ORAL PRESENTATIONS

(OP- 1)

Identification of CD4 binding site broadly neutralizing antibody specificities in HIV-1 subtype C infected individuals from India


Narayanaiah Cheedarla1, Kalyanaraman VS2, Ramanathan VD1 Luke Elizabeth Hanna1*

1Deartment of HIV/AIDS, National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, India, 2Advanced Bioscience Laboratories Inc, Rockville, MD, USA.

*Corresponding author: hannatrc@yahoo.com


Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope (Env) is a key component of the virus that interacts with the host cell during infection. HIV-1 Env is having a CD4 binding site (CD4BS) which interacts with CD4 receptor which is present on the target cell and further conformational changes helps virus to release capsid into cytoplasm of host cell where RNA converts single standard cDNA and latter double standard DNA by reverse transcriptase (RT). The dsDNA integrates into host genome by integrase. Therefore, HIV-1 Env is the sole targets for host immune system to develop Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies (bNAbs). There are six vulnerable sites on HIV-1 Env, viz. CD4BS, N160-glycan, N332-glycan, Membrane proximal External Region (MPER), gp120/gp41 interface and fusion domain of gp41. The bNAbs target the CD4BS constitute a major class of potential therapeutic tools, as CD4 receptor plays a major in viral infection. The present study is focused on identifying and characterizing the CD4BS bNAbs from the plasma of HIV-1 subtype C infected individuals from India. Blood samples were collected from (n=88) HIV-1 infected ART naïve individuals and their serum/plasma samples were screened for the presence of bNAbs against a panel of 12 pseudoviruses belonging to different subtypes and levels of neutralization (6 each for tiers 1 and 2) using the standard virus neutralization assay. Sera exhibiting broad and potent neutralization ability were further analyzed for binding affinity using a CD4 binding site core protein RSC3, its mutant form RSC3∆371I/P363N and CD4 outer domain (CD4OD) protein. Neutralization assay performed with eluted IgG from samples exhibiting CD4BS specificity. Presence of CD4 binding site antibodies was confirmed by repeating neutralization assay with specifically eluted IgG. The study helped us to identify and characterize the neutralization ability of the different types of CD4BS antibodies. Our study to identified and compared CD4 binding site antibody specificities in HIV-1 subtype C infected individuals from India.

Keywords: Neutralizing antibodies; HIV; Blood samples; Plasma

*********

(OP 2)

Neuromodulatory role of Probiotic, Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 1325 in Alzheimer's - induced albino rats


Mallikarjuna Nimgampalle, Praveen Kukkarasapalli and Yellamma Kuna*

Division of Neurobiology, Department of Zoology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati,

Andhra Pradesh, India -517502.

*Corresponding author: yellamma55@gmail.com


Recent research findings describe that the D-Galactose induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration and neuronal death might contribute cognitive impairment in experimental rats leads to induction of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The neurotransmitter Acetylcholine producing probiotic with antioxidant nature might be helpful for a potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease rats. In the present study, we tested the protective influence of probiotic, Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 1325 in preventing cognitive impairment in D-Galactose induced Alzheimer's rats. Alzheimer's disease was induced by intraperitoneal injection of D-Galactose for six weeks, then Lactobacillus plantarum treatment was given along with D-Galactose for another sixty days. Morphometric aspects were noted by physical observation. Cognitive performance and animal activity were assessed by the Morris water maze test and gross behavioural activity respectively. Brain pathological hallmarks were examined by Congo red stain. The biochemical aberrations such as cholinergic and total ATPases activity levels were estimated in selected regions (Hippocampus and Cerebral cortex) of the brain. The oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation were assessed by measuring the SOD, CAT, GR and MDA levels in the selected brain regions respectively. Probiotic treatment to D-Galactose induced Alzheimer's rats showed a significant ameliorative effect on the above all parameters and reduced pathological features with the improvement of cognitive function. These results clearly indicate that probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 1325 is beneficial for the treatment of D-Galactose induced Alzheimer's disease in male albino rats.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 1325, Probiotic, D-Galactose.

********* 

(OP 3)

Hepatitis C Virus: molecular epidemiology, prevalence rate, risk factors and awareness with special reference to haemodialysis patients of Andhra Pradesh


Naveen Thanjaoor1, Charitha Devi M1* and Ramesh R2**,

1Department of Virology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, A.P., India.

2Department of Medicine, Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati, A.P., India.

Corresponding authors: *charithamekala@gmail.com **drrrameshmd@gmail.com


The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is more infectious than Human immune deficiency virus (HIV) and more than 200 million people are infected around the world. In India approximately 13-15 million people are suffering from HCV. In the present study, Haemodialysis patient's blood samples were collected from different dialysis centers located in different places of Andhra Pradesh to study the frequency distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes.Methods: A total of 410 samples were collected in primary sampling tubes with a gel separator, centrifuged in the site of collection and transferred to the laboratory in a refrigerated container. HCV RNA was extracted from 250µl of serum by using Trizol reagent according to standard procedures. Qualitative detection of HCV was done by nested PCR using standard protocols and HCV genotyping was carried out by a modified reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Detection of HCV viral RNA was done by Nested RT-PCR and the genotyping was done using genotype spe­cific primers (1a, 1b, 3a, 3b and 4) based on the amplified NS5B region of the HCV genome and the second round of PCR amplification was also used for sequencing from both directions. Results:More than 12% of prevalence rate was identified in haemodialysis patients withHCV in molecular methods, but only 5% prevalence rate identified in immunological method, genotypes and subtypes were determined using genotype spe­cific primers for sequences of the core(C) and the non-structural protein 5B (NS5B) genomic regions. Genotype 3b was found to be most predominant from 88 were HCV +ve out of 90 (97%), followed by genotype 3a (3%). There is no awareness of HCV infection in 384 out of 410 patients. Conclusion: The obtained data indicate that high prevalence of HCV in haemodialysis patients and the most predominant HCV genotype was found to be 3b. The HCV genome determination using RT-PCR was a more sensitive method than immunological method and therefore, the genotype identification was more relevance for therapy. The important one is to generate awareness of mode of transmission to avoid HCV contamination.

Keywords: HCV; Molecular Epidemiology; Haemodialysis; RT-PCR.

*********  

(OP 4)

Extraction of metabolites from Lactobacillus casei VITCM05 and its role in anticancer activity


Jannatul Firdous Siddique and Mohanasrinivasan.V*

School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu.

Corresponding Author: v.mohan@vit.ac.in


The approach is to choose certain food samples and ferment them without adding any kind of starter culture. The main source of lactic acid bacteria are generally fermented food samples. The aim is to isolate identify and characterize certain lactic acid bacteria which shows a greater bioactive potential. The present study deals with the isolation, identification and characterization of the isolate obtained from cumin after 14 days of fermentation in saline sterilized water. The isolate Lactobacillus casei was identified by biochemical and phenotypical studies. For molecular level confirmation it was subjected to 16srRNA sequence analysis. After the sequence characterization, the isolate was deposited in GenBank Database, maintained by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information NCBI. The sequence can be retrieve accession number MH137744. It showed a strong antimicrobial activity against food spoiling and food borne pathogens as it showed a broad spectrum of activity against both Gram positive and Gram negative bactertia. Gram positive bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes MTCC 5260 ,Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 5257and Gram negative bacteria such as Eschericia coli MTCC 2089, Psedomonas aeruginosa MTCC 2242 and Salmonella typhi MTCC 2501. The cell free supernanat activity was determined, expressed in arbitrary unit and found to be 6400AU/mL. The cell free supernatant of Lactobacillus casei were treated with proteolytic enzymes , Pepsin , Trypsin and Proteinase K at a concentration of 1mg/ml . It showed to be partially sensitive to trypsin and proteinase K thus confirming it to be proteinaceous in nature. The cell free supernatant retained its activity in a narrow range of pH 2-5 and completely lost its activity above it. It is stable in temperature 4°C for more than 60 days.

Keywords: Lactic acid bacteria; Lactobacillus casei; Secondary metabolites; Anticancer properties

*********  

(OP 5)

A Computational Study of Curcumin and Tangeretin Interfering Protein-Protein Interactions Involving Ikkγ (NEMO) that impede the Activation of NF‐kB


Srinivasulu Cheemanapalli*, Suresh Kumar Chitta

Bioinformatics infrastructure facility (BIF), Department of Biochemistry, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu-515 003, Andhra Pradesh, India.

*E mail: srenubio@gmail.com


The IκB kinase (IKK) complex is the signal integration hub for NF-κB activation. It is essentially made of two kinases (IKKα and IKKβ) and a regulatory subunit, NEMO/IKKγ. The IKK complex integrates signals from all NF-κB activating stimuli to catalyze the phosphorylation of various IκB and NF-κB proteins, as well as of other substrates. In cancer cells, over expression of IKK kinase may up-regulate the NF-kB levels. The protein- protein interactions of IKK and NEMO are mediated by amino acid residues of W741, W739 and F734 (IKK kinase) and Leu93, Phe97, Lys90, Glu89 and Val104 (NEMO). In the present study we reported that both curcumin and tangeretin interfere with association of IKK-NEMO complex through binding with active site amino acid residues of Leu737, Asp738, Trp739, Thr735 and Ser733 thereby prevent the IKK complex formation. Concerning the docking results, the binding energy of curcumin in cluster 40 was shown -4.13 kcal/mol and cluster 35 of tangeretin was shown -2.76 kcal/mol. In combined docking, the IKK complex has shown docking energy of -88.28kcal/mol. The combination of curcumin and tangeretin synergistically destabilize the IKK-NEMO complex formation thus led to inhibition of NF-kB activation.

Keywords: IKK complex, NF-kB, Cancer, Curcumin, Tangeretin, protein-protein interaction, docking.

*********   

(OP 6)

In vitro and In silico Binding Analysis of Synthesized Steroid molecules with human serum albumin and their role in anticancer activity


Monika Kallubai1*, Shreya Dubey1, Dhevalapally Ramachary2 and Rajagopal Subramanyam1

1 Department of Plant Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, India

2 Catalysis Laboratory, School of Chemistry, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, India

* Corresponding author: monikasku.7@gmail.com


Our study focus on the biological importance of synthesized 5β-dihydrocortisol (Dhc) and 5β-dihydrocortisol acetate (DhcA) molecules, the cytotoxic study was performed on breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) normal human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK293), the IC50 values for MCF-7 cells were 28 and 25 µM, respectively, whereas no toxicity in terms of cell viability was observed with HEK293 cell line. Further experiment proved that Dhc and DhcA induced 35.6% and 37.7% early apoptotic cells and 2.5%, 2.9% late apoptotic cells respectively, morphological observation of cell death through TUNEL assay revealed that Dhc and DhcA induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. The complexes of HSA-Dhc and HSA-DhcA were observed as static quenching, and the binding constants (K) was 4.7±0.03×104 M-1 and 3.9±0.05×104 M-1, and their binding free energies were found to be -6.4 and -6.16 kcal/mol, respectively. The displacement studies confirmed that lidocaine 1.4±0.05×104 M-1 replaced Dhc, and phenylbutazone 1.5±0.05×104 M-1 replaced by DhcA, which explains domain I and domain II are the binding sites for Dhc and DhcA. Further, FT-IR, synchronous spectroscopy, and CD results revealed that the secondary structure of HSA was altered in the presence of Dhc and DhcA. Furthermore, the atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that the dimensions like height and molecular size of the HSA-Dhc and HSA-DhcA complex were larger compared to HSA alone. Detailed analysis through molecular dynamics simulations also supported greater stability of HSA-Dhc and HSA-DhcA complexes, and root-mean-square-fluctuation interpreted the binding site of Dhc as domain IB and domain IIA for DhcA. This information is valuable for further development of steroid derivatives with improved pharmacological significance as novel anti-cancer drugs.

