Abirami Ramu Ganesan
Research Scientist
(+47) 922 41 654
abirami.ganesan@nibio.no
Place
Bodø
Visiting address
Torggården, Kudalsveien 6, NO-8027 Bodø
Abstract
Ochnaflavone is a naturally occurring biflavonoid mainly isolated from Ochna integerrima, manifests health benefits encompassing antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-cardiovascular, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, most bioactivity research has focused on in vitro experiments, rather than in vivo disease models, toxicological assessments, and human clinical trials. Moreover, a comprehensive review of the pharmacological aspects of ochnaflavone is conspicuously lacking. Thus, this review provides a concise and comprehensive summary of existing knowledge on the chemical structure, plant origin, physical properties, biotransformations, and multifaceted biological activities of ochnaflavone along with an in-depth exploration of the complex molecular mechanisms behind these activities, including signaling pathways and gene expression regulation, with the aim of promoting future theoretical needs for ochnaflavone in clinical trials and providing comprehensive insights into the research and application of this valuable natural compound.
Authors
Akshaya Vinukumar Mallikarjuna Swamy Shabanur Matada Guru Prasad Kuppuswamy Sreeram Jayan Vivek Kripa Surya Velappa Jayaraman Yuvaraj Sivalingam Noemi Tocci Abirami Ramu Ganesan Lorenza ConternoAbstract
The demand for environmentally friendly, reliable, and cost-effective electrodes for glucose sensor technology has become a major research area in the paradigm shift toward green electronics. In this regard, cellulose has emerged as a promising flexible biopolymer solution with unique properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, nontoxicity, renewability, and sustainability. Because of their large surface area and porous structure, fibrous cellulose substrates quickly adsorb and disperse analytes at detection sites. This work focuses on utilizing glyoxal-treated cellulose (derived from brewer’s spent grain (BSG)) for the fabrication of extended gate field-effect transistor (EGFET)-based glucose sensors. This investigation extends to the utilization of BSG-cellulose for glucose detection in biomimicking electrolytes (phosphate buffer saline) to facilitate glucose detection in human blood samples. The fabricated electrode demonstrates a linear range of glucose detection from 1 to 13.5 mM with a Langmuir adsorption coefficient (K) of 0.102. Also, its selectivity toward glucose over interfering molecules such as sucrose, fructose, ascorbic acid, and uric acid under physiological conditions has been demonstrated. This cellulose-based EGFET electrode exhibits a sensitivity of 6.5 μA mM−1 cm−2 with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.135 mM. Computational studies by density functional theory calculations confirmed the higher binding affinity of glucose molecules with glyoxal-modified cellulose (−0.95 eV) than with pristine cellulose (−0.46 eV). Here, the novelty lies in the fabrication of electrodes with biodegradable catalysts and their integration into the EGFET configuration.
Authors
Kannan Mohan Sabariswaran Kandasamy Jayakumar Rajarajeswaran Thanigaivel Sundaram Marko Bjeljac Ramya Preethi Surendran Abirami Ramu GanesanAbstract
Future agricultural practices necessitate green alternatives to replace hazardous insecticides while distinguishing between pests and beneficial insects. Chitosan, as a biological macromolecule derived from chitin, is biodegradable and exhibits low toxicity to non-target organisms, making it a sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides. This review identifies chitosan-derivatives for insecticidal activity and highlights its efficacy including genotoxicity, defense mechanism, and disruption of insect's exoskeleton at different concentrations against several insect pests. Similarly, synergistic effects of chitosan in combination with natural extracts, essential oils, and plant-derived compounds, enhances insecticidal action against various pests was evaluated. The chitosan-based insecticide formulations (CHIF) in the form of emulsions, microcapsules, and nanoparticles showed efficient insecticide action on the targeted pests with less environmental impact. The current challenges associated with the field-trial application were also recognized, by optimizing potent CHIF-formulation parameters, scaling-up process, and regulatory hurdles addressed alongside potential solutions. These findings will provide insight into achieving the EU mission of reducing chemical pesticides by 50 %.
