Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences

Polysaccharide-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have garnered significant attention as innovative nanomaterials, owing to their exceptional biocompatibility, minimal toxicity, and remarkable fluorescent properties. These attributes render them highly suitable for a range of biomedical applications, particularly in the realm of theranostics, where diagnostic and therapeutic functionalities converge. Utilizing renewable and abundant polysaccharides—such as chitosan, cellulose, starch, pectin, alginate, dextran, and heparin—as carbon sources, these CQDs benefit from inherent functional groups like hydroxyl and carboxyl. These groups enhance the stability, solubility, and functional versatility of the CQDs, expanding their applicability in bioimaging, targeted drug delivery, and cancer therapy. Moreover, these nanomaterials have demonstrated potential in controlled drug release systems and tissue engineering, reinforcing their dual role in diagnostics and therapeutics. This review delves into the latest advancements in the synthesis of polysaccharide-based CQDs, highlighting preclinical studies that underscore their efficacy in imaging, drug delivery. With sustained research and technological innovation, polysaccharide-derived CQDs are poised to make significant contributions to personalized medicine, offering more effective and tailored treatment strategies across a spectrum of diseases. Theranostic applications of carbon quantum dots

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia worldwide, presents a significant diagnostic challenge, as clinical diagnoses are often made at advanced stages when neurodegenerative damage is already extensive. The study of biomarkers is necessary for improving identification, prognosis, and disease monitoring. Current research has primarily focused on cerebrospinal fluid and imaging biomarkers, including amyloid-β (Aβ1–42), phosphorylated tau, and total tau. However, these methods are invasive, expensive, and not widely accessible. Emerging approaches aim to identify novel, cost-effective, and minimally invasive biomarkers, particularly from blood-based and other peripheral sources. This review explores the role of olfactory neuronal precursors (ONPs) derived from the olfactory neuroepithelium (ONE) as a promising and innovative model for biomarker discovery in AD. ONPs can be non-invasively obtained directly from patients, offering a unique resource to study AD-related pathophysiological mechanisms. These neuronal lineage cells exhibit characteristics that make them a reliable surrogate model for central nervous system studies, enabling the evaluation of established biomarkers and facilitating the identification of novel candidates. Additionally, we discuss the potential of ONPs to enhance clinical practice through their accessibility and suitability for high-throughput biomarker analysis. By integrating the study of ONPs with existing biomarker research, this review highlights new frontiers in the quest to refine diagnostic tools and advance our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, paving the way for innovative strategies in early detection and personalized management.

With its hardiness and underutilization, brown top millet (Brachiaria ramosa) is promising in alleviating global food insecurity and making for sustainable agricultural practice. This chapter deals with the diverse aspects of brown top millet, ranging from introduction and historical relevance to its domestication and adaptation to different agroecological regions. Production systems are discussed to highlight the suitability of this plant for arid and semiarid environments, low input requirement, and adaptation to marginal soils. Features of nutritional value and potential food industry use through traditional cooking are enumerated for brown top millet. Notwithstanding this potential, there are several constraints such as limited awareness on brown top millet, low productivity, poor research investment, etc. The status of germplasm collection is examined through the study, and gaps are defined on genetic diversity and conservation. Some advancements in gene mapping and genomic resources are mentioned to focus on linear approaches on unravelling genetic traits in concern to increase quantity, stress tolerance, and nutritional quality. Related literature in conjunction with research priorities will shed light on the fact that brown top millet can turn out to be a climate-resilient crop with potential. They advocate strategic investments in research, breeding programs, and awareness-building programs for unlocking benefits for sustainable food systems and livelihoods.

Due to the steadily depleting fossil fuel reserves, environmentally sustainable energy sources are required, and the need to safeguard the environment by reducing carbon emissions is paramount. One potential approach to replace gasoline and diesel in the near future is the use of biofuels. With 65% of the world’s biofuel output, bioethanol is the most important biofuel in the modern economy. If it is made from locally available biomass, it can be extremely important for both industrialized and developing countries’ economic and energy security. A growing field is the generation of biofuels and bioenergy from crops or lignocellulosic material as feedstock. Lignocellulosic feedstock is made up mostly of three biopolymers, i.e., cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which comprise a variety of forestry leftovers, feedstocks, and agricultural wastes, including marine algae. However, it is a challenging task to produce bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass. For the production of bioethanol from lignocellulose raw materials in a sustainable and profitable manner, significant progress is needed in the following areas: the development of various inhibitor-tolerant (monosaccharides, mainly glucose, and ethanol) tolerant enzymes, as well as heat-tolerant microorganisms and enzymes for efficient simultaneous saccharification and fermentation. The difficulties involved in lignocellulose bioconversion may be addressed by using a systems biology approach in conjunction with automation, computational techniques, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and genomics. Novel biocatalysts that are both economically viable and highly significant for the industry can be produced through the application of cutting-edge technologies such as protein engineering and computational protein design. The implementation of this strategy will enable the production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass, an economically and environmentally sustainable form of bioenergy that has the potential to meet the world’s growing fuel needs both now and in the near future.

The Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) are crucial for rice production in India, but challenges like declining soil health, resource depletion, and economic sustainability persist. This study examines the impact of crop establishment methods (MTPs) and integrated nitrogen management practices (INMPs) on rice yield, profitability, and soil health in the region. The experiment was set up in a split plot design with three replications. The treatments included three MTPs in the main plot and seven NMPs in the subplot. The results showed that system of rice intensification (MTP3) exhibited approximately 14.6% higher yield as compared to other treatment. Under MTP3, the significant maximum net returns of 1144 USD ha− 1 and B: C ratio (1.65) was documented. In case of INMPs, treatment INMP4 (75% N inorganic + 25% N through poultry manure (PM) + Azospirillum) recorded the significant highest grain yield (5.10 Mg ha− 1) as compared to the other treatments. INMP4 also recorded the maximum net return (1213 USD ha− 1) and B: C ratio (1.89) indicating its significant economic superiority compared to other treatments. The soil exhibited the significant approximately 10% higher available nutrients (NPK) after two years of cropping under the INMP4 followedby INMP2 (75% N inorganic + 25% N through PM) and surpassed those of all other treatments by a significant margin. Thus, the transplanting of rice in system of rice intensification along with application of 75% N inorganic + 25% N through PM + Azospirillum is a viable and suitable tactic for rice cultivation in IGP region of India or other similar ecoregions.

Flooding is a consequence of a water layer, for a transitory or extended period, over the soil’s surface. The water layer might be thin or deep, causing plants to partially or persistently submerge. After the soil/rhizosphere is inundated, root systems and microorganisms deprive the residual oxygen, causing the environment to first become hypoxic (where oxygen levels restrict mitochondrial respiration) and then anoxic (where respiration is plenary inhibited). The initial shortage of oxygen required to maintain aerobic respiration in submerged tissues is thus the primary barrier to plant development during floods. Flooding has a significant negative impact on over 16% of all agricultural developmental regions worldwide. Nearly all crops suffer from hypoxia as a result of unfavourable climatic factors including excessive rain and saturated soil. Heavy, prolonged rainfall events and inadequate soil drainage are the main causes of waterlogging. Haplessly, current climate changes are predicted to cause an increase in the region exposed to waterlogging. Nevertheless, most have evolved several coping mechanisms to deal with it. Most likely, ribosomes bind to transcripts to get them ready for quick translation after reoxygenation. Another theory holds that certain proteins, such as heat shock proteins (HSPs) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), are constantly destroyed in normoxic environments but stabilized in hypoxic ones. Aerenchyma formation causes changes in plant shape and may show changed gene expression patterns related to stress replication. In general, plant submergence tolerance is a complex physiological process that involves many adaptation systems working together to ensure survival and growth in anaerobic settings. Together with gibberellins and abscisic acid, ethylene functions as a hormone signal, causing the plants to grow larger. Ethylene holistically causes plants to magnify while submerged and promotes branch elongation in both semi-aquatic and aquatic plants. Although plants continuously produce ethylene in their modicum, submersion causes water to physically get trapped, which allows ethylene to increase rice plant shoot elongation. This mechanism increases the likelihood that plants will survive floods or submersion. Aerenchyma is also induced as a result of it. To allow the diffusive oxygen transport to reach the root tips, aerenchymal roots must grow. Under flood stress, GA upsurges in submerged plants as a flood survival tactic. For plants to deal with submergence stress, there are two separate adaptive replications or survival strategies: the low O2 escape strategy (LOES) and the low O2 quiescence strategy (LOQS). We epitomize that the molecular process involves developmental alterations such as the creation of root aerenchyma, elongation of the internode and petiole, adventitious root growth, and changes in shape and depth. However, in both tolerant and intolerant species, the initial cellular response to reduced oxygen availability is an increase in the anaerobic metabolism of pyruvate.

