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Phytonanotechnology
Published in Namrita Lall, Medicinal Plants for Cosmetics, Health and Diseases, 2022
Tafadzwa J. Chiome, Asha Srinivasan
Follow-up studies have uncovered side effects related to the use of synthetic compounds, which have contributed to the wide acceptance of natural product as an alternative, thereby increasing its market value. In addition to their use in medicine, plant-based natural products are used as spices, essential oils, flavors, fragrance, dietary supplements, food and beverages, cosmetics and other personal care products. This has led to a huge rise in the market value of plant-based products. In addition, plant biotechnology is focused on drastically improving the yield and quality of these natural products for human purposes. Using the modern tools of genetic engineering, researchers are developing plant-based drugs or other active plant ingredients that are cost effective, easier to use and even more effective than their existing counterparts (Qiu et al., 2013).
Phytolacca dodecandra (African Soapberry) and Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki)
Published in Azamal Husen, Herbs, Shrubs, and Trees of Potential Medicinal Benefits, 2022
K. Meenakshi, Mansi Shah, Indu Anna George
Civilizations have depended upon their flora and fauna for managing and curing their ailments and predicaments. This chapter demonstrated the worthiness and the scientific findings of two different plants (P. dodecandra and P. kurroa) that have been traditionally used as folklore medicine. The traditional knowledge of these plants serves as a fund of resources that can be adapted for medicinal and economic use even in the modern world. Various studies done on these two plants have been discussed briefly in this chapter to throw light on their phytochemical composition and their specific bioactivities. Lemmatoxin and kutkin are the most important phytoconstituents of P. dodecandra and P. kurroa extracts, respectively. Targeted phytochemicals could be identified, isolated, semi-synthesized, synthesized, or derivatized to form components of formulations from these plants. P. dodecandra has proved to be a powerful molluscicide and has also shown several pharmaceutical applications. Validation and clinical trials would be required to commercially realize its potential in medicine. P. kurroa is a potential drug (secondary metabolites) source for modern medicine. It is a potential candidate for anticancer drug formulations. Plant biotechnology could be used to conserve its natural population yet produce important metabolites through cell culture. In conclusion, the collective scientific data presented in this chapter on P. dodecandra and P. kurroa will facilitate the sustainable use of these plants and preservation of traditional knowledge.
Order Martellivirales: Virgaviridae
Published in Paul Pumpens, Peter Pushko, Philippe Le Mercier, Virus-Like Particles, 2022
Paul Pumpens, Peter Pushko, Philippe Le Mercier
According to the official ICTV review (Adams et al. 2017; ICTV 2020), the family Virgaviridae currently includes 7 genera and 59 species, where the genus Tobamovirus involving the famous tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) from the Tobacco mosaic virus species is the most representative member. TMV is one of the most thoroughly studied viruses in history, the first discovered (in 1886), the first nonbacterial pathogen isolated and named virus (in 1898), the first virus to be crystalized (in 1935), and the first visualized by electron microscopy (in 1939). TMV was the first virus for which the aa sequence of the coat protein was determined and the first plant virus for which structures and functions were known for all genes. It was the first virus for which activation of a resistance gene in a host plant was related to the molecular specificity of a viral gene product. It was not surprising that TMV became one of the first and most important subjects of the VLP nanotechnologies. In the field of plant biotechnology, it appeared as one of the most promising vectors.
Sustainable production of biomass and industrially important secondary metabolites in cell cultures of selfheal (Prunella vulgaris L.) elicited by silver and gold nanoparticles
Published in Artificial Cells, Nanomedicine, and Biotechnology, 2019
Hina Fazal, Bilal Haider Abbasi, Nisar Ahmad, Mohammad Ali, Syed Shujait Ali, Abbas Khan, Dong-Qing Wei
Nanotechnology is a multipurpose field that has got ever escalating applications in nearly every field of science. It is advancing rapidly and expected to turn into a trillion-dollar industry by 2018 with employment of 2 million, exceeding the industrial revolution impact [1]. This industry is posing significant impacts on the environment, economy and society worldwide. In turn, it is producing both encouraging and discouraging responses from governments, researchers and social media [2]. Due to their distinctive characteristics, this field is advancing its applications in the diverse fields of biology. Conversely, the use of nanoparticles is novel and requires elaborative research in the area including tissue culture and medicinal plant biotechnology. Currently, the majority of studies regarding plant growth, seed germination and physiological responses are concerned about nanoparticles toxicity [1,3]. It has been reported that seed germination is accelerated in Glycine max by the applications of TiO2 and SiO2 and they also enhanced activities like antioxidation and nitrate reductase [4]. Similarly, Sharma et al. [5] reported that antioxidative enzymes and growth of the seedlings is improved by AgNPs. Contrarily, seed germination and root development are inhibited by ZnONPs in various plants [1]. Furthermore, in Brassica oleracea, synthesis of chlorophyll, metabolism and dry biomass are enhanced by the application of TiO2NPs [6]. However, the phenomenon of plant growth and development by these nanoparticles is still poor and needs further research.
Comment on “how many premature deaths from pesticide suicide have occurred since the agricultural green revolution”
Published in Clinical Toxicology, 2020
S. Eliza Dunn, Katherine A. Karberg, John Vicini, John Swarthout
Rachel Carson’s advocacy to limit the use of DDT led to the widespread adoption of a natural insecticide produced by the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) which specifically targets crop pests. This bacterium produces a crystal protein that binds to receptors unique to the target insects’ gut. Mammals and off-target insects do not have this receptor and are therefore naturally resistant to exposure [3]. To this day, Bt is used for insect control in several production methods including organic farming, plant biotechnology, and home gardening. Subsequently, the introduction of the Bt gene into crops led to a marked decrease in insecticide spraying, a decrease in insect pests and an increase in beneficial insects [4].
Green and chemically synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles: effects on in-vitro seedlings and callus cultures of Silybum marianum and evaluation of their antimicrobial and anticancer potential
Published in Artificial Cells, Nanomedicine, and Biotechnology, 2021
Faryal Saeed, Muhammad Younas, Hina Fazal, Sadaf Mushtaq, Faiz ur Rahman, Muzamil Shah, Sumaira Anjum, Nisar Ahmad, Mohammad Ali, Christophe Hano, Bilal Haider Abbasi
Elicitation is the most influential and practically achievable strategy for enhancing the production of desired secondary metabolites [3]. NPs have the capacity to be used as effective elicitors in plant biotechnology and a number of studies have supported its possible role in enhancing the expression level of genes associated with the production of secondary metabolites [4]. Among the metal oxides, ZnO-NPs have attracted considerable attention due to its multifarious properties. Various studies have reported its antibacterial and antifungal activities [5–7]. However, there are many challenges and unresolved issues pertaining to the biological properties of NPs on terrestrial organisms, particularly plants [8].