -10.7 mV, respectively. The hydrodynamic size distribution of HAp and HAp-Agr biocomposite were 191.5 and 280.7 d. nm, respectively. The HAp-Agr biocomposite exhibited potential antioxidant activity, and its IC50 value (concentration required to scavenge 50% of free radicals) was 133.92 ± 4.08 and 141.24 ± 6.79 μg/mL in DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. The HAp-Agr biocomposite exhibited a broad range of antibacterial activity against Gram-ve and Gram+ve bacteria by broth-dilution technique. This work highlighted that the as-synthesized HAp-Agr biocomposite had notable antioxidant and antibacterial characteristics and highly apt for biomedical application.

In Vitro Effects of Homoeopathic Streptococcus pneumoniae Nosode on a Streptococcus pneumoniae Culture

Nokwanda Dudu Zulu — 2025-04-23

Globally, antimicrobial resistance is a huge healthcare concern and is projected to cause 10 million deaths worldwide by 2050 if the current trend of irrational utilization of antibiotics continues. The search for new antimicrobials continues to be a pressing need in humanity’s battle against bacterial infections. Several in vitro studies have yielded positive results on homoeopathic nosodes and other homoeopathic remedies. However, none of the in vitro or in vivo studies has been conducted on S. pneumoniae nosode. To test this paradigm, we assessed the in vitro effects of homoeopathic S. pneumoniae nosode on an S. pneumoniae culture. S. pneumoniae ATCC49619 was obtained from the National Health Laboratory Service, University of KwaZulu-Natal. The homeopathic remedies tested were S. pneumoniae nosode 6CH, 9CH, 30CH, and 200CH. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The positive control used was ceftriaxone, and the negative control was 20%ethanol. No significant inhibitory effect of any of the tested homoeopathic remedies, S. pneumoniae nosode 6CH, 9CH, 30CH, and 200CH including 20%ethanol on S. pneumoniae could be found. S. pneumoniae demonstrated susceptibility to ceftriaxone. The MIC of ceftriaxone was 2μg/ ml. In conclusion, the study revealed that the tested nosode, S. pneumoniae nosode 6CH, 9CH, 30CH, and 200CH exhibited no antibacterial potential against S. pneumoniae. These findings are in concordance with the hypothesis that homoeopathic remedies are based on host effects: such as activation of the immune system, rather than direct impact on pathogens.

Chitosan: A Comprehensive Review of Structural Properties, Biological Activities, and Multidisciplinary Applications

Ebrahim Cheraghi — 2025-04-23

Chitin deacetylation yields chitosan, a biopolymer gathered from different natural origins like animals and marine organisms. Chitosan quality is influenced by factors such as molecular weight, crystallinity, and degree of deacetylation, as well as purity parameters like ash content, protein content, and color. These inherent characteristics lead to biocompatibility, bio-adhesiveness, solubility, and its polycationic nature, making it suitable for a wide range of physical or chemical modifications. Despite its advantages, chitosan faces challenges such as seasonal and geographical availability, time-consuming extraction processes, and variability in quality due to different extraction methods. Technological advancements, such as genetic modification, hold promise for improving chitosan yield and expanding its applications. This review delves into the structure and properties of chitosan, exploring its extraction methods and emphasizing its diverse applications, including wound dressings, drug delivery systems, antimicrobial agents, wastewater treatment, and beyond. Finally, the discussion concludes with key challenges and future perspectives for chitosan research.