Keywords: 5β-dihydrocortisol; 5β-dihydrocortisol acetate; human serum albumin

*********   

(0P 07)

Sg-RT-PCR diagnosis of mosaic disease of Sweet Orange and RNAi mediated Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) transgenics combating Citrus yellow mosaic virus (CMBV)

Anthony Johnson AM*1, Chinta Sudhakar1, Sai Gopal DVR2 and Indranil Dasgupta3

1 Plant Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur - 515003 A.P.

2 Department of Virology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati - 517502 A.P.

3 Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi (South Campus), New Delhi - 110021

*Presenting Author: janu.khadgam@gmail.com

Citrus cultivation in India is affected by several abiotic and biotic factors. The reduction in productivity due to these factors is termed as citrus decline. The most well-known viral pathogen affecting the citrus in India is Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) followed by Citrus yellow mosaic virus (CMBV). The other important problem is that both these viruses could also occur in mixed infections causing mosaic disease of citrus. The plant affected with CMBV and also with mixed infections of CMBV, CTV show less life span, reduced productivity and fruits with mosaic patterns which are not usually desired for export. Hence this disease affects the overall citrus market in India. In the current study, an attempt was made for diagnosis of mixed infections of CTV and CMBV using Duplex Sg-RT-PCR and there by analysis of the viral loads in the affected samples. CMBV is known to be a Retroid virus belonging to Order Ortervirales, Family Caulimoviridae and Genus Badnavirus. The genome is ~7.6 Kbp dsDNA which replicates via RNA stage. The viral genome comprises of 6 ORFs among which ORF III encodes a polyprotein that is post translationally modified as Movement protein, Coat Protein, Protease and Reverse transcriptase/RNase H. Since the coat protein is a post translationally modified one, the coat protein ends are not defined. Hence generation of coat protein mediated virus resistant transgenics is not possible for this virus. We developed an RNAi mediated Sweet orange transgenic strategy which confers the resistance to CMBV. We targeted CP domain of CMBV by developing hairpin constructs. These were cloned into binary vectors and then transformed into Sweet Orange epicotyls via Agrobacterium mediated transformation strategy. The developed putative transgenics showed promising results and need further study for their field application.

*********    

(OP 8)

Investigating role of environmental factors trigger Tox R virulence complex in Vibrio cholera for habitat adaptation


J. Madhavi*

Department of Microbiology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Nagarjuna Nagar, Guntur 522 510, Andhra Pradesh, India

* Corresponding author: madhuu.bt@gmail.com


Diarrheal cholera remains one of the ancient infections to the human and associated with massive human casualties especially children. The diseases reported more severe and prevailing in developing nations including India and Eastern Asian countries. The frequent Asiatic diarrheal outbreaks in the past have raised a question regarding a paradigm shift in virulence factors in vibrio to provide a favourable condition for bacteria. In a study carried out in the year 2016-2017, we have investigated the role of environmental factors affecting TOX R virulence cascade to cope up hearse environmental condition. We have screened and isolated indigenous species of Vibrio cholera O 1 from North Eastern part of India and profiled their growth and habitat characteristics. We have reported here, the presence of chitin and pH are two major crucial factors resulting a paradigm shift in TOX R Regulon expression enable several gene expression in an organism. There is only two serotypes reported causing diarrheal cholera are O1 and O139. We had studied and reported O1 remain most ancient serotype and adapt in hearse condition. We have reported that CT and chitin gene have a significant interaction facilitate microbial growth and infection capacity. The expression studies have shown that chitin gene expression largely depends on CT gene expression. This signifies that pathogenic vibrio has a higher capacity to utilize chitin a major nitrogen source while non-pathogenic vibrios lacking CT gene fail to consume chitin as an expression of chitinase gene remain dormant. The study also provides a scientific basis of prevailing vibrio's in fresh water as fresh water contain a large number of crustacean animals a rich source of chitin.

Keywords: Diarrheal cholera; Environmental factors; Tox R virulence complex

*********   

(OP 9)

Future therapeutic approaches of bacteriophages and medicinal plant extracts against septic wound causing bacterial isolates


Pallavali Roja Rani, D.Vijaya Lakshmi, D.Vijaya Raghava Prasad*

Department of Microbiology, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, AP 516 003, India.


Background & objectives: Multi drug resistance has become burning problem for the treatment of pathogenic bacterial infections. To overcome the problem of drug resistance to several diversities of pathogens, use of bacteriophage is an attractive approach. The current study is aimed to isolate the MDR- bacteria from septic wound patients and applying medicinal plant extracts, bacteriophages as alternative therapeutic agents.

Methods: From 130 septic patients, pus samples were collected aseptically from Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Science (RIMS), Kadapa, A.P, and analyzed by morphological, biochemical characteristics. MDR-bacterial strains were collected by using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method against variety of antibiotics. Bacteriophages and plant extracts were collected to test the activity against predominant bacterial isolates from septic wounds.

Results: 115 bacteria were isolated from pus samples of 130 septic wound patients. Our results showed that the most frequent isolate detected was Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a predominant one. Our results suggest that Gram negative bacteria were predominant than gram positive in the septic wounds, most of the isolates were resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin, penicillin, vancomycin and tetracycline. 100%, 86.1% of drug resistance was observed in both gram positive and gram negative bacteria respectively. Interestingly isolated bacteriophages and medicinal plant (Syzigium cumini, Punica grantam) leaf extracts showed perfect lytic activity irrespective of their multidrug resistance nature.

Conclusion: We isolated the MDR-bacteria of septic wounds, these bacteria were sensitive to medicinal plant extracts and bacteriophages showed the perfect lysis on their respective bacteria. Hence, bacteriophages & medicinal plant extracts (Syzigium cumini, Punica grantam) could be potential therapeutic targets for treating septic wounds.

Significance and impact of the study: Septic MDR-bacterial isolates were showed sensitivity to bacteriophages and medicinal plant extracts. Theses isolated phages may hold a lot of promise as the first choice of prophylaxis against septic wounds, moreover phage therapy dose not induce the multidrug resistance in bacteria.

Keywords: Septic wounds, Multi drug resistance, Bacteriophages, Plant extracts

*********   

(OP 10)

Endophytic microorganisms: A source of novel anticancer compounds


Vasudeva Reddy Netala1, Beulah Prakhashini2, Vijaya T2*

1Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, AP-517502

2Department of Botany, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, AP-517502

* Corresponding author : vasubioteck07@gmail.com


Endophytic microorganisms are the intriguing fungal and bacterial species live inside the healthy plant tissues without causing any apparent symptoms of disease. During the long period of co-evolution, a mutual relationship was gradually set up between each endophytic microorganism and its host plant. In this relationship, endophytes would produce a number of bioactive compounds for helping the host plants to resist external biotic and abiotic stresses. Studies on these endophytes indicate that they are novel sources of natural bioactive compounds with potential application in pharmacy, agriculture, medicine and food industries. In this study, we report the isolation and structural elucidation of several anticancer compounds from endophytic microorganisms inhabiting the endemic tree taxa of Nalamalla hills. The present study is also leads to the investigation of molecular mechanism of action of anticancer agents using apoptotic mediated gene markers in both death receptor and mitochondrial mediated apoptotic pathways. In addition, in silico approaches will be employed to reveal the structure-activity relationships, drug-likeness evaluation, pharmacokinetic bioavailability and ADMET properties of newly secluded bioactive compounds.

Keywords : Endophytic microorganism, Bioactive compounds, Cytotoxicity, Apoptotic studies, Molecular docking.

*********   

(OP 11)

Antibacterial potential of certain rare and endemic medicinal plants from Gumdlabragmeswaram wild life sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh


K. Venkata Ratnam1,* and R.R. Venkata Raju2

1Department of Botany, Rayalaseema University, Kurnool 518 007

2Department of Botany, S.K. University, Anathapuramu 515 003

Corresponding author: drvenkatapkd@gmail.com


The present study is designed to evaluate antibacterial activity of ten potential crude drugs collected from Gundlabahmeswaram (GBM) wild life sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh. GBM wild life sanctuary is one of the biggest tiger protected area in India, which is situated in central Nallamalais, an off shoot of Southern Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh.it is located on the Southern adjacent boundary of Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR). The medicinal plants selected for the present study are Acalypha alnifolia, Andrographis nallamalayana, Boswellia ovalifoliolata, Curcuma neilgherrensis, Moringa concanensis, Pulicaria wightiana, Syzygium alternifolium, Tylophora fasciculata, Vernonia anthelmintica and Vitex altissima. The selected medicinal plants were collected from the study area. Shade dried and powdered samples were successfully extracted with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and ethanol. The extracts were concentrated under reduced pressure and subjected for antibacterial studies. The antibacterial activity was performed employing the pour plate and disc diffusion methods. Microorganisms selected for the present study are Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhimurium. The antibacterial study results revealed that, ethyl acetate extract of seven medicinal crude drugs significantly inhibited the test pathogens than petroleum and ethanol extracts. Among the tested crude drugs, Vernonia anthelmintica seed extracts showed maximum inhibition against the test pathogens, while Andrographis nallamalayana and Pulicaria wightiana exhibited least inhibition. In conclusion, the results clearly showed a good correlation between traditional claims and the antibacterial observations. Further, the data can be used for intensive studies in order to isolate and characterization of bioactive principles and to evaluate against the pathogenic organisms.

*********  

(OP 12)

Producion and purification of β-Galactosidase from Lactobacillus plantarum VITDM15 for lactose free product development


Nivetha Anbalagan and Mohanasrinivasan.V*

School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu.

Corresponding Author: v.mohan@vit.ac.in


β-Galactosidase and its derivatives have been a focus of scientific study due to its unique features which makes it suitable for various food, biosensor, diagnosis and biomedical applications. Herein a present study emphasizes β-Galactosidase which was extracted and purified from Lactobacillus plantarum. Donkey milk, yogurt and curd samples were collected (Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India) followed by pour plate technique on MRS (De Mann Rogosa Sharpe) agar. The bacteria were characterized and screened for β-Galactosidase production using morphological and biochemical analysis. X-gal assay indicated positive for 10 different isolates. These isolates were disrupted for intracellular β-Galactosidase by probe sonicator. The bacterial isolate VITDM15, VITCD27 and VITYT61 were found to be maximum production of 3222, 1550 and 1238 IU respectively by ONPG assay. Based on biochemical and molecular characterization, the potent isolate VITDM15 was identified as Lactobacillus plantarum (GenBank accession no. KX838907). The extracted protein was precipitated with 70% ammonium sulphate and fractionated by 50KdA ultrafiltration unit and gel filtration chromatography using sephadex-G100. Quantitative protein and separation of the band were found to be 112kDa by denaturing conditions SDS-PAGE. Finally purified β-Galactosidase from Lactobacillus plantarum KX838907 was yielded 31.75% with 67.73 fold and specific activity of 1705IU/mg.

Keywords: Lactobacillus plantarum; β-Galactosidase; Purification; Specific activity.

*********   

(OP 13)

Fermentation of rice husk for cellulosic ethanol production by novel Aspergillus protuberus


1Panyam Suresh Yadav, 1Karra Shruthia, 2Buddolla Viswanath, 1Muni Ramanna Gari Subhosh Chandra*

1Department of Microbiology, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa - 516 003, India

2Department of Bionanotechnology, Gachon University, San 65, Bokjeong-Dong, Sujeong-Gu, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do 461-701, Republic of Korea

*Corresponding author: chandra298@gmail.com


Lignocellulosic feedstock has tremendous potential to sustain the renewable production of biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol. Due to depletion of fossil fuels, cellulosic ethanol, which can be obtained by the bioconversion of renewable lignocellulosic substrates, is widely regarded as an efficient alternative for gasoline as transportation fuel. Rice husk is a by-product of milling process of rice and is a good source for cellulosic ethanol production due to its carbohydrate contents. The present study deals with the effect of different dilute H2SO4 and NaOH doses (1-4%) on the rice husk at 121°C for 20 min. Furthermore, the pretreated rice husk was subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis using cellulase, β-glucosidase, and xylanase and crude enzyme extracted from the Aspergillus protuberus at 50°C for 120 h. The biomass hydrolysates containing monomeric sugars (glucose and xylose) were fermented using Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Baker's yeast for cellulosic ethanol production in separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF), respectively. It was observed that NaOH pretreatment of 10 g rice husk with 1 ml of crude enzyme and 1 g of yeast concentration was optimum for maximum cellulosic ethanol production. SHF is more effective than SSF for better cellulosic ethanol production.

Keywords: Cellulosic ethanol, Rice husk, Cellulase, Separate hydrolysis and fermentation, Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation

*********   

(OP 14)

Microbial Thermostable Starch Hydrolytic Enzymes and Multi (Bi)-enzyme Immobilization System for Synergistic/co-operative Catalytic Applications


Satheesh Kumar Gudi1,* and Chandrasekhar Gurramkonda2,**

1. Korea University, Seoul, South Korea

2.University of Maryland Baltimore County

Corresponding authors: * satheesh.mcb@gmail.com,** chskrg@umbc.edu


Enzymatic hydrolysis of starch to various other industrially used reducing sugars mainly maltose, malto-dextrins and glucose is widely accepted and commercialized application. The cascade enzymatic reactions leading the increase of overall productivity by combination of single and synergestic multi-enzymes reactions have gained considerable attention by substantial decrease of overall bioprocess investment as cost-effective method. The thermostable starch hydrolytic enzymes (α-amylase and glucoamylase) were co-immobilized by entrapment and cross-linking method. Thus immobilized enzymes were tested for bioconversion and enzyme(s) stabilization for economic bioprocess development. The preliminary results suggested the bi-enzyme immobilization system is an effective biocatalytic process. The spatially confined microenvironments of multi-enzymes in close proximity have inherent advantages by excluding the diffusional limitation by exchanging the substrates and products between the enzyme molecules. Author will discuss the immobilization of single and bi-enzyme system(s) for starch bioconversion application.

