Microbiology and Biotechnology Research: An Overview Vol. 6

Standardization of An Efficient Micropropagation Protocol for Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell

2025-12-26T09:36:04+00:00

Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell, commonly known as “Brahmi,” is a medicinally important plant widely used in Ayurveda for its neuroprotective and memory-enhancing properties. Despite its high medicinal value, large-scale cultivation of B. monnieri using conventional methods is limited by low seed viability, seasonal growth constraints, and habitat degradation. Micropropagation plays an important role in providing a practical solution by enabling the rapid production of disease-free, genetically uniform plantlets in a relatively short period. The present study aimed to standardise an efficient in vitro micropropagation protocol by optimising explant type, surface sterilisation, hormone concentration, and sucrose level. Nodal and leaf segments were selected as explants, sourced from the medicinal garden at the Onattukara Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kayamkulam. Effective surface sterilisation was achieved using 0.1% Bavistin for 30 minutes followed by 0.05% HgCl₂ for 4 minutes, which eliminated contamination while preserving viability. Shoot initiation occurred within 5–8 days, with the highest frequency of multiple shoots observed on MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium supplemented with 3 mg/L BA or 2 mg/L BA + 1 mg/L. Callus induction was most successful from leaf explants cultured on MS + 2 mg/L 2,4-D + 1 mg/L kinetin, forming friable and regenerative calli within 30–35 days. For rooting, IBA at 3 mg/L promoted direct multiple shoot and root formation, while MS + BAP (5.5 mg/L) + NAA (0.2 mg/L) supported both elongation and rooting. Optimal growth was obtained at pH 5.8 and 3% sucrose, which enhanced shoot number and explant vigour. The present study successfully developed an in vitro micropropagation protocol for Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell is using nodal and leaf explants. The developed protocol is fast, reliable, and reproducible, providing a basis for large-scale clonal propagation, conservation of germplasm, and potential metabolite enhancement in B. monnieri.

Cellular Innovations and Evolutionary Insights of Dinoflagellates: A Review of Their Cell Biology

2025-12-26T09:38:48+00:00

Under the Phylum Dinoflagellates, the current classification recognises ~ 550 genera and a total of 6000 described species that play a prominent role in water ecology. Molecular clock and biogeochemical indices indicate that the dinoflagellate lineage diverged ~650 Ma, and fossil traces of thecate cells and of cysts/zygotes appeared during the Triassic. This review is dedicated to the great protistologist Edouard Chatton (1883–1947), aimed to highlight the originality and remarkable diversity of some dinoflagellate protists through the lens of cell biology. Their fossilised traces date back to more than 538 million years (Phanerozoic aeon). However, they may be much older because acritarchs from the (Meso) Proterozoic era (1500 million years ago) could be their most primitive ancestors. Here, several representative examples of the various lifestyles of free-living (the autotrophic thecate Prorocentrum micans Ehrenberg and the heterotrophic athecate Noctiluca scintillans McCartney and other “pseudo-noctilucidae”, as well as the thecate Crypthecodinium cohnii Biecheler) and of parasitic dinoflagellates (the mixotroph Syndinium Chatton) are described. Then, the different dinoflagellate mitotic systems were compared and reported observations on the eyespot (ocelloid), an organelle that is present in the binucleated Glenodinium foliaceum Stein and in some Warnowiidae dinoflagellates and can be considered an evolutionary marker. The diversity and innovations observed in mitosis, meiosis, reproduction, sexuality, cell cycle, locomotion, and nutrition allow everyone to affirm that dinoflagellates are among the most innovative unicells in the Kingdom Protista. Further research using the most advanced techniques in cell and molecular biology is still necessary to try to solve these enigmas.

A Review on the Role of the Skin Microbiome and Oxidative Stress in Cutaneous Chronic Wound Pathogenesis

