Soumitra Nath

Gurucharan College, Silchar · Biotechnology

Heavy metals, also regarded as toxic metals, are the important environmental pollutants that affect all forms of life. Accumulation of toxic metals in plants results in various biochemical, physiological and structural disturbances, leading to inhibited growth and sometimes plant death. Toxic metal contamination disturbs the soil ecology as well as...

The emergence and rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to unethical and non-scientific disposal of hospital wastes and clinical by-products caused an alarming environmental concern and associated public health risks. The present study aims to assess the co-selection of antibiotic resistance and heavy metal tolerance by bacteria isolate...

Objectives: The screening of traditional fermented products is essential for the assessment of safety, security, and further development of functional foods for the well-being of human health. The aim of the present study was to isolate and identify bacteria from fermented raw milk samples that exhibit health benefits upon consumption. Methods: In...

Fermented sour rice is a unique traditional sour food of Indian subcontinent, particularly in the eastern and north-eastern part of India, which according to traditional belief, may have therapeutic and prophylactic applications against various disorders. The study aims to characterize the potential fermentative-bacteria from traditional sour rice,...

Bacillus coagulans, which has been taxonomically reclassified as Weizmannia coagulans, has been the focus of research due to its wide distribution in fermented foods, probiotic properties, and tolerance to extreme environments. The purpose of this study was to characterise putative probiotic bacteria in a fermented rice sample, followed by an in vi...

This chapter gives a detailed description of the concept of bioeconomy resources and the technologies and trends in the Global South region. It also includes the importance of the production of food, services, and materials in an eco-friendly manner inclusive of maintaining a sustainable environment for all. These resources include agriculture, for...

The present review discusses the growing concern of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in soil, together with their sources, concentration, distribution, and impact on soil microorganisms, human health, and ecosystems. MPs and NPs can enter the soil through various pathways, such as agricultural activities, sewage sludge application, and at...

The synthesis of triple metal oxide nanocomposites has revolutionized materials science due to their unique properties resulting from the interaction of multiple oxide components. This study aimed to synthesize mixed metal oxide nanocomposites using a co‐precipitation method with copper sulfate, silver nitrate, and potassium permanganate as precurs...

Electrochemical wastewater treatment technologies are gaining attraction as sustainable alternatives for industrial and municipal wastewater management. This study conducts a comprehensive life cycle assessment to assess the environmental and economic sustainability of electrochemical methods such as electrocoagulation, electrooxidation, and electr...

This comprehensive review aims to explore and elucidate the pivotal role of biotechnology in biofuel production, specifically focusing on its contribution to enhancing sustainability, efficiency, and productivity in the energy sector. By examining various biotechnological approaches like genetic engineering, metabolic engineering, and synthetic bio...

The integration of biosensors into food quality monitoring systems presents a promising approach to enhance food safety and quality assurance. Biosensors enable rapid, accurate, and on-site detection of contaminants, revolutionizing the management of food safety risks throughout the supply chain. This review provides insights into the current chall...

Carbon nanoparticles synthesized from silk of Zea mays, commonly known as maize and bagasse of Saccharum officinarum, commonly known as sugarcane, by calcinating at 400OC for 4 hrs. The optical microscopic images showed the synthesized nanoparticles obtained from silk of maize and that of bagasse of sugarcane was in nano dimension. The synthesized...

Precision agriculture (PA) has become an increasingly popular approach to sustainable intensification in agriculture, with the intent of a balance between agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship. Sustainable intensification aims to increase agricultural productivity while minimizing negative environmental impacts. To assist this, PA...

Waste pollution contributes to environmental problems, including soil erosion, health problems, and biodiversity loss. A shortage of waste disposal sites and the unexpected generation of millions of tons of solid waste worldwide led to the adoption of various thermal, physical, and biological technologies to convert waste into energy.Through severa...