Keywords: Enzymatic hydrolysis; Starch; Immobilization; Bi-enzyme system

*********   

(OP 15)

Standardization of Culture Conditions for the Production of Rhodopsin pigment from Halophilic Bacterium Halobacterium sp.


S. Kameswaran

Department of Botany, Vikrama Simhapuri University Post-Graduate Centre, Kavali-524201. Andhra Pradesh.

*Corresponding author: kambharath@gmail.com


A halophilic bacterium Halobacterium sp. was isolated from backwater, Kelambakkam, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu and screened for the production of bacteriorhodopsin pigment. Identification of the bacterium was done based upon biochemical tests and the 16S rRNA sequence. The partially purified enzyme displayed maximum activity at pH 8.0 and required 4.5M of NaCl for optimum pigment production. The Halobacterium sp. required 4M NaCl for its optimum growth and pigment secretion and no growth was observed below 1M of NaCl. The initial pH of the medium for growth and pigment production was in the range 7.0-8.0 with optimum at pH 7.2. Bacterial culture with 0.5M MgCl2 concentration enhanced rhodopsin production. Gelatin 13.38g L-1 and soluble starch - 12.00g L-1 proved to be the best sources for maximum biomass and pigment production. The carbon sources glucose and glycerol repressed the rhodopsin secretion.

Keywords: Halophilic, Halobacterium, bacteriorhodopsin, medium and biomass.

*********   

(OP 16)

Biogenesis of gold nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extract of Melia dubia and their anticancer activity


Beulah Prakhashini1, Vasudeva Reddy Netala2and Vijaya T1*

1Department of Botany, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, AP-517502

2Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, AP-517502

* Corresponding author: vasusvu12@gmail.com


In the present study, we report the eco-friendly synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using aqueous leaf extract of Melia dubia. The aqueous leaf extract of M. dubia acts as bioreducing and capping agent which involved in the biosynthesis and stabilization of MD-AuNPs (M. dubia leaf synthesized AuNPs). UV-Vis analysis of MD-AuNPs showed the characteristic absorption peak at 530 nm which confirmed the biosynthesis of MD-AuNPs. FT-IR analysis revealed that polyhydorxy compounds and proteins involved in the biosynthesis and stabilization of MD-AuNPs. TEM analyses showed that MD-AuNPs synthesized in this study were 10-30 nm with spherical in shape. SAED and XRD patterns confirmed the crystalline nature of MD-AuNPs with face centered cubic (FCC) lattice. MD-AuNPs were proved to be good cytotoxic agents against different cancer cell lines (PC3: human prostate carcinoma; COLO205: human colon carcinoma; MCF7: human breast carcinoma) studied using MTT assay.

Keywords: Melia dubia, Gold nanoparticles, XRD, TEM, Anticancer activity

*********   

(OP 17)

CA and RuBisCO activity under different inhibitor, bicarbonate and high CO2 supplementation in indigenous fresh water green alga Desmodesmus


Swarnalatha G.V* and Sarada R

Departmentof Plant Cell Biotechnology, CSIR- Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore - 570020, India.

*Email: venkata85722@gmail.com


Microalgae have potential for bio-mitigation of atmospheric CO2. The present study was conducted on green algae Desmodesmus sp. under various inhibitors, bicarbonate and CO2 conditions. The Carbonic anhydrase (CA) and RuBisCO activities were decreased when the photosynthetic electron transport and enzyme specific inhibitors are used. Under bicarbonate supplementation the CA activity was increased. CA activity variation observed during the course of experiment reflects the inherent potential and genetic background of the organisms with respect to their original habitat. This proved that for effective carbon concentrating mechanism (CCM) the CA and RuBisCO are important. Thus CA plays a major role in CCM. Most of the CA studies are limited to cyanobacteria. Such studies on other microalgae isolated from different ecological niche may prove helpful for providing a better understanding of the CCMs and thereby illustrate the importance of these organisms as CO2 sinks. In the present scenario, wherein problems related to global warming have reached social dimensions, these ubiquitous organisms may serve to absorb CO2 and alleviate the related problems to a significant extent.

Keywords: Microalgae; bio-mitigation; Carbonic anhydrase; RuBisCO activities

*********   

(OP 18)

PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING RHIZOBACTERIA - A reliable approach for sustainable agricultural production


Z. Mary Swaroopa* and R. Jaya Madhuri,

Department of Applied Microbiology, Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam, Tirupati-517502, Andhra Pradesh, India

E-mail: roopa_zakkam@yahoo.co.in


The task of providing sustainable agricultural production using plant growth promoting microbial consortium has created a great potential source to eliminate usage of chemical fertilizers so as to promote public health, to protect the environment and human communities. One must consider that feeding growing population with the economic appraisal in the available agricultural land is the crucial issue. To meet the needs of present generations without compromising the ability of future generations has become essential. Thus, sustainable agricultural production by soil microbe interactions can be effective, beneficial and best suitable natural approach. However, synergestic effect is not achieved whenever microbial consortium is used but progressively promising. Plant growth promoting microbes promote plant growth by nutrient uptake and also minimize the effect of deleterious organisms that cause damage to the plant system. Potent plant growth promoting bacterial consortium can be formulated and can be made available to the farmer in order to accomplish so called sustainability in the agricultural production. In the present context, our foremost purpose is the production of lucrative plant growth promoting bacteria/ rhizobacteria formulation from easily available, non pathogenic, tolerant (that can tolerate abiotic and biotic stress), positively correlating strains (two strains). Moreover, Bio-pesticidal effect of these strains on the groundnut crop is to be studied to bring about the necessary changes in the existing applications for sustainable agricultural production in groundnut crop; and to produce a good variety of groundnut using plant growth promoting bacteria/ rhizobacteria.

Keywords: Plant growth promoters; Rhizobacteria; Sustainable agricultural; Environment.

*********   

(OP 19)

Development of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacterial consortium for disease suppression and growth promotion the of groundnut crop


Syed Shameer and T.N.V.K.V. Prasad*

Nanotechnology Laboratory, Institute of Frontier technology,

Regional Agricultural Research Station, ANGRAU, Tirupati, A.P., India.

*Corresponding author: tnvkvprasad@gmail.com


The indiscriminate and uncontrolled utilisation of chemical agents as fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture has lead to numerous perils plaguing environment and humans alike. The persistence of these chemicals agents is the major attribute which creates uncalled environmental havoc by polluting soil and nearby water bodies, negatively influencing macro & microbial diversity, accumulating toxic elements into food chain, etc,. The replacement of these detrimental chemical with living entities that can fulfil the function of former is a major step to fight environmental degradation and rejuvenating sustainable agriculture. Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria, serves both purposes i.e., growth promotion and disease suppression. PGPM's associate with plants and benefit them through various modes of physiological activities (phytohormones, supplementation of nutrients and pathogen suppression) ultimately resulting in the growth, health, and yield, in some cases all the aforementioned traits. In this current study we embarked to isolate PGPRs' from different groundnut growing fields of A.P., and select potential species by in vitro growth promotion and disease suppression assays. Two consortiums were developed based on the individual growth compatibilities and their molecular characterisation was done to identify the individual isolates. Currently, the PGPR consortiums are being tested for their growth promotion and disease suppression in pot culture experiments in the presence of different pathogens by soil and foliar application of the PGPRs'. The initial results like influence on germination time and vigour are very promising in consortium applied pots.

Keywords: Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR); Disease suppression; Groundnut crop; Consortiums.

*********   

(OP 20)

Optimization study of 2-hydroxyquinoxaline (2-HQ) biodegradation by Ochrobactrum sp. HQ1


G.V. Subba Reddy* and B.R. Reddy

Dept. of Microbiology, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu-515003


A novel aerobic gram-negative bacterial strain capable of utilizing 2-hydroxyquinoxaline (2-HQ) as sole source of carbon and energy was isolated from Indian agricultural soil and named as HQ1. Strain HQ1 was identified as Ochrobactrum sp. on the basis of morphology, physico-biochemical characteristics and 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The generation time of Ochrobactrum sp. HQ1 on 2-HQ at log phase is 0.71 h or 42.6 min. The degradation of 2-HQ by HQ1 under various physicochemical parameters was analysed by HPLC and observed to be optimum with a high inoculum density (1.0 OD) at pH 7-8, temperatures 37-40°C and a high concentration of 2-HQ (500 ppm). Degradation of 2-HQ was also improved when additional nitrogen sources were used and this was attributed to the enhanced growth of the bacterium on the readily available nitrogen sources. Analysis of 2-HQ degradation by GC-MS resulted in elucidation of the degradation pathway for HQ1, a novel observation for aerobic Gram-negative bacteria. These findings are a possible indication of the application of HQ1 in the bioremediation of pesticide/metabolite contamination.

Keywords: 2-Hydroxyquinoxaline, Ochrobactrum sp. HQ1, 16S rRNA sequence analysis, HPLC and GC-MS analysis

*********   

(OP 21)

The Role of Probiotics in Aquaculture


A. Shreeveda, B. Vijaya Kumar*, N.V Raman Reddy

Hi-tech Pharma, Nellore -524001.

*E-mail- bvskbio@gmail.com

Aquaculture is one of the major food producing sectors in the world. Disease outbreak is the major constraints for the growth of this industry. The need to increase disease resistance, and enhance feed efficiency has brought in the use of probiotics as non-antibiotic agent in aquaculture productions. The documented evidences have suggested that probiotics can improve the water quality, secretion of growth promoters, disease resistance, and enhancement of immune response in the host animal. Microorganisms like Lactobacillus spp., Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Saccharomyces spp., and so on, are playing very good role in probiotics world. These probiotics are good in decreasing the pH level in pond water, ammonia content in pond water, and also in maintaining minerals level in pond water. The present paper addressed the current knowledge in application of probiotics in aquaculture, its antecedents, and safety measures to be carried out and discusses the prospects for study in this field. This report provides a summary of probiotic applications and its significance in aquaculture.

Key words: Probiotics; Non-antobiotic agents; Aquaculture; Growth promoter

*********   

(OP 22)

Isolation, screening and antibiogram identification of Staphylococcus aureus from immune suppressed patients


Harinatha Reddy A1,2*, Venkatappa B2

1Department of Life sciences, Christ University, Bangalore-560029

2Department of Microbiology, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu-515 003.

Corresponding author: aswartha.harinathreddy@gmail.com.


S. aureus is a gram positive, facultative anaerobic bacteria and common cause of skin infections, respiratory infections, bone infections, blood infections and pneumonia on humans. S. aureus opportunistic pathogen found in the skin and nose as part of human normal flora. There are five species S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. saprophyticus, S. haemolyticus, and S. hominis consider as potential human pathogens in this genus, but among this pathogenic bacteria S. aureus is the most problematic, causes skin, joint and blood infections in humans. In the present study the Staphylococcus aureus isolated from blood samples of immune suppressed patients. The 30 blood samples collected form immune suppressed cancer patients. The S. aureus formed yellow color colonies on Mannitol salt agar media after 24 h of incubation. Among 30 blood samples the S. aureus was identified in 5 blood samples. Staphylococcus aureus was identified based on the microscopic, biochemical and molecular characterization. Antibiogram was determined by the disk diffusion method for five selected isolates. The Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was identified in the selected isolates. The mecA gene identified in the S. aureus responsible for methicillin resistance, mecA is synthesis penicillin binding protein 2A (PBP2A). Penicillin binding protein 2A allows the bacteria to resistant against beta lactum antibiotics.

Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus; Immune suppressed; Mannitol salt agar media; Antibiogram; Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

*********   

(OP 23)

Extraction of bioactive compounds from Marine Actinomycetes and Their antiviral and anticancer properties


Jayavardhana Rao Yagani and Narasimha Golla *

Department of Virology, S.V. University, Tirupati - AP, INDIA

Corresponding author: dr.g.narasimha@gmail.com


Currently, bioactive compounds derived from marine actinomycetes are playing significant roles in the development of drugs based on their antimicrobial, antitumor, antioxidant and other properties. A study was carried out to isolate and identify rare actinomycetes producing antibacterial, antiviral and anoxidant properties from coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, India. Among the isolated actinomycetes, GN-JV1 has the ability to produce novel bioactive compounds with superior properties of antibacterial, antiviral and anoxidant. Based on the morphological, biochemical and molecular analysis, GN-JV1 was identified as a species of Streptomyces. Further studies concerning purification, characterization and identification of the active compounds is in progress. Overall, the study revealed that the selected marine actinomycetes is a good candidate to be explored as new sources of bioactive compounds.