2025-12-26T09:40:37+00:00

Cutaneous wounds occur when the skin is injured mechanically, chemically, or by extreme temperatures. Wound healing is a very complex process composed of several phases in which precise events occur, both temporally and spatially. However, when these processes go awry, biofilm-forming bacteria become installed in the healing tissue, and the patient has comorbidities, so the wounds do not heal and become chronic. In this review, we describe the importance of high levels of oxidative stress (OS) and bacteria from the skin microbiome in the initiation and development of chronic wounds. The skin microbiome is diverse in humans, and its composition is dependent on the environment in the specific areas of the body. OS is critical for wound healing as it stimulates the immune system to destroy pathogens and secrete cytokines and growth factors that stimulate healing. When OS levels become high in the wound, and the bacteria of the skin install themselves in the wound, chronicity ensues. However, neither OS nor the bacteria of the skin alone can initiate chronicity. However, when present together, chronic wounds develop. Given the complexity of chronic wound initiation, developing treatment for these wounds has been difficult. Based on current published findings, a potential approach to treating chronic wounds after debridement was recently proposed. It was proposed that it is important to treat the physiological problems related to the comorbidities these patients have prior to and during wound treatment. Patients should also be put on a diet that is rich in products that stimulate an increase in the levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to ensure that the cells have sufficient energy to function, and is rich in α-tocopherol (Vit E) to decrease lipid peroxidation and cell membrane damage, and patients should also take antioxidants to reduce OS. Here, we also discuss the challenges of treating chronic wounds and offer a potential sequence of approaches to treating these wounds after debridement.

From Linkage to Neuronal Networks: An Updated Overview of Molecular Genetic Approaches in Schizophrenia Research

2025-12-26T09:42:51+00:00

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a highly complex biological disorder characterised by a multifactorial mode of transmission, where both genetic and non-genetic determinants play significant roles. Current evidence suggests that SCZ arises from the cumulative impact of numerous genes, each contributing a modest increase in susceptibility to the illness. This review provides an updated perspective on the genetics and genomics of SCZ, tracing the field from the pre-recombinant era through the genomics revolution. It encompasses key approaches such as cytogenetics, linkage studies, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Genomic analyses that have illuminated gene signatures include microarray profiling, RNA methylation studies, and single-cell analyses. In addition, diverse animal and cellular models are discussed, highlighting their applications in unravelling SCZ pathology. Systems biology and neuronal network analyses have offered critical insights into the intricate phenotypes associated with the disorder. Emerging technologies, including 3D chromatin architecture studies and optogenetics, are further advancing the field by enabling deeper exploration of neuronal function and regulation. The review, through its efforts, is proposed to highlight major findings in SCZ genetics. The scientific advances are essential in the individual genomes to detect and diagnose SCZ with newer perspectives and advances and tailor therapeutic interventions.

Biochemical and Antimicrobial Dimensions of Catharanthus roseus (L): A Phytopharmacological Perspective

2026-01-05T10:54:04+00:00

Catharanthus roseus (L), a popular ornamental plant found in gardens, homes across the world which is recognised in Ayurveda. Catharanthus roseus (L.), known as Madagascar periwinkle (MP), is a legendary medicinal plant mostly because of possessing two invaluable antitumor terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs), vincristine and vinblastine. Catharanthus rosues rich history dating back to the 18^th century. Native to Madagascar, this plant was first described by Linnaeus as Vinca rosea in 1759. Later, in 1837, it was reclassified as Catharanthus roseus. The plant also has high aesthetic value as an evergreen ornamental that yields prolific blooms of splendid colours. The assessment of this plant extract to be used as a prophylactic agent against certain human pathogens has been thoroughly investigated by previous researchers. Further research on Catharanthus roseus is highly recommended to explore its full potential as a phytomedicine, specifically to be developed as an antimicrobial drug. The aqueous extracts from the leaves and stems of this plant have been observed to be most effective against food spoilage bacterial strains, followed by methanol and hexane. However, leaf extract was observed to be most significant in terms of the content and potency of metabolites. The antimicrobial activity has been checked against microorganisms like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Rhizopus arrhizus, Aspergillus sydowi, and Aspergillus fumigatus. Catharanthus roseus is used for the treatment of asthma, blood pressure, menstrual cycle, malaria, etc.

Assessment of Ant Communal Residing in Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalaburagi via DNA Barcoding Technique