Significant progress has been observed in recent decades, elucidating the biochemical, cellular, and molecular pathways that regulate the 10% inorganic ions, such as Na, K, Ca, HCO3, Cl, and fluid balance in both health and diseases. However, magnesium (Mg), a forgotten electrolyte, despite its critical role as the calcium antagonist found in nature with clinically relevant data on Mg disorders, was one of the least used ions till the late twentieth century. The underappreciation of the clinical importance of Mg may stem from a lack of detailed knowledge about its regulation at the subcellular and systemic levels. Recent technologies and scientific advancements in identifying Mg-specific ion channels and transporters, alongside a more profound understanding of biochemical, physiological, and hormonal mechanisms regulating Mg homeostasis, have opened new ways and renewed interest in magnesium research in human science, shedding light on its critical multidimensional role in various biological processes and offering new insight into its therapeutic potential. This comprehensive review delves into the latest advancements regarding the physiological functions of Mg, emphasising hypomagnesaemia as the most clinical manifestation of Mg imbalance. It covers key aspects, such as the physiology of Mg transporters, the renal mechanism in Mg homeostasis, and integrated regulatory systems governing its balance. Additionally, it addresses Mg deficiency, highlighting the intricate interplay between Mg, Ca, and K deficiencies, drug-induced Mg depletion, and non-pharmacological aetiologies. The review also looks at how common magnesium deficiencies are, how to diagnose them, and what they mean for patients. It also looks at how magnesium supplements can help with a number of medical conditions, giving a full picture of the important biological role of magnesium.

The need for creative solutions in agriculture and water management is growing as the world’s population rises and traditional farming methods are impacted by climate change. With the help of artificial intelligence (AI), farmers and water managers can now make well-informed decisions and maximize resource use in the field of precision agriculture. This chapter examines the use of AI techniques in water management and precision agriculture, emphasizing the main opportunities and challenges that exist in these fields. It offers an overview of popular AI algorithms and techniques along with practical instances of their effective application. Furthermore covered in this chapter are the possible effects of AI on productivity, sustainability, and resource conservation, as well as future research directions in this quickly developing field.

In order to meet the problems of feeding a growing global population while managing limited resources and environmental sustainability, agribusiness must incorporate cutting-edge technology. This chapter explores the critical role that technology plays in optimising and modernising agricultural practices, highlighting the many advantages that it offers. We reveal the revolutionary effects of robots, drones, remote sensing, geographic information system (GIS), and Internet of Things (IoT) tools on agricultural and water management through a thorough investigation of these technologies. These technologies enable precision, data-driven techniques that transform conventional farming practices. Labour-intensive operations are automated by robotics; aerial insights are provided by drones; detailed data is obtained by remote sensing; geographical analysis is facilitated by GIS; and real-time monitoring and decision-making are made possible by IoT technologies. Agriculture thus gains productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. However, challenges related to adoption, affordability, and regulatory considerations must also be addressed. This chapter not only underscores the pivotal importance of technology in agriculture but also presents a roadmap for its continued integration and advancement in the field.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be a predominant cause of global mortality and morbidity, presenting an urgent need for advanced therapeutic and diagnostic strategies. Nanotechnology has emerged as a groundbreaking field with the potential to revolutionize CVD management through its unique capabilities in targeted drug delivery, improved diagnostic techniques, and novel therapeutic interventions. This book chapter delves into the current advancements and applications of nanotechnology in CVD management, highlighting the use of nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers, and nanosensors. These nanocarriers offer significant benefits, including enhanced drug bioavailability, reduced systemic toxicity, and precise delivery to specific diseased tissues, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy and patient outcomes. Furthermore, the integration of nanosensors in diagnostic processes allows for early and accurate detection of cardiovascular conditions, facilitating timely intervention. The chapter also discusses the challenges and future perspectives in the clinical translation of nanotechnology-based therapies for CVD, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of this innovative approach in the fight against cardiovascular diseases.