Keywords: Actinomycetes; Marine environment; bioactive compounds; Antiviral activities; Anticancer.

*********   

(OP 24)

EVALUATION OF IN VITRO ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF LEAVES OF INDIGOFERA MYSORENSIS ROTTLER EX DC.


B. Kavitha*and M. Sonia rani

Department of Botany, Rayalaseema University, Kurnool - 518007, Andhra Pradesh

India.

* Corresponding author: kavithab15@gmail.com


The antibacterial and antifungal activities of acetone, alcohol, aqueous, benzene, chloroform, ethanol, methanol and petroleum ether extracts of leaves of Indigofera mysorensis was evaluated by agar well diffusion method. Antibacterial potential was tested against Bacillus subtilis of gram positive; Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris and Klebsiella pneunoniae of gram negative on nutrient agar medium and broth using Ampicillin as standard drug. For antifungal activity, strains used were Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans on dextrose agar and dextrose broth using Nystatin as reference standard drug. The result showed that, the methanol extract exhibit more effective activity on P. vilgaris with 26.5±1.50mm zone of inhibition; MIC 0.512mg than other extracts. Also the acetone and ethyl acetate extracts were more effective on C. albicans 31.25±0.82 and 30.25±0.43mm zone of inhibition; MIC 0.31; 0.32mg than the control drug at 10mg/well with 10.20±0.20 to 12.10±0.16mm mm zone of inhibition.

KEYWORDS: Indigofera mysorensis Leaves, Antibacterial activity, Antifungal activity, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration

*********   

(OP 25)

Optimization of xylanase production through response surface methodology by Fusarium sp. BVKT R2 isolated from forest soil and its application in saccharification


G. Ramanjaneyulu1,2, and B. Rajasekhar Reddy1,*

1Department of Microbiology, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu, India

2CSIR - Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants research centre, Bangalore

*Corresponding author: rajasekharb64@gmail.com


Xylanses are hydrolytic enzymes with wide applications in several industries like biofuels, paper and pulp, deinking, food, and feed. The present study was aimed at hitting at high yield xylanase producing fungi from natural resources. Two highest xylanase producing fungal isolates-Q12 and L1 were picked from collection of 450 fungal cultures for the utilization of xylan. These fungal isolates-Q12 and L1 were identified basing on ITS gene sequencing analysis as Fusarium sp. BVKT R2 (KT119615) and Fusarium strain BRR R6 (KT119619), respectively with construction of phylogenetic trees. Fusarium sp. BVKT R2 was further optimized for maximum xylanase production and the interaction effects between variables on production of xylanase were studied through response surface methodology. The optimal conditions for maximal production of xylanase were sorbitol 1.5%, yeast extract 1.5%, pH of 5.0, Temperature of 32.5°C, and agitation of 175 rpm. Under optimal conditions, the yields of xylanase production by Fusarium sp. BVKT R2 was as high as 4560 U/ml in SmF. Incubation of different lignocellulosic biomasses with crude enzyme of Fusarium sp. BVKT R2 at 37°C for 72 h could achieve about 45% saccharification. The results suggest that Fusarium sp. BVKT R2 has potential applications in saccharification process of biomass.

Keywords: Fusarium sp., Optimization, Response Surface Methodology, Saccharification, Submerged Fermentation, Xylanase

***********************   


POSTER PRESENTATIONS

(PP-1)

Fungus-derived Highly Photoluminescent Carbon Quantum Dots for Bioimaging and Photoinduced Bactericidal Activity


Ankireddy Seshadri Reddy1, Sada Venkateswarlu2, Buddolla Viswanath3*

1Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Republic of Korea.

2Department of Nanochemistry, Gachon University, Sungnam 13120, Republic of Korea.

3Department of Bionanotechnology, Gachon University, Sungnam 13120, Republic of Korea.

Corresponding author: buddolla@gmail.com


Since two decades, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are gaining much attention in the field of science and technology for various applications as fluorescent probes, drug delivery materials and catalytic reagents etc. due to presence of semiconducting properties at their quantum confinement range. However, CQDs can be prepared using various resources, that including chitosan, coal, fresh vegetables, fruits and environmental waste. In addition, most of the synthetic processes involve adverse reaction conditions. In this report, we present a new solvent-free synthetic procedure via hydrothermal method to produce carbon quantum dots from common edible oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.). As prepared mushroom carbon quantum dots (MCQDs) exhibit stable blue fluorescence with high quantum yield (25 %). The MCQDs are highly dispersible in water because of the enormous number of oxygen- and nitrogen-containing functional groups on the surface. Various analytical tools such as HRTEM, XRD, XPS, UV-vis, FTIR, Raman, PL and lifetime decay analysis have been employed for the characterization of as prepared MCQDs. The MCQDs can be used as an effective labeling agent for bioimaging due to presence of excited dependent emission properties from MCQDs as a unique property. In addition to this, these MCQDs can also exhibiting excellent photoinduced bactericidal activity because of having polar functional groups on its surface. Moreover, light irradiation of E.coli treated with MCQDs showed excellent bactericidal activity relative to the control due to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These sustainable and affordable carbon materials are potentially compatible for monitoring as a potent bioimaging materials and visible-light-responsive bactericidal probe.

Keywords: Mushroom, Carbon quantum dot, Bioimaging, Free radicals and Bactericidal effect

*********   

(PP-2)

Kinetics and mechanism of Proteus mirabilis urease inhibition by eugenol & vanillic acid


Venkataseshan Jagannathan1, Arthi Venkatesan2, Pragasam Viswanathan1*

1Renal Research Lab, Centre for Bio Medical research, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore - 632 014, Tamil Nadu, India.

2Department of Integrative Biology, Schoolof Biosciences and Technology, VITUniversity, Vellore, India

Corresponding author: pvishvanath@yahoo.com


Struvite / infection stone is one of the major clinical burden among urinary tract infection that is caused by the ureolytic behavior of pathogenic bacteria. They secrete urease (EC 3.5.1.5) a metalloenzyme, which rapidly catalyze the conversion of urea into ammonia and CO2 which increases the urine pH that further promotes the precipitation of urine mineral components results in the formation of struvite stones. Currently, some broad spectrum antiobiotics are being prescribed, but it possess a higher risk of provoking antibiotic resistance to the microbe. Acetohydroxamic acid (AHA) the only FDA approved synthetic urease inhibitor is also being recommended, but it has some adverse health effect on long term use. In the present study we investigated two phytocompounds eugenol (an allyl substituted guaiacol) and vanillic acid (a phenolic acid) are effective in inhibiting the urease activity of serious nosocomial pathogen Proteus mirabilis. Enzyme was purified to apparent homogeneity and the kinetic parameter obtained from Michaelis-Menten plot shows that the Km&Vmax of the purified enzyme was 7.1 ± 0.8 mM & 478 ± 14µMol/min respectively. Data obtained from inhibition study reveals that both compounds exhibit non-competitive inhibition upon dose and time dependent manner. The IC50 value of eugenol and vanillic acid were found to be 0.14 ± 0.01 mM and 0.13 ±0.007 mM respectively. In-silico studies shows that the binding affinity of eugenol and vanillic acid to the regulatory pocket of modelled protein is higher than that of the standard drug acetohydroxamic acid. Dynamics and simulation result shows the interaction of ligand with the key residue ARG373 of the protein provides a stable bound conformation. Overall, these results suggest that phytocompounds may have potential for new therapy on inhibition of urease that could possibly replace the complexions related to struvite stone formation.

Keywords: Struvite stones, P.mirabilis, urease inhibition, eugenol, vanillic acid

*********   

(PP-3)

Ethical and legal issues in the production of genetically modified microorganisms in the environment: Indian Scenario.


Syed Ussain Saheb

Department of Law, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu, A.P. India-515003

E-mail: syedussain145@gmail.com


With the development of recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) technology, the metabolic potentials of microorganisms are being explored and harnessed in a variety of new ways. Today, genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs) have found applications in human health, agriculture, and bioremediation and in industries such as food, paper, and textiles. Genetic engineering offers the advantages over traditional methods of increasing molecular diversity and improving chemical selectivity. In addition, genetic engineering offers sufficient supplies of desired products, cheaper product production, and safe handling of otherwise dangerous agents. In this seminar, we discuss ethical and legal issues in the production of genetically modified microorganisms in the environment.

Keywords: Genetically modified microorganisms; Environment; Human health; Legal and ethical issues

*********   

(PP-4)

Identification of bacterial shifts in the midgut region of Bombyx mori L, reared on different forage


K. Swetha Kumari, S. Kalpana, D.M. Mamatha

Dept of Biosciences and Sericulture, Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam, Tirupati, India.

*Corresponding author: swethakumari.k@gmail.com


Mulberry silkworm is an important economical lepidopteran insect whose gut is inhabited by diversified micro organisms comprising intestinal microbial ecosystem. It is also known that gut microbes have the ability to develop resistance against invading pathogens and help in maintaining normal ecological balance. This study is on the identification of different microbes that are being altered in silkworm gut based on the food provided to silkworm larvae other than mulberry. Larvae reared on mulberry leaves and other forage was dissected followed by their bacterial populations' count after a 3-day incubation period at 28 °C respectively. The results point out that diet has a significant impact on the gut bacterial community. Four groups of bacteria namely Enterobacter, Staphylococci, Brevundimonas and Stenotrophomonas showed unaltered variation in both the silkworm larval groups that fed with mulberry and different forage respectively. Two different genera namely Agrobacteria and Pseudomonas are seen only in the intestinal region of silkworm fed with different forage. The different microbial responses and shifts in silkworm gut have been identified and analyzed to study the susceptibility of Bombyx mori against BmNPV. This study leads to understand the relationship between intestinal bacteria and BmNPV infection that further provides to develop insights for developing BmNPV silkworm breeds.

Keywords: Bombyx mori L; Midgut; Bacteria; BmNPV silkworm breeds

*********   

(PP-5)

Detection of Capsicum chlorosis virus in bell pepper using a Nano-Au/C-MWCNT based label-free amperometric immunosensor


Sharma Anshul1,2,*, Kaushal A1, Kulshrestha S1

1,2Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Bajhol, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India.

1Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Gachon University, Seongnam, 13120, South Korea.

Corresponding author: anshul.silb18@gmail.com


Accurate and on time diagnosis of plant viruses is an essential prerequisite for efficient control of viral diseases in field conditions. A number of diagnostic methods have been reported with the required level of sensitivity. Capsicum commonly known as bell pepper is infected by various viruses, including tospoviruses, which cause significant global losses in quality and yield from horticultural, agricultural crops as well as ornamental plants. Out of 28 known tospoviruses, only five tospoviruses viz. Groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV), Capsicum chlorosis virus (CaCV), Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV), Peanut yellow spot virus (PYSV) and Watermelon bud necrosis virus (WBNV) have been reported in India. Biosensors based on antigen-antibody interactions, known as immunosensors, have great value for plant pathogen detection. Here, we propose a label-free immunosensor for efficient and sensitive detection of Capsicum chlorosis virus (CaCV) in bell pepper. Antigen was immobilized over the surface of gold nanoparticle/multi-walled carbon nanotube (Nano-Au/C-MWCNT) screen-printed electrodes using 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC)/N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) cross-linking chemistry followed by interaction with GBNV/CaCV specific polyclonal antibody. The electrochemical response was measured by cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) using the potassium ferricyanide as a redox indicator. Potassium ferricyanide is an intercalating organic compound and its concentration is responsible for the faradic current in CV. Electrochemical studies showed positive results at different antigenic dilutions ranging from 10-2 - 8x10-5. The present study represents label-free detection as the secondary antibody is not required, thus saving time and valuable resources. Electrode surface characterization was done by performing scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The sensitivity of the immunosensor developed has been compared with direct antigen coated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAC-ELISA) and the results showed that the developed immunosensor was 800-1000 times more sensitive, compared to DAC-ELISA for CaCV detection. The immunosensor which we have developed is economical and sensitive and could be used for immediate determination of the presence of CaCV in leaf extracts from infected bell pepper plants.