Havana syndrome cases increased in Cuba at the end of 2016 and early 2017, and the consequences ranged from minor to severe health concerns. In almost all affected individuals, symptoms like difficulty-concentrating, visual issues, brain-fog, memory problems, tinnitus, and sleep-related complaints were reported. Some initial studies pointed the cau...

Wastewater management has emerged as an uprising concern that demands immediate attention from environmentalists worldwide. Indiscriminate and irrational release of industrial and poultry wastes, sewage, pharmaceuticals, mining, pesticides, fertilizers, dyes and radioactive wastes, contribute immensely to water pollution. This has led to the aggrav...

Spiders are one of the most diverse and numerically abundant arthropods. They have a wide distribution and inhabit different types of habitats. Their occurrence and distribution function as a bio-indicator of that area and their presence is influenced greatly by the corresponding habitat and vegetation types. In this study the spider fauna was surv...

The present work reports the first green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using Tecoma stans leaf extract. The TEM images show triangular shape ZnO-NPs with sizes ranging from 15 to 20 nm. The XPS spectrum revealed the presence of Zn and O in the sample. Photoluminescence studies of ZnO-NPs displayed a sharp emission of blue band at...

With an aim to introduce a new highly potent antimicrobial nanoparticles using an environment-friendly route, he present work reports the green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4NPs) utilizing Mikania mikrantha leaf extract and its application as efficient antimicrobial agent. The green Fe3O4NPs have been described by X-beam diffraction (...

Environmental pollution has become a severe threat responsible for numerous dangers to microbes, plants, and animals. As just a few examples, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, dyes, pesticides, etc. released into the environment are often toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic. Although various removal methods are available, bioremediatio...

div>The present work reports the first green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using Tecoma stans leaf extract. The ZnO-NPs have been investigated by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Ultra Violet-Visible (UV-Vis), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Fourier Transform-Infra Red (FT-IR) analysis. XRD i...

p>With an aim to introduce a new highly potent antimicrobial nanoparticles using an environment-friendly route, he present work reports the green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄NPs) utilizing Mikania mikrantha leaf extract and its application as efficient antimicrobial agent. The green Fe₃O₄N...

The current pandemic engendered by the novel SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 has invoked worldwide fear and fatality by affecting the upper respiratory tracts of humans. Its originary outbreak was recorded in China during December 2019; however, no specifically effective strategy for neutralizing its virulence is currently existent. Therefore, the creation...

Optogenetics is a biological technique that involves the use of light to control neuron function that have been genetically modified.Opsin, a photo reactive protein found in the photoreceptor cells of retina is used for this technique. When an opsin is placed in the brain, it functions as a photosensitive molecule and based on the color of illumina...

Background: Probiotic are microorganism that is good for health, especially for the digestive system and can be consumed through fermented foods or supplements. The study aims to identify potential probiotic bacteria from fermented rice sample that are commonly found in Cachar district of Assam, India. Methods: White rice sample of “Ranjit” variety...

Pest management is a severe constraint in agriculture as pests decrease the plant yield, productivity and also act as vectors causing various plant diseases. Pesticides are used to devour pests; however, irrational usage results in adverse impacts on the ecosystem. The present investigation was aimed to study the effects of fenvalerate, cypermethri...

Background: Hemoglobin (HbA) is a metalloprotein having a heme prosthetic group, two α-globin chains, and two β-globin chains. A point mutation in the 6th position of wild-type HBB gene (GAG>GTG) substitutes Glutamic acid (E) to Valine (V) in the β-chains of hemoglobin molecule (HbS) resulting in Sickle Cell Anemia. Structural deformities in the β-...

Objectives The screening of traditional fermented products is essential for the assessment of safety, security, and further development of functional foods for the well-being of human health. The aim of the present study was to isolate and identify bacteria from fermented raw milk samples that exhibit health benefits upon consumption. Methods In o...