The emergence of nanomaterials has marked a transformative shift in the management of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic and progressive neurological disorder characterized by immune-mediated damage to myelin in the central nervous system. This chapter explores the significant advancements that nanotechnology brings to the field of MS treatment, emphasizing how nanomaterials are addressing the complex challenges associated with the disease. The introduction provides an overview of MS and current treatment challenges, setting the stage for the discussion on how nanomaterials offer innovative solutions. The chapter delves into the pathophysiology of MS, highlighting the role of immune system dysregulation, blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. It then examines various types of nanomaterials, including liposomes, dendrimers, nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and polymeric nanoparticles, detailing their unique properties and therapeutic applications. The focus is on how these nanomaterials enhance drug solubility and stability, enable targeted drug delivery, facilitate BBB crossing, and provide controlled and sustained release of therapeutic agents. Further, the chapter discusses nanomaterial-based therapeutic approaches tailored for MS, such as anti-inflammatory therapies, immunomodulatory strategies, neuroprotection and remyelination, and gene therapy delivery systems.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, stemming from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. The disorder is categorized into two primary types: Type 1 diabetes (T1D), an autoimmune condition resulting in the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells, and Type 2 diabetes (T2D), characterized by insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion. Chronic hyperglycemia is associated with severe complications, including cardiovascular and neurological disorders, while hypoglycemia can result in life-threatening conditions such as unconsciousness or death. Traditional diabetes management strategies, particularly for T1D and progressive T2D, often involve frequent insulin injections and regular blood glucose monitoring. These methods are invasive and pose challenges related to patient compliance and precise glycemic control. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising frontier in diabetes management, offering innovative approaches to drug delivery and glucose monitoring. Nanomaterials, including silica nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), quantum dots (QDs), polymeric nanoparticles, and carbon-based materials like graphene oxide (GO) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), provide enhanced drug bioavailability, stability, targeted delivery, and improved patient compliance. Moreover, nanotechnology-enabled biosensors and continuous glucose monitoring systems utilizing nanosensors and quantum dots enhance the sensitivity and specificity of glucose detection, enabling real-time monitoring and early diagnosis of diabetes-related complications. The application of nanoparticles in conjunction with phytochemicals also shows potential for managing MS and diabetes, highlighting the multifaceted benefits. This chapter delves into the role of nanomaterials in diabetes management, exploring their potential to revolutionize treatment protocols and improve outcomes for diabetic patients.

Metagenomics is a revolutionary tool for genomic analysis of microorganisms. This involves the isolation and cloning of DNA from an assemblage of microorganisms. Metagenomics can also help identify potential biocontrol agents for fungi and bacteria that cause various plant diseases. Similar fungal species cause identical symptoms and are difficult to discriminate morphologically. Therefore, sequence-based identification is required. Therefore, multidisciplinary approaches, such as next-generation sequencing and sequence databases, are preferred to detect genotype- and species-level identification of pathogenic fungal plant pathogens without using traditional culture methods. Moreover, metagenomic data obtained from many studies are a promising and emerging method for identifying fungal diseases in plants. In this chapter, we focus on the role of metagenomics in the identification of biocontrol agents for plant disease diagnostics and their promising future developments

Soil-borne diseases lead to high risk in crop production by diminishing the productivity and general health of the affected plants. Brassica plants are known to produce glucosinolates, which, upon decomposition, release bioactive isothiocyanates (ITCs). ITCs have attracted attention because of their biofumigation properties, effectively suppressing soil-borne pathogens and pests, promising natural solutions for managing soil-borne diseases. ITCs produced by Brassica plants or seed meal additives to soil have the ability to reduce soil-borne pests and diseases while increasing beneficial soil microbiota. Several researchers have indicated that ITCs can interfere with the life cycles of soil-borne pathogens and, at the same time, strengthen plant defense systems, which makes them a more environmentally friendly option than chemical pesticides. The breakdown of Brassica biomass has also been shown to stimulate beneficial microbial communities, which play a key role in nutrient availability and pathogen suppression. Studies indicate that this process enhances the availability of essential nutrients like sulfur and nitrogen in the soil, both of which are critical for plant growth and development. This review provides a comprehensive exploration of the role of Brassica ITCs in mitigating soil-borne diseases. We aim to consolidate current knowledge on ITC-mediated biofumigation, recommend strategies for enhancing its efficiency in practical applications, and highlight the need for future research to optimize its long-term effectiveness in sustainable agriculture.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary condition caused by mutations in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). These mutations lead to the dysfunction of the CFTR protein, resulting in thick and sticky mucus buildup in various organs, particularly the lungs. The primary clinical manifestations in the respiratory system include chronic inflammation, persistent respiratory infections, reduced mucociliary clearance, and progressive respiratory failure. Despite advances in CF management, the lack of reliable preclinical models that accurately replicate the human CF lung environment has impeded the development of novel therapeutics. Current treatment strategies often fall short in addressing the underlying genetic defects and associated pulmonary complications comprehensively. Lipid-based nanocarriers (LBCs) have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional delivery systems like liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and inorganic carriers. These nanocarriers are gaining attention for their potential in delivering a wide range of therapeutic agents, including medicines, nucleic acids, proteins, peptides, and nutraceuticals. The increasing interest in LBCs can be attributed to their simple production methods, physicochemical stability, and scalability, making them attractive to the industrial sector for mass production and clinical application. This review aims to explore the potential of lipid-based nanocarriers in managing pulmonary complications associated with cystic fibrosis. We will delve into the current state of CF treatment, the limitations of existing preclinical models, and the innovative role of LBCs in overcoming these challenges. By examining the design, functionalization, and therapeutic efficacy of LBCs, we aim to highlight their capability to enhance drug delivery, improve patient outcomes, and pave the way for new therapeutic strategies in CF management.