Keywords: Diagnosis; Plant virus; Capsicum chlorosis; Tospoviruses

*********   

(PP-6)

Influence of two insecticides, Thiodicarb and Dimethoate, on ammonification in two Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) soils


A. Rekha Padmini*, B. Anuradha, A. Madhavi and V. Rangaswamy*

Department of Microbiology, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu, Andhra Pradesh, India

* E-mail: rekha.mannepula@gmail.com


The impact of selected insecticides, Thiodicarb and Dimethoate respectively, were assessed on Ammonification in vertisol and laterite soils collected from fallow groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) field of Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. An experiment was conducted under laboratory conditions to investigate the effect of two insecticides, Thiodicarb and Dimethoate on Ammonification in black clay and red sandy loam in two Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) soils at different concentrations 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm which are equivalent to field application rates 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 kg ha-1. The soil ammonification activity is considered a valuable parameter for assessing the side effects of insecticide treatments on the soil microbial community. Soil application of pesticides, significantly enhanced the rate of ammonification when applied at 2.5 kg ha-1, whereas an increase in the concentration of insecticide up to 10.0 kg ha-1 resulted in a slight decrease in the mineralization of peptone nitrogen in both black and red soils. Significant stimulation of ammonification occurred after incubation for 14 days in both soils. Treatments receiving thiodicarb and dimethoate, showed a high nitrogen mineralization rate at 2.5 kg ha-1 relative to the control after incubation for 14 days in the black and red soil. In the present study ammonification activity was higher in the insecticide amended soils than in the control soils at all incubation intervals (7, 14, 21 and 28 days after application), suggesting that the microbial metabolic activity increased due to the incorporation of pesticides in soil. Ammonification activity by 12 -23 and 5 - 13 %, respectively over the control treatment after 7 days in black soil. The corresponding increases in red soil were 22 - 24 and 11 - 14 % respectively, at the same concentrations of insecticides under similar conditions. Ammonification activity increased in two insecticides treated and untreated soils during incubation for 14 days, decreasing after incubation for 21 and 28 days.

Keywords: Insecticides, Thiodicarb; Dimethoate, Ammonification; Arachis hypogaea L.

*********   

(PP-7)

Production of bioactive compounds from marine bacteria and their biological activities


Yanamala Gunavathi and Pitchika Gopi Krishna*

Department of Zoology, Vikrama Simhapuri University PG Centre, Kavali-524201

* Corresponding author: pitchika.gopikrishna@gmail.com


Currently microbial secondary metabolites have been receiving considerable attention especially in the beneficial applications of human health. Among the microorganisms, marine bacteria have the capability to produce unique and novel secondary metabolites with interesting biological activities. Therefore, in the present study, we have isolated marine bacterial organisms from the coastal region of Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh, India and screened for promising bacterial strain with potential biological activities that includes antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Further the work is in progress to characterize the isolated bioactive compound and to identify the promising bacterial isolates up to species level through molecular techniques.

Keywords: Marine bacteria; Bioactive compounds; Antibacterial; Anti-inflammatory.

*********   

(PP-8)

A solid state fungal fermentation - based strategy for cellulase production and hydrolysis of dilute acid treated groundnut fodder


K. Shruthi, P. Suresh Yadav and M. Subhosh Chandra*

Department of Microbiology, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa - 516005

*Corresponding author: chandra298@gmail.com


Groundnut fodder was used as a substrate for production of cellulase by solid state fermentation. Aspergillus unguis was firstly grown on modified groundnut fodder for cellulase production and then the groundnut fodder was hydrolyzed by the crude cellulase extract into fermentable hydrolyzate. Maximum activity of FPase, CMCase, β-glucosidase and protein content 11.4, 11.5, 33.3 U/g of substrate and 136.6 mg/g of substrate, respectively were obtained using dilute acid treated groundnut fodder. The addition of mineral salts and yeast extract (5% w/v) enhanced the production of cellulase. The hydrolysis of modified groundnut fodder with Tween 80 using the crude cellulase extract was performed, resulting in significantly increased the reducing sugar yield 40% at 50o C in comparison to the control. The addition of Tween 80 at pH 4.8, reducing sugar yield was approximately increased up to 2 fold. The present study establishes the possibility of using dilute acid treated groundnut fodder for the production of fermentable sugars, which can be further utilized for the production of ethanol.

Keywords: Solid state fermentation, Groundnut fodder, Aspergillus unguis, Cellulase, Hydrolysis

*********   

(PP-9)

Ligninolytic behavior of the white rot fungus Stereum ostrea under influence of culture conditions, inducers and chlorpyrifos


B.S. Shanthi Kumari, Kanderi Dileep Kumar, K. Praveen , K.Y. Usha, G. Praveen Kumar Reddy, B. Rajasekhar Reddy*

Department of Microbiology, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu, Andhra Pradesh - 515003, India.

Corresponding author: rajasekharb64@gmail.com


Secretion of ligninolytic enzymes by the white rot fungus Stereum ostrea on liquid Koroljova medium with/without shaking under the influence of Chlorpyrifos at 20ppm concentration for 12 days was the first time assessed. Productions of three ligninolytic enzymes - laccase (LAC), manganese peroxidase (MnP) and lignin peroxidase (LiP) were higher on liquid medium fortified with chlorpyrifos under shaking conditions than under stationary conditions. Laccase, MnP, and LiP enzymes were secreted into broth to the extent of 214.37, 82.75 and 8.05 U/ml respectively under influence of chlorpyrifos on 10th day of incubation. However, yields of LAC, MnP and LiP on control devoid of chlorpyrifos in submerged fermentation under shaking conditions on 10th day of incubation were limited to 138.06, 51.85 and 6.44 U/ml, respectively. Maximum productions of LAC, MnP and LiP attained on liquid medium with/without chlorpyrifos under stationary conditions did not exceed 80-85, 33-40, 0.6-0.7 U/ml, respectively. Effect of inducers on ligninolytic enzymes production by the same organism on chlorpyrifos-amended medium was also examined. Among the inducers tested in the present study, gallic acid caused maximum induction in secretion of LAC and MnP to 300.53 and 181.66 U/ml respectively on 10th day of incubation, but highest production of LiP to the extent of 1.134 U/ml was recorded in respect of veratryl alcohol.

Keywords: Chlorpyrifos, Inducers, LAC, Ligninolytic enzymes, LiP, MnP, Stereum ostrea, white rot fungi.

*********    

(PP-10)

Production of cellulolytic enzymes by Fusarium sp. under optimal conditions


S.N. Krushna Naik, G. Ramanjaneyulu and B. Rajasekhar Reddy*

Department of Microbiology, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu, A.P, INDIA.

*Corresponding author: rajasekharb64@gmail.com


Fusarium sp. was grown on both Carboxy Methyl Cellulose-amended MS medium with /without supplementation of additional carbon of lactose at 1.5 %, additional nitrogen of yeast extract at 1.5 % inoculum size of 5 agar plugs of 0.5 mm size, pH 5.5, 30°C temperature andagitation of 150rpm. The production of cellulolytic enzymes (β-exoglucanase, β-endoglucanase and β-glucosidase) by the fungal culture under optimal and non-optimal conditions was compared. The organism exhibited relatively highest activity of endoglucanase among three enzymes measured on 7thday of incubation on supplemented MS medium. Maximum yield of 76 U/ml was recorded in respect of endoglucanase followed by exoglucanase with 48 U/ml. β-glucosidaseto the extent of 5.6 U/ml were observed on 7th day of incubation by Fusarium sp in optimal medium conditions. Higher extracellular protein content (3.101 mg/ml) and biomass productions (0.471 g/50ml) were also obtained from supplemented medium. In comparison, growth of the fungal culture on CM-cellulose amended MS medium yielded less titers of three cellulytic enzymes productions.

Keywords: Fusarium Sp.; Cellulolytic enzymes; Optimization; Carboxy Methyl Cellulose

*********    

(PP-11)

Mycosynthesis of Silver nanoparticles and their characterization


M. Madakka* and N. Rajesh


Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, Yogi Vemana University, KADAPA- 516 003.

E-mail: prashanthidass@gmail.com

Mycosynthesis deal with an energy-saving and eco-friendly process intended for extracellular synthesis of AgNPs, by means of cell-free filtrates of fungi Aspergillus niger and Fusarium semitectum as reducing agents. Optimization of different parameters during biosynthetic process demonstrated diverse property on production rate, the size, distribution, yield of biosynthesized AgNPs. SEM micrographs showed polydisperse spherical and ellipsoid nanoparticles (SIZE). Face-centered cubic (FCC) character and nanocrystalline structure of AgNPs were by analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). AgNPs exhibits potential antimicrobial effect than Ag+ not in favour of E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These results demonstrate that mycosynthesis of AGNPs is a cost effective and eco-friendly method, resulting in particles with antibacterial properties that are efficient as an antimicrobial agent.

Keywords: AgNPs; Extracellular biosynthesis; Aspergillus niger; Fusarium semitectum; Antimicrobial effect.

*********    

(PP-12)

Molecular characterization, Comparative host range and serological studies of papaya ringspot virus-w strain in papaya and pumpkin plants.


L. Tharachand Naidu, P, Pushpalatha, M. Charitha Devi*

Department of Virology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, A.P., India.

*Corresponding author: charithamekala@gmail.com


Pumpkin (Cucurhita moschata Poir) belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae is an important vegetable crop of tropical and subtropical regions of the world. More than 25 viruses have been reported to infect the crops of Cucurbitaceae in the field. Among them, Papaya ring spot virus - water melon strain (PRSV-W) is regarded as one of the most destructive pathogen. Isolates of PRSV-W originating from different geographical regions of south India were collected from the leaves of pumpkin plants as the source of inoculums to maintain the PRSV on the pumpkin to detect the infectious virus in test samples and by performing local lesion assay. The PRSV-W suspected pumpkin leaves were collected and maintained by mechanical sap inoculation to papaya and pumpkins, the PRSV-W doesn't infect papaya but it infect pumpkin only, test samples were subjected to DAC-ELISA with Poty virus antisera. Most of the samples reacted positively with poty virus antisera. Total RNA was extracted using TRIzol reagent according to manufacturer's protocol. First strand cDNA synthesis was performed by using oligo dT primers then the PCR product was amplified from the cDNA using primers specific to potyviruses. The synthesized cDNA will be used as a template for amplification of 3 terminal regions (about 1.2kb) to study the genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis. The purified PCR product was cloned into Ptz57R/T vector by using INSTA Clone PCR Cloning Kit. The recombinant plasmid was confirmed for the presence of PRSV-W gene by PCR, a Positive plasmid was sequencing at BIOSERV Pvt.ltd, India, Sequencing analysis was done using BLAST TOOL, Phylogenetic Trees were constructed using a mega tool. In this study, the PRSV-W strain was identified by RT-PCR method. There is a sequence variability among the PRSV-W strain and it has important applications to develop transgenic plants especially the CP gene variability is important to develop novel transgenic methods and development of resistance against the PRSV-W strain which is having significant effect on the yield losses in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. The present method developed to detect diverse isolates of PRSV, will be useful not only for diagnosis but also for determining the distribution profile of the virus, thereby mapping disease free and disease prone areas.

*********    

(PP-13)

D-arabinose and its production efficiency of Ethylene glycol by 'Caldicellulosiruptor saccharolytius'


G. Sai vaishnavi and D. Muralidhara rao*

Bioprocess Division, Department of Biotechnology, Sri krishnadevaraya University, Ananthapuramu-515001, Andhra Pradesh.

Corresponding author: muralidhararao@yahoo.com


Amidst concerns of global warming and dwindling natural resources, there is a concerted effort to come up with renewable sources of fuel via microbial pathways, through metabolic engineering approach from cheaper substrates with the admirable advantage of process being eco-friendly with low production cost. Ethylene glycol is one such biofuel with steadily expanding global demand, research on the production of which from microbial pathways is still in its infancy. The research study focus on the metabolic profile of anaerobic thermophilic bacterium Caldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticus ATCC 43494 with a potential of Ethylene glycol production. The growth of the bacterium was studied on varying concentrations of D-arabinose in batch cultures in controlled bioreactor. The strain has great potential in its production using 10g/ L carbon substrate with time duration of 72 hrs producing 6.7 g/L along with high molecular weight compounds like acetoin, 2,3-butanediol, glycerol and hydroxyacetone.

Keywords: Caldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticus, Ethylene glycol, Bioreactor, Arabinose

*********    

(PP-14)

Bacteriocins as good probiotic agents


N. S. Meera and M. Charitha Devi*

Department of Virology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517502, India

*Corresponding author: charithamekala@gmail.com


Antimicrobial peptides have received increasing attention in the food industries due to their potential to control pathogens. The potential of using bacteriocins of lactic acid bacteria, primarily used as biopreservatives, represents a perspective, alternative antimicrobial strategy for continuously increasing problem with antibiotic resistance. Another strategy in resolving this problem is an application of probiotics for different gastrointestinal and urogenital infection therapies. The role of antimicrobial compounds produced by probiotic strains as prophylactic agents against enteric infections is crucial.