2026-01-05T10:56:53+00:00

DNA barcoding has emerged as a powerful molecular tool for the precise identification of diverse organisms. However, information regarding the DNA barcoding of ant species in the Kalaburagi region remains limited. In this context, the present study (2022–2024) was undertaken to generate DNA barcode data for three ant specimens collected from varied microhabitats using hand collection, pitfall traps, and aspirators within the Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India. Standardised mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I (COI) gene fragments (~650 bp) were successfully amplified and sequenced for all three species. The unique nucleotide sequences obtained were deposited in the GenBank database with accession numbers PX453292 (Camponotus singularis), PX453294 (Crematogaster brunnea), and PX453302 (Monomorium indicum). Multiple sequence alignment was performed using Clustal-W in MEGA 11.0, followed by phylogenetic reconstruction employing the Neighbour-Joining and Maximum Likelihood methods. The resulting phylogenies clearly delineated the three species and confirmed their taxonomic placement within their respective genera. This study provides the first baseline DNA barcode reference library for ants of the Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary. The results are congruent with previously reported COI data of ant species from other regions of India and abroad. Importantly, this work represents the first record of C. singularis and C. brunnea from Karnataka, highlighting the ecological significance of the sanctuary and underscoring the need for continued biodiversity assessments. The findings strongly support DNA barcoding as a rapid, reliable, and integrative tool for ant identification, complementing traditional morphological taxonomy. Broader sampling efforts, combined with molecular techniques, will significantly advance species-level identification and contribute to understanding the diversity of semi-arid ecosystems in southern India.

A Reciprocal Relationship of Vitamin D and Acute Kidney Injury

2026-01-05T11:00:37+00:00

Vitamin D is crucial for life in higher-living organisms. It is a sterol prohormone with no intrinsic biological activity. Calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, is synthesised in the kidneys. It has well-known pleiotropic and cytoprotective properties. In addition to regulating parathyroid hormone secretion and enhancing gut calcium absorption, it exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antineoplastic effects. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a common clinical syndrome that significantly affects kidney function and can lead to an elevated risk of morbidity and mortality. Unlike Chronic Kidney Disease, the role of vitamin D in AKI is not fully understood. Thus, this review aimed to understand how dysregulated vitamin D homeostasis occurs in AKI, as well as to explore how vitamin D deficiency and excess influence AKI. A comprehensive literature search was conducted between January 2000 and June 2024 to uncover relevant works detailing vitamin D homeostasis in health, as well as investigating the impact of vitamin D deficiency and excess in humans, animals, and in vitro cell models of AKI. According to the findings of this review, vitamin D appears to have a reciprocal relationship with AKI. Acute renal injury, among other factors, can cause hypo- or hypervitaminosis D. Conversely, AKI can also be caused by vitamin D deficiency and toxicity. Severe deficiency has been associated with the increased incidence and poor prognosis of AKI in critically ill patients, whereas excessive dosing of vitamin D has been shown to precipitate AKI in clinical case series. Even though hypovitaminosis D is associated with AKI, it is uncertain how it impacts AKI outcomes in distinct clinical scenarios. Newer therapeutic options might emerge as a result of understanding these challenges. Vitamin D supplementation may ameliorate renal injury but needs further validation. Furthermore, hypervitaminosis D has also been implicated in AKI by causing hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. It is crucial to avoid prolonged, uncontrolled, and unsupervised supraphysiological vitamin D administration, especially intramuscular injection. Future studies through larger clinical trials, the integration of diverse patient cohorts, and the systematic evaluation of confounding factors such as comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease), concurrent medications, and ICU interventions on AKI outcomes and vitamin D metabolism are essential to clarify the therapeutic role of vitamin D in AKI management.

Anti-inflammatory Properties of Citrus aurantium L. (Bitter Orange): A Comprehensive Analysis of Extracts and Essential Oils

2026-01-05T11:03:26+00:00

Citrus aurantium L., commonly known as bitter orange, is a tree whose fruit, flowers, leaves, and peel are widely used in industry and traditional medicine. The extracts and essential oils derived from this plant and its phytoconstituents have demonstrated antimicrobial, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, antiobesity, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Numerous reports have described the biological activities of Citrus aurantium; however, a complete summary of its anti-inflammatory properties is lacking. This chapter summarises the anti-inflammatory activities and mechanisms of action of extracts and essential oils derived from different plant parts of Citrus aurantium. Various in vitro and in vivo studies have reported that extracts and essential oils possess anti-inflammatory properties. These findings suggest that Citrus aurantium modulates pro-inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-1β, nitric oxide (NO), and enzymes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), at the transcriptional and protein levels.

Moreover, this species has been shown to reduce acute and chronic inflammation in vivo. Additionally, this chapter describes the potential mechanisms of its anti-inflammatory activities, including inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. In conclusion, Citrus aurantium exhibits anti-inflammatory activity, highlighting its potential therapeutic application in diseases involving inflammation and its use as a source of immunomodulatory compounds.