Cancer theragnostics, the integration of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, has emerged as a promising strategy for personalized medicine. In this study, we present the design and characterization of upconversion core-shell nanoconstructs tailored for advanced cancer theragnostics. The nanoconstructs consist of a core of upconversion nanoparticles, which efficiently convert near-infrared (NIR) light into higher energy emission, surrounded by a versatile shell with multifunctional components. The upconversion core facilitates deep tissue penetration and minimizes background signal, making it an ideal candidate for imaging in the NIR window. Additionally, the core-shell architecture allows for the incorporation of various functional components, such as targeting ligands for specific cancer cell recognition, therapeutic agents for localized drug delivery, and imaging probes for real-time monitoring. The synthesis and optimization of these nanoconstructs were carried out systematically, ensuring their biocompatibility and stability under physiological conditions. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate the efficient targeting of cancer cells, triggered drug release, and simultaneous imaging, providing a comprehensive platform for theragnostics. The versatility of the nanoconstructs enables customization for different cancer types, optimizing the therapeutic efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. Furthermore, the presented upconversion core-shell nanoconstructs exhibit enhanced photothermal and photodynamic therapy capabilities, offering a synergistic approach to cancer treatment. The combination of imaging, targeted drug delivery, and therapeutic interventions within a single nanoconstruct underscores the potential of these multifunctional platforms in advancing precision medicine for cancer patients. Overall, our study showcases the potential of upconversion core-shell nanoconstructs as a versatile and effective tool for cancer theragnostics, paving the way for the development of tailored and personalized approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of various malignancies.

Background Antibacterial, antioxidant, and antilipidemic properties of Ocimum tenuiflorum are well known from previous studies. This study was designed to study the photochemical constituents, antioxidant efficacy, in vivo nephroprotective activity, and immunomodulatory potential of Ocimum tenuiflorum hydroethanolic extract in gentamicin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) rat model. Methods Ocimum tenuiflorum extract was given for 8 days to gentamicin-induced toxicity (100 mg/kg) in rats. Nephroprotective and immunomodulatory efficacy of O. tenuiflorum extract was evaluated based on urine and serum biochemistry, blood and tissue oxidative stress indices, cytokine levels, kidney injury biomarkers, and histopathology. Results Gentamicin toxicity resulted in a reduction in catalase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, and interleukin-10 levels in blood and tissue homogenates, while an increase in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, lipid peroxide, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, cystatin C, kidney injury molecule-1, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels. Treatment with O. tenuiflorum ameliorated oxidative stress, cytokine imbalance, and kidney injury; however, the results were almost similar to standard drug. Furthermore, histopathological analysis of kidney, liver, and heart tissues confirmed the organoprotective efficacy of O. tenuiflorum extract. Conclusion The present findings demonstrate the curative efficacy of O. tenuiflorum in gentamicin-induced AKI, probably mediated through phenolic and flavonoid phytoconstituents, antioxidant properties, and down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, future studies may be established to evaluate its efficacy and safety for clinical trials. Statement of novelty The curative efficacy of O. tenuiflorum L. hydroethanolic extract has been studied with various properties like antioxidant, organoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and potential to inhibit biochemical parameters involved in renal impairment.

Environmentally friendly soil remediation techniques are now more crucial than ever. Utilizing natural mechanisms to degrade organic pollutants or gather and stabilize metal pollutants is one promising strategy. This book chapter examines the area of soil remediation as a green technology, with a focus on the function of advantageous bacteria and fungi as microorganisms that promote plant growth. These microorganisms have the potential to both directly and indirectly alleviate metal phytotoxicity while boosting plant growth. The chapter addresses the mechanisms, difficulties, and future perspectives for remediating metal(loid)-polluted agricultural soils and looks into biotechnological remediation methods, such as phytoremediation and microbial remediation. Additionally emphasized are recent advancements and future directions for microbial and phytoremediation of toxic contaminants, focusing on the significance of plant and cooperative microbial interactions in metalliferous environment adaptation and enhancing overall soil remediation. In general, this chapter offers insightful information about the possibility of environmentally friendly soil remediation techniques for reducing the effects of harmful pollutants on agricultural soils.