In this study, bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus fermentum exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against the enteropathogens Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Proteus mirabilis. Bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus fermentum was purified and characterized. The bacteriocin was purified to homogeneity by ammonium sulfate precipitation, column chromatography and HPLC and its molecular weight was determined by SDS-PAGE analysis.

There is great interest in the use of probiotics as treatment for gastrointestinal infections for several reasons. Gastropathogenic species are showing greater resistance to antibiotics, suggesting that an alternative to pharmaceutical therapies may be required. So, currently there is a need for development of new antimicrobial peptides and recent approach is of exploiting bacteriocin peptides produced by the probiotic organisms. It is suggested that probiotic bacteriocins could be used as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy and also in food industry.

Keywords: Bacteria; Probiotics; Bacteriocins; Antibiotic therapy

*********    

(PP-15)

Antiviral property of bioactive compounds produced from marine actinomycetes


Avilala Janardhan*, DVR Sai Gopal and Golla Narasimha**

Department of Virology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517502, India

Corresponding Authors: *a.janardhan86@gmail.com ** dr.g.narasimha@gmail.com


Natural products from marine sources are more effective than the terrestrial sources, especially in case of antiviral activity. Antiviral agents derived from marine organisms can be used for the biological control of human enteropathogenic virus. Newcastle disease and Infectious Bursal disease which are a major threat to both commercial poultry flocks and village poultry flocks. These viruses may cause outbreaks with up to 100% mortality. The aim of present study was to assess the antiviral property of marine actinobacterial compound extracted from Nocardia alba KC710971. The compounds were tested against the Newcastle disease virus and infectious Brucellosis disease virus. The isolated bioactive compound have showed potential activity of the two viruses and it concluded that the compound have high potential to act as antiviral against Newcastle disease virus. The compound was purified by HPLC and characterized by FTIR, NMR (1H and 13C) and mass spectroscopy. The obtained final compound is identified as "(Z)-1-((1-hydroxypenta-2,4-dien-1-yl)oxy)anthracene-9,10-dione".

Keywords: Marine actinomycetes; Nocardia alba; Bioactive compounds; Antiviral.

*********    

(PP-16)

Biocatalysis of saccharification of lignocellulose for ethanol production


J. Wazida Tabbasum and B. Rajasekhar Reddy*

Department of Microbiology, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu, A.P, INDIA

Corresponding author: rajasekharb64@gmail.com


Lignocellulosic material are the most abundant renewable and inexpensive energy resources for bioethanol production. These materials are composed of three groups of polymers namely cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Cellulose and hemicellulose are sugar rich fractions of interest for use in fermentation processes for ethanol production. About eight fungal cultures were shortlisted for both cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzymes and from our stockpile of 500 fungal isolates made from different locations of Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh. Among eight fungal isolates, Pestalotiopsis microspora appeared to be the best one in terms of production of cellulolytic enzymes - filter paperase, carboxymethylcellulase and β-glucosidase. This culture is reported to produce ethanol upon fermentation of sugars. Cellulolytic enzymes of this culture will be tested on sugarcane bagasse for saccharification. Sugars released in saccharification will be further subjected to fermentation with P. microspora for ethanol production in comparison with standard reference cultures - Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia stipitis.

Keywords: Lignocellulose; Saccharification; Bioethanol; Pestalotiopsis microspora

*********    

(PP-17)

Antioxidant enzymes in the white rot fungus- Stereum ostrea culture


K. SaiGeetha*, K. Dileep Kumar and B. Rajasekhar Reddy*

Deptof Microbiology, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu, A.P, INDIA

*Corresponding author: rajasekharb64@gmail.com


Stereum ostrea is a white rot fungus known for production of oxidative enzymes such as laccases, lignin peroxidases, and manganese peroxidases involved in the degradation of lignin. Free radical reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion (O2-) and hydroxyl ions (OH-) are generated during normal metabolic activity of this culture.But the excess productions of these free radicals could create oxidative stress which leads to the damage of cells. In order to protect organisms from the oxidative stress, enzymatic antioxidant defense systems. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) etc are evolved. The present study was mainly carried out to find out the status of antioxidative enzymes in the white rot fungus Stereumostrea during growth in the absence of lignin at regular time intervals under normal conditions in submerged fermentation. Maximum SOD activity (0.22315U/ml) was observed on 10th day of incubation by Stereum ostrea under normal conditions. Higher yields of peroxidase (0.9609U/ml) and higher yields of catalase activity (0.84605U/ml) and maximum glutathione reductase activity (0.2537U/ml)was recorded on 6th day of incubation Maximum ascorbateperoxidase activity of (0.1825U/ml) was shown in 10th day of incubation in Stereum ostrea cultures. Further studies would be conducted on production of antioxidant enzymes in Stereum ostrea cultures during growth under stress conditions in the presence of xenobiotic compounds such as Remajol Brilliant Violet Dye and pesticide.

Key words: Antioxidants, APX, CAT, GPX, GR, POX, oxidative stress, ROS, SOD

*********    

(PP-18)

Evaluation of Immunomodulatory and Pharmaco-Therapeutic Effects of Silkworm (Bombyx mori) Cocoon associated Extracts


Soumya M, Venkatappa B*

Department of Microbiology, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu-515 003,

Andhra Pradesh, India.

Email: soumyamalapati@gmail.com


Human beings have traded the long path of evolution to create a mechanized world to lead a comfortable life. However, it is unfortunately associated with its own challenges. Immune disorders have been a part and parcel of developed societies for decades. Supplementing the immune system with natural products possessing immune enhancement properties is a promising approach for preventing immune dysfunction. Insects are among the oldest group of terrestrial organisms on Earth, originated about 400 million years ago in Denovian period. The extracts of insects have immune boosting characteristics and are also showing antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory activities. Hence Silkworm (Bombyx mori) is selected in our study to evaluate the haematological, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, Hypolipidemic potential effects of Silkworm cocoon extracts against Methyl Prednisolone. The results indicate that the Antibody titre value in Humoral antibody response to SRBC challenge is high in test group samples when compared to drug induced group. ELISA results of Cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-2, L-6, IFN-γ also showed significant immunomodulatory potential of Silk Cocoon extracts. Hematology studies were done to evaluate Red blood cells, White blood cells, Monocytes, Lymphocytes, Eosinophils, Basophils, Neutrophils, Platelet count, hemoglobin, and Hematocrit values. The concentration levels of lipids LDL, HDL, TGs, Cholesterol and Fasting glucose in test samples showed significant changes with Drug induced group proving the hypolipidemic and anti diabetic potential of Silk Cocoon extracts. Hence the study concludes that Silkworm Cocoon extracts are good sources Diabetes treatment and Immunomodulation.

Keywords: Silk Cocoon Extracts, Methyl Prednisolone, Immunomodulation, Anti-Diabetic.

*********    

(PP 19)

Surface Layer Protein A (SlpA) as a plausible cancer therapeutic agent: Docking Studies with EGFR and CD45 Receptors


Kanderi Dileep Kumar, Satyanarayana SV, G. Praveen Kumar Reddy and B. Rajashekar Reddy

Department of Microbiology, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu, A.P, India.

Corresponding author: rajasekharb64@gmail.com


Surface Layer proteins (Slps), are predominant in Lactobacillus sp. These proteins are involved in the adhesion of the bacterial strains, in the immune modulations in the humans and their colonization. This important immune reaction can be used to understand the activity of these proteins as probiotics and potential anti-cancerous agents in next generation cancer therapeutics. In this study, we tried to dock the cancer and immune responsive receptors like EGFR and CD45 with the SlpA proteins. We found some interesting results especially with respect to their binding to amino acids which are pharmacokinetically crucial for the binding of the anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Keywords: Anti-Cancer Agents, Immunomodulators, Probiotics, S-Layer Proteins

*********    

(PP 20)

Assessment of cellulolytic potential of Pestalotiopsis microspora TKBRR isolated from Thalakona forest


G. Praveen Kumar Reddy1, Kanderi Dileep Kumar1, Girinath Rajoji2, G. Ramanjaneyulu1 and B. Rajasekhar Reddy1

1Department of Microbiology, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu 515 003, India.

2Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agro-industry, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand.


The search for more productive strains of microorganisms and processes can contribute to the economically efficient production of cellulases for bioconversion. To this end, the present work focused on cellulase production in solid state fermentation from fungal culture isolated from Thalakona forest in Andhra pradesh and identified as Pestalotiopsis microspora TKBRR. Under unoptimized conditions, yields of FPase, CMCase and BGL produced by P. microspora TKBRR in SSF were 13, 12and 11 U/gDS whereas the corresponding figures of yields of FPase, CMCase and BGL after optimization of process conditions and medium components through one stage approach - Central Composite Design (CCD) in RSM were 15, 16 and 13 U/gDS, respectively in the present study. There was a marginal improvement in yields of cellulolytic enzymes by 2-4 units with least interactions between factors. Of four factors tested in the present study, only temperature and pH influenced production of cellulolytic enzymes by P. microspora TKBRR in SSF. P. microspora exhibited higher ratio of BGL to Fpase in comparison to other cellulolytic organisms reported.

Keywords: Pestalotiopsis microspora, FPase, CMCase, BGL, CCD

*********    

(PP 21)

Peroxidase enzyme Activity in, sewages, Industrially Polluted and Control Soils in Warangal City, District, Telangana.


B. Lalitha Kumari

Department of Botany, University Arts& Science College, Kakatiya University, Warangal, Telangana, India-506001.

Email: lalitha21prasad@gmail.com


The Peroxidase enzyme activity in different polluted and control soils in Warangal city are analyzed during June 2016 to May,2017. The minimum and maximum Peroxidase enzyme levels were 0.23 mg/g to 1.35 mg/g in the near nayeem nagar sewage canal, while this range was 0.31mg/g to 1.39mg/g in the soils amended with dairy industry waste water flooded soil. The minimum and maximum range of Peroxidase activity was 1.39 mg/L to 2.48 mg/L in sewage waste water flooded soil. The Peroxidase enzyme activity range in soil amended with tannery industry waste water flooded soil was 0.21 mg/g to 1.29 mg/g, while the range of activity was 0.31mg/g to1.43 mg/g in control soils.

keywords: Peroxidase enzyme, Dairy ,Warangal.

*********    

(PP 22)

Impact of selected insecticides and fungicides on amylase activity in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) soils


A. Madhavi*, B. Anuradha, A. Rekha Padmini and V. Rangaswamy

Department of Microbiology,Sri Krishnadevaraya University,Anantapuramu, Andhra Pradesh, India.

*E-mail : akkirajumadhavi@gmail.com


The influence of insecticides oxydemeton methyl and emamectin benzoate, fungicides benlate and dithane-Z-78 towards amylase enzyme activity was studied in black soil and red soil collected from groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivated fields of Anantapuramu district, Andhra Pradesh, India. In vitro experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of two insecticides and two fungicides on their field application rates (1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 kg/ha-1). After 10 days of incubation, a stimulatory response was noticed at 2.5 and 5.0 kg ha-1.The higher application rates (7.5 and 10.0 kg ha-1) over untreated control resulted in the suppression of amylase activity after 10 days of incubation. 60% water holding capacity (WHC) was maintained in both treated and untreated soil samples throughout incubation periods. Stimulatory responses were noticed in black soil and red soil up to 20 days of incubation. After 20 days significant inhibition was observed. However, the results of present investigation suggest that, the application of higher doses of insecticides and fungicides at 7.5 and 10.0 kg ha-1 were environmentally unfriendly on amylase enzyme activity in black soil and red soil.

Keywords: Arachis hypogaea L.; Amylase; insecticides; fungicides.

*********    

(PP 23)

Probiotics influence on innate immunity of zebrafish (Danio rerio): A systematic Evaluation


Devarapogu Rajakumari and Asupathri Usha Rani*

Department of Zoology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati-517502, AP, India

* Corresponding author: aur_svu9@yahoo.co.in


The immune response is commenced by innate immunity following exposure to foreign substances or tissue injury. Moreover, the innate immunity exerts protective roles in host homeostasis in part by priming adaptive immune reactions against persisting insults and inducing inflammation. However, the unbalanced immune response leads to severe inflammation and uncontrolled tissue damage and disease. There are evidences indicating that probiotics can stimulate certain aspects of the innate immunity system. The purpose of this presentation is to address the most recent findings regarding probiotic regulation of immune health with reference to innate immunity of Zebrafish, an important animal model for basic physiological and biomedical research. In addition, we will discuss probiotics applications in different levels of immune-regulatory effects in a host-dependent manner.

Keywords: Probiotics; Zebrafish; Immune response; Innate Immunity.