The present study aims to assess the physicochemical properties and prevalence of microbial communities in soils samples collected from different locations of Cachar district, Assam, India. Bacterial communities in the soil were screened by morphological, biochemical and 16S rDNA sequence analysis and were identified as Bacillus megaterium, Bacillu...

Poverty and overpopulation are not just prevailing in big cities, but have also become a matter of concern in small towns. Safe drinking water is considered a basic human need, yet millions of people do not have access to an adequate and safe water supply. The present study is focused on the quality assessment of water bodies of slum areas of Silch...

Background and Objective: Acne is a common skin problem affecting individuals of different ages; however post-adolescence acne is a common problem usually seems in females. Present study aimed to identify bacteria from acne-affected individual and to evaluate the efficacy of medicinal herbs and antibiotics. Materials and Methods: Samples were colle...

Bioinformatics Centre and Institutional Biotech Hub (funded by DBT, New Delhi, India) of Gurucharan College, Silchar made a joint effort to release its 2nd issue of newsletter in the name of “Bio-Letters” 2018. It is the one and only mouthpiece of students, scholars and teachers of this college for sharing their new, innovative and review activitie...

Abstract Introduction: Oral cavity comprises a diverse group of bacterial flora, some of these bacteria are known to cause oral diseases in humans. Toothpaste removes stain and drives away bad breath. Their formulations and active ingredients play an important role in preventing periodontal diseases and other oral infections. Methods: Present st...

Phytochemicals or agents showing anti-microbial activities are routinely tested for the search of new medicinal drugs which have efficient potential and treatment roles against various diseases. Routinely used well diffusion test relies on agar gel punching using a cork borer or biopsy punch, resulting in agar gel disturbance and tearing. The preci...

Phytochemicals or agents showing anti-microbial activities are routinely tested for the search of new medicinal drugs which have efficient potential and treatment roles against various diseases. Routinely used well diffusion test relies on agar gel punching using a cork borer or biopsy punch, resulting in agar gel disturbance and tearing. The preci...

Phytoremediation is an effective and affordable approach to extract or remove lead from contaminated soil. An understanding of the physiological responses of different species subjected to heavy metal contamination is necessary before considering their use for environmental clean-up. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of lead (Pb)...

Sweet prepared from milk is an integral part of the culinary habits of people all over India. However, their rich nutrient content also provides an excellent environment for microbial growth. Ingestion of contaminated sweets are responsible for many foodborne diseases. In the present study, 28 rasgulla syrup samples were collected from different sw...

Pesticides accounts for the only lethal compounds that are discharged deliberately in the environment to debar unwanted pests to conserve crops. The aim of the present investigation was to study the effects of three different pesticides namely Tatafen (Fenvalerate), Ustaad (Cypermethrin) and Tricel (Chlorpyriphos) on the growth and maturation of Co...

In microbiology, bacteria make up the largest population. This diversified fauna accounts for the high mutation in bacterial genome. Present study attempts to analyse the evolutionary relationship, their convergence or divergence and inference of the mismatch groupings of 71 bacterial species. This was achieved by studying the16s rDNA sequence, whi...

Face colonizes enormous counts of bacteria, fungi, archaea of which some are beneficial, mutualistic, commensal while some are pathogenic. This emergence has led to an urgent need of antimicrobial drugs, especially from natural resources which are effective against skin microbiota. The herbal plants are in great focus for remedy to the skin disease...

Liver cancer, also known as hepatic cancer is a growing menace all over the globe. It comprises of various subtypes, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICCA), fibrolamellar carcinoma and hepatoblastoma. The most common form of liver cancer subtype in adults is hepatocellular carcinoma abbreviated as HCC, repr...

Secondary metabolites produced by different plants might inhibit or stimulate the growth and development of other plants present in its vicinity, this kind of interaction among plants termed as allelopathy. Lemon (Citrus limon) peels, flowers, and leaves were chosen for test extract preparation to check the seed germination and seedling growth of l...

With competing demands on limited fresh water resources, industrial pollution remains one of the major problems facing worldwide. Fish populations are vulnerable because the aquatic environment is the direct recipient of virtually every form of human waste. The present study investigated the effect of industrial effluents on morphological and hemat...

In pharmacology, a pharmaceutical drug or medicine is defined as a chemical substance that is used to cure, prevent or diagnose a disease and promote well-being. It functions by activating or inhibiting the biochemical pathways in our body. A study of some commonly used drug molecules have been made to analyze their effects and side-effects on huma...

In pharmacology, a pharmaceutical drug or medicine is defined as a chemical substance that is used to cure, prevent or diagnose a disease and promote well-being. It functions by activating or inhibiting the several biochemical pathways in our body. A study of some commonly used drug molecules has been made to analyze their effects and side-effects...

Assam is blessed with fertile soil and its climatic conditions favours agriculture. Agriculture accounts for more than a third of the state domestic product. In the last fifty years, the total production of food grains and other crops have recorded an increase, but the per capita food grain has showed a decline. There is also evidence of productivi...

Cancer patients frequently experience malnutrition. Cancer and cancer therapy effects nutritional status through alterations in the metabolic system and reduction in food intake. In the present study, fifty seven cancer patients were selected as subjects from the oncology ward of Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Silchar, India. Evaluatio...

Infectious diseases are one of the major problems in developing as well as developed countries. Plants produce a diverse range of natural products that have long been providing important drug leads for infectious diseases. Azadirachta indica Linn. (Neem) is a tree which has been found to possess antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-tu...

Pseudomonas spp.were isolated from different locations of Ponta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, India and were characterized on the basis of morphological, biochemical and 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. Minimal inhibitory concentrations of Cd2+ for all Pseudomonas isolates were detected and P. aeruginosa SN4 exhibited highest cadmium tolerance upto 18...

In the present study, cadmium and lead tolerant bacteria were isolated from contaminated crop fild nearby industrial sites, garage and petrol pumps of Cachar District of Assam, India. Bacterial isolates were characterized on the basis of morphological, physiological, biochemical characteristics and 16S rDNA gene sequencing. In presence of cadmium,...

Thirty five heavy metal resistant bacteria were isolated from contaminated crop field of Southern Assam, India, against copper, zinc, cadmium and lead. The predominant isolates were identified as Proteus sp., Klebsiella sp., Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp.. Some isolates exhibited high resistance to heavy metals with minimum in...

A total of twenty heavy metal resistant bacteria were isolated from industrial effluents, sewages, garages and petrol pumps of Barak valley region of Assam, India, against copper, zinc, and lead. Decrease in total count and microbial population diversity with increasing metal concentrations were observed. The predominant isolates obtained were Pseu...

A total of twenty heavy metal resistant bacteria were isolated from industrial effluents, sewages, garages and petrol pumps of Barak valley region of Assam, India, against copper, zinc, and lead. Decrease in total count and microbial population diversity with increasing metal concentrations were observed. The predominant isolates obtained were Pseu...

Thirty heavy metal resistant bacteria were isolated from sewage of industrial effluents, garages and petrol pumps of Barak Valley region of Assam, India, against cadmium and lead. Samples were streaked on selective media; the predominant and distinct colonies were identified as Pseudomonas sp., Klebsellia sp., Staphylococcus sp., Proteus sp. and Ba...

In the present study total thirty heavy metal resistant bacteria were isolated from sewage of industrial effluents, garages and petrol pumps of Cachar district of Assam, India, against copper, zinc, and lead. Samples were streaked on selective media and incubated at 370C for 24 hrs for recovery of potent isolates. The isolated and distinct colonies...

In copper contaminated crop field, the natural role of Copper-tolerant rhizobacteria such as Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Staphyloccus sp., Streptococcus sp. and Moraxella sp. in maintaining soil fertility is of much importance. Besides their role in metal detoxification, rhizobacteria also promote the growth of plants by other mechanisms such as...