*********    

(PP 24)

Biochemical and molecular characterization of biofilm producing bacteria from sewage sample


S. Meghanath, M. Indira*, Md.Nazneen Bobby, T.C Venkateswarulu, P.Srinath Raju, S.V.S.Deepthi, M.Bhargav

Dept.of Biotechnolog, Vignan's Foundation for Science Technology and Research Vadlamudi, 522213

*Corresponding author: indu221007@gmail.com


A biofilm is an assemblage of microbial cells that is irreversibly associated with a surface and enclosed in a matrix of polysaccharide material. Biofilm-associated organisms differ from their planktonic bacteria with respect to the genes that are transcribed. Biofilms may form on a wide variety of surfaces, including living tissues, indwelling medical devices, industrial or potable water system piping, or natural aquatic systems. In this present study biofilm producing microorganism was isolated from sewage sample and it was characterized as Bacillus cereus through biochemical and molecular methods. The biofilm composed majorly of exopolysachharide is estimated by phenol sulphuric acid method and it was found to be 158µg/ml.

Keywords: Biofilm, Exopolysaccharide, Biofilm matrix, Planktonic bacteria.

*********    

(PP 25)

Characterization of Bacteriocin ABC transporter ATP binding protein from Enterococcus casieliflavus MI001

Keerthi P1, Indira M1* Vidya P Kodali2, Krupanidhi S1

1.Department of Biotechnology, Vignan Foundation for Science Technology & Research, Vadlamudi, Guntur (Dt), Andhra Pradesh, India.

2.Department of Biotechnology, Vikrama Simhapuri University, Nellore (Dt), Andhra Pradesh, India.

Corresponding author: indu221007@gmail.com


Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptides produced by both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. The bacteriocin family includes a diversity of proteins in terms of size, microbial target, mode of action, release, and immunity mechanisms. ABC transporter is one of the largest transporter protein families, play a role in diverse biological processes. In the present study, bacteriocin isolated from Enterococcus casieliflavus MI001 strain was identified as ABC transporter ATP binding protein. The optimal conditions for the production of bacteriocin was found to be 35°C, pH 5.5 and incubation time of 24 h. Purification was performed using ammonium sulphate precipitation, gel filtration and DEAE ion exchange chromatography. The molecular weight of the partially purified bacteriocin was found to be 22.53KDa using SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF analysis. The NMR spectrum of purified bacteriocin revealed presence of amino acids namely lysine, methionine, cysteine, proline, threonine, tryptophan and histidine. Bacteriocins are of interest in medicine because they are made by non-pathogenic bacteria that normally colonize the human body.

Key words: Bacteriocins, Antimicrobial peptides, Immunity.

*********    

(PP 26)

Protective effect of Phyllanthus amarus against high-fructose diet induced testicular oxidative stress in Wistar rats.


Mallaiah P, Sudhakara G, Saralakumari D.

Department of Biochemistry, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu, Andhra Pradesh, India.


High-fructose diet (HFD) promotes the oxidative stress formation, which in turn has hazardous effects on reproductive system and fertility. The objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of Phyllanthus amarus on high-fructose diet induced oxidative stress in the testis of rat. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: Control (C), Control treated with PA (C+ PA), High fructose diet fed (HFD), High fructose diet fed treated with PA (HFD + PA) and High fructose diet fed treated with Pioglitazone (HFD + Pio). P. amarus was orally administered (200 mg/kg body weight) for 60 days to groups-C + PA and HFD + PA rats. The effects of HF-diet on the reproductive organs were determined by measuring relative and absolute testes and epididymal fat pads weights. Regarding testes antioxidant status, high-fructose fed rats showed higher levels of lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, polyol pathway enzymes and lower GSH levels and lower activities of antioxidants, while P. amarus treatment prevented all these observed abnormalities. Histopathological examination of the testis indicated that PA/Pio treatment reduced the increased size of the seminiferous tubules with increased lumen size and increased reduction in the number of fully matured spermatozoa observed in HF-diet fed rats. The present study clearly indicates that P. amarus offers a significant protection against HF-diet induced testicular oxidative stress in rats.

Keywords: Phyllanthus amarus, High-fructose diet, Oxidative stress, Antioxidant enzymes

*********    

(PP 27)

Isolation and identification of Aspergillus niger from Jasmine plants in Andhra Pradesh


Arundathi M, and Ramesh B.*

Department of Genetics and Genomics, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, INDIA

*Corresponding author: adenoramesh@gmail.com


Jasmine (Jasminum sambac) is one of the economically important flower crops in southwestern and southern Asia, India, Myanmar and Srilanka. Andhra Pradesh (AP) is one of the states in India cultivating Jasmine as a major commercial flower crop. During the field inspection at Moyilla kalva village of Kadapa district (AP), we have noticed small, irregular to rectangular brown and chlorotic lesions on the leaves, leaf chlorosis and wilting on the jasmine plants suspected fungal infections. The surface sterilized leaf bits of suspected samples were placed on Potato dextrose agar (PDA) for isolation of fungal pathogen. After 6 days of incubation at 28 0C, black colonies were identified on the agar plate. Pure culture was prepared from these colonies and subjected to microscopic observation. Further, the culture used to isolate genomic DNA and PCR amplified by using ITS primers. The amplified product of approximately 800 bp was subsequently sequenced. Both the scanning electron microscopic observation (SEM) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analysis by NCBI-BLAST confirmed the pathogen of jasmine was Aspergillus niger. The sequence analysis of the present fungus showed maximum identity of 99 % with A. niger isolates of Delhi, Italia, Haryana and Tamil Nadu.

Keywords: Fungal infections; Aspergillus niger; Jasminum sambac; Sequence analysis

*********    

(PP 28)

Immunomoulation by using Therapeutic proteins purified from Tinospora carifolia


Bharathi C, Venkatappa B*

Department of Microbiology, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu-515 003,

Andhra Pradesh, India.

Correspondence: bharathi.chitra@gmail.com


Immunomoulation is a process, which alters the immune system of an organism by interfering with its functions.This interference results in either imunostimulation or immunosuppression .An immunomodulator is a substance that helps to regulate the immune system. This" regulation" is a normalization process, so that an immunomodulator has to optimize immune response. Immunomodulators are becoming very popular in worldwide natural health were as these do not tend to boost immunity, but normalize it. Keeping this in view, efforts have to be directed to modulate the immune responses , to permit effective treatment of various ailments associated with immune system and thus the development of safe and effective immunomodulator for clinical use.Herbel medicine has become an integral part of standard health care, based on combination of time honoured traditional usage and ongoing scientific research.Increase interest in medicinal herbs has prompted for scientific scrutiny of their therapeutic potential and safety. Some of the medicinal plants are believed to enhance the natural resistance of the body to infections. Since the beginning of human civilization ,medicinal plants have been use as natural medicines. Tinospora cordifolia is widely used in traditional ayurvedic medicine because of its biological activities like anti- inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-oxidant , anti-diabetic, anti-periodic, anti-spasmodic, anti-neoplastic activities, anti-stress, anti-leprotic, anti-malarial, hepatoprotective, anti-allergic and anti-arthritic activity ,anti- cancer and various other medicinal properties because of these activities Tinospora cordifolia is selected in our study. Almost all parts of its plants such as root ,stem ,leaves are used in ayurvedic medicines.

Keywords: Immunomoulation; Tinospora cordifolia; Therapeutic proteins

*********    

(PP 29)

Effect of silver nanoparticles against the formation of biofilm by Pseudomonas aeruginosa an in silico approach


Dileep Kumar Kanderi, Satyanarayana Swamy Vyshnava and Rajasekhar Reddy Bontha

Department of Microbiology, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu, India

*Corresponding author: rajasekharb64@gmail.com


Studies were undertaken to examine the mechanism of mediation of silver nanoparticles in inhibiting biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa through LuxI/LuxR system of signal transduction. This study includes the basic signaling transduction mechanism LasR, QscR, RhlR, and Vfr signaling model systems. The arbitrary homology models built with the I-TASSER server were evaluated and validated with the Qmean web server. Based on the Z-score and the relative square mean distance (RMSD) values, the structures were validated. The interaction results of the nanoparticle with the rigid docking proved the requirement of minimal energy for the inhibition of the protein active site by the silver nanoparticle. This principle docking experiment suggests that the biofilm formation in Gram-negative bacteria can be inhibited by the silver nanoparticles at the signal transduction level.

Keywords: Biofilm. Docking. LasR. Modeling. Qmean. QscR. RhlR. RMSD. Silver nanoparticle, Vfr. Z-score

*********    

(PP 30)

Plant mediated Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles by using Hildegardia populifola and evaluating it's Antimicrobial activity


M. Lakshmi Devi and Dr. M. Madakka

Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Yogi Vemana University, Y S R District, Andhra Pradesh.


One of the rapidly progressing areas of Nano biotechnology is the microbial assisted biosynthesis of nanoparticles. Biogenic Silver nanoparticle synthesis from plant species Hildegardia populifolia extract was utilized to reduce the silver nitrate solution for a period of 48 hours at 440 nm of UV-Visible spectrum which corresponds to surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles. The characterization of the silver nanoparticles with scanning electron Microscopy showed the size dimensions of the Nano silver in the range of 10 nm to 15 nm. These nanoparticles exhibited effective antimicrobial activity against potential pathogenic microbial species.

Keywords: Hildegardia populifolia, Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), UV-Vis spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

*********    

(PP 31)

Effect of Green tea on cigarette smoke induced biochemical perturbations in alcoholic smokers


Lokesh Thippannagari, Nareshbabu E, Shakeela Begum Marthadu, Dharaneeswar Reddy E, Varadacharyulu N Ch

Department of Biochemistry, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu, Andhra Pradesh, India


Cigarette smoking is common among persons with alcohol dependence. Smoking and alcohol consumption cause damage to body organs. Twenty four human volunteers' categorized into four group's viz., control, alcoholics, alcoholic-smokers and alcoholic smokers with green tea were selected for this preliminary study to investigate changes in hemolysis. Data obtained from the study suggested a significant increase in the percentage of Haemolysis in experimental groups when compared with control group and were in the order alcoholics > alcoholic smokers > alcoholic smokers with green tea > controls indicating an additive effect of green tea on cigarette smokers of alcohol. This finding reveals that the possibility of green tea may provide protection from cigarette-caused changes in alcoholic smoker's patients.

Keywords: Alcohol, Cigarette smoke, Alcoholics, Erythrocytes, Green tea

*********    

(PP 32)

Optimization of cultural conditions for the growth of fungal antagonists of Macrophomina phaseolina isolated from groundnut rhizosphere


M Mallikarjuna and B Jayapal Gowdu *

Dept of Microbiology, Yogi vemana University, Kadapa


Disease control by Bioagents has been treated as a viable substitute for the management of plant diseases. In recent past, Rhizosphere fungi found to be promising antagonistic to soil borne plant pathogens. In the present study, we have isolated six fungi from groundnut rhizosphere of different regions of Andhra Pradesh. These fungi were identified as Aspergillus terreus (AT-1), Emericella nidulans (EN-3), Emericella rugulosus (ER-3), Gliocladium roseum (GR-1), Penicillium oxalicum (PO-5), Penicillium chrysogenum (PC-5). Cultural conditions for the growth of these fungi were optimized using different carbon, nitrogen sources, temperatures and pH. All the antagonists were incubated in rotary shaker at 120 rpm for 7 days. The optimum cultural conditions for growth were Sucrose as carbon source, NaNO3 as nitrogen source and temperature at 30 0C and pH 7. The results revealed that EN-3, GR-1, PO-5, AT-1 shown maximum growth when compare to other fungal isolates. Maximum growth was shown by EN-3 (1180 mg /100 ml) in sucrose supplemented media, PO-5 (1450 mg /100 ml) in NaNO3 supplemented media when compare to other isolates. However, AT-1 (1395 mg /100 ml) grows at 30 0C temperature and ER-3 (1180 mg /100 ml) grows at pH 7. Results indicated that growth and dried weight varied not only from one strain to another but also differed in their preferences of utilization of different substrates.

Keywords: Rhizosphere; Groundnut; Fungal diversity; Macrophomina phaseolina

*********    

(PP 33)

Identification, Isolation, Cloning and Functional characterization of GRAS Transcriptional Factor Genes from Groundnut genotype.


Merum Pandurangaiah, Lokesh Uppala, Venkatesh Boya, Jayamma N, JagadeeshKumar Nulu and Chinta Sudhakar.

Department of Botany, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu, Andhra Pradesh, India


Plant specific transcriptional factors (TFs) play an important role in crop improvement for the advantage of agriculture. Transcriptional factors reported to be good candidates for the molecular genetics to enhance plant tolerance towards abiotic stresses because of their major roles as regulators of the clusters of many genes. GRAS transcription factor is one of the plant specific transcription factors was defined as based on the DNA binding, transcription activity and nuclear localization. GRAS TFs named after its first three protein members such as GAI [GIBBERELLIN ACID INSENSITIVE], RGA [REPRESSOR OF GAI] and SCR [SCARECROW]. These three GRAS proteins are composed of several amino acids residues and exhibit high sequence similarities to each other in their C terminal end; where as in the N terminal end amino acids sequences are highly divergent. GRAS TFs fully characterized including its 8-10 sub families groups such as DELLA (SLN1), HAM, LAS (MOC1), SHR, SCR, PAT1, LISCL, and SCL3. Many GRAS genes have various important roles for plant developmental growth such as hormonal (GA) signalling transduction; root development; axillary shoot meristem; light signalling; phytohormones; anthers development; fruit development and ripening; nodule morphogenesis; arbuscular development; biotic and abiotic stress responses. In this direction, we would focus on the involvement of GRAS genes in the plant development has not been well studied so far. There are few reports revealed that members of GRAS TF genes have the capability to promote the developmental growth in plant system. With this background information, we primarily screened and selected one groundnut genotype (cultivar K1585) out of eight groundnut genotypic varieties based on best developmental traits. In addition, we've done RT-PCR analysis for the GRAS genes expression analysis from selected groundnut genotype. Gene expression analysis results shown very interesting results from selected groundnut genotype (Unpublished). Based on gene expression results (RT-PCR) motivated us to further investigate deeply into the GRAS genes role in Arabidopsis transgenics plants under abiotic stress conditions.

Keywords: Plant specific transcriptional factors; Groundnut; Abiotic stree

*********    

(PP 34)

Studies on Biochemical responses in cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) genotypes under drought stress.


1R. Seenaiah, 2P Akbar Basha, 3P Varakumar , 4P. Chandra obula Reddy, 5S. Thimma Naik .

1,2 ,5 Dept of Botany Srikrishna devarayaUniversity Ananthapuramu. A.P.

3,4 Dept of Botany Yogivemana University Kadapa. A.P.

Corresponding author: skubotanyseenu@mail.com, stnaik999@gmail.com


Drought is a major factor limiting the growth of all crops in pod-filling stages. The functional relationship of drought stress and accumulation of various biochemical changes in cluster bean is to be studied properly. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging enzymes of plants include (SOD), (APX), catalase (CAT), (GPX), These antioxidant enzymes are located in different sites of plant cells and work together to detoxify ROS. Accumulation ROS in six cluster bean genotypes RGC-936. RGC-1025, HG-365, GC-1031, JG-1. and JG-2 genotypes have varying in drought tolerance. Cluster bean Plants were grown in departmental Botanical garden with Randomized block designed maintained under optimum temp for 39-48 days in earthen pots. It was also identified that the genotypes RGC-1025, RGC-936 were superior at pod filling stages better for the for the osmotic adjustment traits. The genotypes with lesser osmotic adjustment under drought stress were JG-2 and JG-1 genotypes.

Keywords: Cluster bean, ROS , SOD, APX, CAT

********* 

(PP 35)

Assessment of Water Quality of Telugu Ganga Canal, Mallella Village, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh, India.


R. Sreedhar

Department of Zoology, Rayalaseema University, Kurnool- 518007, Andhra Pradesh, India

Corresponding author: rayasamsreedhar@gmail.com


Various parameters in Telugu Ganga Canal in Mallella Village were investigated from March 2018 and April 2018 to assess the water quality. The different Physico-chemical parameters like Temperature, pH, TDS, conductivity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, alkalinity, free carbon dioxide, chloride, total hardness, calcium, phosphates, sulphates, silicates, nitrites, nitrates, BOD and COD were carried out by standard methods. These parameters showed either positive or negative correlation between each other. This analysis reveals these parameters are interrelated with each other. From the data it can be said that water of this canal is not a good quality for culture of fish as well as drinking for animals.

Keywords: Telugu Ganga Canal, Mallella Village, water quality, Physico-chemical parameters.

*********    

(PP 36)

Mangiferin from Pueraria tuberosa reduces inflammation via inactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome


Ramakrushna Bulugonda and Dowlathabad Muralidhara Rao*

Department of Biotechnology, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, India

Corresponding author: muralidhararao@yahoo.com


Recent reports have demonstrated the role of phyto-constituents in modulating inflammatory responses. Mangiferin isolated from Mangifera indica is known to induce potent anti-oxidative, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory activity. However, the molecular mechanism of its anti-inflammatory activity is not properly understood. In this study we have isolated Mangiferin from the tubers of Pueraria tuberosa (PT-Mangiferin) and analysed the mechanism of its potent anti-inflammatory effects in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cell line and in a carrageenan induced air pouch model. PT-Mangiferin was non-toxic to primary cells but showed significant toxicity and apoptotic effect on cancerous cells. It significantly reduced the production of pro-inflammatory mediators (COX-2, iNOS and TNF-α) in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Further, it has also reduced the generation of ROS and inhibited LPS induced NF-kB translocation in these cells. Additionally, PT-Mangiferin significantly reduced inflammation in a mouse air pouch model by inhibiting the infiltration of monocytes and neutrophils and reducing the production of cytokines. These effects were mediated via inactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome complex and its downstream signaling molecules. Taken together these results suggest that PT-Mangiferin is potent anti-inflammatory compound that reduces inflammation and holds promise in development of herbal based anti-inflammatory therapeutics in future.

Keywords: Phyto-constituents; Mangiferin; Pueraria tuberose; inflammation

*********    

(PP 37)

Renoprotective effect of Sesbania grandiflora against high-fat diet-induced oxidative stress in Sprague dawley rats


B. Sasi Bhusana Rao1*, S. Saisree1, G. Sudhakara1, P. Mallaiah1, N. Srinivasulu1, D. Sarala Kumari1#.

1Department of Biochemistry, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu, Andhra Pradesh, India.

#Correspondence: skumari1@yahoo.co.in


The current study was designed to evaluate the renoprotective effect of methanolic leaf extract of Sesbania grandiflora (SGL) against high-fat diet-induced oxidative stress in Male Sprague dawley (SD) rats. SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: control (C), control treated with SGL (C + SGL), high-fat diet fed (HFD), high-fat diet fed treated with SGL (HFD + SGL), high-fat diet fed treated with Orlistat (HFD + ORL) and high-fat diet fed treated with Gallic acid (HFD + GA). SGL was orally administered (200 mg/kg body weight) to Groups C + SGL and HFD + SGL/Orlistat (50 mg/ kg body weight)/Gallic acid (50 mg/ kg body weight) rats for 60 days. Renal functional markers such as, urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels in plasma were quantified during the experimental period. At the end of the experimental period, activities of transaminases and oxidative stress markers, i.e., reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and activities of antioxidant enzymes were assayed in renal tissue. Co-administration of SGL/Orlistat /Gallic acid along with HF-diet in Groups HFD + SGL, HFD + ORL and HFD + GA rats prevented the rise in the levels of plasma urea, uric acid, and creatinine, and elevated activities of renal transaminases with decreased protein content of Group HFD (p < 0.05). Establishment of oxidative stress in Group HFD, as evident from elevated lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation levels with depleted levels of GSH, and decreased activities of GSH dependent and independent antioxidant enzymes, was prevented in Groups HFD + SGL/ORL/GA rats. Further, there were no deviations in the studied parameters but there was improved antioxidant status of Group C + SGL from Group C which revealed the nontoxic nature of SGL even under chronic treatment. Thus, SGL treatment effectively pacify the HF-diet induced renal damage. Hence, this plant could be used as an adjuvant therapy for the prevention and/or management of HF-diet induced renal damage.

Keywords: Antioxidant enzymes, High fat diet, Renal functional markers, Sesbania grandiflora

*********    

(PP 38)

Beneficial effects of Aerva lanata on protection of rat pancreas from high-fat diet induced oxidative stress


S. Saisree, B. Sasi Bhusana Rao, P. Mallaiah, G. Sudhakara, N. Srinivasulu, D. Sarala Kumari*

Department of Biochemistry, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu, India.

*Corresponding author: skumari1@yahoo.co.in


High-fat diet promotes the oxidative stress, which plays a role in the development of pancreatic fibrosis. The present study is focussed on the protective effects of ethanolic extract of Aerva lanata (AL), Standard drug Fenu fibrate (FF) and active compound Quercetin (QC) against high-fat diet induced oxidative stress and histological alterations in the pancreas of Sprague Dawley rats. The experimental animals were divided into six groups, two of which were fed with chow diet and the other four with HF- (60%) diet. AL (200 mg/kg body weight/day) was administered through oral route to each group of chow-fed rats, HF-fed rats Quercetin (50 mg/kg body weight/day) and Fenu fibrate (50 mg/kg body weight/day) to one of the HF-diet fed groups. At the end of the experiment period of 60 days, oxidative stress markers such as, reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and activities of antioxidant and polyol pathway enzymes were assayed in the pancreas along with histological studies. Establishment of oxidative stress in high-fat diet fed rats, as evident from elevated lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation levels with depleted level of reduced glutathione, and decreased activities of antioxidant and polyol pathway enzymes, was prevented in groups HFD+AL and HFD+FF/QC rats. Further, there were no deviations in the studied parameters but there was improved antioxidant status of control+AL from control, revealed the nontoxic nature of AL even under chronic treatment. Thus, Aerva lanata treatment effectively alleviated the high-fat diet induced acinar cell degeneration, necrosis, edema and hemorrhage. Hence, this plant could be used as an adjuvant therapy for the prevention and/or management of high-fat diet induced pancreatic damage.

Keywords: Aerva lanata, high fat diet, oxidative stress, pancreas, polyol pathway enzymes.

*********    

(PP 39)

Pesticides effect on microbial diversity in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) soils


B. Anuradha1,*, Pulaganti Madhusudana2, A. Rekhapadmini3, A.Madhavi3 and V. Rangaswamy3

1VRDL, Department of Microbiology, Govt. Medical College, Anantapuramu

2Multi Disciplinary Research Unit, Govt. Medical College, Tirupathi

3Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Corresponding author: anupharma_2011@yahoo.in


Soil is an excellent natural medium for the growth of many organisms and is having great microbial diversity. In the present study, the influence of two insecticides viz., phenthoate and λ-cyhalothrin at 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 kg ha-1 were assessed for their effects on microbial populations like bacteria and fungi in two agricultural soils, collected from a fallow groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) fields of Anantapuramu district, Andhra Pradesh. The effects of selected pesticides on microbial population were dose dependent. Microbial populations increased with increasing concentrations of the pesticides up to 5.0 kg ha-1. Higher rates (7.5 and 10.0 kg ha-1) of these pesticides were either toxic or innocuous to the microbial population. The significant stimulation in the microbial population was associated with 5.0 kg ha-1 of pesticides in black soil, and also in red soil it was 5.0 kg ha-1 of selected insecticides. With further incubation the microbial population was significantly more at day 10 and was decreased progressively with increasing incubation period.

Keywords: phenthoate, λ-cyhalothrin, Microbial population, Groundnut soil.

********* 

(PP 40)

AMYLASE PRODUCTION BY SOLID STATE FERMENTATION OF BANANA PEEL WASTE USING Bacillus sps

Ameena Bhanu, Indira M*, Abraham Peele K, N.V Padmaja Phani, Md.Nazneen Bobby, T.C Venkateswarulu,Krupanidhi S

School of Biotechnology, Vignan University, Vadlamudi, Guntur (Dt), Andhra Pradesh, India.

indu221007@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Amylase is one of the most widely used enzymes in the industry. It hydrolyses starch and is used commercially for the production of sugar syrups from starch which consist of glucose, maltose, and higher oligosaccharides. Amylases are of great significance in biotechnological applications ranging from food, fermentation, detergent, pharmaceutical, brewing and textile to paper industries. To meet the higher demands of these industries, low cost production of amylase is required. Production of these α amylases has been investigated through solid-state fermentation (SSF). In this project banana peel waste was collected as a substrate for the production of amylase enzyme using Bacillus sps isolated from sewage sample. Amylase production was occurred when the fermentation run up to 5 days. The enzyme is active at 35-40ºC and the pH was optimum at 7. The crude enzyme extract was purified by a three step purification using ammonium sulphate precipitation, dialysis and ion exchange chromatography and molecular weight was determined through SDS-PAGE found to be 28KDa protein. Based on these studies amylase production by SSF using agro waste is a cheaper and cost effective process.

Key words: Solid state fermentation, Pharmaceutical, Bacillus, Amylase.

********* 

Department of Microbiology
Sri Krishnadevaraya University
Powered by Webnode
Create your website for free! This website was made with Webnode. Create your own for free today! Get started